The Sydney Comedy Festival (SCF) is back, bringing five weeks of non-stop laughs to the city. Whether you’ve locked in a show with family, mates or a date, this is not just a chance to discover fresh comedy talent, it’s the perfect excuse to explore new neighbourhoods and try somewhere new to eat along the way.
This year, the Sydney Comedy Festival has 13 festival hubs, from Bondi to Circular Quay, from the Inner West to Penrith. With top-notch restaurants dotted all over the city, and plenty within walking distance from all the best festival hubs, we’ve rounded up the best places to eat and drink during the Sydney Comedy Festival, so you can make it a real night to remember.
Where to eat and drink during the Sydney Comedy Festival
The Factory Theatre
Dine at Baba’s Place
Easily one of the best restaurants in the Inner West, Baba’s Place is located in a cosy, nostalgic warehouse (that looks like a funky antiques store) just a 10-minute walk from The Factory Theatre.
Serving up dishes that pay homage to Sydney’s suburban immigrant communities (think Greek, Lebanese and even Chinese influences), the restaurant is not afraid to experiment with dishes. Highlight dishes from my recent visit to Baba’s include pickled mussels on a bed of rich hummus, a mezze martini (aka a dirty iteration with all the extra garnishes you could dream of) and their iconic barbequed chook.
Book ahead to avoid missing out, and don’t panic if Google Maps makes you think you’ve taken a wrong turn; Baba’s just happens to share a street with a very large chicken factory.
Drink at The Bob Hawke Beer and Leisure Centre
This independent, Australian-owned brewery is one of Marrickville’s best, and that’s saying something, considering that the suburb is the heart and soul of the Inner West Ale Trail.
Describing itself as “part brewery, part 1980s pub, part country-town Chinese-Australian bistro, part time capsule” The Bob Hawke has a truly special (and unique) concept. Grab craft beers, cocktails and wine at the Public Bar, get competitive in the moody pool room with conversation-starting Bob Hawke memorabilia, and, if you want to dine here too, drop into The Lucky Prawn, a retro Chinese bistro tucked inside, serving nostalgic takeaway-night classics.
Enmore Theatre
Dine at Emma’s Snack Bar
Just writing about Emma’s Snack Bar is inducing some serious cravings for their baba ganoush, fried Brussels sprouts and ladies’ fingers. Emma’s Snack Bar is tucked away in the more suburban area of Enmore, just a seven-minute walk from Enmore Theatre.
I’d especially recommend Emma’s if you’re with a big group, as they offer a $65 per person banquet menu, featuring all their best dips, salads, meats and carbs, plus a stacked veggie version. Just when you think it’s over, another dish is brought out, and you’re back to stuffing your face with some of Sydney’s best Lebanese food. It’s also BYOB (though they do sell a variety of drinks too).
Drink at Bar Planet
Leading the way for Sydney’s martini mania, Bar Planet is famous for its filthy martinis (with literal “olive skyscrapers”) plus its grungy, funky interior. It’s the perfect pre-show (or post-show) drinking location, just five minutes from Enmore Theatre.
We can appreciate that not everyone loves a stiff martini, but the team at Bar Planet will be happy to accommodate most of your drinking requests, or you can opt for one of their own innovative cocktails and mocktails. You’ll also get bags of their free (and very addictive) popcorn to snack on.
The Comedy Store
Dine at Mary’s Burgers EQ
Mary’s Burgers is one of Sydney’s most iconic burger bars, with its Entertainment Quarter location just a three-minute walk from The Comedy Store.
Serving up indulgent, juicy burgers (whether you’re after classic grass-fed beef, roasted shroom or spicy fried chicken), Mary’s has the perfect beer-garden setting to chatter away with mates and enjoy your grub before, or after, you watch some comedy. They also serve tap beers, wine and cocktails, if you want to settle down here for a drink too.
Drink at Watsons EQ
Watson’s EQ is a great place for budget-friendly pre-drinks, thanks to their Monday-Thursday Happy Hour from 4pm to 6pm. During this time, they serve up $10 cocktails, $6 spirits, $7 schooners and $7 wines by the glass.
Sit under their fairylights and enjoy discounted sips before you wander on over to The Comedy Store, just two minutes away.
Sydney Opera House
Dine at Lana
Just a 10-minute stroll to the Sydney Opera House, Lana offers up modern Italian food focusing on new flavours and intricate presentation.
One of the more expensive options on our list (but hey, you’re off to the Sydney Opera House, it’s a special occasion), highlight dishes at Lana include their fresh Kingfish crudo, their spaghetti with bay lobster and pippies, plus the succulent Bannockburn chicken.
