Feeling hungry? Follow our guide to eating your way through this Vivid festival.
By Ashie Luke
IIKO Mazesoba at The Artistry
Circular Quay (Cargo Hall)
June 10 - 13 2022
Inspired by Vivid, the founder of IIKO Mazesoba, Michelle Widjaja, has taken her renowned ramen noodle dish to the next level and infused them so they glow in the dark. The noodles are not the traditional Ramen that you may know, but a Mazesoba. This is a brothless version infused with Riboflavin which gives the noodles luminescence. Michelle learnt the art of ramen noodle making when she trained in Osaka and now makes all her noodles in-house at her restaurant IIKO Mazesoba which is Australia's first Mazesoba restaurant serving specialty ramen in Darling Square. Find out more here.
What to drink: There is no point eating Japanese cuisine if you aren't pairing it with Sake.
What to eat: Obviously the main attraction is the glow in the dark noodles!
The Australian Heritage Hotel 100 Cumberland Street, The Rocks 2000 (02) 9247 2229
There is nothing worse than heading out and having to leave your pooch at home. At The Australian Heritage Hotel you don’t have to! Get into the Vivid spirit and head down to The Rocks for a pint with your puppy every sunday and then enjoy the festival lights. Find out more here.
What to drink: Beer, of course. The Australian Heritage Hotel has over 130 Aussie craft beers that you can enjoy.
What to eat: Coat of Arms pizza, that’s right… Emu and Kangaroo are on the menu if you’re feeling adventurous. Dog treats are available for your furry friends too!
The Bearded Tit 183 Regent Street, Redfern NSW 2016 (02) 7209 4047
Queer bar and art space The Bearded Tit is a local clubhouse for those who are searching for some extra ‘umph’ in their chosen watering hole. With support from Vivid, this eccentric and convivial spot will be shining a light on Sydney’s underground queer history with an array of iconic performances and music. Find out more here.
What to drink: Definitely check out the wine list here. The Bearded Tit stocks plonk from Australia’s best wine regions.
What to eat: Lucky for you, some local restaurants deliver straight to the bar. So, whether you choose pizza or fried rice it’ll still fit the vibe and your drink of choice.
Carriageworks 245 Wilson St Eveleigh, NSW 2015 (02) 8571 9099
Multi-arts and urban cultural precinct Carriageworks is partnering with local award-winning brewpub Atomic during Vivid 2022. Atomic will be serving up their best food and drink during Carriageworks’ music line up. Accompanied by a free light installation by Sam Whiteside, you can expect live bands, performance art, and a rotating line up of awesome DJs. Find out more here.
What to drink: Prepare to pop your beer goggles on and enjoy Atomic’s seasonal brews.
What to eat: Get your hands on the teriyaki-glazed pork bao buns, tasty and easy to eat in between dance moves.
The Civic Hotel 388 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000 (02) 8080 7015
Iconic pub The Civic Hotel will be home to stunning audio-visual experiences this Vivid Sydney 2022 at their Civic Underground venue space. Catching a meal before you get your boogie on is easily done at The Civic Hotel. You have pub classics downstairs, Chinese cuisine and cocktails on the roof, and a dancefloor waiting for you underground. Find out more here.
What to drink: If you’re a lover of tropical flavours and a bit of a smoke show, order the Siu Yam Yam cocktail at the Ni Hao Bar.
What to eat: Try Civic’s Famous Yeeros, which comes in lamb, chicken, and halloumi variants.
Pony Dining Cnr Argyle St and Kendall Lne, The Rocks, NSW 2000 (02) 9252 7797
Vivid is holding an array of performances and visual experiences at numerous venues stretching from Circular Quay to the Opera House. Now, when you’re going to spend your night out witnessing such excellence, it is only fair to not leave your taste buds out. Modern Australian cuisine at Pony Dining will start your night off right and the good times will keep on rolling at the nearby events. Find out more here.
What to drink: Peanut Rye and Dry Cocktail. This baby will keep you warm and cosy well into the night.
What to eat: When a wood fire grill is in the works, it would be criminal to not get a steak. Try the sirloin with black garlic butter and cress.
INDU Dining 350 George St, Sydney 2000 (02) 9223 0158
INDU are joining in on the Vivid fun by opening for three Sunday evenings until late. Located outside the Wynyard station light rail stop, they are in the perfect location for Vivid-goers to catch the light shows around the city and then pop over for some Sri Lankan and South Indian flavours to finish off a great evening. Find out more here.
What to drink: The Album Cocktail. This drink contains traditional Sri Lankan spirit Ceylon Arrack, which is distilled from the sap of the coconut flower and aged in Sri Lankan oak casks.
What to eat: Out with friends? Try the INDU Feast and enjoy something from each section of the menu, all to share.