Spring in Sydney means outdoor dining, food festivals and an excuse to explore the city’s evolving food scene. We’ve rounded up the best food experiences across the city this season, from casual street food festivals to unique dining events.
This guide focuses on events and experiences that showcase local producers and authentic food experiences, helping you discover something new while supporting local businesses.
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What’s new this Spring
Spring sees Sydney restaurants moving outdoors and updating menus with seasonal produce. Here are some standout dining experiences to try this season.
TikTok’s Viral Paratha Burgers Arrive at Cafe Levant
Cafe Levant in Greenacre brings Sydney its first taste of the Paratha Burger – a viral food sensation that’s taken social media by storm. These innovative creations replace traditional burger buns with crispy, layered paratha pastry, offering a unique twist on the classic burger.
Menu Options:
- The Smash Burger ($25): Double smash beef patty, cheddar cheese, caramelised onions
- The Sloppy Joe ($22): Spiced sujuk, fresh tomatoes, house pickles, cheese, dynamite sauce
- Shawarma Chicken ($22): Shawarma-spiced chicken, garlic toum sauce, fresh vegetables
- Levant Vegetarian ($16): Labneh with za’atar, fresh vegetables, mint
When: Monday – Tuesday: 5:30am – 3pm, Wednesday – Sunday: 5:30am – 4pm
Where: 331 Waterloo Road, Greenacre
Bookings: Walk-ins welcome
Mode Kitchen & Bar Relaunches at Four Seasons
Mode Kitchen & Bar has reopened with a new concept focusing on Australian produce and theatrical dining elements. Executive Chef Gaurav Bide’s menu spans from raw dishes to fire-kissed mains, with standouts including wood-roasted Abrolhos Islands scallops and Sydney Rock Lobster spaghetti.
The restaurant offers three distinct experiences:
- Express Lunch ($55): Two-course set menu available weekdays
- Chef’s Degustation ($140): Five courses showcasing seasonal specialties
- Aperitivo Hour ($45): Two snacks paired with wine, 3:30pm-5:30pm daily
Pastry Chef Nicolas Blanc brings back the Four Seasons’ signature pavlova with a modern update – now featuring yoghurt chantilly and raspberry sorbet.
When: Daily, Lunch 12pm-4pm, Dinner 5:30pm-10pm
Where: Four Seasons Hotel Sydney
Price Range: Express lunch $55, Degustation $140 Bookings: Recommended
PIER dining Walsh Bay Relaunch
PIER dining has relaunched with a contemporary Australian menu that balances playful innovation with harbourside sophistication. The venue’s waterfront location provides sweeping Sydney Harbour views, making it an ideal spot for spring dining.
Menu Highlight:
The ‘BUG MAC-ISH’ – PIER’s luxe take on the classic Big Mac features Moreton Bay bug, signature sauce, lettuce and pickles
- Solo: $39
- ‘Happy Meal’ upgrade: $65 (includes French fries and Perrier-Jouët)
When: Open for dinner Tuesday – Saturday: 5pm – last seating 9pm
Where: Walsh Bay (waterfront location)
Bookings: Essential
Spring in the Streets at Barangaroo
Beyond the Japanese takeover at Barangaroo House, the wider precinct offers special lunch deals every Thursday this spring. Local favorites are offering wallet-friendly specials including:
- Bottega Coco: $18 Panuozzo lunch deal with soft drink
- Annamese: Weekday lunch specials from $18-30 featuring crispy crab and prawn spring rolls
- Love.fish: $28 lunch special with pasta or wagyu burger (optional wine/beer pairing available)
- Zushi: 10% off Signature Rolls and Bento Boxes
- The Canteen: First 50 customers get free Rivareno Gelato scoop with $20+ purchase
When: Thursdays, September 4 – October 30, 2025, 11:30am-3pm
Where: Throughout Barangaroo precinct
Bistro George new Spring Menu
Bistro George at Jacksons on George has launched its spring menu, blending European bistro influences with Australian ingredients. Head chef Steven Sinclair’s menu includes grilled Fremantle octopus with caponata and stracciatella ($28), malfadine pasta with pork and fennel sausage ragu ($26/$35), Northern Rivers veal cutlet ($54), and an 800g Westholme bistecca alla Fiorentina ($169).
