8 late-night venues that really serve

You will find Zaffi (Arabic for celebration) down a laneway known as Little Hunter Street, adjacent to Australia Square and Ryan's Bar in the middle of the Sydney CBD. Call in to eat, drink and dance until the very early hours of the morning. On the food menu there's dishes like raw kingfish with tomato, pomegranate and chives, slow cooked lamb ribs, course grilled haloumi and few creative desserts. Zaffi is a place to party, maybe even dancing on the tables.

Tuesday-Friday 5pm-late and Saturday 5pm-late

Photograph: Courtesy of Zaffi

Le Bon Ton is a New Orleans-inspired oyster saloon, smokehouse, cocktail bar and absinthe den in Melbourne's Collingwood. Think exposed brick walls, copper studded bar, velvet mustard chesterfields, chandeliers overhead and a fairy-light dappled courtyard. It's a place to revel in some early-20th-century jazz and blues, American craft beer, New Orleans cocktails and a punchy menu of Southern favourites including pit-smoked meats and Southern fried chicken.

Photography: Courtesy of Le Bon Ton

In the basement of Pomodoro Sardo on Lonsdale Street, Bar Margaux is a late-night bar and brasserie in the CBD. The 80-seater restaurant takes inspiration from the Big Apple with an NYC-inspired fit out however the brasserie menu will showcase a French flair. From the team behind Melbourne's The Everleigh and Heartbreaker, Bar Margaux will be open until 3 am during the week and 5 am on the weekend, with a supper menu available all night.

Photography: Courtesy of Bar Margaux

Quirky, cool and where one comes to unwind is the best way to describe Bar Rochford, found nestled in the in the iconic Melbourne Building in Canberra's CBD. A collection of records and artworks compliment the army green upholstery of the booths and bar stools. Taking inspiration for Parisian bistro's the meals range from bar snacks of olives to seasonal produce mains. It feels like the small bars often found in the streets of Europe, but with a big heart of graceful homeliness.

Bread & Bone Wood Grill is no ordinary burger joint. You can have your buns fitted out with speck, wombok, kimchi, roast chilli Kewpie, 300g beef patties or sexy soft shell crab. Hot dogs rock with morcilla (black pud). Within these sleek, industrial Adelaide CBD digs, soft serve ice cream is house made. Savour it's splendour with peanut brittle and popcorn, or red velvet and chocolate.

Open daily 11.30am-10pm

This might be a small bar, but Big Poppa's is all about big dishes and flavours on the popular Oxford Street in Darlinghurst. Focusing on three main things: classy cocktails, a lite but interesting menu and hip hop, this is a winning combination to be enjoyed by all. With the kitchen open til late, it is understandable why this casual small bar draws in the crowds. Grab a seat on the plush lounges and devour into a menu that boasts a range of over 30 varieties of cheeses. Big Poppa's does not take reservations.

Northbridge is known for its cafes and bars, and is just a few minutes drive from Perth's CBD,.

Alabama Song is a dive bar with little bit of honky tonk and a menu specialising in whisky and bourbon. 

Wednesday–Saturday 6pm–2am and Sunday 8pm–2am 

China Doll resides at the historic Finger Wharf at Woolloomooloo and attracts diners with its fantastic views, elegant styling and generously portioned Modern Asian dishes. Having trouble choosing from all the exquisite dishes? Go with the banquet to sample a range. China Doll is the perfect place to enjoy the sunset, people-watching and original, Asian-inspired cocktails.