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 on the edge of Darling Harbour, 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.
Where: Zephyr Sky Bar and Jackalberry
When: 23 May – 14 June, from 6pm
Customs House Bar – ‘Let There Be Light’ Beer
For Vivid Sydney 2025, Customs House Bar has collaborated with Lord Nelson Brewery (Sydney’s oldest pub and brewery) to create a limited-edition craft beer. ‘Let There Be Light’ is a pale ale using seasonal cascade hops from Virginia, paying homage to Marriott Hotel’s origins and the location of the very first Marriott hotel that opened in 1957.
As the Vivid lights illuminate the night, the beer garden transforms into a glowing venue. Enjoy a grab-and-go menu featuring BBQ corn on the cob, beef nachos, hot dogs and chicken skewers. For younger guests, coloured snow cones add a splash of fun.
Those who prefer dining in can enjoy Vivid-themed cocktails created in collaboration with Small Mouth Spirits.
Located just steps from Circular Quay, Customs House Bar is perfect for pre- or post-Vivid Sydney drinks and dining.
Where: 30 Pitt Street, Sydney
When: 23 May – 14 June, 6:00pm – 11:00pm
Candy Lane at Three Bottle Man
Capture picture-perfect moments at Candy Lane in Three Bottle Man. This year, they’ve partnered with Sticky candy shop at The Rocks, who have created handmade sweets for over two decades. Discover a selection of candy treats, including special Vivid Sydney inspired ‘Light Show Mix’ candies.
Sip on a RUMblin’ Cocoa, a hot chocolate infused with Bacardi rum for adults, or the delightful Cocoa Bliss for children. Enjoy a splash of colour with flavoured popcorn or coloured burger buns.
Where: 30 Pitt Street, Sydney
When: 23 May – 14 June, 6:00pm – 11:00pm
Cocktails at Streets of Barangaroo
Callao’s Sakura Eclipse cocktail
Cardea’s floral Hibiscus Bloom cocktail
Cadera’s cocktail made with melon liqueur, orange liqueur, lemon, bitters and a house-made hibiscus and rose reduction.
Untied Fairy Floss Fizz
This drink pairs sparkling wine with a cloud of fairy floss, available in four flavours: blue raspberry, green sour apple, pink watermelon, and purple berry crunch.
Hacienda – Dream Hour
Celebrate Vivid at Hacienda with Dream Hour, running weekdays from 4-6pm. This glass-walled lounge serves kaleidoscopic cocktails including Strawberry Fields Forever, Yellow Mellow, and the bubble-topped Dreams.
Chase the sunset during Dream Hour, then stay to watch the foreshore ignite with stunning Harbour views.
Where: Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour, 61 Macquarie Street
When: Weekdays 4-6pm, starting 23 May
Price: $25 cocktails between 4-6pm, $60 minimum spend per person after 6pm
Pumphouse
Immerse yourself in the spirit of Vivid at Pumphouse with their vibrant cocktails and interactive experience. You can paint with glow-in-the-dark paint and pens on Pumphouse’s light-up mural.
Each week, a lucky winner chosen at random will win one night’s accommodation at the neighboring Novotel Sydney Darling Square.
Where: 185 Thomas St, Sydney
When: 23 May – 14 June
Price: $23 per cocktail
The Dream Lab at Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
The Four Seasons has created something special for Vivid this year with their “Dream Lab” concept at Grain Bar.
Mixologists dressed in glowing lab coats craft theatrical cocktails that match the vibrant spirit of the festival. Their Epic Sensory Cocktail menu features drinks like the Pina Fizz and Palette Pop, decorated with fairy floss, oversized lollipops, coloured ice and glow-in-the-dark garnishes.
The Dream Lab opens at 6pm each evening when the Vivid lights begin, with DJs performing on Fridays and Saturdays from 8pm till late.
