Subsequently eighteen months of beingness dimmed, the dazzling lights of Broadway are turning back on. Live theater is prepare to make its triumphant improvement with several mega-striking musicals—including Hamilton, Wicked, Chicago and The Lion Rex—returning at total chapters today, and many more shows raising the mantle in the coming weeks.

Broadway has long been one of New York's biggest tourism drivers and a quintessential attraction to Midtown, a neighborhood that has suffered more than than others during the pandemic. Fortunately, as the Theater Commune begins to reawaken, there are yet plenty of excellent dining destinations in the area excited to host theater goers. After all, the show must go on. Then go your tickets, book a reservation and brand a night of information technology.

Here are seven of our favorite restaurants in close proximity to the theaters for an outstanding meal before—or after—y'all take in a operation.

Gabriel Kreuther

squab foie gras gabrielle kreuther

Photo: courtesy Gabriel Kreuther

Located at the base of the Grace Building, and merely steps away from the heart of Broadway, is James Beard accolade-winning chef Gabriel Kreuther'south fine dining destination. The sophisticated Michelin two-star restaurant offers diners seasonal a la menu and pre-fixe menus showcasing refined Alsatian-inspired fare executed with classical French technique. Theater enthusiasts tin relish a luxurious pre- or post-bear witness meal in the elegantly appointed modernistic dining room or the lovely outdoor patio, which looks out to Bryant Park.

Quality Bistro

quality bistro new york city

Photograph: courtesy Quality Bistro

The latest addition to the esteemed Quality Branded eatery group, Quality Bistro serves brasserie-way French fare in a sprawling, multi-room space on West 55th Street. The kitchen is helmed past executive chef Chino Parilla, who created a menu featuring both traditional and contemporary dishes—including some of the city's best French onion soup and steak frites—paired with a 400-bottle vino list and French-inspired beverage program. Designed past New York-based creative bureau AvroKO, the whimsical institution is rich with golden details, lush greenery and elements evoking the Belle Epoque era. Theater goers can select their ideal setting—from the conservatory-style main dining room to covered tables in the outdoor garden to topiary-inspired individual cabins—to bask dinner and drinks before hitting Broadway this season.

Sushi of Gari 46

Sushi of Gari sushi sampler plate

Photo: courtesy Masahiro Noguchi

There are currently three Sushi of Garis open in New York (and each is outstanding), but the 46th Street outpost is located in the heart of the Theater District. For a culinary spectacle before your testify, opt for the indulgent omakase experience: a meticulous succession of artfully crafted signature bites of the freshest fish paired with creative enhancements such every bit seared tomato, poached quail egg, chopped jalapeño and white truffle oil. The master chef and possessor, Masatoshi "Gari" Sugio, deserves a continuing ovation for presenting some of the most innovative and flavorful sushi in boondocks.

Le Bernardin

Le Bernardin

Photo: courtesy Le Bernardin

Since its debut in the '80s, glory chef Eric Ripert's seafood stunner has earned countless accolades—including 3 Michelin stars, maintaining a four-star rating from the New York Times for more ii decades, and more James Bristles Awards than any other eating house in New York—and remains one of the finest establishments in the country, and in the world. At Le Bernardin, superbly prepared seafood and French fare shines on exquisite tasting menus (including a vegetarian pre-fixe)—and the entire experience is as well-orchestrated as any Broadway number. In award of live theater's render, a specialty cocktail named Cabaret (made with gin, St. Germain, egg white, muddled blackberry, cucumber, basil and Champagne) will be offered starting September 17.

Charlie Palmer Steak

new york strip steak white tablecloth

Photo: courtesy Rey Lopez

Charlie Palmer's eponymous steakhouse opened in mid-April on W 42nd Street—in the space previously occupied by the celebrity chef'southward quondam landmark restaurant, Aureole. Harnessing the dynamic energy of its Theatre Commune neighborhood, this mod American steakhouse serves up bold flavors in a fashionable setting. Palmer and chef Harold Moore, who oversees the kitchen, created the menu which boasts succulent cuts of crimson meat—from a Wagyu A5 Miyazaki striploin to a 30-day dry-aged prime porterhouse for 2—and arable sides, along with lighter dishes and a variety of seafood (including a full raw bar, grilled stuffed lobster and Dover sole meunière that gets filleted tableside). An extensive vino list and arts and crafts cocktail program round out the offerings, and you can't go incorrect with the 3-grade pre-theatre dinner menu.

The Ragtrader

ragtrader restaurant interior

Photo: courtesy Cheyenne 1000. Cohen

Only a few short blocks from the Theater District is a midtown dining gem. Gear up in a former garment factory, the spacious bi-level eating place transforms you to a bygone era with inspired decor as theatrical equally a Broadway set. Stylish touches evoking yesteryear—from colorful spools of material to a wall of vintage hat boxes—are everywhere you look. The Ragtrader has something for everyone with a diverse carte of elevated American fare, an exceptional cocktail plan, welcoming hospitality, and ample indoor and outdoor seating. Pro tip: go on the entertainment going after your meal—or a musical—past booking a table downstairs to Bo Peep, the sexy surreptitious cocktail den (often named one of the city's all-time speakeasies) that has live performances five nights a week by the gifted resident pianist and talented singing staff that belt out hits spanning decades.

Ai Fiori

Ai fiori sky terrace

Photo: courtesy Ai Fiori

Translated to "amongst the flowers" in Italian, Ai Fiori showcases mod interpretations of classic French and Italian Riviera cuisine. Since it's located on the 2nd flooring of the Langham Hotel, the eatery was only able to be open for a brief flow of fourth dimension at the end of last year (when indoor dining was allowed) since it didn't accept usable outdoor infinite. Notwithstanding just as Broadway is, Ai Fiori is steadily making its grand comeback—and recently unveiled a new outdoor oasis on the 11th floor called Sky Terrace. Enjoy signature handmade pastas made with seasonal ingredients, regional dishes inspired past the land and sea, and an award-winning vino listing in the chief dining room, or venture upstairs for an unforgettable alfresco experience consummate with magnificent views of the Empire State Edifice.