Ready for a little drama, glamour and old-school romance? Anastasia, the spectacular Broadway musical inspired by the beloved film, arrives at QPAC’s Lyric Theatre from 16 September for a strictly limited season. Naturally, a big night at the theatre calls for a pre-show feast to match. From generous Middle Eastern banquets and Cantonese favourites to tacos, cocktails and Caribbean-inspired plates, these South Bank spots put you within easy reach of QPAC.

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1. Tai Tai
Right across from QPAC, Tai Tai is an easy pick for a pre-show feast. The gluten-free Bamboo Set Menu is packed with dim sum, crispy salt and pepper squid, Cantonese-style chicken, braised eggplant, Buddha’s Delight and Yangzhou fried rice, finishing with assorted mochi ice cream. At $68 per person for a minimum of two guests, it’s a generous banquet of bold Cantonese flavours that will have you fed and ready for curtain call. Book here.

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2. The Churchill Room
Located inside Pig ’N’ Whistle and across the road from QPAC’s Glasshouse Theatre, The Churchill Rooms keeps pre-show dining seriously convenient. The Canterbury set menu serves two courses for $79 per person, with the option to add dessert for $15. Choose from baked camembert, Moreton Bay tiger prawns, mushroom arancini or Sri Lankan crumbed and spiced beef rolls, followed by beef and Guinness pie, barramundi, Hunter’s chicken, gnocchi or eye fillet. It’s a generous pub-style dinner with plenty of choice, all just moments from the theatre. Book here.

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3. Poppies
Just a two-minute walk from QPAC, Poppies is the spot for a relaxed dinner before the show. Start with sourdough and a trio of dips or pulled pork bao buns to share, then settle in for snow crab linguine or white beef ragù linguine. There’s a cocktail list covering the classics alongside house signatures, and if you mention your show time when booking, the kitchen can pace your courses accordingly. No clock-watching required. Book here.

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4. Baba Ganouj
Make pre-show dinner feel like an occasion with a Middle Eastern feast at Baba Ganouj. The $69 per person banquet is built for sharing, with hommos, fattoush, lamb sambusek, kafta skewers, baklava and Turkish delight among the spread. Add a cocktail and settle in for a generous, flavour-packed start to the evening before making your way to QPAC. Book here.

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5. Poca Madre
For tacos before theatre, Poca Madre is the answer. The birria quesatacos are a standout, while the pollo y maíz and wild mushroom tacos are ideal for mixing and matching across the table. Pair the lot with something from the margarita lineup and you’ve got a fun, low-fuss dinner that won’t leave you scrambling to make the show. Book here.

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6. Barbossa
Bring some Caribbean energy to your pre-show plans at Barbossa. The menu is made for sharing, with rum-glazed pork, seafood boils and plenty of cocktails to get the evening started. It’s a lively option for dinner and drinks before heading over to QPAC, with the theatre precinct just a short walk away. Book here.

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