Chequerboard floors and a meat cabinet create an authentic American diner experience at this fast-casual, hole-in-the-wall burger joint. The menu honours timeless American classics like the Reuben sandwich, chilli dog and cheeseburger. More adventurous carnivores might enjoy a black pudding and devilled egg burger.

Head to the roof and order as few or as many tapas items as time allows. Just don't skip the 36-month-old Joselito jamón Ibérico.

These wood-fired pizzas come out in a flash, so there's no chance of missing your show.

Bookings are essential at this eternally popular French-Vietnamese restaurant. Aiming for an early pre-show timeslot will help.

Equally suited to a pre-show dinner or late night dessert.

Four storeys to suit all needs. Pre-show drinks, dinner or a cocktail or two after the show.

Shane Delia's modern Middle Eastern restaurant is set menu only – perfect for big groups before a show.

Sit at the sushi bar for a quick pre-show bite, or head to the upstairs Chablis Bar, which packs 80 choices.

A taco and tequila bar that's a perfect pitstop for groups before seeing a show.

Like Bomba, this Spanish restaurant's tapas format makes controlling the length of your meal easy. Reservations are recommended for a pre-show dinner or drink.

Enjoy a drink and burger on the Yarra before the show. If the weather permits of course.

Some of the city's best dumplings, paired with a BYO policy. Perfect.

Catch a drink at this indoor-outdoor bar and enjoy the stars.

Fifteen dumplings for $10 – a no-brainer for a cheap pre-show dinner.

A multi-storey bar open late serving cocktails. Perfect spot for a drink after the show.

A favourite among locals, ideal for a pre-show drink with a view.

Sink into the velvet sofas and choose from an extensive list of gin-based cocktails for a fancier post-show drink.

DJs playing in an old shipping container. Head here after the show for a drink with friends.