The best restaurants in Sydney CBD: a 2016 guide

In early 2015, Bruno Mars' smash hit Uptown Funk was dominating airwaves around the world. At the same time, dozens of restaurateurs, bar barons and hospitality groups all seem to have the same thought at once - namely, let's make Sydney's uptown funky again. Coincidence? Well yes, probably. But the truth is there has never been a more exciting time to eat and drink in Sydney's CBD. New bars and restaurants are springing up almost faster than we can review them, and the wasteland that used to be Sydney's financial district on a Saturday night is now thriving – don't believe me? Just watch.

Bars

With a fairly compact CBD it's easy to barhop between the many new openings or choose one to settle into for a session. So where first? If it's party vibes you're after, head to the huge and impressive Kittyhawk where French military aesthetics are the backdrop and bold cocktails and Gallic snacks take centre stage. This raucous space is a solid launching pad for a night out in the city, packed with twenty-somethings dressed to impress.

Restaurants

Move over Surry Hills, the CBD is the new epicentre of Sydney's dining scene with the Good Food Guide's best new restaurant Hubert at the heart of the revolution. Winding down the stairs lined with thousands of miniature liquor bottles feels like a trip in a time machine as you pop out into a restaurant and theatre space transported straight from mid-century Europe. Somewhere between the sultry live music and roasted meats is a feeling of old-fashioned dining romance, with young and older Sydneysiders all queuing for a taste.

A few blocks away, No. 1 Bent St is generating a different type of hype. The new city project from Mike McEnearney has the same focus on fresh produce as his former Roseberry canteen Kitchen by Mike, but with a classier fit-out and table service. Don't worry though, that famous bread of his is here and is as good as you remember. Hit up Mercado on date night –sleek, seductive and Spanish, this underground space is made for lovers. Order the lamb or beef shortrib to share for an indulgent evening. Also tucked underground on George St and perfect for a catch-up with mates is Indu – a fresh, modern take on village-style Indian food.

Chilli fiends will want to head even further along George St where chef David Thompson is blowing minds and mouths at Long Chim. Yes, there's plenty of heat in his Thai dishes but there's even more flavour – take a crowd along so you can sample everything. Stay on George St for the more restrained Bistro Guillaume. Suits looking for a long lunch option will love Guillaume Brahimi's first CBD venture with its opulent French fare, but the venue also includes a takeaway counter for time-pressed office workers keen on a quick indulgence. Don't forget Anason at Barangaroo either – it's using unfussy share plates and fresh flavours to teach city diners that Turkish food means so much more than a late night kebab.

Still to come in 2016

As Barangaroo expands and grows so does its burgeoning dining scene. The multi-tasking Bel and Brio (combined restaurant, wine bar, bakery and market) is putting its finishing touches onto what's set to be a breath of Italian fresh air. Nearby, expect to see the boys from Bentley work magic on sustainable seafood at Cirrus when its doors open in the next few days.

The imminent Barangaroo opening of Ume Burger's new outpost will hopefully do something to satisfy the huge queues of burger fans currently staking out Surry Hills for chef Kirby Craig's highbrow take on fast food. Vermouth bar Banksii is also coming in hot, aiming to educate Sydneysiders about this underappreciated spirit. And after the success of its Barangaroo pop-up, Melbourne institution Belles Hot Chicken is setting up permanent digs - so get ready for more greasy fingers, spicy grinning lips and punchy pickles. The CBD is cool again and the uptown is funky. Go get amongst it.