Best Restaurants Near Mamma Mia! London — Where to Eat Before Mamma Mia!

Mamma Mia! has been bringing ABBA's greatest hits to life at the Novello Theatre on Aldwych since 2012. The theatre's prime location on the curve of Aldwych, between the Strand and Covent Garden, gives you access to some of the best dining in central London. From elegant brasseries to affordable Italian trattorias, there is something for every taste and budget.

The Novello Theatre is perfectly positioned for pre-theatre dining. Covent Garden is a 3-minute walk north, the Strand's grand restaurants are on your doorstep, and the hidden gems of the side streets offer brilliant value. For more dining options, see our restaurant guide.

Best Restaurants Near the Novello Theatre

These restaurants are all within a 5-10 minute walk of the Novello Theatre on Aldwych.

Joe Allen (££)

The legendary theatre-world restaurant on Burleigh Street is a 3-minute walk from the Novello. Famous for its discreet celebrity clientele, off-menu burger, and classic American-brasserie cooking. Pre-theatre two courses from £24.50. The atmosphere buzzes with pre-show energy, and you may spot West End performers dining nearby.

Balthazar (££-£££)

A grand Parisian brasserie on Russell Street, Balthazar brings New York-meets-Paris glamour to Covent Garden. The seafood platters are show-stopping, the steak frites is perfectly executed, and the pre-theatre menu offers two courses from £27.50. About a 5-minute walk from the Novello. Booking essential.

The Delaunay (£££)

A grand Mitteleuropean cafe-restaurant on Aldwych, literally next door to the Novello Theatre. Run by the team behind The Wolseley, The Delaunay serves refined European classics — wiener schnitzel, choucroute, and excellent pastries. Pre-theatre menu from £28 for two courses. The interior is beautiful, the service impeccable, and the convenience unbeatable.

Spring at Somerset House (£££)

Skye Gyngell's farm-to-table restaurant inside Somerset House on the Strand is a 5-minute walk from the Novello. The light-filled dining room is gorgeous, and the seasonal Italian-influenced menus are refined and flavourful. Expect to spend £50-70 per person. A beautiful choice for a special occasion.

Dishoom Covent Garden (££)

Bombay-inspired cuisine on St Martin's Lane, a 5-minute walk north from the Novello. The black daal, chicken ruby, and house chai are all must-orders. No pre-theatre menu, but service is swift and portions generous. Expect to spend £25-35 per person. Arrive by 5:00pm to beat the queue.

Flat Iron Covent Garden (£)

Simple, brilliant, affordable. One cut of steak, perfectly cooked, with a salad. Under £15 per person. The Henrietta Street location is a 5-minute walk from the Novello Theatre. No bookings — just turn up and queue.

Budget-Friendly Options Near Aldwych

You do not need to spend a fortune to eat well near the Novello Theatre.

Homeslice Neal's Yard (£-££)

Giant pizzas with creative toppings in Seven Dials, about an 8-minute walk from the Novello. A single slice costs around £5 and is enough for a light pre-theatre meal. A whole pizza is £20-22. Casual, fun, and great for groups.

Brasserie Zedel (£-££)

The legendary underground Parisian brasserie on Sherwood Street near Piccadilly is about a 10-minute walk from the Novello, but the value is extraordinary — two courses for £14.50 in a stunning Art Deco setting. Worth the slightly longer walk for the experience and the price.

Fine Dining on the Strand

The Strand and Aldwych have a long history of grand dining.

Rules (£££)

London's oldest restaurant on Maiden Lane, established in 1798, is an 8-minute walk from the Novello. Classic British game, traditional roasts, and opulent Edwardian interiors. Pre-theatre three courses from £35. A wonderful choice for a quintessentially British evening before a quintessentially feel-good show.

The Savoy Grill (£££)

Gordon Ramsay's restaurant inside The Savoy hotel on the Strand is one of London's most prestigious dining rooms. The grill menu features perfectly executed steaks, seafood, and classic British dishes. Expect to spend £60-90 per person. A 5-minute walk from the Novello. The ultimate splurge before a celebratory Mamma Mia! evening.

Pre-Theatre Dining Tips for the Novello Theatre

• The Delaunay is the most convenient option. It is literally next to the Novello Theatre on Aldwych. You can finish dessert and be in your seat within minutes.
• Book for 5:30pm. Mamma Mia! evening performances start at 7:30pm, with doors at 7:00pm. A 5:30pm reservation allows comfortable time for a two-course meal.
• Head north to Covent Garden for variety. The piazza and surrounding streets offer dozens of restaurants. Avoid the tourist traps on the piazza itself and head to Henrietta Street, Burleigh Street, or Neal's Yard for better quality.
• The Strand has hidden gems. Look for the side streets off the Strand — Savoy Court, Carting Lane, and Southampton Street all have excellent options away from the main thoroughfare.
• Mamma Mia! matinees are at 3:00pm. For matinee performances, plan a light lunch rather than a pre-theatre dinner. Most Covent Garden restaurants serve lunch from noon.

Save on Mamma Mia! Tickets with tickadoo+

Mamma Mia! offers some of the most accessible ticket prices in the West End, starting from around £19. With a tickadoo+ membership, you can save up to 60% on West End theatre tickets, including Mamma Mia!. 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.

Visit the Mamma Mia! page for the latest ticket prices and availability.

Plan Your Night Out

Mamma Mia! is the ultimate feel-good West End show, and combining it with a great meal makes the evening even better.

• Book your Mamma Mia! tickets. Check the Mamma Mia! page for dates and prices.
• Reserve your restaurant. The Delaunay and Balthazar need advance booking. Joe Allen and Dishoom are easier to get into, especially midweek.
• Arrive early to explore. Covent Garden piazza is a wonderful place to wander before dinner, with street performers and independent shops.
• Browse more shows. The Novello is surrounded by other theatres. Explore all West End shows for your next trip.