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Welcome to Wollongong’s Home of the Performing Arts

Dining

Merrigong’s venues are located in the Lower Crown Quarter of the Wollongong CBD, a vibrant entertainment precinct with a diverse selection of dining options and small bars. We’ve put together a list of Dining Partners with the best Lower Crown Quarter has to offer.

2026 Season Ticket Holders receive 10% off their bill to the following Dining Partners so be sure to present your 2026 Loyalty card.
Not available with any other offer(s), discount applies to full priced items only.
Pricing & menus are subject to change without notice.


The Social @ IPAC

On-site at Illawarra Performing Arts Centre

A great selection of lighter fare, perfect for a
quick bite before a performance or something to indulge a sweet tooth.


As a not-for-profit theatre company, all profits from The Social Café go directly back into our ongoing investment in artists, programs with community groups and the creation of new theatre for the stage.

Mon – Fri, 7.30am – 3pm
1.5 hours prior to shows



A bartender skillfully pouring cocktails through a strainer into martini glasses on a bar counter. The setting is dimly lit with vibrant purple and blue lighting, creating a lively atmosphere. A potted plant and other bar items are visible in the foreground.

The Icon 

Town Hall Pl.
Walking distance: 3 mins to Town Hall, 1 min to IPAC 

Opened in November 2019, The Icon is built on the philosophy of creating unique experiences for guests through food, drinks and music. We offer the community a plethora of food options with a wholesome, produce-driven menu that is fresh, fun and innovative.  

To offer the best we source our produce locally and internationally with an emphasis on quality. We pride ourselves on our ever-evolving vision and innovative offerings. 

Thu – Sun, 11am – Late



A flat lay of assorted BBQ dishes including brisket, ribs, burgers, fries, slaw, and corn. Beverages like canned soda and beer are scattered around. The food is served on trays and in baskets with checkered paper on a dark, textured surface.

2 Smoking Barrels

Crown St.
Walking distance: 1 mins to Town Hall, 1 mins to IPAC

We offer a relaxed and casual dining experience, serving up a whole lot of Authentic good ol’ Barbecue. Our menu has a core focus on American Barbecue meats, plates and tasty as burgers. We also have a great selection of tap beers, cocktails craft tins and wines, we are all about the sunshine and good times!

Mon – Sun, 12pm – Late




A table set with plates of grilled prawns garnished with herbs and cherry tomatoes, a dish of pasta, and a loaf of bread. A glass of white wine accompanies the meal. The Osteria Lume logo is seen in the upper left corner.

Osteria Lume

Kembla St.
Walking distance: 3 mins to Town Hall, 5 mins to IPAC 

Located in the heart of downtown Wollongong, Osteria Lume offers an authentic Italian dining experience that tantalises the senses. Specialising in wood-fired cuisine, the menu showcases genuine Italian flavours, enhanced by the rich, smoky notes unique to a wood-fired oven. From the moment you walk in, Osteria Lume exudes a warm and inviting atmosphere. The staff are attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about the food they serve.

Wed – Sat, 4pm – Late



A wooden table is set with various dishes: three plates of appetizers, including skewers and tacos, alongside three different cocktails in glasses. A small lit candle adds ambiance to the scene.

Scoundrels Rest

Kembla St.
Walking distance: 3 mins to Town Hall, 5 mins to IPAC

Scoundrel’s Rest is your local slice of paradise; a mini tropical holiday right in the heart of Wollongong. A Neo – Tiki Cocktail Bar and eatery, Scoundrel’s Rest specialised in original and classic tropical cocktails, paired with a dining menu inspired by the Caribbean, South East Asia and Latin America. With 4 house made cocktails pouring on tap, a selection of over 50 rums on the backbar, and a friendly, knowledgeable team, your next trip to the tropics is closer than you think. See you there, Scoundrel. 

Mon – Sun, 4pm – Late



A cozy restaurant with diners seated at tables and a bar. The interior is warmly lit with a row of bottles displayed on shelves behind the bar. Several people are engaged in conversation, and a couple is sitting at a table outside.

Roy’s Restobar

Keira St.
Walking distance: 9 mins to Town Hall 11 mins to IPAC

A neighbourhood bar and restaurant sourcing sustainably grown and endemic produce along with high quality seafood. Focusing on intensively house made offerings from cheese and pickles all the way through to desserts. With an Aussie only wine and craft beer menu we are highlighting that top quality products come from right here and it’s best to support local. Situated in the heart of Wollongong for convenience, our kitchen stays open late so whether it’s a post show meal or dessert and cocktails, we’ve got you covered.

Wed – Thu, 5 – 10pm
Fri, 5pm – 12am
Sat, 4pm – 12am



An overhead view of a variety of colorful plates filled with different foods, including dumplings, a burger with fries, salad, sandwiches, edamame, and seafood dishes, arranged on a dark tabletop.

Dagwood

Market St.
Walking distance: 5 mins to IPAC, 6 mins to Town Hall

Our menu is stacked with flavourful Latin American & East Asian inspired street food. 

We are casual shareable dining at its best. Our menu is designed to allow you to share an array of easy finger food dishes. Have a dietary concern, no problem! We have gluten-free (GF), dairy-free (DF), vegan & vegetarian options on the menu. 

Wed – Thu, 4pm – Late
Fri – Sat, 12pm – Late
Sun, 1pm – Late



Colorful posters of Italian landmarks, food, and scenery decorate the wall above wooden tables and chairs in a cozy café or restaurant setting.

Ciao Cucina

Corner of Corrimal & Kembla St. Walking distance:
5 mins to IPAC, 6 mins to Town Hall

Ciao Cucina is a small Italian restaurant, sharing their
love for authentic, traditional Italian heritage and food
in an intimate and homely setting that you don’t find
everywhere in Wollongong



Lunch Tues – Fri, 12 – 3pm
Dinner Tues – Sat, 5 – 9pm



A wooden table set with various Asian dishes, including leafy salad, kimchi, pickled vegetables, shredded coconut, sliced fruit, and rice. The bowls and plates are decorated with intricate patterns.

An Chut Chut

Arts Precinct
Walking distance: 1 minute to IPAC, 2 minutes to Town Hall 

Tucked away at the back of the courtyard between the Wollongong Art Gallery and Performing Arts Centre is a hidden foodie gem! 

An Chut Chut serves up traditional Vietnamese food with a wonderful twist. The varying incarnations of seating add to the street food experience that makes this such a fun place to eat. Everything on the menu is fresh and thoughtfully prepared. Servings are generous and packed with flavour. Service is fast and friendly and meals come out quickly which is great for those who need to rush off to the theatre! 

Sun – Thu, 10am – 6pm
Fri – Sat, 10am – 8pm

To book, call: 0493 539 069


A collage of six images showing: a colorful salad, shrimp tacos, a gourmet dish with onion rings, two espresso martinis, a cappuccino with a menu, and two cocktails in elegant glasses in a bar setting.

The 9th Cloud

Lower Crown St.
Walking distance:
2 mins to Town Hall, 3 mins to IPAC


By day, enjoy specialty coffee, brunch, and fresh, seasonal lunches. As evening unfolds, their space transforms into a vibrant dining destination, where modern Australian flavours meet global inspiration.
Designed for sharing and connection, their menus include tapas and their specialty Slow Sipper cocktail menu, is crafted to be savoured and shared.


Mon – Fri, 7am – 2pm / 4pm – Late
Sat, 7am – Late
Sun, 7am – 8pm



Coming Up…