The Australian Ballet Eating & Drinking Guide

by Dan Cunningham and Holly Bodeker-Smith

Updated May 9th, 2019

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.

Matilda
Restaurant
A bold, contemporary diner dedicated to cooking with fire and smoke, from the owner-chef of Estelle and Saint Crispin.
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The Barre
Restaurant
The Arts Centre’s in-house restaurant is your best option for a pre- or post-show dinner.
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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.
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Supernormal
Restaurant
Sit at the bar and whiz through a few Japanese-inspired share plates.

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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.

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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.

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The Australian Ballet Eating & Drinking Guide

The Australian Ballet Eating & Drinking Guide

Matilda

Restaurant

The Barre

Restaurant

Asado Bar and Grill

Restaurant

DOC Southbank

Restaurant

Cumulus Inc.

Restaurant

Supernormal

Restaurant

Coda

Restaurant

Garden State Hotel

Bar

Bar Ampere

Bar

Mamasita

Restaurant

Il Solito Posto

Restaurant

Ponyfish Island

Bar

Taxi Kitchen

Restaurant

Arbory Bar & Eatery

Bar

Polepole Kitchen

Restaurant

Dukes Coffee Roasters

Cafe

Manchester Press

Cafe

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