Where: Four Seasons Hotel Sydney, 199 George Street, Sydney
When: 23 May to 14 June, from 6pm nightly
PARKROYAL Darling Harbour
– Unexpected Guests Pop-Up Gin Bar
From 16 May to 15 June, the ParkRoyal Darling Harbour hotel’s Business Centre transforms into a pop-up gin bar featuring local Sydney distillery Unexpected Guests. The menu includes three special edition cocktails:
- Spiced Negroni
- Fireside Bloom
- Lavender Collins
Each cocktail can be paired with artisanal cheese boards featuring:
- Chevre D’argental double cream goat’s brie (Loire Valley, France)
- Binnorie cheddar (Lovedale, NSW)
- Barossa brie (Barossa Valley, SA)
The pop-up includes immersive photo opportunities and themed décor throughout the hotel, with the guest seating area illuminated by projectors.
Meet The Distiller Night
On Friday 6 June, join an intimate tasting with the distiller behind Unexpected Guests. The experience includes:
- Two premium gin tastings
- Nibbles from ABODE Bistro Bar
- Meet and greet with the distiller
Limited to 20 people for an intimate experience.
Where: 150 Day Street, Darling Harbour
When: 3-7pm daily, 16 May – 15 June l Meet the distiller 6 June, 6-7pm
Price: Cocktails from $10, cheese platters from $10 l Distiller experience $49
For bookings and more information visit PARKROYAL Darling Harbour
Vivid Dining at the Opera House
Bennelong – VIVID in the Dress Circle
Experience the lights of Vivid in Bennelong’s Dress Circle on the upper level of the restaurant, directly under the Sydney Opera House sails with uninterrupted views of the Harbour Bridge.
Enjoy snacks and a glass of Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve NV on arrival, followed by Bennelong’s three-course choice menu.
Where: Sydney Opera House
When: 23 May – 14 June
Price: $285 per person
Bennelong Bar
Experience the lighting of the Opera House sails from within during Vivid Sydney at Bennelong Bar.
The package includes four snacks by Executive Chef Peter Gilmore and a bespoke cocktail, Dream Theatre, made with Full Circle Summer Berry gin, smoked white rum, purified guava, and VIVID pearls.
Where: Sydney Opera House
When: 23 May – 14 June
Price: $65 per person
Opera House Dining Experiences
The Sydney Opera House debuts a vibrant, open-air food hub during Vivid LIVE 2025, offering Cuban and Korean street-style bites from renowned chefs Danielle Alvarez and Jimmy Ryu on the harbour-side Forecourt.
Forecourt Food Village
Experience two exciting culinary concepts at this new open-air food hub:
La Cubanita – A bold new pop-up led by Opera House Events Culinary Director, Danielle Alvarez. This celebration of her Cuban roots serves up inventive fried fish and pulled pork sandwiches, Caribbean-style sweet potato fries and a playful kids’ menu – delivering big flavour, tropical flair and a hint of Havana heat.
K-town Bites – Curated by Opera House Events Executive Chef, Jimmy Ryu, this sizzling homage to Seoul’s bustling street markets offers crispy, sticky and spicy Korean fried favourites. The menu features flavourful fried chicken, crispy Gochujang cauliflower, sweet potato noodles and a bite-sized kids’ menu.
The Bar ft. Archie Rose will offer a curated range of local wines, spirits and beers, hot and cold non-alcoholic beverages, and their signature mojitos and buttered rum and raisin cocktails.
Where: Sydney Opera House Forecourt
When: Nightly from 23 May to 14 June, 5pm to 10pm
Price: Free entry, no tickets required
The Aurora in the Concert Hall Northern Foyer
Returning to the Opera House for the fifth year, The Midnight Special presents The Aurora, an immersive pop-up bar inspired by the dreamy hues and landscapes of the Aurora Australis and Aurora Borealis.
The venue will be transformed by radiant light projections, themed menu items, elemental décor and a transportive DJ line-up, making it the perfect spot for a tipple before or after a Vivid LIVE concert.
