Covent Garden is a tourist magnet and a great area for young or young-at-heart locals to find something new and exciting among the huge number of local restaurants. In and around the theatres, boutiques, markets and historic landmarks, there’s a hugely exciting, diverse and vibrant restaurant scene.
They bring colour, flavour and drama from around the world to Covent Garden’s melting pot, so whether you’re in town for a show, booked for a meeting, doing the tourist traps, or exploring with family you will find a dazzling array of the best restaurants in Covent Garden that cater to every palate and occasion.
If you want to focus on the food and flavours, it helps to head below ground, where much of the angst of the city will vanish. Try Flesh & Buns where you can focus on fine Japanese dining without distraction. With bottomless brunches or a nine-course tasting menu to do the choosing for you, there’s a huge range of sushi, bao buns (with unlimited buns) and small plates to feed you and your army.
Just the words, confit duck leg, salmon teriyaki and crispy belly with a selection of pickles and sauces should get your taste buds flowing, so what are you waiting for?
Among the more visually arresting restaurants in Covent Garden is Ave Mario, a flamboyant Italian spot that’s a feast for the eyes as well as your stomach. With bright lights and furniture, you can feel like you’re in a disco, while tucking into pizzas named Nduja Really Like It? Or Pink is Punk, laden with ricotta cream, mozzarella, prosciutto cotto and sautéed mushrooms
For those seeking a more refined experience, the award-winning Frog by Adam Handling offers modern British cuisine with artistic flair via an attractive £199 per person tasting menu, or the classy lunch option.
The tasting menu offers lobster, mussels, halibut and eel from around the UK’s purest shores, with salad and vegetables including truffles, cobnuts and peaches from the Garden of England to make for a truly memorable experience.
Making The French Connection
Covent Garden’s French-inspired offerings are perfect for romantic rendezvous or stylish brunches. Clos Maggiore features a flower and blossom-filled conservatory and a charming fireplace to set the mood for intimate dining.
The French menu and extensive wine list make it a top pick for couples, offering wild sea bream crudo, Grilled Isle of Orkney scallop or Dorset crab among the à la carte starters with sea trout, spaghetti of courgettes, grilled young fennel, whipped roe gougère or Gnocchi, grilled violet artichokes, pine nuts, barrel aged feta among the delights of the weekday set menu.
Just around the corner, Balthazar offers a bright red welcome at the front door, extended inside with the a Parisian brasserie vibe from with red leather seating. The menu spans classics like beef bourguignon, moules marinare and steak tartare along with cunningly arranged lobster mac and cheese, and heritage tomato risotto. Balthazar is a go-to for midday martinis and people-watching, with a luxurious menu to stretch out your dining experience.
Family-Friendly Feasting
Covent Garden is one of London’s more family-friendly districts thanks to the major tourist attractions. Between the street performers, museum treasure hunts, and retro shopping around the clothes markets, there’s plenty to keep younger visitors entertained. And when hunger strikes, the Garden’s many restaurants rise to the occasion.
Families can top up at Bill’s Restaurant & Bar is a familiar and welcome sight around London, where the magic phrase bottomless pancakes (served 3–5PM) make for an instant crowd-pleaser. The menu spans from crispy sticky duck starters to vegan duck curry, with kid-friendly options like burgers, chargrilled chicken and shawarmas. With lots of sticky sweet deserts, it makes a great stop off point on a big city adventure.
Over on Catherine Street, Jamie Oliver offers a seasonal kids’ menu featuring a buddy burger,, super tomato pasta, crispy fish fingers, and sticky lemon chicken. Adults will appreciate the a la carte and Sunday menus built around British-sourced ingredients with whole lemon sole, crab linguine and familiar dishes from Jamie’s books and shows.
Global Flavours for Adventurous Diners
Covent Garden’s culinary diversity means you can explore the world without leaving London. Buns and Buns, located in the heart of the market, offers English breakfasts by day and Asian bao buns and noodles by night, crammed with pork belly, burgers, chicken, duck, prawn and more, ideal for the younger crowd with adventurous taste buds.
Vegetarian and vegan diners will love Mildreds, with a pop-art decor and where the busy menu includes hummus dip dabs, nuggies, and rainbow rice. Adults can indulge in vibrant, plant-based dishes that are anything but boring.
Whatever your tastes, there’s always plenty to see, do and eat around Covent Garden, but booking is recommended if you can due to the huge amount of footfall, even on “quiet” days.
