Discover the best drink and dining deals in Sydney
Each month on this page, we highlight the best drink and dining deals in Sydney, from happy hours to express lunches and kids eat free deals. If you want to find the best things to eat in Sydney this month without busting the budget, you will find them here.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting, one goal of Sydney Expert is to make sure everyone can have fun in Sydney regardless of their budget.
We suggest you bookmark this page and come back regularly for unmissable dining specials, generous “happy hour” discounts, and even some budget options for special occasion meals.
Note: We have carefully double checked all details before publishing, however these offers may change. Please check the venues for terms and conditions that may apply for your visit.
Food Events in August
Forage The Rocks
Forage The Rocks is back with its annual celebration of food and drink, inviting Sydneysiders and visitors to explore the inner-city heritage precinct.
Enjoy $25 cocktails and canapés, sample top NSW wines at the new NSW Wine Cellar Door at The Rocks Markets, and find the best easy eats and happy hours. Mingle at a Conscious Connection event or relish free live jazz under the stars.
Easy Eats & Happy Hours in the Rocks
- The Mercantile Hotel: $8 Guinness Pints, Monday to Friday from 4-6pm
- Mrs. Jones: $15 Classic Cocktails every Monday to Wednesday from 5pm-7pm; $20 early-week lunch specials, every Monday (schnitzel, slaw & chips) and Tuesday (bangers, mash, peas & gravy)
- Shangri-La Sydney: $9 Happy hour drinks from 4pm-6pm, Tuesday to Friday
- The Argyle: Amazing food and drink specials from 6pm-8pm, Tuesday to Saturday; 10 cent Dumplings + $5 Pizza every Thursday from 5pm till late
- Bar Lulu: $8 beer or $10 glass of wine or cocktails, from 4:30pm-7pm, every Wednesday to Friday,
- The Glenmore Hotel: $15 spritz every Thursday
- The Orient Hotel: $15 Classic Cocktails from 5pm-7pm, every Monday to Wednesday
- Chateau Tanunda: $12 a bottle from 4pm-6pm, every day of the week, created by two Master Winemakers (top 100 Winemakers of the World-DB Mag)
- The Fortune of War: $18 rotating lunch special from 12pm-3pm, every Monday to Wednesday
With an array of activities and great deals, The Rocks is the place to be this August for food and drink lovers.
Where: Across the Rocks – See the official site for more details
Quick bites and drink specials in Sydney
Looking for something to do with after work? Need to arrange a catch up with friends? These happy hours and weekday city dining offers may be just what you need. Some of these venues may require booking, so please check before you head out.
Aperitivo at Grain Bar
Originally launched at Mode Kitchen & Bar in 2023, Aperitivo quickly became my go to for catching up with friends. Inspired by the classic Italian evening ritual, Aperitivo is back at Grain Bar for 2024, and I couldn’t be happier!
It is the perfect place to catch up with friends, or enjoy a pre-dinner drink and snack before a night on the town or at the theatre.
Enjoy a two-hour unlimited antipasto buffet. Think wheels of sharp cheeses, vine-ripe cherry tomatoes, ribbons of salami, fresh-made salads, hot focaccia, roman-style pizzas, and rich arancini.
You get a complimentary beverage on arrival with a choice of Italian-inspired cocktails (Aperol Spritz, Americano, Garibaldi, or Bellini), premium wines by the glass, or a locally brewed beer. Additional drinks start from $8, or treat yourself to one of Grain Bar’s signature cocktails.
When: Tuesday–Friday, 4:30-6:30 pm
Where: Grain Bar, 199 George Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000
Offer: $40 per person, available to parties of any size. Bookings encouraged, walk-ins welcome.
Anason
Anason sits waterfront at Barangaroo, it was the first restaurant here and has been my favourites in this strip ever since. It has styled itself on a meyhane, a traditional Turkish restaurant and bar that specialises in serving mezes (small dishes) and drinks.
The ever-changing menu is designed for sharing, with an emphasis on vegetarian and seafood dishes. The drinks menu includes Turkish wines and signature cocktails or raki.
When budgets are tight, Anason’s weekly happy hours are a great way to make the dollars (and the fun) go further.
Where: 5/23 Wulugul Walk, Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo
Offer: Anason is offering guests a fabulous weekly happy three-hour, which includes $8 Aperols, $10 Tommy’s margs and $8 house beer and wines.
Crown Sydney Happy Hour
Crown Sydney has happy hour deals at five venues across its 26 floors, many offering fabulous views. Celebrate the end of the workday with $10 Wine, $7 Beer, $10 Spirits and $15 Cocktails.
Venues include CIRQ, Teahouse, TWR, a’Mare or Woodcut.
Where: 1 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo
Offer: Happy Hour Monday to Friday 4pm-7pm
Bar Thirty6 – Pullman Hyde Park
Located on the ground floor of Pullman Sydney Hyde Park and overlooking Hyde Park, BAR THIRTY6 is perfect for after-work drinks. With a cozy atmosphere and convenient setting, its a great spot to relax and socialize after a long day at work.
