When it comes to planning a full night out - there's one thing many of us think about, and that's our bellies. Shows at Swansea Arena are now officially underway with the likes of John Bishop and Royal Blood receiving rave reviews for their performances there. But with many more to come this year, where can you pencil in to get a good meal before you head to see a show?
Whilst there's options of getting some grub inside, with loaded fries and macaroni and cheese choices, if you're looking for a proper sit down meal, there's plenty of restaurants you can go to within the surrounding area which cater for everyone, no matter what your tastes are.
From Italian and pub grub to Chinese, Spanish, street food and sea food options, there's plenty to suit all taste buds within walking distance of the city's brand new attraction. Here we've profiled some of the closest places you can go, where you can find them, and how long it will take you to walk there. And if you wanted to consider your options slightly further afield, you can check out our guide to Swansea's best restaurants by clicking here.
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The Green Room Bar and Kitchen
Where? Next door to the arena
Walking distance? Seconds
What's it like? The city's newest restaurant, The Green Room Bar and Kitchen opened officially on March 15 and is the closest option you're going to get to go for a meal before going to the arena, located literally next door. It is in its early days, but it has received positive feedback so far. The venture is bound to be a success, given that it is being led by brother and sister team Ryan and Lucy Hole, who are already behind the successful Secret Bar and Kitchen along Mumbles Road. The full menu is to be launched at the end of the month but will serve up pizzas from a wood fired oven. There's also a selection of coffee and cakes, and a nice selection of beers on offer from Tiny Rebel.
Gigi Gao's Favourite Authentic Chinese
Where? 18-23 Anchor Court, Maritime Quarter, Marina
Walking distance: Three minutes
What's it like? An award-winning restaurant, Gigi Gao's serves up the lesser known authentic northern Chinese cuisine. There's also a relaxed atmosphere with light Shanghai Jazz music playing in the background, whilst there's live music on occasion. It is run by Gigi Gao, who "ventured to change the local Chinese dining culture by introducing truly authentic Chinese cuisine." Among the varied options on its menu are traditional soups, gong bao dishes, sweet and sour, stewed, curry and seafood dishes. You can book by clicking here.
The Anchor
Where? 1 Anchor Court, Marina
Walking distance: Three minutes
What's it like? Serving up a freshly prepared menu of handmade woodfired pizzas and a traditional Sunday lunch, The Anchor has daily specials and serves up a two course lunch menu for £10.95 or three course for £14.95. Steaks and linguine are also among the options on the menu. The customer service and friendly staff have been regularly praised in reviews. Even comedian John Bishop stopped off there for a meal before his recent appearance at the arena, which you can read about by clicking here. You can book by clicking here.
El Fuego Mediterranean grill and bar
Where? 3 Victoria Road
Walking distance: Four minutes
What's it like? Serves up a varied menu from an authentic charcoal grill, including cuts of 28 day matured pure Welsh steak, fresh fish and seafood dishes. It also serves up meat-free options for and light bites for younger diners. It is open every day apart from Tuesday nights. Bookings can be made by clicking here.
The Swigg
Where? 1b, National Waterfront Museum
Walking distance: Four minutes
What's it like? The Swigg serves up a menu of burgers and fries, and all burgers come with two patties. It is also a great place to stop off for a few drinks, serving up signature cocktails and gins. Click here for more.
Grape & Olive
Where? The Tower, Trawler Road, Maritime Quarter
Walking distance: Six minutes
What's it like? Perhaps your best option on this list to enjoy a panoramic view of the city as you enjoy your meal. The Grape & Olive is located at the top of the Meridian Tower, which you can learn all about by clicking here. You can see right along to Mumbles Pier and then back over the city and down the coast. The restaurant is run by Brains, and the menu largely features pub grub options like steaks, pie, burgers and fish and chips. You can book a table by clicking here.
Juniper Place and Old Havana
Where? 1 York Street
Walking distance: Six minutes
What's it like? Juniper Place and Old Havana is located across the road from the arena on the other side of Oystermouth Road. Its evening menu serves up steaks, fresh fish, linguine and much more. There's also a range of desserts on offer. It has its own 300 litre gin Cygnet Distillery on site. You can book a table by clicking here.
El Pescador restaurant and bar
Where? Trawler Road, Maritime Quarter
Walking distance: Seven minutes
What's it like? El Pescador serves up authentic Spanish food with a modern twist. It serves up a two course dinner menu for £16.95 or three courses for £19.95. Reviews hail it as a "Spanish treasure" with "real Spanish food in Wales" and praise the service and staff. You can book by clicking here.
Pump House
Where? Pump House Quay, Maritime Quarter
Walking distance: Seven minutes
What's it like? The Pump House is run by Brains, and offers up a great view of the Marina if you pick the right table. It has been there for generations and these days serves up a pub grub style menu including fish and chips, burgers and steaks, along with indulgent desserts. There's also a bar there if you just wanted to go and have a few drinks. Click here to book a table.
Hanson at the Chelsea
Where? 17 St Mary Street
Walking distance: Seven minutes
What's it like? Hanson at the Chelsea is an award-winning restaurant where the chefs specialise in seafood. It is a 1 AA Rosette restaurant, serving a range of fish dishes throughout the week, with just some of the menu items including Cornish scallops, Swansea smoked salmon, fresh haddock, hake, monkfish and more. It has also been recommended by Good Food Guide and Michelin Guide. You can book a table by clicking here.
Various restaurants on Wind Street
Where? Wind Street
Walking distance: Seven minutes
What's it like? There's all sorts of options along Wind Street - and Little Wind Street - to suit all tastes. If you make your way along here you'll find Founders & Co, made up of a selection of eateries inside including pizza, Japanese and Indian options. You can learn more about that by clicking here. There's also your chains like Wagamama, Nando's, Brewdog, Ask, Slug and Lettuce and Five Guys, along with Bank Statement where you'll find the JD Wetherspoon menu. There's also No Sign Wine Bar which serves up a tasty pub-grub style menu, Piñatas, which specialises in burritos, along with The Smoke Haus, which is an American style restaurant with burgers, ribs and wings.
Gallinis Italian Restaurant
Where? Unit 3, Fishmarket Quay, Maritime Quarter
Walking distance: Nine minutes
What's it like? Gallinis has developed an excellent reputation in Swansea for more than a decade. It is a fine dining experience with a loyal customer base. It serves up a mainly Italian menu, along with European dishes and fresh fish caught that day, which can include some real delicacies such as locally caught shark, lobster, sea bass and other local fish. They also serve up a range of desserts to tempt you, including their trademark Tiramisu. You can book a table by clicking here.
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