Acapulco El Vista

Overview

Circular Quay has a new spot for golden-hour escapism, with Acapulco El Vista bringing a dose of 1960s Latin glamour to the harbourfront. And much like the golden age the venue channels, there's some serious star power on display here: El Vista marks the second collaboration between The Maybe Group (Maybe Sammy) and Accor's new in-house hospitality arm Table For — landing hot on the heels of their all-day Bond Street spot Bar Allora — and also Table For's second project with chef Giovanni Pilu (Pilu at Freshwater), who has just opened Flaminia in the same hotel. Together, they've created a relaxed yet polished harbourside hangout that leans into bright coastal flavours and sunset sessions.

Set on level three of the Pullman Quay Grand, El Vista is pitched as a lounge-bar made for lingering, thanks to Pilu's share-style menu and a soundtrack that moves from Latin jazz to global grooves as the night unfolds. Interiors nod to the resorts of Acapulco's golden age — when the Mexican Riviera drew Hollywood starlets and international glitterati — while keeping the focus firmly on those sweeping harbour views.

The cocktail program commits to the bit, led by margaritas, daiquiris and reimagined classics — including a mango paloma and a peach-and-coconut mojito — plus a dedicated colada section. Inventive signatures add even more personality, from a dulce de leche espresso martini to a chilled, milky rum sour.

Pilu's menu keeps things lively and shareable. Expect seafood-forward plates like a yellowtail kingfish aguachile, crispy yellowfin tuna tacos and a spanner crab and corn tortita, alongside crowd-pleasing bites like cheese empanadas and a pineapple- and pickled onion-topped choripán.

Settle in during the day for a breezy lounge vibe backed by Latin jazz, or drop by later as DJ sets take over from Thursday through Saturday. Sundays start with acoustic brunches before sliding into sultry Latin evenings — a weekly rhythm that mirrors the venue's coastal nightlife feel.