Covent Garden is easily one of my favourite places in London. The best restaurants in Covent Garden are all part of its allure, weaving in between shops, markets, history and landmarks.
I’ve been here for so many occasions, in all seasons – as a pitstop with friends before a show in the West End, some Christmas shopping around Covent Garden’s famous Christmas tree with the kids, or a summer’s day mooching around and sipping the odd cocktail.
But sometimes it can be overwhelming and choosing where to eat in Covent Garden can be tricky. Where will complement the day or evening just perfectly? I’ve tried most of the Covent Garden restaurants and cafes and here are my best restaurants you simply have to try.
1: Blacklock Covent Garden
Blacklock Covent Garden has been on my foodie hit list for a while now. I’m always in search of a good Sunday Dinner, and Blacklock goes big with their all-in roast. You get a mound of beef ribs, pork, and lamb, and all the trimmings.
All the meat – in fact, everything – tasted absolutely delicious, even the gravy. And this isn’t just on a Sunday. Even on a Monday this place has got the best atmosphere. It oozes classic British charm, and the staff make you feel at home. They clearly have a very good team who get on well and work efficiently.
Blacklock fills up fast, especially in the evenings and on weekends, so booking ahead is a good idea. Walk-ins are possible, but if you’re with friends or want to relax, a reservation is the way to go.
This place does offer vegetarian options, though it’s very much a chop house and an absolute winner for great cuts of meat. Even their steak sandwich looked amazing. I’d definitely love to come here again.
Location: 16a Bedford St, London WC2E 9HE, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 3034 1394
2: Ave Mario
Ave Mario has the most eclectic interiors. Bold and bright, with a dazzling display of so many spirits around their bar. The place bursts with colour and energy, and it’s just fun – great for a meal with friends or family.
I went for pizza, which had a thin, crisp crust and fresh toppings. Pasta dishes looked tempting too – my friend opted for a pasta dish and said it’s easily one of the best pasta meals she’s had, with rich sauces and decent sized portions.
The dessert menu is impossible to ignore, too.
Ave Mario is part of the Big Mumma’s chain of restaurants. It’s aimed at a younger demographic, generally speaking – the music is on the louder side, which is perfect for the atmosphere, but something to consider if you prefer things a little quieter and relaxed.
I personally really enjoyed being here, the food was great, and the staff were excellent. I wouldn’t bring my nan here. Friends and family though, it’s brilliant, and very popular – so make that reservation first.
Location: 15 Henrietta St, London WC2E 8QG, United Kingdom
Our Favourite Places To Stay Near Covent Garden
One Aldwych – a truly luxurious 5 star classic turned modern with a spa and indoor pool
The Hoxton Holborn – a stylish boutique hotel featuring industrial chic design with a buzzing lobby bar.
The Resident Covent Garden – This eco-certified boutique hotel is only 3 minutes walk from Covent Garden Piazza.
3: Flat Iron Covent Garden
Flat Iron Covent Garden is your go-to if you love your steak. It’s a gorgeous restaurant, and drew me in right away with its original 1892 tiled frontage. Inside, the restored mosaic floor and English oak tables make it feel comfortable but also add history and craftsmanship.
It was really busy when we arrived (though not manic), so I was glad I’d reserved. I did overhear a couple who didn’t have a reservation – they were made to feel very welcome, but had a half-hour wait at the bar.
There’s a bar on each floor, and downstairs you’ll find a quirky underground garden – definitely something different. The restaurant is easy to find too, just off the Piazza.
The in-house butchery is what makes this place special. Scott, the master butcher, preps the steaks right there, which adds freshness and a bit of theatre to the meal. You choose your cut and how you like it, plus some sides, and mine really was cooked exactly to my liking, it was full of flavour.
The staff are relaxed yet super efficient and very helpful when it comes to choosing what you’d like. (Oh, and we were also treated to a rather splendid ice cream before we left!)
