The Best Restaurants in Sydney for Pre-Gig Eats

For any regular gig-goer, tickets are the least of your organisation troubles. One of the real thorn-in-side struggles in planning a night out is finding a place to grab a bite beforehand; you want something casual, somewhere good for groups and nothing too 'ten course degustation'.

It's pretty damn difficult finding that optimum ratio in an eatery that's within walking distance  of the venue but doesn't compromise when it comes to food. Plus there's so many darn choices now. So we've narrowed down some of our favourite go-to Sydney music venues and compiled a list for you, so you can nosh before you mosh.

Enmore Theatre

Hartsyard

There's no denying Hartsyard's heritage; it's palpably American in taste, substance and style. As soon as you push open the glass door, the smell of hickory smoked pork greets you with open arms. Salvaged timber and industrial lighting, utility and charm, Hartsyard sits at the intersection of bustling farmhouse kitchen and buzzing late-night diner. A visit wouldn't be complete without feasting on their fried chicken, served with buttermilk biscuits and sausage gravy ($29) just like they do in the South Carolina low country. Just remember that you won't be able to enjoy KFC in the same way ever again.

Walking distance: Four minutes.

Lentil as Anything

Who said you can't make friends with salad? The not-for-profit vegan chain Lentil as Anything has quickly become the darling of King Street. No need to book, just turn up for amazing food and an atmosphere that can't be beat. As 30 percent of the ingredients are donated from food rescue operations, the menu changes often so you'll need to ask your waiter what's on offer. If you swing by on a Friday or Saturday night, head upstairs for a tasty tonic in their new Lentil on the Rocks mocktail bar.

Walking distance: Six minutes.

The Sultan's Table

Anyone who calls The Sultan's Table purely a takeaway joint is doing it a significant disservice. Situated right opposite the Enmore Theatre, this place is usually packed to the brim with diners looking for a quick feed before or after a gig. Specialising in authentic Turkish food, they deliver a countless range of pides, kebabs and dips. The only danger here? Stuffing yourself full before jaunting off to a gig, because you just can't get enough.

Walking distance: Three minutes.

Metro Theatre / Goodgod Small Club

Yebisu Izakaya

Stepping away from the hubbub of George Street and into the neon-lit eatery of Yebisu Izakaya is not too dissimilar to slipping into the sake dens hidden along the side alleys of Tokyo. All the well, since the restaurant prides itself on its selection of the aromatic Japanese beverage. It's even harder to resist when trolleys of the stuff are being trundled by waiters around the room. The food menu too, is an ambitious affair, clocking at over 100 dishes. Within the traditional Japanese fare – sashimi, yakitori, gyoza, rice and noodles – are a few more unusual options you'd be hard-pressed to find elsewhere, such as homemade tofu and stewed wagyu tendon. There can often be a fair wait, so make sure you time your visit before beginning your late night festivities.

Walking distance: Three minutes.

Mamak

Mamak really doesn't require any introduction. Line up to sample exceptional Malaysian hawker food, still offered at an authentic price. The star here is the roti, the delectable layered bready snack that's crispy yet fluffy all at once. Out front, workers whip the dough into shape, much to the entertainment of the otherwise restless diners waiting in queue. Don't forget to leave room for the roti tisu ($10), the pyramid shaped cone of carby goodness encased in condensed milk to end off your meal.

Walking distance: Five minutes.

Menya Mappen

This Japanese DIY noodle canteen is the haven for udon and soba lovers. There aren't too many Sydney joints you can nab a bowl of noodles with tempura to boot for under $10. Don't skip their perfectly oozy ontama eggs or the prawn tempura, fried to a perfect crisp. Not a restaurant to dwell and chitchat, Menya Mappen is the place to go if you're short for time and looking for a quick in-and-out before a late night gig.

Walking distance: Two minutes.

Oxford Art Factory

Mr Crackles

Situated opposite Oxford Street's strip of clubs, Mr Crackles consistently tops the list as one of the go-to options for a 3am feed or a cheap dinner spot before a night out. Their pork crackling has become somewhat of a citywide legend; one of those rare things everybody raves about that actually lives up to its esteemed reputation. Their signature menu item, pork belly with Vietnamese salad served in a bread roll sets you back an easy $12. But for those who can take it, the Manwich ($17) contains double the meat and half the salad of the regular roll. Bring it on.

Walking distance: Three minutes.

