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Boston Theatre District Restaurants

Best places to eat near theaters and comedy clubs

Attending the theater, a show, or a comedy club in Boston? 

Here are my recommendations for where to find the best Theatre District restaurants near the Boston Opera House, the Paramount Theatre, Charles Playhouse, Wilbur Theatre - in fact, all of the theaters and comedy clubs near Boston Common.

Boston theaters and comedy clubs cluster along Washington, Tremont, and Stuart Streets, and all of the nearby restaurants can easily be reached on foot.  They're also close to hotels such as the W Hotel Boston, Four Seasons, and Ritz-Carlton. 

Keep in mind that most evening shows begin at 7pm-8pm - so enjoy a delicious dinner before the show . . . or drinks and a bite afterwards.  When you make reservations, let the restaurant know what time your show starts so they'll make sure you have time to eat.

Guide to Theatre District restaurants

For your planning purposes, I'm dividing restaurants near Theatre District into 2 groups: 

• Restaurants in the Theater District - These places to dine and drink are in the "heart" of the Theatre District - Washington Street, Boylston Street, and Stuart Street.
• Park Square restaurants near the Park Plaza Hotel - very close to the theaters and comedy clubs along Boylston, Tremont, and Stuart Streets, but a few blocks from those along Washington Street such as the Opera House, Paramont, and Modern Theatre.

Restaurants in the Theatre District

These restaurants and other spots to eat are practically next to the theaters and comedy clubs - so they offer the ultimate convenience.

Market by Jean-Georges  -  French-Asian-Italian-New England

100 Stuart Street (at the W Hotel Boston); Theatre District; 617-310-6790

Photo of Market by Jean-Georges at Boston's new W Hotel

Jean-Georges Vongerichten's Market relies heavily on seasonal produce and meats from local farms and fish from local fishermen.  Although dishes resemble classic comfort food, flavors are sublime.  Sometimes this involves combining ingredients and tastes that you wouldn't expect, but the results are terrific.

Each evening, the menu features about 5 meat and 5 fish entrees, based on what looks good in the market, plus an assortment of appetizers, salads, soups, and desserts.  You might find crab cakes with endive and black pepper sauce, slow-cooked salmon with mashed potatoes, or rack of lamb with a pesto sauce.  You'll even find pizza . . . although toppings run to truffles.  For dessert, try the molten chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream, or the cheesecake with figs.

The wine list gives you lots of choices, with bottles starting around $30 and going up into the hundreds.

The restaurant itself is stylish but understated and comfortable.  Service is top-notch.

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Blu  -  Contemporary American / Seafood

Where:  4 Avery Street (next to the Ritz Carlton Hotel); Theatre District; 617-375-8550
Park:  Boston Common Garage

Tucked away on the 4th floor inside the Sports Club/LA next to the Ritz, Blu may not be an obvious choice for pre-theater dining or an after-the-show drink and bite, but its location near the Opera House and Paramount Theatre, great bar, and talented chef make it an "insider" favorite among theater-goers.

Blu's blue and golden lights, spectacular floor-to-ceiling windows, and dramatic nighttime views of the city provide a glamorous setting for its delicious food, which ranges from burgers to grilled swordfish to filet mignon, along with several interesting vegetarian options.

I had the opportunity recently to ask Blu's owner about the restaurant's special appeal for before-theater dining, and he told me, "I think guests enjoy dining at Blu because of the downtown skyline views and the proximity to the theatres. You can see the Paramount from the floor-to-ceiling windows and we also have an exciting bar program headed by Phil Murray."

If you're dining at Blu before a show, remember to let your server know about any time constraints.  And remind yourself to return on a non-theater evening when you'll have time to linger over a specialty cocktail, your delicious dinner, and the dramatic views.

Montien  -  Thai

63 Stuart Street; Theatre District; 617-338-5600; www.montien-boston.com

This spacious and stylish restaurant provides a convenient place to enjoy well-prepared Thai food before the theater, as well as at other times.  I stop by for lunch occasionally.

