Our guide to where to eat and drink at Vivid Sydney is designed to help you find the best dining options if you are heading to the city to see the Vivid lights. Every bit as captivating as the lights themselves, you’ll want to try as many of these creative eats and cocktails as you can.
Vivid Sydney runs from 23 May-14 June 2025
Along with all the official Vivid food events, there are a number of other Vivid-exclusive bar and dining offers that are perhaps a little more accessible. We have shared our top picks below.
We all know things get very busy on the weekends during VIVID Sydney, so for the best chance of nabbing a table:
- Consider Friday or Sunday for weekend dining. Last year, Saturdays were the busiest dining day – try one of these alternate weekend days for more dining choices.
- Book at 5pm or 8pm for increased restaurant availability. In 2024, 6pm and 7pm were the most popular sittings – an off-peak time can increase your chances of snagging your desired table.
- We always suggest the non football-loving book to attend on the State of Origin nights!
As of March 2025 these deals we will be updating these deals as they become available. Bookmark this page and come back to check in April and early May.
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Creative Cocktails & Vivid Bar Events
Zephyr & Jackalberry
Perfectly positioned along the VIVID light walk in Darling Harbour, Zephyr offers a new vantage point to view the light show and a fantastic spot to take in the light show at Cockle Bay.
The Hyatt Regency’s two bars, Zephyr Sky Bar and Jackalberry, will be serving limited-edition cocktails inspired by VIVID. You can expect a lively ambience at both venues with neon signs, funky coasters and glassware, glow-in-the-dark drinks. both venues. To make things even more exciting your cocktails will be created table side on a mobile cocktail trolley.
Bar Blu on 36 at the Shangri La Hotel
Bar Blu’s Sydney Harbour views are legendary and during Vivid this is one of the best places in the city to get an overview of all the colour.
Where: 176 Cumberland Street, The Rocks
When: 24 May to 15 June, 5:30pm-9pm.
Vivid Lights Secret Bar Crawl
Back for its third year, Local Sauce Tours is hosting a special Vivid lights edition of one of their popular Drink & Discover Secret Bar Crawl. Two tour routes are available, each curated to showcase Vivid 2025 installations on the way to three “hidden” bars.
The tour package includes the guided walk by a local expert, reservations at each bar, a beer or wine to get you started, and a shared snack to soak up the drinks. Guests will also receive a map with Local Sauce Tours’ bar recommendations at the end of the tour.
Where: Tour starts at the southern end of the QVB building on Tuesdays and at the “Obelisk of Distances” in Macquarie Place Park on Thursdays.
When:
Cost: $60 per person, find more information and book here.
Vivid Special Dining Deals
Dynasty Dumplings at Luna LU
Luna Lu’s culinary artists have specially crafted Vivid dumplings. Using natural ingredients to create vibrant colours.
Brown Forman x Luna Lu Vivid Cocktails
Luna Lu has also collaborated with Brown Forman to create five stunning Vivid cocktails. They include:
Vivid Fire Kitchen
Calling all street food lovers. This year the Good’s Line near Central Station will be the home of Vivid’s Fire Kitchen.
Explore a global array of fire-cooked dishes, from Tandoor to teppanyaki, First Nations cuisine to hearty sausages. Delight in live demonstrations by leading chefs, sharing the art of fire cooking.
Fire Kitchen will be cooking up a storm every night from 6pm to 11pm.
More Vivid Foodie Fun
Food Trucks on the Forecourt
A range of food trucks will set up under the Opera House sails from 5pm. Vivid visitors looking for something smaller or more budget-friendly can find small plates, sides and snacks here, with vegan and vegetarian options available. More information about food trucks expected will be provided when available.
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