New York City serves up an exceptionally diverse array of tantalising food options. Mexican, Japanese, Middle Eastern, French… you name it and we bet your bottom dollar the city has it. Teeming with fun and inventive eateries eager to transport you and your tastebuds to a whole new world of flavor, trying to pick out the best pre-theatre dinner spot in NYC can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve gone and done the dirty work for you. The verdict? This wicked roundup of the 30 best Theatre District restaurants and bars to pair with your Broadway experience.
Best Theatre District Restaurants NYC
We spoke with hundreds of Headout users and Broadway enthusiasts and even had a chat with Miki Kawasaki, an accomplished food writer and former contributor of the popular food blog, Serious Eats. We asked them what their favorite places to grab a bite before hitting the theatre are – here’s what they had to say!
Browse by Category. Click on any category below to jump to each section:
- Casual and Mid-Level Sit-Downs
- Upscale and Fancy
- Bars and Lounges
Casual and Mid-Level Sit-Downs
1. La Masseria
235 W 48th St. Directions
Tel: (212) 582-2111
Hours: Daily: 12PM – 3PM & 5PM – 12AM
A little piece of Italy in the heart of Manhattan, La Masseria offers up the perfect, pre-theatre dinner. Classic dishes made with fresh ingredients capture the true essence of a farm-to-table dining experience. With an extensive wine list to compliment the food and an epic cheesecake you won’t want to miss, La Masseria is by far one of the best Italian restaurants in the Theatre District.
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2. Yakitori Torishin
362 W 53rd St. Directions
Tel: (212) 757-0108
Hours: Mon-Wed: 6PM – 10:30PM Thu-Fri: 6PM – 12:30AM Sat: 5:30 – 12:30AM Sun: 5:30PM – 11:30PM
Tori Shin’s truly provides one of the most authentic, Tokyo style yakitori experiences. The name ‘Tori shin’ means ‘true chicken’, while ‘yakitori’ means ‘grilled chicken’. This upscale Japanese restaurant uses only top quality ingredients, including organic chicken. The art of yakitori has been perfected by the chefs here and meals include performances by the master’s themselves, offering you a unique peek at this ancient technique. The sake collection is also impressive, offering one of the most extensive menus in all of New York.
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3. Dallas BBQ Times Square
241 W 42nd St. Directions
Tel: (212) 221-9000
Hours: Sun-Wed: 11AM – 12AM Thu-Sat: 11AM – 1:30AM
For those looking to have some fun at dinner and don’t mind getting a little messy, this is your spot. Wings, BBQ ribs, and burgers, oh my! …It’s time to get your hands dirty! Save your appetite for after the Broadway show and enjoy Dallas BBQ’s late night hours. It’s nothing but good vibes (and good food) here. We like your style, Brandi; great pick!
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4. Balade Your Way
144 W 37th St. Directions
Tel: (212) 695-6969
Hours: Mon-Fri: 11AM – 9PM Sat & Sun: Closed
Authentic flavors from the Middle East that jump off your plate, meals here are made with only the freshest of ingredients. (Balade actually means ‘fresh’.) The staff are more than willing to prepare your food just the way you like it, so take advantage of the diverse ingredients available! Shawarma, falafel, kebab… you really can have it your way at Balade. You hummust go here.
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5. Boulud Sud
One Lincoln Plaza, 20 W 64th St. Directions
Tel: (212) 595-1313
Hours: Mon-Sat: 11:30AM – 11PM *Bar closes at 12AM Sun: 11:30AM – 10PM
This restaurant exudes flavors as colorful as a broadway show itself. From the shores of Southern France to the coast of North Africa, the dishes at Boulud offer up a true taste of the Mediterranean. The pleasant decor and sunflower-yellow accents make it such a charming atmosphere… you might want to keep an eye on your watch or you could easily end up missing your show!
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6. Strip House
15 W 44th St. Directions
Tel: (212) 336-5454
Hours: Mon-Wed: 11:30AM – 10PM Thu-Fri: 11:30AM – 11PM Sat: 5PM – 11PM Sun: 5PM – 10PM
With amazing surf and turf appetizers, some of the best steak entrees in NY, and a famous 24-layer chocolate cake, a meal at the Strip House will cater toward all of your cravings. The restaurant’s siren red interior recreates the old glamour world in a sophisticated, classy manor. Studio Manasse prints of 1930’s burlesque stars adorn the walls, giving your eyes something to feast upon as you sip on a cocktail or glass of wine before your food arrives.