Phamish

Tucked away in a courtyard along Darlinghurst's back streets, Phamish's deceptively no-frills appearance and unfazed service hides a real penchant for producing cheap and authentic Vietnamese food. Plus, it's BYO. Come any night of the week and you'll find the place absolutely full to the brim. You can't go wrong with their salt and pepper anything (prawn, calamari, tofu) or their caramelised pork belly. Actually, make that everything on the menu. If you're still feeling adventurous (and have room), duck by next door to Jazz City Diner for one of their awesome pies for dessert. Summer nights dining outdoors never sounded better.

Walking distance: Five minutes.

The Commons Local Eating House

Amidst Darlinghurst's shoulder-to-shoulder apartments, congested streets, and endless noise, The Commons is a welcome oasis of calm. The exposed sandstone walls, amber lighting and wooden finishings of the restaurant's heritage building is a fitting complement to the hearty comfort food served here — think homemade crepes gratin, lavender infused risotto and fish cartoccio. If you're lucky, catch Delta Blues, a Chicago blues and jazz band, pluck out a few tunes on certain nights. A perfect pre-gig warmer.

Walking distance: Two minutes.

The Basement

The Morrison

If you've never been to an oyster room before, then here's your chance. A welcome addition to the lower end of George Street and a proper alternative to the vicinity's 'pubish' priorities, the Morrison Bar and Oyster Room is a class act. Perch yourself on the bar and you can watch the action right before your eyes as Morrison's oyster maestros shuck your Pacific, Angassi or Rock oysters to order. Between the main dining hall, with its industrial exposed brick and concrete pillars, the open-air terrace and the parlour, there's plenty of space for diners to feel at home.

Walking distance: Four minutes.

TapaVino

In the otherwise bland dining scene of Circular Quay, TapaVino has spruced up the CBD surrounds with traditional tapas offerings and a veritable bible of Spanish wines and sherries. Here the drinks take centre stage, but that's not to say the food is any less than excellent. The focus here is on unpretentious, naturally presented dishes that allow the produce to shine – think plates of freshly shaved slices of jamón serrano, burrito and pickled onion; pan-fried garfish fillets; and fennel, mint and manchego salad. Tapavino represents everything tapas stands for: eating fine food and drinking even finer wine. So whether you're in the market for one or both, you won't have to look much further.

Walking distance: Two minutes.

Uncle Ming's

If it weren't for the scribbled sign out front, Uncle Ming's would easily be mistaken for just another nondescript office building. Venture down the stairs however, and the unmistakable scent of incense and retro Chinese posters lining the walls will immediately transport you straight back to the world of old China's forbidden debauchery. The premise of Uncle Ming's may border on kitsch, but the drinks, served in porcelain teapots and tumblers, are worth coming back for. If you're feeling nibblish, their dumplings, filled with your choice of pork and chive, or chicken and coriander, are more than satisfactory.

Walking distance: Ten minutes.

The Factory Theatre / Red Rattler Theatre

The Henson

Marrickville's been going through a turnaround of late. What used to be a forgotten suburb is quickly becoming the new area for youngsters to migrate to, thanks to its cheap rent and blossoming café and bar scene. Tucked away on a corner along Illawarra road is the Henson, an ex-dive bar turned pub. Previously a pokie player haunt, the Henson has undergone a smart makeover, with tiled walls and communal tables. The cherry on top is Reuben Hill's chef Megan McCulloch's colourful pub grub menu, which prides itself on sourcing the best farm-to-table produce there is. The best thing about the Henson is that it's a pub without a novelty theme — no New York styling, no Americana throwback, and thank god, no Mexican paraphernalia in sight. Just Marrickville flavour.

Walking distance: Six minutes/ten minutes.

Gasoline Pony

Another day, another small bar in Sydney. What differentiates Gasoline Pony from the rest is it's super homey and relaxed atmosphere, thanks to its mismatch of furniture and courtyard out back, which could be easily mistaken for your own backyard garden thanks to its roller door entrance. There's a wide selection of cocktails, wines and craft beers on tap. While the drinks are the specialty here, don't forgo the dining options, of which nearly all can be bought with a tenner — try the cheekily named Black Eyed Peas Nachos or the Kung Pao Tacos.

Walking distance: Twelve minutes/six minutes.

Pho PHD

Walk through Marrickville and you'll spot a Vietnamese restaurant on every street corner. Pho PHD, as the name suggests, is best at one thing: their awesome pho. Their broth — slightly sweeter than average — is nevertheless rich and full-bodied in flavour. This is what comfort food is about: fresh rice noodles topped with coriander, sliced onions and shallots, all in that heady broth. They also have a myriad of other dishes available, but if we're being honest, we're only here for one thing really.

Walking distance: Fourteen minutes.

With contributions from the Concrete Playground team. Top image: Goodgod Small Club.