Montien's menu includes all of the popular Thai favorites that you'd expect to find, as well as sushi on some nights. Vegetarians will also find plenty of choices. 

When you want nicely prepared food fairly fast and at an affordable price in a Theatre District restaurant, Montien is a great choice.

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Jacob Wirth  - Traditional German and Contemporary American

One of Boston's oldest restaurants, Jacob Wirth still serves up German comfort food along with American favorites. 

Sample the excellent selection of German, Belgium, and local draft beers, and you'll see why Jacob Wirth continues to be a favorite Boston Theatre District restaurant.  More about Jacob Wirth

Tantric -   Indian

123 Stuart Street; Theatre District ; 617-367-8742; www.tangricgrill.com 
Parking:  Boston parking garages near Theatre District and Chinatown

Across the street from the new W Hotel Boston, Tantric offers some of the best Indian food in Boston plus cool, attractive decor and jazzy Indian music in the background. 

Noontime buffets (about $11 weekdays and $12 on weekends) are fun, a great value, and if you're not familiar with Indian food, an excellent way to try a few different things.  I love Indian buffets in general, and Tantric's in particular.  If you're in a huge hurry, get Tantric's reasonably-priced "Naanwich" - vegetable, chicken, or lamb - to go.

What's even better, though, is their regular menu.  You'll find choices from various regions of India that you don't necessarily see in other Indian restaurants.  If I had to pick just one favorite, it would probably be the Goan Shrimp Curry with coconut sauce. 

Vegetarians will find plenty of options throughout the menu, in addition to a special section devoted to vegetarian dishes.

Although the kitchen for the main dining room closes down around 9, the bar and lounge stay open until past midnight, serving wonderful specialty cocktails.  The bar menu is also terrific - lots of delicious, fairly addictive $3 and $4 small plates of Indian specialties.

For dinner before a show or drinks and small plates afterwards, Tantric is a terrific choice.

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Penang  -  Malaysian

685 Washington Street; Theatre District; Orange Line/Chinatown; 617-451-6373; www.penangusa.com

Just a block away from Boston's gorgeous restored Opera House, the Paramount, and near other theaters, Penang sits on the boundary between Boston's Theatre District and Chinatown. 

A long-time favorite with both theater-goers and Asian food devotees, Penang serves up Malaysian favorites such as as chicken and meat on skewers with peanut dipping sauce, whole fish, rice and noodle dishes. 

Be sure to try the Penang beef, roti canai (little rolled-up pancakes with chicken curry dipping sauce), mango chicken (really, really good here), and pineapple fried rice. 

If you're kind of a vegetarian but can make exceptions for things like fish paste, you'll find some good options on the menu and can request that other items be prepared without seafood or meat.  But if you're strictly vegetarian (meaning you'll starve before you'll eat dishes spiked with fish sauce) or vegan, you'll find more choices elsewhere.

Penang uses lots of Kaffir lime leaves, galangal, ginger flowers, tamarind seeds, and Malaysian coconut milk, along with Chinese and Indian flavors to produce this unforgettable cuisine.

If you're coming for dinner before a show on the weekend, keep in mind that this restaurant has lots of fans and can get very crowded, so come early to avoid missing the first act of your show.  Lunch also draws crowds.  On weekday evenings, you'll usually (but not always) find smaller crowds and faster service. 

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City Place (Transportation Building) Food Court - Fast Food

You know how it goes . . . you have great tickets and you totally intend to dine in splendor before the show at one of the terrific Theatre District restaurants . . . but somehow your schedule slips. 

You have only 10 minutes before the curtain goes up to grab a bite and you're starving . . . so where to go?

The Food Court in City Place in the mammoth Massachusetts Transportation Building at the Stuart Street / Charles Street intersection bordering Park Square is a good choice. 