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7. Ootoya
141 W 41st St. Directions
Tel: (212) 704-0833
Hours: Mon-Fri: 11:30AM – 2:30PM Sat-Sun: 11:30AM – 3Pm Daily: 5:30PM – 10:30PM
Sashimi, hot pot, and teishoku, oh my! Specializing in traditional home cooking, Ootoya brings the taste of mom’s kitchen to NYC. Meals are fresh and healthy, yet satisfying. This sophisticated restaurant is the perfect place to broaden your palate for Japanese cuisine.
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8. Wolfgang’s Steakhouse
250 W 41st St. Directions
Tel: (212) 921-3720
Hours: Sun-Thu: 12PM – 11PM Fri-Sat: 12PM – Midnight
Craving a perfectly cooked, famous Porterhouse Steak? Enough said; Wolfgang’s is your place. With side dishes to satisfy every taste bud and a decadent dessert menu to top it all off, your stomach will feel the love tonight.
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9. Havana Central
151 W 46th St. Directions
Tel: (212) 398-7440
Hours: Sun-Wed: 11:30AM – 11PM Thu-Sat: 11:30AM – 12AM
Everyone is havana a good time here. Tapas, classic Cuban entrees, and live latin music set the scene for more than just a simple meal. Happy hour deals- like $1 empanadas and deliciously, cheap rum cocktails- give both you and your pocket something to feel happy about.
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10. Glass House Tavern
252 W 47th St. Directions
Tel: (212) 730-4800
Hours: Sun-Mon: 11AM – 2AM Tues-Sat: 11AM – 3AM
The Glass House Tavern brings creativity to New York’s theatre district. Executive Chef Craig Cupani serves a contemporary American menu that focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients, with hints of Italian flair. The restaurant’s warm tavern-like atmosphere makes for a calming environment to enjoy a meal amidst the bustling Theatre District. It’s also a favorite among Broadway stars – perhaps you’ll be lucky enough to be seated next to one!
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11. Le Rivage
340 W 46th St. Directions
Tel: (212) 765-7374
Hours: Tues-Sat: 11:30PM – 11PM Sun-Mon: 11:30AM – 9:30PM
A cozy atmosphere and mouth-watering, traditional French cuisine make this pre-theatre dinner spot a favorite. Located in the heart of the Theatre District, Le Rivage offers a great selection of entrees at unbeatable prices.
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12. Carmine’s
200 W 44th St. Directions
Tel: (212) 221-3800
Hours: Daily: 11AM – 11PM
From seafood to pasta, you won’t leave Carmine’s hungry. This family-style restaurant specializes in serving up some of the best Southern Italian food in the Theatre District. With two locations, you’re sure to make it to the theatre with plenty of time to settle into your seats before the show starts.
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13. Danji
362 West 52nd St. Directions
Tel: (212) 586-2880
Hours: Mon-Thur: 5PM – 12AM Fri-Sat: 5PM – 1AM
Danji is one of NYC’s restaurants that just keep getting better! Authentic Korean dishes are prepared with fresh ingredients and classic techniques that capture the flavors perfectly. Ordering a bunch of small plates and sharing is a great way to sample the wide array of unique menu items. The tall communal tables make the atmosphere fun and lively, or, if you want a more intimate experience, opt for a personal table.
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14. Natsumi
226 W 50th St. Directions
Tel: (212) 258-2988
Hours: Mon: 3PM – 11PM Tue-Fri: 3PM – 12AM Sat: 4:30PM – 12AM Sun: 4:30PM – 11PM
Happy Hour: Daily 4PM – 6PM & 10:30PM – Close
Speciality martinis and some of the city’s best sushi rolls? Sake to me! With an exceptionally amazing Happy Hour, this spot is great for both food and drinks. Be sure to sample some of Natsumi’s outstanding Japanese-Italian fusion dishes (…did someone say Japanese carpaccio?!)
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15. Indian Accent
123 W 56th St. Directions
Tel: (212) 842-8070
Hours: Mon-Sat: 5PM – 10:30PM Sun: Closed
Indian Accent offers up traditional Indian dishes with a modern twist. Nostalgic flavours are packed into each and every recipe, while global techniques are incorporated in the preparation. This careful blend of old and new results in food that is beautifully executed.
