20 Best Vivid Restaurant in Sydney
by The Grand Palace
14 months ago
1 The Grand Palace – Indian Restaurant
If you’re looking for a unique dining experience during Vivid Sydney, then be sure to visit The Grand Palace, an Indian restaurant located in the heart of Sydney CBD. The Grand Palace offers a delightful blend of traditional Indian cuisine with a modern twist, making it the perfect place to indulge in a feast for the senses. So, whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner with your special someone or a fun night out with friends, The Grand Palace is the perfect spot to enjoy the festival of lights and colors that is Vivid Sydney.
- The restaurant’s vibrant decor and ambiance will transport you to a world of enchantment, while the delicious aromas and flavors of the dishes will leave your taste buds craving for more.
Basement, 261 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000
2 Endeavour tap rooms
The Rocks area of Sydney can sometimes feel like a punishment, with its soulless tourist traps and crowds of cruise ship passengers. However, the Endeavour Tap Rooms offer a pardon and a chance to enjoy craft beers and barbecue. The historic colonial-style building features dark wood trim, fireplaces, and a layout that pays homage to the HMS Endeavour’s botanist-heavy crew. The tap room next door offers an in-house lineup of sessionable beers, including a smoked rauchbier that pairs well with the smoked meats. The platters of smoked meat, such as pulled pork, ribs, brisket, sausage, and chicken, are a must-try. The smoky barbecue and plum sauces are also standouts. The sides, including beetroot hummus, broccolini, and roasted pumpkin, are cooked to perfection. The Endeavour Tap Rooms is a gastropub, bar, and brewery all in one, providing a much-needed authentic option in the heart of The Rocks. It is an excellent place for both locals and tourists to experience the best of Sydney’s bar and brew scene.
39/43 Argyle St, The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia
3 William Blue Dining
William Blue Dining is a restaurant that serves as a training ground for the students of William Blue College of Hospitality and Management. It is situated in the location of the former renowned restaurant, Rockpool, once operated by Neil Perry. The menu at William Blue Dining changes every academic semester, giving customers the opportunity to try out new dishes frequently. For an affordable price of $46.50, customers can indulge in a three-course meal, which is definitely worth it. The current menu boasts a range of delicious dishes, such as spiced cauliflower soup with hazelnut oil, roasted cauliflower, and brioche croutons, steamed snapper with Thai yellow curry mussels, aromatic vegetables and baby coriander, and decadent desserts like white chocolate macadamia slice with passionfruit gel, burnt white chocolate fudge, and candied orange. The restaurant is entirely operated by students and is only available during the academic trimester.
107 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia
4 Opera Bar
It may seem overly evident, but any compilation of the top dining spots for experiencing Vivid is incomplete without mentioning the Opera Bar. Not only is it the prime location to relish in views of the sails (obviously), but a plate of fresh oysters paired with wine will surely set the right atmosphere. The only downside is that obtaining a seat can be quite challenging due to its popularity. However, if you are able to secure a reservation, the breathtaking views alone make it all worthwhile.
Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
5 Din Tai Fung – The Star
Did you know that Din Tai Fung achieves its soup-filled dumplings by incorporating gelatinised pork stock into the minced meat filling? During steaming, the stock melts and fills the bottom of the dumpling with soup. To prevent sticking, the dumplings are steamed on rounds of white cotton inside bamboo steamers. The popularity of these delicious treats has grown so much in Sydney that Din Tai Fung now has several dumpling houses, including locations in Chatswood, Chippendale, North Sydney, Pyrmont, Chinatown, and the vivid
80 Pyrmont St, Pyrmont NSW 2009, Australia
6 Toastie smith
ToastieSmith has brought the delectable Korean street toast to Sydney by using Asian fusion flavors to create unique and mouth-watering toasted sandwiches. In partnership with Vivid Sydney, ToastieSmith is introducing their “Blind Box” mystery toasties at their Darling Square venue every day from 5 pm.
200 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo NSW 2000, Australia
7 Mary’s Circular Restaurant
Burgers and wine make for a foolproof combination, and one of the top spots to indulge in this pairing is Mary’s Circular Restaurant, conveniently situated at Circular Quay. With reasonable prices, you can’t go wrong. Plus, the ultra-chic Mary’s Underground is located right downstairs for your convenience.
7 Macquarie Pl, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
8 Lotus Barangaroo
Sydney doesn’t see many restaurants fusing indigenous Australian ingredients with Chinese cuisine, with Billy Kwong being a pioneer in this realm. However, Chef Chris Yan of Lotus Barangaroo is thrilled to be creating Chinese dishes infused with Australian native plants and herbs.
Lotus’s menu includes grilled ox tongue in tamarind sauce and native pepperberry, as well as a salad featuring crystal ice plant mixed with enoki mushrooms and dressed with black vinegar. However, the star of the menu is the garfish – a long, bold-flavoured fish that’s served deep-fried and twisted like a helix, with bones and all. The fish is coated with gossamer threads of sticky, sweet, red soy sauce (traditionally used in Yan’s native Shanghai) and finished with Australian cassia bark, a relative of cinnamon.
Shop 8/9 Wulugul Walk, Barangaroo NSW 2000, Australia
9 Henry deane
Previously serving as an overnight rest stop for dockworkers to replenish themselves with alcohol, the Henry Deane has transformed into a sophisticated rooftop bar. Located atop the Hotel Palisade, this stylish boutique venue is ideal for capturing stunning views. Take a seat by the window with a cocktail in hand for an exceptional viewpoint of Vivid.
