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
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 classice.
6 Roslyn Street, Potts Point
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. Nestled just off George Street, this old-school Italian wine bar is the kind of place where time slows down and conversation flows as easily as the wine. With over 200 bottles of Amaro and a multi award-winning wine list, it’s a go-to for seasoned sippers and curious first-timers alike. Slip into a velvet booth, order a Negroni to start, and don’t even think about leaving without trying the pasta (our favourite is the beef ragu). It’s a love affair waiting to happen.
32 Market Street, Sydney