Enjoy their Wine & Cheese night special, which includes two glasses of wine paired with a cheese or charcuterie platter, all for $39.
Where: 36 College St, Darlinghurst
Offer: Happy Hour Monday to Friday from 4.30pm
Wingboy
How many wings can you eat in an hour? Up for a fun challenge with friends?
Wingboy is just the spot for a group catch up and with its $25 all you can eat wings and fries you might just need to put aside some beer money to wash it down.
Where: Steam Mill Lane, Darling Square, Sydney
Offer: Available from 12pm – 5pm, Saturday and Sunday.
CARDEA (BARANGAROO)
Cardea is a glamorous speakeasy in Barangaroo offering a captivating escape. Experience old-world charm with modern luxury in this intimate hideaway.
Nearly 50% off select drinks including:
- $13 Espresso Martinis & Negronis
- $11.50 Aperol Spritz
- $6 Hahn Super Dry Beers
- $10 Pinot Noir & Sauvignon Blanc
Where: Shop 2, T3.01/300 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo, Sydney
Offer: Monday to Wednesday 4pm – 6:30pm Sataurday 5:30-6:30pm
Lunch Deals in the city
Whether you need a break from the shops, are catching up with a friend or need a spot for your next business lunch these deals will help stretch your dollars.
Reign Express Lunch
Reign is on the first level of the QVB, and it has these massive windows that overlook George Street, letting in loads of natural light.
Whether you need a shopping break or want someone for a quick business lunch the express menu at ReignShoppers and local workers love Reign’s express lunch.
Choose from Salmon, Beef or Roasted Pumpkin with a choice of side and a glass of house wine.
Where: Level 1 QVB, 455 George Street, Sydney
Offer: $45 (or $50) for 2 courses and wine or $3 Oysters every Tuesday 5pm – 8pm
Bistro George – Jacksons on George
Bistro George draws its inspiration from European hotels and bistros, offering a sophisticated yet welcoming vibe. Here, you can enjoy European-inspired bistro dishes mixed with classic Australian fare, all expertly crafted by head chef Steven Sinclair.
Select from:
- the Bistro steak sandwich with focaccia,
- trufe mustard, parmesan and chunky chips,
- celeriac risotto with king oyster mushroom and Pecora Dairy Yarrawa cheese.
Served with a sommelier’s choice glass of wine for $39.
Where: Jacksons on George, 176 George St, Sydney
Offer: Main course and a glass of wine
Dinner deals
From the city to the suburbs these deals will suit families, catch up with friends and date nights.
Manly Wharf Bar
The Wharf Bar have always been a favourite place to grab one last drink before I take the ferry back to Manly but one day a few months ago we noticed their specials and let’s just say we missed that ferry!
If you find yourself in Manly between Monday and Thursday after 5pm, then you are in luck because they have some awesome weeknight dining deals all priced at just $19.00
- Monday – Burger Night – Wharfy Cheeseburger made with CopperTree Farms beef, crumbed fish burger or spicy fried chicken burger
- Tuesday – Pizza Night plus trivia from 7pm – Any pizza for $19 with the additional deal of a pizza plus a house drink for $25
- Wednesday – 1/2 Grilled chicken and chips – grilled chicken with shoestring fries served with pan jus and lemon
- Thursday – Steak Night – Steak frites
Locals tip: Every Sunday Wharf Bar has a meat tray raffle with premium meat from CopperTree Farms and includes Blackmore Wagyu. The proceeds from the raffle go to local organisations Wharf Bar have committed to supporting for the year – Manly Life Saving Club, North Steyne Boardriders Club, Bold & The Beautiful Swim Squad Manly and Local Kind Northern Beaches.
Where: Manly Wharf, East Esplanade, Manly NSW
Offer: Dinner deals Monday to Thursday for $19
Menzies Bar
Shell House’s bustling ground floor bar, Menzies Bar & Bistro, is bringing back their hugely popular pasta series, The Hits from 1 July.
The menu has been crafted by Shell House culinary director Joel Bickford and his team and draws inspiration from all the classic Italian pastas, incorporating the unique Shell House style.
Each week until August 19 a new dish will be available
- 22 July: Spaghetti Vongole
- 29 July: Braised Pork Maccheroni
- 5 August: Bucatini Cacio E Pepe
- 12 August: Napoletana Spaghetti Polpette
- 19 August: Risotto Nero with Clams
What’s the deal: $25 a bowl, add a glass of wine for $10 (which means you can enjoy a glass of wine and delicious pasta for $35, in one of Sydney’s most beautiful establishments.
Where: 37 Margaret St, Sydney
Offer: Runs to 26 August 2024 – Lunch and dinner
Butchers Buffet
If you love Korean food then Butchers (BBQ) Buffet is for you! There are five locations, the newest one in Chinatown (opens 29 July) and four in western Sydney at Blacktown, Eastwood, Cabramatta and Strathfield.
