Pre-theatre set menus in London

Marylebone | Indian Coastal | 1 Star

Trishna serves coastal Indian food on Blandford Street in Marylebone, and has held a Michelin star for years.

1-4 courses | Lunch 12pm–2.15pm | Weekend Lunch 12pm–2.15pm | Pre-Theatre 5pm–6.15pm

Soho | Jerusalem / Mediterranean | Bib Gourmand

The Palomar is a Jerusalem inspired counter on Rupert Street in Soho, best taken at the bar watching the chefs work.

3 courses | Lunch 12pm–2.30pm | Pre-Theatre 5pm–6pm

Mayfair | Indian | 1 Star

Veeraswamy is London's oldest surviving Indian restaurant, serving the royal cuisines of India above Regent Street since 1926.

2-4 courses | Pre-Theatre 5.30pm–6.15pm | Weekend Lunch | Lunch & Dinner

St James's | Modern European | 1 Star

Wild Honey St James occupies a Grade II listed former banking hall on Pall Mall, high ceilings and all.

3 courses | Pre-Theatre 5pm–6.15pm

Marylebone | Modern British | 1 Star

Portland is a Michelin starred restaurant on Great Portland Street in Marylebone, working from a menu rewritten every day.

1-4 courses | Lunch 12pm–2.15pm | Early Evening 5.30pm–6.30pm | Dinner 5.30pm–9.30pm

Belgravia | British | 1 Star

The Goring is the Michelin starred restaurant of a family run Belgravia hotel, a few minutes from Buckingham Palace.

2-3 courses | Lunch 12pm–2.30pm | Pre-Theatre 6pm–6.30pm

Mayfair | Indian | 1 Star

Benares is a Michelin starred Indian restaurant on Berkeley Square, a Mayfair institution and a long standing pre theatre favourite.

2-3 courses | Lunch 12pm–2.30pm | Pre-Theatre 5.30pm–6.30pm

Fitzrovia | West African | 1 Star

Chishuru cooks West African food on Great Titchfield Street in Fitzrovia, earthy and vibrant and Michelin starred.

3-4 courses | Lunch 12pm–2pm | Pre-Theatre 5.30pm–6pm

Soho | Japanese-Peruvian

Chotto Matte is a Nikkei izakaya on Frith Street in Soho, where Japanese and Peruvian cooking meet over the robata.

3-7 courses | Express Lunch 12pm–5pm | Tasting 12pm–5pm | Pre-Theatre 5pm–6.30pm

Soho | Italian

Lina Stores Soho is the flagship restaurant behind the Greek Street delicatessen, turning out handmade pasta a few minutes from Cambridge Circus.

2-3 courses | Lunch | Mon–Thu 12pm–2.15pm, Fri 12pm–5pm

Soho | Regional Italian

Bocca di Lupo is a regional Italian on Archer Street in Soho, best eaten at the marble counter facing the open kitchen.

2-3 courses | Lunch & Pre-Theatre | 12pm–6.30pm

Mayfair | Latin American

Gaucho Piccadilly is an Argentinian steakhouse just off Regent Street, a couple of minutes from Piccadilly Circus.

2-3 courses | Lunch & Pre-Theatre 12pm–6.30pm | Festive 2 Nov to 30 Dec

Covent Garden | Latin American

Gaucho Covent Garden is an Argentinian steakhouse on James Street, a few steps from the piazza and the theatres around it.

2-3 courses | Lunch & Pre-Theatre 12pm–6.30pm | Festive 2 Nov to 30 Dec

Soho | British

An all day restaurant on Brewer Street, with a semi private dining room behind sliding doors.

2-3 courses | Lunch 11.30am–4pm | Pre-Theatre 4pm–close | Group 11.30am–close | Christmas Early Bird 12 Nov to 30 Nov | Christmas 1 Dec to 30 Dec

Covent Garden | British

Bill's Covent Garden sits in St Martin's Courtyard, a few steps off the piazza and the theatres around it.

2-3 courses | Lunch 11.30am–4pm | Pre-Theatre 4pm–close | Group 11.30am–close | Christmas Early Bird 12 Nov to 30 Nov | Christmas 1 Dec to 30 Dec

Victoria | British

Bill's Victoria occupies a corner of Cathedral Walk in Cardinal Place, a minute from the station concourse.

