Where to eat and drink at Vivid Sydney 2024

Always wanted to go to Aria but haven’t had the coin? Well, Vivid is the time to as the waterfront fine diner is hosting its very own snack bar. For $150 per person, you can saunter on in to Aria and enjoy a gamut of delicious snacks (hello, Wagyu cheeseburger), a cocktail and a glass of wine. Oh! And the killer views of Vivid. Book here.

Newtown’s The Midnight Special will once again be popping up in the Opera House for Vivid, transforming the Concert Hall’s Northern Foyer into Bar Subterranean. Swing on by for cocktails by Archie Rose and an immersive space inspired by Bob Dylan’s ‘Subterranean Homesick Blues’. Entry is free. Find out more here.

A lot of fuss gets made over The Glenmore’s unbelievable harbour views, taking in the majesty of the Harbour Bridge and hooking around past the Opera House sails to the glittering CBD. To capitalise on these incredible views this Vivid, the rooftop pub will be running cocktail specials made with Talisker whisky. There's a Salted Caramel Apple Old Fashioned with your name on it. Read more here.

In terms of views and vibes this Vivid, it probably doesn't get much better than Opera Bar. And with live music, front-row seats to the lights and free entry, we reckon the harbour bar is going to go off. Plus, the team will be shaking three limited-edition colourful Vivid cocktails, including one called Emerald Mirage (Three Cuts vodka, pomme verte liqueur, melon liqueur, pineapple, citrus soda) which sounds like a fun time indeed. Read more here.

Found right in Circular Quay and featuring views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and harbour, Bar Patrón is prime real estate this Vivid. It's not all about the views, however – the Mexican restaurant is putting on a show, too, offering a three-course set menu for $49 per person, available between 5-6pm. Think guacamole, tacos and tostadas. Muy bien. Book here.

This Vivid, the 12 venues dotted throughout Surry Hills’ Hollywood Quarter precinct will be bathed in a neon purple glow, offering killer food and drink deals, live music gigs, workshops and special cinema screenings. Highlights include $12 Margs at Tio’s, fried chicken ramen and beer for $30 at Butter, and $2 oysters at The Rover. Keen? Head to the Hollywood Quarter this Vivid and paint the town purple. Read more here.

Modern Asian restaurant Luna Lu is situated along the sandstone Campbells Cove in The Rocks. In terms of quintessential Sydney views, this is as good as it gets. This Vivid, Luna Lu is serving colourful dynasty dumplings. Views and plump dumps? We love it. Book here.

Sydney is brimming with restaurants and hotels with divine views. But there’s nothing quite like the vista you have from the Dining Room by James Viles, at the low-rise Park Hyatt hotel. The flash diner is putting on a two- or three-course meal for Vivid. Try the ‘Crimson Spin’ dessert, which was inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s helicopter drawings and features berries, pineapple sorbet and delicate crimson sheet drapes. Book here.

This Vivid, Hickson House is transforming into Hickson Vivid House, complete with neon lights and glow-in-the-dark cocktails. Conveniently located right in the Rocks, pop in to Hickson House for a drink or three before you explore the city at night. You’ll be able to get your hands on these bespoke cocktails on Friday and Saturday evenings in Hickson House’s mezzanine High and Dry Bar, from 6-11pm. Book here. 

Take in Vivid from the sky at Aster, The InterContinental Sydney's rooftop bar found on level 32. Guests can sip on Vivid-themed cocktails alongside a seasonal two-course menu, and take it all in. Two seatings are available: 6 and 8pm, and it costs $169 per person. You will need to book for this one, which you can do here.

Indigenous restaurant Midden by Mark Olive, located in the Sydney Opera House, is putting on specials during Vivid. Pop in for zingy lemon myrtle teriyaki chicken skewers with lemon myrtle ponzu paired with a fruity Rosella Gimlet (rosella-infused Archie Rose signature dry gin, Lillet Blanc, lemon juice, agave and lemon myrtle syrup) and stay for the views. Book here.

Kingsleys Woolloomooloo, a steak and seafood restaurant located right on the wharf at Woolloomooloo, has created some fun and fruity drinks just for Vivid. There's the Passionfruit Cove with Grey Goose vodka, St Germain elderflower liqueur, agave syrup, pineapple juice, lime juice and passionfruit pulp; and the Yuzu-Yindi with Grey Goose vodka, Granny Smith apple liqueur, fresh lemon juice, apple juice and yuzu puree. Head there early for top cocktails, oysters and some of the world’s best steak, before going to Vivid. Book here.