Where to Eat Before Broadway Show: 16 Top Places to Go

Follow along to discover the best restaurants near Broadway NYC! 

The Theater District is now filled to the brim with a bevy of culinary options ranging from sublime omakase sushi to charming Italian trattorias.  

Choose to pair your evening of American Revolution history and hip hop with a hearty meatloaf from Joe Allens, or prepare yourself for a world of Wicked wizardly fun with Bond 45’s verdant broccoli rabe pesto. 

Whether you are in the mood to sip a silky Pinot Noir at one of the area's chic wine bars or simply grab a slice of NY-style Cheesecake at the famous Juniors, we have the very best roundup of where to eat before a Broadway show in 2022.

Best Restaurants Before A Broadway NYC Show

Joe Allen

326 W 46th St.

A landmark icon of the theater district, Joe Allens has been fortifying Broadway's biggest stars and crew for over 50 years. 

A homey establishment where you can find Broadway superstars such as Kristin Chenoweth chowing down next to Midwestern tourists, Joe Allens is a must-see for any theater lover. Take in the exposed brick and wood paneling before searching the infamous poster collection of doomed Broadway flops that adorn their walls.

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Load up on classic American fare like the wholesome meatloaf served with fluffy mashed potatoes, gravy, and sauteed spinach or a crispy creole spiced fried chicken sandwich. Save some room for their beloved Banana Cream Pie (even Kristin’s a fan)!

P.S. for another Joe Allen eatery where you might be graced by the presence of some Tony Winners, head to Bar Centrale.

Toloache

251 W. 50th St.

Ole! For a festive south-of-the-border feast of Mexican delicacies, Toloache always hits the spot as a fabulous place to eat a pre-show meal. Named after the amorous flowering plant, Toloache puts a thoroughly modern spin on your favorite Mexican dishes. 

With a plethora of platos to choose from and an outstanding selection of guacamoles, ceviches, and tapas, this is one cantina where you won’t leave hungry. 

Kick off your order with a bowl of Rojo spicy guacamole, followed by the exquisite tuna belly toro taquitos and carne asado tacos to share. Revel in the flavors and spices of their ‘platos fuertos,’ including the enchiladas borrachas, and don’t forget to sample their deceptively strong margaritas. Be sure to stop at this great option on our list of best restaurants near Broadway NYC!

Los Tacos No.1

229 W. 43rd St.

Got a hankering for some authentic Mexican tacos? Kick that taco bell habit to the curb when you devour plate after plate of carne asada and nopal-filled corn tortillas. Los Tacos was created after three amigos from Tijuana, Mexico, and California decided to bring the fresh flavors of the west to the East Coast.

Today, taco and tostada lovers from all over can enjoy their succulent meats, sides, and agua frescas at locations all over Manhattan.

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For a spice-filled dinner before your broadway show in NYC, we recommend sampling a medley of marinated pork and grilled chicken tacos, all topped with onions, cilantro, salsa, and guacamole.

Feeling particularly indulgent? Try ordering off the menu and impress your foodie friends when you chow down on their queso taco. This secret menu item features your favorite fillings in a shell made entirely out of cheese.

Aldo Sohm Wine Bar

151 West 51st St.

Ideal for a romantic pre-show drink or nibble, Aldo Sohm Wine Bar envelopes you in its chic art deco ambiance the moment you walk in the door.

Sultry lighting and pop-heavy art pieces adorn the walls and invite you to take a seat and relax with a bold glass of Malbec or a bottle of Burgundy. Fun fact, Sohm is the project of le Bernardin's award-winning wine director Aldo Sohm.

The plates here are designed to be shared and paired with the accompanying wine so feel free to over-order and sample treats such as country-style pate, stuffed and roasted red peppers, and sublime roasted fig salad complete with arugula, goat cheese, walnuts, and balsamic drizzle. 

Sushi Seki

365 West 46th St.

If you can brave the bustling crowds of Times Square pre-Lion King showing, you’ll be rewarded with some of the best sushi and sashimi of your life at Sushi Seki.

This elegant and minimalist two-story sushi bar and restaurant cultivates the perfect atmosphere in which to enjoy your sake and omakase.

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Peak your appetite with an order of steamed shumai and maguro avocado before savoring their otherworldly Oh Toro Sushi, Hamachi Belly, and Uni Sashimi. 

Pro Tip: While definitely a splurge, we highly recommend the seasonal Kaiseki Omakase, a traditional multi-course meal that utilizes the best and freshest ingredients available. 

La Masseria

235 West 48th St.

An authentic trattoria that strikes the perfect balance between tradition and presentation, La Masseria is a first-rate choice when seeking an Italian restaurant to eat at before a broadway show.

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The upscale decor and incredible service that accompany your orders of crispy fried zucchini and insalata di mare are unparalleled. Arrive early so you can linger over a bottle of red as you devour their homemade fresh caciotta cheese ravioli in a light tomato sauce or relish the purity of their spaghetti allo spugnito di pomodoro. 

For those who always need a little something ‘dolce’ to end their meal before listening to Mr. Evan Hansen belt it out, try their delicate tiramisu.

