Best Pre Theatre Menus London Where to Dine Before the Show

London’s theatre scene is among the best in the world, offering everything from classic Shakespearean plays to modern West End musicals. With so many shows to attend, finding the right place to enjoy a delicious meal before heading to the theatre is essential. Many top restaurants across the city offer best pre theatre menus London, making it easy for theatre-goers to indulge in a satisfying meal before showtime. Whether you crave British classics, Italian cuisine, or contemporary Asian flavors, London has a pre-theatre menu for everyone.

What Makes a Good Pre-Theatre Menu?

A great best pre theatre menus London option should offer delicious dishes at a reasonable price while ensuring quick service. These menus are designed for those on a tight schedule, providing meals that can be enjoyed within an hour. Many restaurants offer a two-course or three-course menu, allowing diners to choose from a selection of starters, mains, and desserts. Some include a complimentary cocktail or wine, making the experience even more enjoyable.

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Detailed Pre-Theatre Menu Options in London

Restaurant	Cuisine	Pre-Theatre Price	Menu Options	Special Highlights
The Ivy Market Grill	British	£18.95 (2 courses) £23.95 (3 courses)	Fish & chips, shepherd’s pie, sticky toffee pudding	Classic British dining in Covent Garden
Rules	British	£35 (3 courses)	Roast chicken, steak & ale pie, smoked salmon	London’s oldest restaurant with traditional dishes
Bocca di Lupo	Italian	£18 (2 courses)	Handmade pasta, risotto, fresh seafood	Authentic Italian dishes with seasonal ingredients
Cecconi’s Mayfair	Italian	£25 (2 courses)	Burrata, veal Milanese, truffle pasta	Luxury Italian experience in Mayfair
Roka Aldwych	Japanese	£38 (3 courses)	Salmon teriyaki, sushi platters, black cod	Premium robatayaki-style dining
Farzi Cafe	Indian	£19.95 (2 courses)	Chicken tikka masala, lamb kebabs, seafood curry	Modern Indian flavors with a twist
Cora Pearl	French	£32 (2 courses)	French onion soup, duck confit, crème brûlée	Elegant fine dining in Covent Garden
Brasserie Zédel	French	£17.50 (2 courses)	Steak frites, escargots, tarte tatin	Affordable Parisian-style brasserie
Tuttons	European	£19.95 (2 courses)	Pan-fried chicken, fish stew, chocolate mousse	Affordable pre-theatre menu in Covent Garden
Wahaca	Mexican	£15 (set menu)	Tacos, burritos, churros	Vibrant Mexican street food
OXO Tower Brasserie	Modern European	£30 (2 courses)	Grilled fish, roast lamb, seasonal desserts	River Thames view dining
SUSHISAMBA	Japanese/Peruvian	£42 (3 courses)	Tuna ceviche, grilled salmon, tropical desserts	38th-floor city view dining
Whitcombs	Mediterranean	£34 (2 courses)	Lobster linguine, lamb cutlets, complimentary cocktail	Mediterranean elegance in Leicester Square
Clos Maggiore	French	£35 (2 courses)	Duck breast, sea bass, crème brûlée	Romantic setting with wine pairings

Top Areas

London’s theatre district is centered around Covent Garden, Soho, and Leicester Square, where you can find plenty of restaurants catering to theatre-goers. The South Bank, Mayfair, and Fitzrovia also have excellent options for pre-theatre dining. These areas offer everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to cozy bistros, ensuring you find the perfect spot before heading to your show.

Classic British Cuisine

For those who love traditional British cuisine, many restaurants in London provide a menu that highlights local flavors. The Ivy Market Grill in Covent Garden serves a delightful two-course pre-theatre menu for £18.95 or three courses for £23.95. Diners can enjoy dishes like shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, and sticky toffee pudding. The restaurant’s elegant setting and speedy service make it a top choice for theatre-goers.

Another excellent option is Rules, London’s oldest restaurant, which serves classic British dishes. Their best pre theatre menus London include options like roast chicken, smoked salmon, and traditional steak and ale pie. If you prefer a quick bite, a pub like The Harp in Covent Garden serves great British ales and snacks before the show.

Italian

Italian food is a popular choice for pre-theatre meals, offering flavorful yet light dishes. Bocca di Lupo in Soho is well known for its authentic Italian menu, offering pre-theatre dining at £18 for two courses. The menu includes handmade pasta, risotto, and fresh seafood, ensuring a delightful meal before the theatre.

For a more refined experience, Cecconi’s in Mayfair offers classic Italian dishes like burrata, veal Milanese, and truffle pasta. Their pre-theatre menu is priced at £25 for two courses, making it a luxurious yet affordable option for those heading to the theatre.

Asian Cuisine

Asian flavors bring an exciting twist to pre-theatre menus. Roka Aldwych is a popular Japanese robatayaki restaurant, offering a three-course menu for £38. Diners can enjoy salmon fillet teriyaki, black cod, and sushi platters, paired with refreshing cocktails.

For something more unique, Farzi Cafe in Haymarket offers a modern Indian pre-theatre menu for £19.95. Dishes include chicken tikka masala, lamb kebabs, and spiced seafood curry, served with a variety of sides. The restaurant’s lively atmosphere and quick service make it a perfect pre-theatre spot.

French Restaurants

For those who enjoy French cuisine, London has plenty of options. Cora Pearl in Covent Garden offers a two-course pre-theatre menu for £32, featuring dishes like French onion soup, duck confit, and crème brûlée. Their elegant interiors and intimate setting create the perfect dining experience before a show.

Another great option is Brasserie Zédel, a Parisian-style restaurant offering a two-course menu for £17.50. Guests can indulge in steak frites, escargots, and tarte tatin, all within a sophisticated yet relaxed setting.

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Affordable

Dining in London doesn’t have to be expensive. There are many affordable pre-theatre menus London that offer great value for money. Tuttons in Covent Garden has a two-course menu for £19.95, featuring classic European dishes like pan-fried chicken, fish stew, and chocolate mousse.

If you’re looking for something even more budget-friendly, Wahaca in Soho offers a pre-theatre street food menu starting at £15. This menu includes tacos, burritos, and churros, served in a vibrant and casual setting.

Menus with a View

For those who love dining with a view, several restaurants offer stunning sights of London’s skyline. OXO Tower Brasserie on the South Bank serves a two-course menu for £30, featuring grilled fish, roast lamb, and seasonal desserts. Guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the River Thames while dining.

SUSHISAMBA in Bishopsgate offers an exciting mix of Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian cuisine, with a pre-theatre menu featuring dishes like tuna ceviche, grilled salmon, and tropical desserts. The 38th-floor view of the London skyline makes the experience even more special.

Cocktails and Drinks

A pre-theatre meal wouldn’t be complete without a great drink. Many restaurants include cocktails or wine with their pre-theatre menus. Whitcombs in Leicester Square offers a complimentary cocktail with their two-course menu for £34, making it a great place to relax before heading to the theatre.

If you prefer wine, Clos Maggiore in Covent Garden is a fantastic option. Their pre-theatre menu includes a selection of wines, paired with dishes like duck breast, sea bass, and crème brûlée.