Zephyr Bar Sydney

Zephyr Bar Sydney CBD — A Sky High Sunset Institution Above Darling Harbour

Twelve floors up on top of the Hyatt Regency Sydney, Zephyr has been catching the sunset over Darling Harbour since it opened in February 2017, and it has picked up Hotel Bar of the Year honours more years than not since. The open air deck is built for exactly one thing: watching the light change over the water while a cocktail does its work. Nautical touches run through the fit out, a nod to the harbourside setting below.

The drinks list leans into range rather than novelty alone, with one of the city's deeper collections of rum, gin and whisky sitting alongside a rotating run of collaborations and barrel aged specials. Food is built for sharing rather than a sit down meal, think charcuterie boards, lobster popcorn, Wagyu sliders and a raw bar of oysters and ceviche, all designed to keep pace with the drinks rather than steal focus from the view.

It suits a sunset drink after work just as well as a dressed up celebration, though weather plays a real part here. Some tables sit uncovered, so a sunny afternoon or a passing shower can both shape where you end up seated. Bookings are recommended, especially heading into golden hour on a Friday or Saturday.