Location: 17-18 Henrietta St, London WC2E 8QH, United Kingdom
4: Dishoom Covent Garden
Dishoom is a popular branch of restaurants (in fact I’ve visited a few, and it’s one of the best restaurants in Birmingham, too). The one in Covent Garden has 1940s Bombay vintage décor and soft lighting, which creates a lovely space to scooch up in and enjoy some really good food.
The menu covers Indian street food and classic Bombay comfort dishes. My typical favourites are the blackened prawns, chillied chicken and grilled greens, though I love sampling other dishes here – they’re all authentic tastes and they’re served quickly and piping hot.
I’ve heard the staff can be a little ‘off’ here, but I couldn’t disagree more. It’s an incredibly busy restaurant yet our waiter was fast, efficient, didn’t rush us, and was very helpful and patient throughout.
Their signature items like the Bun Maska and Chai are a good shout if you’ve never been here before. The location makes it easy to stop by after a show or while exploring central London.
Word of warning though – definitely book. There was a long line of people waiting to be seated, and I was very relieved to have a reservation.
Location: 12 Upper St Martin’s Ln, London WC2H 9FB, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7420 9320
5: Balthazar
Balthazar is a really very special place to dine in Covent Garden. Right from the entrance, everything is grand and luxurious, and has a Parisian brasserie feel. It’s elegant but surprisingly not stuffy.
The restaurant sits in Covent Garden’s historic Flower Cellars, which gives it even more charm. I visited at Christmas time, and wow – I’d definitely recommend. They’d decorated inside and outside beautifully, it really got me in the mood.
The menu focuses on classic French food, and the breads and pastries are baked in-house daily. There’s a weekday prix fixe menu that’s ideal for lunch or a pre-theatre meal. The wine list is very impressive, and whatever time of day you visit it’ll have a wonderful atmosphere.
The dishes here were delicious, and the staff were wonderful. Kids are very welcome here, so don’t shy away from Balthazar if you’re in company of little ones – I saw a couple of families who were clearly having a great time, and their waitress was interacting with them a lot.
Location: 4-6 Russell St, London WC2B 5HZ, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 3301 1155
6: Frog by Adam Handling Restaurant Covent Garden
Frog by Adam Handling is all about bringing modern British cuisine to life, and I could actually watch the chefs at work from my table. The experience felt interactive, with staff happy to chat about each dish.
The tasting menu highlights seasonal British ingredients, with dishes that change based on what’s fresh. The menu often changes, so you never quite know what you’ll get, but it’s always focused on letting the produce shine.
This place has a well-earned Michelin star, and my goodness do they work for it – every dish looked like a work of art. Incredible levels of imagination have gone into everything here, even the cutlery and chinaware. I struggled to have a conversation without having to stop to marvel at each serving.
The interior feels slick and neat and very clean, with lots of quirky touches to the décor. I felt at ease, and the service struck a nice balance between friendly and highly professional.
There’s a private dining room called The Library for up to twelve people, if you’re celebrating. And if you want a creative cocktail, the Eve Bar below is definitely worth checking out.
Location: 34-35 Southampton St, London WC2E 7HG, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7199 8370
7: Gaucho Covent Garden
Gaucho Covent Garden sits just steps from the Royal Opera House, and goes for a blend of Argentinian flair with a modern London twist. It’s always buzzing here, right from lunchtime through to late at night.
I went for the Argentinian steaks – they’re definitely a menu highlight. They also serve vegan options, so everyone can find something.
The wine list is carefully chosen to match the steaks, with bottles from Argentina and beyond. On Sundays they offer a big roast with unlimited Yorkshire puddings and gravy.
The bar is open late on weekends, and there are even secret tango performances on Friday and Saturday nights. The set menus for lunch and pre- or post-theatre are well-priced, so it’s easy to fit in a meal before a show.
Staff know the menu inside and out, and they’re quick to help with dietary needs.
