The Ultimate Guide to Dining Before a Broadway Show: Top Theater District Restaurants for Every Budget and Taste

Are you planning to catch a Broadway show in New York City but need to find the perfect dining spot beforehand? The Theater District offers a variety of restaurant choices catering to every price range, formality level, and cuisine preference. Whether you're after a quick bite or a fine dining experience, this guide highlights the best places to eat before heading to the theater.

Courtesy of Le Bernardin

1. Le Bernardin

• Cuisine: French Seafood

• Price Range: $$$$ ($100+)

• Location: 155 W 51st St

• Overview: Le Bernardin is a world-renowned, three-Michelin-starred restaurant, known for its sophisticated seafood dishes. With prix fixe and tasting menus crafted by Chef Eric Ripert, it’s the perfect choice for those seeking a luxury pre-theater dining experience.

Courtesy of Joe Allen

2. Joe Allen

• Cuisine: American

• Price Range: $$ ($30-$60)

• Location: 326 W 46th St

• Overview: A Theater District staple since 1965, Joe Allen is famous for its casual American cuisine and Broadway-themed decor. Featuring posters of infamous flops, it’s a favorite spot for theater insiders and those wanting a relaxed meal before the show.

Courtesy of Gallaghers Steak House

3. Gallagher’s Steakhouse

• Cuisine: American Steakhouse

• Price Range: $$$ ($50-$80)

• Location: 228 W 52nd St

• Overview: A historic New York steakhouse established in 1927, Gallagher's is known for its dry-aged steaks and vintage charm. It’s perfect for steak lovers seeking a hearty meal before a night at the theater.

Courtesy of Sardi's

4. Sardi's

• Cuisine: American, Italian

• Price Range: $$$ ($30-$60)

• Location: 234 W 44th St

• Overview: Since 1927, Sardi’s has been a landmark of the Theater District. Known for its walls covered with caricatures of Broadway legends, it serves up Italian and American favorites, perfect for a classic pre-show experience.

Courtesy of La Masseria

5. La Masseria

• Cuisine: Italian

• Price Range: $$-$$$ ($30-$70)

• Location: 235 W 48th St

• Overview: Featuring rustic Italian cuisine, La Masseria captures the essence of Southern Italy with its menu of fresh ingredients and traditional recipes. The farmhouse-inspired decor adds to the cozy atmosphere.

Courtesy of Carmine's

6. Carmine's

• Cuisine: Italian, Family-style

• Price Range: $$ ($20-$50)

• Location: 200 W 44th St

• Overview: Carmine's is perfect for groups, offering large portions of Italian dishes like spaghetti and meatballs, served family-style. It’s great for sharing and fueling up before the show.

Courtesy of Ippudo Westside

7. Ippudo Westside

• Cuisine: Japanese, Ramen

• Price Range: $$ ($20-$40)

• Location: 321 W 51st St

• Overview: This popular ramen joint offers delicious bowls of traditional and modern Japanese ramen, perfect for a quick and flavorful meal before heading to the theater.

Courtesy of Becco

8. Becco

• Cuisine: Italian

• Price Range: $$ ($30-$50)

• Location: 355 W 46th St

• Overview: Owned by Lidia Bastianich, Becco is famous for its pasta tasting menu with unlimited servings of three daily pasta specials. Its lively atmosphere and reasonable prices make it a favorite for theater-goers.

Lillie's Victorian Establishment

9. Lillie’s Victorian Establishment

• Cuisine: American, Pub

• Price Range: $$ ($20-$40)

• Location: 249 W 49th St

• Overview: This Victorian-themed pub serves classic comfort food in an antique-filled setting. It’s a charming spot for a cozy, relaxed meal.

Courtesy of Don Antonio

10. Don Antonio

• Cuisine: Neapolitan Pizza

• Price Range: $$ ($20-$40)

• Location: 309 W 50th St

• Overview: Known for its authentic Neapolitan pizzas, including unique options like the Montanara, Don Antonio is perfect for a casual yet delicious bite.

Courtesy of The Russian Tea Room

11. The Russian Tea Room

• Cuisine: Russian, European

• Price Range: $$$$ ($50-$100)

• Location: 150 W 57th St

• Overview: A classic dining spot since 1927, The Russian Tea Room offers a luxurious setting with traditional Russian dishes like caviar and beef stroganoff.

Courtesy of Marseille NYC

12. Marseille

• Cuisine: French, Mediterranean

• Price Range: $$-$$$ ($30-$70)

• Location: 630 9th Ave

• Overview: Marseille brings a touch of Southern France to New York, offering dishes like bouillabaisse in a sophisticated setting.

