The Best Restaurants in New York’s Theater District

The Lambs Club, in the heart of the neighborhood on 44th Street, has its roots in the Broadway scene – its first incarnation was as a private members club for a select theater crowd. Now a public restaurant, the space still feels exclusive and historic, with sleek leather banquettes and a traditional steakhouse menu. A pre-theater prix fixe runs for two or three courses just in time for curtain call: from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m.

It should come as no surprise that this Hell’s Kitchen and Times Square spot is thriving under the lights of Broadway: Peter Song, the chef, was a big-time actor in his homeland of China. In the U.S., he’s known for having the best soup dumplings in Manhattan and an ovation-worthy selection of steamed buns and ramen made fresh by hand every day.

Giorgia Caporuscio, who leads the kitchen at Don Antonio, learned the family tradition of pizza-making back in Naples, where the original Don Antonio pizzeria has been open since 1901. At this 50th Street outpost, the specialty is the lightly fried Montanara style, with toppings like truffle cream and a white ragu made with beef and pork.

Gallaghers first opened in 1927 in the height of Prohibition as a Broadway speakeasy and has remained an iconic fixture in the area ever since. Today, the martinis come quick and freezing cold – no secret passwords required – and the restaurant’s calling card is its cuts: You’ll also find it on our list of the city’s best steakhouses.

Opened in 1986, Le Bernardin is as storied as they come in New York, with a kitchen run by Chef Eric Ripert that has won Three MICHELIN Stars each year since the Guide debuted in the city – in 2005. Here you will eat the most exquisite seafood, available as a tasting menu or as a prix fixe of four courses that progresses from Almost Raw, to Barely Touched, to Lightly Cooked, like a steamed halibut served with a foie gras-cabbage confit in a wild mushroom stock.

This eye-catching Asian restaurant takes its name from its street, 53rd, where you’ll also find the landmark Museum of Modern Art. In fact, some of the museum galleries sit directly upstairs, no doubt an inspiration to this stylish contemporary space. The dinner menu counts familiar Chinese and Singaporean favorites and ambitious cocktails are on offer in BA53MENT, their speakeasy lounge with live music some evenings.

From Chef Alain Ducasse, Benoit, on 55th Street, is a classic Parisian bistro that conjures up images of the cabaret. On the pre-theater menu are timeless staples like a half-dozen dripping escargots and boeuf Bourguignon, and for dessert, a choice between chocolate mousse and rice pudding.