Brasserie Max at the Covent Garden Hotel

A lesson in boutique charm, Brasserie Max combines homeliness with a sense of style – no wonder it’s popular with visiting celebs staying at the Covent Garden Hotel. Equally pleasant for breezy business lunches, chic afternoon tea or dinner à deux, the menu is a mix of classics & on-trend favourites ranging from Dorest crab with avocado & paprika mayo, veal chops & Dover sole to Thai beef salad, pepper-crusted yellowfin tuna, & roast cod with chorizo & saffron potatoes. Apart from the occasional misfire, the cooking is mostly on target (witness well-balanced crispy sea bass with ginger-steamed Asian greens & sesame), & desserts such as plum tarte tatin or dark chocolate brownie rarely disappoint. The wine list features plenty of decent choices, & super-smooth service is a bonus.