During Sydney Solstice, there will be more than 200 events happening at pubs, art galleries, precincts, museums, and live music venues throughout the city. To help you sort through the events, we’ve put together a guide to the food and drink experiences that are not to be missed.
Aria After Dark
If you’re after wine and good food, you can’t go past Aria After Dark. Each two-hour tasting experience will showcase local wines and produce, hosted by a NSW winemaker at the top of their game. A selection of wines will complement snacks created by Aria’s executive chef, Joel Bickford. The tasting costs $88, which includes the wine tasting, snacks, and two glasses of wine.
Book here.
The Queen’s Feast
The Queen’s Feast takes diners back to the day where sumptuous feasts adorned ridiculously long tables. It was a time to indulge, which is exactly what this experience is about. Transforming Sydney’s Town Hall into a mess hall, diners can expect to see delicious food from Australian chefs, live music, soundscapes, and movements, with a few surprises at the end. Expect dessert from Anna Polyivou, dishes from Sarah Tiong, and many more iconic chefs. The four-course meal will be accompanied by a show and there is a dress code: twisted dark and fancy. Choose from the 1pm to 4 pm seating or 7 pm to 10 pm session.
Book here.
South Eveleigh Festival and Lucky Kwong
Whether you’re after a cocktail at the world’s first no-waste bar or a taste of Kylie Kwong’s new eatery, then this festival is the perfect chance. For two days during Sydney Solstice, South Eveleigh will transform into a food festival, fusing performance, art installations, and music, with food and drinks. Expect, experiences at RaRa Chan, Re, Eat Fuh, Whitton, Steve Costi’s, Fishbowl, Yoho Loco, and more.
Book here.
Flavours of Opera Kitchen
Looking for something to do with the family? Visit Opera Kitchen to sample food stalls and face-painting for the kids. There will also be a DJ spinning tunes all day long over two days during the festival. As for the food, expect the Italian and Japanese flavours they’ve been serving since opening the new Opera Kitchen earlier this year. The stalls will be slinging bite-sized katsu sandwiches, ramen, cured meats at the charcuterie stall, arancini, and fresh buffalo mozzarella. You can also pick up an Aperol spritz and Asahi beer.
Book here.
Midnight Feast at Mr Wong
Have you ever had a midnight dim sum craving? Mr Wong is giving night owls the chance to dig into dim sum from 12pm to 3 am. There will be live DJs and entertainment throughout the restaurant. Tickets cost between $120 to $160 and will be released in June.
Book here.
South American Booze, Beats and Eats at Hyde Hacienda Sydney
If you’re looking for something different, head to Hyde Hacienda for a taste of South American culture including cuisine and music. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday during Sydney Solstice, the venue will be showcasing a selection of live music from traditional South American bands to lively DJs against the backdrop of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. They will also offer a selection of signature Hyde cocktail shots with shareable eats.
Book here.
Smoke and Mirrors
At Esquire Bar + Bistro, enjoy a four-course dinner with a little magic. Diners will be whisked away to a private space where acclaimed mentalist Andy Nunn and magicians Vincent Kuo and Adam Axford will entertain and surprise. Located on level two of the QVB, Esquire feels like walking into a New York supper club where diners can indulge in old-world glamour. Expect pre-show drinks, post-show feasts, and a magical evening, that will make you think you’re in Vegas. Tickets are $95 per person.
Book here.
Supper Club Series
Music lovers and foodies unite for the Secret Sounds Supper Club Series at Mary’s Underground and a surprise venue. Think themed nights pairing delicious eats and drinks with the sounds of some of the country’s best artists. Kicking off with a celebration of First Nations culture on Thursday 10 June, legendary singer-songwriter Archie Roach and Australian icon Mark Olive aka ‘The Black Olive’ will come together for a night of storytelling, paired with indigenous cuisine. Then step into the Cucina for Dinner at Nonna’s on Saturday 12 June hosted by Donny Benet and Toby Stansfield. Ten Hats will be taking the concept of brunch and putting a fur coat on it, served up with the party-starting hyperactive beats of CLYPSO on Sunday 13 June. Continue your long weekend shenanigans when The Dip returns for one night only on Sunday 13 June.
Book here.
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