Christmas 2024: The Top 5 Friendsmas Venues in Sydney

There is something alluring and charming about French bistro-style restaurants, and Bistro Rex in Sydney's Elite suburb of Potts Point is no exception. It is a journey through Paris and the former French colonies utilising Australia’s best produce and native ingredients. Designed with copper trimmings inside and out, the space is chic and inviting and also a place where even the four-legged friends are invited. The menu focuses on a concise but definitive menu of classic French dishes created with high-end quality produce. Wine lovers will enjoy the wine list, which is a bespoke collection of Australian, French and other world-leading varieties. 

Photography: Courtesy of Bistro Rex

There’s nothing like kicking back on lush sofas, on a killer sun deck, while sipping on a few cocktails with friends. Pair this with tunes which vary from cool jazz, sexy deep house, nu sou and classic Café del Mar Balearic chill-out tunes, and you’re set for a seriously good night out. This stylish but relaxed setting, perched up high overlooking Darling Harbour also has a contemporary dining room with food geared mainly around Mediterranean flavours.Stop by for a corporate or light shared lunch, delicious accompaniments for sunset cocktails, dinner with friends or a late night snack from the bar menu.

Mercado is located in one of Sydney’s most renowned dining precincts, offering a share-style menu inspired by the Mediterranean, with Spanish cuisine being a particular focus. Executive Chef Kristian Vale has a passion for whole animal butchery, inhouse meat curing, bread baking and preserving, aiming to continue European traditions. Mercado works with many small farmers, growers and producers, sourcing finest ingredients, so the menu changes with the best that is available on the day.

The Taphouse is a beer lover's paradise where all manner of boutique brews are available on tap, by the bottle and even in hearty alcohol-infused meals. With over 60 taps, it showcases a huge range of local, independently-owned beers. The wine list includes a great range of Australian natural wines along with a growing list of Australian artisanal spirits. Accompany your tipple with a the enticing tapas menu or perhaps a grilled steak.

Photography: Letícia Almeida

After nearly two decades of running  kitchens across the globe in leading restaurants, Perth born Annita Potter has opened  her own restaurant, Viand, in Sydney’s Woolloomooloo. Annita comes with enormous credentials having worked at David Thompsons critically acclaimed restaurant in Londons Nham followed by moving to Singapore to open Long Chim, then opening Aaharn, David Thompsons first fine dining restaurant outside Thailand. Now in Sydney with her own restaurant, Viand,  this is a unique food concept unlike any other Thai restaurant in Sydney. As well as exceptional Thai cuisine, Potter wants Viand to stand out from other restaurants with multifunctional spaces celebrating premium wines, exceptional Thai cuisine and  an impressive kitchen stage.

Photography: Courtesy of Viand