Pre-theatre dining, Soho

Located on Dean Street, in the heart of Soho, Grasso is a short walk from a number of London’s most iconic and favourite theatres — making it a good spot for a pre-theatre (or post!) meal.

We can get busy, so it’s worth making a reservation in advance, to give yourself plenty of time to enjoy your meal, and then stroll down to the theatre.

You can take a peak at our menu here if you really want to get a head start on things, and we have a selection of pastas, pizzas, and Italian-American classics to get you fuelled for your show.

And we’ve been recognised by The Infatuation as one of the best restaurants to eat before of after the theatre. Here’s what they said…

“Grasso is an Italian-American spot in Soho that serves a penne alla vodka that can turn a bad night around. It’s open from 12pm, so you can head there before your show, too. The crispy, face-sized chicken parm is juicy enough to make you forget you’ve got three hours of wizarding “fun” ahead.”
— The Infatuation

We’re a family-owned restaurant in the heart of Soho, close to Theatreland, and in the heart of London’s West End. Our menu is inspired by dishes we grew up eating as children (such as spaghetti and meatballs, and lamb ragu), and Italian-American classics such as Caesar salads, chicken parms, and mozzarella sticks. We also serve pizzas, and our mother wakes up every morning to make our desserts — New York cheesecake and tiramisu.

Below, we’ve shared some details of some of the theatres which are near to Grasso, and if you click through, you’ll find more information to help you plan your pre-theatre meal.

Soho Theatre — Dean Street

If you’re looking for a restaurant near Soho Theatre, then Grasso is a very short 30 second (not minute!) walk, making us the ideal spot to visit for a pre-show meal. And you might even spot one of your favourite comedians or actors sipping a post-show cocktail with a chicken parm, or hosting their wrap party with us.

Suggested pairing: We’d say an espresso martini is the perfect pairing for a pre-theatre visit, with a blend of coffee, alcohol and sugar sure to keep you ready and alert if you end up getting roasted in the front row.

Palace Theatre — Shaftesbury Avenue

If you’re headed to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and are looking for a pre-theatre meal near Palace Theatre, then Grasso is just a short, five minute walk away. And we’re ‘Sirius’ when we say it’s not far.

Suggested pairing: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has been recognised as the most awarded play in history, so before heading off, we’d suggest you finish your pre-theatre meal with a tiramisu. It’s handmade by our mama each and every day, and has been awarded as one of the best in London.

Apollo Theatre — Shaftesbury Avenue

Just a six minute walk away, the Apollo Theatre is currently showing ‘Fawlty Towers The Play’ — hopefully none of that is reflected in a pre-theatre visit to Grasso though.

Suggested pairing: There’s no ‘wrongly shaped chips’ at Grasso, so tuck into our perfectly-formed rosemary salt and pepper fries. And if you head over here, you’ll find some more info on dining before a show at The Apollo Theatre.

Sondheim Theatre — Shaftesbury Avenue

Les Misérables may be showing at the Sondheim, but it’s strictly happy service at Grasso, and we’re just a five minute walk away. So pay us a visit if you’re looking for a pre-theatre meal.

Suggested pairing: An acclaimed French play can only be paired with a glass of highly-acclaimed French Champagne. So for Les Mis, we’d recommend the Palmer & Co. Brut Reserve.

The London Palladium — Argyll Street

One of the most famous of all the theatres in London, the The London Palladium, is just a ten minute walk from Grasso., and in recent years has hosted some of the most popular musicals, including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Beauty and the Beast, The Wizard of Oz , and Hello, Dolly!

Suggested pairing: the eggplant parm pizza with garlic roasted eggplant, parmesan crumb, pesto, tomato, mozzarella. For no other reason than it’s delicious.

Gielgud Theatre — Shaftesbury Avenue

The Gielgud is six minutes from Grasso, and another of the six theatres found on Shaftesbury Avenue. It’s currently showing Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of Lionel Bart’s iconic musical, Oliver!

Suggested paring: Opt for the chicken parm with a side of spaghetti pomodoro. it’s a serious order, and we doubt there’ll be little chance of “Please, sir, I want some more.”

Piccadilly Theatre — Denman Street

The Piccadilly Theatre is the home of Moulin Rouge! The Musical, and is just an eight minute walk from us. And when you’re done, pop by El Camion for a Pink Chihuahua, and say Seanie sent you!

Suggested pairing: Keep it with the red theme, and order our signature house cocktail, the Cherry Coke Long Island Ice Tea — it packs a punch and is one of our biggest sellers.

Lyric Theatre — Shaftesbury Avenue

Is Shaftesbury Avenue London’s answer to Broadway? Quite possibly. Which is why they might have transported Hadestown from New York to the Lyric for its UK debut. We’re a six minute walk from the theatre, you’ll just need to head straight down Dean Street and turn right onto Shaftesbury Avenue.

Suggested paring: Nothing says New York like a New York-style cheesecake — so tuck into our homemade (by mama) blueberry cheesecake.

Prince Edward Theatre — Old Compton Street

“Exhilarating and dazzling”, “The most spectacular show in the West End right now” — these aren’t Grasso Google reviews, but comments about MJ at the Prince Edward. And we’re just a four minute walk from the theatre, and ready to welcome you open you with open arms for your pre-theatre meal.

Suggested pairing: Mom’s spaghetti — using the same recipe we grew up eating as children (four of us, not five like the Jackson’s), it’s been a firm family favourite for decades. It’s a real ‘Thriller’.

 Planning your perfect pre-theatre meal

  • Have a search online for the best places for a pre-theatre meal.

    You’ll want to make sure that the service will be swift but friendly, that the food is tasty, and you’ll be close enough to the theatre to make it on time.

  • Some central London restaurants can get very booked up in advance, so it’s worth planning ahead and making your reservation when you buy your theatre tickets.

  • Which ever restaurant you’re visiting for a pre-theatre meal, it’s important that you give yourself enough time to enjoy your meal, and to make your way to the theatre.

    That means planning ahead, making a reservation, and checking how long it’ll take you to get between the two venues.

  • To save any worries, it might be worth considering a nice meal after the theatre, with something lighter before hand. That way you can also avoid falling asleep before the interval!

FAQs

Is Grasso good for a pre-theatre meal?

Yes, we think so! We’re closely located to many of London’s most popular theatres and transport links, meaning we’re easy to get to, and within close walking distance to your favorite shows.

Does Grasso have a pre-theatre menu?

All our menu items are available pre-theatre, including our most popular dishes.

Should I make a reservation for a pre-theatre meal?

We’d suggest making a booking, just to ensure we have space for you and your friends, and so that you have plenty of time to finish your meal before heading to see the show.