Looking for the perfect pre-theatre dinner in London? Whether you want a quick bite, a luxurious meal, or a casual dining spot, the city offers an amazing variety of options. Our guide to pre theatre dinner London highlights the best places to eat near major West End theatres, so you can enjoy a delicious meal and still make it to curtain up on time!
Where to eat before going to the theatre in London
Planning a London pre theatre dinner can really enhance your evening. Whether you’re seeing a musical, a play, or an opera, choosing a nearby restaurant with a quick and tasty menu ensures you have a stress-free experience. From affordable street food to fine dining, there are plenty of options for every occasion.
Seven Dials Market – A vibrant indoor food market offering a huge range of independent food vendors. You'll find everything from Taiwanese bao buns to fresh pasta stalls, ideal for groups with mixed tastes. Dishes typically cost £8–£12; no formal pre-theatre menu, but the service is fast.
Dishoom Covent Garden – A much-loved Bombay-style café famous for rich curries and grills. They offer a dedicated pre-theatre menu, with two courses for under £25. Expect a casual, stylish setting and hearty mains like biryani and black daal.
The Ivy Market Grill – This elegant British restaurant serves classic dishes like fishcakes, steaks, and shepherd’s pie. Their pre-theatre set menu is excellent value, with two courses for £29 or three courses for £35. The stylish interiors make it a smart choice for a special night out.
Brother Marcus – Known for modern Eastern Mediterranean small plates, Brother Marcus serves dishes like lamb kofta and cauliflower fritters. Mains are priced between £14–£20, and it’s a laid-back spot perfect for casual dining. No specific pre-theatre menu, but service is quick.
Flat Iron – A meat-lover’s haven famous for its outstanding value flat iron steak, priced around £13–£15. Although they don’t offer a formal pre-theatre menu, the service is efficient enough to fit your show schedule. Expect a relaxed, rustic dining experience.
Cinnamon Bazaar – This colourful Indian fusion restaurant offers a playful twist on street food classics. Their pre-theatre menu features two or three courses around £25, with standout dishes like Kashmiri lamb and Old Delhi chicken. Vibrant decor and speedy service make it ideal for pre-show dining.
Bancone, Golden Square – A stylish pasta bar serving handmade Italian classics like beef shin ragu and cacio e pepe. Their "Pasta & Wine" offer is perfect for quick dining, with mains priced £14–£18. They don’t have a formal pre-theatre set menu but service is fast and casual.
Brasserie Zédel – A grand Parisian-style brasserie offering French favourites like steak haché and tarte du jour. Their fixed-price menu is great value at under £20 for two courses. The setting feels luxurious without the high price tag — ideal for a special but affordable pre-show meal.
The Palomar – Modern Jerusalem cuisine takes centre stage at The Palomar, with small sharing plates bursting with Middle Eastern flavour. Dishes range £10–£20, and although there’s no set pre-theatre menu, their fast service suits theatre timings. The lively, intimate atmosphere is a bonus.
Whitcomb’s at The Londoner – Mediterranean-inspired fine dining with a focus on fresh, seasonal produce. They offer a stylish pre-theatre menu for around £32, featuring dishes like grilled sea bass and heritage tomatoes. The chic interiors and attentive service make it a top-tier choice.
Leicester Square Kitchen – Contemporary Mexican and Peruvian sharing plates in a sleek setting. Dishes like tacos, ceviche, and anticuchos cost between £7–£15 each. They offer pre-theatre dining options perfect for those who want lighter, tapas-style meals.
The Admiralty – A classic Fuller’s pub serving traditional British fare such as pies and fish & chips. Mains are around £14–£20, and service is swift for pre-theatre goers. No formal set menu, but hearty portions and a relaxed vibe are guaranteed.
Steak & Co. Charing Cross – A laid-back steakhouse ideal for carnivores, offering great pre-theatre deals. Their two-course menu starts around £20–£25. It’s informal and comfortable, making it a reliable stop before a show.