The venue’s wine program offers 16 options by the glass from a 120-bottle list featuring both established names and emerging Australian producers like Josh Cooper Wines and Angus Vinden. The cocktail list leans into Australian spirits while maintaining European influences.
When: Monday to Friday 12pm – 3pm & 5pm – late, Saturday from 5pm
Where: Jacksons on George, 176 George Street, Sydney
Bookings: recommended – via their website
Slice Nights at Chiswick
Chiswick transforms Wednesday nights this October with a new local-focused pizza tradition. The restaurant’s wood-fired oven serves as the centerpiece for this casual dining series, offering artisanal pizzas alongside classic Italian cocktails.
Pizza Menu ($22-28):
- Anchovy with mozzarella, chilli and sugo
- Garlic prawn topped with parsley and stracciatella
- Porchetta with confit garlic and cavolo nero (white base)
- Kipfler potato with green olive and rosemary salt (white base)
- Bresaola featuring ricotta salata and heirloom tomatoes
Cocktail Selection:
- Negroni Sbagliato ($24): Campari, Carpano Antica Formula vermouth, prosecco
- Aperol Spritz ($21): Classic combination of Aperol, prosecco, and soda
- Paper Plane ($25): Wild Turkey bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Montenegro, lemon
When: Every Wednesday in October 2025, from 5:30pm
Where: Chiswick Woollahra, 65 Ocean St, Woollahra
Bookings: Essential – particularly for bar seating
Spring Blooms at Atelier by Sofitel
The award-winning culinary team at Atelier launches their new seasonal menu featuring premium Australian produce with French culinary techniques. The menu showcases regional producers including Gundagai lamb and Moorabool Valley duck.
Menu Highlights:
- Pacific Oysters with Chardonnay Mignonette Dressing
- Citrus-Cured Petuna Ocean Trout with horseradish
- Dry-Aged Moorabool Valley Duck Breast with manuka honey glaze
- Lemon Myrtle & Rivermint Mousse
A carefully curated wine list features both French and Australian wines, with sommelier pairings available.
When: Available now through spring
Where: Atelier by Sofitel, 12 Darling Drive, Sydney
Cost: À la carte menu
Bookings: Essential – direct on their website or call (02) 8388 8888
Bengali Feasts at Plate it Forward’s Kolkata Social
Kolkata Social introduces Thali Tuesdays, offering a traditional Bengali dining experience in the form of a three-course feast. The $45 set menu delivers nine dishes that showcase the diverse flavors of Bengal, from spicy to sweet.
Menu Includes:
- Welcome papad and chutney
- Chilli chicken starter
- Main thali featuring birista pulao, dal, barramundi kalia
- Begun er tok and aloo kabli
- Kolkata-style crème caramel
Optional Upgrades:
- Goat kasha (+$10)
Drink Specials: $5 Kolkata Social x Mountain Culture beers and $9 house wines
When: Every Tuesday evening
Cost: $45 per person
Japanese-Vietnamese Fusion Goes Bottomless at Kaiza
Kaiza in Newtown has added a weekend bottomless lunch option to their regular menu. The six-course shared menu combines Japanese and Vietnamese flavors, with free-flowing drinks included in the $89 price.
Menu Highlights:
- Signature mixed sashimi toast with house-made chilli jam and native finger lime
- Wok-tossed XO fried rice with charred corn and lap cheong
- Teriyaki-glazed meats with Vietnamese herbs and lemongrass
Bottomless Package Includes:
- Six-course shared menu
- Free-flowing sake, spritzes, wines or lagers
- 2-hour dining experience
Other Dining Options:
- Kaiza Express ($55pp): Six-course quick set menu
- Kaiza Voyage ($88pp): Eight-course signature experience
When: Saturday: 12pm – 2pm Sunday: 12pm – 12:30pm
Where: 95 Enmore Rd, Newtown
Cost: $89 per person l Bookings: Call 0401 466 515
Efendy Returns to Maydanoz
The original Efendy team reunites at Maydanoz for a one-night celebration of Turkish cuisine. Their $78 “greatest hits” set menu features award-winning dishes including the Ali Nazik (Taste of Sydney winner) – tender lamb over smoky eggplant with yoghurt, and Pachanga Börek filled with pastirma and melted cheese.
