The 10 Best Restaurants Near Menier Chocolate Factory

Just off Southwark Street, the Menier Chocolate Factory is one of London’s most atmospheric small theatres. It sits among the city’s best restaurants, making it perfect for a meal before or after a show. If you’re planning dinner before curtain-up, or looking for a relaxed spot post-show, there are plenty of great restaurants within a few minutes’ walk.

If you want to start the evening with a taste of southern Italy just around the corner from the venue, ‘O Ver Borough should be first on your list. This neighbourhood favourite serves wood-fired Neapolitan pizza and seasonal dishes made with sea-water dough, prepared with the kind of care you’d expect from a family kitchen in Naples. 

From there, we’ve rounded up nine more excellent restaurants near the Menier Chocolate Factory, covering everything from British classics to Portuguese small plates and modern fine dining.

TL;DR – Where to Eat Near the Menier Chocolate Factory

• The theatre sits in one of London’s best dining areas, with options ranging from casual pre-theatre bites to refined post-show dinners.
  
  

• ‘O Ver Borough is the top pick for its authentic Italian menu, friendly service, and unbeatable proximity to the venue.
  
  

• Other nearby highlights include modern British small-plate restaurants, lively group spots, and elegant late-night choices within a few minutes’ walk.
  
  

• Whether you want a quick pizza before the curtain rises or a glass of wine after the final act, you’ll find plenty to suit your plans.

About the Menier Chocolate Factory

Originally built as a 19th-century chocolate warehouse, the Menier Chocolate Factory is now one of London’s most respected off-West End theatres. The intimate space seats just under two hundred people, creating a close connection between the audience and the performers. 

Productions range from new writing and comedy to acclaimed revivals of classic plays and musicals. Its central Southwark location, just moments from Borough Market and London Bridge, makes it easy to combine a visit with dinner before or after the show.

Italian Fine Dining Near Menier Chocolate Factory

If you’re looking for a meal that feels special but still fits your theatre schedule, you’re in the right place.

1. ‘O Ver Borough

If you are seeing a show at the Menier Chocolate Factory, ‘O Ver Borough is the restaurant you should visit first. 

It’s less than a minute’s walk from the theatre and combines the warmth of a neighbourhood trattoria with the polish of central London dining. The menu celebrates southern Italy with wood-fired pizza, handmade pasta, and fresh seafood dishes created using natural ingredients, including ‘O Ver’s signature sea-water dough.

Guests come here for crisp, airy pizza bases, creamy burrata, and pasta that tastes like it has been lifted straight from Naples. Service is friendly but fast enough to make it ideal for a pre-theatre dinner near the Menier Chocolate Factory, while the atmosphere remains relaxed for longer evenings. 

Whether you sit inside by the tiled oven or out on Southwark Street, ‘O Ver Borough captures the essence of Italian hospitality just steps from the stage, and is known as one of the best London Bridge Restaurants.

Book a table at ‘O Ver Borough

Modern British Restaurants near Menier Chocolate Factory

Southwark and Borough Market are home to some of London’s best casual restaurants. From modern British cooking to rustic European flavours, these places balance good food with relaxed atmospheres that suit both pre- and post-theatre dining.

2. Arthur Hooper’s

Just across from Borough Market, Arthur Hooper’s serves modern British food with a Mediterranean twist. It’s a short walk from the Menier Chocolate Factory and perfect for anyone who wants something relaxed but refined before or after a performance. The space feels effortlessly stylish, with exposed brick, warm lighting, and an open kitchen.

The small-plate menu changes seasonally and focuses on fresh ingredients from local producers. Expect dishes like burrata with heritage tomatoes, grilled octopus, and slow-cooked lamb, alongside a well-chosen wine list that highlights European producers. It’s an easy choice for dinner near Menier Chocolate Factory.

3. Casa do Frango, Southwark

If you’re in the mood for flame-grilled chicken and lively energy, Casa do Frango brings the taste of Portugal to Southwark. It sits within walking distance of the Menier Chocolate Factory and offers a bright, rustic dining room filled with the scent of open-fire cooking.

The star of the menu is the piri-piri chicken, marinated in a house-made chilli sauce and cooked over wood charcoal until crisp on the outside and tender within. Small plates like salt cod fritters, African rice, and garlic prawns make it ideal for sharing before the show. Add a glass of Portuguese wine or a white port and tonic, and you’ll see why it’s one of the best restaurants near the Menier Chocolate Factory for casual dining.

Drinks & Small Plates Before a Show

If you prefer grazing and sharing before heading into the theatre, there are plenty of nearby restaurants that serve creative small plates and great wines. These spots are perfect for a light meal or drink before the curtain rises.

4. Bar Douro

For anyone who enjoys small plates and good wine, Bar Douro is one of the best spots near the Menier Chocolate Factory. Tucked beneath a railway arch on Flat Iron Square, it captures the essence of a Lisbon wine bar with marble counters, blue-and-white tiles, and a menu built for sharing.

The food celebrates regional Portuguese flavours with garlic prawns, bacalhau fritters, and tender Iberico pork pluma. Each dish is beautifully presented and pairs well with the extensive selection of Portuguese wines. With its lively atmosphere and close proximity to the theatre, Bar Douro is perfect for a quick bite and a glass of something crisp before the curtain rises.

5. Lupins

Lupins offers a warm and intimate space for pre-theatre dining. The restaurant champions seasonal British produce through small plates that are creative yet comforting. Dishes often feature vibrant vegetables, rich sauces, and thoughtful combinations like spiced cauliflower with tahini or Cornish crab with Jersey Royals.

