Where to go for pre-theater dinner
 

We're going to NYC for the first time in October. We are staying at the Grand Hyatt. Have tickets to Wicked on a Friday night. What restaurants do you recommend for dinner? We like most foods, except French. We haven't figured out the subway system yet...but somewhere easy to get to or near the theater would be great.

We're also trying to figure out restaurants for the other nights. We have Gotham Grill and Il Mulino picked out. Thinking about Nobu. Any not to miss places? Also, what is a good Korean BBQ place?

Thanks so much! I'm sure I'll be posting more soon asking for other advise.

Before a show we either do just drink/appetizer - and dinner afterwards - or just a light dinner. You don't want to be stuck in the theater trying to digest a big meal. You could do Roberto Passon - nice but moderate Italian. Or there are a whole bunch of casual ethnic places over on 9th Ave.

If you want to play tourist and do a place with a view consider Sea Grill or Rock Center Cafe. Both re good but more pricey.

Have a look at menupages.com for actual menus/prices as well as diner reviews.

I prefer to dine close to the theater and not do a big destination type dinner. La Masseria on 48th is good. www.lamasserianyc.com Also check out opentable.com

I love Gotham. Their seafood salad appetizer is wonderful. I think Il Mulino is over rated. Other good restaurants are Aquagrill, Gramercy Tavern, Il Buco, Bouley, 11 Madison, Babbo - there are so many. I haven't tried Scalini Fedeli - same price range as Il Mulino; supposed to be wonderful.

ViceVersa is a popular Italian near the Gershwin theater that does a prix fixe pre theater dinner. It can be booked on opentable.com (as can a lot of other restaurants).

Bann is a Korean BBQ place that's also near the theater. I haven't tried it but it gets very good reviews so maybe kill 2 birds?
http://menupages.com/restaurantdetai...p;cuisineid=38

"Little Korea" is on 32 st. Don Bagam is probably the best BBQ place on the street.
http://menupages.com/restaurantdetai...=38&home=Y

The area around your hotel doesn't have a lot of destination restaurants, but it does have a number of the top sushi places (Sushi Yasuda, Sushiden) and some of the top steak places (Sparks, Wolfgang's). If you like oysters, don't miss the Oyster Bar inside Grand Central terminal (attached to the hotel). Sit at the counter, have some oysters and maybe a bowl of clam chowder.

I also like Metrazur inside the terminal, especially sitting on the balcony and watching the world go by. Don't miss having a drink in the Campbell Apartments, inside the terminal.

To help you navigate the subway, try using hopstop.com for directions.

ViceVersa has been recommended to me.

I will be eating there next month before going to see the Jersey Boys.

If you're interested in a good steak...the Palm is literally right across the street from Wicked!

second La Masseria! great food, great location.