Hamilton, & Juliet and Jesus Christ Superstar are just a few of the many theatre shows on in Sydney this year. With that increasing number of shows comes more pre-theatre menus at restaurants near some of Sydney’s most popular theatres, including the Sydney Opera House, Capitol Theatre and Roslyn Packer Theatre.
Pre-theatre menus are usually offered at select times and consist of two or three courses — typically a starter and main course and sometimes a dessert — at a fixed price. Most often, the courses and overall experience were curated to complement the show and the restaurant isn’t too far from the show.
Ahead are some of the best places in Sydney to get a bite for a reasonable price before a show. Conveniently, most are a short distance from the city’s best theatres so you don’t need to break a leg getting there (had to).
Dixson and Sons, CBD
Dixson and Sons is a modern brasserie on the first floor of The Porter House Hotel on Castlereagh Street. Its pre-show dining menu comes in two courses for $75 or three courses for $85. Choose from dishes like veal tartare, pumpkin cavatelli pasta and dry-aged Angus beef rump cap.
Luke’s Kitchen, CBD
Luke’s Kitchen by Chef Luke Mangan is on the ground floor of the Kimpton Margot Sydney. The restaurant puts on special pre-theatre menus for shows, like Beauty and the Beast and Grease the Musical. The Grease pre-show menu is $87 and includes an entrée, main and dessert.
Whalebridge, Circular Quay
Whalebridge is a French restaurant in Circular Quay, offering a pre- and post-theatre menu. For $59, you’ll get two courses – your choice of an entrée and main. For an extra $10 per pop, tack on a roasted John Dory with cabbage and cannellini beans side or steak frites made with Angus sirloin and served with fries.
Aria Restaurant, Circular Quay
Aria is a fine-dining restaurant on the doorstep of the Opera House and with views of the landmark. Available until 6pm, Aria’s pre-theatre menu is $160 per person and lets you choose your pick of three courses. Side dishes like creamed royal blue potatoes, fioretto cauliflower and farm leaves are $15.
Walsh Bay Kitchen, Walsh Bay
Throughout the Roslyn Packer Theatre show season, Walsh Bay Kitchen puts on a pre- and post-show menu. Two courses are $59 or you can get three courses for $72. Dishes you can choose from include Korean-friend chicken, hot-smoked salmon and cauliflower schnitzel. It’s recommended you make a reservation.
Bennelong, Circular Quay
Located inside the Opera House, Bennelong has a pre-theatre menu on from 5:30pm to 6:15pm. The two-course menu, seated the high bar, is $160, while three courses, served at a table and inclusive of side dishes, is $200. Dishes by Chef Peter Gilmore include smoked pig belly, wild-caught fish and polenta and taleggio cheese tart. Reservations are essential.
Nomad, Surry Hills
Nomad is a five-minute walk from the Capitol Theatre, so is a great option for a dinner spot before a show. The restaurant’s pre-theatre dinner menu is $85 per person, available all days a week for an hour-long seating. It features wood-fired flatbread you can dip in burrata, zucchini flowers and, to finish, an olive oil ice cream sandwich.
Long Chim, CBD
Long Chim at the corner of Pitt Street and Angel Place is less than a three-minute walk from Recital Hall and Theatre Royal in Sydney. While it doesn’t have a dedicated pre-theatre menu, the restaurant offers a $79 classic and $99 signature set menu. Opened by acclaimed chef David Thompson, the restaurant serves Thai food.
ESQ, CBD
Located within the QVB, restaurant and bar ESQ is themed like a glamorous speakeasy from Prohibition times, so a meal here is almost like a theatre experience itself. The pre-theatre dinner menu is $60 per person and includes three entrees to share and your choice of main. The choices are market fish, potato gnocchi and roasted lamb saddle and belly.
Monopole, CBD
French restaurant Monopole is a five-minute walk from the State Theatre and the City Recital Hall. Its pre-theatre menu is available Tuesday to Saturday from 5pm to 6pm. You can choose the two-course for $55 or three-course option for $70. Dishes include duck liver parfait, beef brisket and caramelised eschalot tart.
Related: The Sydney Restaurants That Are Hardest to Get a Booking For
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