I have tickets for the opera at the end of February (Sat. matinee) and I was wondering what to pack to wear. Please tell me it's casual (like jeans and a polo shirt).

Also, we will be in Sydney for 10 days and would appreciate any advice on interesting and/or inexpensive dining options.
Steve

Hi, Steve!

Australians are pretty casual at the most-formal of times, and a Saturday matinee is the least-formal time to go to the Opera House. It might still be quite hot at the end of February so you won't want the weight of a dinner jacket, and few Aussie wear ties to anything nowadays. Just wear comfortable, casual wear and you'll be okay.

I have been to the Opera House many times and I can say that most people dress rather casually. There are always a handful of people wearing jeans with most people wearing "smart casual". I wouldn't reccommend thongs though.

As for restaurants, what types of food are you interested in are you just interested in places within the city or are you planning to venture out into the suburbs?

Thanks for the info on what to wear to the opera. It will make packing a lot easier. As for restaurants, we especially like seafood and any kind of asian cuisine. We will be staying in Darlinghurst and will be relying on public transport. But we are more than willing to travel outside of the neighborhood for something interesting or unusual. Steve

You don't have to go to a designated "seafood" restaurant to eat good seafood, so you have tons of choice in Sydney. There are past threads here which you can uncover with a search, but if you like Asian cuisine, Chinatown is a good start - look for Dixon Street on the city map. Within a few kilometres to the west of the city proper, King Street, Newtown, has a large and eclectic range of eateries; Glebe is worth checking out; and Leichhardt is good for Italian. You can find just about any ethnic cuisine in Sydney, and these areas cater for all pockets. The eastern side (which includes Darlinghurst) I'm not strong on but I think some suggestions have been made in a past thread. If you're on a budget I'd approach the more touristy areas around The Rocks and Darling Harbour with a little more caution.

Bear in mind that although it's not unknown for people to tip up to 10% for exceptional service (or after the second bottle of red) you won't be treated as a skinflint if you don't.

When you get to the arrivals area at Sydney airport..take 10 deep breaths of that sweet clear southern hemisphere air and go to the newsagent and buy yourself a sydney morning herald and a "Good Eats" guide to Sydney.(used to be called "cheap eats&quot

These are some of my personal recommendations for places to eat. Billy Kwong on Crown St, Surry Hills. Modern Chinese food with great service. Note that they do not take reservations and the restaurant is very popular, so expect to wait up to 2hrs for a table. Not a big deal as you leave your no. with them while you go have a drink across the street. Approx. $40AUpp excluding alcohol.

Ichi Ban Boshi, Strand Arcade. Fantastic Japanese Ramen noodles. Don't think they open for dinner, but it's a great option for a well-priced lunch. About $10AU for a bowl of noodles or rice.

King St, Newtown for Thai food. Any of the restaurants/eateries are great. Lunch specials are about $6.50AU. Dinner is about $10-15pp.

If you're a beer lover, check out the Belgian Beer Cafe and Lowenbrau in the Rocks area. Specialising (respectively)in Belgian and German beer and cuisine. Mains are about $30AU.

Norton St, Leichhardt. A whole street specialising in Italian cuisine. It's not bad for atmosphere and such, but I can't reccommend any particular restaurant.

Oh, and I agree with Neil. It's okay not to tip.

Hi there - one of the things I love about going to a performance at the SOH is that people watching keeps you entertained during the before and intervals. The range of dress styles is wonderful. I have seen folk in shorts, and even in thongs. You won't be refused admission in either.

Re food. Getting a copy of Cheap Eats is not a bad suggestion. Gives you an idea of what's availalble. If you like Indian food my own fave is the maya masala on Cleveland Street, Surry Hills. But I haven't been there since it re-opened after a face lift. Is the food still as good now that it's tarted up the surroundings?

As well as Glebe and Newtown, Balmain has some good restaurants - with the added bonuses of (a) being able to get there by ferry (b) market on Saturday and (c) some interesting byways/pubs if you want to come early evening and have a wander before eating.

Happy travels.

Thanks to all for the great dining suggestions. I wish I were in Oz already!
Steve

If you like Thai food, we had a great meal at The Sailor's Thai. It is located on George St very close to the visitors center. It was excellent, check it out and enjoy!!!!!