2-3 courses | Lunch 11.30am–4pm | Pre-Theatre 4pm–close | Group 11.30am–close | Christmas Early Bird 12 Nov to 30 Nov | Christmas 1 Dec to 30 Dec

Marylebone | British

Bill's Baker Street keeps an orange awning over the pavement at the Marylebone end, serving from breakfast through to dinner.

2-3 courses | Lunch 11.30am–4pm | Pre-Theatre 4pm–close | Group 11.30am–close | Christmas Early Bird 12 Nov to 30 Nov | Christmas 1 Dec to 30 Dec

London Bridge | British

Bill's London Bridge sits on the water at Victor Wharf, on Clink Street between Borough Market and the river.

2-3 courses | Lunch 11.30am–4pm | Pre-Theatre 4pm–close | Group 11.30am–close | Christmas Early Bird 12 Nov to 30 Nov | Christmas 1 Dec to 30 Dec

Stratford | British

Bill's Stratford is on The Street at Westfield Stratford City, an all day restaurant and bar beside the Olympic Park.

2-3 courses | Lunch 11.30am–4pm | Pre-Theatre 4pm–close | Christmas Early Bird 12 Nov to 30 Nov | Christmas 1 Dec to 30 Dec

Greenwich | British

Bill's Greenwich stands on Nelson Road, a few doors from Greenwich Market and the covered stalls behind it.

2-3 courses | Lunch 11.30am–4pm | Pre-Theatre 4pm–close | Christmas Early Bird 12 Nov to 30 Nov | Christmas 1 Dec to 30 Dec

Hammersmith | British

Bill's Hammersmith sits on Hammersmith Grove with tables set out on the terrace in front.

2-3 courses | Lunch 11.30am–4pm | Pre-Theatre 4pm–close | Christmas Early Bird 12 Nov to 30 Nov | Christmas 1 Dec to 30 Dec

Kingston | British

Bill's Kingston looks onto the Thames from Riverside Walk, beside the bridge at the edge of the town centre.

2-3 courses | Lunch 11.30am–4pm | Pre-Theatre 4pm–close | Christmas Early Bird 12 Nov to 30 Nov | Christmas 1 Dec to 30 Dec

Richmond | British

Bill's Richmond takes the corner where Hill Rise climbs away from Richmond Bridge.

2-3 courses | Lunch 11.30am–4pm | Pre-Theatre 4pm–close | Christmas Early Bird 12 Nov to 30 Nov | Christmas 1 Dec to 30 Dec

Shepherd's Bush | British

Bill's Westfield White City sits inside the centre on Ariel Way, open from breakfast through the day.

2-3 courses | Lunch 11.30am–4pm | Pre-Theatre 4pm–close | Christmas Early Bird 12 Nov to 30 Nov | Christmas 1 Dec to 30 Dec

Wimbledon | British

Bill's Wimbledon is on Hartfield Road, a few minutes from the station in the town centre.

2-3 courses | Lunch 11.30am–4pm | Pre-Theatre 4pm–close | Christmas Early Bird 12 Nov to 30 Nov | Christmas 1 Dec to 30 Dec

Soho | Latin American

Sucre cooks Latin American food in Soho, in one of the most beautiful dining spaces in central London.

2-3 courses | Lunch 12pm–4pm | Pre-Theatre 4pm–6pm | Post-Theatre 9pm–11pm

Soho | Italian

Mele e Pere is a vegetable led Italian on Brewer Street in Soho, with a vermouth bar in the basement.

2-3 courses | Lunch & Pre-Theatre | 12pm–6pm

Covent Garden | European

The Delaunay is a European café-restaurant at 55 Aldwych, serving Wiener Schnitzel, tartes flambées and Viennese pastries from breakfast through to late, with three set menus running alongside the carte.

1-3 courses | Lunch From 11.30am | Lunch & Dinner From 11.30am | Pre/Post-Theatre 4.30pm–6.30pm & 9pm–close

Soho | French Brasserie

Prix Fixe Brasserie is a candlelit French bistro on Dean Street in Soho, papered wall to wall with vintage posters.

2 courses | Lunch 12pm–4pm | Pre-Theatre Sun–Wed 4pm–6.30pm, Thu–Sat 4pm–6pm | Post-Theatre 9.30pm–11pm

Islington | French Bistro

Bellanger is a grand Alsace leaning bistro looking onto Islington Green, a few minutes from Angel.

