Coogee Pavilion, CoogeeCredit: Destination NSW
The Coogee Pavilion in Coogee has recently expanded its food and drink offerings.
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Sydney has long inspired restaurateurs and cocktail afficionados to create the perfect outlets for their creativity. Feel the joy of sharing delicious food and drink with family and friends at these sparkling new bars and restaurants in the city.
City highlights
Soaring 245m above street level, Bar 83 sits closer to the clouds than any other venue in Sydney. Located within Sydney Tower, the city centre’s most recognisable landmark, the bar features floor-to-ceiling windows, with the fabulous red-and-white décor referencing the tower’s 40-year history and Sydney’s best 1970s and 1980s bars. Slip into a circular chair and sip on a Pain Pleasure Principle (a smooth mix of cognac, cacao and lemon myrtle) as you soak up the incredible views and toast the tower’s visionary architect, Donald Crone.
Woodcut, the latest offering from award-winning restaurateurs Ross and Sunny Lusted, can be found at Crown Sydney, set within the Barangaroo precinct on the northwestern edge of the city centre. Australia’s finest seafood, meats and produce are prepared in wood and charcoal grills, wood ovens and steam kettles to create earthy flavours that will leave a lasting impression.
Northern stars
On the north side of Sydney there are some recently opened wining and dining spots to explore. Start with drinks at Hendriks Cognac & Wine in Crows Nest, a 15-minute drive from the city. If you’re not yet a devotee of the French brandy, start with one of the 24 cocktails that have made cognac the hero ingredient before moving onto a nip of the premium stuff. Alternatively, grab the food menu and choose one of the savoury jaffles — they are all drizzled with cognac and work brilliantly with a fine glass of wine.
Ten minutes further north, Sugarlane restaurant, part of The Canopy precinct in Lane Cove, is a sister to Sugarcane, across the other side of the city in Coogee. Here executive chef Milan Strbac dishes up an exciting fusion of southeast Asian flavours in a bright and breezy space.
Further along the coast on the Northern Beaches, the 1928 Harbord Hotel (formerly the Harbord Beach Hotel) in Freshwater is in the midst of a makeover. The updated downstairs section of the hotel comprises a refurbished courtyard and main bar and Balsa restaurant, where the menu is inspired by salty and smoked flavours and foraged coastline herbs.
Hendriks Cognac & Wine, Crows Nest, Sydney Credit: Steven Woodburn
Head to Hendriks Cognac & Wine in Crows Nest, where premium cognac is served straight up and added to creative cocktail blends.
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Hendriks Cognac & Wine, Crows Nest, Sydney Credit: Steven Woodburn
Head to Hendriks Cognac & Wine in Crows Nest, where premium cognac is served straight up and added to creative cocktail blends.
Coastal cool
Since opening its doors in 2020, the middle floor of Coogee Pavilion, at the northern end of Coogee Beach in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, has proved popular. Do the rounds of the three venues on the middle floor: Will’s offers fresh cocktail blends; Una Más serves tapas and wine; and Mimi’s celebrates its fabulous beachside location with a Mediterranean-inspired menu.
Further south in Cronulla, The Pines sits looking out over the headland at North Cronulla Beach, its name honouring the Norfolk pine trees lining the vista below. The crisp, Hamptons-inspired interior celebrates the natural beauty of the local coastline, with executive chef James Metcalfe’s innovative menu keeping meat lovers and vegans happy. Kick-start your evening with aperitifs in Après Beach Bar and end it with a decadent dessert in Pines Lounge.
Western wonders
Sydney’s Inner West and Western Suburbs have also welcomed several recent additions. In Marrickville, a 25-minute drive southwest of the city centre, Philter blends old and new — the 2020 bar and brewery fit-out pays homage to the building’s original 1960s design while winking at 1980s-style Australiana. From the bar you can peer into the brewery where Philter’s champion craft beers are produced.
In Parramatta, a 50-minute drive west from the city centre, Lilymu has joined the bustling Parramatta Square food precinct. Executive chef and wok master Brendan Fong adds a twist to the flavours of China and southeast Asia, cooking premium ingredients in searing hot woks over coals. Small shared plates are a great way to sample as many dishes as possible.
In the suburb of Smithfield, a 20-minute drive from Parramatta, you’ll find Saigon Hustle, a contemporary space dedicated to creating new Asian-fusion classics. Fried lotus chips with tomato spice and chilli mayo, tempura eggplant served with Vietnamese-style ginger dipping sauce and saffron noodles with blue swimmer crab and coconut broth are some of the intriguing dishes on the menu.
