Six Places to Eat and Drink in Pyrmont Before Seeing 'Pippin the Musical'

Sokyo is one of The Star’s beloved eateries and it’s an elegant addition to your night at Pippin. Executive Chef Chase Kojima brings impeccable Japanese cooking to a menu that’s in love with Australian produce. It showcases rarities like Tassie sea urchin, South Australian kingfish and New Zealand red snapper. You can add caviar to just about anything you order, but if seafood isn’t your thing, don’t worry, the wagyu flank steak is well regarded and the Maremma duck breast with ‘ducksciutto’ is a dish like no other. On the drinks front, order from its top-shelf sake collection, or a signature cocktail like the Aztec old fashioned of tequila, chocolate liqueur, coriander chilli syrup.

For an unforgettable night at Pippin, book in for lunch or dinner at Lumi. Head Chef Federico Zanellato’s commitment to the highest quality dining experience is evident in a menu that sits at the cutting edge of Australian cuisine. Mixing the best of Italian traditions with a pristine Japanese aesthetic, plus one of the most fascinating wine lists in the country, this waterfront restaurant is the ideal place to start your night. In the spirit of theatrics, the ten-course degustation is a must. Book in advance and leave enough time to savour it before the show, only a few minutes’ walking distance from the theatre.

Gallon is an unpretentious bar and eatery that showcases the eclectic tastes of its husband-and-wife team Julian and Jarina Leitl. The lush, antique-adorned courtyard is so tranquil you’ll forget you’re dining on Pyrmont’s bustling main drag. The vibe at Gallon is very much a nod to its namesake and the neighbourhood’s 18th century history, when John Macarthur bought the suburb for just a gallon of rum. It has a simple menu of pizzas, with a few interesting standouts like the Peking duck pizza. The bar’s wine and gin lists are crowd-pleasers, too. It’s an excellent option if you’ve left booking dinner to the last minute.

The Quick Brown Fox is the perfect pre-matinee lunch spot. The menu, designed by Heston Blumenthal’s Fat Duck alum Tomislav Martinovic, features the best of Aussie cafe cuisine with a little creative flair. California sushi bowls and uber rich, savoury congee are staff favourites, but the buffalo ricotta gnudi (a softer, more pillowy gnocchi) with truffle paste and brussels sprouts is the crowd-pleaser. If you’re looking to stay sharp for the performance, it has also a great list of non-alcoholic iced teas — the Egyptian Ice is said to taste like drinking ‘liquid turkish delight’.

Tucked away down Scott Street, Yuzu is an understated sushi joint that stands out from the crop of Pyrmont eateries. It’s a cosy, affordable restaurant that locals love. The menu favours light and fresh plates, perfect for pre-theatre dining. The quality of food and attention to detail is consistently above and beyond expectation — the nigiri plates look like works of art. The Yuzu team has a strong commitment to sustainable, seasonal produce, too. Its menu changes constantly, so the sharable plates are always fresh and innovative.

Quarrymans Hotel celebrates the best of Sydney pub culture. It’s got all the classic pub food offerings, with criminally cheap daily deals, but its real charm is in the modern additions like a prawn katsu burger and sardine bruschetta with edamame. The main event here is its seriously good tap list — a revolving door of craft brews and other fizzy goods, like tropical-flavoured seltzers and fruity ciders. The hotel’s laidback, friendly service and sun-kissed rooftop bar makes it an easy spot to stay a while. Head here after an afternoon performance and settle into the evening on the rooftop.