It’s always exciting when you’re heading out to see a show, but a great meal makes the occasion even more memorable. Fortunately there are lots of restaurants offering fantastic pre-theatre menus in London that mean you can enjoy a delicious dinner and get to your seats on time. No more long waits for food or sub-par set menus – plan your next night out with our guide to pre-theatre meals in London.
The best pre-theatre dining in London
- Restaurants near St Martin's Theatre
- Restaurants near Apollo Theatre
- Restaurants near Piccadilly Theatre
- Restaurants near the Royal Opera House
- Restaurants near Lyceum Theatre
- Restaurants near Soho Theatre
- Restaurants near Adelphi Theatre
- Restaurants near His Majesty's Theatre
- Restaurants near Aldwych Theatre
- Restaurants near Prince Edward Theatre
- Restaurants near Gillian Lynne Theatre
- Restaurants near Wyndham's Theatre
- Restaurants near Southwark Playhouse
- Restaurants near Dominion Theatre
- Restaurants near Sondheim Theatre
- Restaurants near National Theatre
- Restaurants near Garrick Theatre
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Where to go for dinner before a show
The best pre-theatre meals in London
Restaurants near St Martin's Theatre
Popular with meat lovers
The Seven Dials branch of Hawksmoor has a pre- and post-theatre menu, ideal if you're a meat lover. It's even been ranked as one of the best pre-theatre dinner spots around. Steaks here are recognised as some of the best out there, and you can get a taste from the express menu with choices like potted beef, steak frites, and chocolate tart. Choose two or three courses.
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11 Langley St, Covent Garden
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Hawksmoor Seven Dials
020-742 093 90 - Read more on Thatsup
Restaurants near Apollo Theatre
Impressive interior design
Located near Piccadilly Circus, Ham Yard Restaurant is a vibrant and style-conscious space that boasts unique interiors by designed Kit Kemp. A two or three course set menu that includes a glass of champagne is available and it's ideal for pre-theatre dining. The dishes are fresh and seasonal and celebrate fine British produce.
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1 Ham Yard, Soho
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Ham Yard Restaurant & Bar
020-364 210 07 - Read more on Thatsup
Pre-theatre sharing plates
A restaurant from popular Israeli chef Yotam Ottolenghi, Nopi is an airy brasserie serving the distinctive Middle Eastern flavours he's known for. Dishes on the pre-theatre menu change frequently and are intended for sharing - think marinated olives, roasted maple beetroot, and seared ox tongue. Wine pairings are also available.
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21 Warwick St, Soho
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Nopi
020-749 495 84 - Read more on Thatsup
Popular pasta restaurant
Award-winning Bocca di Lupo is a stripped-back restaurant specialising in indulgent Italian dishes like antipasti and fresh pasta. When you want a pre- or post-theatre meal, there's a monthly-changing two course offering that you can add wine to. Expect classic pasta dishes and fresh salads, plus an Italian wine list.
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12 Archer Street, Soho
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Bocca di Lupo
020-773 422 23 - Read more on Thatsup
Restaurants near Piccadilly Theatre
Express meals for theatre fans
All-day bistro Nessa serves seasonal British recipes and offers diners a number of menus. The Nessa Express menu is an ideal choice for pre-theatre, designed to get you to your seats on time. You get two or three courses and a glass of champagne, with the option to add extra sides. The setting is classic and comfortable.
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1 Warwick St, Soho
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Nessa
020-733 774 04 - Read more on Thatsup
French Art Deco brasserie
A meal in a grand Art Deco brasserie is a great start to a night at the theatre, so check out Brasserie Zédel. Whilst there’s no dedicated pre-theatre menu, there’s a two or three course prix fixe menu that’s ideal. Expect traditional French options like chopped steak and chocolate and caramel tart.
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20 Sherwood Street, Soho
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Brasserie Zédel
020-773 448 88 - Read more on Thatsup
Restaurants near the Royal Opera House
Authentic French favourites
French brasserie Balthazar doesn't have a dedicated pre-theatre menu but the prix-fixe option is served until 7pm, making it ideal for theatre-goers. Favourite French dishes are on the prix-fixe offering like duck liver parfait, chargrilled halloumi, and a warm chocolate brownie, all served in a restaurant that is classic and elegant.
