If you’re heading to Sydney at the end of this month, you’re in luck: Vivid Sydney is back. Now in its 15th year, the Southern Hemisphere’s leading multi-artform festival will once again illuminate the city over 23 dazzling nights with creativity, light installations, music, innovation, and globally inspired cuisine.
In its third year, Vivid Food 2025 has become an integral part of the festival, featuring two standout streams: the Vivid Chef Series and Vivid Fire Kitchen. Make the most of Sydney’s cool, crisp months by joining some of the world’s most exciting culinary talents for star-studded dinners and flame-fired feasts.
“Vivid Food is quickly becoming one of the most exciting parts of Vivid Sydney, and this year’s programme is shaping up to be our biggest and boldest yet. From top chefs cooking over open flames at Vivid Fire Kitchen to once-in-a-lifetime fine dining experiences with global culinary stars, there’s something for everyone to enjoy,” says Steve Kemper, NSW Minister for Jobs and Tourism.
Here are some of the highlights from both programs.
Vivid Chef Series
Two of Sydney’s most iconic restaurants, Ester and Eleven Barrack, will host exquisite, one-off dining events that should not be missed.
Ester x James Lowe
From 27 to 29 May, James Lowe of London’s acclaimed Lyle’s will join Ester’s Mat Lindsay for three indulgent evenings of bold, flame-kissed flavours, showcasing the best of Australian seafood. This eight-course menu is priced at A$250 per person, with an optional wine pairing for A$150.
Eleven Barrack x Claude Bosi
On 10 and 11 June, modern French finesse meets New South Wales’ finest ingredients as London’s two-Michelin-starred Claude Bosi (of Bibendum) teams up with Brent Savage of the Bentley Group for a remarkable collaboration.
Hosted in the elegant, European-inspired dining room of Eleven, guests will enjoy a six-course tasting menu featuring standout dishes such as Bosi’s signature camembert soufflé with winter black truffle and Savage’s duck liver choux au craquelin.
Limited to just 80 guests per service, this exclusive event is priced at A$185 per person for lunch and A$285 per person for dinner. Wine pairings are available.
Vivid Fire Kitchen
Join the world’s top pitmasters and barbecue specialists for 23 nights of fire-fuelled feasting, smoky aromas, and delicious global flavours.
Located along The Goods Line in Ultimo, the Vivid Fire Kitchen offers a casual, street food-style setting complete with fire pits, sizzling embers, fragrant spices, and a festive atmosphere perfect for winter evenings.
Taste offerings from Australia’s own Jess Pryles, alongside acclaimed American chef and TV personality Nyesha Arrington. Local favourites include Lennox Hastie (Firedoor), Paul Farag (Aalia), Oscar Solomon (The Apollo Group), Annita Potter (Viand), and Mindy Woods, among others.
From vegetarian Indian dishes to South American-style barbecue, come hungry and ready to explore. A dedicated wine bar will showcase some of NSW’s finest wines. A highlight of this year’s programme is First Nation Nights, which will spotlight the deep cultural connection between fire and First Nations food traditions. Learn from Indigenous chefs about native ingredients, traditional techniques, and the ancestral significance of cooking with fire.
Vivid Fire Kitchen events are free to attend and run every night during Vivid Sydney. Find the full schedule here.
Explore the full Vivid Sydney 2025 programme here.
