rogfam

Will be in Sydney this Jan. and plan to attend an opera. How do people dress? Do men wear jackets/ties?

Bokhara2

The majority of men wear jackets, some might wear a t'shirt or open necked shirt instead of a tie.
Lots of suits - many people come from work, have a drink & something to eat at one of the bars/ restaurants under & in the Opera House.

There is a bar & light snacks - sushi, cheese & sandwiches etc - upstairs at the Opera theatre. Very nice outlook across the Harbour & back to the city from the outside decks.

There is often a pre-performance talk which you might enjoy. This is at the top level of the Opera Theatre shell - and has stunning views across the Harbour to Kirribilli, east & west.

As you enter, go up the stairs to the mezzanine level with bar, snacks etc - then take the stairs up from there to the too level. There is a bar there too, but it isn't always open pre-performance.

Unfortunately, the pre-performance talk isn't on before every performance - but if you call the Opera House on the day you're going, they should be able to advise you whether there is one that night.

Enjoy - it's a lovely way to spend an evening in our beautiful town.

rogfam

Thanks so much for the quick response. The reason I asked the question is that I will be on a 3 week tour of Australia and NZ and the tour operator says it is casual dress and not to bring a jacket. If I decide to go to the Opera (which would be great I might add)then I would have to pack and unpack a jacket for the three weeks.

Susan7

A smart shirt would be fine, I wouldn't worry about a jacket if that's the only occasion you would wear it.

Bokhara2

You could get away without a jacket, if you don't think you might like to have one for other occasions. As Susan7 says, a smart shirt in January would be fine, too.

Btw - The Festival of Sydney is on in January. Lots of interesting things on and a great time to be here.

http://www.sydneyfestival.org.au/News/Festival-News/

rogfam

Again thanks so much to both of you for the great information.Will be in Sydney for 4 days and most of our dinners are on our own. Any suggestions?

Bokhara2

Something special? Marque, Sepia, ( no views) Tetsuyas, Chiswick* (garden views) Aria*(near the Opera House & good views);

* both Matt Moran owned.
Flying Fish ( Harbourside - Jones street wharf, Pyrmont).

Funky, "Shanghai 1940's" Chinese - Mr Wong (CBD - near Bridge & Pitt steeets - forgotten the name of the lane.)

Interesting local pub bistros - "Four in hand", (paddington ) The Lord Nelson ( The Rocks)

Vietnamese - Red Lantern or Red Lily - Surry Hills. Owned by Luke Nyguen & his sister, Pauline.

Thai - Sailors Thai ( the rocks ). Communal table at street level, restaurant downstairs.

That's a start - sorry can't post links, (posting from my iPhone & takes too long) - but you can google them.

I would normally recommend Quay, but have heard a few comments from people whose opinions I respect, that they seem to have dropped the service ball a little lately.

Stay away from Doyle's at Watsons Bay. Unless you get a take-away from their outlet on the jetty. Overpriced, very ordinary quality tourist oriented.

cristeen

bookmarking. thank you

Susan7

My current favourite restaurants in Sydney are:

Ester in Chippendale, not too far from the city (a short walk from Central Station bus terminal) http://ester-restaurant.com.au/

Moon Park in Redfern, amazing modern Korean http://www.broadsheet.com.au/sydney/...rant/moon-park

Bishop Sessa in Surry Hills http://bishopsessa.com.au/

Another vote for all of Bokhara's picks, especially Mr Wongs! http://merivale.com.au/mrwong

tomarkot

Rogfam, relating to your question about having to wear a jacket to a performance at the Opera House in Sydney, we shared your concern when packing for our trip. We did not pack a jacket; a number of guys were there in dress shirts with either tie or open collar. When you have to pack for different kinds of weather and various activities, it seems impractical to pack a jacket for a one-time use. You'll be fine without one. At least, that's what we experienced in 2012.