Best Pre-Theatre Dining Around London’s West End

Joe Allen

The restaurant ‘darling’ of theatreland is a true stalwart of London’s classic dining scene. Joe Allen first opened back in 1977 and quickly became the go-to restaurant for stars of the stage and screen, especially for late-night soirees after their latest theatrical triumph. It’s also an excellent choice for pre-theatre dining, and their menu is superb.

You can choose a comforting selection of American-style dishes such as Ham and Cheese Croquettes, Caesar Salad with croutons and anchovies, Chicken Pot Pie with mashed potatoes, Butternut Squash Risotto, Fillet of Sea Bream with spiced chickpea salsa, as well as coconut ice cream and chocolate cake for dessert.

What is the pre-theatre menu offering?

Two courses for £26.50/Three courses for £32.00.

Do you need to book?

This popular restaurant is always busy, so making a reservation is advisable for pre-theatre. However, if you’re not tied to any specific time, you could always grab a drink at Joe’s Bar until a table becomes available. It’s a lovely way to enjoy the atmosphere of this legendary bar. Incidentally, they serve a fabulous Margarita.

Singapulah

Chef Ellen Chew’s latest restaurant in the heart of the West End is one of the must-visit dining experiences on the list. You’ll discover a tempting selection of classic Singaporean dishes in the cool surrounds of the 1970’s-inspired retro dining space.

Our favourite dishes include the classic Malay dish, Nasi Goreng, Kopi Pork with an aromatic sticky coffee sauce, Fried Chilli Crab Baos, Chargrilled Satay, well as their Signature Laksa which is one of the best we’ve tasted.

In addition, if you’re running out of time, order the Coconut Shake as it does double duty as a refreshing drink and a creamy dessert – utterly delicious.

Find out more about Singapulah here.

What is the pre-theatre menu offering?

There’s no set menu but as it’s such a speedy dining option we feel it’s a great choice before taking in a show; plus, it’s right in the heart of theatreland. Also, if you’ve booked tickets to see Les Misérables you can find no closer restaurant – it’s just across the street.

Do you need to book?

Walk-ins are always welcome but as the restaurant is riding high on a wave of popularity, we highly advise making a booking online.

Luci

This charming bakery/dining concept, perfectly located in the heart of Covent Garden, is the kind of place that will appeal to almost everyone. For starters, the deli counter is laden with freshly made pizza slices, healthy pasta salads and a variety of baked goods. There’s also a café and restaurant where you can indulge from a superb A La Carte menu.

We’ve chosen Luci, not only for their incredible pizza (check out our review) but also for their excellent pre-theatre options. We would recommend starting with the Crispy artichoke with salsa verde or the Deep-fried polenta with pecorino cheese and truffle oil. For the mains, the Margherita pizza is one of the best in London, or the hugely indulgent Tagliatelle with slow-cooked Bolognese sauce. For dessert, we would be remiss if we didn’t recommend the pillow-soft Tiramisu.

What is the pre-theatre menu offering?

2 courses for £21/3 courses for £26.

Do you need to book?

Walk-ins are naturally welcome, such is the size of the restaurant, but as it is pre-theatre, we would always recommend making a booking.

The NoMad

Looking for a showstopper restaurant with plenty of Insta- appeal? Look no further than The NoMad, home to one of the most exquisite dining rooms in all of London. You will have likely seen the restaurant all over social media, with its soaring glass ceilings and impeccable design courtesy of New York firm, Roman and Williams. It’s sumptuous and very easy on the eyes.

It would be tempting to book for a long, lingering dinner (and that’s certainly something you should do) however the impeccable pre-theatre menu is not to be missed.

You’ll find a smaller set menu, just two courses, but we can attest to the quality offer. For instance, you can start with Fried Maitakes with rosemary and truffle mayonnaise or a Burrata with Sunflower Pesto and courgette. Then move on to Asparagus with Garlic and Parmesan glaze, with quinoa and lemon or Sea Bass with seared kombu dashi.

Read about afternoon tea at The NoMad here.

What is the pre-theatre menu offering?

2 courses for £45. Sides are extra at an additional £9.

Do you need to book?

Yes. This is a restaurant where booking is essential to avoid disappointment.

P.F. Chang’s

This popular, Pan-Asian restaurant is always a reliable go-to when we’re in central London. I think it started for us when we went to the initial restaurant launch and tried the Dynamite Shrimp for the first time – we’ve been hooked ever since.

And while this restaurant doesn’t have a specific pre-theatre set menu, we are always impressed with how promptly the food is served, therefore bagging a slot on our pre-theatre dining guide.

It’s also a great place to share dishes, and we highly recommend an order of the Dynamite Shrimp (of course) alongside the Crispy Green Beans with spicy aioli. Moving on to a mound of spicy Kung Pao Chicken and Vegetable Singapore Noodles. If there’s any room (and time!) after that the Banana Spring Rolls are a must.

What is the pre-theatre menu offering?

No pre-theatre set menu but the reasonable prices, and speed of service, make this a go-to option.

Do you need to book?

Walk-ins are always welcome but as this restaurant is always on the busy side, we think a booking is essential for pre-theatre.

Balthazar

This bustling brasserie has become a legendary fixture of London’s dining scene since opening in 2013. The sister restaurant to its New York counterpart, offers a wide-ranging menu from breakfast right through to late-night post theatre eats.

We love the fact the set menu is from 11am-7pm (Monday-Friday) meaning it’s not just for the theatre but also offers a great lunchtime option. You can choose from Terrine de Canard, Mozzarella with tomatoes as well as Butternut Squash soup for starters, moving on to the Chicken Fricassee, Steak Tartare and Moules Mariniere with frites. The warm chocolate brownie with caramel sauce is also worth a look.

What is the pre-theatre menu offering?

2 courses for £26.50/3 courses for £29.50

Do you need to book?

It’s always buzzy around early evening so a reservation is highly recommended.

Brasserie Max

If there’s ever a dining room where you want to impress, without seeming like you want to impress, there’s no better venue than the delightful Brasserie Max. This stylish restaurant and bar, replete with Kit Kemp’s signature design is the shining jewel of the Covent Garden Hotel. You’ll find a well-thought through pre-theatre menu which is just as good as the A La Carte offerings.

The menu includes Beef Carpaccio with capers and rocket, Spring pea and watercress soup with feta cheese, as well as the Brasserie Max fishcake, tartare sauce and lemon (a must-try!) and Harissa Chicken with white beans and wild garlic.

For dessert, we would recommend either the Dark chocolate brownie with salted caramel, or the Pavlova with cherry and pistachio.

What is the pre-theatre menu offering?

2 courses for £35/3 courses for £40. This also includes a glass of sparkling wine.

Do you need to book?

We highly recommend a booking – this restaurant is always in demand.