Pre Theatre Dinner London: Best Restaurants Near Piccadilly & the West End

TL;DR – Best Pre-Theatre Dinner in London

Best Overall (West End, near Piccadilly Theatre):

‘O Ver St James’s – authentic Neapolitan cooking, 3 minutes from Piccadilly Circus.

• Quick option: Pizza + Spritz ≈ £30–35

• Classic two-course (starter + pasta + wine) ≈ £50–55

• Indulgent 3-course + cocktail ≈ £60–65

• Average dining time: 60–90 minutes, with pizza-only meals possible in ~45 minutes.

Best Value Pre-Theatre Menus (Set Price):

• Whitcombs, Leicester Square – 3 courses for £29

• Gaucho, Covent Garden – 2 courses £27, 3 courses £30

Best Areas to Dine Before a Show:

• Piccadilly/Soho – quick access to Piccadilly Theatre, Lyric Theatre, Apollo.

• Covent Garden – wide range of pre-theatre menus and iconic West End dining.

• Southbank – National Theatre, BFI, Royal Festival Hall.

London’s West End comes alive every evening. Crowds spill into theatres, streets buzz with energy, and curtain calls keep the pace fast. Finding the right pre theatre dinner London has to offer is part of the ritual. You need food that’s memorable, service that’s quick, and a table close enough to reach the show before curtain-up.

Some restaurants offer set menus designed for a fast turnaround. Others, like 'O Ver St James’s, keep it flexible with a full à la carte menu. Both work, depending on your appetite and schedule. In this guide, we cover the best places to eat before a show, from Piccadilly and Covent Garden to the Southbank and Victoria. Expect real menu prices, average timings, and the top picks for pre-show dining across the city.

Best Overall – ‘O Ver St James’s (Near Piccadilly Theatre)

Just a three-minute walk from Piccadilly Circus, ‘O Ver St James’s is a leading choice for pre theatre dinner in London. Unlike restaurants with fixed menus, ‘O Ver serves its full à la carte list, giving you the freedom to plan a quick meal or a slower three-course evening.

• Pizza + Spritz: about £30–35. Ready in ~45 minutes — perfect if you want a light dinner before the theatre.

• Starter + Pasta + Wine: around £50–55. Allow 60 minutes for a relaxed pre-show meal.

• Three courses + Cocktail: about £60–65. Best suited for a longer night out.

The food leans on authentic southern Italian cooking: seawater-leavened pizzas, Sicilian tomatoes, and burrata from Murgia. Reviews highlight both quality and service. The Infatuation calls the pizza “crispy-edged and pillowy.” TripAdvisor diners mention the warm staff and value for central London.

For anyone heading to the Piccadilly Theatre or other West End shows, ‘O Ver offers location, flavour, and timing in one.

Book a table at ‘O Ver St James’s to enjoy authentic Italian cooking before curtain-up.

Pre-Theatre Dinner Near Piccadilly Theatre

The Piccadilly Theatre is one of the busiest venues in Soho, and it’s surrounded by plenty of restaurants for a quick meal before the curtain rises. If you’re looking for dinner before a show near Piccadilly, these are the top picks.

‘O Ver St James’s – 3 min walk

As covered above, ‘O Ver St James’s is a standout for authentic Italian cooking and flexible dining. Pizza and a spritz come in at about £30–35, while a two-course pasta dinner with wine is closer to £50–55. Service is efficient enough for theatre-goers, and the location is unbeatable.

Brasserie Zédel – 2 min walk

A classic French brasserie just off Piccadilly Circus. The set pre-theatre menu is one of the best-value options in central London: two courses for £16.95 or three for £19.75. It’s grand, busy, and perfect if you want a Parisian feel before the theatre without overspending.

Hawksmoor Air Street – 4 min walk

For those who want something heartier, Hawksmoor offers steaks and seafood in an Art Deco setting. It’s pricier than most, but the Express Menu runs until 6:30 pm: two courses for £29 or three for £33. Service is quick, and it’s a good option if you’re catching a later show.

Pre-Theatre Dinner in the West End

London’s West End is packed with theatres from Leicester Square to Shaftesbury Avenue and Soho. Locals and visitors love it, making it one of the busiest areas for pre-show dining. Here are some of the most reliable options for a pre-theatre dinner in the West End.

Dishoom, Covent Garden – 8 min walk from Shaftesbury Avenue

Dishoom is famous for its Bombay-inspired small plates and quick service. While it doesn’t offer a fixed pre-theatre menu, many dishes are designed for sharing and fast turnaround.

• Small plates from £6–9

• Grills and curries from £12–16

• Cocktails around £12–14

Dishroom is a favourite for groups heading to West End shows. Expect a buzzing atmosphere and reliable service.

J Sheekey, Leicester Square – 3 min walk from Wyndham’s Theatre

A West End institution, J Sheekey is known for seafood and set menus. The pre-theatre menu typically runs until 6:30 pm:

• Two courses for £30

• Three courses for £35

With its central location and classic dining room, it’s perfect for a more traditional pre-show meal.

Hoppers, Soho – 5 min walk from Prince Edward Theatre

For something different, Hoppers offers Sri Lankan-inspired small plates, dosas, and curries. The food is bold, fast, and well-suited to pre-show dining.

