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Verona may be the setting for Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers, but here in Sydney, its balcony holds no such tragic portent. On the contrary, Palace Verona is a place of celebration - cinematic celebration that is, for this stylish and friendly art-house cinema is mecca to cinephiles. Chances are you'll already know if you're a Palace person. Hollywood Blockbusters aren't your thing, and you know your Truffaut from your Tarantino. You probably seek out Australian cinema and keep apprised of all the international film festivals as they roll into town. You're also partial to a glass of wine/beer/cider with your cinema.... ....and so you make the pilgrimage to Palace Verona.

Where would avid foreign filmgoers be without the Palace Cinema. Each year they put on several film festivals: Italian, Spanish and French etc, enabling hundreds of people to enjoy the latest films from overseas. The films are generally dubbed making them accessible to English-only speakers. Each festival lasts about 8 days with as many as 20 films showing throughout the week. At other times of the year the cinema shows popular ad at house movies from small independent makers that aren't shown in the larger chains. There's a restaurant and wine bar as well as a typical cinema food bar where they serve popcorn, maltesers and drinks. Something for everyone. Palace Cinemas also have two other locations: Chauvel Cinema, Cnr Oxford St & Oatley Rd, Paddington, (02) 9361 5398 Palace Verona 17 Oxford Street, Paddington, (02) 9360 6099

On special occasions we like to organise a night out by starting off with a film at the Verona Bar and Cinema followed by dinner in Darlinghurst and Paddington. Its location sits perfectly between the two. A drink or a Lavazza coffee in the bar within Verona overlooking busy Oxford Street below. Today we have come to see Higher Ground and to our dismay all viewings are booked for the next four days. The learning from this spontenous trip to Verona is that you have book well in advance if the movies are latest releases. Samuel Goldwyn's 'The Whistleblower' however has availability and I'm delighted as this thriller has two of my favourite actresses Rachel Weisz and Vanessa Redgrave. At the moment the Italian Film Festival is running at the Verona and its affilated cinema in Norton Street, Leichardt. Parking is a bit horrendous with maximum limits of up to an hour in the surrounding streets however we were told recently if you contact the carpark at St Vincents Hospital in Victoria Street you can negotiate a flat rate. Enjoy yourself with a film in one of the best locations in Sydney.

With a bent toward Foreign and Arthouse films, Palace Cinema Norton Street brings to the Inner West a wide selection of films for the small sized theatre. While occasionally missing out on some of the major releases, the cinema makes it up to its patrons by continuously bringing in smaller budget and less mainstream films as well as big American films such as Bridesmaids, a film I went to see at the Palace recently, by myself. Another great thing about the cinema is the Palace Club, relatively inexpensive to join at under 30 dollars, being a member of the Palace Club gives you cheap tickets and special deals. Being on Norton Street in the heart of Leichhardt, a suburb famed for its coffee houses and cafe culture, of course Palace Cinema's offers a wide selection of coffees. They also have on offer, beer and wine, pop corn cooked in olive oil and the obligatory candy bar. Palace Cinema's in cooperation with Shearers books downstairs often run deals where you can get a coffee and a cake in the bookshop followed by a movie upstairs as part of a package deal. They will also act jointly by hosting book launches and author talks in the cinemas. Definitely a favourite cinema of mine.

It is important to support independent and art house cinemas in Australia. I much prefer watching a well made film on the big screen than on TV. When I was at school we had a great art house cinema culture in Australia with the Mandolin, Valhalla, Third Eye, the Greater Union Pitt St Cinema, Academy Twin and Dendy Martin Place. All of these cinemas have sadly closed and the few remaining art house cinemas play a much smaller and safer selection of Art house films, less foreign films and also play more commercial films to ensure they make a profit. This saddens me and I think it is culturally disappointing for our city. I just saw Submarine at Verona and it was a fantastic big screen experience, there are amazing visual and aural moments which can only reach their full potential in a cinema. Keep art house cinema alive!

