Pre-Theatre Dining in London

Nothing is better for a quick pre-theatre bite than tapas, and Imli's Indian tapas is quite possibly the best in London. Created by the team behind Tamarind restaurant, Imli is the ideal venue for a speedy pre-show meal. The pre-theatre meal deal is amazingly good value and utterly delicious – not a vindaloo in sight!

For some of the best handmade Italian food in London head to the vibrant Bocca di Lupo in Soho. It offers a one-dish pre-theatre menu and is close enough to Theatreland that you won't need to rush a single delicious mouthful. Sit at the marble-topped bar and watch the chefs at work or relax in the casual dining room.

Joe Allen is a favourite with London's theatre luvvies and actors, and it's easy to see why. A cosy, subterranean restaurant, it serves hearty American-style food in a setting so realistic it's like stepping into an old-school New York brasserie. Head there early for the well-priced pre-theatre menu, or opt for a late supper.

Spoil yourself with a pre-theatre supper in Axis at the One Aldwych Hotel, on the outskirts of Theatreland. The low-key, high-luxe interior design makes for a truly special pre-theatre meal and the modern British fixed-price menu is excellent value for money. No time for dinner? The tasty bar food is a treat in itself.

Located in the Barbican arts complex, the largest multi-arts centre in Europe, Searcy’s is the ideal destination for a pre or post-performance feast. It has a relaxed ambiance, great views over the City skyline and an a la carte "Performance" menu serving locally-sourced, modern British food.

A North London gem, Almeida is elegant but relaxed and perfect for a pre or post-show meal thanks to its location opposite the Almeida Theatre. Opt for the modern French menu du jour, or relax on the sofa and choose a quick snack from the small plates menu. In summer, make the most of the gorgeous al fresco terrace.

In the heart of Theatreland and minutes from Covent Garden tube, Le Garrick serves authentic French food in a quaint ground-floor restaurant and candle-lit basement dining room. The two-course pre-theatre menu is a delicious start to any evening. A hit with theatre-goers and actors alike.

The National Portrait Gallery's Portrait Restaurant offers amazing views over Trafalgar Square towards the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye. The modern British menu features dishes such as wild mushroom, radichio and spinach risotto, and tea-cured salmon,. Pre-theatre dinner is served on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.

Despite being hidden down a small side street, this is still one of Covent Garden's most popular pre-show restaurants and is always buzzing. Cafe des Amis serves traditional French food and offers a casual bar menu and fixed price menu – perfect for a budget-friendly pre-theatre feast. A must for theatre-goers.

Originally opened by Auguste Kettner (former chef to Napoleon III) in 1867, Kettners is now an informal all-day brasserie in the West End. Try the delicious theatre supper, based on Mediterranean and modern-European cuisine, or head to the bar post-show for a glass of fizz from one of the most extensive champagne lists in London.

Sit back, relax and take in panoramic views of the Thames through floor-to-ceiling windows at Skylon in the Royal Festival Hall. Opt for speedy brasserie-like food in The Grill, or linger over seasonal modern European food in the restaurant, safe in the knowledge it's only a short walk to The Globe or the National Theatre.

With views across the River Thames, modern British cuisine and the fact you can simply walk next door to Shakespeare's Globe, The Swan at The Globe is an ideal pre-show venue. The theatre menu is an easy, affordable way to sample the seasonal, locally-sourced food, while ensuring that you don’t miss the start of the show.

Just opposite The Old Vic Theatre and minutes from Waterloo station and the South Bank, the Waterloo Bar and Grill is ideal for a pre-theatre meal to remember. The modern-British restaurant offers the choice between a la carte or a great-value pre-theatre menu, depending on how long you've got.

Menier Chocolate Factory is a theatre and restaurant in one, housed in a renovated chocolate factory. The restaurant offers a la carte and set menus, which are specially adapted to each show currently being staged in the theatre below. For best value book a Meal Deal, which includes a tasty two-course meal and your theatre ticket.