Menu Highlights:
- Stone-baked bread with buffalo ‘kaymak’ and lavender honey
- Hot meze including Pachanga borek
- Charcoal chicken thighs with toum
- ‘Turkish Mess’ dessert with meringue and mastic cream
- Optional add-ons for adventurous diners include lamb testicles and the famous prawn kadayif
When: Wednesday, October 1st, 2025
Where: Maydanoz, Sydney CBD l Cost: $78 per person (set menu)
Bookings: Essential via Maydanoz website
Global Flavours Spring into Jackalberry
Jackalberry’s new $39 lunch deal includes a glass of wine and access to their ‘build your own’ salad bar. The menu features dishes like Teriyaki Salmon and Bucatini Carbonara, with $12 cocktails available during happy hour (3-6pm daily).
Spring Lunch Menu ($39):
- Includes a glass of wine
- ‘Build your own’ salad bar
- Signature dishes like Teriyaki Salmon and Bucatini Carbonara
- Finish with house-made Matcha Cheesecake.
Happy Hour: Daily 3pm-6pm $12 mini cocktails with live music every Thursday evening
When: Daily 11am – 3pm
Where: Jackalberry Bar & Restaurant, 161 Sussex St, Sydney
Cost: Lunch Menu $39 (includes wine), Cocktails from $14
Canvas at MCA Gets a New Chef
The Museum of Contemporary Art’s Level 4 restaurant welcomes Scottish chef James Scott (ex-LuMi, Sepia) as their new chef-in-residence. The menu combines Scott’s fine dining background with native Australian ingredients and touches of his Scottish heritage.
Standout dishes include a playful “Lambington” – lamb Wellington with haggis, and crab cappelletti with finger lime and lemon myrtle. The dining room’s minimalist design and harbour views provide a fitting backdrop for both lunch and the upcoming Ricky Swallow sculpture installation.
When: Wednesday to Sunday, 11:30am – 4:30pm
Where: Level 4, Museum of Contemporary Art
Cost: Two courses $95, three courses $120 l Bookings: Via mca.com.au
OTTO’s 25th Anniversary Celebrations
OTTO Ristorante is marking its 25-year milestone with two tempting offers that make fine dining more accessible:
25% Off Dining Deal
Enjoy 25% off your entire à la carte bill just for wishing OTTO a happy birthday. Valid for all à la carte dining from September 10 to October 31, 2025.
Boozy Dolci Special
From September 24 to February 28, try OTTO’s cocktail-inspired cannoli crafted tableside. Each $14 cannoli brings together the flavour of Italian cocktails and traditional pastry with four distinctive flavors:
- Nocello with hazelnut pastry cream
- Aperol with candied orange
- Espresso Martini with coffee and Kahlua cream
- Limoncello with ricotta and lemon jelly
Where: 6 Cowper Wharf Roadway, Woolloomooloo
When: Wednesday – Saturday 12pm-9pm, Sunday 12pm-3:30pm
Bookings: Essential via their website
Doodee King at VicX
Doodee King is offering 20% off dinner for dine-in customers through October 30. The Thai street food menu includes chilli basil crispy pork and pandan custard pang toast.
When: Daily after 5pm until October 30, 2025
Where: VicX Discount: 20% off dinner for dine-in
Spring High Tea Experiences
New high tea options this spring offer different takes on the traditional afternoon tea experience.
QTea by Adriano Zumbo at QT Sydney
Zumbo’s take on high tea at Gowings combines his signature creative desserts with a solid savory selection. The $79 price point makes it one of the more affordable high teas in the city and the 90-minute format works well for the portion size.
Standouts include the Mojito Tart and mac & cheese croquettes, while the classic scones hold their own against fancier options. Book for September 9th or 10th if you want to meet Zumbo himself.
Meet the Master: Join Adriano Zumbo himself for exclusive sittings on September 9th and 10th, where he’ll share insights into his creative process and techniques.
When: Weekends from September 2nd, 11am – 3:30pm (90-minute sessions)
Where: Gowings, Level 1 QT Sydney
Cost: $79 per person including free-flowing tea Bookings: Essential
Parisian Spring High Tea at Sofitel Darling Harbour
Sofitel’s spring high tea buffet adds French flair to the usual three-tier stand setup. The spread includes both sweet and savory options, with harbour views enhancing the experience.
