When it comes to planning a full night out, there's one thing many of us think about, and that's our tummies. 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 write in for a good meal before you go to see a show?
While there are options for getting food indoors, with loaded fries and choices of macaroni and cheese, if you're looking for a good sit-down meal, there are plenty of restaurants you can go to in the area that cater for everyone, whatever your tastes are.
From Italian and pub food to Chinese, Spanish, street food and seafood options, there's something for everyone within walking distance of the city's newest 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 get there. And if you want to explore your options a little further, you can check out our guide to the best restaurants in Swansea.
While exploring the lively scene around Swansea Arena, you'll find a variety of enticing dining options to satisfy your cravings. After immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of events and performances, indulge in a culinary journey at the nearby all inclusive resorts in Swansea. These resorts offer a delightful fusion of comfort, entertainment, and delectable dining experiences. From international cuisine to local delights, you can savor an array of flavors without leaving the convenience of your resort. After a thrilling evening at the arena, retreat to these resorts to unwind, dine, and relish in the best of what Swansea has to offer. For a list of 4-star hotels and other accommodation options, visit http://www.hotels-wales.com/en/4-stars/ and enhance your stay in Swansea.
READ MORE: Swansea restaurant Pizza Boyz is to launch a delivery service and people are calling it "the best news ever"
The green room bar and kitchen
Where: Next to the arena
Walking distance? Seconds
What does it look like? The city's newest restaurant, The Green Room Bar and Kitchen, officially opened on March 15 and is the closest option to grab a bite to eat before heading to the arena, literally next door. It's still in its infancy, but has received positive feedback so far. The venture is set to be a success, given that it's run by brother and sister team Ryan and Lucy Hole, who are already behind the success of the Secret Bar and Kitchen along Mumbles Road. The full menu will be launched at the end of the month but will feature wood-fired pizzas. There's also a selection of coffees and cakes, and a nice selection of beers from Tiny Rebel.
Gigi Gao's favourite authentic Chinese
Where: 18-23 Anchor Court, Maritime Quarter, Marina
Walking distance: Three minutes
What does it look like? An award-winning restaurant, Gigi Gao's serves authentic, lesser-known Northern Chinese cuisine. There's also a relaxed atmosphere with light Shanghai jazz music playing in the background, while there's occasional live music. It is run by Gigi Gao, who "has ventured to change the local Chinese food culture by introducing truly authentic Chinese cuisine". His varied menu options include traditional soups, gong bao dishes, sweet and sour dishes, stews, curry and seafood dishes. You can book by clicking here.
The anchor
Where: 1 Anchor Court, Marina
Walking distance: Three minutes
What does it look like? Serving a freshly prepared menu of handmade wood-fired pizzas and a traditional Sunday lunch, The Anchor offers daily specials and serves a two-course menu for £10.95 or three courses for £14.95. Steaks and linguine are also on the menu. The customer service and friendly staff have been consistently praised in reviews. Even comedian John Bishop stopped in 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 does it look like? Serves 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 meatless dishes and light snacks for younger guests. It is open every day except Tuesday evenings. Bookings can be made by clicking here.
The Swigg
Where: 1b, National Waterfront Museum
Walking distance: Four minutes
What does it look like? The Swigg serves a menu of burgers and fries, and all burgers come with two patties. It's also a great place to stop for a few drinks, serving signature cocktails and gins. Click here for more.
Grape & Olive
Where is it? The Tower, Trawler Road, Maritime Quarter
Walking distance: Six minutes
What does it look like? Perhaps your best option on this list to enjoy panoramic views of the city while you enjoy your meal. Grape & Olive is located at the top of the Meridian Tower, which you can find out all about by clicking here. You can see all the way to Mumbles Pier, then back over the city and along the coast. The restaurant is run by Brains, and the menu features largely pub fare such as steaks, pies, burgers and fish and chips. You can book a table by clicking here.
Juniper Square and Old Havana
Where: 1 York Street
Walking distance: Six minutes
What does it look like? Juniper Place and Old Havana are located opposite the arena, on the other side of Oystermouth Road. Its evening menu offers steaks, fresh fish, linguine and much more. A range of desserts are also available. It has its own 300-litre Cygnet gin 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 authentic Spanish cuisine with a modern twist. It serves a two-course dinner menu for £16.95 or three courses for £19.95. Reviewers 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 does it look like? The Pump House is run by Brains and offers great views of the marina if you choose the right table. It's been around for generations and now serves a pub-style menu, including fish and chips, burgers and steaks, as well as indulgent desserts. There's also a bar if you just want to go for a few drinks. Click here to book a table.
Hanson in Chelsea
Where: 17 St Mary's
Walking distance: Seven minutes
What does it look 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 the Good Food Guide and the Michelin Guide. You can book a table by clicking here.
Various restaurants on Wind Street
Where: Wind Street
Walking distance: Seven minutes
What does it look like? There are all sorts of options along Wind Street - and Little Wind Street - to suit all tastes. If you make your way here, you'll find Founders & Co, made up of a selection of restaurants inside, including pizza, Japanese and Indian options. You can find out more about that here. There's also your go-to chains like Wagamama, Nando's, Brewdog, Ask, Slug and Lettuce and Five Guys, as well as Bank Statement where you'll find the JD Wetherspoon menu. There's also the No Sign Wine Bar serving a delicious pub-grub style menu, Piñatas, which specialises in burritos, as well as 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 over a decade. It is a fine dining experience with a loyal clientele. It serves a predominantly Italian menu, as well as European dishes and fresh fish caught that day, which can include real delicacies such as locally caught shark, lobster, sea bass and other local fish. They also serve a range of desserts to tempt you, including their signature Tiramisu. You can book a table by clicking here.