Whether you’ve booked tickets to a musical, play or concert, Sydney’s theatres are surrounded by dining options to suit every taste. Make the most of your night out on the town with these fantastic restaurants, all just a short stroll from your show.
- 3 min read
Where to eat near Sydney Opera House
From the chefs behind some of Sydney favourite restaurants, Clam Bar is a New York-style steak house that amps up the luxury with a raw seafood bar, caviar and exquisite cocktails. Next door, Neptune's Grotto continues the New York-cool aesthetic, but with a focus on dishes from northern Italy. For something more casual, walk up the road to Bar Luca to try what many consider to be Sydney's best burgers.
Clam Bar, Sydney - Credit: Clam Bar
You can continue your evening post-show at Restaurant Hubert, where French food mixes with live jazz, or Aster Bar on the rooftop of the InterContinental Sydney, with incredible harbour views.
Aster bar at InterContinental Sydney, Circular Quay
Where to eat near Sydney Lyric Theatre
Head across from The Star to LuMi for a fine dining degustation based on seasonal ingredients and Italian inspiration. The waterfront location is the cherry on top. For a relaxed pre-show dinner, Bar Zini in Pyrmont does simple but high-quality Italian, and Percy offers Spanish tapas and a brilliant wine list underneath the Woolstore 1888 by Ovolo hotel.
Percy at Hotel Woolstore 1888, Pyrmont - Credit: Percy
Where to eat near Capitol Theatre
The Capitol Theatre is located at the intersection of two of Sydney's most delicious neighbourhoods: Chinatown and Thaitown. Down some dumplings at Nanjing Dumpling off Dixon Street, or try authentic Thai noodles, soups and curries from Yok Yor, Show Neua or award-winning Porkfat. Head down George Street to Regent Place, a food-focused shopping centre home to some of Sydney most underrated Asian eateries.
Porkfat, Haymarket - Credit: Leigh Griffiths
Just across Belmore Park will take you to the ever-trendy neighbourhood of Surry Hills. Try Nomad for elegant dishes cooked with fire or Pellegrino 2000 for intimate Italian (also a favourite post-show restaurant of Taylor Swift). Tio's Cerveceria can provide the margaritas.
Pellegrino 2000, Surry Hills
Where to eat near Theatre Royal Sydney
This CBD theatre is close to plenty of good eating and drinking options. Go where the locals are lining up: Soul Dining for modern Korean fine dining and Caterpillar Club for late-night drinks and live jazz in an underground speakeasy.
Caterpillar Club, Sydney - Credit: Andrea Veltom
The YCK Laneways are a five-minute walk from the theatre and a hidden maze of small bars and lively restaurants open until late. Try award-winning Mexican at Esteban, rum flights at The Lobo or artful Japanese and sake cocktails at Kuro. Not sure where to start? Try a secret bar tour here with Local Sauce.
Kuro Bar & Dining, Sydney - Credit: Oba | Kuro | Lounge 368 Pty Ltd
Where to eat near State Theatre
Named Gourmet Traveller's NSW restaurant of the year in 2023, AALIA is a Middle Eastern restaurant that explores dishes and techniques from Arab and North African cuisines. Alternatively, head to French brasserie Manon for classics like mussels, steak frites and beef Bourguignon (and a TikTok-famous hot chocolate!).
AALIA, Sydney - Credit: AALIA
Where to eat near Seymour Centre
Just down the road from Seymour Centre – the University of Sydney's performing arts centre – you’ll find award-winning Kindred, with a menu of hearty and shareable Italian dishes and freshly made pastas. Or head to Ester in Chippendale, a much-loved and constantly evolving fine diner that deserves to be on your bucket list. For something more budget-friendly, grab some slow-cooked birria tacos from the teeny, 12-seat Radio Taco.
Kindred, Darlington - Credit: Kindred
Where to eat near ICC Sydney
Spend your pre- or post-show meal among the buzz and good vibes of Darling Square, a dining precinct adjacent to Darling Harbour. Top restaurant picks are XOPP, a next-generation venture from now-closed Chinese institution Golden Century; Nakano Darling, a lively Japanese izakaya; or 789 Korean BBQ, where you can cook your own dinner over a charcoal grill.
Nakano Darling, Haymarket - Credit: Nakano Darling
Where to eat near The Grand Electric
Sandwiched between the eat streets of Redfern and Surry Hills, The Grand Electric is walking distance from mid-range dining like Fontana (expect homemade pastas in a homey dining room), Bistro St Jacques (Parisian classics), Attenzione (a Euro-leaning restaurant and wine bar) and Bush (sustainability-focused modern Australian), as well as casual eats like Japanese Juan Bowl and Tea and La Coppola's Sicilian-style pizzas. Before dinner, drop into a local bar. Noble Hops specialises in craft beer and Arcadia in good vibes.
The Noble Hops, Redfern
