Relative newcomer Joji is set to be one of the hottest spots in the CBD this summer. Perched atop the Cartier building on George Street, Joji merges the clean lines of Japanese aesthetics with the inimitable skills of the Esca Group (Aalia, Nour, Ito). The generous rooftop venue has a cocktail lounge, a dining room and a panoramic terrace where you can kick off a Sunday session, relax with a post-work sundowner or set up camp for a night of bold, confidently prepared Japanese snacks, punchy tequila, inventive cocktails and views of the twinkling city lights. Level 5, 388 George St, Sydney; jojisydney.com

Escape the grind at this revamped Sydney icon overlooking Sussex Street. The Bristol (formerly The Bristol Arms) has had a tasteful Med-inspired glow-up complete with terrazzo tabletops, scalloped olive green furnishings and of course, alfresco rooftop dining. Discounts are happening at the aptly named Golden Hour, when you can take advantage of $15 Aperol spritzes as the sun sinks below the horizon. A Greek-inspired food menu offers fresh and flavour-packed snacks and share-plates, while signature cocktails lean more towards Mexico. 81 Sussex St, Sydney; thebristol.com.au

After a recent meticulous 10-month renovation, the U-shaped Wentworth Bar is looking to reclaim its status as the spot to be, blending its rich history with a curvaceous, mid-century modern fit-out. In homage to the hotel’s 1966 debut, the 250-seat H&E Architects-designed indoor-outdoor space is all black-and-white terrazzo tabletops and pops of tropical greens, and includes a tree that was dropped onto the rooftop via a crane. An extensive food menu will satisfy any appetite, with snacks and share plates as well as larger meals, while the cocktail list includes fun takes on the classics. Level 5, 61 – 101 Phillip St, Sydney; wentworthbar.sydney

New York may have the Tavern on the Green, but Sydney has a new classic in Centennial Homestead, a rare development within Centennial Parklands. The two-level venue consists of the Paddock Room on the lower level – a glass space that blurs the line between indoors and outdoors – and The Treehouse, an open-air rooftop bar and dining space. A small but considered bar snack menu takes care of nibbles, while the drinks list keeps things short and sweet, but caters to all comers. Equally beautiful for a sunny soiree as it is for an unconventional evening rendezvous, The Treehouse lets the views over the green parklands do the talking. 1 Grand Dr, Centennial Park; centennialhomestead.com.au

Channel the best of Mediterranean nights and French Moroccan share plates at the rooftop of The Strand Hotel, Kasbah. With snacks by Clayton Wells and Leigh McDivitt, a wine list curated by Mike Bennie and cocktails courtesy of the Maybe Sammy team, this pretty rooftop bar is a hospitality uppercut with views to match. 99 William St Darlinghurst; strandhotel.com.au

This intimate outdoor terrace on the 26th level is hot property as the sun goes down. Nick & Nora’s is largely credited for spearheading Western Sydney’s new wave of old-school bars, bringing Golden Age glamour to Parramatta. A dedicated cocktail and Champagne bar, the jewel in the Nick & Nora crown is its 270-degree views across ‘the other CBD’. Here, an eclectic food menu spans across Spain, Mexico, Italy, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. There’s even a cigar menu, which is best enjoyed alfresco, naturally. A beautifully presented cocktail list will have you agonising over what to choose next. Level 26, 45 Macquarie St, Parramatta; nickandnoras.com.au/parramatta

Former den of debauchery Jacksons on George has been reborn as your new all-day party palace as part of Circular Quay development Sydney Place. We’re talking views across the city skyline, DJs on weekends and retro cocktails all summer (including a kitschy Japanese Slipper or two). An extensive menu offers elevated pub classics, along with fancier fare, as well as plenty of snacks for sharing. 176 George St, Sydney; jacksonsongeorge.com.au

Perched atop Hyde Park House, Slims Rooftop is not only brimming with delicious Japanese izakaya-inspired food offerings; it’s also a breath of fresh air in a humming Darlinghurst. Sip on Champagne under the shade of a ruffled, dust-pink umbrella and while away a sunny afternoon. 47/49 William St, Darlinghurst; hydeparkhouse.com/slims-rooftop

An open-air bar above one of Sydney’s most stylish boutique hotels, The Old Clare Hotel Rooftop Bar serves up classic cocktails alongside enticing snacks. Team a tiger prawn tostada with a spicy marg and watch the sun set over a sparkling city view. The space comes complete with a pool, making it perfect for lazy summer afternoons. 1 Kensington St, Chippendale; odehotels.com/the-old-clare-hotel

A close neighbour to Sydney’s MCA at Circular Quay, Bar Ombré is a popular choice for celebratory drinks with a view. Spritzes are the order of the day here, best enjoyed with good company – get a bunch of mates together and order the tiered ‘cocktail tree’ featuring four spritzes. The Italian-inspired menu features plenty tantalising share plates, from pizza to truffle-infused meatballs. Level 3, Alfred St, Sydney; barombre.com.au.

Take in Sydney city’s skyline from the rooftop terrace of The Butler in Potts Point. In this visually appealing space, you can enjoy contemporary Mexican-style food with a strong menu that focuses on seafood. The vibrant cocktail list includes a choice of three margaritas, which you can sample together in a tasting flight. cocktail. 123 Victoria St, Potts Point; butlersydney.com.au

Be it brunch, evening drinks, or a leisurely lunch, Elephant Bar above Paddington’s The Royal Hotel is an easy choice for sky-high sips. Contemporary cuisine comes together with a quenching cocktail list that’s bound to start your weekend right. 237 Glenmore Rd, Paddington; royalhotel.com.au

Any place with a dedicated gin and rosé bar is worth checking out, but nothing quite prepares the first-time visitor for The Fernery – a love-letter to rooftop garden terraces with views across North Head, the Harbour and CBD skyline. The rosé bar with its retractable roof seats more than 60 people and serves rosé, clearly, and a small selection of seasonal Australian wine on rotation, alongside rosé and gin cocktails. Teusner Salsa Rosé is available on tap, or try one of the seasonal signature cocktails. 719 Military Rd, Mosman; thefernerymosman.com.au.

This sun-drenched rooftop terrace on East Village Hotel presents the perfect spot for enjoying after-work wines with a side of sunset. Stop by for a bottomless, boozy brunch of a weekend – four courses plus bottomless wine, beer and bubbly; or go all out and pay extra for bottomless Aperol spritzes and Tommy margaritas. Twenty-buck lunch specials from Monday to Friday – from your classic chicken parma and cheeseburger to poke bowls and Moroccan lamb – make deciding where to go for lunch a snap. 234 Palmer St, Darlinghurst; eastvillagesydney.com.au.

Come for the view, stay for the snacks. Sure, having a drink at this swanky city hotspot is a stylish and sophisticated endeavour, and yes, the vista of the Barangaroo-side of the harbour foreshore is very pleasant. But it’s the nibbles menu – think potato gems with togorashi salt, chicken karaage with chilli bean sauce and fried squid with yuzu mayo – that you’ll go home thinking about. Level 2, 35 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo, barangaroohouse.com.au/smoke-bar-about.