The CBD has been a ghost town for the last couple of years. But people are returning with a vengeance and Cabana Bar is perfectly positioned to welcome them back. It’s part of the MLC Centre’s $170- million revamp, with a 100-metre outdoor terrace that overlooks Martin Place.

While Cabana Bar officially opened in December last year, Omicron-related closures mean that it has only been operating in earnest for a few months — and the public response has been immediate.

Owner Nick Wills puts its down to people wanting to get out and celebrate. “In the last couple of weeks, it feels like the city is getting back to normal, which is fantastic,” Wills says. “The only thing that hurt us is the rain, because 80 per cent of the venue is outdoors. But that’s also our greatest asset because CBD workers love drinking outside after spending all day inside an office.”

In a sign that the CBD isn’t just for those returning to work, Saturday is one of the bar’s busiest days. “Shows are coming back to the theatre and people are coming into the city on a weekend. It’s pretty exciting,” Wills says. “On a Saturday night we get people coming in for a light meal before going to the Theatre Royal and we get a lot of functions, such as hen’s parties, on the weekend.”

The return of city nightlife is perfectly timed for American Express delicious. Month Out, which is encouraging diners to explore new venues that opened during Covid, as well as old favourites. During May, Cabana Bar is offering three tacos and a Tommy’s margarita for $30.

“I think Cabana Bar is getting known for its beautiful cocktails and outdoor terrace, but people are surprised by the quality of our food,” Wills says. “All the food is done in-house.

We’ve kept some of the pub classics, such as schnitzels and burgers, because you have to have them on your menu. But the schnitzel isn’t frozen, we do it fresh daily.”

“There are tapas-y options if people want a light meal before the theatre, as well as the kind of things you want to eat by the pool at a resort.”

Dishes include chicken larb choi bow with lemongrass, chilli, peanuts and puffed rice; tequila-cured salmon and blue corn tostadas, and grilled scallops with miso and sesame, but Will’s pick is the prawn roll. “It’s something simple but done really well — a toasted milk bun, garlic butter, spicy Marie Rose sauce, avocado, crunchy lettuce and prawns.”

The menu highlights the kind of food you eat on holiday because Cabana Bar is all about channeling that tropical-island vibe, with rattan furniture and lush greenery. “All the other pubs and bars in the city are all dark timber, very moody, very corporate and very same-same,” Will says.

“I wanted something a bit more interesting that doesn’t take itself too seriously. We’ve tried to make it feel as if you’re on holiday in the middle of the city. Put your phone away, grab a cocktail and it’s like you’ve stepped into an oasis.”

Cabana Bar
25 Martin Place, Sydney
Mon – Wed 11.30am to 10pm, Thur – Sun 11.30am to 12.00am
cabanabarsyd.com.au 

Swing by during the month of May for three tacos and a Tommy’s margarita for just $30. Save the offer to your eligible American Express card for 20% the bill, up to $25.

Related news: 20 of the best: Sydney cafes, bars and restaurants to visit during American Express delicious. Month Out