Location: 8-9 James St, London WC2E 8BT, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7242 2222
8: Mildreds Covent Garden
I’ve mentioned a number of rather meaty-mad restaurants so far. Well, Mildreds Covent Garden is vegan heaven.
It’s just a short walk from Covent Garden and Leicester Square stations, so getting there was simple. The venue is like a romantic little place you’d see in a film. That being said, you’ll often find a queue outside, these days; it’s increasingly popular – so definitely make a reservation if you don’t want to wait in line.
The menu is entirely vegan and vegetarian, with options for every meal of the day – even a pre-theatre menu. They offer classics and more creative dishes, all focused on fresh ingredients. Staff were quick to help with gluten-free and soy-free options, which made things easy for my friend with allergies.
Outdoor seating is available, and I loved being able to bring my dog along thanks to their dog-friendly policy. They also have private dining rooms, and they had a small celebration going on when I was there.
If you’re a vegan or vegetarian, go here. If you’ve never tried vegan food, go here – it may just change your mind. Food is absolutely fantastic, and a solid pick for anyone in Covent Garden.
Location: 79 St Martin’s Ln, London WC2N 4AA, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 8066 8393
9: SUSHISAMBA
Sushisamba is a global collection of restaurants that you’ll find in Dubai, Vegas, LA, Singapore, and more, including our very own Covent Garden. You may be drawn here for the rooftop views alone. Its glass roof, designed by Eric Parry, lets in loads of natural light, overlooking the Piazza.
The menu’s a wild mix of Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian dishes, and I couldn’t wait to try it out. You can see the chefs at the open sushi bar at work, and I tried some grilled meats from the robata grill.
Each dish came out with bold, unusual flavours and was clearly meant for sharing. That worked perfectly for my group – lots of passing plates and trying bites of everything, which is a great way of testing your palate.
There are several spaces in this venue, including a bar under a living canopy ceiling. I loved being on the terrace with a cocktail, overlooking the market below.
It’s lively and all rather glamorous. If you want somewhere exciting to go with incredible food, views and service, head over here.
Location: 35 The Market, London WC2E 8RF, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 3053 0000
10: Hawksmoor Seven Dials
I finally made it to Hawksmoor Seven Dials after hearing so much about this place. It’s tucked inside an old brewery, and the atmosphere is warm and bustling – it’s another one in a great location here, whether you’ve been to the theatre or shopping.
The menu leans on classic British, and I couldn’t pass up the rump steak with beef-fat fries, which was full of flavour
They’ve got an express menu, which is a great option if you just want a quick bite before a show. I noticed it’s busiest in the late afternoon.
Sunday lunch is a big deal here, with a proper roast served until 5pm. On my last visit, the cauliflower cheese side totally stole the show, it was so good. Be warned, they do charge quite a bit for extra slices of meat on the Sunday roast.
Staff were great here on both occasions I visited, and standards were high in all aspects each time.
Location: 11 Langley St, London WC2H 9JG, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7420 9390
Our Favourite Places To Stay Near Covent Garden
One Aldwych – a truly luxurious 5 star classic turned modern with a spa and indoor pool
The Hoxton Holborn – a stylish boutique hotel featuring industrial chic design with a buzzing lobby bar.
The Resident Covent Garden – This eco-certified boutique hotel is only 3 minutes walk from Covent Garden Piazza.
Summary
Covent Garden is such a wonderful place to spend time in if you can handle the tourist crowds. I’ve spent many times wandering in and out of all the shops, nooks and crannies of this boutique part of London, and there’s nothing better than stopping for a good bit of food.
Having said that, with these best restaurants, an advance booking is the way forward. It’s not always essential – I don’t mind standing in a small queue sometimes or waiting with a drink at the bar, for the sake of spontaneity. But if you can plan in advance, do so – it means you can make the most of your day in Covent Garden, and shimmer straight to your table for a very decent lunch or evening meal.
One thing’s for sure: dining in Covent Garden is never boring. There’s historic charm, a lively crowd, and so many different foods to try.