Nestled in the corner of an old warehouse in the North Loop, the ambiance at Zen Box Izakaya still manages to be bright, warm, and friendly — the perfect place to get a drink and a meal before a show at the Guthrie Theater just across the street. Don’t miss the kimchi ramen: chewy, tender noodles and kimchi simmered in bone broth and draped in rich slices of pork chashu.

Across the street from the Orpheum and a block away from the State Theater, this warmly lit, open-concept kitchen is the perfect place to grab dinner before a downtown Minneapolis show. Start with the garlic bread, a plush, pull-apart loaf served warm and bathed in herbed butter, and make sure to save room for the house favorite: a burnished, crisp-skinned, “beer-can” roasted chicken.

For delicious, perfectly al dente fresh pastas, look so further than this Orpheum-adjacent Italian haunt. Order a few sides and a couple of half-portion pastas to share, or try one of the ever-changing dishes available from their specials menu.

Butcher and the Boar is the ideal stop for carnivores. From the charcuterie plate featuring just-made sausages and head cheese to a killer rack of lamb, there’s no way to go wrong at this downtown eatery. Grab a reservation for the boisterous interior or walk in to the more casual beer garden in back.

Despite the gimmick, conveyer belt chain Sushi Train is a perfect place to catch a late dinner after a Minnesota Orchestra concert: and not just because of its late closing times. With the usual maki and nigiri options as well as a few creative hits like the “Green Haven,” with serrano peppers and avocado–the food alone is worth a stop.

For those seeking an earlier dinner, Monello’s sleek lines and three-course tasting menus make for a stress-free meal before a show or concert. With options like a grilled octopus—meltingly tender, with a perfect char—and a slew of housemade pastas, there’s no way to go wrong

This is a shining star of St. Paul dining, no matter the occasion. The bar is just a short jaunt to the Fitzgerald and the impeccable service are mindful of curtain times. Order an array of snacks like fresh oysters, escargot, wings, and those famous fries served with bérnaise sauce.