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16. Toloache
251 W 50th St. Directions
Tel: (212) 581-1818
Hours: Sun-Mon: 11:30AM – 10PM Tue-Thu: 11:30AM – 11PM Fri-Sat: 11:30AM – 12AM
Spice up your pre-theatre dinner plans with some authentic Mexican food. One of the best restaurants on Broadway, Toloache’s recipes are sure to send you off to the theatre feeling nice and tipsy… the restaurant has a fantastic tequila list you don’t want to pass up! And if liquor isn’t really your thing, no worries- instead, get your buzz from the awesome guacamole and ceviche bar.
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17. Marseille
630 9th Avenue Directions
Tel: (212) 333-2323
Hours: Sun-Tues: 5PM – 11PM Wed-Sat: 5PM – 12AM
Inspired by its namesake French port city, Marseille has incorporated the cultural influence of the Mediterranean. Dishes exude an exciting fusion of French, Italian, Greek, and North African flavors. Bouillabaisse, savory tagines, gourmet ‘five napkin’ burgers, and short ribs are just a few favorites. It’s Casablanca-like atmosphere makes this spot a beloved pre-theatre staple.
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18. Azalea
224 W 51st St. Directions
Tel: (212) 262-0105
Hours: Mon-Thur: 11:30AM – 11:30PM Fri-Sat: 11:30AM – 12AM Sun: 11:30-11PM
Azalea offers a delicious spin on classic Italian food in the Theatre District. The restaurant serves up unique under-the-sea specialities from the Brescia and Amalfi Coast regions. The menu beautifully fuses together rich, creamy sauces and heavy meats of Brescia, with fresh seafood and savoury vegetables of the Amalfi Coast. Don’t forget to check out the wine list!
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19. Sardi’s
234 W 44th St. Directions
Tel: (212) 221-8440
Hours: Mon-Sat: 11:30AM – 11PM Sun: 12PM – 7PM
This classic, hot-spot is one of the best Theatre District restaurants of all time. Nowhere else captures the spirit of show-biz like the walls of Sardi’s. Over a thousand caricatures of celebrities line the walls, setting the stage for a great broadway-esque meal. Order off the special, pre-theatre dinner menu and choose between a variety of satisfying, continental recipes.
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20. Tony’s Di Napoli
147 W 43rd St. Directions
Tel: (212) 221-0100
Hours: Tue-Fri: 4PM – 12AM Sat: 3PM – 12AM Sun-Mon: 4PM – 11PM
Dished out like a true Italian family-style dinner, Tony’s cooks up fantastic, South Neapolitan recipes. So bring your appetite because portions are huge; and with food this good, you might find yourself sixteen going on seventeen helpings! And did I mention the killer dessert menu? Cannolis, tiramisu, tartufo, cheesecake, chocolate decadence…. Need I say more? Buon appetito! Thanks for the suggestion Daniel!
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21. Gabriel Kreuther
41 W 42nd St. Directions
Tel: (212) 257-5826
Hours: Mon-Sat: 5:30PM – 9PM Sun: Closed
Named after it’s Alsatian executive chef, both the food and the dining area at Gabriel Kreuther’s exude European grandeur. From the ceiling hang 42 crystal storks, while elegant, reclaimed wood beams generate a relaxed warmth that perfectly rounds out the luxurious space. Perhaps the most uniquely designed component of Kreuther’s kitchen is the chef’s table. Tucked away in the midst of all the action- yet visible from the main dining area, people have the opportunity to connect with the talented team behind their exceptional culinary experience.
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Upscale and Fancy
22. The View Restaurant & Lounge
1535 Broadway Directions
Tel: (212) 704-8900
Hours: Sun-Thur: 5:30PM – 10PM Fri: 5:30PM – 11PM Sat: 5PM – 11PM
Lounge closes at 12AM Sun-Thur & 1:30AM Fri & Sat
Let your experience begin by allowing the gorgeous glass elevator to escort you to your table, 48 stories above New York City. Enjoy classic American food and cocktails from the only revolving rooftop restaurant in the entire city. The rotating floor makes a 360° turn every hour, giving you breathtaking views of Time Square throughout your entire dinner. A meal at The View is a show itself!
