(menu)

Clos Maggiore two stars

33 King Street, London WC2E 8JD

£49.00 French Covent Garden
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Square Meal Selections

Square Meal Review of Clos Maggiore ?

Boasting ‘one of the prettiest dining rooms in London’, Clos Maggiore is all about romance & it sells the magic with a dreamily enchanting conservatory warmed by an open fire & illuminated by twinkly fairy lights. Superlatives also abound when it comes to the ‘sublime’ & ‘exquisite’ French cuisine. Beautifully crafted starters of marinated scallops with seaweed tartare or braised shoulder of Loire rabbit with sweet-&-sour black radish exhibit superb textures & intricate, contemporary flavours – hallmarks of the cooking throughout. To follow, slow-cooked Cornish cod with chorizo & vermicelli or Elwy Valley lamb fillet with confit belly & vegetable ‘bayaldi’ showcase impeccably sourced ingredients. Creative desserts such as spiced golden pineapple with alphonso mango salad & coconut financier jostle for attention with the first-rate cheeseboard. An ‘extremely good value’ set lunch menu (£19.50) & a stellar wine list are added attractions.
WINE LIST: Clos Maggiore is known for the size & beauty of its cellars, but navigating this lengthy wine list takes time and patience. You’re probably best handing over to one of the team of very competent sommeliers to get the perfect match. Prices are very accessible with some wines below £20. BEST BUY WHITE 2006 Izabella Zwack, Dobogo, Dry Furmint, Tokaj, Hungary, £40. BEST BUY RED 2007 Poggio Torselli, Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy, £43.

Overall Diner Rating

6.6
Food & Drink
7.2
Service
6.8
Atmosphere
7.0
Value
5.9

Based on 9 ratings. Rate it!

Customer Reviews

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  1. Continental Diner
    Gold Reviewer

    Continental Diner ( United Kingdom )

    Yesterday

    Clos Maggiore is nothing short of magical. Superb cooking supported by great service and one of the prettiest dining rooms in London is surpassed only by the service. It is so pretty it deserves a third star on the rating at SquareMeal. Cheap it is not, but the value is outstanding. Bon appétit!

    • Overall: 10
    • Food & Drink: 10
    • Service: 10
    • Atmosphere: 10
    • Value: 8
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  2. Qiling L.
    Reviews: 1

    Qiling L. ( )

    3 February 2012

    It is a very average cooking restaurant but the best course that I have ordered was the soup (starter) but unfortunately other courses was not up to high standard and I am definitely not going to pay for this price as well!! The main course was a bit salty and also no wow factor of favours and the dessert was cold as well and too creamy from my personal taste.

    The food had taken so long to deliver to the table!!

    The atmosphere was very good, it is nice and cosy. Best to meet up with friends and come as a couple!

    It is not value for money since the food didn’t give me the wow factor (average cooking) and the service was also average, so as whole it wasn’t a very good experience, but overall they do deserve a 5 from me.

    • Overall: 5
    • Food & Drink: 5
    • Service: 7
    • Atmosphere: 10
    • Value: 1
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  3. Suzy C.
    Reviews: 1

    Suzy C. ( London )

    14 December 2011

    Had booked a table for two for my Husbands birthday, been a tough few months so wanted somewhere extra special as treat and we were both really looking forward to it.

    I can't comment on the food this time (although I have been for lunch before with clients and it's very good) as we never actually stayed that long. I had requested several times for a nice table, if not in the conservatory area then near it but had a feeling that this was never going to happen down to the snotty tone the Lady in reservations took with me – I should have told them not to bother then.

    This was the same snotty tone that continued when we actually arrived on time for our meal and yep, I was spot on – table right at the back by the waiting room – zero ambience – basically an area away from the main restaurant where they could cram an extra couple of tables in… good if your having an affair I guess and don't want to be seen but not nice at all when on a night out with your Husband and the reason you book is for the pretty surroundings in the heart of it etc.

    It's just a poor show – when we asked to move tables as I reiterated it was for a special occasion and the Lady at front of house basically belittled it by saying “isn't it always a special occasion for everyone trying to get a table in here” – I guess accusing me of lying just to try and upgrade. As I note from an earlier review on here “ the whole point of this restaurant is the pretty bits” – how very true because with rude stuffy and arrogant staff it's certainly not a place I would ever bother with again – no matter how good the food is. The manager did try and appease the situation by saying perhaps we may get moved by dessert but the evening had already been spolt so told him not to bother and we would try and find somewhere else. So off we went to try and find somewhere (no mean feat considering it's two weeks before xmas but a lovely Italian on Poland Street saved our evening from being totally ruined) that did not treat us like we should be grateful they allowed us to book a table.

