Sydney’s about to glow up again for Vivid Sydney, and if you’re planning to wander the lights, you’re going to need somewhere equally dazzling to wine, dine and debrief between installations.
Luckily, we’ve done the hard work for you. From cocktails with a side of harbour views to late-night bites worth a visit, we’ve rounded up the best venues you can book right now – consider this your cheat sheet to eating and drinking your way through the festival.
1. Cruise Bar
With three levels of atmosphere, live music, standout eats and those unbeatable harbour views, Cruise Bar is pulling out all the stops for Vivid Sydney. Tuck into grilled prawns, a juicy steak or go full surf-and-turf while soaking up the city buzz from Level 1, where they’re also serving up a Vivid festival special for just $49pp, including your choice of main plus a tap beer or house wine. Upstairs, the Junk Lounge delivers quirky nautical charm with front-row views, while the Level 3 rooftop remains one of the hottest spots in the city to catch the lights. If rooftop cocktails and prime Vivid vantage points are on your agenda, locking in a booking ahead of time is a very smart move.
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. 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
5. 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
6. 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