The Theater District does not rank among New York’s top dining destinations. Nevertheless, it is possible to have a perfectly satisfying meal within walking distance of a Broadway show.

Aureole

In 2009, Charlie Palmer moved his flagship restaurant from an Upper East Side townhouse to its current flashy space across the street from The Knickerbocker (hotel guests have signing privileges). Considering the restaurant’s proximity to Times Square, I was pleasantly surprised by the fine lunch we enjoyed. Mrs. Harper found her kale salad with peekytoe crab, blood orange and crème fraîche light and refreshing, if a tad overdressed, and I enjoyed my appetizer of tender, meaty octopus with sofrito, white beans and Serrano ham. Main courses of black bass with asparagus and edamame, and salmon with roe, morels and hazelnuts each came flawlessly prepared, with crispy skin and moist flesh.

Aureole
135 West 42nd Street. Tel. (212) 319-1660.