There are plenty of cinemas all around the world that screen big budget and Hollywood films, but it's a super sweet treat when you find a cinema that screens the alternative. Palace Verona is in the heart of the art and fashion district and therefor caters well to its local patrons. It has four fully licensed cinemas, but Verona is not just a place to watch a quick flick with the kids. It is elegant, sleek and a great place to spend an evening. The bar is fully equipped with beers, spirits and wine and the bartenders make a mean cocktail. The cinema doesn't exclude all mainstream films, it just chooses them carefully. Picks the ones that are entertaining but also are rich with artistic credibility and perhaps finds comedies that are a bit more palatable than the average slap-stick humor you'd find Jim Carey in. However, Palace Verona truly stands out for it's broad variety of international cinema, art-house films, documentaries and independent films that can cross barriers that can often be frowned upon in the larger film industry. You'll find plenty of International Film Festivals being screened here all around the year, last time I went in the Italian Film Festival was being held. The best of local films made from all around the world, you won't be finding them playing on the free to air TV in a few months, Verona provides an experience that cannot be found at any old chain cinema. Classics can also be found here, if you feel like seeing a Coen Brothers or a Woody Allen piece of work on the big screen then look out for when they're having screenings. The little details; there is wheelchair access, there are options for those that are hearing impaired, parking isn't too bad in evening but weekends can be a bit of a hassle, luckily the 380 bus stops right outside. Oh, and there's WiFi, yay! So grab a coffee or a cocktail and make an night of watching a movie. It's classy and just screams good times with a hint of culture.
7 months ago
Dirty toilets and the dryers have been broken for years! The management needs to take the poor toilet facilities seriously
7 years ago
My first and probably last time at Palace Cinema Leichardt. My main complaint about this place is that there's only one queue for both movie tickets and the bar. So if you've taken the trouble to buy your tickets online, and want to relax and have a drink before or during the movie, you still need to line up with everyone else who hasn't bothered to buy a ticket in advance. I would gladly have had a few drinks before the film but was dissuaded from doing so by the long and slow line. These guys need to do a better job at improving the venue experience. For example, install self service kiosks where people can purchase tickets and then free up staff to provide fast and friendly service at the bar. Speaking of the staff, they all seemed pretty demoralized last night when I was there! No smiles, just the perfunctory barking of crowd-control commands like 'cinema six is now open'! Lastly the bins and toilets were pretty disgusting last night by the end of the evening show, making it clear that they're emptied/cleaned at most 2 times a day. We live in an age when home movie streaming has made massive inroads into the revenue model of cinemas, so they need to make sure the venue experience is first class. Licensing cinemas was a good first step, but clearly Palace Cinemas need to do a little more. read more
14 years ago
Quite a popular art deco like cinema. Surviving Parramatta Road during peak hour is the hardest part. The queues for tickets and food can get insane at the best of times. I have to give them some credit. You are free to take some alcohol into the cinema, hence making way for a civilised experience. Once you are inside the cinema the seating is somehow better than I even anticipated. Don't worry about Gold Class, it feels like you're in it. I have to be grateful and I am. As part of the Elite Squad for Sydney, Yelp had kindly sent me a couple of tickets to enjoy the Spanish Film Festival. I actually went tonight - as at the time of writing this. The film kept me in suspense with an ending with some twists. Speaking of the food, the boysenberry choc top wasn't too bad. Friendly staff. No wonder why this cinema is quite popular and still in vogue. It pays to be a consistent Yelper... read more
15 years ago
Verona may be the setting for Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers, but here in Sydney, its balcony holds no such tragic portent. On the contrary, Palace Verona is a place of celebration - cinematic celebration that is, for this stylish and friendly art-house cinema is mecca to cinephiles. Chances are you'll already know if you're a Palace person. Hollywood Blockbusters aren't your thing, and you know your Truffaut from your Tarantino. You probably seek out Australian cinema and keep apprised of all the international film festivals as they roll into town. You're also partial to a glass of wine/beer/cider with your cinema.... ....and so you make the pilgrimage to Palace Verona. read more
15 years ago
Where would avid foreign filmgoers be without the Palace Cinema. Each year they put on several film festivals: Italian, Spanish and French etc, enabling hundreds of people to enjoy the latest films from overseas. The films are generally dubbed making them accessible to English-only speakers. Each festival lasts about 8 days with as many as 20 films showing throughout the week. At other times of the year the cinema shows popular ad at house movies from small independent makers that aren't shown in the larger chains. There's a restaurant and wine bar as well as a typical cinema food bar where they serve popcorn, maltesers and drinks. Something for everyone. Palace Cinemas also have two other locations: Chauvel Cinema, Cnr Oxford St & Oatley Rd, Paddington, (02) 9361 5398 Palace Verona 17 Oxford Street, Paddington, (02) 9360 6099 read more
15 years ago
