I work in the Theatre District, and I see a lot of Broadway shows (29 this year alone, most via lottery wins – more on that to come soon). One question I often hear is where to eat in the Theatre District (i.e., Times Square area) that is delicious and not totally touristy.
Moulin Rouge!
Enter, my list of 10 restaurants in the Theatre District that I recommend. I frequent each of these restaurants often and can confirm the food is good and they are not geared exclusively to tourists.
My 10 Pre-Theatre Restaurant Picks in the Theatre District
1. Cuerno, 1271 Avenue of the Americas, upscale, resy required.
Cuerno is an incredibly delicious Mexican steakhouse located on 50th Street between 6th and 7th. I love, love, love this place, and I go here pretty regularly pre-theatre and otherwise. The food and drinks are incredible. Open daily, reservations are usually necessary. Go for an upscale, delicious meal pre-theatre. Cuerno is a bit pricey compared to other options, but it offers a $37 three-course lunch during the week that is a steal.
Sparkling Mexican Rose at Cuerno. Who would have thought this is in Midtown Manhattan?
A tasty Caesar with pork croutons.
2. Din Tai Fung, 1633 Broadway, upscale, resy required.
Din Tai Fung is a Taiwanese dumpling and noodle restaurant (yes, it’s the same as the fast food restaurant in Asia), and this particular location is located on 51st and Broadway, underground. Unlike some of its Asian counterparts, this Din Tai Fung location is upscale, kind of pricey, and beautifully decorated. The food is very good, but you come here for the vibes (there are better and cheaper dumplings in NYC). Reservations strongly suggested. I recommend the Truffle & Kurobuta Pork Xiao Long Bao, the Fried Pork Chop, and the truly outstanding Chocolate & Mochi Xiao Long Bao with a side of their house made cream (ask for it – they will know). The restaurant, at times, has Broadway themed cocktails.
These are Xiao Long Bao.
Fried pork chop with rice.
3. Don Antonio, 309 W 50th St, casual, resy not required.
Don Antonio is a Napoli style pizza restaurant located on 50th and 8th. It is casual, and reservations are not required. The restaurant space is small, but the staff are Italian-centric. The menu consists largely of pizza, but all pizza can be prepared gluten free. I find the pizza here to be really great, especially some of its special ones. Full bar on premises.
A pie at Don Antonio.
4. Friedman’s (Gayle’s Broadway Rose), 228 W 47th St, casual, resy suggested.
Friedman’s is a small, NYC chain offering a slightly upscale dinner-style menu. This location is located inside the Edison Hotel and goes by the name Gayle’s Broadway Rose. This location (and this location only) also features staff singing Broadway tunes during your meal. It is quite fun, and the singers are really great, making this extra fun for Broadway lovers. I particularly enjoy the tuna salad sandwich at Friedman’s.
A Friedman’s cocktail.
Friedman’s tuna salad sandwich.
5. Kitchen 46, 343 W 46th St, casual, resy likely not required.
Kitchen 46 is a cute space located on Restaurant Row (or 46th Street). The menu is Mediterranean, and the food is quite tasty. It is adjacent to the well-known Don’t Tell Mama (same owner), so you know the cocktails will be good. Go to Kitchen 46 for a nice, sit-down dinner pre-theatre that won’t break the bank. Kitchen 46 further offers a 3-course $46 theatre prix-fixe menu that is a good deal.
This salad was good.
A flat bread at Kitchen 46.
6. Long Acre Tavern at Times Square, 146 W 47th St., super casual, reservations not required
Located right in the heart of Times Square at 47th between 6th and 7th, Long Acre Tavern is an Irish Pub/US sports bar located directly next to the Palace Theatre (currently home to The Lost Boys). Long Acre is a good choice, because of its convenient location and reasonable bar food, especially for being right in Times Square, including a daily food and drink happy hour menu from 4 – 7 PM. The happy hour boneless fried chicken wings with Ranch are a solid choice. Open all day, every day. Reservations not required. And, fun fact, before Times Square was named Times Square, it was Long Acre Square, which is where this bar takes its name. History – right in Times Square!
A good Guinness pour in Times Square.
7. Mermaid Oyster Bar Times Square, 127 W 43rd St, somewhat upscale, resy strongly suggested
Mermaid Bar, aka the Mermaid Inn, is an “American Seafood Brasserie” that first opened in the East Village back in 2003. There are now 4 locations, including this one in Times Square on 43rd Street between 6th and 7th. Mermaid feels a bit more swanky than some others on this list. Go for a nice evening out. There is a daily happy hour in the bar area only from 3:30 – 5:30 PM that is extremely busy (go early to get a spot for this). Mermaid is located directly across from the Stephen Sondheim Theatre (current home to & Juliet) and open daily all day. Reservations highly recommended, especially if you are trying to make a show. I like the lobster roll.
Mermaid Oyster Bar.
8. La Pecora Bianca Theatre District, 1633 Broadway, casual, resy recommended
Having just opened in May 2026, La Pecora Bianca Theatre District is new to the area, but it has quickly worked its way into my rotation. La Pecora Bianca is a NYC chain with several restaurants around the city. It offers casual Italian fare, and this location, which is at 50th and Broadway (directly across from the Winter Garden Theatre) offers a few special plates unique to the Theatre District, including the famous “Too Much Fried Mozzarella.” This restaurant is beautifully decorated, making you feel transported to the Italian Riviera. The food is very tasty, but it’s more American-style Italian than Italian (but still wonderful). It offers a 3 course prix-fixe pre-theatre menu for $55. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations suggested. I am a fan of the Chicken Parm-fection.
Half of the Chicken-Parm Fection.
The Theatre District special mozzarella.
A beautiful Martini at Pecora Bianca.
9. See No Evil, 210 W 50th St (inside the subway), casual, resy suggested
Located inside a subway station at 50th and Broadway (directly across 50th from La Pecora Bianca), See No Evil is one of my absolute favorite pre-theatre eats. See No Evil makes incredible pizza and a few other dishes. The food here is so, so, so good. The service is also fast, making it a great pre-theatre spot. Open daily from 5:00 PM on. Reservations suggested because the restaurant is small. I love the Ottobagatto pizza, the Caesar Salad, and the soft-serve dessert with olive oil.
The Ottobagatto Pizza.
This is the Sicilian.
10. Sir Henry’s, 795 8th Ave, casual, resy suggested
Located on 8th Avenue and 48th Street, Sir Henry’s is an Irish pub that pours a good Guinness and serves decent food. The first floor is a bar, but the second floor holds a cutely decorated dining room. There is also another bar upstairs that gives real Irish pub vibes (my favorite place). The menu was recently revamped and I am really enjoying trying the new food. Open daily all day (and night). Reservations not required but recommended, as Sir Henry’s gets busy. It further offers some pre-packaged all-you-can-drink deals for pre-theatre and, I believe, brunch. I am a big fan of the new mozzarella sticks and its Guinness.
Sir Henry’s Guinness.