QPAC is bringing the drama this season, with Pride and Prejudice on stage from 10 to 26 July before The Book of Mormon takes over from 31 July to 6 September. The only thing left to plan? Where to eat first. Whether you're chasing a quick bite or settling in for a long dinner, these South Bank spots are all within an easy stroll of the theatre and guarantee a far better opening act than a packet of M&Ms.

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Tai Tai
If you're dining with a group, Tai Tai makes pre-theatre dining a breeze. Pre-order one of the restaurant's set menus and your feast will be ready to hit the table when you arrive, leaving plenty of time to enjoy every bite before the show. Our pick is the GF Bamboo Set Menu ($68pp, minimum two guests), packed with dim sum favourites, salt and pepper squid, Cantonese crispy skin chicken, Yangzhou fried rice and assorted mochi ice cream to finish. Book your table here.

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The Churchill Room
‍Located directly opposite the Glass House Theatre, The Churchill Room inside Pig 'N' Whistle is about as convenient as it gets. Think premium steaks cooked over ironbark charcoal, fresh seafood and modern Australian favourites that feel just a little more elevated than your average pub meal. Kick things off with oysters or scallops before diving into a perfectly cooked steak. Book your table here.

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Azure
If dinner by the river sounds like the perfect way to start theatre night, make it Azure. Inspired by the laidback lifestyle of Southern Europe, the menu is built around fresh seafood, premium grilled meats and generous share plates. Our order? The burrata to start, followed by the lamb rump with a side of duck fat potatoes and your favourite glass of red before taking a lovely stroll along the promenade and over to QPAC. Reserve your table here.

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Barbossa
Swap the pre-show rush for Caribbean flavours and tropical cocktails at Barbossa. From 300g tamarind pork cultlet and pan-fried salmon to the restaurant's signature seafood boil, every dish feels like a mini holiday. Better yet, flash your QPAC ticket to unlock an exclusive dining discount before or after the performance. Book your table here.

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Baba Ganouj
Gather the crew and settle in for a Middle Eastern feast at Baba Ganouj. The menu is packed with colourful share plates, grilled meats and flavour-packed dips that are made for passing around the table. Whatever you do, don't skip the spicy cucumber margarita. It's the perfect way to kick off the night. Book your table here.

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Poppies
Poppies has mastered the art of pre-theatre dining. Just a two-minute stroll from QPAC on Little Stanley Street, the restaurant will pace your meal around your show time when you mention it at booking, so you can relax over every course without checking your watch. Now that's dinner and a show done right. Reserve your table here.

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