Where to eat before a movie at the Hayden Orpheum

This lavishly decorated restaurant is covered in embroidered silk cushions, carved Buddhist sculptures, soft red light and wicker seating: it’s almost like a temple for Thai food. Try the kao pad sub-pra-rod: that's fried rice with chicken, king prawn, crab and vegetables served in a halved pineapple.

The restaurant is tucked away under the stairs at Cremorne Garden Plaza but don’t let its ordinary shopfront fool you. Inside is stylish and intimate, with barbecues at each table to let guests grill their own dinners, or they can order from the restaurant’s Korean-Japanese menu. 

Have a bite to eat before a matinee while gazing out at the Art Deco Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace across the road. The menu is short, simple and filled with classic café favourites like smashed avo and toasties. Their locally roasted coffee blend Ammo will keep ensure you stay awake throughout your screening. 

This all-Halal restaurant opened in Crows Nest in 1998, moving to St Leonards in 2003 and now, Military Road, Cremorne. Chef Ajoy Joshi hails from Hyderabad, India, and honed his trade at the Taj group of hotels before moving to Sydney and starting various award-winning restaurants. Nilgiri's retains its reputation as one of the best Indian diners in town and Joshi's cooking classes remain popular for adults and kids alike. 

Barrel Bar and Dining is on a consistently busy stretch of Military Road in Cremorne, next to the beautiful Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace. It’s the kind of eatery that’s been sorely lacking in the area – a bit fancy, but still a place you could pop in, post movie, for a glass of wine and a quick snack. 

Fuel up pre-movie with a generous fry-up or have the chirpy staff set you up with some serious sandwiches, muffins or freshly squeezed juices. 

Situated on the ground floor of Cremorne Garden Plaza, just a short walk from the Hayden Opheum, Fratelli’s menu boasts authentic Italian pizzas like Napoletana, Diavola and Capricciosa as well as less traditional options like the Salmone e Bianco.