Bennelong
Fine dining under the Opera House sails
Make a reservation
Bennelong serves to celebrate the Sydney Opera House and its extraordinary architecture by offering a culturally significant and inspiring menu showcasing a most magnificent production of Australian food and wine.
To quote The New York Times, “Bennelong may be the Holy Grail of Australian restaurants.” Named for the Aboriginal interlocutor who had his hut on this historic spot, a place for feasting and celebration for thousands of years, Fink’s Bennelong restaurant is housed in the first pavilion that greets visitors. With its spectacular, cathedral-like interior, the Bennelong pavilion is known as the Opera House in miniature, while the menu created by a team headed by one of Australia's most celebrated chefs, Peter Gilmore, is - as one critic put it - “Australia on a plate.”
A range of dining options are available at Bennelong including The Restaurant, The Bar and Pre-Theatre Dining.
COVID Safe Measures
Bennelong is committed to being a COVID safe environment. View their COVID Safe plan here.
Opening hours
Dinner
Wednesday to Saturday
Reservations from 5.30pm to 8.45pm
Lunch
Saturday
Reservations from 12pm to 2.15pm
Sunday
Bennelong Presents Sunday Jazz
Reservations from 12pm to 3.30pm
$$$
Three course à la carte menu
$180 per person
Bennelong Presents Sunday Jazz
Three course à la carte menu $180 per person with $30 cover charge per person.
Make a reservation
Bookings for dining at Bennelong are essential. Please call 02 9240 8000 or book online here.
Australian cuisine reimagined by Peter Gilmore
Peter Gilmore, pictured standing on the right with Bennelong Head Chef Rob Cockerill on his left, is the Executive Chef of Bennelong and its sister restaurant Quay. Quay has received an unprecedented number of Australian and international awards for Peter’s creative and original cuisine.
An experience as diverse as the menu
An experience as diverse as the menu
Dining Options
The Restaurant
The lower level of Bennelong, known as The Restaurant, presents Australian cuisine at its finest. Seated in an intimate and upmarket setting, diners can enjoy a three course à la carte menu.
The Bar
On the top level of the restaurant, Bennelong Bar offers an ideal place for guests to meet before or after a show over a drink.
Bennelong is proud to offer a uniquely Australian wine list with over 200 of the country’s favourite small scale labels from an eclectic collection of wine-makers. In keeping the philosophy of Bennelong, Bar Manager Taka Shino has also created a list of showstopping cocktails with a focus on local Australian produce.
What safety and hygiene measures has Bennelong Restaurant put in place?
Bennelong Restaurant is committed to being a COVID safe environment. View their COVID safety measures here.
Do I need to be vaccinated to visit the Sydney Opera House and Bennelong Restaurant?
The Sydney Opera House no longer requires patrons to show that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Is wearing a mask compulsory?
Face masks are strongly recommended for all patrons while inside our theatres and foyers, including during a performance and on a tour, and other indoor areas including upon entering the building to access Bennelong Restaurant. Please bring your own mask.
Do I need to make a booking in advance?
Yes, bookings for dining at Bennelong are essential. Please call 02 9240 8000 or book online.
Do you cater for gluten/nut/other allergies?
Bennelong can cater for all dietary requirements with advanced notice. Please advise your dietary requirements when making your reservation.
What happens if I'm feeling unwell or displaying symptoms prior to arrival and I need to cancel?
It is vitally important that you stay home if you feel unwell and/or are displaying any symptoms of COVID-19, including a cough, fever, sore throat, and/or runny nose.
In the event of unexpected illness, please contact Bennelong Restaurant via 02 9240 8000.
Will Bennelong Restaurant be taking cashless payments?
Cashless payment will be provided to enable guests to remain seated.
Is the restaurant wheelchair friendly?
Yes, the restaurant and bar at Bennelong is wheelchair friendly, with lift access into the main dining room and into the bar area.
How do I get to the Sydney Opera House? And how do I find Bennelong?
The Opera House Wilson car park is open and operating. We encourage patrons and visitors to consider prepay parking options. Where practical, we encourage patrons to use private transport options to minimise crowding on public transport. If you need to use public transport, please follow the travel advice from Transport NSW.
Bennelong will have a single entry and exit point to ensure registration and venue capacity are effectively managed. This is located under the Monumental Steps.
We ask that you please follow the directions of our staff at all times.
Do you cater to pre-theatre dining?
Yes! Our reservations team can assist in booking a time to ensure you make your show.
Can I come in just for a drink?
Yes, at Bennelong Bar. Located on the upper level of the venue, Bennelong Bar is the perfect spot to meet before a show, or to simply enjoy a glass of wine or cocktail beneath the sails.