Guide to pre-theatre meals in London

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Try relaxed European dining in a discreetly stylish restaurant at Social Eating House. Expect low lighting, weathered walls, and a choice of à la carte and prix-fixe menus. Great for a pre-theatre meal, the prix-fixe menu includes two or three courses with options like BBQ celeriac and an Eccles cake served with stilton.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.