Overview
With more than 130 events, 22 world premieres, 24 Australian exclusives and over 50 free events to discover, getting the most out of the 2025 Sydney Festival is hungry work. Fortunately, the fest has partnered with some of Sydney's best restaurants to offer exclusive offers so you can stay fuelled up for the city's annual celebration of art and expression from Saturday, January 4, to Sunday, January 26.
Here's where you can enjoy a pre- or post-show bite or sip — without breaking the bank — during this year's fest.
Beast&Co
Beast&Co combines the elegance of European flavours blended with locally sourced seasonal ingredients. Their menu is a celebration of comfort eats delivered with culinary excellence, showcasing dishes that play with surprising fusions of world cuisines.
The offer: Beginning with marinated olives, choose between Beast&Co's famous small plates — either bone marrow or roasted miso cabbage — then move on to the main course, a mouth-watering flank steak or roasted cauliflower, for $55 per person.
Location: Shop 15/425 Bourke Street, Surry Hills
Cafe Sydney
Perched atop Customs House at Circular Quay, with spectacular views across Sydney Harbour, this stalwart of Sydney's dining scene has built a reliable reputation over the past 25 years. Expect an accessible menu of crowd-pleasing dishes, an innovative, award-winning wine list and polished service.
The offer: A daily selection of a la carte specials, with a focus on quality cuts of meat, fresh and exotic seafood, including chilled crustaceans, freshly shucked oysters and grilled ocean fish.
Location: Customs House, Level 5, 31 Alfred Street, Circular Quay
Georgie Wine Bar
This New York-inspired neighbourhood food & wine bar offers a relaxed menu of bistro and comfort food hits in an art deco fit-out that balances accessible dining with a luxe vibe.
The offer: Kick off your meal with a selection of salumi and cheese. Follow it up with a choice of either arancini balls or calamari fritti and complete your pre- or post-show dining experience with a glass of house wine or a refreshing beer for $55 per person.
Location: 2 Bond Street, Corner of George Street and Bond Street, Sydney
Jounieh
Jounieh is a standout spot on Sydney's waterfront, offering a fresh take on Modern Middle Eastern cuisine. With its stunning views of the harbour, it's the perfect place to unwind and enjoy delicious food in a relaxed setting. Located near the arts precinct, surrounded by theatres, restaurants, and bars, the atmosphere is both peaceful and vibrant. Whether you're here for a casual meal or a special evening out, Jounieh offers a memorable experience in one of the world's most beautiful cities.
The offer: At this modern Middle Eastern hotspot, select the vegetarian, meat or seafood special. Showstoppers include golden cauliflower, slow-cooked lamb and Moreton Bay bugs — served with dips, salad and more, plus a house wine or beer for $55 per person when you book for two diners or more.
Location: 2/17 Hickson Road, Dawes Point
LILYMU
This vibrant pan-Asian restaurant in the heart of Parramatta Square champions the flavours and traditions of Southeast Asia come together in exciting new ways. With a fresh, modern twist on classic dishes and drinks inspired by China and the region, LILYMU brings a bold, creative energy to every plate and glass. It's a place where old meets new, offering a unique take on familiar flavours in a relaxed, contemporary setting.
The offer: Utilising fresh and ethically sourced ingredients cooked over coals and in searing hot woks, LILYMU's Sydney Festival set menu stars kingfish and coconut ceviche with taro and sea grapes, roasted eggplant with apple ponzu and furikake, and chicken gyoza with plum vinegar for $55 per person when you book for two diners or more.
Location: 3 Parramatta Square, 153 Macquarie St, Parramatta
Lotus the Galeries
This CBD diner offers modern twists on traditional Asian dishes, serving up fresh, handmade dumplings, bao and vibrant small plates. Located in the heart of the city, it blends casual dining with bold flavours and a sleek, contemporary atmosphere. With an innovative menu that draws inspiration from across Asia, Lotus is a go-to spot for anyone craving creative comfort food.
The offer: This set menu stars barbecue pork buns, salt and pepper tofu, barramundi with black bean sauce, crispy eggplant and squid ink fried rice for $55 per person when you book for two diners or more.
Location: The Galeries, Level 1/500 George Street, Sydney
Pearl Dining
Pearl Dining offers a refined dining experience with a menu that blends modern Australian flavours with pan-Asian influences. Located in the heart of the city, Pearl Dining's focus on quality ingredients and impressive presentation promises a memorable culinary experience.
The offer: Drawing inspiration from the culinary craftsmanship of Hong Kong, enjoy six dishes including prawn dumplings, barbecue pork belly, wok-fried Angus beef flank and Asian greens for $55 when you book for two diners or more.
Location: Level 1/50 Bridge Street, Sydney
Pier Bar
This waterfront bar in the Pier One Hotel is an elegant harbourside destination for casual drinks. On the shore of Sydney harbour, steps from Sydney Festival's hub, The Thirsty Mile, and the theatres of the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, this bar is perfectly situated for both pre-and post-show drinks and snacks.
The offer: For $30 per person when you book for two guests or more, you can enjoy a share platter of artisan cured meats, pickles and cheese, as well as your choice of one house wine, beer or soft drink.
Location: 11 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay
Planar Bar and Dining
With uninterrupted views of Darling Harbour, Planar is an al fresco retreat with a blend of indoor and outdoor areas. The menu celebrates fresh Australian produce and the diverse, eclectic influences of Modern Australian cuisine.
The offer: Experience a delightful two-course menu showcasing Modern Australian cuisine. Set against the stunning waterfront views of Darling Harbour, you will be welcomed with wine of your choice before indulging in the iconic dishes crafted from locally fresh ingredients for $55 per person.
Location: Shop C08, Ground Floor ICC Sydney, 14 Darling Drive, Darling Harbour
The Living Room at Park Hyatt Sydney
Indulge in the inviting ambience of The Living Room at Park Hyatt Sydney, where their relaxed harbourside all-day dining experience pairs iconic views with top-of-class hospitality.
The offer: Cocktail and sandwich set. La Vie en Rose Cocktail + Chicken Katsu Sandwich or La Vie en Rose Cocktail + Tofu Katsu with Vegan Mayonnaise for $30 per person.
Location: 7 Hickson Road, The Rocks
Lotus Dumpling Bar
Located in Circular Quay, this popular dumpling house offers a vibrant dining experience with a focus on fresh, handmade dumplings and modern Asian dishes. Known for its creative take on traditional flavours, the menu features a variety of dumplings, bao and small plates, alongside a curated selection of cocktails and teas, with a side serving of iconic harbour views.
The offer: Diners can enjoy some of the restaurants most popular dishes, including mushroom and vegetable spring rolls, pork xiao long bao, jade prawn dumplings, kung pao chicken with tofu and peanuts, steamed broccolini with sugar snap peas and kale with a side of steamed rice, as well as a glass of Cavedon Adelia prosecco or a non-alcoholic drink on arrival for $55 per person when you book for two diners or more.
Location: 50 Bridge Street, Circular Quay
For more details about the best places to wine and dine during Sydney Festival 2025, visit the Festival Feasts webpage.
Top image: Nikki To