We're going into the city for 2 days to celebrate my 40th birthday. We're seeing "Spamalot" and would like to eat prior. We both want to eat at Tao but are thinking we should go there a different night. Can you give any recommendations for dinner in TD or would it work to eat at Tao that night? It's not that far from the Shubert but we're staying at the Millenium UN Plaza.

Thanks!!

Ate at Tao last fall before 8pm show with plenty of time (6pm res.). I wouldn't go to Tao again, before a show or any other night - overrated in my opinion.

A lot of the fun of Tao is the semi-trendy crowd - and they definitely won;t be eating diner before 8pm. Suggest you save it for a night you can go later - 9-10pm - and see some of the show.

We always eat in the Theater District if we eat before. What cuisines? And assume a moderate budget is OK?

Thanks! That's very helpful! I think we will save Tao for another night.

We love sushi, asian, fusion, seafood, but don't feel up to italian before a show. Moderate to expensive is fine.

Is Foley's overrated? We also thought of Water Club, Thalia, Le Madeline. Any other thoughts or recommendations?

Is 5:30 too early?

Thanks again!

Forgot to ask about Gramercy Tavern, Joe Allens and Orso, too.

I'd never try to do a pretheatre dinner far from the theatre district so you have to rely on a taxi into the jammed theatre district at the last minute. That's partly why I far prefer shifting to the "night cycle" and eating after shows in New York.
So I'd eliminate the wonderful Grammercy Tavern right away, and also the Water Club.
Joe Allen's is not a great dining experience, but more of a theatre "hang-out" with decent reasonable food -- again much more popular after than before theatre. But they would get you out on time. Angus MacIndoe is a newer place with a similar menu and feel, owned by the former manager of Joe Allen's, but a little more upscale and is VERY close to Spamalot. That would be a good pre-theatre choice.

Blue Fin is good seafood and a bit trendy/buzzy in the W Times Square hotel. Might be a good option. I agree having to travel is not very relaxing.

Redeye Grill (56th & 7th) is a better choice for seafood.
Of the other restaurants you mentioned, I'd recommend Le Madeleine and Orso. Both are convenient to the theater. Gramercy Tavern is great, but is not convenient to the theater district.
A 6 p.m. reservation at any restaurant in the general area of the theater district will be fine.

We had the same question about where to eat. It turns out we will be meeting friends who suggested Blue Fin. I checked it out online at zagat, nytimes, and newyorkmetro, as well as tripadvisor and I think it would be an excellent choice for you as well. The reviewers felt it is one of the best places in the theter district.

Le Madeleine or Redeye Grill would be perfect for you (although I would not get the "dancing shrimp" that Redeye is famous for...everything else is great.)

I think Shelly's New York, right around the corner from Redeye Grill and owned by the same person, is much better.

I don't like to eat a big meal then head to the theater. I would strongly urge you to consider a big lunch and then a pre theater snack. I'm sleeping in the theater if I don't.