It is a fact, that the theater district in New York has some of the best restaurants in the world. Inside this article: Café Un Deux Trois, Nios, Saju Bistro, Aureole and The Lambs Club Restaurant at the Chatwal Hotel

And to make things even better, most of these fine establishments offer some very appealing Prix-Fixe lunch and dinner deals. There is nothing quite like the bright lights of Broadway. Every evening (and afternoon on matinee day) some of the most talented actors in the world perform their magic on stages throughout the theater district. Times Square is the portal where audiences can enter a world of high drama and song and dance. Whether you are a native New Yorker who has tickets for a show that you've waited almost a year to see, or a tourist  who takes in several plays during your week-long stay in the city, you know that you're going to get hungry during the course of your big night out. 

Café Un Deux Trois - NYC

Since 1977, this classic French bistro has been the place of choice for, not only locals and tourists, but the cast and crew of  many a Broadway show. If you stop in for a late night snack after leaving the theater, you might just see one of the stars of your show, kicking back while they enjoy a meal with fellow cast members. The restaurant has recently undergone a major face lift  and looks really nice. Café Un Deux Trois has managed to retain much of its original charm, but with a cool, contemporary look. It's bright, airy, cheery and perfectly fits in with Times Square.

The theme here is classic French comfort food. They do it so well here. The culinary key is to stick with the traditional dishes. Their Italian pasta dishes such as the ravioli al fromage sauce aren't bad, but really, why go to a French restaurant to eat Italian food. Or vice versa, for that matter. Menu highlights are the Boeuf Bourguignon, tilapia Provencal, the Haricot de Mouton and  the steak au poivre in a creamy cognac and peppercorn sauce. If you have a matinee show coming up in your future, then check out the Cafe's weekend Prix-Fixe brunch deal. For the very fair price of only $22, you get your choice of a Bloody Mary, Mimosa, glass of 123 Merlot, Chardonnay or juice. Plus coffee or tea.

Entrée selections include Quiche Lorraine, French toast with fresh fruit, Eggs Benedict, omelette au choix, Croque Monsiuer or Croque Madame.

Location and Hours

123 west 44t street
New York NY 10036
(212) 354-4148
www.cafeundeuxtrois.com

Hours
Monday to Sunday  7 AM to 11:45 PM

Nios - NYC

Chef Jarrett Brodie has taken the comfort food dishes that we know and love to a whole other level. We tend to think of comfort food as being kind of old-fashioned and, at times, not really the healthiest thing you can eat. That is not the case where chef Brodie's menu is concerned. This young and talented chef adds an inventive, contemporary touch to his culinary masterpieces. After eating a meal at Nios you will feel satisfied, but you won't have that heavy, bloated feeling in your tummy.

In the spotlight at this chic lounge- restaurant is a long marble bar. It is a work of art and a pleasure to sit at. The word elegance comes to mind. That word can also be applied to Nios' signature cocktail list. These drinks are beautiful to behold and every sip is pure delight. Try the "Stock Exchange", which is made with rosemary gin and house-infused orange bitters. Nios has a  wonderful Prix-Fixe dinner menu for $52. At first, the price may sound just a bit steep. But you definitely get what you pay for and then some. This is special occasion dining at its finest.

Appetizer highlights are the celery root bisque, the smoked Moullard duck and the crispy pork belly with scallops. The tea smoked salmon, short rib ravioli and Berkshire pork chop dish are all equally tempting entrees. Chef has available an amazing array of desserts. The gelato and sorbet are delicious, but  we would recommend that you try the chocolate mousse cake or the house bread pudding. This is chef Brodie's signature dessert and it's a good one.

Location and Hours

130 west 46th street- in the Muse Hotel
New York NY 10036
(212) 485-2999
www.niosrestaurant.com

Hours
Tuesday to Saturday  7 AM to 1 AM
Sunday and Monday   Closed

Saju Bistro - NYC

Just a  few steps from Broadway, Saju Bistro presents a very pleasant alternative to the national chain restaurants that dot the Times square landscape. The food and service is impeccable and the ambiance is second to none. The décor makes you feel that you're dining in a French country inn. It's rustic, but with an upscale feel. When the weather's nice, the staff throws open the beautiful French doors at the front of the restaurant, creating an outdoor café atmosphere.

When it's matinee show time, stop by Saju Bistro for their incomparable $22 Brunch Prix-Fixe. Your special includes choice of a mimosa, bloody Mary, a glass of house red or white wine or freshly squeezed fruit juice. Brunch Prix-Fixe selections include Buttermilk pancakes, Brioche French toast, Eggs Florentine, Tartine De Legumes (grilled seasonal veggies on country bread with a side salad), Croque Monsieur and their signature chicken salad. This savory but light salad contains chunks of chicken, mixed greens, string beans, asparagus, sliced apples, all in a lemon vinaigrette. On your way to the theater, make a stopover in France at Saju Bistro.

Location and Hours

120 West 44th street
New York NY 10036
(212) 997-7258
www.sajubistronyc.com

Hours
Monday to  Sunday            7 AM to 11:30 PM
Brunch  Saturday-Sunday   11:30 AM to 3 PM

Utsav - Indian bar and Grill - NYC

Since the year 2000, Utsav has been feeding theater-goers as well as world travelers and high-powered business executives. One of the premier Indian restaurants in the city, Utsav was founded by internationally acclaimed restaurateur Emiko Kothari. Utsav is a word that has its' origins in Sanskrit. Utsav means festival. The restaurant is a tribute to the many cultures, cuisines and festivals that can be found in the different regions of  India. Though there are many Utsav restaurants in India, there is only one location in the United States and New Yorkers are lucky enough to have it in the heart of the theater district.

