Best pre-theatre dining deals

Look no further for the ultimate pre-theatre dining deals. From Italian bites to Mexican feasts, we’ve put together the perfect guide for all budgets.

Mexican feast at Bodega Underground, $55 per person

Fill up pre-show with Bodega Underground's spicy Mexican. Order a set menu of six dishes including dessert for only $55 per person. Begin with guava mimosas on arrival. Whether you go the regular or vegan option, everyone gets yummy churros, and it’s all gluten-free.

Marmelo's Portuguese preço fixo menu, $65 per person

Heading out to an early show? You won't have to stray far from the hotel. Melbourne Place's luxe Portuguese restaurant Marmelo has an unmissable early bird special. The two-course preço fixo menu is available for 5.30pm or 5.45pm sittings, Tuesday through Friday. Tuck into fillet steak and yellow fin tuna. If you feel like splashing out, add on rock oysters and pastel de natas for a sweet finish.

Thai feed at Magic Mountain Saloon, 15% off

Whether you're heading to the city for a theatre show, gig or concert, Magic Mountain Saloon is the place to go. Just show your ticket on the day and score 15 per cent off your order. Fill up on drunken noodles and crispy popcorn chicken. Then wash it down with pandan pina coladas.

Italian dinner and wine at Bottega, $65-75 per person

Settle in for a two- or three-course Italian feast to start your evening off right. Grab a glass of red or white wine, then make your way through the menu spanning some of Bottega's classic dishes. Think lamb ragu pappardelle, Wagyu carpaccio and croquettes. Plus tiramisu or affogato to keep you alert if you've booked a long-running epic.

Seasonal pre-theatre dining at Allegro, $55 per person

Right on the doorstep of the Regent Theatre, The Westin's Allegro is a no brainer for a pre-show feed. The $55 seasonal menu comes with house-made sourdough, salad or chips and your choice of main. Choose from the soft-shell crab, caramelised potato gnocchi, Angus rump and more decadent dishes. It's served Wednesday to Saturday, 5-7pm.

Express banquet at The George on Collins, $69 per person

Heading to a show but don't want to miss out on the full banquet experience? The George's $69 pre-theatre banquet menu is a highlights reel of the restaurant's best dishes. Available for ticket holders, it comes with five dishes including sticky lamb ribs and your choice of green curry or or Sichuan chicken stir fry. Go one better and throw in a serve of crispy pork belly if you're feeling particularly hungry.

Pre-theatre dining by the Yarra at La Camera, $85 per person

Located in Southbank is the ideal pre-theatre dining experience, La Camera. Overlook the river and feast on the three course set menu for $85 per person. Start with a selection of cured meats and appetisers, then move onto mains like vegetable risotto and slow cooked beef oyster blade. Make sure to leave room for the cannoli dessert at the end.

Pre-theatre express banquets at Miss Pearl, $65 per person

Inside the Southbank Theatre is the delicious Miss Pearl. Banquets are $65 per person, and can be enjoyed by two or more. Be transported by the aromatic flavours of Asian cuisine with five share plates, from kingfish sashimi to chicken and prawn siu mai dumplings. No need to fret about showtime, the express menu is designed to have you satisfied and on your way ASAP.

Fine-dine pre-show at Nomad, $95 per person

Less than a 20-minute walk to all theatres in the city, Nomad is the ultimate fine dining experience. For $95 per person, enjoy a set menu of Nomad’s most loved dishes. Dig into favourites like the wood-fired flatbread and burrata with fennel jam, then try the fish of the day. All bookings are for a 75-minute duration to get you to your show on time. Book ahead.