    • Overall: 1
    • Food & Drink: 1
    • Service: 1
    • Atmosphere: 1
    • Value: 1
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  4. AntiShearing
    Reviews: 1

    AntiShearing ( 30s, Male, London )

    4 October 2011

    oh dear, maybe it was a slightly off night, so E & OE etc etc

    We rushed in, 5mins late for our 7.30pm slot (previously on the 'phone “table back by 10 please”), but not to worry – “your table will be ready in two minutes.” eh?

    Can I take your bags as there's no space at the table. Huh. really? ‘no’ space? Turns out she wasn't lying – table for five (with one at the end), but we had to squeeze in six. Three ‘thinnies’ down one side, me and the other broad-shouldered one opposite. There really was no space for the bags.
    7.55pm and the menus hadn't come. “They'll have to remove me physically,” I muttered – long day at work. Should really get a proper job, away from The City.

    When it came, the menu was a bit safe, a bit disappointing. I wasn't feeling tuned-in enough to work out whether it was particularly seasonal or not. Most reviews had described CM as roughly good/classic/reliable, maybe somewhat more inspired than that; but the big deal was supposed to be the woh-man-tic atmosphere.

    I suppose it was. CM is pretty cosy – we were downstairs, in the booth on the left before the courtyard. If you look hard you could deconstruct it into clubby furnishings, generally low lighting, some twinklers, some plastic hedge, and a few mirrors for added sparkle. If you're a softy or in the mood, you'll like it. But for me, well… you guessed it!

    The special was black…iberico…pork chop. I should have chosen that, it was pretty tasty if a little pink for most (including that diner), and for me a bit under-seasoned. I had sweetbreads, then pork belly.

    So to the serious bit, the food.

    Pretty well cooked sweetbreads, tender, again bit under-seasoned for me (and I'm not a salt addict). Slightly caramelised salsify which was a bit bland, diced mushrooms, forgettable pan jus, and four little imperceptible green leaves. The combined effect was too rich, in a sort of tacky-on-the-tongue, cream of tartar, cornstarch-y way, too homogenous, and crying out for balancing acidity. I took some of the remaining black olive tapenade leftover from the bread course to raise the flavours out of the flabbiness, thus sacrificing the delicate flavour of the sweetbreads and salsify for the uplifting quality of the olives… and sadly their overbearing saltiness. Mistake after mistake. Next.

    I fancied pork belly, a nice slab, properly rendered, crispy skin, tasty unctuous layers of flesh, and naughty but acceptable remaining fat in between. It came rolled, like a metal presentation binder – crispy, well…hard on the outside. Smokey potato fondant thingy, well-cooked clean flavoured dark and pretty broccoli tips, caramelised cocktail onions (acidity – bravo!), mustard and tarragon sauce. Just had to remind myself of the sauce constituents by checking the menu online – didn't detect the tarragon and that's usually pretty obvious. Moreover it would have lent another source of much-needed acidity to another mercilessly rich dish. The belly was ‘piggy’ – you know, really porcine; but not a gamey, or developed flavour. Maybe I should have thought more about how it would turn out given it was baby suckling pig and therefore a relatively thin cut of belly (say an inch before cooking, rather than one-and-a-half). The mid layers of fat were just a bit too connected, and not quite sufficiently disintegrated (don't know the technical term) for it to be enjoyable in the sense that fat around well cured ham can be. I was also disappointed by the crackling. Well rendered – yes; but too chewy. I guess it was cooked separately, crisped, then reapplied to the rest of the pork at a temperature when it was bendy; thereby allowing it to be wrapped round the cut of belly, and harden into a horse-shoe-shaped restraining role on cooling. Tidy!

    Anyway I couldn't finish it – too rich…even after carefully portioning the onions to relieve as many mouthfuls as possible, and eeking-out the small glass of barbera. I hadn't made the mistake of joining the others in the bread course, and had only crunched one bread stick. So theoretically my appetite should have been there.

    At that precise point I wanted a citrus sorbet cure. But in the time it took for the dessert menu to arrive, I'd gone-off the idea. Though spiced pineapple with alphonso mango, coconut financier and pina colada sorbet was tempting. I settled on nothing, knowing I could steal some of my wife's mint tea and one of the accompanying petits fours. They were good.

