Where to eat and drink in Sydney for VIVID in 2024

• James Banham
• 6 months ago

Vivid Sydney, renowned as a festival of light, music, and ideas, transforms Australia’s bustling city into a mesmerising canvas of creativity and innovation.

This annual event, typically spanning three weeks, sees iconic landmarks, including the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and various urban spaces, illuminated with spectacular light installations and projections. Beyond its visual splendour, Vivid Sydney fosters a vibrant atmosphere of engagement and inspiration through an array of workshops, talks, and music performances, attracting artists, thinkers, and entertainers from around the globe. It’s not just a celebration of light; it’s a cultural pilgrimage that draws together communities in a shared experience of artistic exploration and wonder.

Here’s where to go for food and drinks during Vivid Sydney in 2024

Aria Sydney

The perfect pit stop for Vivid-goers, and a rare opportunity to experience Aria in a unique and relaxed setting (and at a lower price point!), this is an offer not to be missed.  $150 per person will see guests treated to an indulgent snacking menu and two drinks; a Patron cocktail and choice of a glass wine (dish and beverage add ons available). 

Menu highlights include: gilda featuring Moran Family Farm pork; crab croustade with trout roe and kombu; a wagyu cheeseburger to share; and BBQ Clarence River prawns with black lime and fermented chilli. There will be three desserts per person: canelles; Pedro Ximenez ice cream sundae; and pineapple and tajin jellies. Aria Snack Bar will open at 6pm and will be running from 24 May – 15 June, Monday through to Saturday. Aria Snack Bar is housed within the Wharf Room overlooking Circular Quay. 

Bookings can be made here

Luna Lu

Luna Lu boasts one of the most enviable views in all of Sydney for the Vivid lights, situated right down by the water in The Rocks. With views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, the contemporary Asian restaurant is offering a new limited edition Vivid set of their beloved dumplings made with all natural colourings and exciting pairings like Hokkaido scallop and king prawn. The hatted restaurant is also offering a Vivid cocktail menu to elevate your evening.

Bookings are essential for this prime location

Bottega Coco

Bottega Coco has given their iconic Opera House Cake a festive makeover for the occasion, giving the impression of being lit up to fit the theme. 

Expertly crafted by Bottega Coco’s head pastry chef Valentina Mora,the $25 dessert pays homage to Sydney’s most iconic architecture, and comprises a delicate coconut sponge, berry coulis and dark chocolate mousse on a wattleseed biscuit base. 

Book at the website

Jackalberry

Immerse yourself in the energy of VIVID at Jackalberry, the eclectic hideaway within Hyatt Regency Sydney. Collaborating with Four Pillars Gin, Jackalberry offers a sensational VIVID experience from May 24th to June 15th. Dive into an array of exclusive VIVID cocktails featuring glow-in-the-dark concoctions and funky glassware. The venue will be transformed with neon signs and quirky coasters, creating the ultimate ambiance for VIVID festivities.

Get your booking

Zephyr Sky Bar

Nestled atop the iconic Hyatt Regency Sydney, Zephyr Sky Bar offers panoramic views of Darling Harbour, making it the perfect vantage point to soak in the VIVID lights. Partnering with Four Pillars Gin, Zephyr presents an exclusive VIVID activation from May 24th to June 15th. Guests will be treated to a theatrical cocktail experience as signature VIVID cocktails are crafted tableside with a mobile cocktail trolley. During this period, the venue will be decorated with décor including neon signs, VIVID inspired media walls, and vibrant decals.

NOTE: On opening night (May 24^th), get in early to enjoy complimentary cocktails to kickstart the festivities (bookings recommended).

