The Best Restaurants in Covent Garden

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Whether you’re looking for a romantic night out or just a place to be cosy and relaxed, below is a list of just a handful of the best restaurants in Covent Garden.

Looking for a Spanish tapas Paradise? Barrafina located both in Drury Lane and Adelaide Street are known to be London’s best Spanish restaurants, inspired by the famous Cal Pep tapas restaurant in Barcelona. Dury Lane being more cosy, surrounded by brick walls, quirky windows and glossy floors and Adelaide Street more modern and contemporary, both serve authentic regional dishes from and around Spain, including Catalan and Mallorcan tapas dishes. From those who like to try new food and experimenting with their taste buds, the daily changing specials menu is a perfect choice with exotic foods, like braised Ox tongue with crushed potatoes, cuttlefish empanadas and courgette flowers complemented by the finest cherries, Cava’s and wines to match. A personal Spanish recommendation being, the strong and deep flavoured, minimal filtered sherry, known as En Rama.

Also, known as one of the best Indian restaurants in London, Cinnamon Bazaar is placed in the admirable grade II listed Westminster Library. Guests are greeted by the unique and colourful interior, which has been inspired by the exotic and busy markets of India. The area is adorned with hand painted Indian artwork consisting of a pallet of gold, blues and greens with the addition of ornate tiles. Combining traditional Indian heritage with an urban London twist this cultural hotspot provides small plates of wholesome vegetarian and meat dishes. Cinnamon Bazaar also specialises in one of India’s most popular street foods, serving a range of savoury Chaats. Each individual dish is infused with various herbs, spices and chutneys, to even the unthinkable of pressed watermelon with can be nicely complimented by some traditional chai.

Voted one of the most romantic restaurants in London, Clos Maggiore gives you a taste of elegant French cuisine at its best surrounded by sheik country inns of both Tuscany and Provence. Guests are greeted by the ravishing cherry bloomed conservatory which features a retractable glass roof, giving customers both a natural and airy dinning sensation throughout the summer months along with a more intimate, snug feel in the winter months. At this peaceful French retreat, bow- tied waiters will make the scene by delivering delightful Provencal cuisines recreated by head chef Marcellin Marc. Not only does the restaurant provide an award-winning tasting menu and a la carte dishes, they are also recognised for reasonably priced pre-theatre menu and extensive wine cellar, which includes over 2500 labels.

Based in a chic townhouse, Cora Pearl is the sister restaurant from the team behind Mayfair famous Kitty Fishers. Serving a variety of hearty comfort food and hand crafted cocktails, it’s a real gem of a find! Upon arrival guests are greeted with attentive staff, complementing the cosy rich surroundings. The sublime culinary experience focuses on seasonal British cuisine, in a boldly flavoured manor. Not only is this bistro like restaurant ideal for a pre-theatre dining experience but also great for a night canoodle! If you get peckish I’d recommend the ham and cheese luxury toast, nicely complimented by pickle. You may think, why would I go out of my way for a sandwich but this delicious treasure is worthy of a try.

Opening in 2017 and located in the heart of Covent Garden, Frog is Adam Handling’s flagship restaurant site. Not only has the Frog been labelled as ‘one of the best restaurants in London, it has also won various prestige awards, from best newcomer restaurant and best overall wine list. With a contemporary interior, yet having a relaxed and luxurious feel as Adam once said; ‘Frog can provide fine dining without having a stuffy atmosphere.’ Not only is there an open-kitchen and dining space, the venue also contains a private dining room too, fulfilled with its own kitchen and bespoke furniture. Customers can choose between two exquisite seasonal tasting menus or a variety of a la carte dishes which are nicely complimented with Head Sommelier Kelvin McCabe expertly selected wine selection. The food and ambience is a mixture of local cuisine with a British contemporary twist, worth a few precious hours for an experience which is beyond measure. Clearly one of the best restaurants in Covent Garden.

In the impressive grade II listed building known as Petersham Nurseries based in Covent Garden, lies the vibrant Italian restaurant La Goccia. Guests can opt between an indoor botanical yet alfresco atmosphere or the secluded floral courtyard. The open kitchen,
containing typical woodfire ovens and flaming grills, allows chefs to prepare dishes in front of guests adding an element of drama and entertainment. Whether it’s serving proportioned appetisers, known as Apertivo in Italian or even traditional pasta and risotto dishes, this restaurant brings a small taste of Italy to our very own Covent Garden. Very much ideal for a deliciously polished regional menu in a stunning atmosphere.

Tucked away in the busy streets of Covent Garden lies the home of traditional Chinese cuisine, Red Farm. Along with taking a clean and inventive approach to Chinese cooking, this award winning, New York influenced celebrity haunt, brings signature creations and small plates of hand-crafted delightful foods with a twist. Situated next to Covent Garden’s Balthazar, the restaurant features white brick walls, a modern but rustic décor, along with seating at tables and intimate booths considered to embody a laid back and casual dining experience. Master Chef Joe Ng and highly respected food expert Ed Schoenfeld have collaborated to produce a menu which includes unique dishes like; cheeseburger spring rolls, pork and crab soup dumplings, to even the famous pastrami egg roll with the addition of quality traditional beverages.

Taking inspiration from the Barbary coast, Neal yard in Covent garden is home to The Barbary. The cosy and warm restaurant reflects a museum, portraying a story of culture, travel and trade with the addition of sharing dishes and recipes which have been collected from visited areas from the Atlantic Coast through to the Mediterranean Sea. Once entering the restaurant guests are greeted by the unusual lay-out, which has stools spiralling around the kitchen giving diners an exclusive insight how their meals are prepared. Ranging from scrumptious dips for appetizers, to even a variety of juicy meats and delicious seafood, no wonder this spot in Covent Garden has been rated ‘one of the best restaurants in London’ by Timeout. If you like grilled seafood, the slow-braised orange and bay leaf infused octopus is to die for, being soft and tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.

For those who are looking for something a little different, Treadwells is the place to go! Taking inspiration from both root and plant based foods, this west-end award winning eatery procreates high-quality contemporary British cooking. Once arrived, dimmed lights, shades of green and dark woods entice customers giving relaxed and warm atmosphere, nicely complimenting the welcoming and friendly service. Chantelle Nicholson known as Chef Patron of the restaurants is the master-mind behind the seasonal menus, particularly emphasising unique plant-based eating. For you carnivores, they also serve Lake District Venison to even Creedy Carver Duck Breast, not forgetting the unique selection of desserts such as ‘Gin & Tonic Cheesecake to even plant based Jaffa Cake Truffles. Mouth-watering, isn’t it? Definitely one of the best restaurants in Covent Garden.