Bar Patron

Circular Quay’s dining scene has levelled up in recent years. But before the cool French bistros rolled in, Bar Patron was first on-ground. Riffing on a Mexican hacienda, this refined spot ushers you in with tell-tale cacti out front. Inside is a relaxed dining room and a marble bar running the length of a harbour-facing window; the perfect place to pull up for a well-made Margarita and take in the sights.

The menu is the antithesis of heavy Tex-Mex food, instead highlighting the vibrancy of coastal Mexican cuisine. Look out for scallop ceviche with burnt pineapple and jalapeno, or octopus huarache with charred tomatillo. Tacos – perhaps filled with chicken, crispy prawn or signature lobster – are choice orders here. Plus, you can push the boat out with large plates like lobster in Patron Silver Oaxaca cheese sauce, and a Tajima Wagyu rib eye steak with chimichurri.

The venue is a collaboration between Pacific Concepts (Fratelli Fresh, El Camino Cantina) and tequila brand Patron, so you can expect a serious range of agave spirits and tequila cocktails. The big-ticket item is the Millionaire’s Margarita, mixing Patron Gran Burdeo Extra Anejo, Grand Marnier Cuvee de Cent Cinquantenaire, Remy Martin Louis XIII, nitro-chilled finger lime pearls, fresh-squeezed lime and agave nectar. It's shaken tableside and served over an ice "diamond" topped with gold leaf.