‘tis a long way we’ve come since the Abbey Theatre opened all the way back in 1904 - hotel dining rooms or the nearby Ship tavern were about all you could rely on for a pre-theatre feed in those days. A century and change on, it’s but a short stroll to sample food from all over the world, and plenty of early bird deals among them to lure you in. Going to The Ambassador or The Gate? Anything marked with an asterisk (*) is a perfect pick for you. See our guide to eating before shows in Vicar...

As one of the city’s most popular music and live comedy venues, we’re constantly plied with queries from ATF Insiders on where they should eat before heading to a gig in Vicar Street. From quick and casual pit stops on your way over from work to early bird options around the area, here’s everything worth considering within a quick walk away... Going to The Olympia, Project Arts Centre, or Smock Alley? Everything marked with an asterisk (*) is a perfect pick for you, with a few added options...

What’s the story with Mambo Sambo? “Our vision of what a deli should be like” at Mambo Sambo is pretty simple: “not just processed shite”. We couldn’t argue when their Christmas toastie took honours in our latest annual rundown. Back then they were managing loaves-and-fishes miracles out of a poky truck behind Inchicore’s Glen of Aherlow; since, they’ve shacked up with a renovated McDowell’s up the road and bagged themselves the space to really go wild. What do we need to know? Where...