Sydney Spring Food Guide: From Rooftop Gardens to Long Lunches
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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Special Dining Experiences this Spring
Spring sees Sydney restaurants moving outdoors and updating menus with seasonal produce. Here are some standout dining experiences to try this season.
Taste of Japan at Barangaroo House
Barangaroo House transforms all three levels into a celebration of Japanese cuisine and culture this September. Each floor offers a distinct experience, from exclusive collaborations to rare whisky tastings.
Highlights Include:
- Papi Katsu opening night (September 5th) featuring $12 Bluefin Tuna Gyoza Tacos and Nikka cocktails
- “Share the Rare Hour” Fridays: Sample Nikka Decades whisky ($60/15ml or $120/30ml), one of only 100 bottles in Australia
- Rising Sun Workshop ramen pop-up (September 17-19) serving signature bowls ($20) with jazz
- House Bar’s Tokyo convenience store tribute offering sandos & bar snacks ($8-14)
When: September 5-28, 2025
Where: Barangaroo House, 35 Barangaroo Avenue
Bookings: via barangaroohouse.com.au
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
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
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
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.
Negroni Week 2025
This year’s official Negroni Week runs from September 22-28, with venues across Sydney participating in this celebration of Italy’s famous cocktail. A portion of sales from participating venues supports Slow Food, Campari’s 2025 charity partner.
Local Sauce YCK Negroni Tours
Local Sauce offers an intimate guided tour through YCK’s small bar scene. The three-hour experience includes:
- Three venue visits in the YCK precinct
- Three Negroni variations (half-size serves)
- Stories about the cocktail’s history
- Negroni-making masterclass
- Post-tour map of recommended bars
- Professional photos
When: September 20, 27 (3:30pm) & September 30 (6:30pm)
Where: YCK Laneways (York, Clarence & Kent Streets)
Cost: $50 per person
Note: Limited to 12 people per tour l Duration: 3 hours
The Dry Dock
The Dry Dock extends the celebrations from September 19-30, offering three distinctive versions of this classic cocktail:
- Negroni Sbagliato ($20): A lighter take featuring Campari, Bottega Cinzano 1757 Rosso and Continental Platter “Puncheon Darts” prosecco
- Rosemary infused Mezcal Negroni ($23): A smoky variation with rosemary infused Casamigos Blanco, Campari and Bottega Cinzano 1757 Rosso
- The Dry Dock Negroni ($23): Their house classic combining Campari, Bottega Cinzano 1757 Rosso and Tanqueray London Dry
When: September 19-30, 2025
Where: The Dry Dock, Balmain
Table Manners
Table Manners offers their signature Dry Negroni ($24), adding a citrus twist to the traditional recipe. Their version combines fair gin, Italian bitter, and dry vermouth, finished with grapefruit sherbet.
When: September 22-28, 2025
Where: Table Manners, Sydney
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 Night Only
Here are the best one-off dining events happening this spring.
Truffle Dinner at Sydney Common
Sydney Common at Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park presents an evening dedicated to winter’s prized ingredient. Head Chef Dylan Bennett (ex Shell House, Bennelong) has created a four-course menu showcasing fresh truffles throughout.
Menu Highlights:
- Truffle Tartlet
- Spanner Sourdough Crumpet & Creamy Truffle Spaghetti
- Striploin Citrus with Kombu Salt Fries
- Truffle Millefeuilles
The evening begins with NV Taittinger Brut on arrival.
When: Wednesday, September 3rd, 2025, 6:30pm
Where: Sydney Common, Level 1, 161 Elizabeth Street
Cost: $195 per person (includes welcome champagne) Bookings: Essential
Three Blue Ducks 15th Anniversary Celebration
Three Blue Ducks is celebrating 15 years with a special dinner at their Rosebery venue. Former Ducks chefs returning for the night include Luke Powell (LP’s Quality Meats), Jemma Whiteman (Ante) and Michael Lo Presti (Baba’s Place). The $95 ticket includes food, a welcome drink and entertainment.
Throughout September, all Ducks venues are offering $15 specials on oysters, lobster rolls and champagne. They’re also launching a new venue in Burradoo next year, featuring a restaurant and produce store on a working farm.
When: Wednesday 10 September, 6pm-11pm
Where: Three Blue Ducks Rosebery
Cost: $95 (+ booking fee)
Spring Garden Dinner at Chiswick with Matt Stone
Matt Stone (Ciao, Mate!, You Beauty) joins Chiswick’s Samuel Rozsnyoi for a one-night dinner featuring produce from the restaurant’s kitchen garden. The menu includes Stone’s signature ‘You Beauty’ croc toast and a new take on Chiswick’s famous lamb finished with a green ant lemon tart.
Each dish reflects both chefs’ commitment to seasonal, ethical ingredients and thoughtful cooking techniques, with many sourced directly from Chiswick’s garden.
