Applejack today announced that it has officially opened Opera Bar at the Sydney Opera House, marking a new chapter for the popular harbourside dining venue. House Canteen will follow under Applejack’s stewardship next Thursday 2 October, kicking off a 10-year agreement with the world-renowned landmark.
Known for creating some of Sydney’s most celebrated venues including The Butler, RAFI, Forrester’s, and Bopp & Tone, Applejack now brings its signature energy, fresh vision, and community-first ethos to two of Sydney harbour’s most recognisable dining destinations.
Just six weeks after being awarded the contract following a highly competitive tender process, Applejack’s team has swiftly mobilised to bring the Applejack touch to Opera Bar, with locally driven menus, a refreshed music program, and operational upgrades designed to elevate the visitor experience.
Opera Bar and House Canteen, the harbourside bar and all-day eatery nestled beneath the Opera House’s iconic sails, are celebrated as essential Sydney experiences. Together, they attract millions of visitors each year, from locals meeting friends by the water to international guests soaking in the harbour city lifestyle.
Applejack Co-founders Hamish Watts and Ben Carroll say the team is excited to welcome guests:
“This week marks a huge milestone for our team. We’re honoured to be custodians of the Lower Concourse venues and can’t wait for guests to experience the passion and care we’re bringing to Opera Bar and House Canteen. We have an incredible team who seamlessly executed a quick turnaround, and we look forward to bringing you on the journey as we reimagine what’s possible here.”
Led by Applejack Culinary Director Patrick Friesen, Opera Bar’s new menu puts local NSW producers front and centre. Highlights include an antipasto platter featuring Pino’s mortadella from Kogarah, La Stella mozzarella from Auburn, and Westmont pickles from Thirlmere, alongside tiger prawn cocktails with Opera Bar’s collaboration hot sauce with local brand The Fermentalists. Grilled swordfish is served with roasted tomatoes, salsa verde, saffron aioli & rocket and the signature cheeseburger is served with lettuce, tomato, onion, Westmont dill pickles, burg sauce & fries.
The new pizza program uses long-fermented dough made with sustainably grown wheat from the Tamworth wheat belt, topped with ingredients sourced as locally as possible. House Canteen will serve a new classic breakfast menu, bakery items and sandwiches alongside lunch dishes with Pan-Asian influences, including coconut chicken curry and grass-fed beef brisket rendang.
Friesen says the focus is on showcasing the true flavour of Sydney:
“Sydney is the most delicious city in the world, and we want to celebrate the people who make it so. We have the incredible opportunity to showcase the producers, growers, and makers who define Sydney’s food culture, from oyster farmers to artisan cheesemakers. We want every dish to celebrate and tell Sydney’s food story.”
Applejack has partnered with Arts-Matter to curate Opera Bar’s weekly music program, showcasing artists that capture Sydney’s diverse cultural soundscape. The program runs seven nights a week with live acts and DJs, featuring everything from relaxed afternoon acoustic sets to energetic evening performances, thoughtfully complementing the world-class performances happening just steps away at the Opera House. With plans to collaborate on major cultural moments and seasonal activations throughout the year, the partnership represents Applejack’s commitment to making Opera Bar not just a dining destination, but a true cultural extension of the Opera House experience.
Applejack is planning to introduce a series of changes across both venues including updated Tour & Dine packages and new staff uniforms designed by local brands Good Sock, Cargo Crew and Volley, featuring Volley’s classic Baseline sneakers for an authentic, relaxed and distinctly Australian look. Operations for both sites are led by Precinct General Manager Holly McMahon, who brings international experience and years with Applejack across venues such as Forrester’s, Taphouse, and SoCal.
Looking ahead, House Canteen will undergo a rebrand in 2026, followed by a major Opera Bar refurbishment.
