The best pre-theatre dinner menus in London: From Covent Garden to Soho

Looking for a restaurant to visit for pre theatre dinner in London? Or a quick and delicious post theatre supper? Not sure which restaurants are the best for pre-theatre and post-theatre dining or which are within close proximity to your chosen show? Well, we've done the hard work for you.

London is a veritable paradise for fans of the theatre, with the West End packed full of fantastic shows. Luckily for discerning diners, the capital is also chock-full of great restaurants offering pre- and post-theatre menus for those with a curtain to catch or a serious case of the post-show munchies.

As well as being handy for a succinct meal in London’s theatre districts, pre-theatre menus are an excellent way to sample some of the best restaurants in London for a snip of the price. High-end restaurants can charge big bucks for dining a la carte at prime service times, but many of these same restaurants offer a pre-theatre menu that’s great value in exchange for getting their tables back before the main dinner service begins. Take Wild Honey St James’s for example - undoubtedly one of the best restaurants in London, with prices to match, but you can eat for a fraction of the price of the a la carte on the pre-theatre menu, and many of the dishes are the same. Similarly, if you’re willing to wait until late, you can take advantage of an off-peak table in a top London restaurant for less, thanks to its post-theatre menu.

Below you’ll find our round-up of the very best London restaurants for pre- and post-theatre dining. Each entry has been tried and tested by us and our own users, so check out the reviews and book a table online with SquareMeal today.

How we choose the best post- and pre-theatre restaurants in London

Our list of the best post- and pre-theatre restaurants in the capital takes a few key things into account, the most important being value for money. A good pre-theatre menu usually offers two or three courses for a set price, which is why quality food for a fair price was essential when narrowing down which spots should feature. We also took into account proximity to theatres – no one wants to enjoy a lovely meal then have to trek across town for a show. Finally, while most of these entries can be found in Covent Garden and Soho – in the beating heart of London’s West End – we've made sure to include a few options around Victoria, St James’s, Piccadilly Circus and South Bank, if you’ve booked a show at the National Theatre or Apollo Victoria Theatre, for example.

L'oscar Restaurant, Holborn

Nearest theatre: Royal Opera House

What: Just a stone's throw from the West End, L'oscar Restaurant (part of L'oscar Hotel) is a fabulous setting for a pre-theatre dinner. Decorated with gilded panels, striking mirrors and original artwork, this dining room is guaranteed to get you in the mood for a sophisticated evening of showbusiness. The restaurant curates pre-theatre menus to complement current productions, and right now it's all about Kinky Boots. Start with melon gazpacho paired with pistachio and black olive, before moving through teriyaki-glazed cabbage, and finally rounding off the meal with The Kinky Boots Velvet Showstopper - red velvet sponge with cream cheese and raspberry crumb. 
When: Monday-Sunday, 5pm-7pm
How much: Two courses with tea or coffee for £29
Where: 2-6 Southampton Row, WC1B 4AA
Book now: L'oscar Restaurant

Mele e Pere, Soho

Nearest theatre: Piccadilly Theatre

What: This independent, family-run Soho trattoria is a short stroll from the London Palladium, Piccadilly Theatre and Soho Theatre, making it an ideal pre-show stop. The three brothers behind it have been feeding Brewer Street since 2012, and the kitchen turns out homemade pasta daily - think tagliatelle alla bolognese and spaghetti carbonara - alongside wood-fired pizza proved for over 48 hours, and a famous tiramisu to round things off. The candlelit basement dining room and a vermouth bar stocked with London’s largest selection of vermouths makes for a fun pre- or post-theatre pitstop.
When: Sunday–Friday, 12pm–6pm
How much: Two courses for £18.50, three courses for £22.50
Where: 46 Brewer Street, W1F 9TF
Book now: Mele e Pere

Brother Marcus, Covent Garden

Nearest theatre: Royal Opera House

What: Perched right in The Yards between Mercer Street and Upper St Martin Lane, Brother Marcus brings the bold flavours of the Eastern Mediterranean to the heart of theatreland. The pre-theatre deal is a sharing affair: you get the Rip & Dip platter - pita and a selection of dips - plus two mezze dishes. Expect the likes of halloumi, roasted beetroot houmous, pan-seared bream and spiced kofta, all served in the brand’s signature warm, earthy interiors with two terraces and cocktails leaning on Greek and Eastern Med liquors.
When: Monday–Friday, 3pm–6pm
How much: £25 per person
Where: 23 Slingsby Place, WC2E 9AB
Book now: Brother Marcus Covent Garden