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4-6 Russell St, Covent Garden
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Balthazar
020-330 111 55 - Read more on Thatsup
Theatrical Japanese meals
Visit Sushisamba for high-end Japanese dining in spectacular surroundings. The contemporary cuisine here is inspired by Japan, Peru, and Brazil. A three course pre-theatre menu is on offer, with options like taquitos, ceviche, a variety of vibrant sushi rolls, and desserts like mochi. The menu includes vegetarian choices.
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35 The Market, Covent Garden
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Sushisamba Covent Garden
020-305 300 00 - Read more on Thatsup
Classic seasonal recipes
Classic restaurant Tuttons is a popular choice for pre-theatre meals. There are indoor and outdoor tables, the space is elegant, and you can take in fantastic views of Covent Garden. The menu is seasonal and includes classic British dishes like chicken liver pâté, fishcakes, and a homemade burger.
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11-12 Russell Street, Covent Garden
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Tuttons
020-763 220 81 - Read more on Thatsup
Make your meal last all night
Italian restaurant La Ballerina is close to the Royal Opera House, and has an elegant ballet and opera theme. They're so used to theatre-goers that you can spread your meal throughout the whole evening - starters before the show, your main during the interval, and a coffee at the end of the night.
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7-8 Bow Street, Covent Garden
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La Ballerina
020-737 966 59 - Read more on Thatsup
French food, romantic atmosphere
Considered perhaps the most romantic restaurant in London, a pre-theatre meal at Clos Maggiore is a great way to begin a special night. A two or three course pre-theatre menu with champagne is served, with starters like spiced red lentil soup and scallops followed by main courses like risotto or pork loin. You can expect highlights of contemporary French cooking.
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33 King St, Covent Garden
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Clos Maggiore
020-458 011 74 - Read more on Thatsup
Restaurants near Lyceum Theatre
Dining that reduces waste
Four days a week, Spring serves a menu using waste produce and surplus ingredients between 5.30 and 6.30pm, making it an ideal early dinner for theatre-goers. All of the food is seasonal at this modern restaurant in Somerset House, and this unique pre-theatre menu might include pasta rags or roasted vegetable scraps.
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Somerset House, Lancaster Place, Covent Garden
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Spring
020-301 101 15 - Read more on Thatsup
Elegant small plates
In Covent Garden there's Cora Pearl, an elegant restaurant for upscale dishes. Its location is ideal for pre-theatre dining, with a dedicated menu of two or three courses - dishes change according to the seasons. The restaurant even checks your show time to make sure you're served on time.
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30 Henrietta St, Covent Garden
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Cora Pearl
020-732 477 22 - Read more on Thatsup
Eat al fresco in Covent Garden
Head to The Ivy Market Grill for al fresco dining in the heart of Covent Garden. There's an elegant interior as well as the coveted terrace. A set menu is served all day that's a convenient choice before a show, with international dishes like cauliflower soup, shepherd's pie, and a plant-based burger.
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1 Henrietta St, Covent Garden
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The Ivy Market Grill
020-330 102 00 - Read more on Thatsup
Celebrating British cooking
If you want bold British dishes for your pre-theatre meal, Pivot is worth checking out. Set in a two-storey Georgian townhouse, there's a casual café space on one floor and a relaxed all-day restaurant on the other. There's a three course pre-theatre offering that you can add a carafe of wine to.
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3 Henrietta Street, Covent Garden
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Pivot British Bar & Bistro
020-332 552 75 - Read more on Thatsup
Stylish spot for Italian
Each branch of Café Murano has a lunch/theatre menu, with the Covent Garden restaurant being particularly well-placed for theatre fans. Choose from two or three courses like stracciatella with courgettes or squid ink risotto, with suggested wines available too. This one is worth considering if you’re an Italian food fan.
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36 Tavistock St, Covent Garden
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Café Murano Covent Garden
020-724 036 54 - Read more on Thatsup
Timeless New York dining
Opened in 1977, Joe Allen is a favourite with theatre devotees. It's a classic restaurant with an authentic New York atmosphere. The set menu works for lunch or a pre-theatre dinner, with easy-going choices like seasonal soup, chicken pot pie, and ice cream. Cocktails and international wines are also served here.
