Where to go for a pre-theatre meal in Dublin

Those who enjoy watching a play on a regular basis will appreciate Mr Fox and its proximity to the Gate Theatre. With just a five-minute walking distance, the venue is the perfect place to fill your stomach and catch up with a friend before heading to the theatre. The restaurant serves contemporary Irish dishes with a French influence that are both delicious and aesthetically pleasing, and guarantee to make your evening extra special. The menu is seasonal, but expect delicious dishes such as lamb, smoked ricotta with black garlic, girolles and courgette flower. It’s been recommended by the Michelin Guide so you can be sure it’s top quality. 

FIRE Steakhouse prides itself on offering the best pre-theatre menu Dublin has to offer and we strongly agree. Located right in the city centre, it’s an ideal place to eat at before heading to see a play as it’s quite a short walk from the Abbey Theatre, Gate Theatre, Olympia Theatre and Bord Gais Energy Theatre. On the menu, you’ll find locally sourced Irish produce, including chicken Caesar salad, wood-fired tiger prawns and grilled fillet of bream. Don’t hesitate to sweeten it all up with a selection of desserts; the apple tartlet will make you feel too satisfied to want to snack during the performance.

Charlotte Quay is within walking distance of 3 Arena, which makes it the perfect starting point if you’re off to see a gig later. The excitement at the prospect of seeing your favourite artist might make food a lower priority, but the hunger will kick in sooner or later, and this venue’s menu is tempting enough: buttermilk chicken thighs, ribeye steak with rocket and fries, and many more. Charlotte Quay is also a waterfront venue, which means a nice view is a part of the deal. Relax on the terrace with a glass of wine and good food right before the main event.

Toscana is conveniently situated near the Gaiety, Tivoli and the Olympia Theatre. Due to its location and having been included in the top 10 best restaurants in Dublin by “Lovin Dublin”, Toscana is an iconic pre-theatre menu spot where you can soak up the friendly atmosphere and unwind after a long day at work. All the ingredients are grown at the family farmhouse, resulting in tasty and homely Mediterranean recipes. The early bird menu consists of a starter, a main dish and a dessert, such as a bruschetta to start with, lasagna and tiramisu.

If you need a quick pre-performance bite to eat, Dockers might be the right place for you. It’s conveniently located within walking distance of 3 Arena and Bord Gais Energy Theatre. If you fancy a shareable nibble, we recommend mozzarella pizza rolls and bacon and cheese loaded potatoes. For those needing something more filling, the venue offers a selection of toasted sandwiches and sourdough breads, plus a chocolate-packed cake that might be considered a meal on its own! You can also treat yourself to one of the iconic cocktails; we’d recommend the Spicy Mangorita or Movie Theatre with Appletown rum, popcorn, Drambuie and Laphroaig.