Where: Concert Hall Northern Foyer, access via the western external steps
When: 23 May to 1 June, 6pm until late
Price: Free entry
Opera Bar and House Canteen Special Menus
Beloved harbour-side venues Opera Bar and House Canteen are offering special Vivid menus. Highlights include Opera Bar’s warm espresso martini and exclusive Ciccone & Sons ice creams, and House Canteen’s nostalgic candy floss and hot chocolate cart – with alcoholic options for adults looking for extra warmth.
Where: Opera Bar and House Canteen
When: Daily from 23 May to 14 June
Vivid Food – Dance of Dreams with Danielle Alvarez
For two nights only, celebrated chef Danielle Alvarez presents Dance of Dreams – an immersive three-course dinner accompanied by live music and a performance by emerging dance collective
New Old Now. Set in the Opera House’s stunning Yallamundi Rooms with views of the illuminated Sydney Harbour, this experience offers a locally sourced menu with specially selected wine pairings.
Where: Yallamundi Rooms, Sydney Opera House
When: Friday 13 June and Saturday 14 June
Price: $329 per person
Vivid Food – Saltbush and Starlight Dining
Renowned First Nations chef Mark Olive debuts Saltbush and Starlight, a communal dining experience celebrating Indigenous Australian ingredients, aligned with Vivid Sydney’s 2025 theme, Dream.
The experience begins with a behind-the-scenes tour of the Opera House and continues with a three-course menu, NSW wines, craft beer and bespoke light projections in the Opera House’s most exclusive and intimate venue.
Where: Sydney Opera House (exclusive venue)
When: Every Friday and Saturday from 23 May to 14 June
A special themed cocktail menu, with warm and non-alcoholic options, will also be available daily throughout the festival at Chef Mark Olive’s flagship restaurant, Midden, located on the Western Broadwalk with views across Sydney Harbour.
For more information and bookings for these venues, visit the Sydney Opera House Vivid webpage.
Vivid Specials at Barangaroo
Just a short stroll from the light installations of Barangaroo Reserve, The Streets of Barangaroo offers waterfront dining with special Vivid offerings including:
Bottega Coco’s Vivid-themed Opera House Cake featuring coconut sponge, berry coulis and dark chocolate mousse
Zushi’s special sashimi with mizuna and micro herb salad, umeboshi plum, mustard, and beetroot emulsions
Winghaus’s family bundle ($75) including two burgers, two kids baskets, two fries and four soft drinks
Vivid Dining in Darling Harbour
Darling Square Eats
Several Darling Square eateries are offering Vivid-themed menus and treats throughout the festival:
Dopa Donburi and Dessert has partnered with Duo Duo to create a deep fried miso caramel ice cream in a bao bun (available 19 May – 22 June).
Bubble Nini is serving two light-up drinks:
- Japanese Aomori apple black tea
- Jasmine milk tea with triple matcha foam
Chinta Ria Buddha Love offers:
- Electrifying Chilli Chicken
- Rhythm Ribs (Malaysian sweet vinegar pork ribs)
- Embrace cocktail: cherry-vanilla rum, amaretto, pineapple and lemonade
- Hug-me mocktail: lychee, lime, mint and lemonade
Discounted drink prices during Vivid.
Free Activities:
- LED balloon giveaway: Spend $75+ Mon-Thu at any Darling Square retailer, collect same day from Lillianna Gifts
- Saturday entertainment: Face painting and live music, 6-9pm
- LED merchandise available at Lillianna Gifts pop-up (12-8pm Sun-Thu, 12-9pm Fri-Sat)
When: 23 May – 14 June
Where: Darling Square (2 mins from Darling Harbour)
Vivid Dining Menus
MCA – Canvas Experience
An immersive culinary experience in Canvas restaurant featuring a three-course menu specially crafted to reflect the spirit of Vincent Namatjira’s MCA projection and Vivid Sydney’s light displays.
