The Best Pre-Theater Dinner in NYC Before a Broadway Show

Whether you’re one of New York City’s 8.48 million residents or part of the over 64 million people visiting the city, enjoying a pre-theater dinner before taking in a Broadway show is a fantastic way to enjoy an evening.
Broadway is internationally recognized as one of the best places to enjoy live theater, attracting visitors from around the globe and across the United States. With over 12 million people enjoying a show on Broadway annually, it’s not surprising that there’s a high level of demand for exceptional restaurants near Broadway. With some preparation, you can enjoy an incredible pre-theater dinner before your show.
What Makes Rosevale a Great Pre-Theater Dinner Spot Before a Broadway Show?
There are several reasons Rosevale is one of the best dining spots near Broadway.
- Location: Rosevale is located in the Theater District and close to the most popular venues on Broadway. When you pick Rosevale for your pre-theater dinner, you won’t be going out of your way or adding time to your trip.
- Superb service: Rosevale delivers first-class service for guests. We ensure those enjoying a pre-theater dinner receive prompt, professional service so you can enjoy your dinner before heading to your show.
- Elevated American fare: Rosevale serves elevated American cuisine. Our menu features something for everyone to savor.
How Close Is Rosevale to Popular Broadway Theaters?
Rosevale’s location in the Civilian Hotel puts us within walking distance of many popular theaters on Broadway, including the following:
- Barrymore Theater
- Brooks Atkinson Theater
- Eugene O’Neill Theater
- Gershwin Theater
- Longacre Theater
- Richard Rodgers Theater
- Samuel J. Friedman Theater
- Walter Kerr Theater
What Dishes or Drinks Are Best for a Quick, Timely Pre-Show Meal?
Rosevale attracts many visitors to the area and offers customized menus for those enjoying a meal out before heading to the theater. When you explore our pre-theater menu, you’ll find our prix fixe options are unbeatable, letting you choose items for each course of your meal at one flat price.
Guests can also choose from other menu items and enjoy our unforgettable cocktails.
Pre-Theater Dinner Menu for Those Enjoying Dinner Before a Broadway Show
The starters include:
- Burrata Caprese
- Caesar salad
- Crispy artichokes
- Iced shrimp
Our pre-theater dinner entrees include:
- Cauliflower steak
- Chicken milanese
- Rigatoni a la vodka
- Slow baked salmon
Pre-theater dinners also include the following dessert options:
- Basque cheesecake
- Dark chocolate mousse
- Gelato
- Lemon tart
- Sorbet
Other Menu Items
Just because you’re heading to the theater doesn’t mean you’re limited to the pre-theater prix fixe menu. You can also order from our regular menu. In addition to the starters, entrees, and desserts included on the pre-theater menu, our regular menu includes additional options such as:
- Starters:
- Arancini
- Baby arugula salad
- French fry trio
- Steak Tartare
- Entrees:
- Rosevale burger
- Steak frites
Cocktails
Rosevale’s impressive cocktail menu features world-class selections, perfect for any palate. Whether you’re looking for something sour or a drink with fizz, tropical flavors, or champagne cocktails, our cocktail menu has something for everyone.
Discover Rosevale’s cocktails and find the perfect beverage to enjoy with your dinner.
How Long Does Dining Typically Take Before a Show?
It’s ideal to allow yourself at least 90 minutes to enjoy your pre-theater dinner before heading to your show. Giving yourself 90 minutes ensures that you enjoy a relaxing meal.
Our servers and culinary experts understand how important it is to be on time for your show, and work together to deliver each course in a timely fashion, without rushing you through your dinner. You can savor the flavors while indulging in a first-class dinner before you head to the theater.
What Are Some Tips for a Seamless Dining and Theater Experience?
Reserve your table ahead of time to ensure your experience is seamless, and you get to your seats before the curtain rises. This is especially true on weekends or big opening nights.
When you arrive, let the staff know about your show times and when you need to leave.
If you’re short on time, here are a few pivots that could save you from missing the show:
- Let your server know when you sit down that you’re on a tight schedule.
- Don’t hesitate to ask for an appetizer to be removed to save time.
- Ask for the check as soon as the food arrives, so you can take care of it in advance.
Following these communication pointers will help you stay on schedule.
Dinner and a Broadway Show as Part of a Full Day of Sightseeing in NYC
Rosevale’s location in the heart of the Theater District puts us near major NYC landmarks. Whether you’re heading to the city from Queens, Staten Island, or beyond, a pre-theater dinner and show can be the perfect way to wrap up a day in NYC.
Attractions near Rosevale and the Theater District include:
- Carnegie Hall: Tours are typically available late morning and early afternoon Monday through Saturday, and midday on Sundays.
- Central Park: Central Park officially opens at 6 a.m.
- Madame Tussauds New York: Take in the incredible wax statues and combine your visit with admission to MARVEL Universe 4D.
- Museum of Broadway: The museum opens early in the morning, making it easy to combine a museum tour with dinner and a show.
- The Museum of Modern Art: The Museum of Modern Art opens mid-morning, giving you plenty of time to get there without the morning rush.
- Radio City Music Hall: Tours of Radio City Music Hall begin in the morning, and they usually last an hour.
- Times Square: Times Square is open around-the-clock.
Make sure you check the official websites for information on tours and special events to avoid missing out on sights due to schedule changes.
Rosevale Is Open for Post-Show Dinners
You can enjoy a post-show dinner after taking in a matinee. Matinees usually begin at 2 p.m. or 3 p.m., and run for 2.5 to 3 hours. Rosevale opens daily at 5 p.m., making it a fantastic choice for a post-show dinner.
Tips for Reservations and Ideal Dining Times Before Curtain
Broadway shows typically start at 7:00 p.m. or 8:00 p.m. Make sure you consider the distance to the theater to ensure you have enough time to get there after your meal.
For a 7 p.m. show, booking a dinner reservation for 5 p.m is ideal. This gives you plenty of time to dine in style and make it to your show without being rushed. If 5 p.m. doesn’t work for you, schedule your dinner reservation for no later than 5:30 p.m.
Those taking in a show starting at 8 p.m. should make a dinner reservation for between 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.. You should also factor in the distance to the theater.
Are There Any Dress Code Considerations for Pre-Theater Dining?
If you’re catching dinner right before a show, it’s likely you won’t have to worry about dress code considerations since you’ll already be looking amazing. Most restaurants in the area don’t have a specific dress code to enforce; most aim for a smart casual style or better.
When dining, you’ll want the entire night to match the experience at the theater, and that’s why Rosevale offers an elevated place to keep the night going.
Can You Enjoy Drinks or Dessert After the Show Nearby?
The night doesn’t have to end when the curtains fall. Rosevale stays open late, catering to late-night show crowds to get one last drink for a perfect evening.
Pre-Theater Dinner at Rosevale
Rosevale is the perfect place for a pre-theater dinner in NYC. Expert servers will keep the courses flowing to ensure you finish on time for your show, and Rosevale’s culinary experts will deliver delicious dishes for you to enjoy. In addition to an exceptional prix fixe pre-theater dinner menu, Rosevale offers other menu items you can enjoy when dining out before a Broadway show.
Sources:
Broadway as a Global Destination: Why It Draws Travelers from Around the World. (2025).
Broadway Demographics Report Reveals Increased Audience Diversity, Overall Attendance Trending Up. (2023).
Mayor Adams Celebrates Nearly 65 Million Visitors to NYC in 2024, Second Highest Number of Visitors in City History. (2024).
2025 New York Moving Statistics: Key Trends And Insights. (2025).