Overview
There's nothing like a night at the movies with your lover. The lights are low, the smell of popcorn is in the air, a subtle yawn turns into a cuddle...those were the days. Today a cheap movie ticket usually means pushing through crowds and dealing with cinema floors that are about as clean as a Supre changing room. So if it's quality time you are after on a night out at the movies, your best bet may be to splurge on a meal nearby.
We've narrowed down the top 10 pre- and post-film eats all within walking distance of movie theatres.
Piaf
Good things come in small packages, and if you are looking for a romantic, quaint, French experience at a reasonable price then this is the place to visit for dinner or a delicious dessert. Piaf's menu changes according to the lovely fresh local produce available but quality is always consistent. Try their strawberry mille feuille with vanilla anglaise and burnt caramel ice cream for a sweet treat.
Where: 5/182 Grey Street Southbank; 07 3846 5026; www.piafbistro.com.au
Nearest cinema: Southbank Cinemas across the road
La Via
If you are looking for a tasty quick bite without lining up next to hormone-fuelled teenagers on a night out, La Via offers excellent wood fired pizzas to share in a cosy 'am I in Rome?' setting. The calabrese salami, green olives, buffalo mozzarella pizza and basil pizza is probably too good to share.
Where: Shop 6e, Little Stanley St, Southbank; 07 3844 3460; www.lavia.com.au
Nearest cinema: Southbank Cinemas across the road
Sugo Mi
Downriver on the very chic Oxford St lives Sugo Mi (literally means Sauce Me) and after devouring their Prosciutto rustic style pizza you'll look like someone who has done just that. Good old Sugo Mi also offers takeaway if you want to get down and dirty at home.
Where: 3/190 Oxford St, Bulimba; 07 3395 6327; www.sugomi.com.au
Nearest cinema: Balmoral cinemas nearby
Peasant
Peasant by name, noble by nature. Gorgeously decorated, this tapas establishment serves delicious Spanish and Portugese bites. Peasant also has a great outdoor area perfect for sharing a jug of their signature red wine sangria.
Where: 3/5-61 Petrie Terrace, Brisbane; 07 3367 8066; www.peasant.com.au
Nearest cinema: Palace Barracks is a short walk away
Mirasoul
Mirasoul on Caxton St describes itself as more satisfying than a bar and less formal than a restaurant, and we couldn't agree more. Browsing through their extensive tapas and shared plate menu, it's clear that both variety and flavour feature here. Try their shared platter for two or if you want to fly solo, try the zucchini, mint and haloumi fritters with lemon cumin yoghurt.
Where: 55 Caxton St, Brisbane; 07 3367 1333; www.mirasoul.com.au
Nearest cinema: Palace Barracks is a short walk away
Byblos
Believe it or not, this iconic Brisbane nightspot transforms itself into the perfect lunch spot by the portside, ideal for early movie-goers. We won't blame you for having a sneaky lunchtime cocktail either, as the staff at Byblos are as highly skilled as they are creative.
Where: Portside Wharf, Hamilton; 07 3268 2223; www.byblosbar.com.au/brisbane
Nearest cinema: Dendy Portside is a short walk away
Gusto Di Gianni
Also in the Portside precinct, Gusto di Gianni offers friendly wholesome italian food. For best value try the three course Roma or Milano menu; both allow you to sample regional flavours while still enabling you to slip into a lovely post-dinner food coma.
Where: Portside Wharf, Remora Rd, Hamilton; 07 3868 2011; www.gustodagianni.com
Nearest cinema: Dendy Portside is a short walk away
Vapiano
Freshly made pasta and pizza in one of the most central locations in Brisbane, check. A bar that's not overpowered by a hideous pub rock covers band? Check. Vapiano is proof that you don't have to spend a fortune or compromise on a nice atmosphere for your post-flick feed.
Where: 191 Albert St, Brisbane; 07 3221 4933; www.vapiano.com.au
Nearest cinema: The Myer Centre is right across from Vapiano
Hanaichi Sushi Train
A far cry from its food court $8 curry chicken specials, Hanaichi Sushi Bar in the Wintergarden offers fresh-in-your-face sushi and sashimi as well as generous hot dishes such as takoyaki and chicken.
Where: Wintergarden, 171 Queen Street, Brisbane; 07 3229 4857; www.hanaichi.com.au
Nearest cinema: The Myer Centre is right across from Hanaichi Sushi Train