Balthazar

Afternoon tea, French·
££££
·
Silver Award
·

SquareMeal Review of Balthazar

Silver Award

 According to one reader, Balthazar could be “the best brasserie in London for atmosphere and service". Elsewhere, abundant praise for the lively buzz and "happy, friendly staff" is proof that this London outpost of Keith McNally's upscale bistro lives up to the reputation of his NYC original. By and large, the food wins approval too, with particular mentions for the "delicious afternoon tea" and "just the best dauphinoise potatoes".

Order them alongside wickedly rich duck confit or coq au vin, preceded by chicken liver parfait, steak tartare or garlicky escargots. The all-day offer also includes delectable pastries, omelette Arnold Bennett for brunch, plateaux de fruits de mer from the seafood bar or eggs mimosa followed by roast hake with bouillabaisse soup on the prix fixe. "It's a great place for breakfast, lunch or dinner and business meetings" concludes one ardent admirer; another simply says “sit back, enjoy the buzz and don’t worry about your wallet”.

Good to know

Average Price
££££ - £50 - £79
Cuisines
Afternoon tea, French
Ambience
Fun, Glamorous, Lively, Traditional, Unique
Food Occasions
Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner, Late night dining, Lunch
Perfect for
Dates, Group dining [8+], Romantic
Food Hygiene Rating

About

The original Balthazar was opened in the spring of 1997 by Keith McNally in New York City. This London-based sister site can be found on the corner of Russell Street and Wellington Street, right in the heart of Covent Garden. 

The French-inspired menu offers all-day brasserie dining and menus are available for breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. The weekend brunch menu takes influence from American-style breakfast, with steak and eggs, New York pancakes served with fresh banana and maple syrup, alongside your choice of Mimosa or Balthazar Bloody Mary.

No matter the time of your visit, there will be a menu for you, the late evening bar menu served from 9.30pm offers savoury bites to satisfy any late night hunger, including a Croque Monsieur on sourdough, smoked salmon tartine and marinated vegetables served with avocado and hummus in a brioche bun. A children's menu shows off the restaurant’s family-friendly credentials, while the dinner menu is where you see the French-inspired dishes at their best, highlights include lobster spaghetti and the classic steak frites.

Balthazar in Covent Garden is open all day, seven days a week. Read our review and browse photos to learn more.

Location

4-6 Russell Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2B 5HZ

020 3301 1155 020 3301 1155

Website

Opening Times

Mon-Sat 7.30am-12M (Sat 9am- ) Sun 9am-11pm

Reviews

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57 Reviews 
Food/Drink
Service
Atmosphere
Value

Carmel B

08 April 2024  
Food & Drink 4
Service 0.5
Atmosphere 3.5
Value 2.5
Good Food - appalling service!

I am, or at least was a frequent visitor to Balthazar as it is so close to the Royal Opera House, but this passed Saturday has put me off and I will not be in a hurry to go back. The service was appalling - my companion was left holding an oyster in her hand as the waiter whisked away the starters. Mains were slow to come out (this didn't bother us so much). Our mains were then cleared away and we were immediately presented with the bill - no desserts offered and we still had half a bottle of wine to drink (they had been slow to pour). I complained, then another person showed up with some dessert menus and we were told to hurry up as they needed the table. I pointed out I was happy to give the table back within the timeframe, but they need to streamline their service to accommodate their turn around requirements. 

William K

27 September 2023   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 3
Service 5
Atmosphere 4
Value 2

Jenny M

07 September 2023   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 4
Service 1
Atmosphere 3.5
Value 3

Anon

14 August 2023   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 5
Service 4
Atmosphere 3.5
Value 4

Amir P

09 August 2023   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 2.5
Service 3.5
Atmosphere 4
Value 3

Belle C

31 July 2023   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5

Anon

03 January 2023  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5

Great atmosphere and incredible food

Anon

23 November 2022  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5

Michael T

31 July 2018  
Superb Paris-style brasserie. Delicious and generous dishes, with a strong emphasis on seafood - not cheap but absolutely worth the money for a treat.

Sara G

31 July 2018  
Perfect for a casual bistro meal or larger group; delicious relatively simple menu, great service whether for long evening or pre or post theatre. Always reliable.
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Call Balthazar to make a booking on:

020 3301 1155 020 3301 1155

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