May 2026
As autumn settles in, Sydney leans into a more considered pace, one where dining becomes a little more immersive, and events feel worth planning around. This month is all about one-off collaborations, thoughtful reopenings and experiences that reward those willing to book ahead. From cross-cultural chef residencies to waterfront markets and long lunches that turn into dinners, here’s what to eat, sip, and see around Sydney this May.
Ibushi x Morena Bring a Nikkei-Inspired Dining Collaboration to Sydney
For two nights only, Ibushi at Prefecture 48 is joining forces with Latin American fine diner Morena for a collaboration that explores the intersection of Japanese and Latin flavours. Landing mid-May, the four-course menu draws on the bold, citrus-led notes of Nikkei cuisine, layered with Ibushi’s signature fire-driven approach. Expect dishes that feel both technical and expressive, from Southern Rock lobster with acevichado sauce and aji amarillo to tuna belly paired with Yarra Valley caviar and banana prawns. It’s a rare chance to experience two distinct culinary perspectives coming together for something entirely new, and one that’s likely to book out quickly.
The Boathouse Balmoral Reopens With a Southeast Asian-Inspired Refresh
One of Sydney’s most iconic beachside venues is stepping into a new era this May, as The Boathouse Balmoral unveils a refreshed space and reimagined menu. Following a two-week refurbishment, the venue returns with an elevated coastal aesthetic and a Southeast Asian-influenced offering led by Head Chef Ty Bellingham. While the relaxed, sandy-foot charm remains, the menu leans into bolder territory, think spanner crab omelettes, chilli jam-laced bacon and egg rolls, and an ice bar showcasing fresh seafood at its peak. Come evening, the space shifts into a more refined dining experience, with share-style dishes designed to reflect both technical precision and the laid-back Balmoral energy.
Barangaroo Artisan Market Returns for a Mother’s Day Weekend Takeover
Just in time for Mother’s Day, Barangaroo Artisan Market is back, transforming the waterfront into a vibrant hub of local makers, food and live entertainment. With over 70 stallholders, the market offers everything from handcrafted jewellery and ceramics to native Australian pantry staples and sustainably made homewares. Beyond the shopping, the atmosphere leans festive, with roving performers, live music and plenty of interactive moments for families. Whether you’re hunting for a thoughtful gift or simply looking for an easy weekend plan by the harbour, this is one to lock in.
The King’s Cross Restaurant Loved by Bowie, Richards and Sydney’s Late-Night Scene Turns 40
In a city obsessed with the new, Caffe Roma has spent four decades proving the staying power of consistency. This May, the Kings Cross institution celebrates its 40th anniversary, marking a milestone few Sydney restaurants ever reach. Since opening in 1986, the Italian stalwart has quietly become one of the city’s most recognisable dining rooms, not through reinvention, but through its unwavering commitment to traditional hospitality, generous Italian cooking and a distinctly low-key charm. Founded by the Tozzi family and inspired by their upbringing on the Italian Riviera, the restaurant has long attracted a loyal following that spans locals, late-night regulars, and an impressive roster of celebrity diners, from David Bowie and Keith Richards to Naomi Campbell and Baz Luhrmann. While much of Sydney’s dining scene has shifted around it, Caffe Roma has remained intentionally familiar, with signature dishes like gnocchi al pesto, penne amatriciana, and house-made tiramisù continuing to define the menu decades later.
Colombo Social Hosts a One-Night-Only Takeover with Sav Perera
For one night only, Colombo Social is handing over the kitchen to MasterChef Australia finalist Sav Perera for a menu that dives deep into Sri Lankan flavours. The shared-style offering is both personal and precise, drawing on Perera’s heritage and the influence of her mother’s cooking, while embracing the seasonal shift into autumn. Expect bold, spice-driven dishes, from hopper batter crumpets with caramelised onion sambal to coconut dhal and blackened fish layered with citrus and heat. It’s an intimate, flavour-packed evening that speaks to storytelling through food, and one that’s best experienced with a group.
Where’s Nick Enters a New Era with a Noma-Trained Head Chef
Inner West favourite Where’s Nick is stepping into a new chapter this season, welcoming Head Chef Nick Kavenagh to lead the kitchen alongside Sam Gilmore. Fresh from a stint at Noma, with experience spanning Core by Clare Smyth and Vue de Monde, Kavenagh brings serious culinary pedigree, but the direction here is anything but formal. The menu is evolving into something more refined and produce-driven, with subtle ferments and thoughtful techniques woven into snackable plates and generous share dishes designed to sit seamlessly alongside the bar’s ever-rotating wine list. It’s a natural progression for owner Bridget Raffal’s cult Marrickville spot, where the food is stepping up without losing the laid-back, wine-first energy that’s made it a local institution.
& Kenza Tazi Takes Over the Kitchen
This May, Where’s Nick continues its next chapter with a month-long residency from chef and author Kenza Tazi. Known for her Mediterranean-inspired cooking and cookbook Love and Harissa, Tazi brings a flavour-led approach that leans into bold spices, seasonal produce, and dishes designed to be shared. Expect plates like cobia crudo with green harissa, rhubarb, and rosewater, alongside lamb croquettes with date ketchup, both capturing her balance of brightness and depth. The menu will evolve across the month, giving regulars a reason to return, while pairing seamlessly with the bar’s ever-changing wine list.
Get Tickets For Australia’s Biggest Outback Music Festival
For those craving a music experience that feels more like an adventure, the 2026 Mundi Mundi Bash is shaping up to be one of the year’s most in-demand events. Set against the cinematic backdrop of the Mundi Mundi Plains just outside Broken Hill, Australia’s largest outback music festival has already sold 95 per cent of tickets ahead of its August 20th–22nd return. What began just four years ago has quickly evolved into a bucket-list event, drawing close to 15,000 campers, caravanners and music lovers for three days of live performances and distinctly Australian experiences. This year’s line-up spans generations, with The Teskey Brothers, John Butler, Jessica Mauboy and Boy & Bear among the headline acts. Beyond the music, expect camel rides, comedy, outdoor film screenings and a new pre-festival event, LIGHTFEST, bringing drone shows and activations to Broken Hill in the lead-up week.
Worth The Drive
The Henry Lawson Festival Returns This June Long Weekend
If you’re looking to trade city plans for a regional escape, the Henry Lawson Festival of Arts in Grenfell is worth mapping out now. Returning across the June long weekend, the festival blends literature, art and community into a program that feels both nostalgic and distinctly Australian. Set in the poet’s birthplace, the event invites visitors to slow down and experience country hospitality at its best, think heritage streets, local markets, creative showcases and wide-open landscapes. Whether you’re drawn by the cultural program or simply the excuse for a scenic road trip, it’s the kind of weekend that offers a reset, with plenty to explore along the way.
