Best restaurants & bars with Vivid Sydney views in Darling Harbour

Sydney’s home to the world’s most beautiful harbour and hosts many incredible harbourside bars and restaurants.
If you’re looking for things to do in Sydney during Vivid, why not mix the two and sip a craft cocktail while you drink in panoramic harbour views of Sydney Infinity - Australia's largest ever choreographed liquid and light show? To get your evening started we’ve concocted a list of the best restaurants and cocktail bars with stunning views of the show in Darling Harbour. And the best part? There are two different 8 minute shows on rotation every night with an interval of approx. 5 mins in between so you can't miss it!
Make the most Sydney's annual festival of light, music and ideas while enjoying a spectacular view of Darling Harbour at Blackbird Cafe. A family-friendly modern Australian restaurant with a stunning view of Sydney Infinity to boot. Get in the Vivid Sydney spirit with a nautical themed cocktail for just $12, available for a limited time only and merry-makers get to keep the illuminated glass for free!
Café Del Mar brings Ibizan style to Sydney, with an expansive sun drenched terrace on Cockle Bay Wharf, a long list of crafted cocktails and live DJs every weekend. Order a few of their delicious bite-sized tapas and a classic Negroni and soak in those panoramic harbour views.
High in the Sofitel Hotel in the heart of Darling Harbour, you’ll find a taste of French sophistication and joie de vivre at Champagne Bar. This classy little watering hole features floor-to-ceiling windows and breathtaking views over the glistening harbour - the perfect accompaniment to their extensive menu of premium champagnes and Bombay Sapphire cocktails, specially crafted for Vivid Sydney.
Featuring fabulous views over Cockle Bay with plenty of front row seats to Sydney Infinity, dining at Cyren Bar Grill Seafood is definitely one of the top things to do in Sydney if you’re after a unique and satisfying experience. The menu is extensive and, as the name suggests, offers all kinds of goodies from the ocean and earth.
If you like high grade wagyu steak cooked to perfection, panoramic sea views and delicious cocktails you’re going to love Scotch & Co. This luxury bar and eatery is located on level two of Harbourside and features an expansive terrace which looks out over Darling Harbour and Pyrmont Bridge. If you're celebrating it doesn’t get much better than an MB9+ wagyu scotch fillet and an ice cold old fashioned at this classy joint.
Enjoy Sydney Darling Harbour’s freshest seafood with friends and family at Blue Fish Seafood Restaurant. They’ve also got a large outdoor dining area with spectacular harbour views of Sydney Infinity - the perfect spot to try a few of the delicious dishes on their winter menu as you are dazzled by the lights, fountains and lasers.
If you see cigar smoke drifting down from above while strolling past Harbourside, you’ve found Cohibar. This classy little joint has uninterrupted views over the harbour from its expansive terrace, a stocked selection of the finest Cuban cigars and a crew of serious mixologists behind the bar. Plus it's one of the few bars in Sydney with a 24-hour license so it’s the place to be if you want to go all night.
Planar serves some of Sydney’s most inventive cocktails, including a delicious smoked negroni with rosewater that will blow your mind. The views and vibes aren stunning thanks to its location by the water and the comfortable lounge seating can be a little difficult to get out of if you’ve had an especially ‘good time’.
Zephyr floats high atop the Sydney skyline on level 12 of the Hyatt Regency Hotel. It’s got uninterrupted 180-degree views over Darling Harbour and the city - the perfect accompaniment to their crafted cocktail menu. Grab a Glow cocktail and a seat near the edge at sunset and drink it all in.