When the team behind 25hours Hotel Sydney The Olympia unveiled what they had in store for the heritage-listed former theatre in the beating heart of Paddington, the promise of a Hollywood-inspired rooftop bar piqued our interest. After checking it out for a golden hour drink as silly season reached its pre-Christmas peak, we’re happy to confirm that Monica is the upscale rooftop bar that Oxford Street needed.
Sitting pretty on the fifth floor of the recently opened hotel, the 200-person bar flung open its doors in October and is already staking its claim as one of Sydney’s best rooftop options. Step out of the mirrored elevator and you’re immediately struck by the energy of the place – tables busy with well-dressed friendship groups and bottles of bubbles, golden hour light pouring through the windows and a DJ on the balcony setting the tone. The vibe is 1960s Hollywood glamour meets modern Australian summer: olive and white scalloped umbrellas, cushioned burgundy booths and a playful mural by local artist George Buchanan lining the walls.
On the drinks front, industry heavyweight Roean Patawaran (ex-Oncore, Firedoor) leads a cocktail program that’s playful but precise: Picante Margaritas with fermented jalapeño, coconut-macadamia Daiquiris, and (crucially) on-point Martinis. Culinary wizard Mitch Orr backs it up with punchy share plates – devilled spanner crab on Jatz, freshly shucked oysters and incredibly moreish bites of yellowfin tuna tartare. If you’re settling in, there are more hefty options too, including stacked burgers that nod to the bar’s USA-inspired DNA.
Monica is open Monday to Thursday from 3pm until late, and from 12pm until late Fridays through Sundays. You can book a table here, and you’ll find our guide to all of the best sunset (and sunrise) spots in Sydney over here.
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