Finding a delicious, quick meal before a show in Covent Garden shouldn’t feel like a compromise. Forget the frantic last-minute bites and overpriced chains.
Enter Flesh & Buns Covent Garden—home of the standout pre-theatre menu in Covent Garden—your flavour-packed, theatre-friendly solution. With our Express Omakase menu served before 6:45 PM daily, your night starts with bold Japanese feasting and ends with a standing ovation.
Here’s why Flesh & Buns is the ultimate experience for pre-theatre dining in Covent Garden.
What Makes a Great Pre-Theatre Menu?
Theatre nights are thrilling, but they come with a schedule. That means your dinner has to tick all the right boxes:
- Time-sensitive: You need a service that’s prompt but not rushed.
- Delicious and satisfying: No one wants to sit through act two thinking about their stomach.
- Memorable: It’s not just food; it’s part of the night’s story.
Flesh & Buns understands this rhythm. Our Express Omakase menu is built with timing and taste in mind, designed to energise your evening without compromising on flavour, quality, or experience.
The Best Pre-Theatre Menu in Covent Garden
At just £25 per person, the Express Omakase offers three bold courses, served izakaya-style for the ultimate shared experience. It’s perfect for two or more people and tailored for pre-theatre in Covent Garden pacing.
Course One: Edamame to Kick Things Off
Choose between classic Sea Salt Edamame or the house-favourite Chilli BBQ Edamame. A nibble to whet the appetite and a perfect way to start your journey.
Course Two: Robata-Grilled Yaki Skewers
Next, savour one of our signature yaki skewers, cooked over a traditional robata grill. Options include:
- Crispy Piglet Belly with smoky rocoto BBQ sauce
- Chicken Teriyaki glazed with our house marinade
- Yuzu Padron Peppers for a zesty vegetarian twist
Each skewer delivers smoky depth, grilled to perfection and bursting with umami.
Course Three: Flesh & Buns Mains
Now for the stars of the show:
- Japanese Fried Chicken: Buttermilk-marinated, golden and crunchy, served with rocoto chilli BBQ mayo and pickles.
- Miso Grilled Aubergine (V): A rich miso glaze with sesame and fresh pickles.
- Crispy Piglet Belly: Tender, slow-cooked pork belly with mustard miso, carrot and apple pickles.
All mains come with pillowy-soft bao buns to build your own bites—because great theatre deserves audience participation.
Optional extras include Corn Tempura, Beef Fat Potato Chips, and the playful Toast-Your-Own S’mores dessert experience (£5pp).
Location, Location, Location
One of the biggest advantages Flesh & Buns Covent Garden offers is its unbeatable location. Tucked underground in Seven Dials, it’s just a short walk to:
- Donmar Warehouse
- Cambridge Theatre
- Noël Coward Theatre
- Royal Opera House
- Garrick Theatre
There’s no better way to immerse yourself in the West End buzz than kicking off your evening with a meal that’s as theatrical as the stage itself.
Designed for Timing
Our Express Omakase menu is available every day before 6:45 PM, giving you ample time to enjoy three dynamic courses and still make your show on time. For night owls, it’s also served after 10:00 PM—ideal for a post-theatre debrief over bao and cocktails.
Pair your meal with a glass of wine, a craft cocktail, or a refreshing mocktail. Our bar team is ready to help you find your pre-show sip of choice.
Why Flesh & Buns Feels is Part of the Show
Dining at Flesh & Buns isn’t just about eating; it’s an experience. From the dimly lit interior to the dramatic plating and tableside fun (yes, there’s really fire at the table for s’mores), everything is designed to feel memorable. It’s communal, a little cheeky, and full of flavour—just like the best theatre performances.
And the crowd? Urban adventurers, date-night duos, friends getting ready for a musical or soaking in post-show energy. It’s a crowd that loves good food and a bit of drama.
Dietary Notes & Flexibility
We know every audience is different. That’s why we offer:
- Vegetarian options (like miso aubergine and yuzu peppers)
- Wheat-free and vegan choices
- Staff trained to handle allergy requests
Whether you’re plant-based or just picky about your pickles, we’ve got you covered.
Ready for Your Standing Ovation?
When it comes to pre-theatre dinner in Covent Garden, Flesh & Buns steals the spotlight. Bold, fast, flavourful, and just a stone’s throw from London’s most iconic stages.
Skip the basic bistro or the rushed chain dinner. Book your table today and make your next theatre night something truly immersive—starting with the first bite.