Carmines

200 West 44th Street

Some things just belong together, like peanut butter and jelly, Romeo and Juliet, Carmines, and a Broadway play. This New York City institution of Southern Italian cuisine never disappoints.

While you used to have to trek all the way to the Upper West Side for a taste of Carmine’s juicy shrimp scampi or heavenly penne ala vodka, you can now enjoy these heavenly plates of carbs as a pre-theater meal right in Times Square. 

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Begin your family-style feasting with some standout appetizers, such as their savory stuffed mushrooms or Zuppa di Mussels, before moving on to the main attractions. 

All of their pasta is top-notch, but we hold a special place in our hearts for their country-style rigatoni and their scrumptious chicken parmigiana. 

Victor’s Cafe

236 West 52nd St.

Platanos, cubanos, and cocktails oh my! Seeking a taste of the tropics in the middle of NYC might seem crazy, but Victor’s Cafe brings sunshine, tropical vibes, and Cuban culture right into the Theater District.

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Enter a world of palm trees, colorful prints, and a welcoming island spirit when you dine at Victor's. Sitting amongst the hanging vines, vibrant, colorful wall prints, and magical skylight, you will feel instantly transported to the shores of Havana. 

Lead off your night of Cuban cuisine with one of their renowned cocktails like the creamy coconaty mojito or the more traditional Cuba Libre. 

Debate the merits of the citrusy ceviche vs. the flaky chicken empanadas before ordering both. More of Victor's signature dishes include their aromatic black bean soup, mouth-watering ropa vieja, and legendary lechon asado. 

Bond 45

221 West 46th St.

Once located in the former historic Bond Clothing store on 45th St, Bond 45 is a dazzling Broadway eatery that has been feeding theater patrons for decades. They are best known for their scrumptious and seasonal vegetable antipasto bar, which includes such superb offerings as cauliflower milanese, Brussels sprouts cacio e pepe, and eggplant parmesan. 

Rondout your post-show dining escapade by ordering one of their delightfully thin and crispy pizzas like the ‘lot of pepperoni, which is liberally doused with spicy honey for a unique sweet and savory twist, or the richly indulgent whole lobster pizza, which is topped with creamy burrata. 

Pro Tip: Seeking a little more ‘show’ to go with your supper? Rev up the titillation and anticipation with Bond 45’s Speakeasy. This underground artistic experience features cirque, burlesque, and Broadway performers, as well as a creative custom menu of cocktails. 

P.S. Kitchen

246 West 48th St. 

Calling all plant-based connoisseurs! It might now always be super easy being green (ask Elphaba to confirm,) but P.S. Kitchen takes the guesswork out of vegan dining in the Theater District.

Pursue their entire menu with confidence, knowing everything is 100% vegan as well as socially conscious. P.S. Kitchen has made the heartwarming promise to donate 100% of its profits to sustainable non-profit work.

Cozy up with a bowl of velvety rich tomato basil bisque soup, then pretend it's game day with a serving of their earth-shatteringly crunchy Buffalo Maitake Wings, which are accompanied by your choice of Buffalo sauce, BBQ, Sweet Thai Chili, or Garlic Cashew Parm oil. 

Sharing is caring! For your entree, why not order both the succulent ‘Chicken’ pot pie and homemade lasagna, made with herbed tofu ricotta, spinach, vegan meatballs, and homemade marinara, and sample both?

Burger + Lobster Bryant Park

132 West 43rd St.

Surf and Turf like you’ve never seen it before! Get the best of both worlds when you treat yourself to an epic epicurean experience at Burger + Lobster Bryant Park. Slide into one of their signature red vinyl boots and raise a glass to another evening of lobster rolls and live theatre thrills.

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Shaking up a dizzying array of signature cocktails, as well as an entire margarita menu, prime your tastebuds for ecstasy when your sip on Bryant Park Punch, or the richly flavored Taste of Fall, featuring Avua Cachaca, peanut butter whiskey, mango juice, lime juice, and spice syrup.

Obviously, it’s all about the lobsters (and beef) here at Burger + Lobster, the former which are wild Atlantic, live, and delivered daily. Chow down on sumptuous crab cakes made from shrimp, lobster, and crabmeat served with chive crème fraîche. But be sure to save room for the maritime main event - Lobster.

Our top pick is the Lobster Roll, or if you’re particularly famished go for broke with the B&L combo: a London Burger, and a 1.25 lb Original Lobster served with fries, salad, and your choice of clarified butter or lemon garlic butter sauce. This is one of our favorites on our list of best restaurants near Broadway NYC!

Ippudo Westside

321 W 51st St.

You scream, I scream, we all scream for ramen! Ok, maybe that's not how the rhyme goes, but we can all agree nothing fills us up with more noodley goodness than a steaming hot bowl of ramen. Ippudo Westside is our designated ramen joint and never fails to bring the flavor.

Commence your culinary adventure with an order of your favorite pillowy soft steamed buns (we prefer pork, but you do you), followed by their sinfully juicy and crispy Karaage fried rice. 

Lastly, slurp up the perfectly spiced and fragrant Karaka Spicy ramen, which is also available in vegetarian broth for all of our non-carnivorous friends. 

