Attend the tale of whichever show you have lined up next in style!
We’ve all been there, so excited to see your next spectacular that you totally overlook where to eat, or your favourite place to dine is all the way across town when you try a new theatre. To save you feeling helpless on your next outing, we have a couple of bar and restaurant recommendations for each major theatre venue in Melbourne, with nothing over a seven minute walk away.
Regent Theatre
This iconic building has held some of Melbourne’s greatest productions, and currently opens its arms to theatre-goers no matter their desire with the powerhouse spectacle Moulin Rouge! The Musical. One of the sparkling diamonds in theatre right now deserves a venue worthy of the glitz and glamour, and wow have we delivered.
The George on Collins
Just a jump to the left (and across the road) from the Regent Theatre, The George on Collins is perfectly catered toward pre-theatre dining, even offering their own express banquet for the occasion! Southeast Asian food (including the best peppered wagyu beef stir fry) and a venue that understands show-goers makes for the perfect night out before it has even begun, all set within a historic, glamorous and inviting restaurant that will have you feeling like the duke or duchess of the evening.
Pearl Oyster and Chablis Bar
Lovers of seafood and wine will find a few of their favourite things at this pre-theatre dining experience, among fabulous meat and vegetarian options as well. Pearl’s menu encapsulates the finer things in life, much like its name, and will turn your night on the town into an evening of luxury. Dance through the wine list exclusively comprised of producers from Chablis, France, and try a caviar sandwich! As if the night could get any better, there’s only a six minute walk to see the curtain rise on your next show.
Her Majesty’s Theatre and the Comedy Theatre
The beauty of these gorgeous theatres is that every theatre kid (and adult) knows they can look over the road and sneak a look at what is playing at the other on their night out! Because of this, we’ve paired them together to give you the best nearby venues with all that jazz.
Hofbrauhaus
Something’s coming, something good. This Bavarian dining experience offers just as much character as what you’re about to see on the stage, and just as much heart. Renowned as the most iconic German restaurant in Melbourne, you’ll feel as though you’ve been whisked off in a twister to Germany with the décor, dishes and cozy vibes, not to mention the six schnitzel varieties. Only a three minute walk from Her Majesty’s and the Comedy, you’ll never be late to a performance again!
Stalactites
With a venue worthy of being a stage set itself, Stalactites holds a spell-binding array of plastic stalactites attached to the ceiling across the restaurant to create the illusion of entering an actual cave! A crowd favourite Greek restaurant, they offer the famous Stalactites Souvlakis that are guaranteed to start the night right. Five minutes from Her Majesty’s and the Comedy, there’s plenty of time to explore all of the options!
Princess Theatre
Off the back of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’s four-year run, the Princess Theatre is set to open back up with a little less Hogwarts magic and more Kalokairi flair. To pair with the hype of Mamma Mia! The Musical’s return to Melbourne, we have the perfect dining experiences for you (and how can you resist them?).
Magic Mountain Saloon
Neon lighting and a Thai menu? My, my! Magic Mountain is only a five minute walk from the Princess Theatre and injects all of the excitement into an early dinner. The ideal place for a pre-show cocktail (because let’s be honest, the plastic cups at the theatre just aren’t the same), to dig into a share-style dish with your mates, or tuck into their drunken noodles (you won’t want to share those) it’ll be a night you’ll never forget.
Fable
We all love a rooftop bar, and Fable’s sophisticated style paired with a Mediterranean menu is the quintessential pre-theatre experience with a seven minute walk from the Princess. Begin your night by living it up with glamorous cocktails, sampling their local haloumi and taking in the weather-proof view of Melbourne. After an evening at Fable, it’s sure to be the name on everybody’s lips.
The Arts Centre
Cutting through the Melbourne skyline, the spire of the Arts Centre defies gravity as one of Melbourne’s most recognisable landmarks. Hosting all manner of shows from Phantom of the Opera to Bloom, it’s one of the most versatile performance spaces to attend and we’ve matched this with our dining selections!
Victoria by Farmer’s Daughters
Go from one iconic Melbourne location to the next with Victoria by Farmer’s Daughters located in Fed Square and overlooking the Yarra River! In a classy blend of rustic and modern décor, their menu celebrates the produce, people and places that build our state and make it so unique. With a just six minute walk to your next show, dig in to their grilled market fish and make your way to the spire in record time!
Hophaus
A personal favourite, Hophaus is an ideal way to begin your evening out at the Arts Centre. Only a five minute walk away (along the Yarra, too!) you can start your night above Southbank, where you can watch the boats, crowds crossing the Evan Walker Bridge, and catch a pretty stunning snapshot of Melbourne’s skyscrapers. From their beer battered fish and chips to the best fried chicken burger you’ll eat, it’s a classic way to begin your summer nights, and Hophaus will bring the hype for the show of your choice.
With these venues, you’ll be ready for the curtain to rise in no time!
