A fish ‘n’ chip pop-up to open in Sydney Opera House this summer

Sun, salt and fish ‘n’ chips are synonymous with Sydney summer. So, it’s no wonder a Sydney icon – the Sydney Opera House – is celebrating its 50th anniversary by opening a pop-up fish ‘n’ chippery within its sails.

But there’s more to the pop-up than a good marketing gambit. In 1973, Harbour Restaurant opened on the Northern Broadwalk, offering champagne breakfasts and casual pre-show dining in a self-service, family-friendly setting. By the late ’80s, it had become a seafood restaurant, serving lobster bisque, crab salads and battered fish and chips by the harbour.

In 2023, The Harbour pop-up fish ‘n’ chip restaurant is bringing a wave of nostalgia to the former restaurant space, in the now-called Yallamundi Rooms. It’ll be decked out with chequered tabelcloths, picnic tables and historical projections of the former restaurant in its heyday, too.

Set to open on Wednesday 4 January – when the city is sleepy and carefree after the silly season chaos – The Harbour will serve sustainably sourced, fresh seafood. You can expect Aussie classics like potato scallops, grilled prawns, fish burgers, seafood platters and, of course, fish and chips – backdropped by sparkling Sydney Harbour views.

“The Opera House precinct is a buzzing location over summer and we’re excited to introduce a new pop-up experience as part of our 50th anniversary program. The Harbour is a vibrant new eatery that brings together classic fish and chip fare with the striking harbour views of its northern waterfront location,” said Sydney Opera House Chief Customer Officer Jade McKellar in a statement.

The Opera House has teamed up with Trippas White Group and its executive chef Lee Thompson to bring the retro restaurant back. Trippas White are familiar with venues in historically significant Sydney gems, with the Group also behind Reign at QVB, The Royal Botanic Garden’s Botanic House and Sydney Tower’s Bar83.