How to have a Vivid night out at the new Quay Quarter precinct
Enjoy dazzling food, desserts and snacks before or after you enjoy the light show.
Vivid Sydney is back in full swing after a 2-year hiatus no one saw coming. The lights, music and ideas festival has returned to a city that in many ways looks very different from the one before.
One change comes in the form of the stylish new Quay Quarter which spreads across 2 blocks down near Circular Quay, it's the perfect place to start or end a night out exploring Vivid.
Finder was invited to try some of the offerings before heading out on the Vivid Light Walk. Here's what we recommend:
Vivid dinners
Head to Londres 126 for Mexican and cocktails
This buzzing Frida Kahlo-inspired Mexican cantina and Mezcal bar serves up dishes that are packed full of flavour. From 4pm to 7pm grab the special Vivid offer of 2 tacos plus a spicy margarita for $30 each.
Choose between decadent flavours including lobster al pastor, carne asado, duck carnitas and grilled shiitake. These tacos are a feast for the eyes and are perfect for sharing.
What better way to prepare yourself for a night of experiencing the bright lights of Vivid.
Other dinner options in Quay Quarter Lanes during Vivid Sydney
- Grana offers a 45-minute Vivid quick bite menu with a choice of pasta and a glass of wine for $40 each. Available between 4-6pm or after 9pm.
- Lana offers 45-minute menus to wind up or wind down the night from $50 each. Enjoy fresh seafood and a glass of champagne before you hit the light walk or arrive after 9pm for a glass of red, mapo bolognese and dessert.
Once you've had your fill you're ready to head out and hit the town running. Vivid light installations such as "For Sydney with Love", "Temple", "Crosswalk This Way" and "Endless Love" are just a few minutes walk away. Or stick around for dessert (more on that below).
Dinner not your thing? See our full guide to doing Vivid differently here.
Vivid Sydney Helicopter Flight
RedBalloon
Vivid Sydney Night Photography Course
Viator
Vivid Sydney SKYWALK at Night
Klook
Artful desserts
Grab a sugar hit at Zini Contemporary Gelateria
The Brisbane based gelateria founded by entrepreneur Matteo Zini has made its way to the harbour city just in time for Vivid. Choose from 18 mouth-watering flavours (including sorbet). Each is made fresh, in particular, we loved the tiramisú and rich nocciola packed with hazelnutty goodness.
Don't forget to try the extra-special Vivid flavour which is churned up each night from 6pm. See it being prepared and watch as it turns purple from an infusion of butterfly pea flowers.
Gelato isn't the only thing on the menu. You have to try the Vivid Special gelato cake consisting of chocolate and blue vanilla gelato and a homemade raspberry sauce. Stock is limited so get in quick.
It's the perfect place to end the night. For just $13.75 each, you can enjoy all you can eat gelato (Sunday to Thursday 9-10pm, Friday to Saturday 10-11pm).
After something warm? Try Adora Handmade Chocolates for a rich hot chocolate. The handmade chocolates really are little gifts for the palate (adora means gift in Greek). They're the perfect treat to enjoy after a night exploring the Vivid lights.
Head out to Quay Quarter lanes (between Young and Loftus Streets) before 18 June for the perfect start (or end) to a night full of wonder.
Dylan dined as a guest of Quay Quarter Sydney.
Do you need more information about the festival of lights, music and ideas? See our Vivid Sydney guide.