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2 Burleigh Street, Covent Garden
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Joe Allen Restaurant
020-783 606 51 - Read more on Thatsup
Restaurants near Soho Theatre
Intimate restaurant in Soho
Get the evening off to a romantic start at Pierre Victoire. Set in the heart of Soho, this venue is low-lit, intimate, and popular with theatre-goers - a set menu is available for a convenient meal. Expect contemporary French and European dishes like gnocchi, steak, and duck confit. The wine list includes European vintages and bottles from elsewhere in the world.
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5 Dean Street, Soho
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Pierre Victoire
020-728 745 82 - Read more on Thatsup
Family-run French bistro
Run by three brothers, Blanchette has a relaxed and familial atmosphere, creating a warm space to enjoy French bistro classics. Try the two or three course set menu for lunch and pre-theatre, with dishes changing regularly. It includes tempting options like confit duck leg cassoulet or mussels. There are original and classic cocktails.
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9 D'Arblay St, Soho
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Blanchette
020-743 981 00 - Read more on Thatsup
Buzzy Latin American place
Sucre brings flame grilling to the heart of London with its elevated Latin American recipes. This restaurant and bar is modern yet opulent. As well as the main menu, a more concise range of dishes is offered for lunch and pre-theatre. Expect small and large plates like mussels with chorizo and sea bream.
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47B Great Marlborough Street, Soho
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Sucre Restaurant
020-398 833 29 - Read more on Thatsup
Charming hotspot for theatre fans
As its name and location suggests, Prix Fixe Brasserie is a popular spot for pre-theatre meals. With low lighting and exposed brick, it's great for an intimate dinner. Choose the set menu and you have plenty of options for each course, plus you can add steak, cocktails, or side dishes.
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39 Dean Street, Soho
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Prix Fixe Brasserie
020-773 459 76 - Read more on Thatsup
Restaurants near Adelphi Theatre
Pre- and post-theatre bites
Enjoy classic and contemporary Indian flavours at Cinnamon Bazaar. This place offers a menu for early and late dinners that's ideal for before or after a show. Choose from dishes like pork belly, chicken curry, and the award-winning lamb rogan josh shepherd's pie, served in vibrant surroundings.
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28 Maiden Ln, Covent Garden
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Cinnamon Bazaar Covent Garden
020-739 514 00 - Read more on Thatsup
Restaurants near His Majesty's Theatre
Modern Michelin-starred cooking
The pre-theatre menu at Wild Honey St James is an affordable way to sample a Michelin-starred meal. This refined restaurant has marble tables and a luxe finish, and serves distinctive modern European cuisine. Wines from throughout the world, including England, are also on the menu at this venue.
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8 Pall Mall, Westminster
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Wild Honey St James
020-738 978 20 - Read more on Thatsup
Impressive food and interiors
With well-considered interiors and eye-catching decor, Brumus is a striking setting for a meal. European dishes are served in this lively environment, including a set menu that makes a convenient choice for lunch or pre-theatre dining. You get two or three courses of fresh seasonal dishes such as soup and sirloin steak.
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1 Suffolk Pl, Westminster
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Brumus
020-747 040 07 - Read more on Thatsup
Restaurants near Aldwych Theatre
Get a dinner and show package
The Delaunay won't just give you a tasty pre- or post-theatre meal – they offer you tickets and dinner packages to certain shows as well. Whether you book a package or just a meal, you can sample European dishes in a timeless restaurant. Expect classics like smoked salmon, grilled spatchcock chicken, and caramelised rice pudding.
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55 Aldwych, Covent Garden
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The Delaunay
020-749 985 58 - Read more on Thatsup
Restaurants near Prince Edward Theatre
Contemporary Indian cooking
The Tower Bridge and Soho branches of Gunpowder have pre-theatre menus of punchy Indian cuisine, with the Soho branch being ideally placed for theatre fans. These are contemporary dishes like beetroot croquettes and tandoori paneer. You can choose from two or three courses and also take advantage of this menu at lunchtime. There's a big choice of wines and signature cocktails.
