Dinner and a Show — the Perfect Pairing

Why not improve upon an evening of exceptional opera by adding an exceptional meal? Lyric has taken dining to a whole new level this season, and we can’t wait to help complete your experience by pairing pasta and Puccini, veal and Verdi, or wine and Wagner.

At the start of this season, Lyric announced a partnership with Jewell Events Catering for the casual and chic Florian Opera Bistro (à la carte) and for the elegant Sarah and Peer Pedersen Room (prix fixe). You’ll receive premium customer service that makes your dining experience a pleasure from start to finish. 

Complement your dining in either of Lyric’s onsite restaurants with a selection of fine wines curated by Master Sommelier Alpana Singh. You may recognize her from the Emmy Award-winning Chicago restaurant-review television show, Check, Please! or from the Food Network’s Food Truck Face Off and Iron Chef America. (Singh also owns three restaurants: The Boarding House and Seven Lions in Chicago, and Terra & Vine in Evanston.)

Consider arriving early for the first reservation in the Pedersen Room or early seating in the Florian Bistro — you’ll have plenty of time to take a selfie in Chicago's most grand foyer, enjoy a delectable meal, and attend the fascinating (free!) pre-opera talk in the theater before your show.

Before performances of Die Walküre this November, Pedersen Room guests can enjoy a signature entrée created by Bohemian House Chef de Cuisine Andrew Kappa, brought to you by our Featured Chef Program. Lyric is proud to present opera-inspired entrées from top Chicago chefs and restaurateurs for each of our productions this season. Previously, featured entrées have been created by Chef Aaron Browning of Tortoise Supper Club and Chef-Owner Tony Priolo of Piccolo Sogno. Additional featured chefs will be announced throughout the season. 

The William B. and Catherine Graham Room is Lyric's luxurious home for annual contributors of $7,500 and above. Enjoy haute cuisine and an extraordinary wine list in an exclusive club atmosphere with private lounges and cloakroom. Complimentary valet parking privileges with membership. Savor a progressive dinner during Die Walküre — cocktails and first course will be served prior to the opera, the entrée will be served during first intermission, and dessert will be served during second intermission.

In the mood for something a little different? On Friday evenings throughout the season and before all evening performances of Die Walküre Chef Tom Osaki will be preparing delicious bites at our Sushi Bar, located on the main floor between Aisles 5 and 6. You can enjoy fresh, hand-rolled sushi before the shows and during intermission. 

No matter where you dine, you can order a flute of bubbly or a sparkling cocktail from Cheers!, Lyric’s new champagne bar, which you’ll find between Aisles 3 and 4 of the main floor, directly across from the grand staircase. Cheers! is open for all performance dates and serves an exclusive assortment of French Champagnes, international and domestic sparkling wines curated by Alpana Singh, plus Bellinis, mimosas, and other sparkling cocktails.

While you’re tasting a specialty cocktail at one of our bars or trying out the new menu items at our restaurants, consider pre-ordering beverages for intermission! If you purchase a lidded Lyric souvenir cup, you’re permitted to bring your drink into the theater with you. 

Whether you’re a regular at one of our restaurants or have never joined us for a meal, you’re invited to experience for yourself the exciting new changes we’ve made for our 2017/18 season. See what audiences are saying about dining at Lyric:

“From my first taste of lunch in the Bistro to the final curtain, I was swept away with joy and gratitude to all who made these experiences possible.”

“From our coffee in the Bistro, the performance...everything was amazing.”

"New pre-order with pre-pay at the Bistro made our intermission refreshment break more relaxing/less hectic."

Join us for a meal before your performance, and share your thoughts in a post performance survey or on Yelp and TripAdvisor!

Learn more about dining at Lyric Opera and book your reservation now.