Sydney locals tend to avoid the strip of expensive and often overrated restaurants around Circular Quay leading near the Opera House. It’s the last resort when you’re hungover and desperate for a coffee before you catch the next ferry to Manly. It’s where you buy $5 water with an out of town friend after visiting Australia’s most famous landmark.
After three years in Sydney, I’m beginning to find some foodie gems amidst the tourist traps. Before Christmas I discovered the great views and coffee at MCA’s rooftop cafe. More recently, I was treated to breakfast at Opera Bar’s new breakfast cafe.
After ordering one of the house Cold Brews ($5) I sat along a high wooden table with an unbeatable view of the harbour.
I Instagramed a picture of my Single Origins coffee with the Opera House in the background with #coffeebytheharbour while I waited for my food to arrive. Who’s the tourist now?
Before long a slice of rye toast smothered in goats curd, fresh figs and mint ($12) was presented in front of me and the Instagramming kept on going.
The menu at Opera Bar Cafe is a mixture of Australian staples like lamingtons ($6.5), banana bread ($5), and bacon and egg rolls. There’s dishes for the healthy conscious including smashed avo ($12), quinoa bircher ($10) and cacao protein balls ($6).
For brunch try one of the bagels with smoked salmon, cream cheese bagel ($12) or shaved ham, tomatoes and cheddar ($12).
The Opera Bar Cafe doesn’t go overboard. It’s all about quick, fresh food and efficient service. At such an iconic location, less really is more.
Opera Bar Cafe is ideal for an early morning breakfast meeting, a healthy takeaway lunch or an afternoon pitstop.
Opera Bar Cafe is open from 7am to 3pm Monday to Friday.
Visit Opera Bar Cafe on the lower concourse level, Sydney Opera House.