2-3 courses | Prix Fixe Mon–Fri from 11.45am, Sat–Sun after 5pm | Sunday Lunch From 12pm

Wimbledon Village | French Brasserie

Cote Wimbledon is a French brasserie a couple of minutes from the All England Club, open from early morning through the day.

2-3 courses | Lunch & Pre-Theatre 11.30am–5pm | Festive 24 Nov to 24 Dec

Covent Garden | Pan-Asian

Gilgamesh serves Pan-Asian food on Upper St Martin’s Lane, carved Mesopotamian panelling running the length of a restaurant two minutes from Leicester Square.

2-3 courses | Lunch 12pm–5pm | Pre-Theatre 5pm–7pm

Fitzrovia | Modern European

2-3 courses | Early Evening 5pm–6pm | Lunch 12pm–2.30pm

Covent Garden | Indian

Paro Indian occupies the Lyceum Theatre building on Wellington Street, cooking modern Indian food around a house blend of 48 spices. The Novello is across the street and the Aldwych is two minutes away.

2-3 courses | Pre-Theatre 11.45am–6.30pm

Covent Garden | French

Boulevard Brasserie sits in the heart of Covent Garden behind a frontage buried under flowers, with more than twenty theatres inside a ten minute walk.

2-3 courses | Lunch & Pre-Theatre 12pm–6.30pm | Christmas 23 Nov to 23 Dec

Covent Garden | French

A French brasserie in the heart of Covent Garden, a short walk from every West End stage.

2-3 courses | Lunch & Pre-Theatre 12pm–6.30pm | Christmas 23 Nov to 23 Dec

Somerset House | Chinese

Poon's keeps a Cantonese kitchen beside Somerset House, a minute from the Strand, with the stoves in full view.

2 courses | Lunch 12pm–2.30pm | Pre-Theatre until 6.30pm

Covent Garden | French Bistro

A Covent Garden bistro institution just off Garrick Street, minutes from the theatres.

2-3 courses | Lunch & Pre-Theatre | 12pm–6.30pm & after 10pm

Soho | Modern British

A Soho restaurant on Frith Street, cooking produce from the family farm over a grill.

2-4 courses | Lunch 12pm–4.30pm | Pre-Theatre Tue–Sat 12pm–6.30pm, Mon 5pm–10pm

Victoria | Modern British

The Idler sits in central London between the West End theatres and Victoria station, cooking British seasonal produce with a Mediterranean accent.

2-3 courses | Lunch & Pre-Theatre | 12pm–6.30pm

Victoria | Italian

2 courses | Lunch | Tue–Fri 12pm–9.30pm, Sat 12.30pm–9.30pm

Soho | Italian

Bocconcino is an Italian on Great Marlborough Street in Soho, with a Josper grill and a wood fired oven going all day.

2-3 courses | Lunch 12pm–4.45pm | Pre-Theatre 5pm–6pm, Mon–Thu also 9.30pm–10.30pm

Covent Garden | Italian

Harry's Covent Garden is an all day Italian on the piazza, Venetian in look and open from morning until late.

2-3 courses | Lunch & Dinner 11.30am–close | Lunch & Pre-Theatre 11.30am–6pm

King's Cross | Italian

Harry's King's Cross is a glossy all day Italian beside the station, open from morning until late.

2-3 courses | Lunch & Dinner 11.30am–close | Lunch & Pre-Theatre 11.30am–6pm

Soho | Modern British

The Ham Yard Hotel's art-filled dining room, off a tree-lined courtyard in Soho.

2-3 courses | Lunch & Pre-Theatre 12pm–10.30pm | Sunday Lunch 12pm–4.45pm | Festive 23 Nov to 24 Dec

Soho | Modern British

Refuel is the restaurant and bar of The Soho Hotel, tucked between Dean Street and Wardour Street and a short walk from the West End theatres.

2-3 courses | Lunch & Pre-Theatre 12pm–1pm, 4pm–6pm & 9pm–10.30pm | Festive 23 Nov to 24 Dec

Canary Wharf | Australian / Modern European

Caravan Canary Wharf sits on Reuters Plaza, an all day kitchen of small and large plates a step from the Troubadour theatre.

