Attractions of the Sydney Australia Opera House Complex

With several smaller theatres, restaurants and shops, Sydney's iconic Opera House actually has a lot more going for it than opera (although the opera is pretty fabulous too).  This is intended as a brief guide to the entertainments of the Sydney landmark.

First, let's cover the food and drink options at the Sydney Opera House.  While many of them are intended specifically as destinations before or after attending Opera House events, because of the Sydney Opera House's central location at Circular Quay, they are popular as dining spots all on their own.

The Opera Bar, with it's elegant, simple decor (you eat and drink at the bar) and Australian cuisine has a single, all-day menu and is open from 10am until late (certianly after performances let out and then quite a bit) seven days a week.  It has a lovely outdoor area, and in Sydney's summer is always jammed because of its spectacular views of Sydney Harbour Bridge.  They only take reservations for lunch, during the weekdays for parties of ten or more

Guillaume at Bennelong is the showcase restaurant of the Sydney Opera House, having one many singificant dining awards and being situated, stunningly, in one of the "sails" of the Opera House.  Reservations are a must for Guillaume at Bennelong which is open for dinner Monday - Saturday and for lunch on Thursdays and Fridays.   Pre-theatre dining is available from 5:30pm, and post-performance supper is also offered.

There is also Bistro Mozart, run by the same folks who bring us Guillaume at Bennelong.  Bistro Mozart is affordable, and is gear specifically to theatre-goers at the Opera House, opening two hours before performances, during intermissions and after performances.

Finally, for inexpensive harbour-sidedinging there is Sidewalk Cafe, which is open 8am until late seven days a week.  This is good for a light, informal snack, and it also provides outdoor seating with views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.