Pre-theater dining

[jonfbrooklyn]

I am usually on the outer-borough board as I live in Brooklyn.

I have theater tickets for a Saturday night in February and wanted a recommendation for dinner before. Want good food, not expensive, not rushed. Thanks.

[fooodie]

As I've mentioned on these boards before, Maria Pia is my go-to Italian pre-theater spot. You may want to make a reservation as it can get crowded before shows. The food is good, the prices are right and I've never felt rushed.

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Maria Pia
319 West 51st Street, New York, NY 10019

[iforman2001]

Osteria Al Doge is a good value. other suggestions (but not all inexpensive):

Thalia
Koi
DB Bistro
Brasserie 44
Crave on 42nd

[RGR]

Yes, dbBistro Moderne, 4-star chef Daniel Boulud's take on contemporary French bistro cuisine, is on the expensive side; however, they offer a pre-theater prix-fixe for, I believe, $45 -- an excellent value for cuisine of that high caliber.

http://www.danielnyc.com/dbbistro

[Desidero]

If you're willing to walk up to 9th Ave. and 50th St., you may like Nook. It's BYO and the food is solid. The mushroom cigar app is a must and the lamb is a good option among the mains. Avoid the Hungarian Goulash.

[RGR]

With literally hundreds of restaurants to choose from in the Theater District,it would be helpful to know your cuisine preferences and a per person budget for food since opinions can differ as to what "not expensive" means. That said...

I am not a fan of Becco. The ayce pastas are mediocre, seating is sardine-tight, and the noise level is so hideously high that normal conversation impossible. Not exactly my idea of a comfortable, pleasant way to dine.

Trattoria Trecolor, on 47th St., b/t B;way & 8th Av., is our favorite Italian in that area. Well-prepared and tasty homestyle cuisine. Friendly, efficient service. Attractive decor and comfortably-spaced tables. Moderate prices.

http://www.trattoria trecolori.com

West Bank Cafe, on 42nd St., b/t 9th & 10th Avs., serves excellent New American cuisine, service is friendly and capable, decor is pleasant, tables are nicely-spaced, and the noise level is conversation-friendly.

http://www.westbankcafe.com

Marseille, on the corner of 9th Av. & 44th St., is a bustling French/Mediterranean brasserie with excellent food, good service, and eye-catching decor. They offer a 3-course dinner prix-fixe for $35.

http://www.marseillenyc.com

Reservations are a must! I suggest 5:30 - 5:45 p.m., which will give you plenty of time for an unrushed, relaxing meal before strolling to your theater for an 8 p.m. curtain.

Enjoy the show and Bon Appetit!

[Striver]

I agree with RGR's suggestions - and I'm also not a fan of Becco - as well as Hell's Kitchen (recommended above). I'd also add Le Madeleine (French) on 43rd just west of 9th and Vice Versa (Italian) on west 51st.

[Will4Food]

Hell's Kitchen is my favorite pre-theater restaurant. But book early. Also a fan of Becco's allyoucaneat pasta extravaganza (and a true bargain)..

[onefoodguy]

I'll second the nod to Hell's Kitchen Restaurant http://hellskitchen-nyc.com - the food is consistently outstanding and the staff is super friendly.