So you’ve found yourself wandering the streets of Sydney’s central business district (CBD), searching for a tasty morsel to appease your late-night cravings, potentially after one of our Secret Bar Crawls? Yet, to your dismay, most establishments have long since closed their doors and the worker bees of the city have all gone home!
Fear not, for we’re here with 12 brilliant venues that keep their kitchens open later than most, to satisfy your nocturnal snacking needs. Get ready to feast your way through the night and uncover some of our personal recommendations for late-night eats in the CBD.
12 Places to Eat Late in Sydney’s CBD
(Photo credit: Apollonia, Time Out)
1. Apollonia
Nestled in the laneways behind Custom’s House, Apollonia is home to old-world romantic escapism through cocktails, drinks and good times. An imagined Sicilian bandits’ drinking den, and an homage to Apollonia Vitelli-Corleone of The Godfather. From 10pm, they have a special late night eats menu with bread and butter, olives, burrata, and panini options; perfect companions to their classic Negroni.
Location: 5-7 Young St Basement Level, Sydney
Open until: Midnight on Mondays to Wednesdays, 1am on Thursdays and 2am on Fridays and Saturdays (closed Sundays)
(Photo credit: Barrio Cellar, City of Sydney)
2. Barrio Cellar
Barrio Cellar, located near Martin Place, is a lively underground tequileria and eatery that captures the vibrant spirit of Mexico’s street culture. With a tequila and mezcal-focused bar, Barrio Cellar offers an extensive selection of premium agave spirits, along with a packed menu of Mexican street food. You can grab tacos, margaritas and more to keep you going well into the night.
Location: 58 Elizabeth St, Sydney
Open until: 11pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, midnight on Thursdays, 3am on Fridays and Saturdays (closed Sundays and Mondays)
(Photo credit: Bar Topa, Delicious)
3. Bar Topa
A small and lively Spanish tapas bar, Bar Topa radiates a warm and cheerful atmosphere. Step inside and be greeted by the bustling energy, colorful tiled walls, and the aroma of Spanish cuisine. You can grab traditional pintxos, flavorful paella, jamon croquettes and tons of other delicious tapas until 2am.
Location: 4 Palings La, Sydney
Open until: Midnight on Mondays to Wednesdays, 2am on Thursdays to Saturdays (closed Sundays)
(Photo credit: El Loco at Slip Inn, Merivale)
4. El Loco at Slip Inn
If you’re in the mood for authentic Mexican cuisine, El Loco at Slip Inn on Sussex St. has everything you need. Step into this colorful and energetic cantina and be greeted by the pulsating beats of Latin music and the tantalizing aroma of Mexican spices. From tacos and quesadillas to nachos and churros, you can get it all from 10pm until close.
Location: 111 Sussex St, Sydney
Open until: Midnight on Mondays to Wednesdays, 1am on Thursdays, 2am on Fridays and Saturdays (closed Sundays)
(Photo credit: Employees Only, Hidden City Secrets)
5. Employees Only
The outpost of one of NYC’s best speakeasy bars, Employees Only is hidden right in the middle of Sydney’s CBD. Dimly lit with 1920’s elegant decor, this prohibition era bar serves up some of the best craft cocktails in the city. Their late night menu doesn’t disappoint either, with a range of appetisers and desserts available until 30 minutes prior to close.
And if you hang around until closing, you’ll receive a cup of chicken soup to make you ready for bed.
Location: 9a Barrack St, Sydney
Open until: 11pm on Tuesdays, midnight on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 2am on Fridays and Saturdays (closed Sundays and Mondays)
(Photo credit: The Gidley, Time Out)
6. The Gidley
If you want something upscale and sophisticated to finish off the night, The Gidley has classic steakhouse fare with an extensive wine list on offer until midnight. Located in the basement of Fabbrica Pasta Shop, you’ll be enchanted by the warm and refined atmosphere. With a focus on prime cuts of beef and expertly dry-aged meats, you won’t go home hungry.
Location: Basement/161 King St, Sydney
Open until: Midnight from Monday to Saturday (closed Sunday)
(Photo credit: Restaurant Hubert, Centurion Magazine)
7. Restaurant Hubert
Nestled in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, Restaurant Hubert is an underground culinary sanctuary that transports you to the golden era of French dining. Follow the spiral staircase downstairs and step into a bygone era of elegance and sophistication, with plush velvet furnishings and dimly lit chandeliers.