They have a really nice $38 per person prix-fixe dinner menu. If you are a little bored by your usual pre-theater fare, then come and try Utsav. Their menu contains a rainbow of tastes and flavors, whether you are a meat lover or vegetarian. Appetizer options are varied and delicious. They include the Indian culinary staple, Samosa, a crisp pastry that is filled with potatoes, edamame and cashew nuts. Lasuni Gobi, another great choice, consists of cauliflower with sriracha garlic sauce. Soup selections include a very tasty Madras squash and an aromatic and filling chicken coconut soup.

Entrees range from the Palak Paneer, (homemade cheese with sautéed spinach) and Baigan Bharta, (grilled eggplant puree, fresh tomatoes, onions and herbs), to their signature chicken Tikka Masala. If you have had this savory dish anywhere else, you will see and taste that it doesn't compare to the way that Utsav's chef prepares it. By the way, your entrée comes with vegetable of the day, lentils and naan bread. Round off your Prix-Fixe with a sweet ending-Indian style. Try the rice pudding with rum-infused raisins or the mango mousse. Both dishes are can't miss.

Location and Hours

1185 Avenue of the Americas
New York NY 10036
(212) 575-2525
www.utsavny.com

Hours
Monday to Sunday  12 PM to 10:30 PM

Aureole - NYC

The team at Aureole like to describe their restaurant as being the epitome of contemporary urban elegance. They are right on the mark with that description. Located within the Bank of America tower at One Bryant Park, Aureole has three  spectacular rooms to dine in. The Liberty room is a sleek, sexy modern lounge, complete with a etched glass front bar with a natural zinc top . Their main dining room is softly lit, intimate and is the perfect setting for an after work date or a power lunch. The silver leaf walls and upscale ambiance of the Halo room create a warm environment for your next private affair, be it a birthday or anniversary party. Most of the theaters are within an easy five minute walk from Aureole.

Executive Chef Marcus Gleadow-Ware, who comes direct from London's famed Savoy Hotel, has created a menu that, in taste and portion-size is accessible to every palate, no matter how discriminating. Aureole's lunch Prix-Fixe offers you  two courses for $38 or three for only $43. Your opening selections include Gravlax, which is shaved fennel with lime in a herb yogurt sauce or crab risotto. For your main course, try the grilled sirloin steak, which comes with smoked potato, zucchini and tomatoes. The poached hake with sugar snap peas, in a butter milk sauce is also an excellent choice.

As for dessert; it's hard to decide between the light as air lemon sponge cake or the dark chocolate and sour cherry fudge cake. You're a winner either way. Chef has also prepared a selection of flavored iced teas, just for the Summer. Options include peach-sage, raspberry, and ginger-lemonade.

Location and Hours

135 west 42nd street at One Bryant Park
New York NY 10036
(212) 319-1660
www.charliepalmer.com

Hours
Lunch  Monday to  Saturday 11:45 AM to 2 :15 PM
Dinner  Monday to Saturday   5 PM to 10 PM

The Lambs Club Restaurant at the Chatwal Hotel - NYC

Chef Geoffrey Zakarian has hit it out of the ballpark with his latest venture, The Lambs Club restaurant  which is located in one of the most interesting and historic buildings  in the Theater District.
The lambs Club was founded in the 1870's by a group of Broadway actors, directors and producers. The building was designed by noted architect Stanford White. Throughout the years, members have included luminaries of the stage and screen such as John Barrymore, Charlie Chaplin, David Belasco, Irving Berlin and Fred Astaire.

Chef Zakarian, who you know from "The Food Network" has found the perfect stage on which to present his  beautifully composed dishes. It's okay, snap  a photo or two. No one is looking.
In keeping with the Lamb's theatrical tradition, Chef Zakarian has  a wonderful three course Pre-Theater menu, that is available from 5 PM to 6 PM.

Chef's tasty artichoke soup ,with peekytoe crab and charred leek,  is one of the best soups that you'll savor anywhere in the city. The Italian Burrata appetizer, with squash tartare, walnuts and pancetta is also worthy of your attention.

Chef Zakarian has included a couple of his deliciously creative signature dishes on the pre-theater menu. The Amish chicken is accompanied by celeriac, almonds,  hen of the woods mushrooms and pears. Your bird is dressed in a flavorful Chardonnay chicken jus.
The other main course  superstar is the crispy skin striped bass.  This dish consists of Rutabaga, russet potato gnocchi, choucroute in a pomegranate-pancetta emulsion.

Dessert options include Banana Mousse cake, Vanilla Baba with a sweet dough crumble along with strawberry sorbet and chef's indulgent fudge bar, a composition of vanilla bean ganache, fleur de sel, and milk and cookies ice cream.

Geoffrey Zakarian and his team will send you out to your show, very well fed and feeling like you've just been treated like a  Broadway star.

Location and Hours

132 West 44th street
New York NY 10036
(212) 997-5262
www.thelambsclub.com

Hours
Sunday and Monday 7 AM to 9:30 PM
Tuesday to Saturday  7 AM to 11 PM