At $130 per person it’s on the pricier end, but the unlimited buffet format means you can try everything on offer.
When: Sunday, 14 September 2025, 1pm – 3pm
Where: Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour
Cost: Adults: $130, Ages 12-18: $90, Ages 3-11: $45, Under 3: Free
Bookings: Essential
Sydney’s Best Spring Drinks
Spring cocktail menus are popping up across Sydney. Here are the most interesting drink experiences this season.
Grey Goose Tiny Tini Festival at Maybe Sammy
Maybe Sammy is serving flights of three mini martinis ($45) throughout September. Each flight includes their house version plus two guest martinis from SK Steak & Oyster (Brisbane) and Apollo Inn (Melbourne).
Tiny Tini Flight ($45) includes:
- The Maybe Sammy Martini: Grey Goose Vodka, Noilly Prat, Distillery Botanica Lemon Myrtle, Bitters
- The SK Martini: Grey Goose Vodka, Vermouth Blend, Kiwami & Caviar, Olive Brine
- The Apollo Inn Martini: Grey Goose Vodka, Vermouth Blend, Mildura Mandarin
Full-size versions of Maybe Sammy’s signature martini are also available ($26).
When: 3rd September – 5th October 2025
Where: Maybe Sammy, 115 Harrington Street, The Rocks
Bookings: Via their website
YCK Laneways Negroni Month
Seventeen bars around the York Street laneways are offering special negroni menus this September. Each venue has created their own twist on the classic, plus non-alcoholic versions for those skipping spirits.
Look out for the entertainment program that runs Thursday through Saturday nights. Participating venues include Burrow Bar, Esteban, Kuro Bar and Dining, The Barber Shop and PS40.
When: September 1-30, 2025, 3pm – late daily
Where: YCK Laneways precinct, York Street, Sydney
Cost: Free entry, cocktail prices vary by venue
One Day / Night Only
Here are the best one-off dining events happening this spring.
Crown Sydney’s All-Star Degustation at Epicurean
For the first time, Crown Sydney brings together its acclaimed restaurants for a unique degustation experience. The three-night event transforms Epicurean into a premium buffet-style dining space where guests can sample signature dishes from Nobu, a’Mare, Woodcut, Icebergs Harbour Bar, and Golden Century.
Each evening features live cooking stations helmed by celebrated chefs including Ross Lusted (Woodcut), Alessandro Pavoni (a’Mare), Harold Hurtada (Nobu), Billy Wong (Golden Century), and Alex Pritchard (Icebergs). Signature dishes include Nobu’s miso cod and a’Mare’s trottole pesto.
When: October 23-25, 2025, Two seatings: 5:30pm-8pm and 8:30pm-11pm
Where: Epicurean, Level 5 Crown Sydney
Cost: $295 per person (beverages additional) l Bookings: Essential
Barra Love Shack with MasterChef’s Declan Cleary & Sarah Todd
MasterChef couple Declan Cleary and Sarah Todd are hosting a one-day pop-up celebrating National Barramundi Day at North Bondi.
The beachside event offers free tastings and cooking demonstrations, with the chefs sharing their favorite barramundi recipes and preparation tips.
Sample three exclusive dishes created for the occasion:
- Barra Tacos
- Barramundi en Papillote
- Barra Pani Puri
The event is part of nationwide celebrations where over 150 venues will offer barramundi specials.
When: Friday, October 17th, 2025, from 1pm
Where: North Bondi Surf Club, Campbell Parade
Cost: Free entry Note: First-come, first-served basis
Special Occasion Dining
Looking for somewhere special? These dining experiences offer something more than the usual restaurant setting.
Luke’s Table at the Pylon Lookout
Luke Mangan has created a unique dinner series in the Harbour Bridge’s South-East Pylon. The evening starts with a tour of the Pylon Museum before climbing 200 steps to dinner. The $345 ticket includes a three-course meal with matched wines, served at a shared table with harbour views. Limited to 20 guests per night.
After climbing 200 steps, diners are rewarded with champagne and canapés served alongside 360-degree views of Sydney Harbour in its spring glory.
When: Wednesday, 24th September – 6pm (New date just released)
Where: South East Pylon, Sydney Harbour Bridge
Cost: $345 per person
Duration: 6pm-9pm l Bookings: Essential
Food Festivals in Spring
From farm festivals in Sydney’s southwest to urban food celebrations, spring brings a diverse calendar of events that showcase our local producers and multicultural food scene.
