Best Restaurants Near Back to the Future London — Where to Eat Before Back to the Future

Back to the Future: The Musical at the Adelphi Theatre on the Strand is one of the West End's most spectacular family shows, complete with a flying DeLorean. The Adelphi's central location on the Strand gives you access to the restaurants of Covent Garden to the north and the grand dining rooms of the Strand itself — making it one of the best theatres in the West End for pre-show dining.

Whether you are planning a family outing or an adults-only evening, these restaurants are all within easy walking distance of the Adelphi Theatre. For the full range of dining options, visit our restaurant listings.

Best Restaurants Near the Adelphi Theatre

The Adelphi Theatre sits at 411 Strand, between Covent Garden and the Embankment. These restaurants are all within a comfortable 5-10 minute walk.

Joe Allen (££)

Covent Garden's legendary theatre-world restaurant on Burleigh Street is a 4-minute walk from the Adelphi. The American-brasserie menu is reliable and comforting, and the atmosphere is steeped in theatrical history. Ask for the off-menu burger. Pre-theatre two courses from £24.50. You will almost certainly be dining alongside people heading to shows at nearby theatres.

The Ivy Market Grill (££-£££)

Overlooking the Covent Garden piazza, about a 6-minute walk from the Adelphi. Modern British cuisine with a solid pre-theatre menu — two courses from £22.50. The terrace is lovely in warmer weather. A reliable, stylish choice for families and couples alike.

Dishoom Covent Garden (££)

Bombay-inspired brilliance on St Martin's Lane, a 6-minute walk from the Adelphi Theatre. The black daal, lamb chops, and house chai are legendary. No pre-theatre menu, but fast service means you can eat well and still make curtain up. Expect to spend £25-35 per person.

Balthazar (££-£££)

A grand Parisian brasserie on Russell Street, a 5-minute walk from the Adelphi. The pre-theatre menu is excellent value at £27.50 for two courses, and the seafood plateaux and steak frites are standouts. The buzzy atmosphere makes it a great choice for a special occasion. Booking essential.

Rules (£££)

London's oldest restaurant on Maiden Lane, a 5-minute walk from the Adelphi. Rules has been serving classic British cuisine since 1798 — think game, pies, and roasts in opulent Edwardian surroundings. Pre-theatre three courses from £35. A uniquely British dining experience to match a uniquely entertaining show.

Gordon's Wine Bar (£-££)

London's oldest wine bar, tucked into a candlelit cave beneath Villiers Street, about a 4-minute walk south from the Adelphi. While it is more of a bar than a restaurant, the cheese and charcuterie platters are substantial enough for a light pre-theatre meal. Wine from £6 a glass, platters from £12. The atmospheric setting is unlike anything else in London.

Budget-Friendly Options on the Strand

The Strand area has several affordable dining options perfect for families heading to Back to the Future.

Flat Iron Covent Garden (£)

Brilliant steak for under £15 per person on Henrietta Street, a 6-minute walk from the Adelphi. The simplicity of the concept — one steak, one salad, no fuss — makes it ideal for a quick, satisfying pre-theatre meal. No bookings, but the queue moves fast.

Wahaca Covent Garden (£-££)

Mexican street food on Chandos Place, a 5-minute walk from the Adelphi. Tacos, burritos, and quesadillas at reasonable prices (£12-18 per person). The children's menu is good value at £6.50. A fun, colourful option for families before the show.

Fine Dining Near the Adelphi Theatre

For a truly special pre-show experience, the Strand offers some of London's grandest dining rooms.

The Savoy Grill (£££)

Gordon Ramsay's legendary grill room inside The Savoy hotel, practically next door to the Adelphi Theatre. The steaks and seafood are exemplary, and the Art Deco interior is magnificent. Expect to spend £60-90 per person. The ultimate splurge for a special Back to the Future evening.

The Delaunay (£££)

A sophisticated Mitteleuropean cafe-restaurant on Aldwych, a 3-minute walk from the Adelphi. Wiener schnitzel, schnitzel Holstein, and excellent pastries in elegant surroundings. Pre-theatre menu from £28 for two courses. Refined without being stuffy.

Pre-Theatre Dining Tips for the Adelphi Theatre

• Walk north for the best options. The Strand itself is busy with traffic. Walk two blocks north into Covent Garden's side streets — Burleigh Street, Henrietta Street, and Maiden Lane — for the best restaurants.
• Book for 5:30pm. Back to the Future evening performances start at 7:30pm. The Adelphi opens doors at 7:00pm. A 5:30pm booking gives you comfortable time for two courses.
• The Adelphi is between two tube stations. Charing Cross is a 3-minute walk south, and Covent Garden is a 5-minute walk north. Choose your station based on which restaurant you have booked.
• Gordon's Wine Bar is a unique starter. If you have time, begin with a glass of wine in Gordon's atmospheric cave before walking to a nearby restaurant for your main meal.
• Saturday matinees are at 2:30pm. For matinee performances, plan a lunch around noon. Most Covent Garden restaurants have lunch service from 12:00pm.

Save on Back to the Future Tickets with tickadoo+

Back to the Future is one of the West End's most exciting family musicals. With a tickadoo+ membership, you can save up to 60% on West End theatre tickets, including Back to the Future. Members get access to exclusive last-minute deals and priority booking — perfect for planning a pre-theatre dinner and show combination without breaking the bank.

Check the Back to the Future page for ticket prices and performance dates.

Plan Your Night Out

The Adelphi Theatre's Strand location makes it easy to build a complete evening.

• Book Back to the Future tickets. Visit the Back to the Future page for dates and availability.
• Choose your restaurant. Joe Allen for theatrical atmosphere, Balthazar for Parisian glamour, or Flat Iron for budget-friendly excellence.
• Add a pre-dinner walk. The Embankment and Waterloo Bridge are a short walk south — great for stretching your legs before dinner.
• Explore more shows. The Adelphi is surrounded by West End theatres. Browse all West End shows for more options.