8 Great Pre-Theater Restaurants in NYC

Toloache

Toloache serves contemporary Mexican cuisine just a short walk from many Broadway theaters. Their food is fresh and flavorful, with options that will satisfy a variety of tastes, including many interesting ingredients, such as dried grasshoppers and huitlacoche.

Tacos and quesadillas are sized for lighter dining, while platos fuertes are more substantial. Lunch is served Monday through Friday, brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday, and dinner is served daily. They also have a separate vegetarian menu available.

Sushi of Gari 46

Sushi of Gari has expanded from their original Upper East Side location, giving theatergoers the perfect opportunity to enjoy this destination-worthy restaurant before a show.

If you truly want to experience what makes Sushi of Gari special, sit at the sushi counter and splurge on an omakase meal. Otherwise, to get a taste of what makes their sushi different, try their "special" sushi, which features some of the signature sauces.

Danji

Danji is very popular and only takes reservations over the phone for parties of five or more (any less can be done online). You'll have to arrive early and be prepared to wait if you want to dine before your show.

That said, their small plates of Korean cuisine (both traditional and modern interpretations) are outstanding. The soy-poached black-cod and braised short ribs with root vegetables are highlights, as are the bulgogi sliders and the spicy yellowtail sashimi.

Thalia

Fresh, creative American cuisine, including a raw bar, is the focus of this stylish theater district restaurant. The spacious dining room and an extensive menu make Thalia a popular choice for visitors hoping for variety. Dinner appetizers include wild mushroom risotto au gratin, Maryland blue crab cake, and a lobster bisque while selections from the raw bar include East Coast oysters, littleneck clams, jumbo shrimp, and jumbo lump crab meat.

Osteria Al Doge

Fans of Osteria al Doge appreciate the high-quality cuisine served up at moderate prices in this theater district restaurant. The menu features a variety of pizzas, pasta, and main courses that will satisfy those seeking Italian cuisine, especially of the Venetian variety. Menu favorites include filetto di Maiale (roasted pork loin), tagliata di Manzo (sliced marinated flank steak), and stinco di Agnello (braised lamb shank).

Lattanzi

The only downside of pre-theater dining at Lattanzi is missing out on the outstanding Jewish-Roman menu that's only available after 8 p.m. once the theater-goers have left. Plates of pasta, grilled meats, fried artichokes, and the housemade napoleon are all highly recommended.

Trattoria Trecolori

Classic Italian cuisine is served with rustic flair at Trattoria Trecolori and you might end up leaving surprised at how affordable it is. Pasta (particularly black linguini) and housemade desserts (including tiramisu) are especially delicious.

Havana Central

Boasting an extensive menu of Cuban cuisine, Havana Central in Times Square is a great place for a delicious meal and unique cocktail before a show. This upscale restaurant also features live Latin music performances on many nights as well as special events throughout the year.

Menu favorites at Havana Central include tapas like hand made empanadas, a bucket of chicharrones de pollo (Cuban fried chicken), and masitas de puerco (crispy fried pork) as well traditional Cuban dishes like ropa vieja (braised beef), churrasco (skirt steak), and rabo encendido (braised oxtail stew).