Kolamba, Soho

Nearest theatre: London Palladium

What: Tucked away on Kingly Street, Kolamba is the labour of love of Colombo-born couple Eroshan and Aushi Meewella, who’ve brought authentic Sri Lankan home cooking to the heart of Soho. The pre-theatre set menu is built around a generous rice curry bowl: a bed of rice topped with dhal, okra, pol sambol and mango chutney, with your choice of Ceylon chicken curry, jaggery beef, Jaffna mutton poriyal, or jackfruit and beetroot for the table’s vegans. Start with Nalini’s fish cutlets or banana blossom patties, and don’t skip the watalappam, a traditional spiced coconut custard with cashew nuts, to finish.
When: Monday–Friday, 12pm–6pm
How much: Two courses for £20, three courses for £25
Where: 21 Kingly Street, W1B 5QA
Book now: Kolamba Soho

Jamie Oliver Catherine St, Covent Garden

Nearest theatre: Theatre Royal Drury Lane

What: This big, beautiful restaurant sits just off Drury Lane, right next to the Theatre Royal, where it serves up some proper quality British cooking. Choose from starters like pork rillette, cod’s roe, and soup of the day; opt for super green pasta, steak Diane, or sea bream for the main; and if you’ve got some space left, we’d highly recommend tagging on a creme brulee. Kitted out with super comfortable banquettes, it’s a top choice if you’ve got stomachs to fill.
When: Monday-Saturday, 12pm-6pm
How much: One course for £19.50, two for £26, three for £29
Where: 6 Catherine Street, WC2B 5JY
Book now: Jamie Oliver Catherine St

Crust Bros, Covent Garden

Nearest theatre:  Lyceum Theatre

What: Kick off with a tasty aperitivo before tucking into one of Crust Bros' heavenly wood-fired pizzas - all for just £20! Starters span pasta crisps with a whipped feta dip, and Crust Bros fries, although it's the pizzas you're really here for, right? These guys are known for their creative toppings. Look out for Nonna's Yard topped with tomato, mozzarella, caramelised onions, goat's cheese, mushrooms and a pesto drizzle, or the Big Poppa pairs pepperoni with parmesan.
When: Monday-Friday, 3pm-6pm
How much: £20 per person
Where: 29 Bedford Street, WC2E 8JF
Book now: Crust Bros Covent Garden

Le Garrick, Covent Garden

Nearest theatre:  Duchess Theatre

What: With over 40 years under its belt, Le Garrick certainly knows how to feed a crowd. A classic French restaurant set just a short distance from Leicester Square Station, it’s perfectly positioned for theatre goers. To start, choose from soupe du jour or pate de campagne, followed by mains like onglet steak frites, Toulouse sausage and mash, or classic moules frites. Then, to finish, simply choose from a classic tarte au citron or the indulgent pot au chocolat. This one’s a great option for date nights, too - thanks to candlelit tables and an intimate atmosphere.
When: Monday-Saturday, 12pm-6:30pm, and 10pm onwards
How much: Two courses for £22, three courses for £26
Where: 10-12 Garrick Street, WC2E 9BH
Book now: Le Garrick

Gaucho, Covent Garden

Nearest theatre: Le Garrick Theatre

What: You won’t get much closer to the action than at Gaucho’s Covent Garden restaurant, which finds its home in an extension of the Royal Opera House. This popular steakhouse chain is in prime position for a spot of dinner before a show, and luckily, it offers a great-value theatre menu, starting at just £17.95 for two courses. Think three-cheese empanadas followed by steak and chips with chimichurri. You can even enjoy dessert and still get change from a £20 note. Besides, those dulce de leche pancakes are too good to miss.
When: Monday-Saturday, 5pm-6.30pm
How much: Two courses for £17.95, three courses for £19.95
Where: 8-9 James Street, WC2E 8BT
Book now: Gaucho Covent Garden

Restaurant 45, Covent Garden

Nearest theatre: St Martin's Theatre

What: Tucked inside the oh-so chic St Martins Lane Hotel, Restaurant 45 might not be on your radar – but it should be. This elegant all-day restaurant serves seasonal French dishes with a modern twist, plenty of which you’ll find on its pre-theatre set menu. Start with chicken liver pate with onion chutney and brioche, followed by pan seared cod with pomme puree, haricot verte and beurre blanc, before rounding off your meal with a slice of pear tart and stem ginger ice cream. It's slightly more expensive than others in this list, but includes a carafe of wine in the deal!
When: Sunday-Friday, 12pm-7pm
How much: Two courses for £49, three courses for £59
Where: 45 St Martin's Lane, WC2N 4HX
Book now: Restaurant 45

