We reveal our favourite new venues that you need to put on your radar, stat.

Much to our delight, 2019 has welcomed so many new venues to Sydney’s dining scene. Spanning countries including the Middle East to Mexico, France and beyond, here are our top restaurant and bar picks for this year, so far.

Babylon
Opening in late June, this expansive Middle Eastern restaurant and bar challenges everything you know about ‘shopping mall’ restaurants. While it might occupy Westfield Sydney’s rooftop, you would be none the wiser that you’re inside a shopping complex. The fit out is both elegant and refined, while the menu honours flavourful Levantine cuisine of the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean.

Image: Eat Drink Play | 6HEAD

6HEAD
You can feel a real sense of history and heritage at 6HEAD. Marking the first of several restaurants to open in the historic Campbell’s Stores building at Circular Quay, the views are reason enough to pay a visit. Identifying first and foremost as a steakhouse, take your pick from Tender Valley or prime Wagyu cuts, with a wide range of raw seafood including ceviche, tuna tartare, beluga caviar and more available.

Bay 10 & 11, Campbell’s Stores, 7-27 Circular Quay West, The Rocks. Open Sun to Thurs 12pm until 10pm, Fri to Sat 12pm until late.

Double Deuce Lounge
With the Ramblin’ Rascal crew at the helm of this new CBD bar, you know you’re in for a rambunctious time. Taking over the old Bouche on Bridge basement, this 80-seater cocktail lounge oozes cool, bringing you all of the 1970s nostalgia vibes. You’ll find plush lounges, slick leather booths, a cracker cocktail menu and a furry wall to stroke (recommended after one too many drinks).

6 Bridge Street, Sydney NSW.

Image: Eat Drink Play | Mary’s Underground

Mary’s Underground
While the transition from laid back burger flipping to fine dining might have rattled some, the Mary’s crew have made the switch look seamless with their new Circular Quay outpost. Mary’s Underground really is like no other venue in Sydney right now. It’s raucous yet simultaneously high end. You can expect a live heavy metal band serenading you as your $120 lobster arrives to the table.

7 Macquarie Place, Sydney NSW.

Metisse
It’s not often that you hear the words ‘fine dining’ and ‘affordable’. This new addition to Potts Point is defying convention, serving up an incredible French degustation menu, minus the hefty price tag. Let Head Chef Opel Khan guide you though his contemporary take on French classics in a 5 course degustation with wine pairing for only $100pp.

5-9 Roslyn Street, Potts Point NSW, Open Tues-Sun 5:30pm to Midnight.

Image: Eat Drink Play | Chica Bonita CBD

Chica Bonita CBD
They won over the hearts of Manly locals, and when the lords of Mexican cuisine opened a second eatery in the CBD, it caused quite the stir. Taking up prized positioning on Clarence Street, the menu honours classics like ceviche, soft shell tacos and larger dishes like mole pork belly and soft shell crab dosed in garlic chilli butter. If you haven’t yet been, do yourself a favour and check it out.

156 Clarence Street, Sydney, Open Mon-Fri 11:30am till 12am and Sat 4:30pm till 12am.

Reign QVB
Taking over the level one space that was once the ABC store inside the QVB, this Champagne parlour and bar oozes grandeur. Fit out in marble, brass and powder pink hues, take your pick from a 150+ Champagne and sparkling wine menu. The cocktail and wine lists exude the same degree of luxury, while the food menu is fit for the royal family.

Level 1, Queen Victoria Building, 455 George Street Sydney.

This story originally appeared on Eat Drink Play.