12 “dinner and a show” experiences around the world that reimagine, well, “dinner and a show”

Tokyo, Japan

Yokozuna Tonkatsu Dosukoi Tanaka is a renowned eatery acclaimed for its breaded, deep-fried pork cutlets. But this is no ordinary tonkatsu joint: right there in the restaurant is a sumo ring, with tables arranged for a perfect view of the action. That’s right, lunch here means tonkatsu, an ice cold Coca-Cola and a sumo wrestling demonstration. If you’re up for it, you might get the opportunity to challenge one of the wrestlers. The restaurant is open in the evenings too, but demos are only held at lunch time.

Montréal, Canada

You know you’re in for a next-level experience as you step inside the former 1920s bank vault that is La Voûte. The sophisticated spot oozes Gilded Age charm, but the entertainment is thoroughly modern. Top DJs and a cutting-edge sound system make for a sexy, glamorous, cabaret-style show that has other dinner shows beat by a mile. Neo-Japanese fusion cuisine seals the deal. It’s sure to be a night to remember as friends and fabulousness contribute to a surefire Recipe for Magic.

Port Douglas, Australia

The world’s oldest tropical rainforest provides the magical setting for an out of the ordinary dining experience. Flames of the Forest takes you on a journey to explore indigenous Australian culture. Dine on a locally-sourced, tropical-inspired menu under twinkling fairy lights, crystal chandeliers and flickering candles while you enjoy storytelling, the sounds of soulful songs and didgeridoo and effervescent Coca-Cola.

London, United Kingdom

Cafe Kitty comes from the same team behind Kitty Fischer’s in Mayfair. Located on the first floor of the Underbelly Boulevard theater in Soho, it’s the perfect spot for a great meal before taking in a show. Plush pink walls, dark banquettes, antique mirrors and Art Deco glassware set the stage for a rollicking night of comedy, cabaret and circus acts. The setting and entertainment is enhanced by classic fare like fish stew, chips and Stavordale cheese salad.

Hong Kong, China

Hidden within Auntie ĀYI restaurant at Pacific Place, Jǐng offers an immersive, multi-sensory dining experience. The elegant, 360-degree private area features a traditional Chinese round table surrounded by dynamic video walls. Take a culinary journey via modern interpretations of ancient Cantonese dishes as the videos take you on a cultural exploration of the region. Hear about the lives of legendary historical figures and events. The experience will leave you with lasting memories and knowledge.

Los Angeles, USA

L.A.’s Level 8 boasts eight different clubs and restaurants in one venue. From a colorful rooftop bar to a cathedral-themed lucha libre club, this is sensory overload at its best. Each of its venues offers some sort of performance, whether it’s the showmanship of a teppanyaki chef at Maison Kasai, an aerialist dangling from a chandelier at Mr. Wanderlust or a 40-foot-long overhead Earth Harp at Lucky Mizu. Sipping a Coke as you take in an off-the-wall show with friends at any of these vibrant restaurants is an experience you’ll want to revisit again and again.

Lisbon, Portugal

A secret door inside this Bairro do Avillez restaurant transports you to a mysterious, bohemian world that’s best explored with friends and an ice-cold Coca Cola. This gastrobar by José Avillez, the chef with the most Michelin stars in all of Portugal, offers sophisticated and creative snacks enhanced by the beautiful setting and regular entertainment. Live music, DJ sets and contemporary cabaret shows with Michelin star-level bites? That’s a Recipe for Magic and an experience worth traveling for.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Step into the glamorous, hedonistic world of 1950s Hong Kong in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Red curtains, birdcage chandeliers suspended from the ceiling and neon-lit Chinese signs make for a dramatic setting that comes alive as drag acts, burlesque performers, singers and DJs take the stage. This immersive experience is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds as you dive into a delectable spread of classic Cantonese fare while sipping an ice- cold Coca-Cola.

Madrid, Spain

Bulé Bulé is the perfect spot for group celebrations, from birthdays to bachelorette parties. The modern global cuisine is just the beginning as the high energy vibe and colorful decor make this dinner show one of the most entertaining around. Live performances and DJs make sure everyone is moving at some point, and it’s guaranteed at least one person in your group will end up on stage. Having the time of your life with friends and dancing along with the live entertainment?

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by DOLLY PARTON’S STAMPEDE (@dollysstampede)

Pigeon Forge, USA

Call it kitsch or call it nostalgia, Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction in Pigeon Forge has plenty of it. Anything the country legend touches is gold, so you know you're in for a rollicking good time either way. The show is an over-the-top showcase of frontier flare, Western spectacle and down-home Smoky Mountain living. Chow down on a four-course feast of biscuits and gravy, pulled pork and corn on the cob—all accompanied by ice-cold Coca-Cola—as you enjoy toe-tapping music, Wild West shenanigans and thrilling stunts featuring real horses.

Miami, USA

This renowned LGBTQ bar and restaurant in South Beach is the ultimate destination for all things fab and glamorous. In business since 1988, the drag shows at Palace are iconic, whether you catch one at a weekend drag brunch or on the lively rooftop bar overlooking the Miami Beach skyline. The globally-inspired American cuisine served here is worthy in its own right, but nightly drag shows highlight the exceptional talent on offer—combined, it’s a foolproof Recipe for Magic and a memorable night out.

Bangkok, Thailand

Set on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in a richly decorated Thai pavilion, Mandarin Oriental’s Sala Rim Naam presents a mesmerizing celebration of Thai culture alongside elegant cuisine inspired by royal Thai culinary traditions. Start the journey by catching the boat shuttle from the hotel. The four- or five-course meal is complemented by a series of cultural performances, including traditional dance. The costumes, warm hospitality and exceptional food will leave lasting memories.

Wherever your night takes you from this list of game-changing venues, it certainly won’t be to a familiar restaurant and then off to the theater. Get ready to enjoy a night that takes delicious food, adds ice-cold Coca-Cola, mixes in friends and out-of-the-ordinary entertainment to deliver an unforgettable Recipe for Magic.