Skip to main content

Main navigation

Sydney Opera House reopens harbourside restaurants

Sydney – Wednesday 9 September, 2020. The Sydney Opera House has announced that its popular harbourside dining venues Opera Bar and Opera Kitchen will be open for business from tomorrow, Thursday 10 September.

Since March, the Opera House has been closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, the world-famous icon has continued to connect with, inspire, educate and entertain local and global audiences through its free weekly digital program, From Our House to Yours.

The reopening of Opera Bar and Opera Kitchen marks the initial return of public-facing activities on site.

Sydney Opera House CEO Louise Herron AM said: “We are thrilled to begin welcoming the public back to the Opera House. The reopening of two of our popular dining venues is a positive first step in our phased approach to resuming events and experiences across the site. 

“Nothing is more important to us than the safety of everyone on site, and we are closely following NSW Health guidelines and advice. We look forward to welcoming people back to our theatres, tours, other dining venues and shops soon and will provide more detail in the coming weeks.”

To celebrate its reopening, Opera Bar will offer a new food, wine and cocktail menu that features Australian producers, a series of new experiences for Sydneysiders to enjoy, and live music celebrating local artists and DJs. Opera Kitchen will reopen for all-day dining from breakfast through to dinner offering all of their signature favourites. For the first time, patrons will be able to book ahead for tables at both Opera Bar and Opera Kitchen.

What we are doing to reopen safely
The Opera House and its food and beverage venues are registered as COVID Safe businesses with the NSW Government. Appropriate measures will be in place, including:

  • Maximum capacity of one person per four square metres, in line with NSW Government requirements.
  • Physical distancing guidelines, including tables 1.5 metres apart.
  • No more than 10 guests per booking and table.
  • Guests register with QR code sign-in on arrival.
  • Separate entry and exit points for Opera Bar and Opera Kitchen to ensure registration and venue capacity are effectively managed.
  • Queues to be managed in line with physical distancing requirements. 
  • Cashless payment and order-at-table options so all guests remain seated to support physical distancing.
  • Cleaning of high-traffic and high-touch areas with hospital-grade disinfectant.
  • Hand sanitiser stations in all paths of travel, frequently accessed areas and near bathroom facilities.
  • COVID-19 safety training for all operational, frontline and contract staff, with one staff member assigned as the COVID-19 Safe Hygiene Marshal.

For more information about the Opera House’s COVID-19 health and safety measures, reopening plans and frequently asked questions, please visit the Opera House’s website.

To view Opera Bar’s new menu, experiences and opening hours, click here.
To view Opera Kitchen’s menu and opening hours, click here.

For media information, please contact:

Melanie Wellington
Senior Communications Manager
mwellington@sydneyoperahouse.com / 0413 709 081

Kate Huish
Head of External Communications
khuish@sydneyoperahouse.com / 0422 963 184