An Evening of Italian Elegance Before the Curtain Rises

There's a special magic to an evening on Broadway. In an era of digital streaming, the tradition of dinner and a show in New York City's Theater District remains an experience like no other. The excitement of a live performance…  the buzz of the audience, the curtain rising, the standing ovation  simply can't be replicated on a screen. And part of that timeless allure is the ritual of a pre-show dinner, where anticipation builds over a wonderful meal. 

At Chazz Palminteri Restaurant, nestled on West 46th Street in the heart of Midtown, this classic New York tradition thrives in elegant style, offering theatergoers the perfect pre-theater experience.

The Timeless Allure of Live Theater in NYC

There is an enduring cultural significance to catching a Broadway show that has persisted for generations. While movies and streaming services offer convenience, the energy of live theater, actors performing just a few feet away, the orchestra's first notes resonating through a historic playhouse creates an emotional connection that simply can't be paused or duplicated at home. 

The Theater District itself, with its neon marquees and bustling sidewalks, is alive with excitement each night. For many, the evening begins long before showtime: dressing up a bit, strolling under the bright lights of Times Square, and sitting down to dine amid fellow theater lovers. This pre-theater dining tradition has a special place in New York's cultural history, turning an ordinary dinner into a curtain raiser for the main event. It's a chance to enjoy the moment, to discuss the play you're about to see. 

A Prime Location in the Heart of the Theater District

Location is everything for a perfect pre-show dinner, and Chazz Palminteri Italian Restaurant could not be better situated. Found at 30 West 46th Street (between 5th and 6th Avenues), it sits just steps away from the glittering marquees of Broadway's most renowned theaters In fact, this upscale Italian eatery is popular among Theater District patrons, known not only for its celebrity namesake but also for its prime proximity to the city's most acclaimed shows.

Being in the heart of Midtown means that after your meal, a short stroll is all it takes to reach many Broadway venues, no hailing a cab or hopping on the subway. Situated right near Times Square (inside the elegant Hilton Garden Inn hotel), the restaurant offers a convenient oasis. Whether you're attending a musical extravaganza or an intimate play, you'll appreciate having Chazz Palminteri's as your dining destination "just around the corner" from the theatre. 

Chazz Palminteri's Legacy Meets Italian Tradition

What makes this restaurant truly special is the legacy and passion behind it. Chazz Palminteri, the Academy Award-nominated actor and writer famous for A Bronx Tale and countless film and stage roles, envisioned creating a restaurant that celebrates his Italian heritage and love of theater. Chazz's inspiration for the restaurant even has a touch of Hollywood glamour: he often cites advice from his friend Frank Sinatra, who told him about the great classic NYC dining institutions like Toots Shor's and Jilly's. "He always said you need a great place to go and eat when your friends are in town," Chazz recalls 

With that in mind, he set out to create just such a place… a welcoming yet refined Italian eatery where he could host friends, family, and fans with genuine hospitality. When Palminteri's own play-turned-musical "A Bronx Tale" hit Broadway, he moved the restaurant right into the Theater District "on the bright white way" itself. You're not just dining at any Midtown eatery, you're dining at a place born of a love for Italian food and New York theater. 

An Elegant Ambiance with Old-School Flair

Stepping into Chazz Palminteri's restaurant, you are immediately enveloped in a chic and elegant interior that evokes the golden age of NYC dining. The ambiance strikes a perfect balance between modern sophistication and nostalgic warmth. Soft lighting from artful chandeliers casts a gentle glow over white-linen clothed tables, and you might notice black-and-white photographs of classic New York and Italian family scenes adorning the walls. The dining room is spacious (about 100 seats) yet has an intimate feel, with semi-private nooks available for special gatherings. A beautiful granite bar and lounge area welcomes you for a pre-dinner cocktail, perhaps a signature martini made with Palminteri's own BIVI Sicilian vodka, while an extensive wine list showcases fine Italian vintages to complement your meal 

The atmosphere is warm, convivial, and imbued with the welcoming spirit of famiglia. This is a place where you can clink glasses before an 8 PM curtain or indulge in a post-show prosecco, and either way you'll feel right at home. 

Of course, culinary excellence is the cornerstone of the ambiance. The menu is a love letter to classic Italian cooking presented with upscale finesse. The kitchen turns out dishes that are as beautifully presented as they are delicious. Fresh homemade pastas, prime steaks and veal, branzino, only the finest ingredients make the cut. Many first-time visitors may come drawn by the Hollywood fame behind the name, but as Chazz likes to say, "No matter how much they love me or my movies, they are not coming back if the food isn't great." 

Fortunately, guests do come back again and again, raving about both the "fantastic" cuisine and the "gorgeous, extremely classy" setting In fact, the restaurant has earned a reputation as serving some of the best Italian food in New York, easily ranking among the city's top Italian dining experiences . From the first bite of antipasto to the last spoonful of dessert, you'll taste the passion, heritage, and craftsmanship in every dish, all delivered in an atmosphere that makes you feel like an honored guest at a fine Italian home.

Pre-Theater Menu: Three Courses of Italian Delight

One of the highlights of dining before a Broadway show at Chazz Palminteri's is the Pre-Theater Prix Fixe Menu. Priced at $55.95 for three courses, this menu is designed to offer both exceptional value and convenience for theatergoers on a schedule. Available each evening in time for the typical 7 or 8 PM performances. What can you expect on the Pre-Theater Menu? It's a selection of house favorites, distilled into a three-course feast with multiple choices for each course. 

Appetizers

Begin your meal with one of these house favorites:

• Soup of the Day

• Classic Caesar Salad

• Fried Calamari

• Sautéed Mussels

• Eggplant Parmigiana

Entrées

Choose from a selection of refined Italian dishes:

• Mushroom Ravioli in black truffle cream sauce

• Lobster Ravioli in brandy reduction

• Bucatini Carbonara with pancetta, sweet onion, and a touch of cream

• Rigatoni with Broccoli Rabe and Sausage in pink vodka sauce

• Chicken Parmigiana

• Veal Marsala

• Salmone Palminteri — grilled and finished with a plum-chili glaze

• USDA Prime New York Sirloin Steak (10 oz) — +$20 supplement

Desserts & Coffee

Conclude your evening on a sweet note:

• Chocolate Mousse Cake

• New York Cheesecake

• Tiramisu

• Cannoli

• Sorbet or Ice Cream

• Regular or decaf coffee or tea

Reserve Your Table for a Perfect Pre-Show Experience

An enchanting Broadway outing deserves an equally enchanting start. At Chazz Palminteri Ristorante Italiano, we take pride in offering the perfect pre-show dining experience that captures the essence of New York's culinary and cultural magic. Whether it's a romantic date night or a family celebration before the theater, we invite you to join us for an unforgettable evening of Italian hospitality and Broadway excitement. 

Reserve your table with us and enjoy our Pre-Theater menu to begin your night on the highest note.

Buon appetito and enjoy the show!