Best Eats
A Guide to the Best Food Experiences at Vivid 2025
12/05/2025
While Vivid Sydney is best known for its kaleidoscopic light installations and awe-inspiring programming, there’s another sensory experience that takes centre stage every year: the food. From smoky street eats and chef collaborations to some of Sydney’s best venues getting in on the action, Vivid 2025 is set to serve up its most delicious program yet.
Come for the sights and the sounds, but stay for the delicious eats. Here’s your ultimate guide to the food at Vivid – and where to eat before or after you explore the lights.
Vivid Fire Kitchen turns up the heat
Set along The Goods Line, Vivid Fire Kitchen returns with more sizzle and smoke this year. It’s a free-entry, open-air experience bringing together some of the world’s best pitmasters and barbecue pros for a fiery celebration of global cooking techniques. This year’s theme, Fire & Spice, is set to showcase the world’s most vibrant spice-forward cuisines – from flame-grilled skewers and charred corn to smoky curries and slow-cooked meats.
Expect live demonstrations, spice-packed menus and plenty of Vivid food stalls for a globetrotting feast under the stars.
One-off collaborations
For something truly unforgettable, Ester in Chippendale is teaming up with Michelin-starred chef James Lowe (Lyle’s, London) for three exclusive nights (27–29 May). The result? A one-off event – as part of the wider Vivid Chef Series collaboration – with a menu that celebrates NSW’s finest produce through the lens of two of the most exciting chefs on the planet.
Lowe’s pared-back, produce-driven philosophy perfectly complements Mat Lindsay’s signature wood-fired style. Set inside Ester’s intimate dining room, this will be one of Vivid 2025’s hottest tables – so book now if you’re lucky enough to snag a spot.
Where to eat before, during and after Vivid 2025
Dining around the festival precincts is half the fun. And if you’re near Barangaroo, Carriageworks or Central Station, there’s no shortage of standout spots to fill up at before the lights go on.
At Barangaroo, check out Rekodo. The vinyl-spinning Japanese-inspired restaurant in Barangaroo House combines izakaya-style bites with exquisite cocktails and DJ sets. Love.fish is for admirers of sustainable seafood, while Golden Century at The Crown serves up Peking duck and Cantonese favourites with flair.
Near Carriageworks, head to The Grounds Roastery in South Eveleigh – a newly opened space that’s equal parts café, bakery and coffee factory. After something quick? Grab a pho from Eat Fuh, or a burger from North.
Closer to Central, Spice Alley is your go-to for authentic hawker-style fare under glowing lanterns – think noodles, dumplings, satay skewers and more. Or if you’re in the mood for something more upscale, Longshore has a 1 Chef’s Hat-awarded menu inspired by Australia’s coastline.
Don’t wait – tickets are going fast
So many Vivid 2025 food events have already sold out, so our advice is to start planning ahead (and booking) for your favourites now. Whether you’re wandering through Vivid food stalls, indulging in an hours-long degustation or grabbing a casual bowl of laksa before the lights turn on, there’s never been a better excuse to eat your way around Sydney.