    Everyone else seemed pretty happy with their food; though they are all less…er…demanding than me. The squash soup was well-liked; I mentioned the special iberico; the lamb looked ok too. I fail to get excited by duck and figs, or by chocolate fondant and raspberry sorbet.

    Wine. It's a pretty old fashioned (out-dated?) list, all 90 leather-bound pages of it. Multiple Moutons, lines of Lafite etc. and pretty hard – I thought – to find many reliable names sub £40/50quid. “Which one of these two wines,” I named them, “is a better example of their grape?” A negroamaro around late£30s and a barbera around £40. The boorish wine waiter took me off into blends at higher prices. Not interested I calmly repeated the question, slightly louder this time, and got my answer. The barbera was fine. I'm not an MW, but I know enough not to be bullied. He may get away with it if you're gazing into your intended's and don't want to argue over thirty quid here or there on the price of your ice-breaker.

    More importantly, haven't they heard there's a reasonably-priced biodynamic wine revolution going on in the rest of London? Perhaps King St. overheads are frightening?

    Table service was generally ok: from the late-tenwtysomething men, some well-balanced, some a bit too familiar – the we're-not-mates-just-yet kind. And then by contrast the younger twentysomething women came across as meek, barely communicative and fading into the background behind the alphas. It didn't bother me, much. But I think if I was here on a date I'd hope to get female service.

    Value. It isn't. Not so much because the prices are high – they're not stellar; but because you can find better food elsewhere. But it's not that bad. It's not as lazy/consistent a menu as the Wolseley; but it did read like clubby favourites. I should probably give the “seasonal” claims another chance. The problem is that the food is quite rich, and unless you're in such good shape and it doesn't matter, you really shouldn't eat here that often. So it falls probably falls into the ‘treat’ category where, I suppose, the point ‘is’ to serve you something indulgent.

    I won't be returning – it's not for me. But woh-man-tics might.

    I feel the urge to suggest alternatives, but I'll resist. Coincidences of great cooking, interesting food, and good service are rare, and maintaining them is hard. I need to get out more and discover some.

    • Overall: 5
    • Food & Drink: 5
    • Service: 7
    • Atmosphere: 7
    • Value: 5
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  5. Bowen

    Bowen ( 20s, Female, London )

    31 March 2011

    Sold on the courtyard setting and renowned service. We requested a table in the courtyard on booking but were told that this could not be guaranteed. A little disappointed, we arrived and were ushered to a table in the outer dining room, however, within 15 minutes and a little pouting on my part they had cleared a table, moved our drinks and set us up in a perfect corner seat, lots of apologies and very accommodating staff. Faultless from here on in – food sublime, seabass like no other! Great extensive wine list and helpful sommelier. Staff subtle but attentive. Have been back twice since, each visit played out exactly as first in terms of seating, changing tables etc but if you are prepared to faff at the start the setting and food are perfect. Not at all too pricey for the quality of the experience either.

    • Overall: 10
    • Food & Drink: 10
    • Service: 9
    • Atmosphere: 10
    • Value: 10
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  6. Will P.
    Reviews: 1

    Will P. ( 40s, Male )

    March 2011

    Never one to write negative reviews on sites like this. Especially for a restaurant I was so looking forward to. Honestly, I take no pride in it. I'm just disappointed in our evening at Clos Maggiore.
    After giving a birthday treat at the ROH, I was keen to wrap the evening up in the attractive interior of Clos Maggiore. I had booked well in advance, had explained the significance of the booking and had asked for a table in said ‘court yard’ area at both booking and on confirmation of the reservation. Our table was at 6pm so there shouldn't have been a problem. On arrival, we were herded up to a small and soulless room upstairs. I was particularly upset as when I took a peak into the restaurant proper before we left, there were a number of empty tables. It was clear that my mother's 70th wasn't up to the ‘inner circle’ of the main restaurant.
    The food was exquisite, of that there was no doubt. The wine list was over 90 pages, with most wines north of £100 (many well up at the £400-£500 mark). Some may like this, I found it intimidating and a little pretentious. The wine was kept else where when we ate so much of the meal was left waiting for a top up (requesting the wine was left on the table was politely declined by the staff).
    So, yes, for what was a very expensive (and good) meal, was left feeling a little too far down the pecking order by the restaurant which I felt compelled to pass on.

    • Overall: 4
    • Food & Drink: 8
    • Service: 5
    • Atmosphere: 3
    • Value: 3
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  7. Wendy P.