The Pines Cronulla Credit: Rachel Kara
The Pines restaurant in Cronulla, south of Sydney.
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The Pines Cronulla Credit: Rachel Kara
The Pines restaurant in Cronulla, south of Sydney.
Lilymu, Parramatta Credit: Cole Bennetts
Lilymu, located within Parramatta Square, adds a delicious twist to the flavours of China and South East Asia.
#lovensw #newsouthwales
Lilymu, Parramatta Credit: Cole Bennetts
Lilymu, located within Parramatta Square, adds a delicious twist to the flavours of China and South East Asia.
More News
Vivid Sydney 2024Credit: Destination NSW
The 'Nest' installation at the Stargazer Lawn, Barangaroo during Vivid 2024. Artist: Leila Jeffreys & Melvin J. Montalban. An expansive circular structure welcomes you to bear witness to the ritualistic mating dance of the Brolga, one of only two species of crane native to Australia. Projected onto a transparent surface, the huge bird apparitions appear to float in the air and are visible from both out and inside the Nest.
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Calling All Dreamers: Vivid Sydney Wants You
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest multi-artform festival, is calling on the best creative minds to submit ideas for next year’s event.
Vivid Sydney 2025 will take place from Friday 23 May to Saturday 14 June 2025, with a program centred around the theme of Vivid Sydney, Dream.
Artists, musicians, thought leaders and food creatives are encouraged to submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the opportunity to be part of Australia’s largest event and showcase their work to a mass audience across the festival pillars of Light, Music, Ideas and Food.
Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox said: “Since 2009, Vivid Sydney has grown to become Sydney’s vibrant cultural showpiece, driving significant visitation to Sydney and regional NSW and positioning our state as the arts and creative industries capital of the Asia Pacific.
“Vivid Sydney is more than a light show, it is Sydney’s living legacy that captures imaginations and shares with visitors and locals alike the very best talent from our creative, entertainment and hospitality industries.
“I encourage the brightest talents to join Destination NSW in creating an event that elevates the Harbour City as the Asia Pacific’s leader in world-class cultural experiences.”
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Patrons enjoying a night out at Machine Hall during Vivid 2024
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Patrons enjoying a night out at Machine Hall during Vivid 2024
Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini said: “Vivid Sydney 2025 is pushing the creative boundaries across our theme of “Dream” to deliver another unforgettable global celebration.
“Dreaming is something we all do. It’s as old as time and as universal as life itself. Dreams don’t discriminate – they are borderless, ageless and endless. They can be personal or public. When shared, our dreams can become a movement. They can inspire, motivate, spark excitement and connection.
“The whole world dreams, it is something we have in common, something that unites us. Our human story is embedded in dreams, they help explain our existence and our past.
“We want the very best in homegrown talent to be part of our vibrant Vivid Sydney event program, with a unique opportunity to foster community connection, spark imagination and showcase the multitude of ways creativity can enrich our lives.
“Each year Vivid Sydney aims to deliver unparalleled artistic brilliance and we look forward to welcoming the inspirations within our community that will help shape Vivid Sydney 2025 into a show-stopping cultural phenomenon.”
The Vivid Sydney EOI outlines opportunities for artists, designers, creative industry professionals, equipment suppliers, architects, engineers, promoters, restaurants, event companies, chefs, producers and educational institutions to present their ideas, designs, concepts and interest for inclusion in the annual event.
Light and Cross Art Form EOIs will close on Monday 2 September 2024 with Ideas, Music and Food closing on Friday 27 September 2024.
This year’s Vivid Sydney attracted 2.42 million attendees, making it the third largest on record. Highlights included a record-breaking opening night and the busiest single night in the festival’s history on Sunday 9 June.
While Vivid Sydney 2024 attracted millions of people from across Australia and the globe, it also had a profound impact on the creative minds who helped bring the event to life, including Sydney’s retail, hospitality and accommodation sectors.
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Shifting Perspectives at Walsh Bay Arts Precinct for Vivid Ideas during Vivid Sydney 2024
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Shifting Perspectives at Walsh Bay Arts Precinct for Vivid Ideas during Vivid Sydney 2024
Leila Jeffreys the artist behind popular Vivid Light 2024 installation Nest said: “Thank you to Festival Director Gill Minervini and all at Vivid Sydney for giving me and my artistic collaborator Melvin J. Montalban the opportunity to create art on a scale that we could not have achieved on our own.
“I visited Nest many times throughout the festival and was always moved to see people from all walks of life and ages stand together to witness the courtship dance of the Brolga, a moment where we all felt the link between the natural world and the human journey.”
