Melbourne’s Best Pre- Theatre Dining, The Essence at The Marriott

I’ll let you in on a little secret… Want to know where to eat an impressive meal before a theatre or comedy show in Melbourne? Then look no further than the luxurious Melbourne Marriott’s signature restaurant, The Essence.

Melbourne’s diverse and vibrant entertainment scene attracts visitors from far and wide. Dining before a show can prove challenging due to either an early seating or a specific time frame. The solution, The Essence Restaurant at the Melbourne Marriott Hotel.

Conveniently located in the “Broadway” precinct of Melbourne City, this dynamic district is home to many of the iconic and grand theatres of Melbourne. One being the magnificent Princess Theatre on Spring Street, currently presenting the record-breaking Harry Potter and the Cursed Child production. Harry Potter is exclusively playing in Melbourne, only confirming Melbourne’s leading global cultural stature. The play is presented in two parts leaving a window of two and a half hours for dinner from 5pm. So, when my family and I recently attended Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, The Essence was the perfect place to enjoy a pre-theatre dinner.

Only a block away from the Princess Theatre, The Essence is right in the heart of Melbourne. The contemporary décor along with an open kitchen, flaunt a modern scene. Impressive floor-to-ceiling windows, allow the soul of Melbourne’s bustling city streets to be soothingly observed. The staff are extremely attentive catering to any need, and service is prompt. Equally important, as we only had an hour and a half until the next show.

The Essence Restaurant provide unique, new seasonal menus for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. We opted for the chef’s special express menu. This tailored menu with a choice from three entrées, three mains, and three desserts, including a glass of wine, beer or soft drink, prove exceptional value for Melbourne dining. At $49 per person for 2 courses or $59 for three, quality meals are served ensuring only the freshest local sourced produce, hand-picked by the head chef, are used. The unique fusion of Australian wild herbs and spices, evident in the Barramundi fish main, were delightful. A subtle lemon myrtle gel along with the tart of the accompanying kimchi, enhanced the flavour of the barramundi sourced from the small town of Humpty-Doo, Northern Territory. Additionally, it doesn’t get any fresher than house made pasta, and the pumpkin and ricotta tortellini made with love by the Italian chef from Bologna, was a real show stopper! Succulent high-country pork braised for 18 hours, and crispy calamari served with tomato aioli are just a few other tempting plates on the menu. And the desserts, well, the best is always kept for last! Mini toasted meringues with a rich cherry sauce and refreshing pink Moscato sorbet or a decadent white chocolate and mango pannacotta with a maple walnut crumb. Cleverly paired, the desserts aptly complement the entrees and mains. A choice of three delicious sweets to add to the icing on the cake.

The Essence cater for gluten free, dairy free and vegetarian diners, and a children’s menu is also available.

So, if you are in Melbourne for a matinee or evening show and find yourself in need for a quick bite to eat in between a production, check out The Essence Restaurant and their pre-theatre dining menu. Exceptional value, tempting flavours and pure pleasure.

Discover more about The Essence at The Melbourne Marriott here…

The Essence at Melbourne Marriott

Address: Corner Exhibition &, Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Phone: +61-3-9660 1183

Disclosure: Sponsored post in collaboration with The Melbourne Marriott. This post contains my own personal photos. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I choose to write this honest review to inform you of my experience.

Pin For Later:

Join me here at…

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Rayka

Pinterest

Flipboard

MIX

Tripadvisor