Cardea Barangaroo – Cocktail & Live Music Bar — Restaurant in Sydney

I visited Cardea Cocktail Bar about three weeks ago on a Saturday evening, drawn in by its striking atmosphere that you can feel from outside. The red velvet/satin vibe, paired with inviting lighting and rich red/gold/black colors, gave off a luxury experience that we were excited to immerse ourselves in.

Upon entering, the bar was buzzing with life, classic elegant furniture setting the tone, and a beautiful white grand piano gracing the stage. However, some décor details felt mismatched—the cheap-looking table lamps and the handmade restroom signs on cardboard really clashed with the venue’s otherwise classy aesthetic. It’s true what they say—the devil is in the details.

The staff, particularly the friendly Italian girl at the door (who appeared to be the floor manager that evening), were an absolute highlight. They were all welcoming, helpful, and attentive, which truly elevated the experience.

Unfortunately, the music selection didn’t align with the venue’s vibe at all. We were hoping for something that matched the burlesque, jazzy atmosphere the decor suggested, but instead were met with loud pop, electronic, and hip-hop that felt completely out of place.

Now, onto the cocktails. We were a group of five, and tried four different cocktails, expecting great things from their signature menu. Sadly, we were all disappointed. The cocktails, priced between $29-$36, were all out of balance—too sour, too sweet, too strong. The art of mixology seemed absent, and the presentation left much to be desired. They were served in heavy clay cups, more fitting for a chai latte than a signature cocktail. Thankfully, we arrived just before happy hour ended, so we didn’t pay full price, which was a small relief.

In summary: Cardea has a beautiful venue with some minor décor missteps, mismatched music, fantastic staff, but overpriced, unbalanced cocktails. With a few tweaks, this place could shine, but as it stands, it fell short of...

I recenly visit Cardea and left me utterly captivated and longing for more! From the moment I stepped in, the vibrant ambiance and alluring decor set the stage for an unforgettable night. Cardea truly embodies the perfect fusion of a chic cocktail lounge and an entertainment haven.

The cocktails at Cardea are nothing short of masterpieces. The mixologists' expertise shines through in every sip, and their creative concoctions tantalized my taste buds in ways I never imagined. Each drink was a delightful surprise, perfectly balancing unique flavors that left me wanting to try them all.

Beyond the drinks, Cardea's entertainment offerings are top-notch. The live performances were enthralling, ranging from soulful jazz to high-energy dance acts. The talented performers kept the crowd engaged throughout the night, creating an electrifying atmosphere that fueled the evening's excitement.

The service was impeccable, with the staff demonstrating attentiveness and professionalism. They were more than happy to offer recommendations and cater to individual preferences, making me feel like a valued guest from the moment I walked in.

The chic and comfortable seating areas provide the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the night with friends or even meet new acquaintances in the warm and friendly environment. The well-thought-out layout allowed for both intimate conversations and dancing, striking a perfect balance for a great night out.

If you're looking for a place that's not just a bar but an enchanting experience, Cardea Cocktail and Entertainment Bar is the place to be. Whether it's a night out with friends, a date night, or a special celebration, Cardea will undoubtedly leave you enchanted and eager to return for more magical moments. I can't recommend this...

1 star- for the decor of the venue. 1 star - for the some of the performances (Contortion & Acrobat) that was good 1 star- for One of the signature cocktail and the food was ok. But I’ll leave it at that. We paid $120 each for dinner and show. As the show info says. I was disappointed we never got to see the fire and & Sword Swallower. Thats what got me to book for our anniversary. The food tastes good but the photos don’t lie. Portion for 2 people was well underwhelming. Im pretty sure I didn’t get Gnocchetto Sardo, I got some other pasta which tasted like a packet store bought paccheri and was not cooked well. My signature cocktail Dejoria's Diary was great. But I must say the classic cocktail margarita was the worst I've had so far. (Sorry) The show was nothing spectacular except for the Contortion & Acrobat. If you want to see a better Burlesque shows it’s not here. I don't mind and intended the tease show but the food and what we paid for left a sour taste. Timing serving food was not great either. No one, came frequently to see if we wanted extra food or drinks . We happy to pay for good food and service, but because we paid for a show and dinner we felt a little forgotten. Not even given a chance to try a dessert or other things. Also lack attention replace cutlery or give some for the main. They seem busy and prefer to serve drinks elsewhere. We also paid a bit extra for drinks so spend just over $300. I had expectations for it to be great because i wanted to bring friends next. But this place fell short. Apart from a beautiful decor. We also left hungry after a very small portion of meal for 2 ppl. Not impressed, and disappointed with a misconception of performances...