• Dosas and starters from £7–10

• Curries from £12–18

• Cocktails around £11–13

It’s a lively option if you want something casual and flavour-packed before a West End performance.

Where to Eat Before a Show in Covent Garden

Covent Garden is at the heart of London’s theatreland, with venues like the Royal Opera House, the Lyceum, and the Adelphi all within walking distance. It’s one of the best areas for a pre-theatre dinner in London, thanks to a wide choice of set menus and quick service.

Balthazar – 2 min walk from Lyceum Theatre

A lively New York–style brasserie serving French classics. The pre-theatre menu offers:

• Two courses for £27

• Three courses for £30

It’s central, stylish, and reliable for a fast meal before curtain-up.

Gaucho – 5 min walk from Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Known for Argentine steaks and Malbec, Gaucho also runs a strong-value pre-theatre set menu:

• Two courses for £27

• Three courses for £30

With slick service and generous portions, it’s ideal if you want something hearty before a show.

Frenchie – 3 min walk from Royal Opera House

Modern European dining with a seasonal menu. Frenchie doesn’t offer a fixed pre-theatre menu, but dishes are designed for fast, high-quality dining.

• Starters from £14–16

• Mains from £26–30

• Wine by the glass from £12

It’s more premium, but worth it if you want to turn your night at the theatre into an occasion.

Best Pre-Show Meals on the Southbank

Southbank is home to the National Theatre, Royal Festival Hall, and the Old Vic. It’s a popular area for pre-show dining, with restaurants that balance speed, value, and atmosphere by the river.

Skylon – Royal Festival Hall

Located inside the Festival Hall, Skylon is the definition of convenience for pre-show dining. The set pre-theatre menu offers:

• Two courses for £29.50

• Three courses for £35.50

Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the Thames, making it a memorable spot before a concert or play.

The Mulberry Bush – 3 min walk from the Old Vic

A classic Young’s pub offering hearty British dishes and fast service. Perfect if you want something casual before a performance.

• Mains from £14–18

• Puddings from £6–8

• Cask ales and wine from £6+

It’s budget-friendly and ideal for groups heading to the Old Vic.

Sea Containers Restaurant – 5 min walk from National Theatre

For a modern riverside experience, Sea Containers offers global-inspired dishes and a pre-theatre menu:

• Two courses for £25

• Three courses for £30

The setting is stylish and service is quick, making it well-suited for a pre-show meal on the Southbank.

Pre-Theatre Dinner in Victoria

Victoria is home to two major West End theatres: the Apollo Victoria and the Victoria Palace. Both attract large crowds thanks to blockbuster shows like Wicked and Hamilton. Here are some of the best restaurants for a pre-theatre dinner in Victoria.

TOZI – 4 min walk from Apollo Victoria

TOZI is a Venetian-style restaurant serving cicchetti (small plates). Service is quick, and dishes are ideal for sharing before a show.

• Small plates from £8–12

• Mains from £18–25

• Cocktails from £12–14

It’s stylish but relaxed, and perfectly located for the Apollo Victoria.

Rail House Café – 3 min walk from Victoria Palace

A modern brasserie with a broad menu covering salads, grills, and comfort food.

• Starters from £7–10

• Mains from £16–22

• Pre-theatre friendly service — mains can be served in under 30 minutes.

Good for groups or casual dining before a performance.

Aster – 2 min walk from Victoria Station

A Nordic-inspired restaurant offering a seasonal set menu. The pre-theatre menu typically includes:

• Two courses for £28

• Three courses for £33

Its location right by the station makes it one of the most convenient choices in the area.

FAQs About Pre-Theatre Dining in London

What time should I eat before a London show?

Most West End shows start at 7:30 pm. Aim to sit down between 5:00–6:30 pm for a pre-theatre dinner. This leaves enough time for two or three courses without rushing.

Do London theatres serve food before performances?

Some larger venues have bars and light snacks, but full meals are rare inside theatres. Most theatre-goers choose nearby restaurants with set pre-theatre menus.

How much does a pre-theatre dinner in London cost?

Prices vary by area and style. Expect around £25–35 for a two- or three-course set menu (excluding drinks), or £50–65 for à la carte dining with drinks at premium spots like ‘O Ver St James’s.

Are pre-theatre menus worth it?

Yes. Pre-theatre menus are good value and time-efficient, usually offering two or three courses at a lower price than ordering à la carte. They’re designed to fit theatre timings.

What are the best areas in London for pre-theatre dining?

The West End (Piccadilly, Soho, Covent Garden, Leicester Square) is the most popular. Other hubs include the Southbank (National Theatre, Royal Festival Hall) and Victoria (Apollo Victoria, Victoria Palace).

Conclusion

London offers plenty of choices for a pre-show meal. Covent Garden is known for its set menus, Southbank combines dining with river views, and Victoria is convenient for big-ticket musicals. Each area has restaurants designed to match theatre timings, whether you want something quick, classic, or indulgent.

Near Piccadilly Theatre, ‘O Ver St James’s is a standout. The food is rooted in southern Italian tradition, the location is central, and the service is timed to get you to your seat on schedule. It’s one of the most reliable ways to begin a night at the theatre.

Plan your pre-theatre dinner in London with ‘O Ver St James’s, just 3 minutes from Piccadilly Theatre.