Home to some of the best plays, performances and musicals, London’s West End also hosts a great variety of eateries. A good pre-theatre meal can make your special night even more magical. If it is close to your venue, you can avoid the last-minute rush and enjoy your meal at your pace. But choosing a restaurant can be overwhelming, especially in the face of so many choices. Fret not! In this handy guide, you’ll find a list of the best restaurants within 5 minutes (or less) of walking distance from your choice of theatre.
1Joe Allen
For the theatregoers looking for some well-cooked steak and ribs Joe Allen Restaurant Covent Garden, a legendary, New York-style brasserie is perfect. It serves American classics, as well as British favourites like fish and chips and shepherd's pie. Along with its set menu, it also has a delightful kid’s menu, making it a great choice for a pre-theatre family dinner.
- Price: 2-course meal - £25; 3-course meal - £30
- Specialties: Burgers, Shepherd's pie
2SUSHISAMBA
Want to spice up your pre-theatre dinner? SUSHISAMBA is your destination! This is a rooftop restaurant that blends Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian Cuisine. It also has vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. Choose from dishes like Chilean Seabass Antichucos, Lantain Moqueca, Mochi and more.
- Timings: Monday to Friday: 12 - 6PM, 10 PM onwards
- Price: 3-course meal - £36
- Specialties: Chilean Seabass Antichucos, Lantain Moqueca
- Theatres nearby: Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Royal Opera House and Vaudeville Theatre
3Indigo at One Aldwych
If you’re looking for a healthy and delicious pre-theatre meal, Indigo would be our pick. Indigo at One Aldwych is an award-winning restaurant situated at the heart of Aldwych that serves seasonal British delicacies as well as gluten-free and dairy-free dishes. It also offers a great selection of vegan options.
- Timings: Monday to Saturday: 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM
- Specialties: Suffolk pork rilette, Confit potato
- Price: 2-course meal - £35; 3-course meal - £42
4Opera Tavern
Opera Tavern is an atmospheric tapas bar and restaurant, offering a range of Spanish and Italian-inspired dishes such as the Jamon croquetas or Slow cooked Iberian pork belly. The tavern also boasts an exquisite range of wines and seasonal drinks. It has a range of exciting menus, including a special one for customers with allergies.
- Timings: Monday to Friday: 12 - 4 PM
- Price: £19.95
- Delicacies: Jamon croquetas, Slow cooked Iberian pork belly
- Theatres nearby: Novello Theatre, Royal Opera House and Lyceum Theatre
5FishWorks
This one is for seafood aficionados! FishWorks sustainably source their seafood daily from local fisheries and fisherfolk. You can also buy their daily catch and have it cooked to your liking by their trained fishmongerers. Choose from dishes like Devilled whitebait, Spicy blackened Cornish mackerel fillets and Seared yellowfin tuna.
- Timings: Sunday to Thursday: 12 - 4 PM
- Price: 2-course meal - £27
- Delicacies: Devilled whitebait, Spicy blackened Cornish mackerel fillets
6Fallow
If you are looking to indulge in British classics, you should check out Fallow. It adds a flavourful twist to modern British cuisine, hosting a wide variety of options for theatregoers. You can choose their set-lunch menu, or opt for their a la carte menu, which also facilitates a pre-theatre meal.
- Timings: Monday to Friday: 12 - 3:30 PM
- Price: £38
- Delicacies: Mushroom parfait, Smoked leek
7Steak and Company
Steak and Company is a steakhouse that will leave you speechless with its high-quality cuts imported from South America. Their theatre set menu offers a choice of two or three courses, serving dishes such as Fish and Chips, Pappardelle Della Nonna and Steak and Fries. They even offer a Halal menu.
- Timings: Monday to Friday: 4 - 6 PM, 10 PM onwards
- Price: 2-course meal - £25.50; 3-course meal - £29.50
- Delicacies: Pappardelle Della Nonna, Steak and Fries
8Tasting Italy
Transport yourself to Sicily at Tasting Italy. This cosy restaurant, run by a passionate Sicilian family, offers traditional Italian cuisine cooked using ancient methods. Treat yourself to some Spaghetti Carbonara, Aubergine parmigiana or an authentic Pizza.
- Timings: Everyday: 12 PM to 11 PM; Thursday and Saturday: 11:30 PM to 11 PM
- Delicacies: Spaghetti carbonara, Aubergine parmigiana
9Hawksmoor
A Covent Garden favourite, Hawksmoor is a steakhouse that collaborates with local small farms across the country. You can choose between their scrumptious express menu with dishes like Royal sea bream, or their numerous lunch specials such as Brixham calamari or the Winslade Wellington, available from Monday to Saturday during lunch opening hours.
- Timings: Monday to Saturday: 12 - 3 PM, 5 - 6:30 PM, 9 PM (Express Menu
- Price: 2-course meal - £27; 3-course meal - £31 (Express Menu)
- Delicacies: Potted beef & bacon with Yorkshires, Royal sea bream
10Le Garrick
Le Garrick is another French favourite that specialises in traditional and authentic French cuisine. Enjoy a delectable pre-theatre menu in the rustic ambience of the bistro, featuring dishes like Onglet steak frites, Paté de campagne and Salade de chevre chaud. Top this perfect meal with either a Tarte au citron or Pot au chocolat.
- Timings: Daily: 12 - 6:30 PM, 10 PM onwards
- Price: 2-course meal - £17.75; 3-course meal - £23.50
- Delicacies: Onglet steak frites, Paté de campagne