Drink at Bar Bridge
As we mentioned previously, the Sydney Comedy Festival is a great excuse to go and explore new bars and restaurants, and what better time to head to the brand-new martini haunt, Bar Bridge, located in a low-lit, underground spot on Bridge Street, about a 15-minute walk from the Sydney Opera House.
Much like its sister bar, Bar Planet, their specialty is martinis, however Bar Bridge offers up many more drink options, including tap beers, wine and a whole host of classic and signature cocktails.
Bondi Pavilion
Dine at Totti’s
It may be a bit of a basic choice, but you can’t go wrong with dinner at Totti’s before a show. A Bondi staple, Totti’s is a 20-minute walk from Bondi Pavilion, which may be welcome after you fill yourself with pasta, or you can hop on the 333 bus for a much shorter journey.
Obviously, you have to order Totti’s wood-fired bread (and film a video of someone slicing it), plus their burrata and tomatoes. Their pappardelle with lamb ragu and ziti alla vodka with lobster and prawns are two of the best pasta dishes, or you can opt for one of their wood-roasted fish dishes. Just make sure you leave some room for their tiramisu.
Drink at Hotel Ravesis
Set within a heritage building overlooking the iconic Bondi Beach, a drink at Hotel Ravesis is one of the best ways to soak up Bondi’s laid-back, effortlessly stylish vibe. It’s also just 6 minutes from Bondi Pav.
Sit on their balcony and sip on vino selected from their extensive wine list, or enjoy one of their signature cocktails, from their Oyster Martini to the Negroni Float and Pina Colada.
Darling Quarter Theatre
Dine at IIKO Mazesoba
We’re obsessed with IIKO Mazesoba’s flagship restaurant at Darling Square, under 10 minutes’ walk to Darling Quarter Theatre. Taking the title of the first brothless ramen specialist in Australia, they serve up Mazesoba, a special ramen that replaces soup with an umami soy-based sauce.
This fuss-free eatery is perfect for a casual but indulgent pre-comedy feed. Opt for the Unagi Mazesoba, featuring housemade noodles, grilled unagi, onsen egg, nori and pickled radish, and share some Japanese-style deep-fried chicken for starters.
Drink at Above 319
We had to include a rooftop bar on this list, and since Above 319 is just a five-minute walk to the Darling Quarter Theatre, it’s definitely the coolest and most convenient option for a pre- or post- comedy drink.
This rooftop bar is located on the top floor of Vibe Hotel in Darling Harbour, serving up stunning views on its open-air terrace. They offer a happy hour, featuring $10 wine and beers, plus a selection of $15 refreshing cocktails on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, from 4:30pm-6pm. Go for the views, stay for the booze!
The Grand Electric
Dine at Radio Taco
The Grand Electric is sandwiched right between Surry Hills, Redfern and Chippendale, meaning there’s plenty of incredible eateries nearby. It also happens to be just a ten-minute walk from Radio Taco, the new Chippo Mexican joint specialising in authentic, slow-cooked birria tacos.
This casual eatery went viral earlier this year for the quality of their tacos, plus the Birria Ramen Bowl, featuring birria consomé with soft noodles, jammy egg, coriander, onion and radish. Make sure to try their house salsa, chipotle beans and cinnamon churros to finish off.
Radio Taco doesn’t take bookings, so avoid peak hour times if you want to secure a seat!
Drink at The Eveleigh Hotel
A favourite among locals, The Eveleigh Hotel is a hidden gem tucked along the quieter end of Abercrombie Street. This no-fuss pub keeps things easy with Grifter Brewing Co. pints for schooner prices on Sundays and Mondays, plus free pool to start the week.
Less than a 10-minute walk from The Grand Electric, it’s a solid pre- or post-show stop, pouring affordable house wines by the glass or bottle alongside a lineup of classic and signature cocktails.
The Concourse, Chatswood
Dine at Mamak
Mamak has locations in Haymarket and Parramatta, and their Chatswood branch is located just a three-minute walk from The Concourse. Serving up award-winning roti, satay and more, Mamak is one of the best places in Sydney to enjoy authentic, hearty Malaysian food.
Mamak’s menu is also on the more affordable side, although this isn’t reflected on taste and flavour. Order their goreng fried chicken, chicken satay, kari ayam and roti canai for the ultimate feast.
Drink at Bar Kage
This relaxed Japanese bar, which is reminiscent of somewhere you might find in Tokyo’s Golden Gai precinct, is just three minutes walk from The Concourse.
Bar Kage serves up crafted cocktails, a considered selection of sake and a rotation of imported Japanese beers, including small batch and seasonal releases. This is the perfect spot for a casual drink in Chatwood before you head off to your night of comedy.
