Imagine it: you fight your way through the packed foyer, find your seat and settle in to enjoy the show. Just as the curtain begins to lift, your stomach gives a loud rumble. Now you remember – you skipped lunch.
Don't risk an empty stomach ruining the performance. At these spots you can catch a quick meal or snacks before the show, or take your time for a full de-brief afterwards.
Restaurant
Bennelong
Peter Gilmore has made the culinary vision that earned him accolades at Quay more approachable at the Opera House.
Bar
Opera Bar
A quintessential Sydney location. This is one of the best views of Sydney harbour you'll find anywhere. And Opera Bar doesn't just coast by on its good looks: the drinks here are great, too. The hardest thing about a trip here is getting a table.
Restaurant
Bopp and Tone
A whopping wood grill powers the menu at Bopp and Tone. Park in the bustling dining room or out on the leafy terrace for Mediterranean-inspired dishes and killer cocktails.
Bar
Mary’s Underground
The Mary's crew snagged the old Basement space in Circular Quay and continued its legacy as an inner-city hub for live music. They've also thrown in a burger joint with the Mary's signatures: 'burgs, fried chicken and natural vino.
Restaurant
Rockpool Bar & Grill
From its opulent art deco interior to its theatrical service, Rockpool remains one of Sydney’s premiere special occasion restaurants. It champions sustainable, grass-fed beef from Blackmore Wagyu and Cape Grim, on a menu abound with raw seafood, pasta and uncomplicated sides. The experience is enhanced by a wine list to rival any in the country.
Restaurant
Bar Patron
Vibrant Mexican food, super-rare tequilas and million-dollar views are all on the menu at this smart harbourside diner. But to really feel like a millionaire, splash out on the signature gold leaf Margarita.
Restaurant
Kid Kyoto
This modern riff on a Japanese izakaya is hidden down a cobbled CBD laneway. Finding it is half the fun.
Restaurant
Bistecca
Apart from sides, there's only one thing on this menu: T-bone steaks, sold by weight.
Restaurant
Mr Wong
Moody jazz, heavy wooden beams and a bank of barbeque ducks in the old Tank nightclub space. A modern Shanghai-style dumpling den from Dan Hong and Merivale.
Restaurant
Yayoi Garden
A specialist in the reliable teishoku, a set meal commonly cooked at home in Japan that involves rice, miso soup, a main dish and two smaller dishes.
Restaurant
Morrison’s Oyster Bar & Grill
This heritage corner site has lived many lives – but its most recent one is arguably its best. Come for freshly shucked oysters from the cabinet, premium Australian steaks and a focus on local and French wine varieties.
Restaurant
Aria
This is the show-stopping star of Matt Moran’s culinary empire. The artfully-plated dishes warrant the lofty price-tags, but those generous harbour views do a lot to offset the sting. This is one of Sydney’s great try-before-you-die restaurants – a pillar of modern Australian dining.
Bar
The Glenmore Hotel
Since 1921, stunning views of the Harbour Bridge have attracted drinkers to this pub.
Bar
Taylor's Rooftop Bar
Sit under a lush green wall, cocktail in hand.
Restaurant
Bar Luca
Burgers before the ballet. Why not?
Bar
Palmer & Co
Travel to another time at this jazzy, prohibition-themed bar. A tome-like list of spirits informs the cocktails here, mixed by a team of sharply-dressed bartenders who know their craft inside and out. To eat, it's European-influenced snacks served till late.
Restaurant
Bowery Lane
Bowery Lane is a sleek CBD spot offering shareable feasts.
