The Waratah Sydney Review: Cocktails, Pub Fare & Native Australian Produce

The Waratah, a double-decker pub in Darlinghurst, Sydney, pairs native Australian produce with Mexican-inspired flavours and a cocktail programme that earned it a top‑10 ranking in the 2026 Spirited Awards for best restaurant bar in Asia Pacific. This review covers what to expect from its dining room, bar, walk‑in policy, and who runs it.

Last checked: 2026-07-20

neighbourhood: Darlinghurst, Sydney · type: double-decker neighbourhood pub and bar · cuisine focus: native Australian produce with Mexican flair · operated by: Pollen Hospitality · known for: Australiana cocktails and rejigged pub fare

What Is The Waratah Darlinghurst Known For?

The Waratah’s identity rests on two levels: a ground‑floor bar for walk‑ins and an upper‑floor dining room. The cocktail list leans into native Australian ingredients – think lemon myrtle, wattleseed, and finger lime – reworked into what the venue calls “Australiana cocktails.” The food menu blends native produce with Mexican influences: kangaroo tacos, pepperberry‑spiced dishes, and grilled barramundi with salsa verde are representative items.

It was named a top‑10 restaurant bar in the Asia‑Pacific region at the 2026 Spirited Awards, a recognition from the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation (Tales of the Cocktail Foundation). That award covers bar design, service, and drink quality.

The Double‑Decker Bar and Dining Room

The ground floor functions as a lively bar with standing and high‑top seating; the upper floor is a more traditional dining space. Both levels serve the full food and cocktail menu. The design uses native timber, pressed metal ceilings, and botanical art to evoke an updated Australian pub interior.

Native Australian Produce and Mexican Flair

Head chef and the kitchen team source from local producers – kangaroo, emu, wallaby, and seafood appear regularly. The Mexican influence shows in the use of fresh corn tortillas, house‑made salsas, and native chilli blends. The result is a menu that doesn’t fit neatly into either “modern Australian” or “Mexican” but carves its own lane.

Is the Waratah Darlinghurst a Place to Visit?

Yes – if you’re comfortable with a walk‑in‑only policy for the bar and a “groups of 6+ by booking” rule for the dining room. The venue sits on a busy Darlinghurst corner, surrounded by other bars, restaurants, and late‑night venues. It’s a neighbourhood pub in the sense that locals drop in for a drink, but the cocktail programme and food ambitions draw a city‑wide crowd.

Neighbourhood Character

Darlinghurst is one of Sydney’s densest nightlife districts, with a mix of gay bars, late‑night kebab shops, and high‑end cocktail lounges. The Waratah fits into that context as a more approachable, pub‑format option that still delivers serious drinks. The street‑front windows open onto the pavement in warmer months, blurring the line between bar and street.

Walk‑In Policy

For the ground‑floor bar, it’s strictly first‑come, first‑served. The upper dining room can be booked for parties of six or more via the venue’s website (official site). Smaller groups and couples are advised to arrive early, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Who Owns the Waratah Pub?

The Waratah is operated by Pollen Hospitality, the group behind several Sydney venues including eateries and cocktail bars. The group’s managing partner is Evan Stroeve, an acclaimed bartender with a background in some of Sydney’s top cocktail bars.

Pollen Hospitality

Pollen Hospitality runs a small portfolio of venues in Sydney’s inner‑east and city area. The group’s approach emphasises hospitality training, locally sourced ingredients, and high‑end cocktail programs in relaxed settings. The Waratah is their most recent opening.

Evan Stroeve Background

Stroeve has worked behind bars at several award‑winning Sydney cocktail establishments before launching Pollen. His signature style – precise, ingredient‑forward drinks with an Australian identity – is visible in The Waratah’s menu.

What Is a Fun Fact About Waratah?

The name “Waratah” comes from the floral emblem of New South Wales, a striking red flower. The pub’s branding and artwork reference the flower throughout. Separately, the SS Waratah was a steamship that disappeared off the coast of South Africa in 1909 with all 211 aboard – a famous maritime mystery unrelated to the Darlinghurst pub.

The Flower Connection

The waratah flower (Telopea speciosissima) is a large, crimson bloom native to the sandstone plateaus of New South Wales. The pub’s logo, wallpaper, and cocktail names draw on this botanical heritage.

The SS Waratah Mystery

Often called “Australia’s Titanic,” the SS Waratah vanished without trace after leaving Durban in July 1909. Despite extensive searches, no wreck or survivors were ever found. The pub’s name shares this history but the venue does not directly reference the ship.

Location and Getting There

The Waratah is in Darlinghurst, about a 10‑minute walk from King Cross station and 15 minutes from Town Hall. Buses on Oxford Street stop nearby. There is no dedicated parking; street parking is limited and metered. The neighbourhood is walkable from most inner‑city hotels and apartments.

Alternatives in Set

Sydney has no shortage of pubs and cocktail bars, but few combine double‑decker space with native‑Australian‑Mexican cuisine. For a different take on native ingredients, venues in nearby Surry Hills and Newtown offer seasonal indigenous‑focused menus. The Waratah’s closest competitor in the cocktail‑pub hybrid space might be the smaller, single‑level bars in the city centre. For groups who prefer a booking guarantee, a restaurant reservation elsewhere may be easier.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Award‑winning cocktail list; unique cuisine mix; double‑decker layout gives two experiences; neighbourhood location with a local feel.
• Cons: Walk‑in only for small groups (may involve waits); no dedicated parking; menu may be too niche for traditional pub‑food lovers.

Best for Segments

• Couples: Ideal for a date‑night cocktail or shared meal; the upstairs dining room is quieter.
• Groups (6+): The only way to reserve a table; book ahead for the upstairs space.
• Cocktail enthusiasts: The programme is the main draw – try the wattleseed old fashioned or lemon myrtle margarita.
• Pub diners: If you enjoy traditional pub fare, start with the dry‑aged steak; the rest of the menu is more experimental.

Pricing Band

Food and drink prices align with the Darlinghurst area: mains around AUD 25–38, cocktails AUD 20–26, beer and wine at standard Sydney pub rates. The steak is the most expensive item. No cover charge.

Our Pick Recommendation

For a deeper look at the venue’s steak offerings and double-decker layout, see a detailed review of The Waratah on Hotel Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources cited

• Official website – The Waratah (for menu, policy, and year opened details)
• Google Business profile – The Waratah (rating and review count)
• Spirited Awards – Tales of the Cocktail Foundation (award listing)
• Pollen Hospitality – group background