You'll see pedestrian malls leading into City Place space from both Stuart Street (across from the W Hotel Boston) and Boylston Street (look down "The Alley," an interior courtyard space lined with a few nightspots, bars, and a private theater club). 

Another entrance can also be found on the Charles Street side of the building near the parking lot, although it's a little harder to spot.  Look for the huge "Public Parking" sign above the garage entrance, and just to the left of it, you'll see the much smaller blue "City Place" signs marking the entrance beneath them.

The Food Court is about the same as what you'd find in any shopping mall, but the interior space has won design awards and is actually very appealing and worth a quick visit even if you're not starving and in need of fast food.  With a Dunkin Donuts as part of the Food Court mix, you may even want to stop by for coffee after the show.

The award-winning Transportation Building itself was designed by Boston's famous Goody, Clancy & Associates architecture firm and built in 1983 during the City of Boston's initial revitalization of the Park Square area.

Location:  Across Stuart Street from the W Hotel Boston; intersection of Boylston, Charles, and Stuart Streets, Theatre District, Boston

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Bistro du Midi  -  Provençal French 

272 Boylston Street (across from Boston Public Garden); 617-426-7878; www.bistrodumidi.com

Winner of "Best French Restaurant in Boston" awards. 

Refined Provençal cuisine, with flavors from the South of France.  Try the bar menu on the first floor if you're in a rush before your show have a slice of pissaladiere, a Niçoise salad, the mussels marinière in pastis (from the regular menu).

Gorgeous upstairs dining room overlooking the Public Garden - you won't want to rush through your meal.  One of the few places in Boston serving reasonably authentic bouillabaisse, Mediterranean sea bass, and mouth-watering traditional slow-cooked Provençal beef daube.

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Teatro  -   Italian

177 Tremont St; Downtown, overlooks Boston Common, but very close to Theatre District; 617-778-6841; www.teatroboston.com

Chef-owner Jamie Mammamo (one of Boston's great chefs!) serves classic Italian dishes with a modern twist in this spectacular bistro overlooking Boston Common at the edge of the Theatre District. 

Restaurants don't usually compete with the theaters for drama - but Teatro stages its own show with an elegant arched mosaic ceiling and open kitchen.  However, the ambiance is somewhat casual and relaxed, so you can enjoy great food in a comfortable setting.

Start with cold or hot small plates meant for sharing - grilled octopus, wild mushroom risotto, proscuitto with figs.

Then progress to pizza, half or full portions of pasta, or main courses, such as braised pork shank or chicken Milanese.  Truffle fries with parmigiano are not to be missed - in fact, if you have time to eat only 1 thing, go for the truffle fries! 

The nice wine list features mostly Italian choices, many of which may be new to you.  Teatro buys wines specifically to compliment their menu, so ask your server for suggestions.

Takeout is available . . . so if you're staying in a nearby hotel and want a special in-room snack after a show, a good strategy is to place your order in advance and then zoom by as soon as the performance ends to pick it up, head back to your room, and enjoy. 

Teatro is considered to be one of Boston's best Italian restaurants - as well as one of the most popular Theatre District restaurants.

Troquet -  French

When you want a special romantic meal before heading to the theater, Troquet's fabulous French cuisine may be just the ticket. Troquet is famous in Boston for its wine pairings . . . the food compliments the wine, rather than the other way around.

Feast on the freshest New England specialties prepared with classic French techniques in the dramatic second floor dining room overlooking Boston Common.  Or stop by the first floor Wine Bar for an enjoyable drink before or after the show. 

Not enough time for a full meal?  Order Troquet's mouth-watering cheese platter.  Troquet is considered one of the best french restaurants in Boston and is also known for its wonderful wine cellar. 

Location:  140 Boylston; Downtown, adjacent to Theatre District; 617-695-9463; www.troquetboston.com

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Park Square restaurants

Park Square occupies a small restaurant-filled nugget of downtown Boston bounded by Arlington, Stuart, Charles, and Boylston Streets. 