    Wendy P. ( 50s, Female, United Kingdom )

    December 2010

    I found Clos Maggiore on the Square Meal under ‘romantic’ and it really is. In the winter it is very cosy with a fire in the conservatory.
    We went with two friends and had a wonderful evening. We had the vegetarian tasting menu and went for the option that included wine with each course. The Sommelier was very helpful and gave us a couple of different wines to choose as we went through the menu. The food was absolutely divine and the accompanying wines were perfect. It is a bit pricey but would not hesitate to go back.
    Excellent!

    • Overall: 9
    • Food & Drink: 10
    • Service: 9
    • Atmosphere: 10
    • Value: 6
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  8. David B.

    David B. ( 50s, Male )

    November 2010

    The food was on the whole good. The problem here is there is only one area to be, the conservatory. Unfortunately, it can't be booked. I tried booking this area and was told that, “There were no guarantees” that's all very well, so what of the way in which the restaurant makes a judgement as to who gets the conservatory, well, that's a mystery, they won't say, all they say is we will allocate it on the day. I'm afraid I don't enter restaurant lotteries, so I declined to make another booking. My question is, why doesn't the restaurant just tell you it's booked, reason is, they want you to turn up. Not for me. Oh and one other thing I had to keep repeating my name in the phonetic alphabet to the booking waitress, not for me I'm afraid, if I'm paying top dollar.

    • Overall: 6
    • Food & Drink: 7
    • Service: 4
    • Atmosphere: 9
    • Value: 5
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  9. Tarah M.

    Tarah M. ( 30s, Female, United Kingdom )

    November 2010

    I visited this restaurant yesterday lunchtime with a friend.

    1. Gorgeous interior; would love to go back in the evening as it was very twinkly and very cosy.

    2. Service attentive.

    3. We had the set lunch lunch – 2 courses with half a bottle of wine (each). It was truly amazing and for £21.50. You'd pay more than that in a chain restaurant like Strada!

    The food was top notch and I can't wait to go back.

    • Overall: 8
    • Food & Drink: 10
    • Service: 8
    • Atmosphere: 8
    • Value: 10
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  10. Pawel K.
    Reviews: 1

    Pawel K. ( 20s, Male, United Kingdom )

    November 2010

    The staff mixed up our booking.
    We arrived before booked time and were told our table was given to someone else because they thought we booked for an hour earlier. I even showed them the email confirming the actual booking on my phone. No apologies, nothing.
    We were treated better in a sushi place.
    Very poor service. Not recommended.

    • Overall: 1
    • Food & Drink: 1
    • Service: 1
    • Atmosphere: 1
    • Value: 1
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  11. Michael B.
    Reviews: 1

    Michael B. ( 40s, Male )

    November 2010

    Dined upstairs at Close Maggiore last night. The food was okay but the head waiter upstairs was extremely rude, surly, arrogant and unhelpful on the occason of our visit. I have never been treated like this in a London restaurant and I would urge others to give this venure a miss until the management train the staff properly. One would have thought he was paying us to be there and not the other way around. He completely ruined our evening.

    • Overall: 1
    • Food & Drink: 6
    • Service: 1
    • Atmosphere: 7
    • Value: 1
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  12. Natalia A.
    Reviews: 1

    Natalia A. ( 30s, Female )

    September 2010

    I decided to take my boy there after going through different websites recommendations, and we had an amazing time. Everything from the food to the service was incredible. We usually go for michelin stars restaurants, and i am sure this will get the award. I hope that then they dont stop trying so much. Special remark to the service. Just perfect. Highly recommended, and if you can, book in advance and take advantage of the beautiful conservatory.
    I will go back soon.

    • Overall: 10
    • Food & Drink: 10
    • Service: 10
    • Atmosphere: 10
    • Value: 10
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  13. Caped C.
    Silver Reviewer

    Caped C. ( 30s, Male, United Kingdom )

    August 2010

    Quite simply magnificent. Went again last week and Clos Maggiore delivered yet again. The atmosphere is friendly, calm and pleasant – I can see why this venue is labelled as good for dinner dates. The food was sublime. Starters of scallops and potato wafers was delicious and well balanced. The main was sea bass with chorizo potato cakes and a chorizo sauce. An explosion of flavours with every bite being sublime. This was my fifth visit and Clos Maggiore goes from strength to strength. Will keep this one up the sleeve as i want it to stay special so will be using this sparingly for the clients I really like!