Tekno Train creator and composer Paul Mac said: “When I set out to create Tekno Train I wanted to make an experience that fused my love of techno and trains with lights and to share this joy with as many people as possible. The positive reactions I have received from people on the train, as well as the drivers, guards, and random folks on social media has absolutely blown me away.
“Vivid Sydney 2024 has been an unexpected career highlight, and I am forever grateful to everyone who helped bring this together.”
Club Broadway MC & Music Producer DJ Dan Murphy said: “Bringing our Club Broadway show to a Vivid Sydney audience has been an absolute joy. We loved making our show accessible to a whole new audience who love the world of musical theatre.
“Vivid Sydney is such an amazing and important festival for our city, and we were thrilled to be on the program. From old to young, we had them all on the dancefloor for Club Broadway at Tumbalong Park. The night was absolutely magical and a great way to celebrate our community.”
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Sex Work; A Social History Walking Tour at Elizabeth Bay for Vivid Ideas during Vivid Sydney 2024. This fascinating walking tour is an invitation to see the area and profession in a new light. Led by writer, performer and Kings Cross local Vashti Hughes and the Inner City Legal Centre's Managing Solicitor Katie Green, you will be immersed in the sights, history and contemporary challenges of sex work in Australia's most famous redlight district.
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Sex Work; A Social History Walking Tour at Elizabeth Bay for Vivid Ideas during Vivid Sydney 2024. This fascinating walking tour is an invitation to see the area and profession in a new light. Led by writer, performer and Kings Cross local Vashti Hughes and the Inner City Legal Centre's Managing Solicitor Katie Green, you will be immersed in the sights, history and contemporary challenges of sex work in Australia's most famous redlight district.
Service and Creative Skills Australia (the Jobs and Skills Council for Arts, Personal Services, Retail, Tourism and Hospitality) CEO Natalie Turmine said: “Vivid Sydney showcases brilliantly our talented and vibrant creative arts, tourism and hospitality workforce, demonstrating the wealth of exciting career opportunities available in this sector.
“Thank you to all the creative artists, technicians, performers, hospitality staff and event organisers for delivering another successful Vivid Sydney.”
Plate it Forward CEO and restaurateur Shaun Christie-David said: “Vivid Sydney shows the diversity of Sydney, shining a positive light on our city, culture and produce. As a social enterprise hospitality group, it was a privilege to partner with Vivid Sydney to bring the 2024 festival theme humanity to life through food. Food is all about sharing, love, respect and community.
“There is so much pride, joy and power that can be found in food, it is a platform to celebrate culture, make meaningful connections and create jobs. Through working with Vivid Food and selling more than 1000 tacos, more than 1500 meals will be donated to community kitchens for people in need.”
Tourism & Transport Forum CEO Margy Osmond said: “Between the lights, the music, the ideas, the food and the incredible vibe…Vivid Sydney has once again delivered a spectacular event for visitors and locals of all ages, with the big winners being local tourism and hospitality operators.”
“The bright lights of Vivid Sydney have showcased first-class hospitality, creativity and our beloved Sydney CBD and Harbour icons to audiences across the globe, demonstrating the value and huge potential of this event and the need to continue investing in world class events.”
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying the Fire Kitchen at The Goods Line during Vivid 2024. It's back and blazing brighter than ever. Vivid Fire Kitchen returns, igniting its new home at The Goods Line with flame-seared street food from around the globe. Come and enjoy the universal language of BBQ, the best NSW produce and the diversity of Sydney's food scene as we gather round the fire once again.
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying the Fire Kitchen at The Goods Line during Vivid 2024. It's back and blazing brighter than ever. Vivid Fire Kitchen returns, igniting its new home at The Goods Line with flame-seared street food from around the globe. Come and enjoy the universal language of BBQ, the best NSW produce and the diversity of Sydney's food scene as we gather round the fire once again.
Accommodation Australia’s Michael Johnson said: “Once again, the juggernaut that is Vivid Sydney illuminated the city, shining a light on the beauty and culture of the city.
“Over the course of the event, hotels in the CBD enjoyed 75 per cent occupancy with bookings reaching as high as 90 per cent on weekends. There is no denying major events such as Vivid Sydney, that have the capacity to draw a high level of overnight visitation in the middle of winter, create an incredible boost for the city’s visitor economy.”
Vivid Sydney is owned, managed and produced by Destination NSW, the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency.
For more information and to submit an Expression of Interest for Vivid Sydney 2025, go to www.vividsydney.com