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23. The NoMad
1170 Broadway Directions
Tel: (212) 796-1500
Hours: Sun: 5:30PM – 10PM Mon- Thur: 5:30PM – 10:30PM Fri & Sat: 5:30PM – 11PM
The brilliant architects and designers of The NoMad have created a dining space that’ll make you feel as though you’ve just stepped into an elegant, French chateau. Situated in the center of several dining rooms is a gorgeous atrium that produces the atmosphere of an airy, sun-kissed European courtyard. As for the food, it’s as impressive as the pyramidal glass roof that perfectly lights the atrium. Each dish intertwines color and flavor into a lovely masterpiece- also known as, your fantastic dinner. Order a cocktail or glass of wine from the 24-foot-long mahogany bar and enjoy it while soaking up the warmth from the beautiful fireplace imported from France.
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24. La Bernardin
155 W 51st St. Directions
Tel: (212) 554-1515
Hours: Mon-Fri: 9AM – 10PM Sat: 10AM – 10PM Sun: Closed
Straight from Paris, La Bernardin serves some of the absolute, finest French cuisine in New York. The restaurant has held three stars from the Michelin Guide since its 2005 New York launch and currently ranks 24 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. Not a bad way to preface your broadway show! It’s nothing but class and magnificent seafood at La Bernardin.
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25. Little Park
85 W Broadway Directions
Tel: (212) 220-4110
Hours: Daily: 5:30PM – 11PM
This seasonal, farm-to-table restaurant offers delicious, yet healthy entrees. Great for vegetarians, the master Chef of Little Park creates a dining experience that showcases the art of elegant cooking while nurturing sustainable farming techniques. The caramel decor, artisan fabrics, and whitewashed woodwork exude an earthy, relaxing environment.
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26. Bâtard
239 W Broadway Directions
Phone number: (212) 219-2777
Hours: Mon-Sat: 5:30PM – 10:30PM Sun: Closed
The cozy yet elegant dining area at Bâtard brings you fine dining, with an attractively relaxed atmosphere. The Viennese and French inspired menu pairs perfectly with the extensive wine list, a majority of which is dedicated to Burgundy. At this Michelin-starred restaurant, entrees are constantly being reinvented and each time you think you’ve found your sure favorite, something new comes along that impresses you just as much. Be sure to ask about the off-the-menu cheese platter, it’s a perfect way to kick off a nice bottle of Burgundy!
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Bars and Lounges
27. Lantern’s Keep at The Iroquois
49 W 44th St. Directions
Tel: (212) 453-4287
Hours: Mon: 5PM – 11PM Tue-Fri: 5PM – 12AM Sat: 7PM – 1AM Sun: Closed
This intimate venue captures the essence of classic cocktail culture. The drink menu is teeming with innovative concoctions that put a modern twist on timeless favourites, such as the Old Fashion and Manhattan. Dark, quiet, and mysterious, the Lantern’s Keep is the perfect place to let the genie out of the lamp. Dish about the show you’ve just watched while sipping on a delicious Iroquois #2 (Cognac, lemon, Yellow Chartreuse, and pineapple) or an exciting Sea Fizz (St. George Absinthe, Lemon, seltzer, and egg white).
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28. Bar Centrale
324 W 46th St. Directions
Tel: (212) 581-3130
Hours: Sun-Mon: 5PM – 11:30PM Tue-Sat: 5PM – 12:30AM
While the cocktails here are definitely on-point, it’s something else that’ll give you a buzz at Bar Centrale… the very likely-encounter with Broadway stars who are also looking for a place to kick back after a show. This speakeasy bar is sophisticated, cozy, and conveniently tucked away in a nicely, hidden spot. Enjoy an intimate experience at this gem and you’ll feel like you just scored an invitation to a secret, 1920’s drinking den.
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29. The Rum House at Hotel Edison
228 W 47th St. Directions
Tel: (646) 490-6924
Hours: Daily: 12PM – 4AM
Art Deco, swanky red décor, and the smooth sound of jazz create quite the feel-good atmosphere at the The Rum House. Soak up the exciting New York City nightlife at this hip, midtown piano bar specializing in rum cocktails. After watching a lively Broadway show, it’s the perfect place to rum chug chugger.
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30. Bar 54 at The Hyatt
135 W 45th St. Directions
Tel: (646) 364-1234
Hours: Sun-Wed: 4PM – 1AM Thu-Sat: 4PM – 2AM
Set atop the 54-story Hyatt hotel, it’s nothing but seductive views and sultry cocktails at Bar 54. As you shift your gaze from the impressive skyline of Manhattan to your gorgeous, gourmet appetizer, prepare for sense to be blown away. Bar 54 is definitely something wonderful!
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Next, check out these Best Broadway Shows for Date Night. Also, see our Ultimate Guide for Making the Most out of Your Broadway Experience.
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