Visiting the Queensland Cultural centre? Here's where to eat:

In two weeks' time, I will be watching Mary Poppins at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC). Along with three couples, and nine children. This type of scenario invariably leads to a mild panic attack over - where to eat!  

The QPAC website lists a few options of its own. The Bistro has got a nice outdoor feel to it, they have options for less sophisticated palates and you can enjoy a relaxing glass of wine while you wait for your show to start.

The Cafe also has outdoor seating and rather successfully recreates a garden feel. This is no small feat given its proximity to the busway. The tables are surrounded by vegetation, and there is even a stage for live music. The Cafe is currently closed for a refurb but will be open again for the warmer months.

The Lyrebird restaurant, QPAC's fancier dining option, has always lacked atmosphere in my opinion. It's certainly a convenient option for those visiting the theatre, but not my first choice for a night out.  

If you're less concerned about proximity to QPAC and you're more interested in good food and wine then, you should cross the road to Fish lane.  

Maeve Restaurant and Wine Bar has a great atmosphere, lovely food with plenty of options for sharing a meal, as well as an extensive wine list.

My personal favourite dining option at the cultural centre would have to be Julius Pizzeria. There's just something about Italian food that ticks all the boxes. And Julius never fails to deliver in my opinion.  They're incredibly popular, which can make it tricky to get a table.

A more recent restaurant in the area is the Southside restaurant. They describe their food as East-Asian. It has an upmarket yum-cha feel about it. With lots of variety and options for groups to share dishes. As the seating is underneath the train line, it can get a bit noisy, but the food and service are brilliant. They're also a good option for a drink after the show is over.  

For the night of our performance, I've decided to book at Olé in Southbank. They've been a family favourite of ours for many years. Serving beautiful Spanish Tapás. The fussy eaters can contend themselves with salt and pepper calamari, whilst the more adventurous can enjoy an authentic paella. And after our meal is complete, we can usher the kids through the sweetpea trellised walkway, past the wheel of Brisbane and deposit them into the playhouse for our show.

Wish me luck!