Butter

70 West 45th St.

Located in the Cassa Hotel, in the very heart of Midtown, Butter provides a satisfying, full-flavored dining affair in an elegant and elevated atmosphere. 

Whether you choose to tuck away in a comfortable booth underneath their spacious and highly arched ceilings or sidle up to their inviting bar for a cocktail or two, an evening at Butter makes for a perfect reprieve pre or post-show. 

Helmed by Food Network star and chef Alex Guarnaschelli, Butter’s menu is an exercise in curation and restraint, displaying the best of greenmarket offerings to create seasonal delights. 

Start your foray into American fine dining with their gooey cheesy gnocchi ‘mac and cheese’ to share, or if you are feeling more health-conscious, try their standout Brussels Sprouts & Baby Spinach Salad served with a divine smoked pecan dressing.

For your finale, feast upon the luscious (and surprisingly light) Grilled White Cloud Cauliflower, or the tender (and very local) Hudson Valley Duck Breast, served with wilted pea shoots, blackened grape leaves, and Somerset grape jam.

Juniors 

1515 Broadway 

1626 Broadway

A true NYC legend, you truly haven’t lived until you have had a slice of Junior’s World Famous cheesecake. For over 70 years, this Brooklyn icon has been delivering its creamy, dreamy cheesecake to millions of tourists, visitors, and celebrities. 

Lucky for you and your Broadway-bound compatriots, you no longer have to schlep across the bridge to get a little slice of heaven. Head on over to Times Square for the ultimate lunch before your Broadway show. 

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Tuck into a plate of potato pancakes or cheese blintzes to share before diving into their sublimely savory offerings like the pastrami Reuben, Matzo ball soup, or brisket platter. 

Lastly, reward your restraint in not having demolished dessert first with a slice of their famous #1 original cheesecake (or strawberry, if you’re feeling fancy), and imbibe with a classic Brooklyn egg cream for complete satisfaction. This undoubtedly is one of the best restaurants near Broadway NYC!

44 & X

622 10th Avenue

Picky palates will rejoice with pleasure when they break bread and eat before a Broadway show at 44 & X in Hell's Kitchen. Daring combinations and seasonal ingredients are married here in perfect unity to produce quality American cuisine well worth the walk to 10th avenue to eat before a Broadway show.

Love for the theater pours out of this airy establishment and is well reflected in their menu of Broadway-themed libations with cheeky monikers such as ‘Sprig Awakening’ and ‘Everything’s Coming Up Roses’ which contains a dreamy mix of Effin Rosé Flavored Vodka, lemon, St-Germaine, and grapefruit. 

Their newest menu showcases the bounty of fall ingredients and includes such showstoppers such as hamachi sashimi starter,

• accompanied by blood oranges
• blood orange syrup
• avocado
• micro celery
• refined persimmon salad

Ample entrees pay homage to everyone’s favorite comfort foods, like meatloaf and fried chicken, with a surprisingly gourmet twist. 

Upgraded Buttermilk fried chicken is plated with:

• pecans
• collard greens
• a chive waffle
• black pepper
• maple syrup

Meanwhile, their palatable turkey and wild mushroom meatloaf comes with:

• bacon wrapped meatloaf
• homemade old-fashioned tomato sauce
• creamy mashed potatoes

Glass House Tavern

252 West 47th St.

Central location, pre-theater dinner deals, and undeniably delicious cuisine? Check, check, and check! Keep your Broadway theater schedule in line when you snag a reservation at Glass House Tavern. Centrally located within the theater district, Glass House Tavern has long been a go-to for those theater nerds ready to grab a bit to eat before a Broadway show.

The dedicated staff and servers here are old pros at getting you to curtain call in time. So relax and unwind with a glass of vino. Then dig into their pre-fixe theater menu or order a la carte.

A serious steal at just $44 for a three-course meal. Their pre-fixe provides such winners as:

• buttery wild mushroom risotto
• braised pork shank with sweet potato spaetzle
• apple chutney
• homey apple cinnamon bread pudding

After a long hiatus, Broadway is back and better than ever! Nothing can rival our excitement for the official return of the Great White Way. However, curling up with a cocktail on an outdoor patio or a tantalizing meal in Hell's Kitchen is a close 2nd.

There is no NYC pairing quite as iconic as dinner and show. But without the proper know-how and knowledge, it can be difficult to avoid mediocre dining. Save yourself the stress of a subpar meal when you dine at the very best in the theater district.

From luscious lobster in Bryant Park to dreamy mojitos and platanos at Victor's, our comprehensive list gives you all the delicious details on where to eat on Broadway this season.

What Places to Eat Near Broadway Did We Miss?

Dreaming of a romantic dinner ambiance post-Moulin Rouge matinee? Or simply on the lookout for the best restaurants to eat before Broadway NYC show? From dry-aged steaks to sushi, we want to know your best dinner before a Broadway show.

Spill your top-tier best restaurants before a Broadway show in NYC! Let us know about your most epic eating experience in the comments below!

Tell us, where would YOU eat dinner before a broadway show?