Favorite NYC Restaurants Before You Enjoy Broadway

Your Broadway night deserves more than just a quick bite. Luckily, the theater district offers everything from glamorous institutions to tucked-away gems. To help you choose your pre-show dinner, we’ve grouped our favorites into categories so you can find the perfect match for your mood (and your Playbill).

The Glamorous Crowd-Pleasers

Red Eye Grill: Seafood With Star Power

Seafood towers that feel like stage props, sushi that sings, and a buzzing, art-filled space that’s as lively as the shows down the block.

Bond 45: Antipasto Takes Center Stage

Hand-rolled pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and that show-stopping antipasto bar make this Italian trattoria in the heart of Times Square a true headliner.

The Broadway Legends

Joe Allen: The Cast Party Classic

Unpretentious American fare, theater folks at every table, and the infamous “flop wall” of short-lived productions. A must for Broadway insiders.

Sardi’s: Where Legends Dine

Martinis, continental cuisine, and caricatures of Broadway’s best covering every inch of wall space. Tradition with a side of nostalgia.

Pasta, Wine & Comfort

Becco: Unlimited Ovations for Pasta

The all-you-can-eat pasta tasting menu is worth a standing ovation. Add a generous wine list and you’ve got fuel for an unforgettable Act Two.

Glass House Tavern: The Chic Ensemble Member

Modern American plates, a polished vibe, and cocktails that practically demand a toast, including a nitro espresso martini served tableside.

Hidden Gems & Insider Picks

Vida Verde: A Colorful Quick Hit

Casual Mexican plates, tacos that shine in the spotlight, and mural-filled walls that buzz with energy.

Danji: The Cozy Scene-Stealer

Modern Korean small plates served in an intimate setting with bold flavors in a low-key atmosphere just steps away from the neon lights.

Obao: Where East Meets West Side

A Thai-Vietnamese fusion spot with bold flavors and a stylish atmosphere. Think pad Thai with a twist, crispy duck, and cocktails that pack as much drama as a Broadway finale.

Nizza: Pasta’s Neighborhood Darling

A snug Italian bistro on 9th Avenue, Nizza serves rustic plates, house-made pastas, and thin Roman-style pizzas. Comforting, unfussy, and beloved by locals.

Sushi of Gari 46: A Hidden Hit

For sushi fans, this unassuming Midtown outpost delivers some of the city’s most creative omakase bites. Elegant, refined, and a perfect prelude to a sophisticated show.

Marseille: A French Accent on 9th Avenue

A charming brasserie blending French and Mediterranean flavors. Mussels, steak frites, and wine by the glass make it a pre-theater gem with European flair.