Oktoberfest in the Gardens
Sydney’s Domain transforms into a slice of Bavaria this October as Australia’s largest Oktoberfest celebration returns. Recently named one of the world’s top five Oktoberfest events by Condé Nast Traveller, this festival brings authentic German culture to over 20,000 revellers.
The event features massive beer halls pouring imported German beers and ciders, alongside traditional food stalls serving Bavarian specialties. Entertainment includes multiple performance stages, roving acts, carnival rides, and a silent disco.
Visitors are encouraged to dress in traditional Bavarian attire for this celebration of German food, drink and culture. Previous years have sold out, so early booking is recommended.
When: 25 October 2025
Where: The Domain
Cost: $80 approx l More: oktoberfestinthegardens.com.au
The NoLo Show Sydney
This tasting event focuses on the growing range of no and low alcohol alternatives to traditional drinks. It’s an opportunity to try before you buy, with producers offering samples of everything from alcohol-free craft beers to ready-made cocktails.
Early bird tickets include all tastings plus a take-home pack of samples.
When: Saturday, October 4th, 2025
Where: Paddington Town Hall, 249 Oxford St, Paddington
Cost: Early bird tickets $35 get yours here
Food and Wine Artisan Festival at William Inglis
This free event at the William Inglis Hotel brings together local wine makers and food producers from South West Sydney. The market-style setup lets you sample and buy directly from them, while cooking demonstrations run throughout the day.
It’s smaller than some food festivals but offers a good view of what’s happening in the local food scene.
When: Sunday, October 12th, 2025, 10am – 2pm
Where: The William Inglis Hotel, 155 Governor Macquarie Drive, Warwick Farm
Cost: Free entry
Savour the Flavour Hawkesbury
Richmond Oval hosts this twice-yearly festival focusing on Hawkesbury producers and farmers. It’s a mix of traditional country fair and food festival, complete with pie-eating competitions and cooking demonstrations.
The art workshops and children’s activities make it a good family day out, while the food stalls give you a chance to try local specialties.
When: Saturday, October 18th, 2025
Where: Richmond Oval, 180 Windsor Street, Richmond
Cost: Check website for ticket prices
Wahroonga Food and Wine Festival
The north shore’s biggest wine event returns to Wahroonga Park with thirty NSW and interstate wineries offering tastings.
You can sample over 130 wines and buy directly from the winemakers, alongside food from local producers and international cuisine stalls.
When: Sunday, October 26th, 2025
Where: Wahroonga Park
Cost: Check website for ticket prices
Crows Nest Fest
One of the lower north shore’s biggest street festivals expands this year to include the new Metro precinct. The food focus is around Willoughby Road, where you’ll find food trucks, local restaurants, and licensed areas featuring NSW wines and craft beer.
Beyond the food stalls, there’s live music, art demonstrations and a dedicated kids’ zone with circus activities. The festival stretches from Pacific Highway to Albany Street, taking over most of the Crows Nest village.
When: Sunday, October 19th, 2025, 10am-5pm
Where: Willoughby Road and surrounds, Crows Nest
Cost: Free entry l Transport: Take the Metro to Crows Nest station
Cooking Classes and Experiences
Want to learn something new? These hands-on food experiences provide more than just a meal.
Master the Art of Roti at Kafe Kooks
Roti Master Suresh teaches the basics of roti making in this hands-on class. While some participants learn to stretch and flip the dough, others enjoy a five-course dinner.
When: Thursday evenings (September 4th and 11th), 6pm – 9pm Where: Kafe Kooks, 63 Mountain St, Ultimo Cost: $75 per person includes a welcome drink and all food. Note: Limited seating, shared tables may apply Bookings: Essential – waitlist available for future dates
Plan Your Spring
From community festivals in Crows Nest and Campbelltown to wine events in Wahroonga and Camden, this season’s food events stretch well beyond the city centre. Whether you’re after a free street festival, a cooking class or a special occasion dinner at the Harbour Bridge, there’s something for every budget. As always, check venue websites or social media for the latest details and booking information.
For more Sydney dining inspiration, check out our monthly dining deals, happy hour guide, and September, October and November event pages.
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