Chris Cheung’s Sydney Harbour-side institution Cruise Bar is poised for its grand return, reopening after months of extensive renovations with bold ideas and new attractions.
Launched by C!nc in 2001, Cruise has long been a celebrity magnet, hosting stars including Kylie Minogue, Justin Beiber and Fleetwood Mac.
It is now reclaiming its place as the city’s “ultimate waterfront destination” after a comprehensive makeover by award-winning designers Luchetti Krelle, getting ‘ship-shape’ for its next endeavour, opening in early May.
Decked out with a whole new look, feel, and flavour, Cruise Bar & Restaurant will offer a sophisticated, modern Australian menu led by head chef Han Chen (formerly Amare, Felix), which is said to be a “deep dive into Australia’s native larder” courtesy of inspiration from the country’s diverse landscapes.
Options include bush tomato butter mussels, pan-seared Humpty Doo barramundi with macadamia cream, and confit duck risotto with butternut squash and crispy saltbush. There is also the indulgent Grande Cruise Seafood Tower, a celebration of premium local seafood, featuring the likes of freshly shucked Royal Miyagi oysters.
The drinks menu, led by Tom Bulmer (formerly Margaret, O Bar, Jane), incorporates a cocktail list that follows the cuisine’s lead, brimming with native botanicals. Amongst the options are the Lilly Flower, with raspberry, lilly pilly, Casamigos tequila, and hibiscus, and the Afternoon Fashion, a reinvention of the classic Old Fashioned, with croissant-washed whisky and toasted wattleseed.
The venue boasts a front-row view of Sydney’s famous Opera House, and inspired by Australian opera royalty Dame Nellie Melba an exclusive new space is taking over the top floor: Melba’s Rooftop. Adorned in sunset-reminiscent hues, Melba’s will be open for private functions, weddings, conferences and ticketed special events.
“Sydney has changed a lot in the past decade, but there’s always been a place for a venue like Cruise,” says GM John Harvey.
Operator C!nc was also established in 2001, led by managing director Christopher Cheung (OAM). The group also owner-operates the indomitable Coogee Bay Hotel, which added winner of ‘Heart of the Community’ to its list of accolades at last year’s AHA NSW Awards.
C!nc last overhauled Cruise in 2015, reopening with a high-profile party after a year-long make-over.
“It’s got history, it’s got views that stop you in your tracks, and now it’s got an elevated experience to match,” adds Harvey.
“This isn’t just a comeback—it’s a statement, and we can’t wait to welcome Sydney back.”
