Best Restaurants Near The Lion King London — Where to Eat Before The Lion King

Seeing The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre is one of London's most iconic theatre experiences. Located on Wellington Street in the heart of Covent Garden, the Lyceum is surrounded by some of the best restaurants in central London. Whether you want a quick pre-theatre bite or a leisurely three-course meal, this guide covers the best places to eat before The Lion King.

The Lyceum Theatre is perfectly positioned for pre-theatre dining, with Covent Garden's piazza, the Strand, and Aldwych all within a few minutes' walk. Most of the restaurants below offer pre-theatre menus served between 5:00pm and 6:30pm, giving you plenty of time for a 7:30pm curtain. For more dining options across the West End, see our full restaurant guide.

Best Restaurants Near the Lyceum Theatre

These restaurants are all within a 5-10 minute walk of the Lyceum Theatre and are perfect for a pre-show meal.

Dishoom Covent Garden (££)

Just around the corner from the Lyceum on St Martin's Lane, Dishoom serves Bombay-inspired cuisine in a beautifully designed space modelled on the old Irani cafes of Mumbai. The black daal is legendary, and the lamb chops are a must-order. No pre-theatre menu, but portions are generous and service is swift. Expect to spend around £25-35 per person. Arrive by 5:00pm to avoid the evening queue.

Joe Allen (££)

A Covent Garden institution and the unofficial canteen of London's theatre world. Tucked away on Burleigh Street, Joe Allen is famous for its off-menu burger (just ask) and its classic American-brasserie menu. Pre-theatre two courses from £24.50. You may well spot cast members from nearby shows dining before or after their performances.

Clos Maggiore (£££)

Regularly voted one of the most romantic restaurants in London, Clos Maggiore on King Street features a stunning conservatory filled with cherry blossom and fairy lights. The French-Mediterranean cuisine is exquisite, and the pre-theatre menu offers three courses for around £35. Book well in advance, especially for the conservatory.

Frenchie Covent Garden (£££)

Celebrity chef Greg Marchand's London outpost on Henrietta Street serves refined French bistro cooking with creative flair. The tasting menu is superb, but for pre-theatre dining, the a la carte works well — think duck breast with seasonal vegetables or perfectly cooked fish. Expect to spend £40-55 per person.

Balthazar (££-£££)

This grand Parisian-style brasserie on Russell Street brings a slice of New York glamour to Covent Garden. The seafood plateaux are spectacular, and the steak frites is a crowd-pleaser. Pre-theatre set menu from £27.50 for two courses. The buzzy atmosphere makes it a brilliant choice for a special evening out.

Rules (£££)

London's oldest restaurant, established in 1798, sits on Maiden Lane just steps from the Lyceum. Rules specialises in classic British game and traditional dishes in a wonderfully opulent Edwardian setting. Pre-theatre three courses from £35. If you want a quintessentially British dining experience before a quintessentially West End show, this is the place.

Budget-Friendly Options Near The Lion King

You do not need to spend a fortune to eat well near the Lyceum Theatre. These options offer great food at wallet-friendly prices.

Flat Iron Covent Garden (£)

The concept is simple: one cut of flat iron steak, perfectly cooked, served with a side salad and a cleaver to cut it with. A full meal comes in under £15 per person, making it one of the best-value meals in central London. The Henrietta Street location is a short walk from the Lyceum. No bookings — just turn up.

Homeslice Neal's Yard (£-££)

Enormous 20-inch pizzas with creative toppings, served by the slice or whole. A single slice (around £5) is enough for a light pre-theatre meal. The Neal's Yard location is a pleasant 8-minute walk through Covent Garden. Great for families heading to The Lion King.

Fine Dining in Covent Garden

For a truly special occasion, Covent Garden offers several high-end options worthy of celebration.

The Ivy Market Grill (££-£££)

Overlooking the Covent Garden piazza, The Ivy Market Grill serves modern British classics in an elegant setting. The pre-theatre menu offers two courses from £22.50 and three courses from £27.50. The terrace tables are particularly coveted in warmer months. A reliable and stylish choice just minutes from the Lyceum.

Spring by Skye Gyngell (£££)

Located inside Somerset House on the Strand, Spring is a refined farm-to-table restaurant with a light-filled dining room and seasonal Italian-influenced menus. Expect to spend £50-70 per person. The setting alone is worth the visit — a beautiful way to start an evening at the nearby Lyceum Theatre.

Pre-Theatre Dining Tips for the Lyceum Theatre

• Book for 5:30pm or 5:45pm to comfortably finish a two-course meal before the 7:30pm curtain. The Lyceum doors open at 7:00pm.
• Look for pre-theatre set menus. Most Covent Garden restaurants offer prix fixe menus between 5:00pm and 6:30pm at significantly reduced prices compared to the evening a la carte.
• Avoid the Covent Garden piazza at peak times. The piazza restaurants can be tourist traps. Head to the side streets — Henrietta Street, Burleigh Street, and King Street — for better quality and value.
• The Lyceum is on Wellington Street, which connects the Strand to Covent Garden. Restaurants on both the Strand and in Covent Garden proper are equally convenient.
• Plan your route. If you are coming from the north, eat in Covent Garden and walk south. If arriving at Charing Cross or Embankment, eat on the Strand and walk north to the theatre.

Save on Lion King Tickets with tickadoo+

The Lion King is one of the most popular shows in the West End, and tickets can be expensive at peak times. With a tickadoo+ membership, you can save up to 60% on West End theatre tickets, including The Lion King. 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.

The savings from a tickadoo+ membership can easily cover the cost of a pre-theatre dinner, making your entire evening more affordable. Check current Lion King ticket prices to see available dates and savings.

Plan Your Night Out

A pre-theatre dinner followed by The Lion King is the perfect London evening. Here is how to plan it:

• Book your tickets first. Check availability and prices for The Lion King and lock in your preferred date.
• Reserve your restaurant. Pre-theatre slots fill up quickly, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. Book at least a week in advance for popular spots like Clos Maggiore or Balthazar.
• Consider staying overnight. If you are travelling from outside London, combine your evening with a hotel stay. Covent Garden has excellent options within walking distance of the Lyceum.
• Browse all West End shows. If The Lion King is sold out on your preferred date, explore other West End shows — many are in the same Covent Garden area with access to the same brilliant restaurants.