When the show is at 8, it can sometimes be a scramble to figure out dinner beforehand. Thankfully, some excellent restaurants have cropped up in the last few years that cater to the theatre-going crowd. All just steps from the venues, these will prevent any embarrassing stomach growling during the violin solo.
Just two blocks from the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Chambar will elevate your already fancy evening at the opera into a full-blown Saturday night occasion. Start with a drink (we recommend the Blue Fig — fig-infused gin served with a side of blue cheese) in their lounge or at the beautifully appointed bar before tucking into Moroccan-inspired dishes bursting with flavour. The lively vibe, gorgeous surroundings and delicious food are all perfect preludes to the evening’s further entertainment.
Whether you opt for the modern opulence of the full dining room at Cibo or the more low-key wine bar at Uva, these two establishments in the Moda Hotel kitty-corner from the Orpheum provide front-row seats for seeing when the theatre doors open. Cibo even offers a specific pre-theatre three-course prix-fixe meal for $39 until 7 pm. Looking for a quick snack and a glass of wine instead? Pop into Uva for small bites and a killer wine list.