What are some of the "in" restaurants in London that offer fixed price 2 or 3 course pre-theater dinners? In the past, we have found that a good way to eat at a good restaurant for a reasonable price and get to the show on time. For example, two years ago we ate at both restaurants at One Aldwych Hotel. Other suggestions for new places or old standbys?

How about taking a look at www.uk.lastminute.com ?
Go to Entertainment/ Restaurants for a whole lot of these offers.

A friend recommended Mon Plaisir but I have not yet tried it. They do have a Web site and their menu is available online.

When we had the same question a couple of months ago, I found here a link to a Washington Post article someone had posted here (try an archive search).

We were in London last week, and chose Rules (that would be in the "old standby" category) for classic British food. Pre-theater special there is Mon-Thurs between 3 and 5 pm: 19.95 pounds for your choice of any appetizer plus any entree. We were very pleased, had a lovely meal and were done in good time to go to the theatre. (We saw Blood Brothers, excellent.)

SB Travlr- Now I know why
im addicted to Fodors Forums: you get the best advice from people like you. Thanks for the information about the Washington Post article. I found that it has exactly what I am looking for.

But I'm still open to more suggestions from people who know of personal favorites.

We just returned from a wonderful "post theatre" dinner at Le Deuxieme on Long Acre near the Covent Garden Opera House tonight after MY FAIR LADY. Our second time there -- small, but spacious tables, modern and elegant decor, and simply wonderful food -- especially seafood. They do three courses pre or post theatre for 14.50 (two courses for 11.95, I think). I just had a wonderful first course of penne with smoked bacon, cheese, and wild mushrooms, grilled salmon on courgette ribbons in a white wine sauce, and a spectacular white and dark chocolate mousse. My partner had the same, except for a starter of spinach/broccoli soup which he said was one of the best soups he's ever tasted. They also have a wonderful, fairly priced wine list. It is a sister restaurant to the popular Cafe du Jardin on Wellington, which also has very nice pre-theatre menus.

Of course, Rule's has a great pre-theatre menu and is an elegant old place to go -- not cheap, but a bargain for what it is. Salieri on the Strand at Exeter is also a fun place and has a great priced pre-theatre menu.

The above recommendation for Mon Plasir is good -- although I'm not familiar with their special menus, just known for good French food.

Thanks Patrick. Perhaps you read the article in the Washington Post as you listed several of the places discussed. It's good hearing what others have to say.

DMG I've also been enjoying pre theatre menus at Indigo and Axis for a while and continue to do so. I believe they run to about £20 for 3 courses plus drinks.

Also Circus for good food, friendly service and uncrowded seating plans -and lower prices than most of the others - about £16 for 3 courses plus drinks.

Other reliable places are upstairs in Bertorelli's, L'Escargot, Criterion (good food, beautiful environment, indifferent to snooty service).

There are so many places I want to try but I often end up back at known favourites or go for dim sum in China Town or tapas in Camden where I used to work.

For a splurge I can recommend Matsuri Japanese restaurant near Green Park - just the most exquisite meal I've had for a long time - last time my sister and I opted for their £55 a head banquet - it was stunningly good - and no, we don't normally spend that much!

But, Kavey, if you're with the right people, the Criterion can be wonderful

Mwah

Great info! Are reservations required at these restaurants?

Thanks.

No, I didn't see the Washington Post article, the above are all based on my own personal experiences. Two more:
L"Estaminet on Garrick Street, a beautiful brick and candlelit place with really good French food. Nice selections in their pre-theatre menu, and I think currently 13.50 for two or three courses, but closes early, no post-theatre. Excellent.
Also last night ate post-theatre at Atlantic Bar and Grill, on Glasshouse just off Picadilly Circus. Wonderful place -- spectacular decor and one of the most spacious and comfortable restaurants I've ever eaten at in London. We ordered from the menu, but they offer two courses pre or post theatre for 14.50 or three for 17.50 (I think that's right). This is a great place, but can't specifically vouch for the specials menus.

Patrick: L'Estaminet was another suggestion from the Washington Post article. You are right on!