1. Souvla
For something fast and casual, this Greek rotisserie joint hits the spot. If you’re in a rush, you can even order ahead online for pick-up. Save room for a cup of the restaurant’s soft-serve Greek yogurt drizzled with olive oil. 517 Hayes St. (near Octavia Street), S.F. (415) 400-5458. http://souvlasf.com
2. Monsieur Benjamin
Corey Lee has garnered national attention for both Benu, his South of Market luxe dining experience, and this more casual French brasserie-inspired sibling in Hayes Valley. Best of all, the brasserie is open until midnight, so it makes for a promising post-Opera stop, too. 451 Gough St., S.F. (415) 4032233. www.monsieurbenjamin.com
3. Boxing Room
The Absinthe Group’s mini Hayes Valley restaurant empire gives theatergoers plenty of dining options, from the group’s namesake upscale corner bistro to its casual grab-and-go option, Arlequin Cafe. However, for this list, we’re calling out the New Orleans-spiked flavors of chef Justin Simoneaux. On Fridays and Saturdays, the restaurant is open until midnight, and for Sunday matinee ticket holders, Boxing Room also offers a jazz brunch. 399 Grove St., S.F. (415) 430-6590. www.boxingroom.com
4. Pläj
Located inside Fulton Street’s Inn at the Opera, away from Hayes Valley’s bustling main drag, Roberth Sundell’s Scandinavian restaurant and bar is an off-the-beaten path charmer. The restaurant opens at 5 p.m., which gives diners plenty of time to savor the chef’s creative dishes before the curtain goes up for evening performances. 333 Fulton St., S.F. (415) 8638400. http://plajrestaurant.com
5. Jardinière
For nearly 20 years, Traci Des Jardins’ flagship in Hayes Valley has been the place to go if you’re craving a glamorous high-end affair for your pre-Opera or Symphony meal. 300 Grove St., S.F. (415) 861-5555. www.jardiniere.com
6. The Market
While it’s billed as a specialty market, under one roof you’ll find plenty of fast and casual food and drink options, from tapas and sushi bars to Malaysian cuisine at Azalina Eusope’s corner spot. 1355 Market St., S.F. (415) 767-5130. www.visitthemarket.com
7. Bon Marche Brasserie & Bar
This new project from AQ’s Matt Semmelhack and Mark Liberman, which in addition to featuring a restaurant and oyster bar boasts a brewery and coffee house, has something for everyone. For those who want to bring their favorite opera diva a bouquet, you’re in luck, as the space also houses a flower shop. 1355 Market St., S.F. (415) 802-1700. www.bonmarche-sf.com
8. Montesacro Pinseria Romana Enoteca
Located on 6th Street, between Mission and Market, this tucked-away Rome-inspired restaurant may not be on the prettiest stretch of Mid-Market, but inside its charms abound. If you’re wondering what a pinsa is, it’s a Roman flatbread reminiscent of pizza, and it’s absolutely irresistible. 510 Stevenson St., S.F. (415) 795-3040. www.montesacrosf.com
9. Farmer Brown
Jay Foster’s Southern-meets-San Francisco soul restaurant has called Mid-Market home for nearly 10 years — long before the recent tech explosion made the neighborhood trendy. The food is satisfying, and the fact that the restaurant’s a quick walk to any number of the area’s performance venues makes it an ideal pre-theater spot. 25 Mason St., S.F. (415) 409-3276. www.farmerbrownsf.com
10. Kin Khao
There’s a reason Pim Techamuanvivit’s Thai restaurant — hidden on the back side of Union Square’s Parc 55 Hotel — is lauded by world-renowned chefs like Alain Passard and Rene Redzepi. Her dishes offer a delicate and beautiful balance of sour, sweet, salty, bitter and spicy, which are the hallmarks of her home country’s cuisine. 55 Cyril Magnin St., S.F. (415) 362-7456. www.kinkhao.com