The best pre-theatre restaurants near the Prince Edward theatre

The best pre-theatre restaurants near the Prince Edward theatre

Jul 25, 2025

Catching a show in the West End and looking for a great spot to eat beforehand? Whether you’re off to MJ the Musical at the Prince Edward or headed to one of Soho’s many nearby theatres, Nima Safaei’s family of restaurants offers three crowd-pleasing options – all serving proper Italian comfort food less than a 3-minute walk from the stage door. Here’s everything you need to know, from menus and vibes to booking links and Google ratings.

40 Dean Street

Address: 40 Dean Street, London, W1D 4PX
Website & Bookings: https://www.fortydeanstreet.com/
Contact: 020 7734 1853
Google Rating: 4.3/5 from 800+ reviews (at time of writing, July 2025)

A Soho institution. For over 15 years, 40 Dean Street has been serving up soulful Italian food with a side of unbeatable hospitality. While the handmade pasta might get the most press, don’t sleep on the pizzas. Made using fresh dough and topped with high-quality ingredients, they’re a hidden gem on an already iconic menu.

If you’re after pizza in a slightly more refined setting (think al fresco Aperol Spritz, seafood linguine, then a pizza to share), 40’s your spot. Plus, the outdoor dining is a prime Soho suntrap.

USPs:

  • Family-run Soho favourite

  • Dog-friendly

  • Outdoor seating available

  • High-quality ingredients and affordable prices

  • Perfect for date night

  • Brilliant spot for pre-theatre dinner

  • Freshly made pizza dough daily

  • Air-conditioned interior

  • Vegetarian-friendly

  • Locally sourced ingredients from Soho independents


64 Old Compton Street

Address: 64 Old Compton Street, London, W1D 4UQ
Website & Bookings: https://64oldcomptonstreet.com/
Contact: 020 7287 2043
Google Rating: 4.6/5 from 200+ reviews (at time of writing, July 2025)

Right in the heart of Old Compton Street, our cosy, relaxed Italian eatery brings the warmth of family-run dining to Soho. The pizzas here are the real deal; handmade daily with light, crispy dough and locally sourced toppings.

Expect a mix of classics (Margherita, Diavola) and signature options, all cooked to perfection and available for dine-in or takeaway. With a focus on pasta and pizza, 64 is perfect for an easy dinner or spontaneous midweek lunch.

USPs:

  • Pizzas made fresh daily

  • Great for casual dining

  • Affordable Soho prices

  • Cosy, relaxed vibe

  • Vegetarian-friendly options

  • Dog-friendly

  • Al fresco dining

  • Perfect for people watching

  • Fast service for pre-theatre diners

  • Walk-ins welcome

 

27 Old Compton Street

Address: 27 Old Compton Street, London W1D 5JP
Website & Bookings: https://www.27oldcomptonstreet.com/
Contact: 020 7183 5467
Google Rating: 4.3/5 from 60+ reviews (at time of writing, July 2025) 

A recent addition to the family, 27 Old Compton Street brings the tavola calda of Italy to Soho. Expect refined, freshly made pasta served in a quicker setting. Perfect for grabbing a quick bite to eat and catching up with friends over a glass of wine.

Expect super fast service and casual vibes in a more ‘to go’ style taken straight from the streets of Siena.

USPs:

  • Intimate dining

  • Simple and fresh menu

  • Fast service perfect for pre-theatre dinners

  • Great wine list

  • Vegetarian options available


All three restaurants are just a few minutes' walk from the Prince Edward Theatre, and worth a slight detour if you're seeing a show at:

  • Gielgud Theatre

  • Apollo Theatre

  • London Palace Theatre

  • Sondheim Theatre

  • Cambridge Theatre

  • Lyric Theatre

  • Phoenix Theatre

  • Ambassadors Theatre

  • Soho Theatre


And for those planning a whole day in town, we’re also within easy walking distance of:

  • Oxford Street

  • Leicester Square

  • Regent Street

  • Shaftesbury Avenue

  • Charing Cross Road

  • Piccadilly Circus

  • Covent Garden

So whether you're heading to Matilda the Musical, catching a matinee on Shaftesbury Avenue, or just soaking up the buzz of Soho, make sure your night out starts with a plate of pasta or pizza you’ll still be thinking about at the interval.

Catching a show in the West End and looking for a great spot to eat beforehand? Whether you’re off to MJ the Musical at the Prince Edward or headed to one of Soho’s many nearby theatres, Nima Safaei’s family of restaurants offers three crowd-pleasing options – all serving proper Italian comfort food less than a 3-minute walk from the stage door. Here’s everything you need to know, from menus and vibes to booking links and Google ratings.

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Open Hours

Mon - Thu: 12.00 PM - 11.00 PM

Fri - Sat: 12.00 PM - 11.30 PM

Sun & Bank Holidays: 12.00 PM - 10.30 PM

Address

40 Dean Street

London

W1D 4PX

info@fortydeanstreet.com

020 7734 1853

SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER

Subscribe to receive news and details of upcoming events.

Open Hours

Mon - Thu: 12.00 PM - 11.00 PM

Fri - Sat: 12.00 PM - 11.30 PM

Sun & Bank Holidays: 12.00 PM - 10.30 PM

Address

40 Dean Street

London

W1D 4PX

info@fortydeanstreet.com

020 7734 1853

SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER

Subscribe to receive news and details of upcoming events.

Open Hours

Mon - Thu: 12.00 PM - 11.00 PM

Fri - Sat: 12.00 PM - 11.30 PM

Sun & Bank Holidays: 12.00 PM - 10.30 PM

Address

40 Dean Street

London

W1D 4PX

info@fortydeanstreet.com

020 7734 1853

SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER

Subscribe to receive news and details of upcoming events.

Open Hours

Mon - Thu: 12.00 PM - 11.00 PM

Fri - Sat: 12.00 PM - 11.30 PM

Sun & Bank Holidays: 12.00 PM - 10.30 PM

Address

40 Dean Street

London

W1D 4PX

info@fortydeanstreet.com

020 7734 1853

SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER

Subscribe to receive news and details of upcoming events.

Open Hours

Mon - Thu: 12.00 PM - 11.00 PM

Fri - Sat: 12.00 PM - 11.30 PM

Sun & Bank Holidays: 12.00 PM - 10.30 PM

Address

40 Dean Street

London

W1D 4PX

info@fortydeanstreet.com

020 7734 1853