Where: Canvas Restaurant, MCA
When: 23 May – 14 June
Price: $190, includes exclusive after-dark curator talk
MCA – Terrace Experience
Enjoy a glass of Pommery Champagne and a light snack on the MCA Sculpture Terrace overlooking Sydney Harbour and the dynamic light displays of Vivid Sydney.
Where: MCA Sculpture Terrace
When: 23 May – 14 June
Price: $70, includes exclusive after-dark curator talk
Quay
With breathtaking views of the iconic Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the vibrant lights of Vivid, Quay offers the perfect location to host an unforgettable event.
Try their Vivid-inspired cocktail, Spectrum, that comes alive with a burst of colour (Tanqueray 10 gin, umeshu, Pavan, chamomile, honey, saffron, milk wash).
Where: Upper Level, Overseas Passenger Terminal, The Rocks
When: 23 May – 14 June
Aster
Perched 32 levels high with a 270-degree vista of the harbour, when dining at Aster during Vivid you can choose from three curated flavour paths: Sweet, Spicy or Adventurous.
Each path includes a bespoke cocktail and canapé followed by a shared entrée and main course paired with two glasses of wine.
Where: Level 32, 242 Pitt St, Sydney
When: 23 May – 14 June, 1.5-hour sittings available from 6pm daily
Price: $169 per person
a’Mare
During Vivid, enjoy a $55 express menu in the bar from 5:30pm, featuring regional Italian pasta, wine, and house-made gelato.
Aria
Aria will celebrate Vivid with a selection of curated culinary and beverage experiences overlooking the illuminated heart of Sydney.
Aria Snack Bar
Aria brings back their Vivid Snack Bar, offering an introduction to Aria in a relaxed, shareable dining format.
Available in the Bar area and Wharf Room, the menu includes Sydney rock oysters, mushroom & truffle tart, tuna tartare, Siberian caviar, fried quail leg, K’gari spanner crab, duck pate en croute, wagyu smash burger, and dessert options including an ice cream sundae and cheese selection.
Nitro Ice Cream Experience
In the main dining room, with floor-to-ceiling views of the Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House, a nitro ice cream course will be available at dinner services.
Frozen and churned tableside, guests can crown their dessert with luxurious toppings including Pedro Ximénez sherry caramel, warm chocolate sauce, candied pecans, strawberry puree, chocolate crispy pearls, and miso caramelised banana.
This experience is included in the eight-course menu and available as an additional option for the five, three and two course menus.
Special Vivid Beverages:
Aria’s beverage team will be pouring 2015 Dom Perignon White Luminous throughout the festival and shaking a special-edition martini with Belvedere 10 and hand-crafted garnishes.
- Belvedere 10 Martini with Junmai Sake, garnished tableside – $27
- Dom Perignon ‘Luminous’ (light-up bottles) – $69 per glass
Where: 1 Macquarie Street, East Circular Quay
When: 23 May to 14 June
Park Hyatt Sydney
Park Hyatt Sydney invites guests to embark on a sensory journey with its exclusive Vivid dining experience, where light, artistry, and exceptional flavours blend together, inspired by Vivid’s 2025 theme, Dreams.
Vivid-inspired Set Menu
Executive Chef Tyson Gee and Executive Pastry Chef Callum Liddicoat have crafted a Vivid-inspired set menu featuring seasonal entrées, mains, and dream-themed desserts. The menu is available at The Living Room or The Dining Room, both offering views of Sydney Harbour.
Complementing the menu is the Golden Ember, a specially crafted Vivid-inspired cocktail combining Ketel One Vodka, local honey, and homemade lemon myrtle soda. A non-alcoholic version is also available.
The Golden Ember Cocktail
Complementing the menu is the Golden Ember, a specially crafted Vivid-inspired cocktail created by Head Bartender Kevin Botte.
Combing Ketel One Vodka, local honey, and homemade lemon myrtle soda, the drink is finished with a delicate honeycomb garnish. A non-alcoholic version made with Seedlip Garden Spirit is also available.
