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.”
Bennelong is open for reservations Wednesday to Saturday from 5.30pm for à la carte dining in the Restaurant. For pre-theatre dining, please allow a minimum of 1 hour and 45 minutes prior to attending your performance to enjoy Bennelong’s three-course menu.
Please note entry to Bennelong is via a single entry point located under the Monumental Steps.
Opening hours
LUNCH
Friday
Bennelong Presents Music on Friday
Reservations from 12pm to 2pm
Saturday
Reservations from 12pm to 2pm
Sunday
Bennelong Presents Sunday Jazz
Reservations from 12pm to 3.30pm
DINNER
Wednesday to Saturday
Reservations from 5.30pm to 8.45pm
Menu
Australian produce and wine take centre stage at Bennelong.
With Peter Gilmore, one of Australia’s most celebrated chefs at the helm, Bennelong showcases the flavour, diversity and quality of Australian produce within the shell of one of Australia’s most iconic buildings.
View the full menu here.
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Bennelong offers a fine dining à la carte menu of three courses with sides for $180 per person. You can enjoy an additional course of Australian cheeses for $30.
Please note a 10% surcharge applies on Sundays.
Make a reservation
We encourage you to book ahead to secure a table.
Reservations are available for dinner on Wednesdays to Saturdays and for lunch on Fridays to Sundays.
Make a reservation here.
Bennelong's Cherry Jam Lamington
Plating up of Peter Gilmore's signature Cherry Jam Lamington dessert at Bennelong.Press play to watch the plating of the Cherry Jam Lamington
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.
Bennelong Presents
A series of extraordinary music experiences
Join us at Bennelong Presents as leading Australian artists perform in the spectacular architectural space of Jorn Utzon’s pavilion.
Bennelong Presents invites guests to enjoy a unique way to experience music in the Sydney Opera House with Australia’s best musicians taking the stage for Music on Friday and Sunday Jazz.
An experience as diverse as the menu
An experience as diverse as the menu
Click to see images
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 enjoy a drink before or after their meal.
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.
The Counter
Dine at the beautiful golden brass counter on bar-style seating, overlooking the restaurant with stunning views to Circular Quay.
At The Counter, we offer a two-course à la carte menu, with your choice of entrée and main, or main and dessert
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.
Entry to Bennelong is via a single entry point located under the Monumental Steps.
We ask that you please follow the directions of our staff at all times.
View map
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?
On the top level of the restaurant, Bennelong Bar is the perfect place to enjoy a drink before a show, or as a night cap after a performance. Walk-ins are welcome, or book a table in the restaurant to avoid disappointment.
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