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Sydney’s Best Rooftop Bars & Terraces for Al Fresco Dining
- Deb Carr
- 21 hours ago
- 5 min read
There’s something about Sydney dining that just belongs outdoors. From leafy terraces perched above city streets to harbourfront rooftops designed for golden hour drinks, the city does al fresco better than almost anywhere else.
Whether it’s cocktails at sunset, long lunches with friends, or relaxed rooftop dining with a view, these are some of Sydney’s best rooftops bars and terraces worth booking (or discovering) right now.
Here's Our List of Sydney’s Best Rooftop Bars & Terraces for Al Fresco Dining
The Light Brigade Rooftop, Paddington
High above the intersection of Oxford Street and Jersey Road, The Light Brigade’s rooftop has become one of Sydney’s most social summer destinations. Sitting 83 metres above sea level, the terrace delivers sweeping skyline views paired with a relaxed, coastal aesthetic — think pastel furniture, striped cushions and beach-club energy.
The menu leans into modern pub classics with an Italian twist, including woodfired pizzas, house-made flatbreads, tacos and pasta. Cocktails are a highlight here, with a rotating selection of signature drinks designed for long afternoons that turn into evenings.
Intersection Oxford Street & Jersey Road, Paddington
Taphouse Rooftop, Darlinghurst
A favourite among locals, Taphouse’s Euro-inspired rooftop terrace is designed for all-weather dining thanks to its fully retractable roof. Whitewashed walls, linen umbrellas and crisp blue accents give it an effortless holiday feel, no matter the season.
Upstairs, the kitchen delivers a Cantonese-inspired menu created to pair with the venue’s extensive craft beer selection. From weekday happy hours to popular Sunday share-style feasts, there’s always something happening — and yes, it’s dog-friendly across all levels.
122 Flinders Street, Darlinghurst
RAFI North Sydney Terrace
RAFI North Sydney’s terrace feels like a European escape tucked just above the weekday rush. Overlooking Mount and Walker Streets, the space features bold orange umbrellas, lounge seating and private cabanas, making it ideal for walk-ins, after-work drinks or relaxed weekend afternoons.
Happy Hour runs most days, with well-priced drinks and a casual snack menu that includes crisp sourdough pizzas, fried calamari and a signature cheeseburger that’s become something of a crowd favourite.
99 Mount Street, North Sydney
Sinclair’s Balcony, Penrith
Penrith’s dining scene has evolved rapidly, and Sinclair’s continues to lead the charge. Perched above the Nepean River, this award-winning restaurant offers one of Western Sydney’s most impressive al fresco dining experiences.
The balcony is the place to request a table, especially for long lunches or sunset drinks overlooking the water. On Sinclair Sundays, the space comes alive with DJs, relaxed snack menus and drink specials, creating an easy, riverside way to wrap up the weekend.
20 Memorial Avenue, Level 1, Penrith
RAFI URBNSURF, Sydney Olympic Park
Located at URBNSURF Sydney, RAFI URBNSURF brings rooftop dining to a surf-park setting — without needing to enter the park itself. The upper-level terrace overlooks the lagoon, offering a unique backdrop for cocktails, casual dining and sunset sessions.
Designed as a relaxed extension of RAFI North Sydney, the menu blends familiar favourites with surf-inspired touches, while daily Happy Hour and family-friendly shared dining options make it a versatile choice for groups.
Sandy’s Poolside Cabanas, URBNSURF
For a more laid-back outdoor experience, Sandy’s poolside cabanas offer one of Sydney’s most unique al fresco setups. Overlooking the surf lagoon, the cabanas are available to book in advance and are ideal for small groups looking to spend a relaxed afternoon outdoors.
Each cabana includes chilled drink storage and partial food and beverage redemption, making it a popular choice for picnics, sunset drinks or casual celebrations.
15 Hill Rd, Sydney Olympic Park
Bopp & Tone Terrace, CBD
Tucked into mid-town Sydney, Bopp & Tone’s wraparound terrace — known as the Carrington Terrace — is perfect for casual al fresco dining any day of the week. The menu focuses on Mediterranean flavours cooked over a charcoal grill, paired with a consistently popular Happy Hour.
It’s also dog-friendly, making it a great option for city catch-ups that don’t require leaving your four-legged companion behind.
60 Carrington Street, Wynyard Park
SoCal, Neutral Bay
SoCal’s leafy terrace channels Southern Californian vibes with sun-soaked seating, share-style plates and a relaxed neighbourhood feel. The menu is built for grazing, featuring Latin American-inspired street food, smoked meats and house-made sauces.
With generous Happy Hour offerings, Taco Tuesdays, bottomless dining options and weekend fiesta menus, it’s a lively spot for long lunches or late dinners under the stars.
I Young Street, Neutral Bay
The Butler Terrace, Potts Point
Dining on The Butler’s terrace is a Sydney rite of passage. Overlooking the city skyline from Potts Point, this leafy, eclectic space is known as much for its atmosphere as its views.
The menu blends Mexican-inspired flavours with inventive cocktails, and Golden Hour specials make it a popular choice for both midweek drinks and weekend gatherings.
123 Victoria Street, Potts Point
Woollahra Hotel Upstairs Terrace
The Upstairs Terrace at the Woollahra Hotel combines a lush green wall with a retractable roof, making it ideal for both sunny afternoons and warm evenings. Weekly specials, live DJs and themed events keep the space buzzing year-round.
From midweek Happy Hour to major sporting event takeovers, it’s a lively and versatile rooftop right in the heart of Woollahra.
116 Queen Street, Woollahra
Untied Rooftop, Barangaroo
Untied delivers one of Barangaroo’s most playful rooftop experiences, with harbour views, tropical cocktails and a vibrant outdoor setting. The menu focuses on share plates with strong plant-based options, making it a flexible choice for mixed groups.
Untied is also known for its popular bottomless experiences, adding a fun, celebratory edge to an already impressive rooftop space.
400 Barangaroo Avenue, Sydney
The Rook Rooftop, CBD
Hidden above York Street, The Rook is one of Sydney’s best-kept rooftop secrets. Known for its energetic atmosphere, the venue offers late-night dining experiences, DJs and share-style menus designed for groups.
Whether it’s a Friday night celebration or a casual evening that turns into something more lively, The Rook consistently delivers.
56 - 58 York Street, Sydney
Watsons Bay Hotel Decks
An eastern suburbs icon, Watsons Bay Hotel’s recently transformed Top and Mid Decks have elevated its already legendary harbour views. The redesign blends coastal tones with seamless indoor-outdoor flow, making it one of Sydney’s most scenic places for long lunches or sunset drinks.
Seasonal menus, signature cocktails and regular bottomless brunches ensure there’s always a reason to revisit.
10 Marine Parade, Watson's Bay
Arturo’s Rooftop, Woolloomooloo
Perched above the historic Woolly Bay Hotel, Arturo’s Rooftop offers uninterrupted harbour views across to the Finger Wharf. The space combines a glass-enclosed lounge with an open-air terrace, delivering a refined but relaxed coastal feel.
The menu focuses on elevated snacks and share plates, perfectly suited to sunset sessions and early evening drinks overlooking the water.
2 Bourke Street, Woolloomooloo
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