An evening in London’s West End often doesn’t end when the curtain falls, with many theatregoers heading out for dinner afterwards. Delhi Brasserie on Frith Street is one of the well-known restaurants near Gielgud Theatre, located around a five-minute walk away in the heart of Soho. Serving authentic North Indian food since 1985, it’s a convenient option for anyone looking for a post-theatre meal, especially as it stays open later than many nearby restaurants.
The Gielgud Theatre and Apollo Theatre are located next to each other on Shaftesbury Avenue in London’s Theatreland. That means anyone searching for Apollo Theatre restaurants is effectively looking in the same area as someone searching for Gielgud Theatre restaurants, with Frith Street being only a short walk from either venue.
Quick facts:
How Far Is Delhi Brasserie From the Gielgud and Apollo Theatre?
Delhi Brasserie sits at 44 Frith Street, Soho. From the Gielgud Theatre, it’s roughly a 5 to 7-minute walk through the Soho side streets. From the Apollo Theatre, the walk is almost identical since the two venues are neighbours on Shaftesbury Avenue.
This makes it one of the easiest restaurants near Shaftesbury Avenue to reach after curtain-down, without needing a taxi or tube ride.
Why Theatre-Goers Choose Delhi Brasserie for Post-Theatre Dining
Finding a table right after a West End show can be tricky. Most curtains fall between 9:30 pm and 10:30 pm, and many Soho kitchens stop serving hot food by then. Delhi Brasserie is built for exactly this problem.
- Family-run since May 1985, with over 40 years of experience feeding Theatreland audiences
- Open 7 days a week, including Bank Holidays
- Late kitchen hours, so post-theatre dining London visitors aren’t rushing to beat a closing time
- Three separate dining areas, giving couples, families, and larger groups their own space
- Private dining rooms for parties who want to celebrate after a show without background noise
Because it’s one of Soho’s longest-established Indian restaurants, the kitchen team is used to a late rush of theatre-goers arriving together, and tables can be prepared quickly once a show lets out.
Pre-Theatre Dinner Near Gielgud Theatre
Post-theatre dining isn’t the only option. Many guests prefer a relaxed pre-theatre dinner near Gielgud Theatre before heading to their seats. Delhi Brasserie’s location on Frith Street makes this simple:
- Arrive 90 minutes before curtain for a full sit-down meal
- Staff are experienced with theatre timings and can pace courses accordingly
- A short walk back to Shaftesbury Avenue means no risk of missing the opening scene
This flexibility is one reason Delhi Brasserie is listed among the best restaurants near Gielgud Theatre by regular Theatreland visitors, whether they’re eating before or after the performance.
What to Expect on the Menu
Delhi Brasserie serves traditional North Indian cuisine, the kind rooted in Punjabi and Mughlai cooking styles rather than a generic curry-house menu. Expect:
- Tandoori-cooked meats and breads from a clay oven
- Classic curries such as butter chicken, rogan josh, and dal makhani
- Vegetarian and vegan dishes made separately from meat preparations
- A wine and drinks list suited to a fine dining pace, not a quick bite
This matters for post-theatre dining, where guests often want a proper sit-down meal rather than fast food, especially after two to three hours in a theatre seat.
Group and Private Dining After a Show
Theatre trips are often group outings — birthdays, anniversaries, work nights out, or a group of friends catching a matinee together. Delhi Brasserie’s private dining rooms are built for this.
Late Night Restaurants in Soho: What Else Is Nearby
Soho is well known for late night dining, and the area around Shaftesbury Avenue and Piccadilly Circus has plenty of options. What sets Delhi Brasserie apart from other late-night restaurants Soho has to offer is its combination of heritage, location, and consistency — it has operated from the same Frith Street address for four decades, which is rare in a part of London where restaurants change hands often. For anyone comparing options for Soho late night dining, a kitchen that’s used to a post-curtain rush matters more than a trendy menu.
Ask theatre staff or regular Theatreland visitors for the best restaurants near Apollo Theatre and Delhi Brasserie tends to come up alongside the well-known Chinatown and Old Compton Street spots, mainly because it can seat a group at short notice after a show ends.
For anyone comparing restaurants near Piccadilly Circus or scanning a list of soho restaurants open late, the short walk from either the Gielgud or Apollo Theatre, combined with a kitchen that’s used to a 10 pm rush, makes Delhi Brasserie a practical late dinner Soho choice rather than just a nearby option.
Quick Comparison: Pre-Theatre vs Post-Theatre Dining at Delhi Brasserie
Final Word
Whether the curtain has just come down at the Gielgud or Apollo Theatre, or a show is still an hour away, Frith Street offers a dependable option for a proper sit-down meal.
Delhi Brasserie’s location, late kitchen hours, and decades of experience welcoming Theatreland audiences make it a practical choice for anyone searching for restaurants near Gielgud Theatre, whether they’re planning dinner before the performance or looking to end the evening with a relaxed meal nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.What is the closest Indian restaurant to the Gielgud Theatre?
Delhi Brasserie at 44 Frith Street is one of the closest and longest-running restaurants near Gielgud Theatre, about a 5 to 7-minute walk away.
2.Are there restaurants near Apollo Theatre that stay open after a show?
Yes. Delhi Brasserie, a short walk from the Apollo Theatre, is open 7 days a week and keeps its kitchen running late enough for post-theatre diners.
3.How far is Delhi Brasserie from Piccadilly Circus?
Delhi Brasserie is around a 7 to 10-minute walk from Piccadilly Circus, making it convenient for anyone searching for restaurants near Piccadilly Circus after visiting Theatreland.
4.Do I need to book in advance for pre-theatre dinner near Gielgud Theatre?
Booking ahead is recommended, especially on weekends, since pre-theatre slots fill up as showtimes approach.
5.Does Delhi Brasserie offer private dining for groups after a show?
Yes. Delhi Brasserie has private dining rooms suited to group bookings, celebrations, and corporate dinners after a performance.
6.What type of food does Delhi Brasserie serve?
Delhi Brasserie serves authentic North Indian cuisine, including tandoori dishes, classic curries, and vegetarian options, prepared in a traditional style since 1985.
7.Is Delhi Brasserie open on Bank Holidays?
Yes. Delhi Brasserie is open 7 days a week, including Bank Holidays, which is useful for theatre-goers attending holiday performances.
8.What other landmarks are near Delhi Brasserie?
Delhi Brasserie is located two doors from Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club on Frith Street, in walking distance of Leicester Square, Covent Garden, and Oxford Street.
