Heading to out to catch a theatre show in London, and want to find a good place to eat or drink before the action? Well you've come to the right place. From restaurants promising pre-theatre discounts, offers and deals, to the hottest places to eat in London - there are some fantastic West End bars and restaurants, just waiting to be discovered. Take a look at our picks below for the best places for a pre-theatre dinner in London, check out the deals and discounts available, then make a booking online.
Last updated on 20th June 2019
Fancy something light, packed full of flavour and affordable before the theatre? Rosa's Thai Cafe in Seven Dials is a great spot for stuffing yourself with tasty Asian dishes.
Located within walking distance to numerous shows, this Covent Garden restaurant offers a cracking cocktail selection alongside all day brunch and healthy options. Dig in to small plates or share a platter if you're strapped for time.
The Phoenix Victoria has you covered with its expanse of British classics, real ales, deliciously crisp wines and enticing atmosphere. Come by before the theatre and linger a little, and don't forget about their striking private hire Yalumba Room upstairs, custom-made for dinner and drinks before heading on to enjoy the evening's entertainment.
Farringdon's non-stop piano bar isn't just a place to storm the dance floor till the early hours of the morning (though it's definitely good for that), they've also got an amazing pre-theatre offer, where you can enjoy two-courses for £25 or three for £30 all while getting an awesome soundtrack in the background.
If you're on a theatre date night, and are in need of a delicious pre-show meal, FLORAL is sure to impress. A sister site to the Michelin-starred Lima, FLORAL serves authentic Peruvian dishes in the heart of Covent Garden with a gorgeous Pisco bar downstairs serving world-class cocktails.
Going to the theatre is usually a swanky experience so why not treat yourself to a top notch dinner with Steak and Lobster? Located across London, these spots have everything you need for a nice night out, from the swish interiors to the delicious steak and lobster dishes.
Unlimited Asian tapas & sushi with free-flowing wine or beer £42 per person
Inamo is a forward-thinking restaurant group promising interactive table-tops, beautiful Pan-Asian cuisine and oriental themed cocktails. Their Covent Garden restaurant is located within a stone's throw of some of the West End's most iconic theatres. A great place to have dinner before the show, they also have a range of restaurant deals including a 2 course for £10 lunch offer, and 3 courses for £20 dinner offer.
Walkers of Whitewall is sat in the middle of Britain's political hub, only a stone's throw away from Trafalgar Square, and offers the city's busy crowds delicious dishes created using only the finest ingredients that can be found in London. From cumin leg of lamb to bavette steak served with chimichirra, they chefs have let their imagination flow, adding slight twists to a number of traditional gastro dishes. Only a short, idyllic walk away from the city's West End, this is an ideal spot for anyone looking for a pre-theatre dinner in London.
From an aerial display as you tuck in Pan-Asian sharing plates, through to burlesque while you sip on cocktails, Circus is a restaurant that packs a serious punch. Located in Covent Garden, the venue puts the glitz and glamour back into dining with epic entertainment and first-rate food and drink.
If you fancy a lavish drink before your show in the Soho area, Be At One Soho delivers consistently delicious cocktails in their buzzing bar that is sure to get you in the mood to be dressed up for your favourite show. For those closer to the West End or the famous Lion King theatre head to the friendly Be At One Covent Garden. You must be warned that going there during the happy hours means risking missing the show because of the fun you'll be having. To ensure that you start off your night of theatre is hassle-free; book a place here.
Osteria is bringing far more than pizza and pasta to the Barbican. The Italian restaurant focuses on the traditional, home-cooking style food of Italy with an emphasis on seafood and meats. With beautiful views over a courtyard and a sophisticated atmosphere, this is a great spot to indulge before you see a show.
This little Spanish spot is located in the heart of theatre district, situated between Leicester Square and Covent Garden. The perfect place for a pre-theatre dinner in London, come here for tapas snacks, sangria and live authentic music all throughout the week and weekend. Pro-tip: if you're visiting the theatre mid-week, make the most of Salvador and Amanda's generous happy hour.
Dip below the arches of Charing Cross to find a cosy wine bar that really looks after its pre-theatre crowd. You'll be able to sample an excellent value two-course meal between 5 and 7pm, washed down with a couple of glasses of wine from their extensive selection to set you up for a memorable evening in the West End.
Located within a stone's throw of the water's edge, Mulberry Bush is a trusty gastropub favourite from the guys at Young's. Decorated head chef Roger Vincent specialises in seasonal foods and tasty daily changing specials, and there's a cracking choice of beers and an ever-rotating guest ale list if you're just planning on dropping in for a drink before heading to the theatre.
Located in the very heart of Soho, Ember Yard offers great access to the many theatres of the West End, alongside a delicious selection of Spanish and Italian-inspired dishes, cooked to perfection on their charcoal grill and washed down with some of their excellent cocktails.
This forward-thinking Mexican eatery on St Martin's Lane is the perfect restaurant for a pre-theatre meal. Promising a colourful interior and a unique menu, if you book via DMN you'll benefit from 2 courses for £20 or 3 courses for £25 from their specially-created pre-theatre menu. Add £5 and they'll even thrown in a margarita.
If you're wondering where to eat before watching a show in Covent Garden, head to Roka; where you'll find acclaimed Japanese cuisine and tasty cocktails all in eye-catching surroundings.
Located right in the action on Wardour Street in Soho - Wahaca comes well equipped for quick, tasty pre-theatre dinners in London. Serving a range of reasonably priced Mexican plates alongside a hefty selection of cocktails, if you're looking for a cool but non-pretentious place for dinner before your show; this easy outpost is always a good shout.
The Botanist is a sophisticated drinking and dining spot in Sloane Square. Serving up classic British dishes and bespoke cocktails, it is the perfect spot to visit before the theatre. The Cadogan Hall pre-theatre special makes it even better! If you're planning on seeing a show at the Cadogan Hall you can receive a special discounted rate on the pre-theatre menu. Book your table online in advance and enjoy an evening at one of London's best restaurant bars!
