Dinner and a show

Got tix to the show but don’t know where to eat? These spots are just a short walk from the theater.

Tanino

Located a few blocks from the Geffen Playhouse, in a stunning 1929 Paul Williams-designed building, Tanino Drago’s restaurant is the place to go in the 90024 for your burrata fix, among other things. The rich, creamy white cheese is featured on the regular menu with organic tomatoes. But you can also get it with purple Peruvian potatoes and shaved Alba truffle on the seasonal white-truffle menu.

* Burrata caprese, $14.50; burrata with truffles, $42. 1043 Westwood Blvd., L.A.; (310) 208-0444.

The Hungry Cat

It’s just a five-minute walk from David Lentz’s rock ‘n’ roll fish house to the Pantages Theatre and the kitchen stays open till midnight most nights, so you can dine pre- or post-”Lion King.” The menu has plenty for traditionalists, such as peel ‘n’ eat shrimp, and for those who fancy themselves adventurers, such items as chorizo-stuffed squid with braised tomatoes and fresh shell beans.

* Squid, $16. 1535 N. Vine St., Hollywood; (323) 462-2155.

561 Restaurant

Don’t expect super-opulent service at this pretty bistro that is part of the California School of Culinary Arts. It is, after all, a working classroom. But the eight-course tasting menu offered Thursday and Friday nights, and available with or without wine pairings, is a bargain. And it couldn’t be more convenient to the Pasadena Playhouse.

* Tasting menu, $65 (add $35 with wine pairings). 561 E. Green St., Pasadena; (626) 405-1561.

Michael’s

Douglas Silberberg, a veteran of Water Grill, is the new chef at this classic California dining room just a hop, skip and jump from the Santa Monica Playhouse. Among the dishes on his fall menu is slow-poached lobster with white corn grits, glazed farmers market vegetables and red wine essence.

* Lobster, $42. 1147 3rd St., Santa Monica; (310) 451-0843.

Patina

Whether your destination is Walt Disney Concert Hall or one of the venues at the Music Center, Joachim Splichal’s best-known restaurant is a natural choice. But if you want to do one of the tasting menus -- say, the five-course Ocean Menu featuring dishes such as scallop and foie gras raviolo with sauternes froth -- allow plenty of time.

* Ocean Menu, $85. 141 S. Grand Ave., L.A.; (213) 972-3331.