On special occasions we like to organise a night out by starting off with a film at the Verona Bar and Cinema followed by dinner in Darlinghurst and Paddington. Its location sits perfectly between the two. A drink or a Lavazza coffee in the bar within Verona overlooking busy Oxford Street below. Today we have come to see Higher Ground and to our dismay all viewings are booked for the next four days. The learning from this spontenous trip to Verona is that you have book well in advance if the movies are latest releases. Samuel Goldwyn's 'The Whistleblower' however has availability and I'm delighted as this thriller has two of my favourite actresses Rachel Weisz and Vanessa Redgrave. At the moment the Italian Film Festival is running at the Verona and its affilated cinema in Norton Street, Leichardt. Parking is a bit horrendous with maximum limits of up to an hour in the surrounding streets however we were told recently if you contact the carpark at St Vincents Hospital in Victoria Street you can negotiate a flat rate. Enjoy yourself with a film in one of the best locations in Sydney. read more
15 years ago
With a bent toward Foreign and Arthouse films, Palace Cinema Norton Street brings to the Inner West a wide selection of films for the small sized theatre. While occasionally missing out on some of the major releases, the cinema makes it up to its patrons by continuously bringing in smaller budget and less mainstream films as well as big American films such as Bridesmaids, a film I went to see at the Palace recently, by myself. Another great thing about the cinema is the Palace Club, relatively inexpensive to join at under 30 dollars, being a member of the Palace Club gives you cheap tickets and special deals. Being on Norton Street in the heart of Leichhardt, a suburb famed for its coffee houses and cafe culture, of course Palace Cinema's offers a wide selection of coffees. They also have on offer, beer and wine, pop corn cooked in olive oil and the obligatory candy bar. Palace Cinema's in cooperation with Shearers books downstairs often run deals where you can get a coffee and a cake in the bookshop followed by a movie upstairs as part of a package deal. They will also act jointly by hosting book launches and author talks in the cinemas. Definitely a favourite cinema of mine. read more
15 years ago
It is important to support independent and art house cinemas in Australia. I much prefer watching a well made film on the big screen than on TV. When I was at school we had a great art house cinema culture in Australia with the Mandolin, Valhalla, Third Eye, the Greater Union Pitt St Cinema, Academy Twin and Dendy Martin Place. All of these cinemas have sadly closed and the few remaining art house cinemas play a much smaller and safer selection of Art house films, less foreign films and also play more commercial films to ensure they make a profit. This saddens me and I think it is culturally disappointing for our city. I just saw Submarine at Verona and it was a fantastic big screen experience, there are amazing visual and aural moments which can only reach their full potential in a cinema. Keep art house cinema alive! read more
15 years ago
There are plenty of cinemas all around the world that screen big budget and Hollywood films, but it's a super sweet treat when you find a cinema that screens the alternative. Palace Verona is in the heart of the art and fashion district and therefor caters well to its local patrons. It has four fully licensed cinemas, but Verona is not just a place to watch a quick flick with the kids. It is elegant, sleek and a great place to spend an evening. The bar is fully equipped with beers, spirits and wine and the bartenders make a mean cocktail. The cinema doesn't exclude all mainstream films, it just chooses them carefully. Picks the ones that are entertaining but also are rich with artistic credibility and perhaps finds comedies that are a bit more palatable than the average slap-stick humor you'd find Jim Carey in. However, Palace Verona truly stands out for it's broad variety of international cinema, art-house films, documentaries and independent films that can cross barriers that can often be frowned upon in the larger film industry. You'll find plenty of International Film Festivals being screened here all around the year, last time I went in the Italian Film Festival was being held. The best of local films made from all around the world, you won't be finding them playing on the free to air TV in a few months, Verona provides an experience that cannot be found at any old chain cinema. Classics can also be found here, if you feel like seeing a Coen Brothers or a Woody Allen piece of work on the big screen then look out for when they're having screenings. The little details; there is wheelchair access, there are options for those that are hearing impaired, parking isn't too bad in evening but weekends can be a bit of a hassle, luckily the 380 bus stops right outside. Oh, and there's WiFi, yay! So grab a coffee or a cocktail and make an night of watching a movie. It's classy and just screams good times with a hint of culture. read more
The Verona is a charming cinema, with the same relaxed ambiance (and bar facilities) as Sydney's other art house movie theatres (like the Chauvel or the Orpheum). I arrived late for the 9pm screening of Elles, part of the 2012 French Film Festival. Desperately hoping for something more filling than popcorn (I hadn't had dinner), I was excited to see quiche and sandwiches on the bar menu. I was even more excited to learn that I could take my quiche into the movie (did I mention I was running really late?) It was the first time I have used cutlery in a darkened movie cinema, but I am all for new and challenging experiences. And really, what better way to enjoy a French film than with a slice of roasted vegetable quiche and a glass of hearty red? read more
Been coming to the palace cinemas at Leichardt for a few years now. They have the option of Real food and Real drinks if you wish. Their choc tops are the best in the business (they are huge and are made with connoisseur ice cream). Prices are usually more reasonable than the generic multiplex cinemas, the clientele tend to be more well behaved, considerate than other places. The staff are always friendly and helpful, they show case many international films from around the world. read more
10 years ago
Came here for the Scandinavian Film Festival 2016 to watch Love is the drug, courtesy of Yelp. Nice cinema, very modern. Lots of nice food and drink options available pre-film. Theatre has a variety of films on show, comfortable seats and good views from all seats. read more
