If you’re planning a night at the theatre in Sydney, finding the right spot for dinner beforehand can make your evening even more enjoyable. Whether you’re heading out for ballet at the Opera House, a musical at the Capitol Theatre or a play in Surry Hills, there are plenty of dining options close to each venue to suit every taste and budget.
Planning Your Pre-Theatre Dinner
Most venues offer express menus and set dining times between 5pm and 7:30pm, designed to get you to your show on time. For the best experience, choose a restaurant within a 10-minute walk of your theatre. This guide covers our favorite options near each major venue, from casual to fine dining.
Tip: If you’re after a seamless experience, book a table in advance and let the restaurant know you have theatre tickets—they’ll usually make sure your meal fits neatly around your showtime.
Dining Near the Sydney Opera House theatres
The Sydney Opera House is not just a landmark, it’s a busy centre for opera, ballet, and theatre. Its location on Bennelong Point means you get some of the city’s best harbour views, making dining here feel extra special.
Several restaurants near the Opera House offer pre-theatre menus. Advance booking is essential for Midden and Aria.
- Midden sits inside the Opera House itself. The menu focuses on indigenous Australian cuisine using local ingredients. They offer a pre-theatre menu ($90) for matinee and evening performances so you can enjoy a meal without feeling rushed.
- Opera Bar is just a short stroll from the theatre doors. It’s a casual spot with plenty of outdoor seating, known for seafood dishes, pizza and sharing plates. The views over the harbour make it a popular choice.
- Aria Restaurant is a well-regarded fine dining option just across from the Opera House. Their pre-theatre menu ($120) offers two or three courses showcasing seasonal produce, with 1.5-hour dining duration. For groups of 8+, they offer an eight-course tasting menu with a 2-hour duration.
Tip: If you have time, arrive a little early for a walk along the waterfront or a quick drink with a view before your show starts.
Pre-Theatre Dining Near the Theatre Royal
The Theatre Royal is located in the CBD just off Pitt Street Mall. Nearby restaurants offer pre-theatre menus and early dinner options. Book ahead as the area gets busy before shows.
- Cabana Bar: Located in 25 Martin Place, Cabana offers all day casual dining with pub favorites and share plates. It’s large outdoor terrace and multiple indoor spaces make it easier to get a table than some other spots. It’s my go to for a relaxed pre-show meal right at the theatre.
- Aalia offers an elegant Middle Eastern and North African dining experience. The Express menu ($70) offers a snack plus 2 courses. Their carefully crafted service makes it ideal for a special occasion pre-theatre dinner.
- The International: a two course pre theatre menu ($95) in their luxurious indoor-outdoor dining room. Perfect if you are looking to impress. The restaurant is just 3 minutes walk from the theatre.
Tip: If you’re seeing an early show or visiting on a weeknight, check if your chosen restaurant has an express menu to keep your evening on track.
Pre-Theatre Dining Near the Capitol Theatre
One of the most grand theatre interiors and regular line-up of big musicals make this a popular venue. The Capitol Theatre is located in Haymarket, Sydney’s Thaitown. The area offers some of Sydney’s best Asian restaurants within a 10-minute walk of the theatre.
- Chat Thai Haymarket offers banquet menus ($35-40pp) that work well for pre-theatre timing. Open until 9:30pm Mon-Thu, 10pm Fri-Sun. Bookings recommended via their website. Gluten-free and vegetarian options available.
- Hello Auntie in Darling Square (6-minute walk) offers a modern Vietnamese pre-theatre menu ($59pp) at 5:30 PM. Chef Cuong Nguyen’s set menu includes dishes like Epic Beef Ragu and Salmon a la Kho, with bookings essential.
- Nomad serves modern Australian dishes made with local produce in a welcoming, urban dining room. Their Pre-Theatre Express Menu ($90pp) offers a curated selection of their most popular share plates, designed for a 75-minute dining experience.
Tip: Haymarket can be busy in the early evening, so allow a little extra time to get from your table to the theatre, especially on weekends or if you plan to walk through Chinatown.
Pre-Theatre Dining Near the Lyric Theatre
The Lyric Theatre is located inside The Star complex in Pyrmont. Along with the premium restaurants listed below, there’s a large food court with casual dining options but it gets very busy in the hour before the curtain goes up.
