La Ballerina Italian Restaurant has been feeding theatre-goers, opera fans, and Covent Garden regulars since 1999. It sits on Bow Street, just a two-minute walk from the Royal Opera House, and everything about it — the menu, the pace, the atmosphere — is built for evenings exactly like yours.
2 Minutes from the Royal Opera House
Most pre-theatre stress is logistical. You pick a restaurant, underestimate the walk, get seated late, eat too fast, and arrive at the theatre slightly breathless. La Ballerina solves this problem completely.
| Venue | Walk Time |
|---|---|
| 🏛️ Royal Opera House | 2 minutes |
| 🎭 Shaftesbury Theatre | 5 minutes |
| 🎪 Theatre Royal Drury Lane | 7 minutes |
Address: 7-8 Bow Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 7AH — walk south from the Royal Opera House main entrance and you’ll see La Ballerina in under two minutes.
What to Order Before the Show
Pre-theatre dining has one golden rule: order something you’ll enjoy, not something that’ll slow you down. La Ballerina’s menu is perfectly suited — generous portions, quick preparation, and dishes that won’t leave you uncomfortable in a theatre seat.
Starters
Minestrone Della Nonna
Thick Italian grandmother’s vegetable soup with pasta and fresh herbs. Light, warming, and ready fast.
Calamari Fritti
Crispy fried squid with a tangy dipping sauce — the most popular starter at La Ballerina, and done properly.
Caprese Salad
Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze — light and refreshing before a big show.
Pasta & Main Courses
Tagliatelle Al Salmone
Fresh handmade tagliatelle with smoked salmon in a rich cream sauce. Satisfying without being heavy.
Spaghetti Carbonara
The Roman classic — eggs, Parmesan, pancetta, black pepper. Exactly what it should be.
Lasagne alla Bolognese
Layers of pasta, rich meat ragu, and creamy bechamel. A hearty Italian classic that keeps guests coming back.
Pollo Milanese
Breaded chicken breast, golden crispy, served with fresh salad. Simple, fast, and deeply satisfying.
Risotto Pollo Funghi
Creamy Arborio rice with roasted chicken, mushrooms, sage, and aged riserva cheese.
Pizza
Margherita
Hand-stretched thin crust, San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil. Wood-fired and perfect.
Quattro Formaggi
Four Italian cheeses — mozzarella, gorgonzola, Parmesan, provolone. A cheese lover’s dream.
Prosciutto e Funghi
Silky prosciutto with earthy mushrooms on a mozzarella and tomato base.
Desserts
Tiramisu
Made in-house, every time. Espresso-soaked, mascarpone-layered, cocoa-dusted. The best way to end the evening.
Panna Cotta
Silky smooth vanilla panna cotta with fruit coulis — light and elegant.
Cassata Siciliana
Authentic Sicilian dessert with ricotta, sponge cake, candied fruit, and almond marzipan.
How to Time Your Pre-Theatre Dinner Perfectly
The most common mistake theatre-goers make is booking a table too late. Here’s the perfect schedule for a 7:30 PM curtain:
| Time | What You’re Doing |
|---|---|
| 5:30 PM | Arrive at La Ballerina, be seated |
| 5:35 PM | Order drinks and starters |
| 5:55 PM | Starters arrive |
| 6:20 PM | Main courses arrive |
| 6:55 PM | Dessert or coffee (optional) |
| 7:15 PM | 2-minute walk to Royal Opera House |
| 7:30 PM | Curtain up |
If your show starts at 7:00 PM, arrive at 5:00 PM instead. Mention your show time when you book and the staff will pace your meal accordingly — no need to watch the clock yourself.
Why Theatre-Goers Choose La Ballerina
It’s family-run — and it shows
La Ballerina has been a family-run Italian restaurant in Covent Garden since 1999. That 26-year history shows in everything — the consistency of the food, the warmth of the service, the way staff remember returning faces. You won’t get that at a chain restaurant.
The pizza is genuinely better
One TripAdvisor reviewer summed it up after walking past the big chains next door:
“Our pizzas were far superior than the big brands next door and the wine was also far superior. For a reasonable price pizza in a friendly proper Italian restaurant — visit here.”
The service is built for theatre schedules
The team understands pre-theatre urgency. They don’t linger between courses unnecessarily, they’re attentive without hovering, and they’ll tell you honestly if a dish takes longer. That kind of service matters when you’ve got a curtain to catch.
The prices make sense
A two-course dinner at La Ballerina costs around £25–£35 per person including a glass of wine. For Covent Garden in central London, that’s excellent value — especially compared to the inflated pricing at many neighbouring restaurants.
“I am a very regular customer at La Ballerina and I am proud to say that the food and service are always very satisfactory. It is a little gem of Covent Garden.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Google Review, Verified Customer
6 Tips for the Perfect Pre-Theatre Dinner
- Book at least a day ahead. La Ballerina fills up fast on performance nights, especially Friday and Saturday. A quick call or email secures your table.
- Tell them your show time. Mention your curtain time when you book and the staff will pace your meal accordingly — no need to rush or watch the clock yourself.
- Skip the bread basket if you’re in a hurry. It’s tempting, but it slows you down. Save the appetite for the main event.
- Order wine by the glass. A glass of Pinot Grigio with your starter, a Chianti with the main — quicker than a bottle and easier on a theatre night.
- Ask about the daily specials. The kitchen often has dishes not listed on the main menu, built around what’s freshest that day.
- If time allows — get the Tiramisu. Made in-house, every time. It takes five minutes to eat and it’ll be the thing you talk about on the way home.
Vegetarian, Vegan & Gluten-Free Options
La Ballerina handles mixed dietary requirements well. The menu includes:
- Vegetarian: Penne Arrabbiata, Quattro Formaggi pizza, Ravioli di Ricotta e Spinaci, Caprese Salad, Minestrone Della Nonna
- Vegan: Vegan Lasagne, plant-based pasta and salad dishes
- Gluten-free: Options available — ask the team when you order
The restaurant is also child-friendly with high chairs available, making it a great choice for families heading to an early evening performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is La Ballerina from the Royal Opera House?
La Ballerina is at 7-8 Bow Street — approximately a 2-minute walk from the Royal Opera House main entrance. It is one of the closest Italian restaurants to the venue in Covent Garden.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes — advance booking is strongly recommended, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings. Call +44 20 7379 6659, email reservations@laballerina.co.uk, or book online at laballerina.co.uk/reservation
How much does a pre-theatre dinner cost?
Approximately £25–£35 per person for two courses including a glass of wine — excellent value for central London.
Does La Ballerina offer vegetarian and vegan options?
Yes. Vegan Lasagne, Penne Arrabbiata, Quattro Formaggi pizza, and various salads are all available. Gluten-free options too — just ask the team.
Book Your Pre-Theatre Table Today
La Ballerina fills up fast on show nights. Reserve your table now and give yourself a dinner to remember before the curtain rises.
📞 Phone: +44 20 7379 6659
✉️ Email: reservations@laballerina.co.uk
🌐 Book Online: laballerina.co.uk/reservation/
📍 Address: 7-8 Bow Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 7AH