The venerable Park Plaza Hotel and luxe Four Seasons - both with their own high-end eateries and bars - occupy Arlington Street, looking out over the Public Garden.  Cross Arlington Street and you'll be in Back Bay.  Cross Stuart Street and you'll discover tranquil Bay Village.  Cross Charles Street - and voila, you're in the Theatre District. 

Restaurants of all types converge here with easy proximity to Boston's theaters to make Park Square prime territory for finding just the right spot for your pre- and post-theater dining. 

Interestingly, Park Square is home to a number of national and local chain restaurants, which in general do not dominate the Boston restaurant scene.  If you long for the familiarity of a chain restaurant, Park Square is where you may find it.

Avila  -  Mediterranean 

1 Charles Street South (at Stuart St intersection), Park Square - Downtown; 617-267-4810; www.avilarestaurant.com

Avila's menu is loaded with treats from countries surrounding the Mediterranean. 

You could make an entire meal (I'm always tempted to) from the small plates - goat cheese croquettes, Kobe beef meatballs, moussaka, dates with blue cheese and Serrano ham. 

Or combine some of these small plates with first course dishes - corn soup with lobster, fois gras with sour cherries and brioche points, onion soup. 

Or try one of the yummy pastas (if you can pass up the fettuccini carbonara with butter-poached lobster, you have more will power than I do). 

But if that's not enough choice, progress to the main courses - succulent seafood, beef, pork, and lamb options - plus paella, souvlaki, and other Mediterranean specialties.  Vegetarians will love the truffle mac and cheese, plus many other veggie and cheese options throughout the menu.

Avila also offers a 5-course chef's menu and wine pairing options.  A special pre-theater dinner menu means that it ably competes with closer Theatre District restaurants.

Via Matta  -  Italian 

79 Park Plaza (across from Park Plaza Hotel); 617-422-0008; www.viamattarestaurant.com

Great place for a late brunch/early lunch before a matinee, or dinner before a later show.  

Seafood dishes are especially good - try the monkfish if it's on the menu.   A special treat is their farro (ancient Italian grain) cooked with local vegetables.

If you're in a rush for dinner due to show time, mix and match the small antipasti and salad plates - maybe a small plate of prosciutto cotto with arugula or the crunchy eggplant with marinated vegetables. 

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Maggiano's Little Italy  - Italian

4 Columbus Ave, Park Square; www.maggianos.com

Magianno's Little Italy is part of a national chain.  After one taste of the delicious sauce, you'll understand why it's so popular.

Start with one of the hearty appetizers, and you may be so full that you have to proceed straight to dessert. 

The baked four cheese ravioli, the jumbo lump crab cakes, and the Tuscan mussels are all fabulous.  To get a taste of all the options, order a bombalina platter.

Pasta choices at Maggiano's Boston include everything you might long for.  The linguini and clams with white clam sauce, made with fresh clams and fresh herbs, is especially wonderful. 

The lasagnas, raviolis, and eggplant parmesan will make you realize that you need to come back a few more times to eat your way through more of the menu.

And then among entrees, you'll find such Maggiano's restaurant favorites as veal picatta, chicken Marsala, and shrimp with garlic and diavolo sauce.

At this point, you'd better start planning carefully if you're going to have any dessert.  Italian treats such as spumoni (pistachio, chocolate, and cherry ice cream) and tiramisu await those who can eat just a little more.

Need more Boston Theatre District restaurant options? 

Chinatown restaurants (walk 1 block east of Tremont Street on Boylston Street or Stuart Street) and Bay Village restaurants (from Park Square, walk 1 block south on Church Street) give you dozens more possibilities for restaurants near Boston's theaters.

More Theatre District Information

Theatre District	Theatre District Hotels	Theatre District Shows	Comedy Clubs

Where to park near Restaurants in Boston's Theatre District

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