Cocktail dates & shared plates: A guide to Sydney's hottest spots First Table

Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love being seen in Sydney’s hottest restaurants? We also love when they’re wallet friendly finds on First Table. Here’s our guide to shared plates and cocktail dates that won’t break the bank when you book on First Table. 

The Cumberland

What's behind the secret door concealed behind a fridge in a bodega-style deli on street level? Journey back to a time when classic cocktails were king and service was second to none. 

Drinks aside, The Cumberland's tapas style menu focuses on dishes that are perfect for sharing. Think terrine with sourdough, cured meats, cheese platters, empanadas or the classic Reuben sandwich.

Offering over 250 whiskies, the cocktail menu features prohibition classics, 19th century tipples and cocktails infused with locally foraged Manly botanicals.

Mille Vini Pasta and Wine Bar

Classic recipes from all regions of Italy, Mille Vini isn't your run of the mill Italian. With handcrafted pasta, time, thought and expertise have been poured into every dish.

From freshly shucked oysters, battered zucchini flower or an antipasto platter, Mille Vini is where exclusive ingredients meet tradition. 

As the name suggests, there’s a strong focus on local wines with Italian varieties and new emerging Italian wines. As for cocktails, signatures include the mezcal boom boom, la vie en rose and the smoked don amoro.

Pappy's

Where Sydney's trendiest socialites venture to get papped, Pappy's vintage hotspot is the talk of the town.

Begin with a round of tacos to share, filled with buttermilk chicken, fried barramundi or Jamaican black beans, these Mexican yums get any night off to a great start. 

As for drinks, Sydney's most exciting craft beer and cocktail menu awaits. All served with impeccable vintage flare, you can enjoy an old fashion or Negroni exactly how they're meant to be enjoyed: in a classic cocktail glass that wouldn't look bad on your Instagram feed.

Sir Duncan

A friendly, local wine bar with an emphasis on Spanish and Italian plates alongside uncomplicated drinks, Sir Duncan certainly deserves its prestigious title!

The menu is designed to be shared, and you’ll find 72 hour fermented fired bread, marinated olives. Salt cod croquettes, goats fromage frais, 12 months aged Manchego and sweet fig jam to share. And with an impressive wine collection too, this experience is as much about the drinking as is about the eating.

NB a friendly reminder that the First Table offer is 50% off food only and drinks are full price. But hey, we think it’s a pretty good way to try out new places in your neighbourhood.