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The Australian Ballet Eating & Drinking Guide

Updated May 9th, 2019

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Imagine it: you fight your way through the packed foyer, find your seat and settle in to enjoy the show. Just as the curtain lifts, your stomach gives a loud rumble. Now you remember – you skipped lunch.

Don't risk an empty stomach ruining your ballet experience. At these spots you can catch a quick meal or snacks before the show, or take your time for a full de-brief afterwards.

Looking for something specific?

  • Matilda

    Restaurant

    A bold, contemporary diner dedicated to cooking with fire and smoke, from the owner-chef of Estelle and Saint Crispin.

    Book a Table

  • The Barre

    Restaurant

    The Arts Centre’s in-house restaurant is your best option for a pre- or post-show dinner.

    Book a Table

  • Asado Bar and Grill

    Restaurant

    Asado is Spanish for roast. And that’s exactly the focus at this tan-leather-filled restaurant, which showcases grilled meats and big flavours. From the team behind San Telmo, Pastuso and Palermo, Asado encourages you to share a spread of tapas as well as meat, seafood and vegetables charred on the parrilla.

  • DOC Southbank

    Restaurant

    An aperitivo hour with complimentary snacks; crisp, springy pizza bases; and fried egg and pancetta paninos can be found in this modern-industrial space from the now-classic Carlton operators.

  • Cumulus Inc.

    Restaurant

    Andrew McConnell's all-day eating house combines the star chef's typically excellent food with smart interior design. While it's not his most famous venue these days, the polished service, considered wine list and inventive dishes at Cumulus Inc. are still worthy of celebration after all these years.

  • Supernormal

    Restaurant

    Sit at the bar and whiz through a few Japanese-inspired share plates.

    Book a Table

  • Coda

    Restaurant

    A unique blend of Euro-Vietnamese and modern-Australian dishes.

  • Garden State Hotel

    Bar

    Ideal for dinner, drinks or both.

  • Bar Ampere

    Bar

    Here, you can discuss the show for hours. Wine and cheese are served until 3am every day.

  • Mamasita

    Restaurant

    The queue will (hopefully) have subsided by the time the show's over.

  • Il Solito Posto

    Restaurant

    Enjoy a quick pasta at one of Melbourne's most-loved Italian spots.

    Book a Table

  • Ponyfish Island

    Bar

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner served under the Yarra Pedestrian Footbridge.

  • Taxi Kitchen

    Restaurant

    Crowd-pleasing mains and 360 view of the city.

    Book a Table

  • Arbory Bar & Eatery

    Bar

    For drinks before or after the show.

  • Polepole Kitchen

    Restaurant

    The vibe is strong at this upstairs African-inspired spot.

    Book a Table

  • Dukes Coffee Roasters

    Cafe

    For coffee and lunch before or after a matinee.

  • Manchester Press

    Cafe

    Fill up on bagels and coffee before a matinee.