- Deal 1: Unlimited soft drinks for $5 per person with lunch Mon-Thurs 12pm-4pm
- Deal 2: 50% off for kids aged 4-10 on Mondays (2 adults min)
- Deal 3 : Bring 4, pay for 3 Tuesdays – for every four adults dining, the 4th is free
Check their website for the detailed terms and conditions for each offer.
Where: Chinatown, Blacktown, Eastwood, Cabramatta and Strathfield
Offer: too man to mention, including several that I have not listed so check their website.
Guildford Hotel
The new look Guildford Hotel in Western Sydney has had a multi-million dollar renovation with a reinvigorated kitchen and flavour packed menu that includes Moroccan spices, customisable schnitzels and epic Sundaes worth travelling for!
- Main Menu: Moroccan-inspired flavors with flame-grilled steaks, chicken, and lamb. The Chicken Schnitzel comes with four customizable toppers, with the Spicy Topper (featuring Sujuk sausage) being a standout.
- Kids’ Menu: The kids’ menu includes Grilled juicy chicken skewers, Classic Battered Fish & Chips, and Spaghetti, with no frozen chicken nuggets. The kids’ play corner offers activities, books, and coloring sets to keep children entertained
- Desserts: The Guildford Sundae, featuring Vanilla bean gelato, almond brittle, chocolate fudge sauce, raspberry sauce, whipped cream, and Persian fairy floss, is a must-try. You can also create your own sundaes with various toppings.
A sports bar featuring a 4m mega screen, makes this pub a great place to catch a winter footy game.
Where: 309 Guildford Road, Guildford
Offer: Family Feast (dinner for 2 adults and 2 kids meals for $55 on Saturday & Sunday, Lunch Combo for $22 Monday to Friday, Steak Night $25 every Thursday & Friday
Special occasion dining
Ok so some of these may not seem like budget options but they are offering a fine dining experience at a fraction of the usual price.
Nobu Sydney
Have always wanted to try Nobu but worried about breaking the budget? Well this deal is for you. From Wednesday to Friday book in for lunch and you can enjoy an unlimited sushi feast for $98.
Experience an array of impeccably crafted sushi, sashimi and oysters, all elegantly presented on Nobu’s 10m long sushi counter; a must for sushi enthusiasts.
Where: Crown Sydney, Level 2/1 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo
Deal: All you can eat sushi Wed-Fri lunch.
Aria
Soak up the Sydney Harbour view while enjoying two courses at one of Sydney top fine dining restaurants.
If ARIA has been on your list for a while this is a good chance to enjoy a more affordable menu featuring some of ARIA’s favourites. Follow it up with an afternoon on the harbour.
Where: 1 Macquarie St, Sydney
Offer: Thursday and Friday lunch
Three Blue Ducks
The Ducks are all about real food and good company, so they want you to enjoy a banging meal at a great price surrounded by your pals. Their two-course ‘Mate’s Rates Menu’ for $49 combines favourite dishes, at a price that will keep your pocket, and your belly, happy!
Three Blue Ducks is just a walk away from Skye Suites Green Square perfect for a staycation.
Where: 1/85 Dunning Avenue, Rosebery NSW 2018
Offer: Tues- Friday lunch and dinner Current menu
Once a week deals
These deals are only offered once a week but are worth popping on the calendar.
Kafe Kooks
Kafe Kooks is heaven for roti lovers. Owner Andrew Ray fell in love with this tasty staple of Asia while traveling the world and discovering its diverse forms and flavors. “Roti is a simple & versatile product, but just like a pizza, it’s always best when someone does it for you.“ Owner Andrew Ray told us.
If you have never heard of Madtarbak you are in for a treat. Matarbak’s are a roti-based version of a toasted sandwich, putting a spin on classics like the Rueben (which alone is $17 outside of this deal) and Murtabak Monday is the perfect chance to try them.
Where: 63 Mountain St, Ultimo
Offer: $20 Mad about Madtarbak deal – includes a Madtarbak, chips and a drink (inc beer) dine-in all day on Mondays.
Pumphouse Sydney
Pumphouse Sydney in Darling Square has unveiled a new winter menu. For a limited time on Tuesdays, each main meal comes with a complimentary mug of mulled wine.
Executive chef Gary Ryle presents winter dishes that offer comfort for the colder seasons. Highlights include:
- Starters and Sides: Cauliflower cheese soup with truffle, Roasted hasselback pumpkin with kale and macadamia $14-16
- Main Courses: Braised beef cheek with horseradish mash and onion rings, 1/2 Roasted chicken with chips and gravy, Beef and ale pie with mash, mushy peas, and gravy from $20
The new winter menu is available daily from 12pm to 9pm.
Where: Pumphouse Sydney is at 17 Little Pier Street, Darling Harbour
Offer: On Tuesday’s the winter mains will come with a complimentary mug of mulled wine.
So what next?
No one has paid for their place on this list. We really just want to support the bars and restaurants we love, especially those that are trying hard to come up with affordable options. We hope these deals help you to fit some food and fun into your budget.
If we have missed something or you would like to share an offer with us, you can reach out via our Facebook page or e-mail me.
Feature image: Anason Barangaroo, credit Steven Woodburn.