11 years ago
The Palace Norton Street has lovely staff and just offers a different cinema experience to Hoyts and the like. They have a coffee bar and offer food like cheese plates and beers and wines (which you can take into the cinema!). It's got some really nice and small cinemas and shows all the big Hollywood blockbusters as well as independent films and most international film festivals. Highly recommend it! read more
14 years ago
I do enjoy the Verona Cinema here and the Bar is setup well to cater for ticket sales and your pre movie drinks and nibbles. A pleasant place to meet people before the cinema begins, the smaller cinemas are cosy however one can certainly crane their neck looking up at the screen. read more
When it comes to cinemas, I'm all about Arthouse. Although the Verona is more my native territory, I love cruising over toThe Palace at Leichardt and soaking up some of the Italian vibe on Norton St pre- or post- cinematic experience. Don't get me wrong by the way, I love my trash as much as the next person- I'm more Margaret than David- I just prefer the atmosphere of a small intimate cinema with a bar and popcorn with real butter. Although while the Palace cinema chain do screen the occasional blockbuster, they pride themselves on quality so even the "trash" you might find here would be "quality trash" (Anyone see Tree of Life?!!) And Norton St is a part of Sydney that actually stays open late, and nothing beats strolling out to Norton St to discuss the film over a real gelato and late night espresso. read more
15 years ago
What's better than a beautiful old cinema? A beautiful old cinema with a BAR. That's right, you can grab a glass of wine and a fat slice of Italian cake and head on into your film with all the ease of being at home. More of a beer drinker? That's fine. Need some coffee to keep your eyes open during the film? They've got that too. This is certainly a cinema with class. There are also a few tables in the theatre lobby, which means you can meet up with your film-going friend for a drink before or after the movie too. The Palace shows a great selection of films, including more offbeat underground picks. Pop in on a Monday for bargain $10.50 tickets. read more
15 years ago
As a weekly movie goer, I was quickly running out of mainstream movies and multiplex cinema theatres to go to and then I discovered Palace Cinemas and a whole new area of entertainment opened up. Palace cinemas carefully picks selected distinct movies to showcase. The movies showcased here are definitely interesting and some are true stories. I love heading here to watch a movie for multiple reasons. The films are unique, the cafe has Lavazza coffee, secure parking lot available below the cinema and the best part is Movie guarantee. The last one is only for members, but worth signing up. Basically, if you buy tickets for a movie and don't like it, they will let you see the next movie for Free! I am yet to see a free movie as I adore cinemas and will sit through any movie as long as I have enough popcorn! Palace Cinemas is located on the popular Leichardt street nestled amongst various cafes and restaurants making it ideal for grabbing a bite before or after. read more
A thee ate er is a very wonderful thing. An escape, a dark quiet world where time stops and normality is suspended. Its a really great place to nick off away from work when you can. No one likes those signs that say you are not allowed to do something, for example "Please dont take food and drinks into the cinema" or "Don't nick off from work" At Verona I got a cup of coffee and the guy asked if I wanted to take it into the cinema. How cool is that! Then a sign came up saying I had to turn my phone off and not talk. Thats OK those signs are good. Wish the two women in the aisle 2 down had understood it. Verona is all red velvet and peace and calm. Me and the other guy and the two ladies all enjoyed a documentary about Bordeaux and the rise of Chinese wine collectors. Its called Red Obsession and not even narration from Rusty and some corny editing could spoil it. You should go and see it - at Verona. read more
Attended a screening of Ghostbusters and was impressed by the variety of wine, mains and desserts on offer at the bar before hand. The audience was also polite, engaged and lots of fun; unlike similar experiences at the Newtown Dendy, for instance. However, it should be a pleasant experience, given that movie tickets start at $20 a pop. See it for yourself! read more
I love going to the movies who doesn't, but finding a good theater to see said movies can be more of a challenge. I came across this theater, after seeing a film at another and was so disappointed I refused to watch another film there. Now that I've seen a few movies here I can honestly say for basic movies as in no IMAX or 3D this place gets it right. Comfortable seats, great screens, blockbuster films and independent. They also have a movie club which you pretty much be a fool not to join. For the price of join it includes a ticket and is in fact cheaper than a ticket, then every time after the tickets are at cheaper price. Overall this is my first choice theater for seeing the latest releases unless, I'm feeling crazy and wanting to see a movie at the Darling Harbour IMAX. read more
14 years ago
Awseome old cinemas, though a bit tired at the moment as they are going through a renovation of the eating area. They still have the bar open and have different levels of wine glasses which I thought was a great idea. I went for epic, of course. Cinema seats are good with the mandatory spot for glasses - the fact that you can take your wine glass in is a big thumbs up. Toilets are a little out of the way. Hot during summer. read more
11 years ago
Best place in Sydney to watch a film with an "epic" glass of red. The memberships are the way to go - pay for themselves pretty quickly and then going to the cinema on a semi-regular basis becomes just about affordable. Oh and they have one the best and consistently good selections of films in Sydney. read more
10 years ago
Comfortable seating with the added bonus of free wifi. Movies that cater for everyone from the arthouse crowd to the blockbuster fans.
