Winter in Sydney is anything but humdrum with delicious new restaurants and bars to indulge in, luxurious places to stay and memorable experiences to make the most of the city. Here's our round up for this month's edition of What's New in Sydney. 

NEW FOOD AND DRINK 

Dim sum in Summer Hill 
Cantonese favourite Lotus has opened up a new sister venue in Summer Hill, the group's first foray in Sydney's inner west. Lotus Dumpling Bar serves many of the group's beloved menu items, including Peking duck pancakes and juicy pork xiao long bao, as well as a variety of vegan and vegetarian offerings. 

Tequila-spiked Mexican dining 
Recently reopened Bar Patrón brings the fiesta vibes of Mexico to Circular Quay, with a Mexican menu inspired by Executive Chef Manuel Diaz's Oaxacan background and a Patrón tequila-infused menu. The rich and juicy signature grilled lobster is drizzled with a creamy sauce made with Patrón Silver and Oaxacan cheese. 

Catalonian cuisine 
Slick new Spanish restaurant Parlar brings the flavours of Catalonian cuisine to Potts Point. Inside an opulent fit-out complete with marble floors, leather furniture and velvet cushioning, the menu stars decadent (and photogenic) tapas snacks and mouth-watering mains. 

Drink in the Basque 
The next dining space from acclaimed Firedoor chef Lennox Hastie is an ode to the light and bright wines of Spain's Basque Country. Gildas, located right around the corner in Surry Hills, will also serve dishes cooked on the flame, with local produce at the forefront of the menu. 

Zumbo comes to the QT 
Known as Australia's Willy Wonka of desserts, Adriano Zumbo has created a high tea like no other at CBD hotel QT Sydney. The menu will feature deluxe savoury creations (like champagne lobster rolls) as well as his signature Zumbarons and decadent passionfruit tart. 

Turkish goes vego 
Inspired by the vegetable-driven meze bars of the Aegean Turkish coast, celebrated Sydney Turkish chef Somer Sivrioğlu (Efendy and Anason) has opened a plant-predominant venue in the CBD, Maydanoz. From charred cauliflower to haloumi honey kebabs and cavolo nero leek pie, the meat-free menu still brings satisfaction. 

25 years of Club 77 
Iconic Darlinghurst nightclub Club 77 has been revamped into a late-night dive bar. Celebrating 25 years, the dance hub has seen a New York-style renovation and complete food and cocktail menu overhaul. Live DJs will spin every night until 4am, and a special late-night happy hour serves cheap drinks from 2:30-3:30am. 

Middle Eastern takeaway 
From the owners of Bondi's Lox in a Box, Fed Kitchen is a new takeaway eatery serving their famed bagels as well as a variety of hot sandwiches, cakes and salads. Fed Kitchen also serves dishes from their catering menu and the shopfront offers take-home dinners, including lasagne, soups, deli goods and more. 

NEW ACCOMMODATION 

Sydney's first ace 
The eagerly awaited Ace Hotel has officially opened its doors in Surry Hills, with ultra-cool finishings and references to local history and culture. A glass-walled rooftop restaurant, Kiln, will be headed by chef Mitch Orr with a drinks list curated by Mike Bennie. 

Harbourside haven 
A 1930s Art Deco building has been given a new life as a glamourous boutique hotel — Aiden Darling Harbour. The eight-storey Pyrmont hotel has officially opened, featuring 88 smart rooms — each with a pillow menu, blackout windows and bespoke murals by Archibald Prize finalist Jessica Le Clerc. 

NEW EXPERIENCES 

Moonlight kayak 
As part of Vivid Sydney, Sydney Harbour Kayaks has partnered with the Maritime Museum to offer guided nighttime sea-kayaking tours for the duration of the festival. The journey begins in Darling Harbour and takes in light artworks Across The Sea and Sydney Infinity.

See the lights 
The best vantage point to see the lights of Vivid Sydney's skyline in all its glory is from the harbour and Lifestyle Charters is offering two-hour private cruises for groups of 15 and 20 on their Enigma and Felix boats. A beverage and grazing board package can also be added on.  

National Indigenous Art Fair Sydney 
This annual harbourside art market showcases more than 50 First Nations art, craft, native food and design stalls, where visitors can buy direct from the makers. The two-day event will also feature an Indigenous smoking ceremony, First Nations dance and singing performances, choirs, children's activities, bush food cooking demonstrations and a massive communal weaving project. 

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