Olea Social – Mediterranean small plates with vibrant, fresh flavours and beautifully presented dishes. Plates average £8–£15, ideal for light dining. No formal pre-theatre menu, but fast service ensures you’re not late for the show.
Ochre – Located in the National Gallery, Ochre offers seasonal British dishes like lamb rump and wild mushroom ravioli. Mains are £25–£35, and a pre-theatre menu is often available. Expect stylish, airy interiors and creative plating.
Hawksmoor – Celebrated for premium British steaks and seafood, Hawksmoor offers a pre-theatre express menu from £27–£33. Expect signature dishes like rump steak and sticky toffee pudding. A sophisticated, stylish choice for a meat-heavy meal.
Cafe Monico – European brasserie dishes served in a relaxed, warmly lit setting. They serve pasta, burgers, and grilled fish with mains from £18–£24. No pre-theatre menu, but efficient service makes it ideal for show nights.
Cucina – Rustic Italian trattoria offering homemade pasta and wood-fired pizzas. Mains are £14–£20, and the atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly. No pre-theatre menu, but it's quick and hearty.
Bocca di Lupo – Acclaimed Italian small plates restaurant offering dishes from every region of Italy. Prices range £6–£15 per plate, ideal for sharing. Their efficient service suits tight pre-theatre timings.
Joe Allen – Classic American brasserie famed for pre-theatre dining, offering dishes like burgers, ribs, and steaks. Their set menu (two courses around £25) is quick, hearty, and satisfying. A true theatreland institution.
Blacklock – Known for unbeatable value on chops and steaks, with a pre-theatre meal from around £20–£25. They serve British-style meat feasts in a fun, casual setting. Great for meat-lovers with a limited time window.
Brindisa Tapas – Authentic Spanish tapas perfect for sharing. Dishes are small and speedy, priced around £5–£12 each. There's no set menu, but the quick service and relaxed style suit pre-theatre dining perfectly.
The Coral Room – A gorgeous cocktail bar offering small plates like truffle fries and seafood options. Small plates range £10–£18, perfect if you want light bites with a stylish twist before your show.
Arcade Food Hall – Trendy, lively food hall offering a mix of international cuisines from burgers to sushi. Prices for individual dishes range £8–£15. Perfect for groups who want variety and a quick, casual meal before curtain-up.
Forza Wine – Italian-inspired rooftop dining with natural wines and small plates like burrata and polenta fries. Dishes £8–£18; stylish, relaxed, and ideal for pre-theatre evenings.
Las Iguanas – Bright and fun Latin American chain offering dishes like fajitas and burritos. Mains priced £12–£16 and Southbank Centre Members can get 40% off food. The perfect destination for a fast, lively, and budget-friendly option.
Gordon Ramsay Bread Street Kitchen Southbank – British gastropub classics with polished presentation. Pre-theatre menus start from £25 for two courses. Perfect for those wanting a more upscale yet relaxed meal.
The Ivy – An iconic yet accessible choice with a two-course pre-theatre menu at £28.95 and three courses at £34.95. Enjoy classic British dishes like shepherd’s pie and chicken Milanese in a chic setting.
Shak-Fuyu – A Japanese fusion restaurant famous for its miso aubergine and Korean fried wings. Plates start at £9–£18, served quickly — great for stylish pre-theatre dining.
Monmouth Kitchen – A sleek spot offering Italian and Peruvian small plates. Dishes priced £10–£20, with fast, attentive service ideal for theatre-goers.
What to Do Before a Show in London?
Explore Covent Garden’s shops, enjoy a rooftop cocktail, or browse exhibitions in Trafalgar Square. Spending time in the capital doesn’t have to break the bank, check out our best things to do for free in London for the ultimate guilt-free guide.
Where to Go After a Show in London?
After the curtain falls, continue your night in Soho’s late-night cocktail bars, stroll the Southbank, or enjoy a midnight dessert at a West End café. None of those take your fancy? Check out our 15 things to do in London at night.