2-3 courses | Lunch & Pre-Theatre | Mon–Fri from 12pm, Sat–Sun from 5pm

Covent Garden | Australian / Modern European

2-3 courses | Lunch & Pre-Theatre | Mon–Fri from 12pm, Sat–Sun from 5pm

Southwark | Australian / Modern European

2-3 courses | Lunch & Pre-Theatre | Mon–Fri from 12pm, Sat–Sun from 5pm

Clerkenwell | Australian / Modern European

2-3 courses | Lunch & Pre-Theatre | Mon–Fri from 12pm, Sat–Sun from 5pm

Clapham | Modern European

Minnow is a neighbourhood bistro on The Pavement in Clapham Old Town, looking out over the Common.

2-3 courses | Prix Fixe 12pm–6.45pm | Dinner 4pm–10pm

Fitzrovia | Sicilian

Norma occupies a three storey Charlotte Street townhouse, cooking Sicilian food with Moorish influences under Moroccan tiles.

2-3 courses | Lunch & Pre-Theatre

Soho | Modern Indian

Gunpowder Soho cooks modern Indian food from family recipes on Denman Street, a minute from Piccadilly Circus.

2-3 courses | Lunch & Pre-Theatre | Tue–Fri 12pm–3pm, Sat 12pm–5.30pm

St James's | Italian

The original Cafe Murano sits on St James's Street, a Northern Italian a few minutes from Green Park.

2-3 courses | Lunch 12pm–3pm | Pre-Theatre 5pm–7pm | Post-Theatre 9pm onwards

Covent Garden | Italian

Cafe Murano Covent Garden is a trattoria on Tavistock Street, steps from the Royal Opera House.

2-3 courses | Lunch 12pm–3pm | Pre-Theatre 5pm–7pm | Post-Theatre 9pm onwards

Bermondsey | Italian

Cafe Murano Bermondsey sits on Bermondsey Street, the south London site of the Northern Italian trattorias.

2-3 courses | Lunch 12pm–3pm | Pre-Theatre 5pm–7pm | Post-Theatre 9pm onwards

Marylebone | Italian

Cafe Murano Marylebone is a neighbourhood Italian on Dorset Street, just off the high street.

2-3 courses | Lunch 12pm–3pm | Pre-Theatre 5pm–7pm | Post-Theatre 9pm onwards

Victoria | British

bbar is a bar and restaurant on Buckingham Palace Road in Victoria, with an al fresco terrace underneath London's largest living wall.

2-3 courses | Lunch & Pre-Theatre | Mon 4pm–7pm, Tue–Sat 12pm–7pm, Sun 12pm–5pm

St Paul's | Pan-Asian

The Ivy Asia sits above St Paul's on a glittering emerald floor, looking straight at the cathedral.

2 courses | Dinner 6pm–close | Lunch & Pre-Theatre 11.30am–6pm

Covent Garden | Modern British

Jamie Oliver Catherine St sits a step from Theatre Royal Drury Lane, cooking modern British food all day long.

2-3 courses | Lunch & Pre-Theatre | 12pm–5.30pm

Strand | Mediterranean

Toklas sits between the Strand and the Thames, with art on the walls and one of the best terraces in central London.

2-3 courses | Pre-Theatre 5.30pm–6.30pm

Soho | French

L'Escargot has been a French restaurant at 48 Greek Street in Soho since 1927, a few minutes from the theatres on Shaftesbury Avenue.

2-3 courses | Lunch 12pm–3pm | Pre-Theatre 5pm–6.15pm | Post-Theatre 9pm–10.15pm | Sunday Lunch 12pm–3.30pm

Islington | European / Wine Bar

Humble Grape Islington is a wine bar on Theberton Street, a minute from the Almeida.

2 courses | Pre-Theatre 5pm–6.30pm

Covent Garden | British

The Ivy has stood on West Street since 1917, a Theatreland fixture behind its famous stained glass.

2-3 courses | Lunch & Pre-Theatre 11.30am–6pm | Festive 4 Nov to 29 Dec

St James's | Modern British

Brumus is the restaurant and bar of the Haymarket Hotel, a British brasserie on Suffolk Place in the heart of the theatre district, moments from Trafalgar Square.

2-3 courses | Pre-Theatre 5pm–10.45pm | Weekend Lunch 12pm–10.45pm | Festive 23 Nov to 24 Dec

Covent Garden | French Bistro

Henri is a Parisian inspired bistro inside The Henrietta Hotel in Covent Garden, a godsend before a curtain up.

2-3 courses | Lunch 12pm–2.30pm | Pre-Theatre 5pm–6pm

Victoria | British

The panelled dining room of The Rubens at the Palace, a few steps from the Royal Mews.

