Vivid lights up Sydney's foodie scene
While Vivid lights up your sense of sight, let’s do something about your sense of taste! Here are some great venues to take in a meal during Sydney Vivid 2018.
Café del Mar Sydney
Situated on the Cockle Bay Wharf rooftop, Café del Mar is the perfect spot to kick off Vivid celebrations. Try the new Mediterranean inspired menu while overlooking the harbour. Recommendations include Hiramassa kingfish ceviche with Ras el hanout, simple seared scallops with sautéed spinach, za’atar eggplant, and a bacon and spice reduction, and the Moroccan spiced lamb shank with apricot couscous, smoked eggplant, toasted almonds and mint chimichurri.
Goldie’s Music Hall
Goldie’s Music Hall, a pop-up bar from the team behind bluesy Newtown local The Midnight Special, reaches back into the golden era of ‘60s and ‘70s funk, soul and R&B transforming the Concert Hall Northern Foyer into a gleaming world of black and gold. Warm light from beaded lampshades, plush furnishings and majestic peacock chairs will envelop guests in flamboyant excess, set to the soundtrack of Sydney DJs like Gonz, Rusty and Boonge, and Mama Disquo spinning timeless records you won’t find on Spotify. Goldie’s will team up with Aria Events to offer specially-made cocktails like the ‘Golden Years’ – cognac, rye whiskey, amaretto, whisky barrel bitters and orange zest – and a drinks list championing local brewers Grifter Brewing Co. and Young Henrys. Best served with a bite from their decadently nostalgic menu and sparkling Sydney Harbour views. (Open from 6pm til late, from 25 May to 4 June.)
Rosetta
Rosetta, located directly in front of the Vivid display at Grosvenor Place, will extend Aperitivo Hour from 3pm to 7pm, every weekday throughout the festival. Guests can snuggle up on Rosetta’s heated outdoor terrace while sipping on a aperol spritz, negroni, espresso martini, house wine or beer. A selection of salumi and antipasti are also available. The restaurant will open early from 5pm for à la carte dining. A two-course Vivid set menu is also available until 6pm every day.
Burger Project Black Label
Opening just in time for Vivid, Burger Project Black Label is also located in the Grosvenor Place precinct making it an ideal pit-stop for Vivid-goers hoping for a quick fix. A deluxe burger menu, house-made salads, gourmet chips and dips are available to eat in or take away. Harbour-side Vivid goers can head down to Fratelli Fresh Darling Harbour, which will open just in time for Vivid, and grab themselves a take-away picnic basket, or sit and enjoy views from the beer garden. Happy Hour kicks off from 4pm every weekday, with $5 negronis, martinis, spritzes and pizzas. Fratelli is also offering a delicious three-course set menu and bottomless cocktails every Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout the month. Fratelli Macquarie Street, Bridge Street, Westfield and Walsh Bay are other great Vivid locations.
Jade Temple
Jade Temple, located in and amongst all the Vivid light action, is opening early from 5pm for à la carte dining. A three-course Vivid set menu is also available until 6pm, every day. It includes a cocktail on arrival, choice of three entrees, three mains, and a duck egg custard spring roll for dessert.
Spice Temple
Before seeing the lights, take advantage of Spice Temple’s $12 cocktail hour specials. Every weekday from 4pm to 6pm, guests can choose from a selection of $12 Zodiac cocktails, $9 house wines, and $7 beers. Customers can also explore the bar menu featuring five exquisite $12 noodle dishes available every day, as well as à la carte options, from an earlier opening time of 5pm. A three-course Vivid set menu ($49pp) is also on offer.
Rockpool Bar & Grill
Rockpool Bar & Grill has created a stunning, Vivid inspired Margarita ($19). The Bubblegum Patrón Tequila is shaken with bespoke myrtle shrub and fresh lemon juice, topped with a plume of native mint bubbles. In addition to a beautiful à la carte menu, a three-course Vivid set menu is available, and will be served from the early opening time of 5pm. All day dining will also be available from the bar, with a special offer of wood fire grilled cheeseburger with house pickle and lager.
Overlooking Circular Quay and offering one of the best seats in Sydney to see the lights, Bar Patrón by Rockpool has added a special gin & tonic to the menu. The G&T&T ($19) combines grapefruit, tequila, tonic and fresh lime, and is available throughout Vivid. Guests can dine à la carte, or from a four-course Vivid set menu available from the early opening time of 5pm.
Sake Restaurant & Bar
Saké Restaurant & Bar will open earlier than usual from 5pm, and serve its usual à la carte options, as well as an exclusive Vivid set menu including Hiramasa kingfish, prawn shumai, shiokoji chicken and tofu cheesecake. The Cut Bar & Grill also has a Vivid pre-light offer, available from the early opening time of 5pm. Pre-Vivid diners will also be given a house-made chocolate biscuit to take away.
The Argyle
The Argyle has teamed up with Belvedere Vodka to bring guests Light The Night, Friday 25 May. Dance music icons, The Potbelleez, will take to the stage, and the venue will be transformed into an adult playground with a dazzling light-show makeover. Doors open at 7pm and entry is free before 9pm. Take advantage of the happiest hours of the week next door at El Camino Cantina, with $7.50 Margaritas, craft beers, house tequila and house wine from Monday to Friday between 5-7pm. This late-night hangout has its own fluorescent light show 365 days of the year, making it the perfect Vivid dining destination.