When: Thursday 11 September 2025, 6:30pm
Where: Chiswick Woollahra, 65 Ocean St, Woollahra
Cost: $140 per person Bookings: Essential
McLaren Vale Meets Surry Hills at Arthur
Two celebrated Australian restaurants unite for an exclusive spring dining event as Maxwell Wines’ executive chef Fabian Lehmann joins forces with Arthur’s head chef Juwon Gwak. This collaboration brings South Australia’s acclaimed McLaren Vale dining experience to the intimate setting of Surry Hills’ Arthur restaurant.
The six-course menu showcases both chefs’ commitment to seasonal Australian produce, featuring signature dishes like Maxwell’s smoked rainbow trout with chive and black garlic and pastrami-style short rib with burnt leek and cured egg yolk. Each course is paired with wines from Maxwell’s celebrated McLaren Vale vineyards.
When: Thursday, 18th September 2025 from 6pm
Where: Arthur, 544 Bourke Street, Surry Hills
Cost: $190 per person including wine pairings
Bookings: Essential – Limited spaces available
Jim Beam Black’s Black Tie BBQ at Prefecture 48
Luke Powell (LP’s Quality Meats) and Julio Aguilera (Ibushi) are teaming up for a bourbon-paired BBQ dinner at Prefecture 48. The $117 ticket includes food cooked over live fire plus Jim Beam Black cocktails and neat pours. It’s part of the venue’s three-month Suntory Bar pop-up series.
This exclusive event is part of the Suntory Bar residency at Prefecture 48, a three-month pop-up showcasing premium spirits through collaboration with guest chefs and bartenders.
When: Thursday, 11 September 2025, 6:30pm – 9:00pm
Where: Prefecture 48 – Suntory Bar, 230 Sussex St, Sydney
Cost: $117 per person (valued at $280) Bookings: Via p48.com.au
Torbreck Single Vineyard Series Wine Lunch at The Dry Dock
Torbreck winemaker Scott McDonald is hosting a six-course lunch at The Dry Dock, paired with eight wines including some special museum releases.
The $250 ticket includes both current releases and aged wines, matched with Ben Sitton’s seasonal menu featuring Rangers Valley Wagyu and artisanal cheeses.
When: Tuesday 9th September 2025, 12:30pm – 4:30pm
Where: The Dry Dock Dining Room, Balmain
Cost: $250 per person including six courses and eight wines
Bookings: Essential – Limited spaces available
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
Australian Native Food Festival at Carriageworks
The inaugural Australian Native Food Festival transforms Carriageworks into a celebration of First Nations food culture and native ingredients. Led by Ngemba Weilwan woman Sharon Winsor, this free event brings together Indigenous and non-indigenous chefs for cooking demonstrations, tastings and cultural exchange.
Featured Chefs & Experiences:
- Kylie Kwong and Aunty Beryl Van-Oploo OAM (Yaama Barrgay) showcasing lemon myrtle chicken
- Ben Shewry (Attica) exploring native ingredients
- Karima Hazim (Sunday Kitchen) and Raylene Brown (Kungkas Can Cook) demonstrating Arabic-Indigenous fusion
- Elena Duggan sharing practical ways to use native ingredients at home
The festival includes stalls from First Nations-owned businesses including Baagi Milaygiin, Black Duck Foods, Yaala Sparkling and Native Botanical Brewery.
When: September 27-28, 2025
Where: Carriageworks, 245 Wilson Street, Eveleigh
Cost: Free entry, ticketed chef demonstrations. For demonstration tickets visit carriageworks.com.au
TASTE Camden
Camden Town Farm hosts this relaxed Sunday food festival that’s worth the drive southwest. The event brings together local food producers and winemakers from the region, giving you a chance to try and buy directly from the makers.
While celebrity chef demonstrations are part of the program, the real attraction is the chance to discover small-batch producers and family-run businesses you won’t find elsewhere in Sydney.
When: Sunday, September 21st, 2025
Where: Camden Town Farm, 40 Exeter Street, Camden
Details: Check the website
Feast Campbelltown
This free community food festival in Minto celebrates Campbelltown’s diverse culture. Local cooks share their traditional recipes through demonstrations, with Sangee’s Kitchen, Africanfoodfeasts and Bangla Hub among this year’s presenters.
The food stalls offer a good mix of traditional dishes that you won’t find in regular restaurants, making it worth the trip to try something new.
When: Saturday, September 20th, 2025
Where: Redfern Park, Woodroffe Street, Minto
Cost: Free – more details
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
Meet the Bees: A Honey Experience at Centennial Park
Get suited up in beekeeping gear and visit active hives with Rooftop Bees at Centennial Park. You’ll learn about urban honey production, taste it straight from the hive and sample varieties from around Sydney. Remember to wear closed shoes and avoid the perfume.
When: Saturday, September 13th, 2025
Where: Centennial Homestead, 1 Grand Drive, Centennial Park
Note: Wear closed shoes and long pants. Avoid strong fragrances.
Bookings: Essential via website
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 $75 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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