Courtesy of Los Tacos No. 1

13. Los Tacos No. 1

• Cuisine: Mexican

• Price Range: $ (Under $20)

• Location: 229 W 43rd St

• Overview: A popular spot for authentic Mexican street tacos, perfect for a quick and flavorful meal on the go.

Courtesy of Sushi of Gari

14. Sushi of Gari

• Cuisine: Japanese, Sushi

• Price Range: $$$$ ($60-$120)

• Location: 347 W 46th St

• Overview: Known for its creative sushi offerings, Sushi of Gari provides an upscale sushi experience featuring unique flavor combinations.

Courtesy of Trattoria Trecolori

15. Trattoria Trecolori

• Cuisine: Italian

• Price Range: $$ ($30-$50)

• Location: 254 W 47th St

• Overview: This family-owned restaurant serves classic Italian fare in a welcoming atmosphere, ideal for a pre-show dinner.

Courtesy of Totto Ramen

16. Totto Ramen

• Cuisine: Japanese, Ramen

• Price Range: $-$$ (Under $30)

• Location: 366 W 52nd St

• Overview: Totto Ramen is known for its rich, flavorful ramen bowls, especially the signature chicken paitan ramen. With a small and cozy atmosphere, it’s perfect for a quick, delicious meal before a show. Be prepared for a line, as it’s a popular choice for ramen enthusiasts.

Courtesy of Bar Centrale

17. Bar Centrale

• Cuisine: American, Small Plates

• Price Range: $$-$$$ ($40-$70)

• Location: 324 W 46th St

• Overview: This speakeasy-style bar is a hidden gem on Restaurant Row, offering cocktails and small plates in an intimate setting. Bar Centrale is perfect for post-theater drinks or a light pre-show bite, especially for those who appreciate a more private and elegant ambiance.

Courtesy of Victor's Cafe

18. Victor's Cafe

• Cuisine: Cuban

• Price Range: $$-$$$ ($30-$70)

• Location: 236 W 52nd St

• Overview: Victor's Cafe is a vibrant restaurant serving authentic Cuban dishes like ropa vieja and lechon asado, with live music creating a lively atmosphere. It’s a great choice for those seeking a flavorful and festive dining experience before the theater.

Joe's Pizza Times Square

19. Joe's Pizza

• Cuisine: Pizza

• Price Range: $ (Under $20)

• Location: 1435 Broadway

• Overview: Joe’s Pizza is a classic New York slice shop known for its thin-crust pizza. It’s perfect for a quick, no-frills meal if you’re running late or want a quintessential NYC experience on the go.

Courtesy of Birdland Jazz Club

20. Birdland Jazz Club

• Cuisine: American

• Price Range: $$-$$$ ($30-$70)

• Location: 315 W 44th St

• Overview: Combining live jazz performances with classic American dining, Birdland is a unique option for music and theater lovers. Enjoy dishes like steak frites while listening to live jazz, adding a special touch to your night out.

Courtesy of Bond 45

21. Bond 45

• Cuisine: Italian, Steakhouse

• Price Range: $$-$$$ ($40-$80)

• Location: 221 W 46th St

• Overview: Bond 45 serves Italian favorites and steaks in a theater-themed setting. With a diverse menu that includes antipasti, pasta, and meat dishes, it’s ideal for a pre-show dinner.

Courtesy of The Polo Bar

22. The Polo Bar

• Cuisine: American

• Price Range: $$$$ ($70 and above)

• Location: 1 E 55th St

• Overview: Owned by Ralph Lauren, The Polo Bar is a stylish spot known for upscale American cuisine and celebrity sightings. Its classic dishes like steaks and burgers make it perfect for those seeking a high-end experience.

Courtesy of The Lambs Club

23. The Lambs Club

• Cuisine: American

• Price Range: $$$ ($50-$80)

• Location: 132 W 44th St

• Overview: Located in a historic building, The Lambs Club offers classic American cuisine in a sophisticated setting. Its pre-theater menu ensures you’ll enjoy a delicious meal and still make it to the show on time.

Courtesy of Urban Hawker NYC

24. Urban Hawker

• Cuisine: Singaporean

• Price Range: $-$$ (Under $30)

• Location: 135 W 50th St

• Overview: Urban Hawker brings Singaporean street food to NYC, offering dishes like chili crab and laksa. It’s ideal for a quick and flavorful meal before heading to the theater.

Courtesy of L'Avenue at Saks

25. L’Avenue

• Cuisine: French

• Price Range: $$$$ ($70 and above)

• Location: 8 E 50th St

• Overview: L’Avenue features chalet-inspired decor and serves French cuisine in a chic setting. Perfect for a stylish dining experience, it’s great for those looking to enjoy an upscale meal before or after a show.