Where: Park Hyatt Sydney, 7 Hickson Road, The Rocks
When: 23 May to 14 June, 2025
Price: $95 per person (set menu), $22 for the Golden Ember cocktail, $19 for the non-alcoholic version. For more details, visit parkhyattsydneydining.com/vivid
Vivid Chef Series
Eleven Barrack
On June 10th and 11th, witness the collaboration between Claude Bosi of London’s Josephine and Brent Savage.
The 6-course menu features Bosi’s signature camembert soufflé and Savage’s duck liver choux au craquelin. Available for lunch ($185) and dinner ($285), with optional wine pairings.
When: 10-11 June 2025
Where: 11 Barrack St, Sydney
Price: $185
Ester
For three nights only, London’s James Lowe joins Mat Lindsay for an 8-course menu celebrating Australian produce and fire-cooking techniques.
When: 27-29 May 2025
Where: 46-52 Meagher St, Chippendale
Price: $250 per person, with optional wine pairing ($150).
Vivid Fire Kitchen
Vivid Fire Kitchen returns to Ultimo’s The Goods Line, showcasing some of the world’s top pitmasters and BBQ experts with live fire cooking demonstrations across 23 flame-filled nights. Visitors can sample dishes from some of Sydney’s best dining spots, ranging from casual eateries, food trucks and BBQ stands, to top-rated restaurants.
This year’s program features an extraordinary lineup including:
- US-based Australian live-fire chef and TV host Jess Pryles
- Acclaimed American chef and TV personality Nyesha Arrington
- Oscar Solomon of The Apollo Group
- Lennox Hastie of Firedoor
- Annita Potter, the award-winning chef behind Viand
- Paul Farag, executive chef of Aalia restaurant
- Karima Hazim of Sunday Kitchen
- Morgan McGlone of Bar Copains and Bessie’s
- Michael Rantissi, owner of Kepos Group
The food lineup includes:
- BBQ restaurants Ogni and Brazilian Flame
- Plate it Forward, serving dishes from a range of their concepts
- Vegetarian Indian eatery Flyover Fritterie
- A dedicated seafood BBQ stand featuring Australia’s exceptional seafood
- Food trucks including Hoy Pinoy (Filipino skewers), Burn City Smokers (South American-style BBQ), and Pocket Rocketz (vegetarian Indian cuisine)
- Dessert vendors including Mapo Gelato, Mr Spanish Churro, and Miss Sina Korean Donuts
A dedicated wine bar will showcase NSW wines, with masterclasses led by expert Mike Bennie on specific nights. The NSW Wine Industry Association will present curated wine pairings with dishes prepared at the fire pit stage.
First Nations Nights will be a highlight, offering unique insight into the deep connection between First Nations culture and fire. Indigenous chefs will demonstrate traditional cooking techniques over fire pits, sharing their knowledge of native ingredients and the cultural significance of fire. The National Indigenous Culinary Institute and Mindy Woods will share their expertise, fostering a deeper understanding of the significance of fire in cooking, land management and ceremony.
Where: The Goods Line, Ultimo
When: Every night of Vivid Sydney from 6pm to 11pm. (23 May – 14 June)
Price: Free entry
More Vivid Foodie Fun
Carriageworks Night Market
The legendary Carriageworks Night Market returns for Vivid Sydney 2025 on Friday 30 May, with a focus on dreams—big, bold, and delicious! This year, the reins are being handed to the next generation of culinary stars, as young guns from Sydney’s top bars and restaurants step into the spotlight.
These emerging talents will represent their respective teams while serving up dishes and drinks that are entirely their own—their dream creations on a plate or in a glass for visitors to taste. The event will feature incredible food, creative cocktails, live music, and a People’s Choice Award where attendees get to crown a future food legend.
Where: Carriageworks, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh
When: Friday 30 May
Price: $18 + booking fee l For tickets and more information, visit carriageworks.com.au
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.
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