Six CBD Restaurants and Bars to Head to Before You Venture to See Vivid
Dine at rooftop digs with sky-high views or among all the action at the Opera House.
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It's that time of year again when Sydney is transformed into the sparkling, colourful wonderland that is Vivid. Whether you're a local or visiting from out-of-town, chances are you'll make the Vivid rounds at least once during these coming weeks. You'll need to properly fuel up before fighting your way through the crowds toward all of those sights — with over 50 large scale installations going up between Darling Harbour, Barangaroo, Circular Quay and Luna Park.
We've teamed up with American Express to bring you the five best CBD eateries to hit before venturing on to see the lights. Oh, and what's more, at the below restaurants, you'll save $20 if you book via TheFork and then spend $50 or more using your American Express card. From rooftop digs and sky-high views to all the dumplings and some of Sydney's finest dining, there's plenty of places to get a pre-Vivid feed.
Want to skip the preamble and dive right into all the action? Even though TheFork bookings aren't applicable at the American Express Vivid Lounge, you'll still get a sweet deal — spend $30 using your American Express card at the lounge and get $5 back. Plus, you'll be right in the thick of it all without having to elbow your way through the masses.
BENNELONG
What more fitting place to dine during Vivid than the Opera House? Peter Gilmore's Bennelong gets you right up close to the action with sweeping harbour views. Whether you're here for the a la carte menu or to try the Cured & Cultured share plates, you know you're getting one of Sydney's best meals here. For a truly interactive experience, grab a seat at the counter for a full view of the chefs at work, all while eating the seven-course chef's tasting menu for a reasonable $70. Afterwards, you'll be perfectly situated to make the Vivid rounds (albeit a little full). To book, head here.
Alana Dimou
LOTUS BARANGAROO
Barangaroo's waterfront doesn't just offer enviable views of Vivid's Darling Harbour spectacle — it also boasts one of Sydney's best Chinese dining destinations — Lotus Barangaroo. The dumpling masters at Lotus Dining are slinging an authentic Shanghai-style menu, but with native Australian ingredients. The harbourside restaurant focuses on fresh seafood and innovative dumplings, like the spanner crab and prawn, chicken siu mai and steamed pork wontons with sesame paste and black mushrooms. Of course, for Vivid, you'll want to try nab one of the tables along the waterfront for a dumpling feast with a view. To book, head here.
O Bar and Dining
O BAR AND DINING
Located 47 floors up, O Bar and Dining is the closest you'll get to seeing the Vivid lights from the sky. Set in the old Australia Post building in Australia Square, the circular bar offers 360-degree views of the city, along with a modern Australian menu and a four-page cocktail list. Executive Chef Michael Moore offers something for everyone — seafood lovers should try the two-or-three course menus, and vegans will love the dedicated plant-based menu. Sit back, relax and enjoy the panoramic views with a drink in hand. To book, head here.
UNTIED BARANGAROO
Barangaroo's rooftop bar Untied offers a lush rainforest vibe and expansive views over the lights at Darling Harbour. The cocktail bar has drinks to match its 'on-vacay' theme with a list of tropical and Aussie-themed cocktails that'll transport you to warmer weather with just a sip. Our favourite is the Flamin' Galah, a concoction of gin, blood orange, coconut, fresh watermelon and lime juice. Plus, there's a lengthy wine and beer list if that's more your style. The food is colourful and designed to share with dishes such as the bush pepper calamari, Jamaican jerk chicken burger, poke bowls and adobo fish burger. Most importantly, the indoor-outdoor bar gives you unobstructed Vivid and harbour views. To book, head here.
MEJICO
The Pitt Street stalwart that is Mejico serves up modern Mexican fare with flavours from Mexico City to the Yucatan Peninsula. On the 'market-to-table' menu, expect a raw bar with ceviche and tostadas, street eats like empanadas and patatas bravas, plus tacos and chargrilled meats to boot. For drinks, there are heaps of all-agave tequilas to choose from — over 200 bottles, to be exact. Choose from classic cocktails or tequila flights based on your preferred flavour profile. There's even a tequila wheel based on price point, intensity and flavour. After your meal, you'll be just a quick walk to Circular Quay and all the bright Vivid sights. To book, head here.
AMERICAN EXPRESS VIVID LOUNGE
Here, you don't even have to leave your seat in order to get in on all the Vivid action. Located on the rooftop of Cruise Bar at the Overseas Passenger Terminal, right in the heart of Circular Quay, the American Express Vivid Lounge is where you can escape the masses and still see all those spangling lights. The lounge will be set up throughout Vivid, meaning you can enjoy some of the best Vivid views with a drink in hand, including spectator-favourite the Opera House sails and the glittering harbour beyond. Don't have an American Express card? You can still get in just by registering here.
Top image: Bennelong by Nikki To.
When you need a break from the crowds but not the lights this Vivid season, American Express has your back. Gain access to the American Express Vivid Lounge — even if you don't yet have an American Express card. All you have to do is sign-up here.
