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Your Broadway Night Starts Here: Italian Food Near Times Square Before the Show

  • Writer: Trattoria Trecolori
    Trattoria Trecolori
  • Sep 2
  • 3 min read

Server in a white shirt and red apron holds three pasta dishes with vibrant sauces, garnished with herbs, in a warmly lit restaurant setting.
A Pre-Show Feast

Where to Eat Italian Food Near Times Square Before a Show: A Pre-Theater Secret Worth Discovering

You’ve got tickets to a Broadway show. The curtain rises in a little over an hour. You’re in the heart of Times Square, hungry, but don’t want to gamble on an overpriced tourist trap or settle for fast food. So now what?

Let us help you solve the classic Midtown dilemma: where to eat Italian food near Times Square before a show.

The answer? Just a short walk from the buzz of Broadway lights: Trattoria Trecolori — a timeless Italian spot that’s mastered the art of pre-show dining.

Street view of Italian restaurant "Trattoria Tre Colori" with green, white, red awnings in a city setting. Wooden doors line the front.
A Taste of Italy on 47th

A Midtown Gem That Gets the Timing Right

If you’ve ever tried to grab dinner before a Broadway show, you know timing is everything. You need a place that:

  • Understands the theater rush

  • Serves real, comforting food

  • Gets you out the door on time — but never makes you feel rushed

Trattoria Trecolori checks every box.

Tucked just off 8th Avenue on 47th Street, it’s close enough to the theaters that you won’t be checking your watch constantly, but far enough from the crowds that you can actually enjoy your meal.

Lit Broadway street at night with neon signs. "Hamilton," "Richard Rodgers," and "Bond 45" visible. Traffic and pedestrians fill the scene.
Lights,Flavor, Broadway

The Perfect Start to a Broadway Night

Walking into Trattoria Trecolori feels like stepping into a quieter corner of Italy. It’s warm, inviting, and calm — a rare find in this part of Manhattan. The staff greets you like you’ve been coming for years, even if it’s your first time.

The best part? The menu is filled with authentic Italian classics that are hearty, flavorful, and ready when you are.

Hands hold a white plate with beef carpaccio topped with greens, cheese, and lemon slice on a red tablecloth. Bright and appetizing.

What to Order Before the Show

Need something satisfying but not too heavy before a musical or play? Here are some crowd favorites for the pre-theater crowd:

  • Fettuccine Alfredo – Creamy and elegant, but light enough to keep you alert through Act II

  • Rigatoni alla Vodka – A bold, comforting option with a smooth tomato cream sauce

  • Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad – Perfect for a lighter dinner

  • Eggplant Parmigiana – A vegetarian-friendly classic that’s layered, baked, and full of flavor

  • Homemade Cannoli or Tiramisu – Because you deserve a little dessert before the drama

They also offer gluten-free options and vegetarian choices, so everyone at the table can eat comfortably.

Triangles of fried bread on lettuce with marinara sauce on a white plate. Set on a red tablecloth, garnished with parsley.

Why This Isn’t Just Another Times Square Restaurant

Let’s be honest — not every restaurant near Times Square is created equal. Many are packed with tourists, overpriced, or simply forgettable.

What sets Trattoria Trecolori apart?

  • It’s family-owned, not a chain

  • It’s been serving locals, tourists, and Broadway stars for over two decades

  • It genuinely cares about the experience, not just turning tables

This is a place where service is fast when you need it, and warm when you want it. No pressure, just great food and hospitality.

Women dining at a restaurant with brick walls, holding wine glasses. Casual setting, one in a black dress, another in pink. Relaxed atmosphere.

Planning Tips for Your Pre-Theater Dinner

If you’re wondering when to show up, here’s a simple guide:

  • Matinee shows (2–3 PM): Arrive around 12:30 PM for a relaxed lunch

  • Evening shows (7–8 PM): Book your table for 5:30–6:00 PM to enjoy a full meal without rushing

  • Running late? Let them know when you’re seated—they’ll pace your courses accordingly

    Just Minutes from Every Major Theater

    📍 Trattoria Trecolori254 W 47th Street, New York, NYBetween 8th Ave & Broadway🚶‍♂️ 3-minute walk from the Richard Rodgers, Booth, Majestic, and more.

    You don’t need to Uber. No need to stress. Just walk over and enjoy.


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