The service is relaxed and welcoming, and the short but thoughtful wine list focuses on small producers. Its close location to the Menier Chocolate Factory and quick service make it an easy choice for an early dinner or light meal before the show.

For Groups & Lively Dinners in SE1

Celebrating with friends or planning a pre-show meal for a larger group? These restaurants offer space, energy, and menus made for sharing. Each one combines good food with a social atmosphere close to the Menier Chocolate Factory.

6. Padella

If you are visiting the Menier Chocolate Factory with friends, Padella is the place to go for fresh pasta that never disappoints. Famous across London for its simple but exceptional dishes, this Borough Market favourite is just a short walk from the theatre.

The menu is compact but perfect for sharing. Signature plates include pici cacio e pepe, beef shin ragu, and their well-known tagliarini with crab and chilli. Everything is handmade daily and served with efficiency that suits a pre-theatre visit. The lively, open kitchen and communal feel make it ideal for small groups or casual gatherings before a show. Arrive early if you can, queues form quickly for good reason.

7. Caravan Bankside

For something more spacious and social, Caravan Bankside is a brilliant option for groups heading to the Menier Chocolate Factory. Set in an airy warehouse conversion near Flat Iron Square, it offers a relaxed atmosphere with long tables, open kitchens, and a versatile menu designed for sharing.

Dishes combine global influences from harissa-spiced eggs to wood-fired flatbreads and grilled halloumi. The drinks menu covers everything from cocktails to craft coffee. It’s a welcoming spot for both large parties and casual pre-theatre meet-ups, with plenty of room to unwind.

Looking for more options for large groups? Check out our guide to Group Dining in London.

Something Special After the Curtain Falls

When the show ends, the evening doesn’t have to. These restaurants are perfect for winding down after a performance, offering everything from refined dining to relaxed comfort food within walking distance of the Menier Chocolate Factory.

8. El Pastore

For a post-theatre dinner that feels refined but still relaxed, El Pastore is one of the best restaurants near the Menier Chocolate Factory. Just a few minutes’ walk away in Borough Market, it offers a menu inspired by coastal Mexico.

Expect vibrant tacos, fresh ceviche, and grilled seafood paired with excellent margaritas and mezcal cocktails. The setting is elegant without being formal, with candlelight, tiled walls, and soft music that suits the slower pace of an evening meal. If you’re heading to the theatre earlier, it’s also an inviting spot for lunch or weekend dining.

9. Trivet

For something truly special after the show, Trivet delivers Michelin-starred dining within a ten-minute walk of the Menier Chocolate Factory. Run by alumni of The Fat Duck, it combines fine dining precision with a relaxed, open atmosphere.

The menu is adventurous without being pretentious, highlighting seasonal British ingredients through global influences. Dishes like the fried potato with sake cream or the Hokkaido potato dessert show the kitchen’s playful creativity. The extensive wine list and calm setting make it ideal for marking an occasion or ending a theatre night on a high note.

10. Terry’s Café

If you prefer a simpler, old-school option after an evening performance, Terry’s Café offers comfort food and traditional British charm. Located on Great Suffolk Street, just a short walk from the theatre, it’s known for hearty portions, strong tea, and a welcoming, no-frills atmosphere.

While it’s best known for breakfast and brunch, it also serves satisfying plates like pies, roast dinners, and full English breakfasts for those craving something substantial after the show. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best theatre-night meal is a classic done well.

FAQs About Restaurants Near the Menier Chocolate Factory

Where can I eat before a show at the Menier Chocolate Factory?

There are several excellent pre-theatre dining spots near the Menier Chocolate Factory. ‘O Ver Borough is the top choice for quick, high-quality Italian dishes just steps from the venue. Bar Douro and Lupins are also great for small plates and a glass of wine before the curtain rises.

What are the best restaurants near the Menier Chocolate Factory Theatre?

Some of the best restaurants near the Menier Chocolate Factory include ‘O Ver Borough, Arthur Hooper’s, Casa do Frango, and El Pastore. They’re all within a short walk and cover a range of cuisines from Italian to Portuguese and modern British.

Is there anywhere good for group dining near the Menier Chocolate Factory?

Yes. Padella and Caravan Bankside are both excellent for groups. Padella offers handmade pasta in a lively setting, while Caravan has a spacious industrial-style dining room that’s ideal for larger parties.

Are there late-night restaurants near the Menier Chocolate Factory?

If you’re looking for somewhere to eat after an evening performance, try El Pastore for cocktails and modern Mexican dishes, or Trivet for a more refined late-night dinner. For a casual bite, Terry’s Café offers hearty comfort food nearby.

How far is ‘O Ver Borough from the Menier Chocolate Factory?

‘O Ver Borough is less than a one-minute walk from the Menier Chocolate Factory on Southwark Street. It’s one of the closest sit-down restaurants to the theatre, making it perfect for pre-theatre dining.

Restaurants near Menier Chocolate Factory: Conclusion

Whether you’re heading to a matinee or planning dinner after an evening show, there’s no shortage of great restaurants near the Menier Chocolate Factory. From modern British dining to relaxed Portuguese flavours, the area around Southwark Street is full of options for every occasion.

For an experience that combines authentic flavour, atmosphere, and unbeatable proximity, ‘O Ver Borough stands out as the top choice. Its mix of Neapolitan tradition, friendly service, and effortless style makes it ideal before or after any performance.

Book a table at ‘O Ver Borough and make your theatre night one to remember.

Looking for preshow meals in Piccadilly and the West End? See our comprehensive guide to pre-theatre dinner in London.