The best bars and restaurants to see the Vivid lights from

At Bar 83, you can enjoy a cocktail or three perched above and looking over the illuminated city during Vivid. Think: 83 floors above the CBD ground and a 260-degree panorama almost guarantee you the coolest bird's eye view of all the Vivid lights. 

Throughout Vivid this new-look Cuban-inspired cocktail lounge at the Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour will be a hot spot. The glassed in box jutting out over the concourse has excellent views of the harbour from every seat and they will also be shaking up four special Vivid cocktails. 

Peruse the projections onto the MCA and the surrounds before stopping off at this rooftop bar with views of Circular Quay. The three-storey venue will be dishing up special cocktails for the occasion on level one and two, and a Vivid platter on the rooftop. This is a prime possie to revel in the Opera House's lights and all the crowds that have gathered to view it. 

From Aster Bar you can see the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House, glittering city skyline and Royal Botanic Gardens all rolling below. This has got to be some of – if not the best – views in Sydney. For Vivid they're offering up a special sitting with cocktails and a two-course meal. 

Located right beneath the Opera House's famous sails, Opera Bar offers panoramic views of the harbour and beyond, meaning it's prime Vivid viewing (and people watching) territory. There'll be plenty of live music and three special cocktails available to order.  

Located within the Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour Hotel, Q Dining boasts floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking the harbour. They'll be serving up a Vivid-inspired menu, and have a Vivid apertivo hour at 4pm, so you can kick back and watch the sunset and lights turn on.

This Japanese burger joint with a waterfront possie in Barangaroo is dishing out a delish burgers with signature house-made Wagyu mince sauce, fries with umami salt, spicy special sauce, tomato, onion, beef patty and cheese. They also have an ever-changing soft serve station and house-made sodas on tap, alongside Japanese whiskys and beers.