What's your favorite restaurant in the theatre district, closer to Times Sq?

For a casual meal, I like Carmine's. It is family-style Italian dining--meaning you order a few dishes for the group and share. The food is good, and the atmosphere is fun.

Chez Josephine and Becco...lots of reviews on this forum if you do a search.

Don't have one favorite. I agree on Chez Josephine. Restaurant Row favorites Orso, Joe Allen, Barbetta & Lattanzi. One I haven't tried but would like to is DB Bistro.

Anyone familiar with 44 Southwest? We have dinner reservations there before a show in July; I didn't see a review for it on the Fodor's website.

Chez Josephine (visit every trip), Pierre au Tunnel, Le Madeleine, Le Rivage, Gaby Brasserie (at the Sofitel) (can you tell we like French?).

If you're dining pre-theater and not ravenous, the lobby lounge has a fantastic light menu at the Algonquin on 44th (5th/6th).

Glad to see so many endorsements for Chez Josephine, our favorite.
However, Clematis, I have the usual questions: What type of food? How much do you want to spend?

Another vote for Joe Allen on Restaurant Row.

Thank you all for giving us some suggestions! Buzzy, will search that restaurant here. Howard, this will be pre-theatre on a Saturday night and because we are arriving that day we will not have a lot of time. No children. We like fish most of all and prefer lighter meals, not pastas. We are normally adventurous eaters but as we'll be flying the next day to Africa, we should eat lightly and cautiously. Price isn't a concern so much as time and convenience (ie - rather not get in a cab as we will have just ridden in one from the airport). Would like to keep it around 42-44th st., 200 block if possible.

Howard, I'm sorry, I can't help myself. Clematis says, "No children. We like fish..." So please don't recommend your favorite dish from Paris.

I'm also a fan of Carmine's, but unfortunately haven't been able to try many of the others that I often see recommended here. I hope to try Becco and Chez Josephine (among others) on my next few of trips to the Big Apple.

Clematis, I actually think Sardi's may be your best bet from a location standpoint. It's at 234 W 44th. The food's not great but certainly passable. It's famous, & fun to look at the caricatures on the wall. The lack of "excitement" in the food dept. may be exactly what you're looking for.
It's basic American food.
Chez Josephine is a bit further of a walk at 414 w 42nd but certainly wouldn't require a cab. The food is French & generally very good.

After your comments, Clematis, I think I'd recommend LeMadelaine on 43rd Street, just west of 9th Avenue. It's delightful French bistro-type place and right in the area you're looking at. Definitely call in advance for reservations (212-246-2993), especially for a Saturday night and ask to be seated in the Garden Room.
(PS: Nikki, I only recommend that dish to diners in Paris. It just doesn't taste the same in the USA!)

Le Madeleine is excellent, but Le Rivage (see the menu at their website) has wonderful fish offerings (all we've tried have been perfectly prepared).

There's always Foley's Fish House at Times Square.

The food at Sardi's is not worthy of the prices.

If you like fish, Blue Fin is great. It's on Broadway between 46th and 47th.

Here's a link to some info:
http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/11633134/

Another vote for Foley's Fish House in Times Square. Great view of Times Square from every table in the restaurant.

Gaby Brasserie (at the Sofitel)

Zen Palate vegetarian Oriental--beautiful decor, delicious food, moderate prices.

I really like Johnnie's Italian Restaurant at 135 West 45th Street.

Re: Foley's Fish House...how are the prices, and in particular how much is their pre-theater prix-fixe dinner? No prices are listed on their online menu.