Jackie McMillan
Google
(3.5 stars)
Despite a bit of gaslighting from festival director, Gill Minervini, there are less Vivid Sydney light installations this year than in previous years. In 2022 for example, there were 57, while in 2025 we’re told there are “over 45”. Save yourself a long, cold Vivid Light Walk by making a targeted excursion to see the fully lit up side of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. We got dropped off at Sydney Opera House to avoid the road closures, but to be honest, the queer, punk works of David McDiarmid on the sails would be best viewed from the other side of the quay.
Luckily for you, Cruise Bar & Restaurant has just reopened after a Luchetti Krelle refresh, so you can have a front-row seat in the now two-level space to enjoy those projections. The top floor is now Melba’s Rooftop, which will only open for private functions and ticketed special events. The menu, under head chef Han Chen (ex-Amare), plucks its inspiration from the neighbouring sea and the Australian landscape. So expect to find lots of native botanicals across both food and drinks, like finger lime and lemon aspen vinaigrette with freshly shucked Royal Miyagi oysters ($6/each) and davidson plum and shiso leaf in the waterside spritz ($24). I had a little dabble from the cocktail list and a selection of canapés that boded well for functions at Melba’s Rooftop on opening night while the glitterati took selfies.