to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
You’ve got your tickets booked (you lucky thing!), now it’s time to start planning your pre-theatre meal. Whether you are in Hampshire for a musical, amdram, plays or perhaps even a comedy evening, you will find plenty of choice for when it comes to pre- and post-theatre dining.
Pre-theatre restaurants in Southampton
Restaurants near The Mayflower Theatre
Seeing a show at the iconic Mayflower Theatre? You'll find plenty of places to eat within a short walk, whether you're looking for a quick bite before the curtain rises or a leisurely meal to make an evening of it.
Literally opposite the theatre is Papillon, housed in a beautifully converted church and offering everything from light lunches to evening meals. Just a few doors away, Soleto serves modern Italian cuisine, while K.BAP is a great choice if you're in the mood for Korean barbecue.
A short stroll downhill brings you to Milan, another popular Italian restaurant, while The Mayflower Village Bar & Grill is a convenient option just moments from the theatre.
If you have a little more time, continue into Southampton's Cultural Quarter, less than a 10-minute walk away, where you'll find favourites including Turtle Bay and La Tavernetta.
Restaurants near MAST Studios
Home to more one-off performances, MAST Studios regularly hosts theatre nights as well as matinees of some great shows, including children's theatre in the school holidays.
Set right in the heart of the Cultural Quarter, located right by Guildhall Square you are conveniently located right opposite Turtle Bay, famed for its Caribbean flavours. Just a few doors down there’s Tsunami Beach Bars – think holiday vibes with burgers, pizzas, seafood and steaks their specialities.
If you love Japanese dishes or ramen, Hokkaido is a must visit or, if a cheeky Nando’s is your thing – you’ll find their Guildhall restaurant very close by.
And, if you fancy something a little different, why not go out for dessert at Sprinkles Gelato? This ice cream parlour has a whole host of tasty treats to enjoy and can make a great stopping point for any younger guests with you.
Most of these restaurants are within a two-minute walk of MAST Mayflower Studios, making them ideal for a relaxed pre-theatre meal without worrying about getting to your seats on time.
Pre-theatre restaurants in Winchester
Restaurants near Theatre Royal Winchester
Whether you're heading to a drama, comedy, live music performance or the annual pantomime, Theatre Royal Winchester is perfectly placed for a pre-theatre meal. Just a short walk from Winchester city centre, you'll find everything from cosy independent cafés to award-winning restaurants, all within easy reach of the theatre.
If you're catching a matinee performance, Josie's is a popular choice for brunch, coffee and light lunches. It's just a few minutes' walk away and, as bookings aren't taken, simply join the queue and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
For an evening meal, Porters Steakhouse is only a couple of doors from the theatre and is a favourite with steak lovers. If you're in the mood for something a little different, Rimjhim serves authentic Indian cuisine, while neighbouring Gurkha's Inn offers traditional Nepalese dishes, both just around the corner from the theatre.
You'll also find plenty of international flavours nearby. Lebanese House serves freshly prepared mezze, kebabs and sweet baklava, while Brasserie Blanc is a great option if you're looking for classic French-inspired cooking before the curtain rises.
If you have a little time before your performance, take a stroll to the nearby Winchester Cathedral, browse the independent shops along the High Street or enjoy a drink in one of Winchester's historic pubs or cocktail bars before heading to the theatre.
Pre-theatre restaurants in Portsmouth
Whether you're heading to a West End musical, comedy performance, concert or pantomime, Portsmouth offers plenty of excellent places to eat before the show. From independent restaurants in Southsea to city centre favourites, there are lots of options within easy reach of the city's theatres and arts venues.
Restaurants near Kings Theatre
Located in the heart of Southsea, the Kings Theatre is surrounded by a fantastic choice of independent restaurants. Just a short walk away, Sant Yago serves Spanish-inspired tapas and sharing plates, making it a great choice if you fancy sampling a little bit of everything before the curtain rises. If Asian cuisine is more your style, Sakura offers a menu of sushi, ramen and Japanese favourites just a few minutes from the theatre. Or why not spice it up a bit at TexMex restaurant, Fuegos Street, less than a 10-minute walk from the theatre?
Restaurants near New Theatre Royal and Portsmouth Guildhall
Both venues are situated in Portsmouth's city centre and are within easy walking distance of a wide variety of restaurants. Huis Belgium Bar + Kitchen is a local favourite, serving Belgium and Indonesian dishes in a cosy setting, while Pho offers fragrant Vietnamese dishes that are ideal if you're after something lighter before an evening performance. For relaxed pub dining, The Guildhall Village is just a few minutes away on Guildhall Walk, with a menu featuring stone-baked pizzas, gourmet burgers, salads and sharing plates – ideal for groups looking to enjoy a casual meal before heading to the theatre.
Pre-Theatre Dining Near Hampshire's Other Theatres and Entertainment Venues
From touring productions and live music to comedy nights and local theatre, Hampshire has plenty of fantastic entertainment venues beyond its largest cities. Whether you're heading to Andover, Basingstoke, Romsey or Fareham, you'll find plenty of places nearby to enjoy a meal before the show.
Restaurants near The Lights, Andover
The Lights is just a short walk from Andover's High Street, where you'll find a wide variety of restaurants perfect for a pre-theatre meal. For authentic Indian cuisine, Copper Mahal Restaurant and Light of Asia are both popular choices, while Envy offers a relaxed setting with everything from brunch and small plates to evening dining. Vicolo Lounge is another popular choice with burgers, cocktails and other bar-type food.
Restaurants near The Anvil, Basingstoke
Whether you're seeing a concert, comedy show or orchestral performance at The Anvil, Basingstoke town centre offers plenty of choice within walking distance.
Da Mariù is a favourite for authentic Italian cooking, while The Meldiz Mediterranean Restaurant serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes in a contemporary setting. If you fancy something a little different, El Bigote brings vibrant Mexican flavours to Festival Place, making it a great option before an evening performance. Plus, you will find a selection of chain restaurants including Pizza Express and Las Iguanas within Festival Place shopping centre.
Restaurants near Plaza Theatre, Romsey
The Plaza Theatre sits just a few minutes from Romsey's attractive town centre, where independent restaurants and cafés line the historic streets. La Parisienne is ideal for classic French cooking, while Bosphorus Turkish Kitchen offers freshly prepared Turkish and Mediterranean dishes. If you'd prefer a traditional pub atmosphere before the show, The Old House at Home is another excellent choice within easy walking distance.
Restaurants near Fareham Live
Fareham Live is one of Hampshire's newest entertainment venues, and it's surrounded by a growing choice of places to eat in the town centre. Villa Romana Fareham is a popular choice for classic Italian dishes and is less than 10-minutes’ walk away, while Salt & Sage Bistro offers relaxed bistro dining just a short walk from the venue.
More good places in Hampshire to eat
Whether you're planning a romantic evening, a family trip to the pantomime or a night out with friends, enjoying a meal before the show is the perfect way to make the most of your visit. From independent restaurants and cosy pubs to international cuisine and fine dining, Hampshire has plenty of fantastic options close to its theatres and entertainment venues. Looking for more foodie inspiration? Discover more places to eat in Hampshire, browse our food and drink pages and find more things to do in Hampshire to help plan your next visit.
