Best Restaurants Near Les Miserables London — Where to Eat Before Les Miserables

Les Miserables has been running in the West End for over 40 years, and its current home at the Sondheim Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue puts it right in the heart of Soho — one of London's greatest dining neighbourhoods. From buzzy tapas bars to refined French bistros, there is no shortage of outstanding places to eat before the barricades go up.

The Sondheim Theatre is perfectly located for pre-theatre dining, with Soho's labyrinth of restaurants to the north and Chinatown to the south. Most of the restaurants below are within a 5-minute walk of the theatre. For more dining inspiration across the West End, check our restaurant guide.

Best Restaurants Near the Sondheim Theatre

Shaftesbury Avenue runs through the heart of Soho, giving you access to an extraordinary density of excellent restaurants.

Dishoom Carnaby (££)

The Carnaby Street branch of London's favourite Bombay-inspired restaurant is a 5-minute walk north of the Sondheim Theatre through Soho. The bacon naan roll is famous for a reason, and the lamb raan is a showstopper. No pre-theatre menu, but the kitchen is fast and the food is consistently excellent. Expect to spend £25-35 per person.

Barrafina Dean Street (££-£££)

Counter-seating Spanish tapas at its absolute finest. The Dean Street branch is a short walk from the Sondheim Theatre, and the quality of the tortilla, croquetas, and grilled prawns is remarkable. No bookings — arrive by 5:00pm to grab a seat. Expect to spend £30-45 per person depending on how many dishes you order.

Kricket Soho (££)

Creative Indian small plates in a buzzy basement on Denman Street, just steps from the theatre. The samphire pakoras and keralan fried chicken are standouts. The pre-theatre atmosphere is electric. Expect to spend £25-35 per person. Book ahead — it is small and very popular.

Pizza Pilgrims Dean Street (£)

Outstanding Neapolitan-style pizza on Dean Street in the heart of Soho. The Nduja pizza with honey is a crowd favourite. A full meal including drinks comes in under £15 per person, making it one of the best-value options near the Sondheim Theatre. No bookings, but turnover is quick.

Sagar Covent Garden (£-££)

Exceptional South Indian vegetarian cuisine on Catherine Street, within a 7-minute walk of the Sondheim Theatre. The dosas are enormous and utterly delicious, and a full meal rarely costs more than £15-20 per person. A brilliant option for vegetarians and vegans, and excellent value for everyone.

Randall and Aubin (££-£££)

A Soho institution on Brewer Street, Randall and Aubin is a champagne and seafood bar in a converted butcher's shop. The fruits de mer platters are spectacular, and the rotisserie chicken is superb. A glamorous pre-theatre option with a lively atmosphere. Expect to spend £35-50 per person.

Budget-Friendly Options in Soho

Soho is full of affordable dining options if you know where to look.

Brasserie Zedel (£-££)

Hidden beneath Piccadilly Circus on Sherwood Street, Brasserie Zedel is a grand Parisian brasserie with stunning Art Deco interiors and a prix fixe menu from just £14.50 for two courses. The steak hache and the profiteroles are particularly good. One of central London's best-value restaurants and a 5-minute walk from the Sondheim Theatre. Booking recommended.

Chinatown (£)

Chinatown is directly south of Shaftesbury Avenue, making it one of the most convenient pre-theatre dining areas for Les Miserables. Dumplings Legend and Beijing Dumpling are both excellent for quick, affordable Chinese food — a full meal for under £12 per person. Perfect for a fast, flavourful bite before curtain up.

Fine Dining Near Shaftesbury Avenue

For a special occasion, Soho and the surrounding area have no shortage of high-end options.

Yauatcha Soho (£££)

A Michelin-starred dim sum restaurant on Broadwick Street, Yauatcha combines exquisite Cantonese cuisine with a sleek, modern interior. The venison puffs, prawn and beancurd cheung fun, and scallop shumai are all outstanding. Expect to spend £50-70 per person. About a 7-minute walk from the Sondheim Theatre.

The Palomar (££-£££)

Modern Jerusalem cuisine on Rupert Street, just off Shaftesbury Avenue. The counter seating offers a front-row view of the open kitchen, and the polenta with asparagus and truffle is legendary. Vibrant, energetic, and full of flavour. Expect to spend £35-50 per person. Book the counter for the best experience.

Pre-Theatre Dining Tips for the Sondheim Theatre

• Head into Soho's side streets. Shaftesbury Avenue itself is busy and tourist-heavy. Walk one block north into Dean Street, Frith Street, or Old Compton Street for the best restaurants.
• Book for 5:30pm. Les Miserables runs at 7:30pm on evening performances. The Sondheim Theatre opens doors at 7:00pm. A 5:30pm dinner reservation gives you comfortable time for two courses.
• Consider Chinatown for speed. If you are running late, Chinatown (a 2-minute walk south across Shaftesbury Avenue) offers the fastest pre-theatre meal options in the area.
• Brasserie Zedel is the best value. If you want a sit-down meal in a stunning setting without spending much, Brasserie Zedel cannot be beaten on value.
• Matinee days are different. Les Miserables matinees start at 2:30pm. For matinee performances, look for lunch deals rather than pre-theatre menus.

Save on Les Miserables Tickets with tickadoo+

Les Miserables offers some of the best-value seats in the West End, with tickets starting from around £30. With a tickadoo+ membership, you can save up to 60% on West End theatre tickets, including Les Miserables. 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.

Day seats are also available at the Sondheim Theatre box office from 10:00am on the day of performance. Check the Les Miserables page for full details.

Plan Your Night Out

Soho is the ultimate West End dining neighbourhood, making a Les Miserables evening one of the easiest to plan.

• Book Les Miserables tickets. Check availability on the Les Miserables page and secure your preferred date and seats.
• Choose your restaurant. For a quick meal, walk into Chinatown or Pizza Pilgrims. For something special, book Barrafina, Kricket, or Yauatcha.
• Walk off dinner. The Sondheim Theatre is central enough that you can enjoy a pre-show stroll through Soho or along Shaftesbury Avenue before taking your seat.
• Explore the full West End. Browse all West End shows to plan your next theatre trip in this incredible part of London.