"Tucked in the Lower Concourse level of the Sydney Opera House, the al fresco Opera Bar is the place you'd recommend to anyone visiting Sydney for the first time. For one, it's got Instagram-worthy views over the Opera House and the Harbor Bridge. A strong cocktail list excels at twists on classic cocktails; the wine list, meanwhile, features mainly Australian bottles as well as high-end Champagnes like Dom Pérignon and Cristal. (Yes, it's that kind of place.) There are also gorgeous, upscale, tapas-like bar snacks like anchovies with waffles and chicken paté on sourdough." - Kris Fordham, Laura Dannen Redman