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The best places to eat before a show at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre

It seems that everyone and their mother has tickets to Hamilton at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre (running now until mid-November - it's amazing), so no doubt at some stage you musical lovers (and simultaneously food lovers if you're reading this), will need some inspo for pre-show eats. AND with the exciting shows to come (Mary Poppins from 11th December - 11th January, and Steve Coogan's Dr. Strangelove from 5th - 22nd February), this is one to keep in your back pocket for your next trip to the theatre...



Osteria Lucio (six minute walk)


Starting off with the best, Osterio Lucio is a brilliant spot in general for dinner, and happens to be conveniently close to the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. Owned by Ross Lewis of Chapter One fame, he's created a cosy but oh so chic Italian dining room in Grand Canal Dock on the cute cobbly street of Clanwilliam Terrace. They have a scaled down menu from 17:00 - 18:00 to cater for show goers, but you'll need to plan this as far as possible in advance, as this place totally books out on show days.



Charlotte Quay (four min walk)


The Bereen bros are having a bit of a moment at the moment, with the return of their cult classic Coppinger Row - now just Coppinger to you and I - and next door sibling, Row Wines, a small plates and wine bar. Charlotte Quay is another of their restaurant babies, and their pre-theatre menu runs from 17:00 to 19:00, with two courses for €37 and three for €45. Another one to book in advance or you'll have no chance.



Nutbutter (three minute walk)


If you've just finished work and are in a rush to get some good food into you before settling into your seats, Nutbutter is your man. They serve a super healthy menu, but are still naughty enough to serve booze. Fill up on delicious warm bowls, tostadas, or tacos, and it's great for veggies and vegans too.



Yoi Ramen (eight minute walk)


For a quick/delicious and also cheap/cheerful meal minutes from the theatre, Yoi Ramen is more than just ramen. There's sushi, poké bowls, gyoza, donburi and katsu curries, and it's perfect if you're short on time and need something that ticks all the aforementioned boxes.



Allta - nine minute walk


Allta has been one of Dublin's most exciting restaurants since their first edition in Setanta Place, and they're now onto Allta 4.0 (if you count their summer stage in Slane). This one resides in the most eastern part of Grand Canal Dock, which on a normal evening can feel like the middle of nowhere, but if you have a show at the Bord Gáis it won't matter in the slightest. Dinner runs from Tuesday to Saturday, starting from 17:30, and there seems to be a decent amount of availability earlier in the evening.



Musashi, Hogan Place & IFSC (10 minute walk)


From their humble Capel Street beginnings, Musashi have made quite the dent in the Dublin sushi scene, and tend to be pretty consistent across their eight locations. With one either side of the river, both a ten minute walk to the theatre, it's a great shout if you're in the market for a wide range of sushi with snappy service.



Note - 12 minute walk


Note is not the first place that comes to mind when brainstorming a pre-dinner spot before a show at the BGET, but it's a mere twelve minute walk door to door, and well worth it. Grab a quick, casual bite at the bar with any of their killer wines by the glass, and dinner starts at 17:00 so no excuse not to eat very well before the show.



Paulie's Pizza - 14 minute walk


A Southside staple, Paulie's Pizza has been around for over 15 years, which in restaurant years is a life sentence. Their menu has stuck to the same format since day dot - starters, pasta (a lot of them fresh), and Neapolitan meets NYC meets Paulie's style pizzas.



The Old Spot - 15 min walk


The Old Spot is one of Dublin's best spots for proper gastropub grub in the cosiest of settings. Their menu has some absolute belters like deep fried truffle mac ‘n cheese; pork and black pudding scotch eggs; and Wagyu cheeseburgers, and their cocktails are top class - the salted caramel espresso martini is one of the best we've had in a long time. Bonus points if your show is on Sunday and you can catch their roast. Dinner starts from 17:00, or 17:30 on Sundays.



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