Where to eat and drink at Vivid Sydney 2023

Fuel up before hitting Vivid at chic spot Saké at the Rocks. The Japanese restaurant will be opening early from 5.30pm during Vivid, and will be offering a special bar snack menu including $13 chicken karaage – perfect for a quick bite. Book here.

What do you get when you combine the Sydney Opera House with Surry Hills fried chicken joint Butter and award-winning distillery Archie Rose? You get a kick-ass pop-up happening during Vivid – and you’re invited. Neon Ramen by Butter x Archie Rose will be taking place in the Sydney Opera House’s Yallamundi Rooms from Saturday, May 27 to Saturday, June 17. You'll find the Yallamundi Rooms at the back right hand side of the Opera House.

The killer pop-up will be serving Butter’s famed fried chicken on top of soul-warming bowls of ramen, with a special Vivid Sydney-themed glaze. There’ll be shroom burgers for the vegos and hot cinnamon donuts for dessert. Plus, cocktails by Archie Rose, Mumm Champagne and a nightly line-up of DJs on the decks. And did we mention you’ll be in the Sydney Opera House? Bookings are recommended, though walk-ins are welcome. One not to miss this Vivid. Book 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, slinging a four-course set menu for $49 per person, available between 4-6pm. Think guacamole, tacos, tostadas and dessert. Muy bien. Book 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. It’s an easy sell, especially because it proves you don’t need to fork out for a top-tier restaurant for the kind of Sydney vista that belongs on a postcard. To capitalise on these incredible views, the Glenmore will be running cocktail specials for the chilly Vivid nights, including Hot Toddys and mulled wine for $14, and Brandy Alexanders for $22. Knock back a couple before strolling around our glittering city. Book here.

Looking for a spot to dine this Vivid to get great food plus a show? Enter Kingsleys Woolloomooloo, a steak and seafood restaurant located right on the wharf at Woolloomooloo by the sparkling harbour. Kingsleys has created some special cocktails just for Vivid, including 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 finest steak, before going to Vivid. Book here.

Expect sights, sounds, sips and snacks at Opera Bar this Vivid season. To tie into this year’s theme ‘Vivid Sydney, Naturally’, Opera Bar has created a menu inspired by the beauty of the sea and land alongside special Vivid cocktails. Plus, there’ll be live music from Barley Passable, Djanaba and more. Taste and Sound of Sydney will be on for the duration of the festival. Come for some of the best seats in Sydney. Book here.

This Vivid, Hickson House is transforming into Hickson Vivid House, complete with neon lights and glow-in-the-dark flaming 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. 

Love rainbows? And dumplings? Us too. In celebration of Sydney’s annual festival of lights, Din Tai Fung has launched rainbow dumplings filled with an aromatic pork and truffle filling. Inspired by the vibrant lights of Vivid Sydney, these plump dumplings are the perfect way to celebrate the city’s spectacular light show and have a yum dinner at the same time. Book here.

Located a short walk from the Vivid Light Walk, West Hotel's bar and lush garden atrium, Solander Dining and Bar, will be illuminated with kaleidoscopic florals, neon signs and lighting installations during Vivid. They'll also be offering up a bespoke Vivid menu, and Instagrammable Vivid-themed cocktails, including the Enchanted Forest (Pernod absinthe and apple liqueur) and the Chromatic Cosmos (Absolute vodka, Cointreau, lime, cranberry juice and Curacao). For those who want somewhere to stay for the night, West Hotel is providing an epic $458 per night Vivid package, including 24-hour parking in the city, breakfast at Solander for two, a $50 voucher for Solander, Vivid cocktails for two, and late check-out. Book here.

The lights are low and the vibes are high at Sax Café and Lounge Bar. With a refined cocktail menu, complimentary charcuterie boards and a live saxophonist from 4pm, this venue sets the perfect tone to start or end your Vivid Sydney adventure. Across the festival, Sax is offering a special $18 Vivid-inspired cocktail menu, and every bottle of Champagne or wine purchased per table receives a free charcuterie board inclusive of double cream brie and cured meats. Book here.

We love burgers and we love a deal. Throughout Vivid, Ume Burger will be peddling some great ones, including $7 potato gems; $7 potato croquettes; $7 Japanese fried chicken; and a $7 yuzu drink with honey and ginger. Ideal snacks before getting stuck into one of their mighty burgers, pre- or post-Vivid. Book here.

If you're after something a little special to drink before heading out to see the bright lights of Vivid, why not grab a dazzling cocktail at the Endeavour Tap Room? Located in the Rocks, the brewery, bar and restaurant has created a Vivid Citrus Lagerita for Vivid – combining an ice cold beer and Tommy’s Margarita and using raspberry-infused agave. It’s $12 for a cocktail, $18 for a jug and available through the me&u app. Book here.

Bringing delicious Korean street toast to Sydney, ToastieSmith has redefined the humble toasted sandwich by using Asian flavours to create unique and delicious loaded sandwiches. For Vivid Sydney, ToastieSmith has launched a multicoloured  ‘Rainbow Toastie’, which you can get from their newest location at the bottom of the new SalesForce Tower in Circular Quay. Book here.

Live the high life for an evening and knock back a drink or three this Vivid at the Crown’s rooftop bar in Barangaroo, Cirq. Boasting unparalleled views of the harbour, Cirq has created fresh new cocktails for the festival, including the Lillypilly Blossom with Grey Goose vodka, watermelon and basil. Cheers, Vivid. Book here.

This New Orleans inspired bar and eatery sits within Barangaroo's Tower One and boasts water views, so you can lap up the lights while you dine this Vivid. During Vivid, Nola Bar will be hosting a happy hour from Wednesday to Saturday, 4-6pm. Think $5 beers, $7 spirits, $8 wines, $10 fried chicken and more. Book here.

There’s a lot to love at Barangaroo’s Love Fish. Firstly, the casual seafood restaurant is located harbourside, right by the water. So it gets a tick for being a prime spot for Vivid viewing. Plus, during the light festival Love Fish is offering either a hot or cold seafood platter for two, paired with either a bottle of riesling or rosé from Atlas, Clare Valley. And lastly? It’s $100 for it all. Book here.