Upgrades are coming to Sydney Opera House dining staples Opera Bar and House Canteen, with works kicking off this month under operator Applejack Hospitality. The refurbishment is part of Applejack’s 10-year plan to lift the experience across both harbourside venues, while keeping the broader precinct trading as usual.
First up, House Canteen. From 9 March, its kitchen and café will close for a full refresh, reopening in June 2026 with a new look and updated offering. The focus is tighter operations, improved guest amenities, and a sharper dining experience. During the closure, Opera Bar will service the shared outdoor space with its existing menus, and a pop-up café will cover morning coffee.
Once House Canteen is back online, works will move next door to Opera Bar. The winter renovation will deliver a new kitchen, upgraded bar and additional indoor seating, with reopening slated ahead of summer.
Sustainability is built into the plan. Both venues’ kitchens will be fully electrified in line with the Opera House’s decarbonisation targets, following last year’s electric upgrade of the Green Room kitchen. It’s a practical shift away from fossil fuels, with the rest of the precinct’s dining spaces to follow over time.
Applejack secured the 10-year contract last August after a competitive public tender, marking a new chapter for the two high-traffic venues. Since taking over, the group has rolled out locally driven menus, refreshed music programming, and operational updates. These refurbishments are the next phase – a long-term investment aimed at futureproofing two of Sydney’s most visible waterfront venues without shutting down the show.