Theatre
6 of the best pre-theatre dinners in London’s West End
Don't be caught out with a grumbling stomach. Here's our pick for the best pre-theatre dinner spots in London's West End.
There’s a peculiar art to pre-theatre dining, falling at a time that’s not quite dinner but far too late for tea. What’s more, the food needs to be fast, fabulous and most importantly delicious. Some restaurants cater specifically for the swift theatre turnaround. Others lend themselves naturally to a quick bite before the evening performance. So we’ve compiled a list of pre-theatre dinner places to suit any taste. With your stomach satisfied, you’ll be ready to settle into your seat and enjoy the show.
1. Vasinko
Best for: Pizza
Nearby: Adelphi Theatre, Lyceum Theatre, Theatre Royal Drury Lane, The Duke Of Yorks Theatre, Arts Theatre
For a quick and simple pre-theatre dinner, you can’t really go wrong with pizza. And luckily in Vasinko, the West End has one of the best spots in London for indulging in tomatoey cheesy goodness.
In Neapolitan dialect ‘Vasincola’ means ‘The Basil’. It’s that connotation of a fresh, summery, herby aroma that permeates the rich tomato sauce and makes you believe, if only for a moment, that you’re sunning yourself in Napoli. Also do not sleep on the Tiramistacchio. A nutty take on the classic tiramisu that is guaranteed to linger long in the memory.
2. Scully
Best for: Something new
Nearby theatres: The Criterion Theatre, Apollo Theatre, Adelphi Theatre, Arts Theatre, Lyceum Theatre
Former head chef of Yotam Ottolenghi’s Nopi, Ramael Scully brings his multicultural heritage straight to the heart of London. Featuring a range of international influences, the diverse flavours on offer tantalise the palate while the chefs utilise the abundance of spices, pickles and preserves stored around the eatery to create a fresh and unique cuisine that’s well worth the visit.
The tasting menu is highly recommended. And there’s also a fixed price 2 or 3 course menu available Tuesday to Saturday.
3. Sticks ‘n’ Sushi
Best for: Sushi
Nearby theatres: London Palladium, Palace Theatre, Dominion Theatre, Phoenix Theatre, Palace Theatre, Cambridge Theatre, Star Martin’s Theatre, Apollo Theatre, The Ambassadors Theatre
What do you get when you combine Danish and Japanese Cuisine? Enter Sticks’n’Sushi. Taking inspiration from their half-Japanese, half-Danish background, brothers Jens and Kim Rahbek, alongside Thor Andersen have created a dynamic and innovative force featuring lovingly crafted sushi and fresh yakitori sticks straight from the grill. Sticks’n’Sushi is located just a stone’s throw away from the Adelphi Theatre, right in the heart of Covent Garden. This Danish export is the perfect pre-theatre dinner before you head into your performance. It’s also worth noting while the service is swift and efficient, it can get busy. So if possible, book in advance.
4. Bocca di Lupo
Best for: pre-theatre menu
Nearby theatres: Apollo Theatre, Sondheim Theatre, Lyric Theatre, The Criterion Theatre, The Harold Pinter Theatre, Palace Theatre, Prince Edward Theatre
This award-winning trattoria offers up traditional Italian dishes from regions all over the famous boot shaped country. It’s pre-theatre dinner menu offers excellent value for money with a starter & main setting you back £18. And you can add a dessert & espresso for just £7 extra. While the menu changes daily, the fare is always spectacular and has included the likes of radicchio salad with balsamic and hazelnuts and squid ink spaghetti ragú. If you have time, make sure to walk across the road and grab a gelato from it’s equally celebrated gelateria Gelupo.
5. Fatt Pundit
Best for: Asian fusion
Nearby theatres: Palace Theatre, Sondheim Theatre, Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Theatre, Piccadilly Theatre Soho Theatre, Prince Edward Theatre,
For those whose tastes range further afield, Fatt Pundit is the perfect stop off point before your night at the playhouse. They combine traditional Chinese cooking techniques with the spices and flavour palates of India. Their pre-theatre dinner menu is the perfect opportunity to sample their wares: Starting with Momos (steamed dumplings straight out of the heart of Kolkata), and ending on their bestselling Sizzling Brownie dessert, with a wonderful range of both vegetarian and meat dishes to sample in between.
6. Flat Iron
Best for: Steak, steak, and more steak…
Nearby theatres: Adelphi Theatre, Garrick Theatre, Lyceum Theatre, Savoy Theatre, Vaudeville Theatre
Beginning life as a pop-up, this meat lover’s paradise has taken over London. Their West End establishment is well placed to cater to all your pre theatre needs. The main attraction here is the titular dish the flat iron steak; melt in the mouth tender and seasoned perfectly, the chain has a well-earned reputation among the capitals carnivores. Another key feature; rapid-quick service means you’ll be out in time for the evening performance but make sure to leave time for the complimentary Tahitian vanilla ice cream.