Best Pre-theatre Dining in Melbourne
Melbourne loves its theatre, arts and shows, and we have picked out some of the best pre-theatre options in Melbourne.
Red Pepper Indian Restaurant - Bourke St
Red Pepper has been delighting diners since 2006 in Melbourne, and that includes many who visit this restaurant before a theatre show. Red Pepper is the perfect pre-theatre dining experience being close to many of the arts and show locations, located in leafy Bourke St near Parliament. Come here for authentic and affordable Indian dishes that won't breat the bank. Another feature is that they have both vegetarian (and vegan) and non-vegetarian signatures, so there is something on the menu for everybody.
Popular dishes include vegetarian hits such as Sarhoin Da Saag, Palak Paneer, Kadhi Pakora, Chana Masala, while popular non-vegetarian dishes include Prawn Chettinad with Mini Malabar Parantha, Coastal Barramundi Fish Curry, Butter Chicken, Bhang Chicken with roasted hemp seeds, Kashmiri Lamb Roganjosh with Peter Bouchier Lamb, and Rajasthani Goat Curry.
Surprising for some, Red Pepper has an excellent range of cocktails (including Indian themed cocktails), beers (including Indian beers), wines, spirits and other drinks. Bookings online are advised for pre-theatre, but they also take walk-ins.
Plus Red Pepper is perfect for groups. Who doesn't love a warming curry?
Pepe's Italian & Liquor - Exhibition St
Pepe's Italian is an American-Italian restaurant that has been a mainstay of the Melbourne culinary scene in recent times, and provides excellent dining options for those visiting before a theatre show. You can grab a cocktail at the stylish bar and order Italian small dishes, or you can go large. Try the signature Rigatoni Vodka or order antipasti, a range of excellent pizzas, or the famous Cotelleta. Tiramisu for dessert of course. The New York inspired space is an attraction in itself. Comfort food central.
Lucy Liu - Oliver Lane
Lucy Liu is a vibrant restaurant which offers delicious Asian share plates and cocktails in the heart of Melbourne. They often have specials connected to comedy or film events. There's always a buzz at Lucy Liu. The Kingfish Sashimi has been a crowd favourite for years, as well as betel leaf offerings. Also embrace the bold flavours here with tasty dumplings and wontons and Jianbing, and go large with the Pork Hock. There's also a Vegan Lucy option.