Rucola at The Conduit, Covent Garden

Nearest theatre: Noël Coward Theatre

What: Although it might be perched on the top floor of a member’s club, Rucola is a rooftop restaurant and terrace that’s very much open to the public, serving Northen Italian cuisine with a sustainable focus. The menu is simple and seasonal, starting with the likes of tomato gazpacho, followed by sea beam with caper butter, and finishing with a zesty lemon tart. You can't go wrong, especially when your dinner comes with a view of London's skyline. 
When: Monday-Friday, 5:30pm-10pm
How much: Two courses for £28, three courses for £33
Where: 6 Langley Street, WC2H 9JA
Book now: Rucola at The Conduit

Osteria by Bocconcino, Covent Garden

Nearest theatre: Vaudeville Theatre

What: Osteria by Bocconcino is an Italian restaurant in the heart of London specialising in handmade pasta dishes, smoky grills and fresh seafood, so if that sounds like your bag, you’ll be thrilled to hear its set menu features all the above. Indulge in the likes of beef carpaccio or salmon tartare to start, before chowing down a plate of creamy paccheri with stracciatella or fried chicken Milanese. Dolci brings chocolate Basque cheesecake with crunchy honeycomb shards... We think we’ve said enough. Book a table now!
When: Two courses for £24.50, three courses for £27.50
How much: Monday-Friday, 12pm-6:30pm
Where: 366 Strand, WC2R 0JF
Book now: Osteria by Bocconcino

STK London, Covent Garden

Nearest theatre: Vaudeville Theatre

What: This glamorous steakhouse serves a pre-theatre menu seven days a week, including two courses and a drink for less than £30, plus the option to add a dessert for an extra fiver. Starters span truffle arancini or fried chicken sliders, while mains are generally meaty, with the likes of wagyu feather blade, or a mighty cheeseburger on the menu. STK is known for its glitzy interiors and party energy, so is sure to set the tone for a special evening.
When: Monday-Friday, 3pm-7pm; Saturdays, 5pm-6pm; Sundays, 4pm-7pm
How much: Two courses for £29 with a glass of wine or beer
Where: ME London Hotel, 336-337 Strand, WC2R 1HA
Book now: STK London

TOZI, Victoria

Nearest theatre: Apollo Victoria Theatre

What: Much-loved Italian restaurant TOZI is inspired by the casual osterias of Venice, with cicchetti dishes made for sharing and warm, low-key interiors. Its two-course theatre offering kicks off with a bread selection (naturally) followed by choices such as pistachio mortadella to start, and aubergine parmigiana for main course. Dessert is an extra £6.  
When: Early evening (check with restaurant for specific times)
How much: Two courses for £23.95
Where: 8 Gillingham Street, SW1V 1HJ
Book now: TOZI Victoria

Mildreds, Victoria

Nearest theatre: Apollo Victoria Theatre

What: Get your plant-based fix at Mildreds with its global pre-theatre menu of big-flavour small plates, mains and desserts. Available on weekdays, and just around the corner from the Apollo Victoria Theatre, choose from the likes of kimchi gyoza with carrot daikon and a gochugaru sesame dip, salsa verde burritos smothered in tomatillo sauce, and a white chocolate mousse tiramisu.
When: Monday-Friday, 3pm-7pm
How much: Two courses for £24, three courses for £32
Where: 128 Wilton Road, SW1V 1JZ
Book now: Mildreds Victoria

The Ninth, Fitzrovia

Nearest theatre: Sondheim Theatre

What: Already one of the best-value Michelin-starred restaurants in London, The Ninth is now offering an early dinner menu that includes two courses for £38, or £43 for three. Available until 6:15pm Monday to Saturday, dishes include sea bream carpaccio with pickled kumquat, confit duck leg with grape mustard, and pain perdu with tonka bean ice cream for dessert.
When: Monday-Saturday, 5:30pm-6:15pm
How much: Two courses for £39, three courses for £45
Where: 22 Charlotte Street, W1T 2NB
Book now: The Ninth

Nessa, Soho

Nearest theatre: Prince of Wales Theatre

What: Nessa made quite the splash when it first stepped onto the stage in Theatreland, and it’s not hard to see why. Every weekday this modern bistro puts on their own show in the form of a two or three-course express menu. Starters offer dishes of beetroot and sheep cheese or pumpkin and spelt risotto, while mains include artichoke ravioli with onion puree and flat iron chicken with garlic mushrooms and a sage and onion topping. Just save room for the sticky toffee pudding!
When: Monday-Friday, 5pm-6pm
How much: Two courses for £24.50, three courses for £29.50
Where: 86 Brewer Street, W1F 9UB
Book now: Nessa

