The Sydney bars and restaurants drawing a crowd right now

Don't forget to book ahead. They are packed even on weeknights.

Heading for a stay in Sydney? A spate of exciting dining and drinking dens are drawing a crowd, starting with Baby Dragon Bar, in Newtown.

Pull up a stool at the bar under a large faux glowing cherry blossom tree, or nab a table next one of the digital murals, then order one of mixologist Quinton Seeto's inventive cocktails; Temple's Fire - a concoction of chilli-infused rum, lime and amaretto, finished with flaming green chartreuse, is our pick.

Then make your way to the Barangaroo waterfront precinct, where well-known Turkish chef Somer Sivrioglu has just unveiled Baharat restaurant, which channels the happening street-side eateries and spice markets of Istanbul. Cooked in a purpose-built traditional Turkish stone oven, Sivrioglu's lamb tandir is a no-brainer.