London's best restaurants for a pre-and post-theatre meal, from Bar Crispin to Joe Allen

In London, dining and going to the theatre is a classic combination. But if your heart sinks at the thought of three unimaginative courses scarfed down in 60 minutes, there are plenty of all-day restaurants happy to serve one course whatever the hour.

Below we’ve listed our favourite restaurants not only in West End Theatreland but close to the off Broadway-style stages around London, from Hammersmith out west to east London’s Arcola. Bear in mind that anywhere in the West End is walkable in quarter of an hour if, say, you want to eat at Bocca di Lupo but you’re going to the Royal Opera House.

As a rumbling tummy is the only thing more distracting in an auditorium than a mobile phone ringing, most of these restaurants are more suited to pre-theatre. But if you have the willpower to wait until after the final curtain to eat your supper, there are a couple of late-night places in here, too. Best of all, each is guaranteed to provoke a standing ovation, even if what’s on stage is a flop.

Best for: Apollo Theatre, Criterion Theatre, Gielgud Theatre, Harold Pinter Theatre, Her Majesty’s Theatre, Leicester Square Theatre, Lyric Theatre Piccadilly, Prince of Wales Theatre, Soho Theatre, Sondheim Theatre, Theatre Royal Haymarket

Rita’s Dining

There might not be a better snack-based triptych in London. Look: a punchy little jalapeño popper gilda, which with a mini martini costs £8; a bean devilled egg at £4; and saltfish beignets with green onion remoulade, also £8. The menu continues in a similar fashion, taking in Dorset clams and beef tartare, later braised lamb with turnips, pork chops and skate wings. Rita’s Dining is a dainty Soho spot — a celebrity place — pitched perfectly for a quick bite or a late table of everything. 

49 Lexington Street, Carnaby, W1F 9AP, ritasdining.com

The Portrait Restaurant at the National Gallery

Richard Corrigan’s latest restaurant is part-Irish, part-British dining.