Kitty Hawk, Charing Cross

Nearest theatre: Vaudeville Theatre

What: Taking up prime residence in the heart of London’s West End, Kitty Hawk is a rooftop bar and restaurant, that is perfectly placed for next time you need to grab a quick dinner before your theatre performance. You can delve into two or three courses from a fixed menu, beginning with the likes of lamb croquettes with celeriac puree, followed by pork schnitzel with a dill and cucumber salad. Sprawling views of Trafalgar Square, plus a couple of carefully crafted cocktails, are bound to leave you theatre-ready.
When: Monday-Friday, 4.30pm-7pm; Saturdays, 5pm-7pm
How much: Two courses for £19.50, three courses for £24.50
Where: 8 St. Martin’s Place, WC2N 4JH
Book now: Kitty Hawk

SOLA, Soho

Nearest theatre: Soho Theatre

What: For an evening of elevated dining to match your theatre visit, SOLA offers a quality experience befitting of its Michelin star. This Californian restaurant in the heart of Soho boasts creative and elegant cuisine from chef patron Victor Garvey. A recent addition to the restaurant’s schedule, you can now find a pre-show menu, available from 5-6pm Tuesday to Saturday. Guests can enjoy a selection of snacks including devilled egg and vodka cured salmon 'roulade', followed by dishes such as black cod with leek and sake, or Sola's signature chocolate cake. 
When: Tuesday-Saturday, 5pm-6pm
How much: Three courses with snacks for £84
Where: 64 Dean Street, W1D 4QQ
Book now: SOLA 

Rail House Cafe, Victoria

Nearest theatre: Victoria Palace Theatre

What: Part of the Riding House restaurant group, this Victoria outpost offers an excellent-value monthly set menu, available all evening, all week. Start with a hot artichoke and parmesan dip with grilled sourdough, followed by steak with XO butter. Finish up with hot sticky toffee brioche doughnuts, then stroll on over to your theatre booking with a smile on your face. 
When: Monday to Saturday for dinner
How much: Two courses for £22, three courses for £25
Where: 8 Sir Simon Milton Square, SW1E 5DJ
Book now: Rail House Cafe

The Delaunay, Covent Garden

Nearest theatre: Aldwych Theatre

What: This glam European restaurant’s 'Ful Haus' menu is a smart choice for diners looking for a quick pre- or post-theatre dinner. The set menu includes three courses with a drink (wine, beer or soft) for less than £30, choosing from the likes of monkfish tartare, a classic souffle Swiss with a crisp gem salad, and a slice of sachertorte to finish. You’ll need to book ahead though, as the pre-theatre slot is phenomenally popular.
When: Monday-Friday, 4:30pm-6:30pm, and 9pm until close
How much: Three courses for £29.50 with a glass of wine
Where: 55 Aldwych, WC2B 4BB
Book now: The Delaunay

Delamina Townhouse, Covent Garden

Nearest theatre: Novello Theatre

What: This warm and lively restaurant sits right in the heart of Covent Garden, primely placed in the capital’s theatre district for those looking for a pre-show dinner with a Middle Eastern twist. The menu starts with breads and dips to share, followed by the likes of crispy oyster mushrooms with truffled artichoke puree, and ras-el-hanout chicken with roasted sweet potatoes. Savoury fans, this is a menu you're bound to love.
When: Monday-Saturday, 5pm-6:30pm
How much: Three courses for £27.50 
Where: 13-15 Tavistock Street, WC2E 7PS
Book now: Delamina Townhouse

Sucre, Soho

Nearest theatre: Prince Edward Theatre

What: Centrally located in the heart of Soho, this former concert hall is bound to set the tone for your evening at the theatre. The set menu at Sucre is available from lunch to early evening, and includes two or three courses for a stellar price. Enjoy a taste of Sucre's open-fire cooking with Argentine chorizo, steak and salsa, and a coriander seed custard tart for dessert. 
When: Monday-Friday, 12pm-6pm
How much: Two courses for £19.50, three courses for £24
Where: 47 Great Marlborough Street, W1F 7JP
Book now: Sucre