- Flying Fish showcases premium seafood from Australian and New Zealand waters with a focus on simple, flavour-forward preparation. They offer a pre-theatre menu ($75pp) with the same attention to detail as their regular service, complemented by an extensive wine list.
- Cucina Porto offers a two-course pre-theatre menu ($39.90pp) from 5-6:30pm daily, featuring Italian classics and seasonal dishes. Early arrivals can enjoy Aperitivo Hour (3-5pm) with $12 cocktails and light bites.
- BLACK Bar & Grill offers an early evening pre-theatre menu ($49pp) from 5-6:30pm Wednesday to Sunday, featuring premium meats and seafood.
Tip: Aim to book ahead and confirm your reservation mentions the show to help with timing.
Pre-Theatre Dining Near the State Theatre
The State Theatre is a much-loved city icon with easy access to several restaurants that cater specifically to theatre-goers. With its central location, you’ll find options ranging from casual to upscale dining.
- Parlour at QT Sydney sits right next door to the State Theatre, offering a Parisian-inspired dining experience. Their pre-theatre menu is available from 12pm-9pm with two courses ($55pp) or three courses ($65pp).
- The Charles Brasserie & Bar offers an Art Deco-inspired dining experience with a two-course prix fixe menu ($49pp) available Monday through Friday for lunch and early dinner. The menu includes their signature focaccia and a drink, making it an elegant yet efficient choice for pre-theatre dining.
- Esteban offers regional Mexican dishes and house-made tortillas from their menu, featuring both traditional and modern Australian influences. Located in a CBD laneway, they boast Australia’s largest tequila and mezcal selection, with options for both quick bites and full dining experiences before the show.
- Bar Thirty6 at the Pullman Sydney Hyde Park offers modern Australian tapas with panoramic views over Hyde Park. Their menu features a fusion of Spanish, Turkish and Indian flavours, using ingredients sourced within 50km. Open from 10:30 am until late, it’s a 10-minute walk to the theatre.
Tip: The area around Market Street and Pitt Street Mall gets very busy with shoppers until 6pm, so factor in extra wait time.
Dinner near the Belvior St Theatre
Belvoir St Theatre in Surry Hills is well known for contemporary plays and a lively, creative atmosphere. The area around the theatre is packed with Lebanese restaurants and a number of good casual eats.
Three I regularly visit are:
- Dove and Olive is an award-winning pub a short walk from the theatre, known for their reimagined pub classics and extensive craft beer selection (26 rotating taps). Their menu features fresh, high-quality ingredients and has earned them “Best Pub Food” recognition from the Australian Good Food Guide.
- The Prophet has been serving authentic Middle Eastern cuisine in Surry Hills for over 30 years, with family recipes passed down through generations. Their menu offers traditional dishes in a setting decorated with rare paintings and stories from philosopher Khalil Gibran.
- Ricos Tacos inside The Norfolk Hotel serves authentic Mexican street food made from scratch. Their menu features bold tacos, crispy tostadas and vibrant share plates, making it perfect for a casual pre-show meal. The relaxed pub atmosphere and central Redfern location add to its appeal.
Tip: Surry Hills gets busy on show nights and weekends. Booking ahead is a good idea if you have your heart set on a particular restaurant, especially for larger groups.
Pre-Theatre Dining Near Roslyn Packer Theatre
The Roslyn Packer Theatre sits at the heart of Walsh Bay, close to the Sydney Theatre Company and surrounded by scenic harbourside streets. This area is popular with theatre-goers thanks to its relaxed dining atmosphere and great mix of restaurants, most just a short stroll from the theatre doors.
- Walsh Bay Kitchen is located in the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, right next to Roslyn Packer Theatre. They offer a Mediterranean-inspired prix fixe menu (2 courses $65, 3 courses $78) featuring local produce and Australian meat and seafood. Open 1.5 hours before performances, with an all-Australian wine list and theatre bar options.
- The Theatre Bar at the End of the Wharf offers casual dining with harbour views. Their menu features share plates and light meals, with a relaxed atmosphere perfect for a pre-show bite. The waterfront setting makes it a popular spot for both dining and drinks.
