These Are The Best Pre-Broadway Dinner Spots

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Classic Pre-Theater Restaurants That Never Miss

There’s nothing quite like a night out on Broadway—except, maybe, the meal that comes before it. For theatergoers looking to complete the experience with a little old-school glamour or hearty Italian comfort, the right restaurant can set the tone for the whole evening.

Not only is it important to find a pre-theater restaurant with good food, it is also important to find one that is mindful of portion sizes, showtimes, and that has a kitchen that can be flexible with how the food is brought out. Nobody likes rushing to a theater with a full bloated stomach and only 5 minutes before curtain call.

Whether you're seeing your first show or your fiftieth, here are some iconic spots near Times Square that consistently deliver on both food and atmosphere.

Carmine’s

If you’re with a group—or just hungry enough to eat like one—Carmine’s is the move. This family-style Italian staple on 44th Street has been fueling pre-show crowds for years with heaping portions of pastas, chicken parm, and Caesar salads that could feed a table of six. It’s loud, bustling, and completely unapologetic, which somehow feels just right before a big Broadway performance. Order a bottle of wine, pass the spaghetti, and lean into the chaos.

Barbetta

For a quieter, more romantic pre-theater experience, Barbetta offers a completely different kind of evening. Open since 1906 and still family-owned, this landmark restaurant on West 46th Street serves refined Northern Italian cuisine in an elegant, antique-filled space. In warmer months, the garden seating is a serene oasis just steps from Times Square. The white tablecloths, chandeliers, and old-world service feel like a performance of their own—perfect if you're looking to dress up and make a night of it.

Sardi’s

No list of pre-Broadway dining is complete without Sardi’s. More than a restaurant, it’s part of Broadway’s DNA. Since 1927, this Theater District institution has been the unofficial clubhouse for actors, producers, critics, and fans alike. The walls are lined with caricatures of theater legends, and the menu leans classic American—shrimp cocktail, French onion soup, crab cakes. It’s not just a place to eat; it’s a place to soak up the legacy of Broadway itself.

The Curtain Call

Each of these restaurants offers something a little different, but all are within walking distance of the theater and steeped in the kind of character you want before the curtain rises. Whether you're in the mood for crowd-pleasing comfort food, a quiet fine-dining experience, or the buzzing energy of a place filled with Broadway lore, these spots are as much a part of the show as the stage itself.