Hawksmoor Air Street, Piccadilly Circus

Nearest theatre: Lyric Theatre

What: With 10 theatres all just a couple of streets away, this branch of ever-popular Hawksmoor is well-placed for pre- and post-theatre dining. A brilliant example of essential London dining for less, the set menu is an incredibly affordable way to eat at this iconic restaurant and includes a selection of iconic signatures. Think potted beef and bacon to start, 35-day dry-aged rump steak for main course, and peanut butter shortbread to finish.
When: Monday-Saturday, 12pm-5:45pm
How much: Two courses for £25, three courses for £30
Where: 5a Air Street, W1J 0AD
Book now: Hawksmoor Air Street

Lasdun, South Bank

Nearest theatre: National Theatre

What: We’d go so far as to say that Lasdun is the best theatre restaurant in London, making it an obvious choice for this list. If you’re going to see anything at The National Theatre (or anywhere in the vicinity of the South Bank) do yourself a favour and pop into Lasdun for the excellent pre- or post-theatre menu, which features all sorts of brilliant seasonal British cooking. The restaurant itself is beautiful too, just an all-rounder great place to be.
When: Monday-Saturday, 4:30pm-6:30pm
How much: Two courses for £32, three courses for £38
Where: National Theatre, Upper Ground, SE1 9PX
Book now: Lasdun

Bocca di Lupo, Soho

Nearest theatre: Prince Edward Theatre

What: One of Soho’s most beloved Italian institutions, Bocca di Lupo has been drawing crowds to Archer Street since 2008 with its encyclopedic tour of Italy’s twenty regional cuisines. Chef-patron Jacob Kenedy changes the pre-theatre menu monthly to keep pace with the seasons, so you might find radicchio with hazelnuts and balsamic alongside tagliatelle with lentils, with an affogato of hazelnut gelato and espresso to finish. Whether you bag a spot at the marble chef’s counter or settle into the main dining room, it’s an excellent choice before a West End show.
When: Monday–Friday, 12pm–6:30pm
How much: Two courses for £18, add a dessert for £8
Where: 12 Archer Street, W1D 7BB
Book now: Bocca di Lupo

DakaDaka, Mayfair

Nearest theatre: Piccadilly Theatre

What: A fresh face on the streets of Soho, DakaDaka is a modern Georgian restaurant that shines a light on Georgian culinary traditions and the country's 8,000-year winemaking history. Explore the restaurant's open-fire cooking and traditional recipes at a fraction of the price, by popping down for a pre-theatre lunch. The menu is singing with handfolded dumplings, beef rib stew, and red wine ice cream, with the option to add a carafe of wine for an extra £18. 
When: Tuesday-Friday, 12pm-6pm
How much: Two courses for £29, three courses for £35
Where: 10 Heddon Street, W1B 4BX
Book now: DakaDaka

Wild Honey, St James's

Nearest theatre: Theatre Royal Haymarket

What: Anthony Demetre’s Michelin-starred Wild Honey is within striking distance of over 10 London theatres, including Theatre Royal Haymarket, Wyndham’s and The Harold Pinter. Many of the dishes on the pre-theatre supper menu are taken directly from the a la carte, making this an incredibly affordable way to eat at one of London’s very best restaurants. 
When: Tuesday-Saturday, 5pm-6:15pm
How much: Three courses for £45, or £60 with a glass of Champagne
Where: 8 Pall Mall, SW1Y 5NG
Book now: Wild Honey

Cafe Murano, Covent Garden

Nearest theatre: Novello Theatre

What: Served every day, the Menu Del Giorno at this casual sibling of Angela Hartnett's Michelin-starred Murano is very generous indeed. Diners can tuck into two fiercely seasonal antipasti and secondi courses before hopping off to a show, and there’s dolce as well if you’re feeling something sweet. Expect buffalo mozzarella with roasted pepperonata, mafaldine with wild garlic pesto, and blood orange and rosemary posset to finish.
When: Monday-Friday, 5pm-7pm
How much: Two courses for £30, three courses for £35
Where: 36 Tavistock Street, WC2E 7PB
Book now: Cafe Murano Covent Garden

Brasserie Zédel, Piccadilly Circus

Nearest theatre: Criterion Theatre

What: Theatre-goers after a good French meal in the West End at an incredible price will find Zédel hard to beat. The prix fixe is just £19.95 for three courses and the restaurant is literally surrounded by theatres. If that doesn’t take your fancy, there are plenty of other very affordable options on the menu.
When: All day every day
How much: Two courses for £16.95, three courses for £19.95
Where: 20 Sherwood Street, W1F 7ED
Book now: Brasserie Zédel

Instead of a restaurant before your evening entertainment, how about a night where the restaurant is the entertainment? Check out these fun places to eat in London, including live music, performances, karaoke and even a bit of mini golf!