Courtesy of Fasano Restaurant

26. Fasano

• Cuisine: Italian

• Price Range: $$$$ ($70 and above)

• Location: 60 E 49th St

• Overview: Fasano offers fine Italian dining with live jazz music and elegant surroundings. The menu includes dishes like risotto and fresh pasta, ideal for a romantic pre-theater meal.

Courtesy of Pebble Bar

27. Pebble Bar

• Cuisine: American Bar Food

• Price Range: $$ ($20-$40)

• Location: 67 W 49th St

• Overview: Housed in a historic townhouse, Pebble Bar serves sliders, lobster rolls, and cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere. It’s great for a quick drink or casual meal with friends.

Courtesy of The Meatball Shop

28. The Meatball Shop

• Cuisine: American, Meatballs

• Price Range: $$ ($20-$40)

• Location: 798 9th Ave

• Overview: Specializing in customizable meatball dishes, The Meatball Shop offers a fun and laid-back dining experience. Choose your meatballs, sauces, and sides for a personalized meal.

Courtesy of Mitr Thai

29. Mitr Thai

• Cuisine: Thai

• Price Range: $$ ($20-$40)

• Location: 37 W 46th St

• Overview: This new addition to the Theater District serves authentic Thai cuisine in a casual setting, making it perfect for a flavorful and reasonably priced pre-theater dinner.

Courtesy of Gyu-Kaku

30. Gyu-Kaku

• Cuisine: Japanese BBQ

• Price Range: $$ ($20-$50)

• Location: 321 W 44th St

• Overview: Gyu-Kaku offers a DIY grilling experience where diners cook their own meats and vegetables. This interactive dining option adds a fun touch to your pre-show plans.

  
  

  

  Courtesy of Sake Bar Hagi

  
  

31. Sake Bar Hagi 46

• Cuisine: Japanese Izakaya

• Price Range: $-$$ (Under $40)

• Location: 358 W 46th St

• Overview: A popular izakaya with an array of small plates, skewers, and sake. The lively atmosphere and late hours make it a great choice for a casual meal before or after the show.

Courtesy of The Lobster Club

32. The Lobster Club

• Cuisine: Japanese, French

• Price Range: $$$$ ($70 and above)

• Location: 98 E 53rd St

• Overview: Featuring a blend of Japanese and French cuisine, The Lobster Club serves dishes like lobster tempura and sushi in a stylish setting.

Courtesy of Cucina 8 1/2

33. Cucina 8½

• Cuisine: Italian

• Price Range: $$$ ($50-$80)

• Location: 9 W 57th St

• Overview: Set in a modernist space, Cucina 8½ serves upscale Italian fare, making it perfect for those who want a more sophisticated pre-theater dining experience.

Courtesy of Bourbon Steak New York

34. Bourbon Steak New York

• Cuisine: American Steakhouse

• Price Range: $$$$ ($70 and above)

• Location: 160 Central Park South

• Overview: Located in the JW Marriott Essex House, this steakhouse offers an elegant dining experience with park views and classic dishes like prime rib and truffle fries.

Courtesy of Margaritaville Times Square

35. Margaritaville Times Square (Because why not!)

• Cuisine: American, Island-Inspired

• Price Range: $$-$$$ ($20-$50)

• Location: 560 7th Ave

• Overview: Margaritaville Times Square brings a tropical escape to the heart of New York City. Inspired by the island lifestyle, the menu features classic American dishes with a Caribbean twist, including favorites like fish tacos, burgers, and, of course, margaritas. The casual and lively atmosphere makes it a fun pre-theater dining spot. The restaurant's prime location near Broadway and vibrant setting offer the perfect way to start your night before a show.

Dining Tips for Theater District Visitors

• Reserve Ahead: Popular restaurants can fill up quickly, especially on show nights. Book a table in advance whenever possible.

• Plan Your Meal Time: Most Broadway shows start at 7 or 8 p.m., so schedule your meal to end at least 30 minutes before the show.

• Consider Dress Code: Some upscale restaurants have a formal dress code. It’s best to check ahead if you’re dining at high-end spots.

• Quick Bites for Last-Minute Meals: If you’re running short on time, fast-casual options like Joe’s Pizza or Los Tacos No. 1 can save the day.

Whether you’re looking for a fine dining experience or a quick bite, the Theater District has dining options for every taste and budget. Enjoy your pre-theater meal at one of these top spots and make your Broadway night even more memorable.

For reservations, visit the restaurant’s website and prepare to enjoy a fantastic meal and show!