35 Bettington St, Millers Point NSW 2000, Australia
10 Barangaroo House
Whether you prefer relaxing at the waterfront House Bar or enjoying a drink on the rooftop of Smoke, the Barangaroo House is without a doubt an excellent location for experiencing all the sights, sounds, and excitement of Vivid. Be sure to grab dinner first on the terrace at Bea before you indulge in the festivities.
35 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo NSW 2000, Australia
11 The Glenmore Hotel
For a remarkable display of contemporary, sparkling light installations, look no further than The Glenmore. This vintage pub exudes a 1921 ambiance and offers a spectacular vantage point on its rooftop terrace. Take in impressive views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House while savoring delectable pub cuisine fresh off the barbecue.
96 Cumberland St, The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia
12Bar Patron
Can anything surpass the perfect pairing of uncomplicated Mexican cuisine and exceptional cocktails? We believe not. Head straight to Bar Patron, located just across from the Royal Botanic Gardens and Sydney Opera House, for an outstanding experience and spectacular views of the Sydney Harbour (with the occasional train zooming by).
2 Phillip St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
13 Cafe Sydney
Café Sydney is a must-visit dining spot, particularly during Vivid, thanks to its chic interiors, stunning harbour views, and rooftop location. What sets it apart from other venues is that it sits atop one of the most beloved Vivid projections – a Ken Done extravaganza – on the façade of the Customs House, a heritage-listed building. As a result, diners can bask in the heart of the action. To enjoy both the sunset and the light show, make sure to reserve a seat on the balcony.
Level 5 Customs House, 31 Alfred St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
14 Aria Sydney
For those seeking an exceptional dining experience in the midst of the Vivid atmosphere, the award-winning harbourside eatery, Aria, is a must-visit. The main dining room offers breathtaking views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, which are the centerpieces of the Vivid light show. Adding to the ambiance is a stunning installation by ACID.FLWRS, featuring unique and colorful table settings. Aria is also celebrating Vivid with a special Belvedere cocktail menu and a tray of limited-edition Domus Vim chocolate truffles that are sure to delight.
1 Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
15 Hacienda
When Vivid first began, Circular Quay had limited dining and drinking options. However, that has since changed, especially with the addition of Hacienda, a trendy bar in the Pullman Quay Grand with a chic, millennial pink decor. Situated above CQ, this botanical-themed bar offers unmatched views of the harbour and the bridge. It’s one of the few places where you can enjoy a lounge seat and a cocktail while taking in such stunning views, making it an excellent choice for small groups. While bookings are available during the week, be sure to act quickly for the weekends.
Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour Hotel, Level 3/61 Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
16 Altum restaurant
Sometimes, the best way to take in the stunning Vivid lights is from a distance. If you’re looking for a restaurant that offers a sweeping vista of the colourful displays, few places rival Altum. Located in Milsons Point across the harbour, right next to Luna Park, this restaurant takes full advantage of its waterside location with expansive bi-fold windows that offer breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour Bridge, Circular Quay, and the Opera House. Specializing in seafood, the menu highlights local and seasonal ingredients with Mediterranean influences. While it’s not in the heart of the Vivid action, Altum still provides one of the best seats in the house for taking in the beauty of the event.
1 Olympic Dr, Milsons Point NSW 2061, Australia
17 Crown Sydney
Crown Sydney is an ideal destination for taking in the beauty of Vivid, as nearly every corner of the hotel offers incredible views. Guests can book a room and enjoy a private display of the event from above, or indulge in a meal at one of the hotel’s restaurants. a’Mare, located on the lower level, serves up exquisite Italian cuisine while providing stunning waterfront views. For the ultimate experience, head up to Cirq on the 26th floor, where the floor-to-ceiling windows offer unobstructed views of Sydney from above. Whether you choose to relax on the outdoor terrace or in a cozy lounge, you won’t want to miss the spectacular sunsets that are visible from this prime location during Vivid.
1 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo NSW 2000, Australia
18 Oborozuki
This newly opened restaurant and bar features Japanese fusion cuisine, with a combination of kaiseki and teppanyaki, and offers magnificent views of Circular Quay and the Sydney Harbour Bridge from its high glass-encased levels. Guests can enjoy the Vivid lights from a comfortable curved sofa amidst lavish interiors while indulging in multi-course meals with a direct view of the harbour.
Level 3, 5/71 Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
19 Untied barangaroo
During Vivid, Barangaroo is an excellent place to explore and see many of our favorite light projections. And at Untied, you can enjoy some sparkling drinks! They offer neon spritz bombs that you can drop into a spritz drink, similar to a bath bomb, creating a tropical fizz with your choice of flavors such as orange, melon, lychee, peach, and berry. For $13, you can enjoy the spritz while also taking in one of the best views of the city!
Lvl 4/400 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo NSW 2000, Australia
20 cruise bar
Located in the heart of Vivid, Cruise Bar offers an incredible experience with a waterfront garden filled with tasty food and cocktails. For only $49 per person, you can enjoy a Vivid cocktail upon arrival, a scrumptious meal, a table, and live entertainment until late.
Level 1, 2 and 3, Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay W, The Rocks NSW 2000, Australia
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