15 years ago
This movie theatre isn't my local - that distinction would go to Macquarie Cinema Event Theatres - but it helps to be a renegade step-outside-your-turf individual now and again. Indeed, sometimes you feel like playing a chess game (Verona) while drinking a glass of red wine you bought at the bar (Verona) than getting a choc-top ice cream (Macquarie) and debating whether you should really get the chicken burrito at TexMex (Macquarie) while walking around aimlessly checking out nothing special inside boring stores (Macquarie). Perhaps, also, you're in the mood for seeing a film that makes you think (Catfish, Verona) in comparison to one that is so bad it makes you want to cry (Little Fockers, Macquarie). And then, you have to think: do I want to hold a glass of red wine for the entirety of a movie (Verona) or am I in a hands-free-mode mood and I really can't wait to put my can of Pepsi Max in the cup holder (Macquarie)? Finally, do I want to drive around on the top parking level (Macquarie) looking for a park closest to the cinema entrance, because, let's get real, it gets too cold to walk past lots of parked cars at night, or do I just drive into the first street that crosses with Oxford and try my luck there (Verona)? read more
15 years ago
For some reason I've never been much of a movie buff. I'm not sure why but it's probably because I'm one of those guys that never understands what is going on plus I don't really have the attention span to sit and think for a couple of hours. In saying that, when I do go out and watch a flick, I find it hard to go past the Verona Cinemas on Oxford Street in Paddington. I'm not sure why. It might be because it's not one of those big intimidating cinema complex and there is also a nice small wine and espresso bar so someone can explain the movie to me after we see it. And instead of cheap Tuesday nights like most other places, you can check out a cheapie on Monday nights here. Take it from a non movie goer like me, The Verona is a good place to head out and watch a flick. read more
14 years ago
Gotta love the movies and wine! Watching movies like it should be, great atmosphere!
12 years ago
Love having these small cosy art houses in this age of modern sterile multiplexes. Great being able to bring a drink in without the popcorn police chasing you, and being able to see films not 'mainstream' enough for other cinemas. The Palace Club is also a great reward, with cheap tickets and special deals all week long. read more
10 years ago
A very welcoming and nice place to go and catch a movie!! Our favourite cinema to go with no doubt!!
More info about Palace Cinemas
99 Norton St
Leichhardt New South Wales 2040
Australia
Leichhardt
Directions
(02) 9550 0122
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.palacecinemas.com.au
Hours
What time does Palace Cinemas open?
Palace Cinemas opens at 4:00 PM on Monday and Friday.Palace Cinemas opens at 5:00 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.Palace Cinemas opens at 10:00 AM on Saturday and Sunday.
What time does Palace Cinemas close?
Palace Cinemas closes at 8:00 PM on Monday and Thursday.Palace Cinemas closes at 9:00 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.Palace Cinemas closes at 11:00 PM on Saturday.
Mon 4:00 PM - 8:00 PMTue-Wed 5:00 PM - 9:00 PMThu 5:00 PM - 8:00 PMFri 4:00 PM - 9:00 PMSat 10:00 AM - 11:00 PMSun 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Food & Alcohol
Does Palace Cinemas serve alcohol?
Yes, Palace Cinemas serves alcohol. Full Bar
Other Amenities
Does Palace Cinemas have free WiFi?
Yes, Palace Cinemas has free WiFi.
Review Highlights - Palace Cinemas
“It has four fully licensed cinemas, but Verona is not just a place to watch a quick flick with the kids.”
Mentioned in 9 reviews
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
1 review that is not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
10 years ago
They sure know how to put on a Film Festival


































