Restaurant
Federici Bistro
163 Spring St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Find Federici Bistro
163 Spring St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout Federici Bistro
Clinging to the Princess Theatre on Spring Street, this art deco bistro runs on strict stage time. Theatregoers treat it as their pre-show staging ground—claiming a table early to share wine, dissect programs, and read the resident ghost lore printed on the cutlery sleeves. The kitchen moves fast. Plates of arancini and cauliflower with kimchi sauce arrive quickly while espresso hums at the bar. The floor crew syncs service to the evening run sheet down to the minute: order before act one, slip into the auditorium, and return to find your table held with dessert waiting at intermission.
- Curtain-Timed Service: Coordinates service directly around Princess Theatre curtain calls, holding tables and staging wine or dessert for intermission.
- Theatrical Lore: Leans into theatre heritage with art deco decor and cutlery sleeves detailing the story of resident ghost Federico Federici.
- Pre-Show Dining: Paces a tight, dependable menu with quick turnaround, catering smoothly to dietary requests before showtime.
What's On at Federici Bistro
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
Why Visit Federici Bistro
From curtain-coordinated interval dining to storied heritage coffee, reserve your pre-theatre table before the bell rings.
Showtime-Synchronized Service
Floor staff monitor showtimes directly, ensuring pre-theatre diners receive meals efficiently with plenty of time before curtain call.
The staff know how long you have and make sure you get your meal in time.
David Jones Interval & Multi-Part Coordination
The team coordinates split-service bookings and holds tables so refreshments are waiting seamlessly during theatre intervals.
they even held or table and had food ready for the intermission.
Christopher “Kraden” McKenna Attentive Dietary Adaptability
The kitchen readily adapts dishes to accommodate specific dietary sensitivities and allergies without delaying table timing.
The staff were responsive / had no trouble modifying one of the dishes for her so she could have something to eat.
H M Morning Espresso & Daytime Dining
Beyond evening performances, the venue serves high-calibre Melbourne espresso alongside complete breakfast and daytime cafe menus.
Professional service, perfect coffee, great breakfast.
Nicki D Theatrical Lore & Cutlery Ritual
Cutlery service integrates historical storytelling celebrating the Princess Theatre's legendary resident ghost, Federico Federici.
how they serve the cutlery (telling the story of the famous actor Federico Federici).
Olga O Vintage Art Deco Setting
The preserved interior pairs classic art deco architectural details with a vibrant, historic theatrical ambiance.
Beautiful art deco interior and great acai bowl almost to good to eat!
kristen budd
Most popular items
Popular dishes and drinks enjoyed before showtime and during daytime service
Coffee
Coffee is excellent
Mark Cordiner Cheese Plate
great cheese plate
Marg Kish Cauliflower with Kimchi Sauce
try the cauliflower kimichi sauce...too die for.
Michael Kelly Acai Bowl
great acai bowl almost to good to eat!
kristen budd
Beyond the menu
Thoughtful hospitality touches tailored to Princess Theatre showgoers.
Storytelling Cutlery Service
Cutlery is presented accompanied by the historical backstory and theatrical lore of Princess Theatre actor Federico Federici.
Intermission Table Holds
Staff reserve tables across show intervals, staging wine and food to be ready the moment intermission begins.
Curtain-Call Pacing Coordination
Floor and kitchen staff actively reference Princess Theatre curtain calls to coordinate course pacing so diners never feel rushed.
Attentive Dietary Adaptations
The kitchen readily modifies dishes on the fly to navigate guest dietary sensitivities and allergy needs safely before showtime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I eat here before a show or during theatre intermission?
Yes. The staff accommodate Princess Theatre schedules by coordinating quick service before curtain calls and can even hold tables or pause orders (such as wine or cheese) to enjoy across intermission. Dined patrons recommend arriving around 80 to 90 minutes before showtime to comfortably get a table and finish your meal.
How do you order food and drinks?
You can place your order either directly at the bar or from your table using a QR code.
Are there restrooms on site?
Restrooms are located in the adjacent Princess Theatre rather than inside the bistro itself, including an accessible unisex restroom. Note that reaching the female facilities involves climbing stairs.
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