Their dinner service runs until midnight which gives you plenty of time to try their indulgent menu including escargot, duck confit, fromage, crème brûlée and more.
Location: 15 Bligh St, Sydney
Open until: Midnight from Sunday to Thursday, 12:30am on Fridays and Saturdays
(Photo credit: Jimmy’s Falafel, Kitti Gould)
8. Jimmy’s Falafel
Jimmy’s Falafel is a haven for falafel lovers seeking a taste of authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. With their crispy falafel balls, fluffy pita bread, and homemade desserts, Jimmy’s Falafel is a must-try late night foodie spot if you’re visiting Sydney. They’re located near Wynyard station and serve up their full menu until 11pm, with a smaller late-night menu from then until close.
Location: 330D George St, Sydney
Open until: Midnight from Monday to Wednesday, 2am from Thursday to Saturday, 10pm on Sundays
(Photo credit: Mary’s Circular Quay, AWOL)
9. Mary’s Circular Quay
If you like burgers, craft beer, thumping rock music and a good serving of grunge, Mary’s Circular Quay is your late night haven. Located in Circular Quay, this iconic venue combines the energy of a live music space with an unforgettable late night culinary experience. Grab any of their famous burgers, delicious fried chicken and tap beers until 1am (on Fridays and Saturdays). Oh, and they have vegan options!
Location: 7 Macquarie Pl, Sydney
Open until: 10pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, midnight on Thursdays and 1am on Fridays and Saturdays (closed Sunday)
(Photo credit: Old Mate’s Place)
10. Old Mate’s Place
Perched high above the city streets, Old Mate’s Place is a rooftop urban oasis. Enter the non-descript building with the “Lamp Hair” sign out front, take the elevator up to level 4 and you’ve made it to one of Sydney’s best hidden rooftop bars. Take in the bar’s eclectic charm which spans two levels, with the rooftop area featuring exposed brick walls, lush greenery, fairy lights and elevated views of Sydney’s skyscrapers.
Open until 2am, you can enjoy craft cocktails and whiskey’s paired with a variety of philly cheesesteaks and cheese and charcuterie plates (kitchen open until 1am).
Location: Level 4/199 Clarence St, Sydney
Open until: 2am on Tuesdays to Sundays (closed Mondays)
(Photo credit: Palmer & Co.)
11. Palmer & Co.
A hidden gem nestled in Sydney’s CBD, Palmer & co. evokes the charm and nostalgia of the Prohibition era. Step through its inconspicuous alleyway entrance and find yourself transported into a classy 1920’s speakeasy with vaulted brick ceilings, live music and dapper staff.
Their specialty cocktails pair perfectly with their steak tartare, black truffle mac & cheese and cheese jaffles. The full menu is available until 3am on Fridays to Sundays.
Location: Abercrombie Ln, Sydney
Open until: Midnight on Tuesday, 2am on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 3am on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (closed Monday)
(Photo credit: Zaffi, Concrete Playground)
12. Zaffi
Open until 4am on Fridays and Saturdays, Lebanon themed Zaffi is a relatively new-comer in Sydney’s dining scene, but has already become popular for late night dining and drinking. Pink neon lights and thumping music transports you to the bustling streets of Beruit. With beef tartar, koftas, manoosh khabaz and deserts available late into the night, it’s the perfect end to a night out in Sydney.
Location: Little Hunter St, Sydney
Open until: 11pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 4am on Fridays and Saturdays (closed Mondays and Tuesdays)
Hungry for more?
If you’re having a big night out in Sydney’s CBD, there are so many amazing late-night restaurants and bars to try. Whether you want something low-key or upscale, there are options and flavours for every kind of night out you want to have!
We hope these recommendations help you make the most of your night out in Sydney. If you want to explore some of the best bars in Sydney and meet other likeminded legends as well, join our small-group Secret Bar Crawls where an expert guide does all the work for you so you can sit back, relax and have fun 🙂
About Local Sauce Tours
Local Sauce Tours offers Sydney’s “funnest” small-group experiences, bringing together locals and visitors to make friends and discover the city from a different perspective. Launched in 2018, walking tours explore vibrant inner-city pockets including Chinatown, Surry Hills, Newtown and Pyrmont, along with an annual calendar of special events and exclusive dining experiences. Passionate and entertaining guides host groups of up to 12 guests on tours that blend foodie experiences with stories of the city’s history, culture, nightlife and street art. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay in the loop.