By Marie-Antoinette Issa.
For those who love Matt Moran’s cooking but sometimes shy away from the formality of fine dining, the new Aria Snack Bar is the perfect excuse to indulge. Black tie ensemble optional.
This rare activation offers a chance to experience the acclaimed restaurant at its most casual, while still taking in one of Sydney’s most enviable vantage points. Overlooking Circular Quay and its iconic landmarks, the Snack Bar brings haute cuisine to a more relaxed setting, where the focus is on flavour, fun and a touch of indulgence.
The concept isn’t completely new. It builds on the buzz generated during Aria’s Vivid activation, but this time the bar is here for the long haul. It’s designed for late-night dining, with a menu of bite-sized dishes that are just as clever as they are delicious.
Walk-ins are welcome at any time and reservations open daily after 8 pm, making it a perfect option for everything from a spontaneous after-work treat to a celebratory evening with friends.
The menu reads like a masterclass in Modern Australian snack food. There’s a Wagyu smash burger topped with Section 28 cheese and sweet beer onions - perfect for those who love a decadent take on a classic.
For a more refined nibble, the Siberian caviar comes with pressed potato and a rich egg yolk jam, while the K’gari spanner crab arrives with smoked roe, lemon cream and flatbread. For dessert, the ice cream sundae with sherry caramel and pecans hits the sweet spot every time.
If bubbles are your thing, the Snack Bar also offers Krug by the glass for $55, letting diners toast the harbour views without committing to a full bottle. The combination of small plates, high-end ingredients and stellar drinks makes it easy to linger for a few hours, watch the world go by and enjoy a casual evening with a serious dose of flavour.
The Aria Snack Bar is a rare opportunity to experience one of Sydney’s most celebrated restaurants without the ceremony. It’s relaxed yet elevated, intimate yet lively and with its unbeatable views of Circular Quay, it’s an evening out that feels both special and effortlessly accessible.
Whether you’re popping in for a late-night snack or planning a full-on tasting adventure, this new bar space proves that great dining doesn’t always need to be formal - sometimes it just needs a bit of Moran magic and a view that takes your breath away.
