Opera Kitchen

It’s a universally acknowledged truth that the Opera House, standing majestically over the harbour, is in want of a kitchen. And after years of only the Opera Bar occupying the sub-street stretch of Bennelong Point, it’s exciting to see something new.

In 2010, a handful of Sydney’s best-loved eateries were invited to be part of the new Opera Kitchen development and the result is a canteen like you’ve never experienced. The five selected were Charlie & Co. Burgers and Becasse Bakery (both by Justin North), Miss Chu (Nahji Chu), Kenji (Kenji Nishinakagawa) and Cloudy Bay Fish Co. (John Susman) – each with its own distinct style of cuisine, but all rolled into one space.

It’s a nifty idea – a long service bench split into sections that you work your way along, with Kenji seating perched off to one side for a more restaurant-style experience. To save on the hassle, you can place your order at any of the stations and all of the (limited) dishes from each venture are available on the one menu. Once you’ve ordered up, grab a number and a seat with the best view in town and the harbour lapping at your feet. It doesn’t get much more Sydney than this. Sure, there can be raucous crowds on weekends, but with these views, let’s not get too fussy.