South Bank, SE1 9PX; nationaltheatre.org.uk

Nearest Tube: Waterloo

WHAT'S THE DRAW: An elegant dining room in the National Theatre, serving modern European classics.

WHAT TO DRINK: Once you've worked through the considerable wine list, try a classic cocktail from the compact menu – we liked the French 75 with gin and champagne. And for the final curtain call (sorry) there's the champagne menu. When at the theatre, after all…

WHAT TO EAT: Classic dishes like steak tartare (the best we've had in ages), liver parfait and Waldorf salad take centre stage for the starters, while the mains run along similar lines – the roasted halibut was a particular highlight. Come for the plays, stay for the food.