- Lotus Dumpling Bar offers an 8-course pre-theatre banquet ($59pp) designed to be served within 45 minutes. Located just 2 minutes from the theatre, they serve their signature dumplings and dishes Monday through Sunday.
- Saké Restaurant & Bar occupies an elegant heritage building in The Rocks, featuring original sandstone and split-level dining spaces. Their Saké Hour offers early dining specials perfect for pre-theatre, with modern Japanese dishes and signature cocktails in a stylish setting. The Rocks location is convenient to Walsh Bay theatres.
Tip: On busy show nights, allow a little extra time for parking or walking along the piers, especially if you’re hoping to enjoy the sunset before curtain-up.
Pre-Theatre Dining Near Hayes Theatre
The Hayes Theatre is tucked away in Potts Point, an area known for its diverse dining scene. Most restaurants are within a 5-minute walk of the theatre.
- The Apollo offers a Full Greek set menu ($75pp) from 5:30pm, featuring their signature saganaki and slow-cooked lamb. Located directly opposite the theatre on Macleay Street.
- Chester White serves handmade pasta and cured meats. Their early dining menu is available from 5pm, with the restaurant just 2 minutes from the theatre.
- Bistro Rex serves modern Australian interpretations of French classics. Their prix fixe menu ($59pp for two courses) includes dishes like tuna crudo and mushroom risotto. Available for groups up to 6 guests, except after 6pm Friday, Saturday and special event days.
Tip: Many restaurants in the area are small and book out quickly. Most will take 5:30pm bookings for 7:30pm shows.
Pre-Theatre Dining Near Seymour Centre
The Seymour Centre sits between Chippendale and Newtown, surrounded by Sydney University. Both suburbs offer plenty of dining options within walking distance.
- New Britannia offers pub food and Angry Tony’s pizzas in a laid-back setting. Their menu includes Tuesday 2-for-$29.90 pizza deals. Order at the bar for a casual pre-show meal.
- The Duck Inn is a casual pub just off City Road with a sunny bistro room and backyard. Their seasonal menu pairs with 12 craft beer taps and an extensive wine list.
- Kindred serves homemade pasta and seasonal Italian dishes. Their menu changes regularly with dishes served alongside freshly baked sourdough bread. Book ahead for dinner.
Tip: if you are coming by public transport consider stopping in at Spice Alley, a laneway of Asian hawker-style eateries just 10 minutes away on foot. Open until late with no bookings needed. Most dishes under $20.
Pre-Theatre Dining Near Ensemble Theatre
The Ensemble Theatre sits in the heart of Kirribilli, just under the Harbour Bridge. Most dining options are within a 5-minute walk of the theatre.
- Bayly’s Bistro is located within the theatre complex, overlooking the water. Chef Ian Aguilar serves modern Australian dishes with European influences using seasonal produce. Open Tuesday-Saturday, with dinner service timed to shows. Bookings via (02) 8918 3455 or online (at least 3 hours prior).
- The Botanist offers contemporary share plates and cocktails. Their menu includes small and large plates designed for quick service.
- Foys at the Sydney Flying Squadron offers harbour views and seafood classics. Their pre-theatre menu ($59pp) includes two courses and a drink, available from 12-3pm and 5-7pm. Must be pre-booked and ordered 75 minutes before show time.
Tip: Street parking can be difficult in Kirribilli. Consider taking the train to Milsons Point or the ferry to Kirribilli Wharf.
Making the Most of Your Theatre Night
Pre-theatre dining in Sydney offers options for every taste and budget, from casual pub meals to fine dining experiences. For the best experience:
- Book ahead and mention you’re attending the theatre
- Allow extra time for busy areas like Chinatown and CBD shopping districts
- Consider public transport options, especially for venues like Kirribilli and Walsh Bay
- Check restaurant opening times – most pre-theatre menus start from 5pm
- Look for express and set menus that guarantee service times
Many venues also offer post-show drinks and bar snacks if you prefer to dine afterwards.
Check our monthly what’s on guide for the latest theatre schedules.
Got a question? Head over to our Sydney Expert Facebook Group and ask a local.
