20 Best Restaurants for a Pre-theatre Dinner in London

1. Louie

It’s no surprise that this stylish New Orleans-inspired restaurant made our most instagrammable restaurants in London list. Nestled in a historic 19th-century townhouse in Covent Garden with stunning interiors and a French-inspired menu, Louie offers elegance and fine flavours for a pre-theatre meal to remember. 

Known for its lively evenings, it’s also perfect for post-theatre dining, with the night continuing upstairs at the Alligator Bar, renowned for its live music and vibrant atmosphere.

Pre-theatre offer

Louie has a special set menu of two courses for £28 or three courses for £35. 

Start your meal with the sesame-seared tuna, or opt for the Louisiana-style Caesar salad—a satisfying vegetarian option. For the main course, choose between the Jazzy New Orleans chicken, a roasted chicken and spinach dish, or the summer vegetable risotto, a light and refreshing vegetarian choice. To conclude your meal on a sweet note, choose from the hazelnut profiteroles or the refreshing ice cream mix.

2. Chotto Matte Soho

Chotto Matte is a lively restaurant offering a unique fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine (Nikkei), making it an exciting spot for a pre-theatre meal. Located in the heart of Soho, it’s just a short walk from major theatres like the London Palladium and Palace Theatre, making it a convenient choice for a meal before catching a show. The menu features fresh sushi, sashimi and bold Nikkei dishes like their signature black cod with miso. It's seriously delicious food!

Pre-theatre offer

Chotto Matte offers a fantastic pre-theatre menu, perfect for those looking to enjoy a unique meal before catching a show.

Available Monday to Friday from 17:00 to 18:30, the menu is served in a sharing style, meaning you can try a little bit of everything. Priced at £40 per person, it includes a variety of signature Japanese-Peruvian fusion dishes, like Tiger Prawn Tempura and gluten-free Sea Bass Ceviche.

3. Hakkasan Hanway Place

Hakkasan Hanway Place offers a great pre-theatre experience, delivering Michelin-starred Cantonese cuisine in a “Yum Cha” setting, where the chefs prepare dishes right in front of you. Situated a stone's throw away from London's Theatreland, it offers an elegant pre-show meal for time-conscious theatre-goers.

Pre-theatre offer

Hakkasan Hanway Place is celebrating the theatre debut of The Devil Wears Prada showing at London's Westend with an exclusive pre- and post-theatre, priced at £58 per person or enjoy their a la carte menu. This special menu offers a selection of small eats, mains and desserts, all paired with a hand-crafted cocktail. For an added touch of luxury, you can upgrade your meal with half a bottle of rock angel rosé for an additional £40.

4. Tapas Brindisa, Soho

Tapas Brindisa is one of our top Spanish spots and favourite Soho restaurants, offering classics—like jamón Ibérico, patatas bravas, and pan con tomate—as well as more adventurous options—like pulpo a la Gallega (octopus) and gambas al ajillo (garlic prawns). 

Located on Broadwick Street, Brindisa Tapas is just a short stroll away from Shakespeare’s Globe and many other iconic theatres in London. 

Pre-theatre offer

Tapas Brindisa offers a pre-theatre menu for just £25 per person, available Sunday to Wednesday from 16:00 to 17:30. The menu includes a choice of aperitivo, with options like Estrella Galicia on tap, house wine, cava or a soft drink to kick off your meal. You can then choose from a variety of Valencian-style rice dishes, including arroz de manitas de cerdo (rice with pig’s trotters), arroz de mariscos (seafood rice) or the arroz de verduras (vegetable rice). 

5. Burger and Lobster Leicester Square

Burger & Lobster is a simple yet indulgent spot, specialising in two main offerings (no prizes for guessing which two). 

Enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal just ten minutes by foot from Dominion Theatre. Whether you’re craving a juicy, perfectly cooked burger or the best from London's seafood restaurants, this restaurant delivers both with finesse.

Pre-theatre offer

Although there’s no set pre-theatre menu, Burger & Lobster has some great offers that are perfect for right before the show. Delicious delights include the lobster & prawn cocktail roll—a mouthwatering mix of fresh prawns and lobster, combined with cucumber, tarragon, avocado and iceberg lettuce, all tossed in a creamy Marie Rose sauce. 

Served in a toasted brioche roll and accompanied by crispy fries, it's the perfect quick yet satisfying meal before your main event. And only £18.50—winner winner lobster dinner.

6. Casa do Frango

Casa do Frango is a vibrant Portuguese franchise in London, known for its mouthwatering piri-piri chicken and rustic vibe. Casa do Frango's Piccadilly and Victoria locations are ideal for pre-theatre dining, right in the heart of London’s theatre districts.

The Piccadilly location is near London’s West End, with theatres like the Criterion, Prince of Wales and Lyric Theatre all within walking distance. The Victoria location is close to the Victoria Palace Theatre and Apollo Theatre. Come for convenient pre-show dining with a Portuguese twist.

Pre-theatre offer

Casa do Frango offers two or three courses for pre-theatre dining. You can try two courses for £24, or three courses for £27—with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. The menu highlights the signature piri-piri chicken alongside traditional sides like batatas fritas, rice and charred vegetables.

8. Joe Allen Restaurant and Bar

Located in Covent Garden, Joe Allen is perfectly positioned within a 5-10 minute walk of some of the best West End theatres, including the Adelphi Theatre, Cambridge Theatre, Savoy Theatre, and many more! Whether you’re catching The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre on a family theatre trip or an evening performance at the Royal Opera House, it is the ideal spot to enjoy lunch, brunch, pre-theatre or post-theatre dinner.