Theatre Royal
Dine at Rovollo
We went to Rovollo in Martin Place when it first opened, and were blown away by Martin Place’s opulent new arrival. The family-owned Italian restuarant is located in the same complex as Theatre Royal, so you can leave it right until the last minute to head to your comedy show.
Make sure to order the yellowfin tuna crudo, golden, pillowy foccacia, the rich and smokey pici carbonara, which is flambéed in a 20kg wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano then finished with a golden yolk, plus the 24-layer dark chocolate cake to finish. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Drink at The Wine Bar at The International
This sleek wine bar is often populated with chic corporate workers after 5pm but is welcoming to all. Sit on their open-air terrace and enjoy the buzz of the city as you sip on your drinks.
Also in Theatre Royal’s complex, it’s an ideal pre-show stop. Swing by for the ‘Sips + Snacks’ happy hour (4–6pm, Monday to Saturday), where spritzes, specialty cocktails, oysters, crudo and more come in at under $12, well worth arriving early and making the most of it.
State Theatre
Dine at Gowings
You can’t get much closer to The State Theatre than Gowings, which is part of the same connected complex on the corner of George and Markets Streets. You’ve probably seen the Gowings sign when walking through the CBD, but few know that there’s actually a restaurant that feels like an upscale, New York Steakhouse, infused with a taste of Italy, in the building that the sign hangs off.
Drop in to Gowings before your visit to the State Theatre and enjoy their handmade pasta, high quality steak and variety of delicious antipasti and charcuterie. If you’re feeling extra fancy, start with rock oysters and imperial caviar.
Drink at The Baxter Inn
If you like whisky, a visit to The Baxter Inn, just four minutes from the State Theatre, is a must-visit. Have a scroll through their “Whisky Bible” (which is 52 pages long) and check out their extensive list of whiskies from all over the world.
For those whisky averse drinkers, The Baxter Inn also offers $10 Guinness Pints before 5pm everyday, plus a variety of funky house cocktails, separated into various categories like “fruit”, “spice” and “peat” to help you choose your perfect tipple. There’s wine by the glass and beers on offer too.
Improv Theatre
Dine at Thai Baan Waterloo
With a 4.9 star review on Google, this family-owned authentic Thai restaurant is a big hit with locals in Redfern and Waterloo and is just one minute from The Improv Theatre.
“Thai Baan” translates to “Thai Home”, and this is the kind of friendly, cosy vibe that the restaurant conveys, you’ll get generous portions for very reasonable prices. Make sure to order the Tom Yum fried rice, pork belly stir fry, massaman beef curry or the prawn Singapore noodles.
Drink at Mountain Culture Brewery
Two-minutes from the Improv Theatre is Mountain Culture Brewery, serving up delicious craft beers and a fun, lively vibe. They release new beers every week, all served on tap with schooners costing $10-13.
They also have various margeritas on offer, including spicy, jalapeno infused margs, plus blood orange and even limoncello flavoured. These cost just $15 on Thursday to Saturday from 8pm to 10pm.
The Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre
Dine at Sinclair’s
Sinclair’s is the only restaurant in Penrith to be awarded a prestigious hat, and is rightly an institution in the suburb. With stunning views of the Nepean River and a country-style, produce-led menu, it’s not one to miss.
A 14-minute walk from the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, menu highlights include the fremantle octopus, stuffed gnocchi, Londonderry dry age koji chicken and the house crumpet with bugeja sweet corn and fennel jam.
Drink at Theo’s Rooftop Bar
Theo’s Rooftop Bar feels like a slice of Santorini dropped into the heart of Penrith. Just a 10-minute walk from the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, it’s the perfect spot to kick off a night of comedy.
Complete with geometric plunge pools, white sun loungers and sweeping views towards the Blue Mountains, the space leans full Euro summer. Sip on a coconut margarita or split a $30 jug of Aperol spritz and soak up the boujee setting, without the hefty price tag.
The Pavilion Performing Arts Centre
Dine at Kuroneko Ramen Noodle Bar
This popular Sutherland noodle bar is just a five-minute walk from the Pavilion Performing Arts Centre, with its rich ramen broth simmered for 14 hours to develop that signature depth of flavour.
Settle in with a bowl of warming miso ramen, then add on fluffy Japanese-style bao, karaage chicken and crispy zucchini flower tempura for a seriously satisfying feast.
Sunday Road Brewing
Sunday Road Brewing is a little further afield (about a 27-minute walk from the Pavilion Performing Arts Centre) but it’s an easy hop on the train from nearby Kirrawee, just one stop away.
The extra effort pays off. This award-winning, independently owned brewery and taproom brews and cans everything on-site in Kirrawee, so every pour is a true taste of the local area. From crisp lagers and hoppy IPAs to pale ales, wines and ciders, there’s plenty to choose from.
