NEWS: Sydney’s Iconic Opera Bar Gets a Fresh Flavor, Celebrating the City’s Diverse Food Culture

A major makeover, four culinary influences, homegrown producers and nightly live music set the stage for Opera Bar’s next chapter, reopening November 6.

One of Sydney’s most recognizable harbourside destinations is preparing to serve up a fresh experience, as the iconic Opera Bar unveils a major redesign and an exciting new menu celebrating the city’s multicultural food scene.

Reopening to the public on Friday, November 6, Opera Bar will enter a new era under Applejack Hospitality, combining Asian and Middle Eastern flavors, a dedicated pizza kitchen and modern Australian favorites in a market-inspired dining experience against the spectacular backdrop of Sydney Harbour.

The reopening marks another milestone in the revitalization of the Sydney Opera House’s harbourside dining precinct, a year after Applejack was appointed to oversee its dining venues. The latest development follows the opening of all-day eatery Winnie’s in July.

At the heart of Opera Bar’s transformation is a menu that brings the flavors of Sydney’s diverse neighborhoods to one iconic waterfront setting.

Developed by Applejack Culinary Director Patrick Friesen and Opera Bar Precinct Executive Head Chef Daniel Cooper, the new offering puts local producers and regional ingredients in the spotlight, showcasing the people and businesses shaping Sydney’s vibrant food culture.

From Bankstown’s pork spring rolls made by Banh Mi Bay Ngo to Italian mozzarella from Auburn’s La Stella, Bondi’s Basta falafel and Sydney rock oysters supplied through Rock Oyster Depot, the menu celebrates the city’s culinary diversity. Hot sauce from local producer The Fermentalists also adds a distinctive kick to selected dishes.

“Sydney is the most delicious city on earth,” Friesen said. “You can travel around the world just by moving through its suburbs, and that’s what we wanted to capture at Opera Bar.”

He said the menu was designed to celebrate the producers, makers and neighborhood businesses behind Sydney’s food identity while delivering a dining experience that remains generous, approachable and perfectly suited to a meal beside the harbor.

Local flavors flow into the drinks menu

The venue’s transformation extends beyond the kitchen, with a refreshed drinks program championing Australian producers and giving New South Wales beer and wine a leading role.

Led by Applejack Group Beverage Manager Matt Johnson and Opera Bar Precinct Beverage Manager James ‘Rusty’ Russell, the drinks selection features beers from popular local and regional breweries, including Young Henrys, Stone & Wood, Hawke’s, Mountain Culture, Yulli’s and Heaps Normal.

Wine lovers can explore selections from the Hunter Valley, Orange, Mudgee, Tumbarumba and Canberra District, complemented by a curated range of Champagne and Provence rosé.

The cocktail menu combines familiar favorites with creative Australian-inspired twists. A Hugo Spritz gets a coastal makeover with Papa Salt Coastal Gin, while a frozen mango and coconut cocktail made with Sydney-produced Red Mill Rum takes inspiration from the much-loved Mango Weis Bar.

Another standout, the Cheeky Lamington, pairs coconut tequila and white chocolate with a lamington from Sydney’s Tokyo Lamington, bringing a playful local favorite into cocktail form.

A dedicated non-alcoholic cocktail collection, alongside alcohol-free wine and beer, ensures the refreshed drinks experience caters to a broad range of guests.

“The drinks list has been designed with the same philosophy as the food – to celebrate the incredible producers we have here,” Johnson said.

“We’ve brought together Australian spirits, wines and beers alongside cocktails that feel fresh, fun and distinctly Opera Bar.”

A bold new look for a harbourfront icon

Complementing the new food and drinks offering is a comprehensive redesign by award-winning Australian design studio Luchetti Krelle.

The makeover respects the architectural character of the Sydney Opera House while introducing a contemporary aesthetic, with a deep green color palette replacing Opera Bar’s former blue nautical look.

The result aims to give the venue a renewed identity while preserving its connection to one of Australia's most celebrated landmarks.

For Applejack Hospitality Co-Founder Ben Carroll, the challenge was to balance Opera Bar’s international reputation with its place in the everyday life of Sydney.

“Opera Bar is one of Australia’s most iconic venues. It’s known by people all over the world, but it also belongs to the people who live here,” Carroll said.

“We wanted to create something that honors both: a venue worthy of this extraordinary location that still feels unmistakably Sydney.”

More than a dining destination

Beyond its refreshed interiors and menus, Opera Bar will continue to play a role in the Sydney Opera House’s broader cultural experience, with Arts Matter curating live music every night.

The combination of locally inspired dining, Australian beverages, contemporary design and nightly performances reinforces the venue’s position as a gathering place for locals and visitors alike.

As Opera Bar prepares to welcome guests back on November 6, its next chapter is built around a distinctly Sydney idea: bringing the city’s many flavors, creative talents and cultural influences together in one of its most celebrated waterfront locations.