Discover NSW’s Native Ingredients at Vivid Sydney and Beyond

Monday, Apr 13, 2026 0

Experience a vibrant flavour journey across New South Wales, where chefs are drawing on ingredients that have nourished Aboriginal communities for over 60,000 years. From the citrus pop of finger lime to the roasted depth of wattleseed and the bright lift of lemon myrtle, these ancient tastes are reshaping the city’s restaurant scene with a strong sense of place.

This season, the experience becomes even more immersive during Vivid Sydney (22 May – 13 June), when the city comes alive with exclusive dining events celebrating native ingredients, storytelling and culinary innovation. Discover standout events and hand-picked spots to experience the delicious revival of Australia’s oldest food traditions below.

Experience Australian taste at Vivid Sydney (22 May – 13 June)

Warakirri Dining Experience (31 May) – Celebrate the richness of Aboriginal culture, cuisine and storytelling. Join Weilwan chef Sharon Winsor for an intimate multi-course dining experience celebrating native Australian ingredients. (Cost starts from $150 pp).

Our Shared Future: Remy Davis (4 June) – Join chef Remy Davis and OzHarvest for a four-course dinner at Refetorio OzHarvest Sydney, all made up using 95% beautiful, fresh and reduced NSW produce. A Sydney native, Remy specialises in open-fire cooking, celebrating fresh, seasonal produce with smoky, wood-fired techniques honed in the Basque food capital (Cost starts from $120 pp).

Oysters in the House (7 June) – A one-day spectacular at Shell House, Oysters in the House celebrates two of New South Wales’ most iconic culinary heroes: The Sydney Rock Oyster and NSW Semillon. (Cost starts from $50 pp).

Experience the Harbour Views with Native flavours

Midden by Mark Olive, Sydney Opera House
Beneath the sails of the Opera House, Indigenous chef Mark Olive at Midden tells Australia’s story through a modern menu laced with wattleseed, bush honey and saltbush. Harbour views and deeply local flavours make this one of the city’s most memorable dining experiences.

Me-Gal – Taronga Zoo, Mosman
Perched high above the water at Taronga Zoo, Me-Gal matches sweeping harbour vistas with plates that showcase Australian produce and bush spices. Native herbs and botanicals bring the scent of the bush to fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables for an elegant, nature-connected meal.

Grab a spot of Brunch or a Daytime Bite

BTB Kirribilli, Kirribilli
BTB Kirribilli is a brunch favourite where relaxed café classics meet bush-food flair. Think avocado on toast lifted with native citrus, herbs and seeds — a simple, approachable way to taste these flavours between sightseeing stops.

Good Ways Deli, Redfern

Good Ways Deli brings native ingredients into the morning routine with creativity and colour. Known for its vibrant sandwiches and brunch plates, the café experiments with Australian flavours like lemon myrtle and native herbs, weaving bush foods into everyday bites in a fun and accessible way.

After Dark Indulgence

NEL Restaurant, Surry Hills
NEL Restaurant’s inventive degustation menus give Australian ingredients a playful, fine-dining spin. Expect pepperberry sauces, finger lime “caviar” and roasted-wattleseed desserts in a polished Surry Hills setting made for special occasions.

Firedoor, Surry Hills
At Firedoor, chef Lennox Hastie cooks entirely with wood fire, creating a menu that celebrates the elemental connection between fire, land and ingredient. Seasonal produce and Australian flavours take centre stage, with carefully sourced meats, seafood and vegetables prepared over open flame for a deeply expressive dining experience.

Best for Cocktails and Bush-Inspired Desserts

Bush, Redfern
Bush is a love letter to Australia’s larder, with a menu built around Indigenous flavours sourced from local producers. Seasonal dishes include elements like finger lime, saltbush and wild herbs in a laid-back setting that celebrates contemporary bush dining.

Archie Rose Distilling Co. – Alexandria & Rosebery
At Archie Rose, curious drinkers can dive into native botanicals through blend-your-own gin sessions. Guided tastings and hands-on classes reveal how local plants shape modern Australian spirits — and you leave with a bottle that’s uniquely your own.