Pre-theatre offer

There’s no set pre-theatre menu at Joe Allen’s. But, Joe’s Charcuterie Board to share, Joe’s giant hotdog with homemade kimchi and fries, and a few other winners off of the not-so-secret menu are available both before and after the show, thanks to their delicious main and late bird menus. 

Our rec? Try the famous off the menu burger!

10. Lavo

Lively and sophisticated, Lavo offers an authentic Italian dining experience that you can’t get elsewhere. Their focus is on fresh, seasonal produce for the classics, meaning you can’t go wrong no matter what you order.

Lavo’s drinks are just as good as the food. They offer an assortment of Italian-inspired cocktails and an extensive wine list for the perfect pre-theatre pairing. 

Pre-theatre offer

While Lavo doesn’t offer a specific pre-theatre offer, guests can enjoy their set menu for £29, including dishes like handmade burrata, spaghetti, and create your own cannoli dessert option.

12. Aqua Nueva

Located near Oxford Circus, Aqua Nueva is just a short tube ride from Wyndham’s Theatre, a 15-20 minute walk from the Royal Opera House and just across the street from the London Palladium. 

One of our favourite Spanish restaurants in London, Aqua Nueva offers a sophisticated Spanish tapas menu for a more upscale pre-theatre dining experience. Soak in iconic views from the rooftop terrace, taste small plates and signature dishes and drink from their Spanish wine list.

Pre-theatre offer

Enjoy the flavours that define Spain anytime between 17:00 and 18:00 from Monday to Saturday. With four savoury dishes and one dessert at £32 per person, it’s a great place for either a matinee or evening performance, as you can make it a meal both after and before the show. Keep in mind that pre-theatre menus are available for a maximum of six dining guests per party.

14. Pivot Bar & Grill

Spanning across two floors and overlooking Covent Garden, Pivot Bar & Grill’s long booth seating and all-day-eating options make it the ideal spot to enjoy a classy meal and delicious drink on a theatre day. 

Whether you're in the mood for a refreshing glass of wine, a perfectly poured pint, or a dish that champions the best of British culinary excellence, Pivot has something to satisfy every taste. 

Pre-theatre offer

Pivot offers a theatre menu with two courses for £26.75 and three courses for £30.75. Start with classics like chicken Caesar salad or smoked salmon, and move on to mains like English chicken or fish and chips. For even more English classics, go for the Sunday roast and matinee show combo, starting at £29 for one course.

16. Manzi's

Manzi's is a lively date night restaurant in Soho that beautifully blends seaside charm with a modern twist, making it a great choice for an out-of-the-ordinary theatre date. It’s only a short distance from Lancaster Place, Leicester Square and other highlights from London’s West End.

Pre-theatre offer

While Manzi’s does not have a set pre-theatre menu, this seafood restaurant caters to theatre-goers regularly with the famous Manzi’s fish pie, lobster and shrimp burgers right off of the aptly named “Main act” section in the menu. Manzi’s is a great choice if you’re looking for fresh, quality seafood with a classic feel.

17. LUCi

Step into the grand cafes of Milan – in London. Just a 15-20 minute walk or short bus ride from The National Theatre, LUCi offers the best of Italy before the theatre. It’s a refreshing choice for a matinee as it hosts a breakfast menu full of tasty Italian pastries and creamy coffee. Or, later on, go for some of their signature house cocktails, pasta and main courses for a pre-theatre delight.

Pre-theatre offer

LUCi offers fine Italian food all day al a carte menu at a convenient location to nearby theatres. There’s no set pre-th, but they’re quick to serve wood-fired pizza by the slice, authentic Italian pastas and traditional desserts—like their Tiramisu. It’s a journey through Italian classics.

18. Bar Jackie

Bar Jackie is a street level cafe famous for serving up classic Italian cuisine, bold cocktails and the best wines in London. Small, cosy and inviting, it’s the perfect go-to for anyone who loves pizza, pasta and a good drink to pair.

Besides being a place that specialises in authentic and vibrant flavours, Bar Jackie is also a great choice for a pre-theatre meal, taking you on a culinary journey to the Mediterranean coastline. With their set menu, you’ll leave the place happy, and full while looking forward to your show.

Pre-theatre offer

While Bar Jackie doesn’t offer a specific pre-theatre menu, they have a set menu with rocket and parmesan salad, and a choice of spaghetti puttanesca, casarecce amatriciana or pinsa romana. With a soft drink the menu costs £19, while a glass of wine bumps it up to £24.

20. Farzi London

Farzi London is located in Haymarket, a brief walk from Piccadilly Circus. This West End location is easily accessible from the South Bank, making it a prime location for a pre-theatre bite to eat before heading to the National Theatre, Lyttelton Theatre or The Dorfman. 

This culinary treasure brings India's top restaurant concepts to life, blending traditional flavours with a contemporary twist—so that you can enjoy the warmth of Farzi before the curtains go up. 

Pre-theatre offer

You can enjoy Farzi’s theatre menu from 12:00 to 18:30 and after 21:30 at £25.95 per person. Choose from creative starters like the chicken lollipop or vegetarian dumplings, various mains that all come with dal makhani, butter naan and steamed rice, and add a dessert for £5.95. Vegan options are also available on the pre-theatre offering, simply ask your server.