MoVida returns to Sydney Airport

Many Executive Traveller readers – especially those who were frequent flyers with Virgin Australia – will fondly remember the days of MoVida @ The Airport at Sydney Airport’s Terminal 2.

This outpost of the Melbourne institution, with its Spanish-influenced casual dining, was a favoured pre- or post-flight stop, but sadly failed to reopen after the pandemic.

Now MoVida is winging its way back to T2, as part of a new dining precinct called The Rocks opening in July – and the 680m² food and drink hub might just be the best reason to head to the airport early.

“This new space gives us the opportunity to reimagine what we do in an airport setting, bringing the energy, generosity and bold flavours of Spanish tapas to travellers in a way that feels both familiar and new,” says MoVida’s Frank Camorra.

Flanking MoVida will be St Ali, another famed Melbourne import and a champion of the city’s coffee culture.

And if you’re after something a little stronger, The Taphouse channels a relaxed, pub-style experience centred around a socially-minded island bar.

“The Rocks precinct represents a step change in how we think about airport dining by bringing together a strong mix of contemporary food and drinks brands in a space that is open, welcoming and designed for connection,” explains Mark Zaouk, Sydney Airport’s Group Executive, Commercial, with “something to suit everyone.”

Although two of its three outlets are Melbourne icons, The Rocks precinct draws its inspiration from Sydney’s historic harbourside suburb.

The high ceilings, warm textures and communal dining tables blend heritage design cues with a contemporary, light-filled setting, where the atmosphere feels closer to a vibrant city venue than an airport terminal.