Bitter, bold, and undeniably chic—the Negroni is the drink that never goes out of style.
Whether you like it classic, barrel-aged, or with a left-of-field twist, Sydney’s bar scene is delivering big on the Campari-front, with a new wave of venues giving the ruby-red cocktail the attention it deserves.
Conte
If Negronis are your love language, Conte is your new happy place. This sleek Italian newcomer in the heart of the CBD (with a second outpost in Surry Hills) is the world’s first dedicated Negroni bar and Italian restaurant, slinging over 40 variations of the ruby-red classic. Expect premium Italian Vermouths, rare Amari, and top-shelf spirits, all meticulously curated. Whether you’re perching at the polished bar for an aperitivo or settling in for the Bucatino Aglio, Olio e Peperoncino or the Gnocchi di Zucca, Conte delivers both style and substance in spades. It’s the ultimate spot to sip your way through a masterclass in Italian mixology—without leaving Sydney.
CBD: 151 Clarence St, Sydney NSW 2000
Surry Hills: 340 Riley St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Dean & Nancy on 22
Taking your Negroni to new heights—literally—is Dean & Nancy, perched high above the city skyline. The bar oozes old-school glamour, balancing mid-century decadence with moody lighting, gold-veined marble, and that timeless style only hotel bars truly nail. The drinks list is polished and playful, with bartenders who know their spirits and shake with flair. Their motto is, “You’ve got to know the rules to break the rules”, and you can expect everything to be served with a side of witty and playful service.
Level 22, 2 Hunter St, Sydney NSW 2000
Charlie Parker’s
Descend the staircase beneath Fred’s in Paddington and you’ll find Charlie Parker’s—a subterranean hideaway where the Negronis are as bold as the fit-out. Think dark timber, leather banquettes, and a backlit bar that feels like it’s been pouring classics for decades. While the atmosphere is intimate and a little mysterious, there’s a lightness to the space thanks to a wall of windows that opens things up. The menu leans creative and seasonal, but for Negroni lovers, it’s a goldmine of expertly stirred, deeply layered takes on the bitter-sweet classic.
Basement, 380 Oxford Street, Paddington
Gin Lane
Gin Lane takes the Negroni somewhere theatrical. The Chippendale bar, known for its staggering gin selection, serves inventive variations, including popcorn-washed, truffle, olive oil, and smoked vintage expressions. The one pictured above is jaffa flavoured! If you think you know Negronis, Gin Lane will make you think again.
Kensington Street, Chippendale
Piccolo Bar
Tucked into the heart of Potts Point, Piccolo Bar is small in size but mighty in history. This storied spot was once a beloved café for Sydney’s creative elite, attracting the likes of Peter Allen, Judy Davis, and even Gough Whitlam. Fast forward to today, and it’s been lovingly reborn as an intimate aperitivo bar and diner by industry legend Dave Spanton. With just 12 seats inside and eight outside, it’s one of the smallest bars in Sydney—but what it lacks in square metreage, it makes up for in soul. Stop by for a perfectly balanced Negroni, and raise a glass to old-school classic.
6 Roslyn Street, Potts Point
Bar Lettera
Decked out in a Negroni-inspired palette of warm terracotta and deep reds, this Italo-Australian restaurant wine bar, hidden away on Level 5, Walker Street, North Sydney, was practically built for aperitivo hour. The dedicated Negroni list is a serious one with five variations including a Smoked Negroni with Delviala Mezcal. Best of all is their Negroni Hour every Monday – Friday 3-6pm where they’re all $15.
88 Walker Street, North Sydney
Frankie Cadillac
What sets Frankie apart is the obsession: owner Sam Overton makes his own vermouth from scratch. A Pinot Gris base infused with wormwood, juniper, chamomile and star anise alongside his own gin. The result is over 38 Negroni variations, unlike anything else in Sydney. You can even order a $500 negroni called The Impossible Boulevardier made with Campari from 1928 (yes really), James Pepper Kentucky Straight Bourbon (1940) and Sweet Vermouth.
87 Albion Street, Surry Hills
Continental Deli Bar Bistro
A Newtown institution since 2015, Continental does things differently. Their Negroni comes batched, canned and poured on site, which means no dilution, no drama, just a perfectly balanced drink every time. Pair it with a Gilda and a tin of Spanish anchovies, and you’re basically in Europe.
210 Australia Street, Newtown
De Vine
A true stalwart of Sydney’s bar scene, De Vine has been pouring top drops and dishing out house-made pasta since 2003—long before small bars were cool. This old-school Italian wine bar has over 200 bottles of Amaro and a multi award-winning wine list but also do an interesting negroni made with London Dry Gin, Artichoke Amaro, Vanilla-infused Campari (amphora clay pot aged) worth trying.
32 Market Street, Sydney
