The Lord of the Rings in Concert: Where To Drink and Dine Before and After the Show

Something about dinner and a show feels extra special compared to a regular night out. Dressing up a little and grabbing dinner beforehand builds anticipation; a late-night wine or gelato is the perfect vehicle for debriefing after.

This spring, The Fellowship of the Ring – the first movie in the classic Lord of the Rings trilogy – gets the concert treatment. It’s playing on the big screen on October 7 and 8 at the Tiktok Entertainment Centre, with Howard Shore’s award-winning score performed live by over 200 musicians to celebrate the film’s 25th anniversary.

It’s a big deal for fans of JRR Tolkien’s novels and Peter Jackson’s award-winning film adaptations. Composer Howard Shore won both a Grammy and an Oscar for the film’s score, so the chance to hear it performed in person and synced up with the movie is worth making a night of it. Luckily, the CBD, Ultimo and Pyrmont are close by, making it easy to grab a bite before and after (you’ll probably need it for the near-three-hour-movie).

Pre-show dinner

Tam Jiak

Hit Junda Khoo’s restaurant at the Sydney Fish Market for a surf’n’turf menu that cooks Malaysian dishes over fire. You’ll get a filling feed here, and it’s a great spot to dine al fresco when the weather’s nice. Kick your night off with fresh market fish or a dozen oysters, then keep the ball rolling with a crispy barramundi curry or grilled king prawns.

Mensho Tokyo

The CBD outpost of this global chain is always busy for good reason. This is the spot for excellent bowls of ramen made using Australian ingredients. The Tasmanian shio ramen is a standout here, though you can’t go wrong with any bowl on the menu. A great option if you’re looking for a dinner spot with a great atmosphere.

Letra House

This underground restaurant and wine bar serves Spanish-inflected plates alongside a long list of European wines. It’s a great pre-show spot if you’re looking for something moodier or bringing a date along. The menu changes often, but highlights like the pressed lamb shoulder with pomme puree and salsa verde pair well with more than 50 wines by the glass or bottle.

Umami Dojo

If you’re after a cosier ramen spot that’s a little quieter than Mensho Tokyo, Umami Dojo is a local favourite. You’ll also find great snacks and sides here to complement your ramen bowl. It’s the furthest option at a 23-minute walk from the venue, but well worth the trek. If Frodo and Sam can do it, so can you.

Post-show nightcap

Razz Room

This CBD spot from the Odd Culture crew is all about Daiquiris, disco and dancing, if you’re so inclined. Or if you just want to unwind, there’s an excellent selection of snacks and cocktails, plus plenty of cosy corners to reflect on the movie with your date. And the kitchen is open late.

Cantina OK

This standing-room-only cocktail bar hardly needs an introduction, but just in case: it’s in a tiny garage at the end of a delivery laneway. It specialises in rare spirits from Mexico and is run by three jovial and variously bearded barmen in white aprons. Always open late, it’s one of the city’s best options for a casual drink and debrief after the show.

PS40

If you prefer to drink in a seat than on the street, PS40 is another nearby option. The Skittle Lane cocktail bar makes its own range of sodas that are then mixed with spirits to create both experimental and classic cocktails. A more relaxed, moodier option for unwinding over a drink that might be unlike any you’ve tried before.

Dessert

You haven’t really capped your night off unless you wrap things up with a treat, and Haymarket is your best bet for dessert. Try Kuki for silky soft serve and chunky cookies, Homm Dessert for stacked bingsoo bowls, or Gelato Messina at Darling Square for signature Italian scoops.

The Fellowship of the Ring in Concert comes to the Tiktok Entertainment Centre on October 7 and 8. Tickets are on sale now.

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Fane.