Get a booking

Want more? Here’s a rapid fire list of what’s on in Darling Square…

• Toastie Smith: Look out for Toastie Smith’s Vivid mystery toastie; receive a glow stick with every order from 5pm; and orders $40 or over will receive a free flashing fairy wand.
• Hello Auntie: Enjoy one of two fun, fresh, light-up cocktails; the Firework (shiraz gin, gin, strawberry and St. Germain elderflower); or the Auroras (umeshu, sloe sin, Aperol and sparkling wine).
• Kurtosh: Try Kurtosh’s new giant gourmet cookies in six delicious flavours: Pretzel and Gretzel; Princess Fiona; Nutty Nut, The Churro, Angel Kiss; and Crush-a-licious.
• Hulu Hulu: One long tanghulu for $8 or 3 for $20, one mini tanghulu for $5 or 3 for $10.
• Dopa by Devon: Try Monaka, a traditional Japanese sweet similar to a gelato sandwich, it consists of two crisp wafers made from glutinous rice, filled with ube or vanilla gelato for $7.90.
• Batch Brewing: Head in for happy hour, Tuesday to Friday 4pm-6pm and receive 20% off Batch’s core range of beers and house wines.
• IIKO Mazesoba: Vivid aligns with the start of black truffle with  IIKO Mazesoba launching a truffle menu featuring: wagyu truffle Mazesoba ($39); cheese truffle Mazesoba ($26); and duck truffle Mazesoba ($35); along with desserts such as truffle mochi gelato ($11); and truffle milk pudding ($10).
• Bintang Bros: Taste the flavours of Indonesia with Bintang Bros’ special dishes including skewers of flaming grilled corn ($12), flaming sausage ($6) and flaming meatball ($6); balado fries ($12); nasi ayam bakar (yellow rice $16.50); and Indomie ayam geprek (red noodle – $16.50).
• Xing Fu Tang:  Enjoy one of four drink combos for $12.50 including their signature brown sugar bobo.
• Wingboy: Monday and Tuesday $1 Wings 4-6pm, Wednesday $35 all you can eat wings and fries from 4pm for 90 minutes and Thursday $20 for 1kg of wings from 4pm.
• La Cosmetique: Make a purchase of $65 or more and play the gacha (gumball) machine, a prize is guaranteed every time plus loyalty customers receive double points with every purchase during Vivid.

And want even MORE?! Here’s another rapid fire list of what’s on in Sydney Place…

• Jacksons on George – Bistro George: indulge in a Vivid platter for two featuring Sydney rock oysters; WA spanner crab crostini; Spencer Gulf King and more for $80, or opt for the special of Umai Heritage caviar crumpet with Coppertree Farms cultured cream and chives for $30.
• Jacksons on George – Public Bar: a Public Bar BBQ will be hosted every day from 5pm during Vivid Sydney, with a selection of special dishes on offer including Margra lamb skewer, Jerk chicken skewer, S’mores and kids’ special fairy bread Ice-cream sandwich.
• Jacksons on George – Rooftop: share a Vivid Platter for two on the rooftop including Sydney rock oysters, Spencer Golf King prawns, WA spanner crab crostini and more for just $80.
• Bobo Dumpling Bar: enjoy a soul-warming combination of Hong Kong beef fillet stir-fry with flat rice noodles for just $19.80. 
• Bourke & Ward: enjoy a complimentary wine when you order any fish or pasta special of the day; or enjoy a rotating selection of Vivid cocktail specials for $15. 
• Burger Point: try out their new filo faves menu including the burger steak, fried chicken combos and the popular Halo Halo drink made with ube ice cream, leche flan, shaved ice and more.
• C9 Chocolate & Gelato: indulge in a mystery Vivid-inspired gelato for $6.50 per scoop during Vivid. 
• Dopa Donburi and Dessert: experience a unique Japanese dessert with the Monaka Gelato Sandwich (two crispy rice wafers filled with ube or vanilla gelato) for just $7.90.
• Eat Fuh: enjoy a mini Pho paired with a soft drink for just $10.
• Open Sesame: enjoy authentic Arabian cuisine with a special of Lamb or Chicken Shawarma for $15.
• Sushi Yuzen: receive a complimentary miso soup and glow stick bracelet with any purchase over $15 from 5pm during Vivid.
• Toastiesmith: choose from a selection of lite in calories toasties, all under $10 during Vivid Sydney.