2-3 courses | Lunch 12.30pm–2.30pm | Pre-Theatre 5.30pm–7pm

Soho | Modern British

An all day restaurant on the second floor of Liberty, cooking modern British plates.

2-3 courses | Pre-Theatre 4pm–6.30pm

Covent Garden | French

The Covent Garden restaurant with the blossom covered conservatory.

2-3 courses | Lunch 12pm–2.15pm | Weekend Lunch 12pm–2.15pm | Pre-Theatre 5pm–5.45pm

Southwark | Modern British

2-3 courses | Pre-Theatre | Mon–Sat 12pm–2.30pm, 5pm–9.30pm; Sun 12pm–7pm

Chelsea | British Gastropub

The Chalk Freehouse is a Michelin recommended gastropub in Chelsea, with a kitchen far more precise than the pub setting lets on.

2-3 courses | Lunch 12pm–2.30pm | Pre-Theatre 5.30pm–6.15pm

Westminster | Modern Indian

The Cinnamon Club occupies the old Westminster Library on Great Smith Street, cooking inventive modern Indian food minutes from Parliament.

3 courses | Pre-Theatre 5pm–6pm | Post-Theatre 9pm–close

Covent Garden | Latin American

Crudo is the Seven Dials site on Monmouth Street, sending out ceviche, tiradito and Latin American small plates for the whole table.

5-6 courses | All Day All day | Pre/Post-Theatre Until 6pm & after 9pm

Covent Garden | French Brasserie

Brasserie Max is the brasserie inside the Covent Garden Hotel, a few streets from the West End stages.

2-3 courses | Lunch & Pre-Theatre 12pm–6pm & 9pm–10.30pm | Festive 23 Nov to 24 Dec

South Bank | Modern British

Lasdun is the restaurant inside the National Theatre on the South Bank, brutalist concrete and river light in equal measure.

2-3 courses | Lunch & Pre-Theatre | 12pm–2pm (Wed & Sat) & 4.30pm–6.30pm

Victoria | British

The Cavalry Bar, formerly The New York Bar, is the lacquered red cocktail bar at The Rubens at the Palace in Victoria, serving a full menu through the afternoon and evening.

2-3 courses | Pre-Theatre 4pm–6.45pm

Mayfair | Seafood / British

Bentley's is an oyster bar and seafood restaurant on Swallow Street in Mayfair, the short lane that links Regent Street to Piccadilly.

2-3 courses | Lunch 12pm–3pm | Pre-Theatre 4.30pm–6pm

South Kensington | Mediterranean

The Lavery is on the first floor of the Cromwell Place galleries in South Kensington, in a Grade II listed townhouse an Anglo Irish painter once worked in.

3 courses | Lunch 12pm–2pm | Pre-Theatre 5pm–6pm

South Bank | Modern British

OXO Tower Brasserie sits on the eighth floor of the OXO Tower on the South Bank, glazed on three sides above the Thames, with a terrace along the length of the building.

3 courses | Pre-Theatre 12pm–6.30pm, 8.30pm–9.30pm

Covent Garden | Modern British

Indigo is the signature restaurant at One Aldwych, London's cultured independent hotel in the heart of Covent Garden. With London's best culture and theatres on the doorstep, Indigo is perfectly placed for pre-theatre dining.

2-3 courses | Pre-Theatre 5pm–6.30pm

Kensington | Modern British

Cheneston's is the restaurant of The Milestone, a five star Victorian townhouse hotel facing Kensington Gardens.

2-3 courses | Lunch 12.30pm–2.30pm | Pre-Theatre 5.30pm–6.30pm

Tooting | Modern British (tasting)

Smoke & Salt is a Michelin listed tasting menu restaurant in Tooting, with dishes that turn over with the season.

Tasting | Craft 6pm–6.30pm | Culture 6pm–10pm

South Bank | Modern British

OXO Tower Restaurant is the white-linen dining room on the eighth floor of the OXO Tower on the South Bank, with St Paul's directly across the river.

3 courses | Lunch 12pm–2.30pm | Pre-Theatre 5pm–6.30pm | Post-Theatre 8.30pm–9.30pm

Strand | British

Savoy Grill is the art deco grill inside The Savoy, a few minutes from the Strand theatres.

2-3 courses | Lunch & Pre-Theatre 12pm–5.45pm | Festive 16 Nov to 4 Jan