Where to eat before a show in Sydney

Housed beneath the iconic white sails and boasting panoramic dining views of Sydney Harbour, Portside is a deliciously convenient pre-show dinner option at the Sydney Opera House.

Showcasing sustainable, seasonable ingredients, head chef Karl Patrick Thomas’ indulgent pre-theatre menu is specially curated with Opera House patrons in mind.

Pick from either a two or three-course menu, each served with a glass of house wine.

To start? Go for the treacle cured salmon with mustard mayo and pumpkin seed granola. Afterwards, sink your teeth into delicious mains like braised lamb shoulder with rosemary polenta or roast barramundi with onion and herb crumb.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Two-course and a glass of house wine pre-theatre set menu ($75)

Just a hop, skip and a jump away from the State Theatre, enjoy a pre-show Spanish feast at Mercado.

Helmed by executive chef Emilio Erazo, Mercado delivers traditional Spanish fare, created using locally sourced fresh ingredients with an emphasis on share-style plates perfect for groups.

Available between 5:30pm and 6:00pm, the dedicated pre-theatre menu is just the ticket for a theatrical night out with friends.

Graze on marinated olives, house-made cold cuts and flatbread with hummus and za’atar. Still peckish? Gorge on a mountainous pumpkin paella accompanied by a chef’s selection of meat from the grill.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Pre-theatre menu ($55)

Before catching a show at the Lyric Theatre, swim over to nearby Flying Fish and snag the catch of the day on your fork.

It’s a seafood lover’s delight at this iconic Sydney restaurant. Come for the slick harbour views and chic dining ambience, stay for the mouthwatering seafood.

Chef Peter Robertson’s menu is teeming with tasty ocean treats. Select from elevated mains like pan-fried snapper with turmeric curry and Moreton Bay bug crepe or barramundi with BBQ sugarloaf cabbage and tangerine butter.

Got a sweet tooth? Tuck into a gorgeous passionfruit and pandan parfait, or go all out with an indulgent chocolate mousse with palm sugar pudding and rhubarb ice cream.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Charcoal roast salmon with grilled fennel and sauce vierge ($45)

Located across from the Capitol Theatre, Chat Thai is the ideal foodie pitstop for theatre patrons looking for a quick and delicious dinner.

Set within a NYC warehouse-style dining space, the vibe here is stylish with an air of effortless cool. Exposed brick walls, wood panelling and quirky art pieces add splashes of vibrant colour.

Tame the pre-show hunger-rumbling from a menu packed full of irresistible Thai classics.

Go for everyone’s favourite Thai noodle dishes: pad thai or pad see ew. Or pick from an array of fragrant soups, creamy curries, or a zesty green papaya salad for those on a health kick.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Mussamun curry of slowly braised beef shin and potato ($22)

Heading to the Seymour Centre to watch a play? Enter stage left: Kindred. One of Sydney’s most delicious best kept secrets!

Walking into Kindred is like being invited into a welcoming family home in the Italian countryside. Warm timber and rustic furniture make for a homey, intimate atmosphere. Perfect for a cosy pre-show dinner.

Ex A Tavola chef Matt Pollack specialises in home-style Italian comfort food, created with love.

It’s hard to look past the handmade pasta dishes. Dig into a heaping serve of beef bolognese rigatoni, saucy tomato guanciale bucatini or tender king prawn spaghettini.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Gnocchi, pumpkin, chestnuts, broccoli and truffle pecorino ($28)