Where to Eat for Pre-Theatre Dining in Melbourne
Saké Restaurant & Bar at Hamer Hall sits directly below the Art Centre. Open kitchens and sushi counters provide a full view of preparation, while the riverside terrace overlooks the Yarra. Miso-glazed Glacier 51 Toothfish and Hiramasa Kingfish with lime and jalapeño kosho showcase traditional Japanese techniques, with steamed prawn shumai and popcorn shrimp with yuzu mayonnaise ideal for sharing.
Service runs from 5-9 pm Sunday to Thursday, extending to 10 pm Fridays and Saturdays. Book the 5 pm or 5:30 pm seating for pre-performance meals, allowing enough time before the curtain. Saké selections and seasonal cocktails pair with the contemporary menu, while the mezzanine can accommodate groups up to 60 when larger parties need a central dining option near the Arts Centre.
Where to Eat for Lunch in Melbourne City
Crown Complex’s Rockpool Bar & Grill runs lunch service from 12-2:30 pm daily at the Melbourne venue, with Executive Chef Santiago Aristizabal overseeing wood-fired steaks and dry-aged beef. The Wine Bar operates from 12-5 pm for walk-ins seeking oysters and smaller plates. The #12 world ranking, paired with professional service, suits everything from client meetings to celebration lunches when the occasion calls for quality dining at Crown Melbourne.
7 Alfred delivers meals within 30 minutes of being seated. The single-dish menu features a 220g O’Connor scotch fillet from Gippsland with tallow-fried chips and house-made sauce, keeping focus tight for efficient service. Office workers on tight schedules and team lunches alike benefit from the consistent quality and quick turnaround. Happy hour runs from 3:30-5:30 pm daily, with classic cocktails available for extended afternoon breaks.
Where to Eat for Evening Dining in Melbourne CBD
Spice Temple at Crown Complex designs menus for sharing across multiple courses. Executive Chef Andy Evans draws from Sichuan, Yunnan, and Hunan provinces, presenting stir-fried Wagyu brisket with baby eggplant, handmade dumplings, and cumin-spiced lamb cutlets using regional techniques. The Melbourne location’s dim-lit interior suits extended evening dining, with rare wines and Zodiac cocktails complementing the bold flavours when the meal is the main event.
Plan Your Melbourne CBD Dining
Melbourne’s dining scene adapts to your schedule, not the other way around. Whether it’s a quick office lunch, pre-show dinner, or extended evening service – the variety means something delicious always aligns with your timing.
Book your Saké table for pre-theatre dining near the Arts Centre.
Saké Restaurant & Bar practices responsible service of alcohol. Drink responsibly.
