Vivid Live Sydney 2024: 5 Spots to Dine Under the Lights
With the cooler nights rolling in, the lights are on and the city is buzzing. One thing’s clear as day for Sydneysiders—Vivid Live 2024 is here! Thousands of people enter the CBD every night to check out the lights, the food, and the entertainment around Circular Quay, Darling Harbour and the general city surrounds.
Every winter, the city of Sydney turns into a colourful, enchanted and mesmerising family-friendly attraction with the entrance of Vivid. Each year a theme is picked and all corners of the CBD shape the message through installations, foods, beverages, experiences, attractions and music—this year’s theme is ‘Humanity’. To that note, is there anything more human than the call of hunger on an exciting night out?
Now Book It takes some of the decision-making away from the planning required for a trip into Sydney’s busy CBD. Our top 5 spots for the festival to match all budgets; here’s where to eat and drink in comfort with a view of the lights.
1. Cruise Bar
With three levels worth of ambience, live music, delicious food, and of course those stunning harbour views, this spot is a no-brainer. Dive into grilled prawns, a proper steak or mix it up surf and turf-style—Cruise Bar lives up to its name here. The first floor is great for a relaxed meal surrounded by downtown buzz, while the Junk Lounge upstairs offers a uniquely nautical view. But if you are looking to secure a coveted table at the rooftop on Level 3 for an unmatched Vivid experience, bookings are essential.
2. Harbourfront Seafood Restaurant
This is your reminder to secure a spot to ‘Dine under the lights of Vivid Sydney’ at Harbourfront in The Rocks with a booking. We’re not exaggerating when we call it the perfect location to witness the magic of Vivid unfold with uninterrupted views of the Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. Until 15th June, the restaurant affords you a leisurely 2-hour dining experience featuring the freshest seafood selection with Head Chef Saiful Islam’s global take on Australian native ingredients. From natural Sydney rock oysters to Moreton Bay bugs in coconut curry, it’s a swimmingly satisfying party.
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3. Ume Burger Barangaroo
For a more casual approach to your evening, stop at Ume Burger for a bite to eat under the stars and amongst the lights. The Japanese-inspired waterfront location doles out signature burgers and beers that warm the hearts and bellies of sunset diners. The hatted Head Chef, Kerby Craig runs the show marrying chicken, beef, pork, fish or even ebi katsu (breaded shrimp) burgers with Barangaroo flair. With umami-packed dishes and the light show in the cards, you’d be in for a night that awakens all your senses.
4. Muum Maam Barangaroo
Let’s start with the translation — Muum Maam means “little glutton” or, as some may say, eating sloppily in the Thai language. The first Muum Maam spot opened over 14 years ago in Surry Hills proving its mettle long before the opening of another location in the heart of Barangaroo. The universe works in wonderful ways, one of which is that the snazzy restaurant is perfectly located for a dinner stop when out at Vivid Sydney. Expect Thai cuisine with traditional, bold flavours starring seasonal produce, and indoor and outdoor seating options. The Barangaroo location is offering three glitter-filled cocktails during the Vivid Sydney 2024 festival period to match the sparkling lights and atmosphere, so get ready to clink those shiny glasses.
5. Soul Dining
Next up we have Sydney’s only hatted Korean restaurant, Soul Dining. Their VIVID@Soul Experience has been created with ceramic artist Woochang Kim to add a magical glow to the light-filled night with a display of his uniquely handcrafted moon jars. To match the illuminated ceramics, Executive Chef Daero Lee has also created a Moon Jar cake to complete the experience. With both tasting and a la carte menus designed for sharing to go with cocktails and cake, this is the booking you want for a group excursion to Vivid Sydney 2024.
Clear your calendar, give your mates a call and get to securing these top spots for your Vivid Live plans. For a list of all Vivid Live 2024 eat, play and stay options, check out the Vivid Live website.
