Got theatre tickets? Here’s where to go before a show in Melbourne

Before a show at the Comedy Theatre…

Before a show that’s set to run for two hours plus, you’d better make sure your belly doesn’t rumble. And what better way to fill it than with what’s been voted Melbourne’s numero uno steak?

Enter Argentine restaurant San Telmo. Luckily, it’s situated in Melbourne’s vibrant East End theatre district and offers pre-theatre dining.

Inspired by the rich love of life and food in the South American nation, the share-style menu celebrates quality cuts of meat and smaller traditional dishes like ceviche and empanadas.

Sample some of the finest chorizo, morcilla (spiced black sausage) and cheeses the region has to offer, followed by a hearty carnivorous feast with plenty of veggie-based side dishes to keep things interesting. The remolacha with salt baked beetroot, mint and stracciatella is earthy and exotic.

How to finish your meal is a no-brainer: San Telmo’s dulce de leche – Argentina’s national dessert. Get your fix of the brain-meltingly good caramel sauce in either the flan or alfajor cookies.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Bife de lomo O’Connors premium pasture fed 250g eye fillet ($72)

Before a show at the Princess Theatre…

A night out at an iconic venue like the Princess Theatre deserves a pre-show dinner somewhere equally as special. That’s why theatregoers often flock to Punch Lane, one of Melbourne’s earliest iconic laneway institutions.

It may be one of the grand-daddies of the city’s wine bar scene, but it’s no less modern. The menu stays fresh with an inventive take on Aussie ingredients married with European techniques. The kitchen’s in cahoots with local farmers, foragers and fishermen so everything’s fresh from the land and sea.

Try the chicken liver parfait with schmaltz pastry cigars and madeira, or a delicate cut of John Dory with Spring Bay mussels, apple, celeriac and a fragrant sorrel beurre blanc. Tartare fans: Punch Lane does a mean one.

If you’re in a group and would rather let the chef decide, ask for the shared selection of dishes for $100 a head.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Punch Lane beef tartare with smoked egg yolk, gherkin gel and lovage ($27)

Before a show at Her Majesty’s Theatre…

Sometimes before a show, you don’t want a fussy multi-course dinner. You simply want a round of beers and dumplings you can chow down before you go.

HuTong Dumpling Bar is widely agreed upon to be one of the best (if not, the best) dumpling houses in the city, just a stone’s throw from Her Majesty’s Theatre and other venues in the East End district.

The sultry den serves homestyle dumplings and other regional Chinese dishes for sharing. Popular favourites include the shao-long bao pork soup dumplings, wontons with hot chilli sauce and for the veg crowd – shredded sesame seed-covered turnip pastries. Each dish presents a golden opportunity to taste genuine Chinese country cooking, not always easy to find in Melbourne.

Traditional desserts include all the usual suspects: custard buns, mango pudding and banana fritters. For something more unique, why not treat your taste buds to the sweet salty egg yolk spring rolls with ice cream?

HuTong Dumpling Bar is BYO so here’s your chance to try that decent bottle getting dusty in your cupboard.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Shao long bao ($15.80)

Before a show at Hamer Hall…

On the banks of the Yarra, just down the stairs from the iconic Arts Centre spire, you’ll find a pristine and spacious Japanese restaurant known for its pre-theatre buzz.

Saké is worth checking out for the riverside sashimi bar experience alone, but if you’re about to see a show at Hamer Hall and want to make a night of it – we recommend the full set menu.

It begins with an addictively delicious entree of nori crisps, with tuna, kingfish and sesame dressing. You’ll then get to taste courses of Hiramasa kingfish and grass fed seared beef renkon chips with foie gras, before tucking into bowls of steamed prawn dumplings and popcorn shrimp with chilli mayo.

And that’s just the beginning of things… we won’t spoil the rest before you dine. As you bask in evening views of the lively Southbank promenade, don’t forget to check out the superior saké menu.

You’re at a restaurant that’s named after the classic Japanese spirit, after all.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Take no hana set menu ($109 pp)

Before a show at the Regent Theatre…

Across the street from the Regent Theatre in the ‘Paris End’ of the CBD, you’ll spot a French bistro smoldering with old-world glamour and elegance.

Bistrot D’Orsay has been a pre-theatre favourite since its opening in 1996 and there’s good reason why. In keeping with classical bistro tradition, the Mediterranean-style food isn’t complicated here. Take an excellent cut of meat and serve it with expertly prepared vegetables and a French mother sauce and you generally don’t need much else, anyway.

At Bistrot d’Orsay, there’s a strong emphasis on quality local produce. Here you’ll find Berkshire pork from Tooborac and eye fillet and beef cheek from Seymour in the Goulburn Valley. European classics like bouillabaisse, coq au vin, gnocchi and steak tartare shine a spotlight on the freshness of the ingredients.

Aside from the A-plus food, you’ll also be impressed by the award-winning wine list and a gorgeous trompe l’oeil ceiling mural overlooking the dining space. Take in the romantic ambiance and enjoy.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Confit duck leg with braised brussel sprouts and mustard and duck jus ($39.50)