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20 Greek St, Soho
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Gunpowder Soho
020-381 377 96 - Read more on Thatsup
Restaurants near Gillian Lynne Theatre
Regional flavours from Italy
Based by Drury Lane, Margot is ideal for theatre lovers who enjoy Italian flavours. This elegant restaurant serves regional recipes, with a set lunch and pre-theatre menu. Pick two or three courses like swordfish carpaccio, tonnarelli cacio e pepe, and panna cotta. You can order wine by the glass, carafe, or bottle.
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45 Great Queen St, Covent Garden
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Margot
020-340 947 77 - Read more on Thatsup
Restaurants near Wyndham's Theatre
Charming French restaurant
With a recognisable green exterior, Le Garrick is a charming French restaurant known for attentive service and regional French recipes. The food here is unmistakeably French, and pre- and post-theatre dining is available in addition to the main menu. You'll find classic dishes like warm goat's cheese salad and moules frites, plus French wines.
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10-12 Garrick Street, Covent Garden
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Le Garrick
020-724 076 49 - Read more on Thatsup
Renowned seafood specialists
Seafood restaurant J Sheekey may not have a pre-theatre menu but they welcome theatre-goers. Tell staff when your show starts and they’ll ensure you eat in plenty of time. Behind the restaurant’s iconic red exterior there’s a classic dining room with a horseshoe-shaped bar, where dishes like their infamous fish pie are served.
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28-32 St Martin's Ct, Covent Garden
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J Sheekey
020-724 025 65 - Read more on Thatsup
Restaurants near Southwark Playhouse
Colourful food and art
Vibrant Latin American restaurant Paladar serves colourful cuisine and also displays work by Latin American artists. A pre-theatre dinner menu is available, and all of the dishes here are entirely gluten-free. The food is seasonal and fresh, with choices like tostadas and ceviche. There's also a wine list that's exclusively Latin American.
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4-5 London Road, Southwark
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Paladar
020-718 655 55 - Read more on Thatsup
Restaurants near Dominion Theatre
Classic recipes from Italy
Start your evening with a refined Italian meal at Norma. This intimate and style-conscious restaurant offers a number of menus, including a pre-theatre selection. Guests can sample two or three courses of classic Italian dishes like caponata served with crostini, pasta recipes, and gelato to finish. Seasonal cocktails and Italian wines are also served here.
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8 Charlotte St., Fitzrovia
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Norma
020-399 562 24 - Read more on Thatsup
Restaurants near Sondheim Theatre
Vibrant Mediterranean dining
The Soho branch of Hovarda offers a pre-theatre menu packed full of Mediterranean flavours. There's a particular emphasis on seafood here. This restaurant is vibrant and fashionable, centred around a DJ booth and stage for exciting entertainment. Pre-theatre options include cheese saganaki, pastichio, and seabass with herb lemon oil. Cocktails and global wines are also available.
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36-40 Rupert St, Soho/Covent Garden
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Restaurants near National Theatre
One of the hottest openings of 2023
Not just near the National Theatre, but right in the heart of it, Lasdun comes from the team behind the award-winning Marksman pub. The restaurant, inspired by old English grill rooms as well as its riverside location, serves seasonal menus featuring plenty of seafood and meat, as well as Marksman signatures such as the brown butter & honey tart. Two or three-course pre-theatre meals are available.
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National Theatre, South Bank/Southwark
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Natural wines and small plates
Popular rooftop restaurant and wine bar Forza Wine expanded to the National Theatre with its largest location to date in 2023. Just like the venue in Peckham, guests can expect great views, indoor or al fresco dining, and a natural wine list paired with small plates. Larger groups can order the entire menu and private dining facilities with one long table are available.
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National Theatre, South Bank/Southwark
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Restaurants near Garrick Theatre
The ultimate theatre balcony
The Portrait Restaurant, located in the National Portrait Gallery, showcases acclaimed Chef Richard Corrigan's European and Irish influences with a focus on seasonal, local produce. Offering stunning views of Trafalgar Square and the Houses of Parliament, it provides an ideal setting to enjoy a curated menu or pre-theatre dining. Highlights include dishes like crispy goat's cheese, lamb belly with aubergine purée, and desserts such as ginger and quince steamed pudding.
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National Portrait Gallery, Saint Martin's Place
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The Portrait Restaurant
020-387 276 10 - Read more on Thatsup
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