The lights are on and the city is buzzing. That only means one thing for Sydneysiders—Vivid Sydney is here!
Every winter, the city turns into a colourful, enchanted and mesmerising family-friendly attraction with the entrance of Vivid. All corners of the CBD shape the theme Dream this year through installations, foods, beverages, experiences, attractions and music.
Now Book It takes some of the decision-making away from the planning required for a trip into the busy CBD. Here are our top 10 places to eat and drink with a dreamy view of the lights.
1. Cruise Bar
With three levels worth of ambience, live music, delicious food, and of course those stunning harbour views, the recently relaunched Cruise Bar is enticing as ever. Dive into grilled prawns, a proper steak or mix it up surf and turf-style. The first floor is great for a relaxed meal surrounded by downtown buzz, while the Junk Lounge upstairs offers a uniquely nautical view. But if you are looking to secure a coveted table at the rooftop on Level 3 for an unmatched Vivid experience, bookings are essential.
Location: Circular Quay W, The Rocks
Hours: Sundays to Fridays 11:30am – midnight;
Saturdays 11:30am – 3am
2. Harbourfront
We’re not exaggerating when we call the Harbourfront the perfect location to witness the magic of Vivid unfold with uninterrupted views of the Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. For their annual Dine Under The Lights feature — indulge in their signature Hot & Cold Seafood Platter for Two, a lavish spread paired with two complimentary glasses of Piper-Heidsieck Champagne. Make sure to book a seat at the Terrace for the best way to see Vivid.
Location: 7-27 Circular Quay W, The Rocks
Hours: Mondays to Fridays 11:30am – 3pm, 5 – 10pm;
Weekends 11:30am – 10pm
3. The Sussex Hotel
There’s more to Vivid than the view of the harbour, so hop on over to Barangaroo for the free-to-see projections and installations and make a stop at The Sussex Hotel for a bite. Sydney’s best dressed CBD heritage pub never disappoints, whether you’re here for beer garden favourites like battered fish and chips or nipping upstairs to their in-house Thai restaurant Suriya for a fiery feast. Don’t leave without a drink on the rooftop for a bird’s-eye view of all the Vivid excitement.
Location: 20 Sussex Street
Hours: Public Bar & Beer Garden opens
Mondays to Fridays 10am – late; Saturdays 4pm – late
4. Ume Burger
For a more casual approach to your evening, stop at Ume Burger for a bite to eat under the stars and amongst the lights. The Japanese-inspired waterfront location doles out signature burgers and beers that warm the hearts and bellies of sunset diners. Hatted Head Chef, Kerby Craig runs the show marrying chicken, beef, pork, fish or even ebi katsu (breaded shrimp) burgers with Barangaroo flair. With umami-packed dishes and the various Vivid installations in the cards, you’d be in for a night that awakens all your senses.
Location: 33 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo
Hours: Sundays to Tuesdays 11:30am – 2:30pm;
Wednesdays to Saturdays 11:30am – 2:30pm and 4:30 – 9pm
5. Fortune of War
Hearty pub fare, breakfast favourites and cold drinks done right—that’s the heart of the Fortune of War experience, served with a side of history as Sydney’s oldest pub. Whether you’ve whiled the night away getting mesmerised by the lights or exploring art after hours, this reliable spot stays open for some good grub, plus a pint or two. The alfresco area affords you the best views of the Vivid buzz, but take note that it’s walk-in only.
Location: 137 George Street
Hours: Mondays to Sundays 9am – late
6. The Rawson
Here’s the perfect place to grab a slice of the Vivid action, and dig into wood-fired pizzas, a full rack of ribs, or a hearty pasta dish. The historic sandstone church turned modern dining room is already a sight to behold on its own, but a seat in the warmed up terrace with a view of the lights this season is sublime. If you’re trailing the Vivid spots with a big group, this massive space will be a great fit.
Location: 100 George Street, The Rocks
Hours: Daily, mid day till late
7. Muum Maam
The first Muum Maam — Thai for “little glutton” — opened over 14 years ago in Surry Hills, proving its mettle long before the opening of its beloved Barangaroo location. The universe works in wonderful ways, which means the snazzy restaurant is perfectly located for a dinner stop when out at Vivid Sydney. Expect Thai cuisine with traditional, bold flavours starring seasonal produce, and indoor and outdoor seating options. Their glitter-laced cocktails are also back to celebrate the lights, dreams and action!
Location: 6/23 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo
Hours: Mondays to Fridays, 11am – 3pm and 5:30 – 10pm;
Saturdays and Sundays, 12 – 3:30pm and 5:30 – 9pm
8. Bar Luca
Smack in the middle of all the Vivid excitement is Bar Luca, specialising in the art of building unadulterated, meaty, cheesy burgers with heart, and beer to boot. This is a great spot to start your night, and spend the rest of it walking off the rambunctious meal. To celebrate all the lights in the city, the burger joint has a ‘Cluck Me, I’m Lit’ special featuring Southern fried chicken and spicy jalapeno & tequila relish.
Location: 52 Phillip St
Hours: Mondays to Thursdays 11am – 10pm; Fridays 11am – 11pm,
Saturdays 12 – 11pm and Sundays 4:30 – 9pm
