Sydney’s iconic Opera Bar and House Canteen celebrate Lunar New Year with a feast for the senses

It’s time to welcome the Year of the Snake, and Sydney’s Opera Bar and House Canteen are the places to be this Lunar New Year, with special menus, colourful cocktails, and dazzling lion dance performances, that will make these harbourside hotspots the place to celebrate and soak up the Lunar spirit.

OPERA BAR

From 29th January to 2nd February, Opera Bar invites guests to soak up the sunshine, sip on cocktails, and enjoy a special Lunar New Year menu, all set against the stunning backdrop of Sydney Harbour.

The food lineup features mouthwatering dishes with an Asian-inspired twist, like Pork & Prawn Wontons, Crispy Duck Bao, and Mango Pancakes with Chantilly Cream. Pair the feast with cocktails crafted for the occasion, including a refreshing Jade Garden (Bombay Sapphire, elderflower, lychee, cucumber, and citrus, $22) or go for a zesty Lunar Highball (42 Below vodka, ginger, mint, lemon, and soda, $23).

And what’s a Lunar New Year celebration without entertainment? Lion Dance performances on 29th January and 1st February at 2:00pm will be a calendar highlight.

Date: 29th January - 2nd February, 2025
Location: Opera Bar, Bennelong Point, Sydney Opera House
Booking: Free entry. Opera Bar operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

HOUSE CANTEEN

From 29th January to 9th February, House Canteen, the all-day diner tucked under the Opera House sails, is celebrating the Year of the Snake with bold Asian flavours and festive vibes.

The special Lunar New Year menu brings a taste of street food favourites from across Asia, with dishes including Char Siu Pork Spare Ribs, Salt & Pepper Lobster Bites, and Coconut Tapioca with Raspberry and Passionfruit a highlight. The cocktails are just as exciting, with additions like the smoky-sweet Chi-cha (Japanese whisky, oolong tea, honey, ginger, and lemon, $22), the fruity Orchard (sake, pomme verte, pear, and citrus, $19), and the spicy Firecracker (Bacardi Carta Blanca, watermelon, lime, and habanero, $22).

To add a special touch to the festivities, Lion Dance performances will take place at 2:00 PM on 29th of January, 1st of February and 8th of February, creating a truly immersive Lunar New Year celebration. Don’t miss the Lion Dance performances on 29th January, 1st February, and 8th February at 2:00 PM for an extra dose of festive cheer.

Whether you’re after a leisurely meal, a quick snack, or a pre-show cocktail, House Canteen has you covered with stunning harbour views to match this Lunar New Year.

Date: 29th January - 9th February, 2025
Location: House Canteen, Bennelong Point Lower Concourse, Sydney Opera House
Booking: Free entry. House Canteen operates on a first-come, first-served basis and will not be taking bookings for this event.

About Opera Bar

Opera Bar is a relaxed and stylish venue in one of Sydney’s sunniest spots, capturing the essence of Sydney’s vibrant spirit. Focused on freshness and the changing seasons, the bar offers spritzy cocktails, crisp pale ales, and a light, seasonal menu with a strong emphasis on seafood. Passionate about supporting local, Opera Bar features an Aussie-focused wine list and showcases local musical talent, making it the perfect spot to enjoy great food, drinks, and live entertainment with stunning views.

About House Canteen

House Canteen is a vibrant, all-day hawker-style diner located beneath the iconic Opera House sails, offering stunning views of Sydney Harbour. Drawing inspiration from the street food scenes of Tokyo, Hong Kong, Hanoi, and beyond, its menu features everything from morning coffee and bakery treats to pan-Asian favourites served from lunch till late. Perfect for a pre-show cocktail, quick snack, or a leisurely meal, House Canteen is the ideal spot for theatergoers, with classic cocktails and bites to enjoy before or after a performance.