    • Overall: 10
    • Food & Drink: 10
    • Service: 8
    • Atmosphere: 9
    • Value: 8
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  14. Ryan B.
    Reviews: 1

    Ryan B. ( 20s, Male )

    August 2010

    AMAZING! Thats the word that springs to mind after visiting this restaurant.
    I visited this restaurant with my girlfriend for her birthday (which achived me a good few browny points) on sat the 31st July 2010. We visited for a pre-theatre meal and it was out of this world. I started off with corn fed chicken mouseline and it was delicous, i had the beef cheek for main and it was mouth watering. The two meals were available on the 2 course menu for £19.50, if i would of booked fully online then i would have recieved a free half bottle of wine but i still cant complain. The service was brilliant even if he did talk a little quiet. The selection of wine available was immense, there were pages upon pages of different wines from £26 upwards and i mean upwards. For the two hour spell we were there i think it cost just shy of £100 for the most romantic and probably the best meal i've ever tasted. I totally recommend anyone to go there, telling you it was AMAZING

    • Overall: 10
    • Food & Drink: 10
    • Service: 10
    • Atmosphere: 10
    • Value: 8
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  15. David K.
    Gold Reviewer

    David K. ( Over 60, Male, London )

    June 2010

    As previously highlighted in a former review the lunch menu here is extremely good value £19.50 for 3 courses. Additionally there is an option to take 2 courses and enjoy a half bottle of wine for the same price. There are 3 options to choose from for each of the courses. The chiiled asparagus soup with a parmesan biscuit was very good on a warm day. My beef was very well cooked and presented and my fellow diner indicated that the pollock was also very good and it looked well presented and very meaty. We both enjoyed the tart and creme anglais for desert.

    We were fortunate in being seated in the conservatory and it is a very beautiful location on a bright sunny day. Sadly the service was a bit suspect. The gaps between the courses were excessively long. Indeed, we were presented with a complimentary glass of wine to make up for the situation. It was a working lunch with lots to discuss so we coped with the gaps very well.

    The sampling menus, both meat eating and vegetarian, look very good with or without the accompanying wines. It is certainly worth returning as friends inform me that our experience of the service was very much a lapse and does not reflect the usual dining experience.

    • Overall: 7
    • Food & Drink: 8
    • Service: 6
    • Atmosphere: 8
    • Value: 9
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  16. Squaremale

    Squaremale ( 40s, Male, London )

    April 2010

    Have been here a few times and it has always been excellent. Great service, even when stuck away upstairs (still a lovely room, but I prefer the ground floor), top food and a lovely atmosphere, not buzzy but just very natural. This is streets ahead of most places in Covent Garden.

    • Overall: 9
    • Food & Drink: 9
    • Service: 9
    • Atmosphere: 8
    • Value: 8
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  17. LondonAJ
    Silver Reviewer

    LondonAJ ( 40s, Female, London )

    January 2010

    If you book a table here, ask to be seated in the conservatory. It was the picture of this area on their website that made my decision to book, only to find that area full & we were seated in another part of the restaurant near to the bar.
    As it was a special treat, I felt slightly miffed not to be seated in this area, but luck was on my side & without asking, we were approached & told a cancellation had come up & would we like to move to the conservatory. It's absolutely fabulous & a great spot if you're out for a romantic dining experience. The area only has around 12 tables & is spacious in it's setting. Trees adorned with fake blossom, twinkling fairy lights & a roaring log fire set the scene.
    The food & service is exceptionally good, staff are friendly & helpful.Deserts really are a work of art & taste like heaven. The wine list is large but expensive & I didn't think there was a particularly great champagne choice.
    They do offer a fixed price lunch menu with wine included which is great value for money, and is why I'm returning shortly for a pre theatre treat…& I'm so looking forward to it.

    • Overall: 10
    • Food & Drink: 9
    • Service: 10
    • Atmosphere: 10
    • Value: 8
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  18. Bibouli L.
    Reviews: 1

    Bibouli L. ( 50s, Female )

    November 2009

    After weeks of web-searching, deliberation and consultation with friends living in London (I live in Japan) Clos Maggiore turned out to be the very best place to hold my 50th birthday party. My guests were ecstatic. We had a charming first-floor private room – 14 for lunch from 11.30 mid- August – and weren't evicted until almost 5pm. The dishes were beautifully-presented and the risotto and sea bass in particular were exquisite. The staff were very helpful in suggesting wines to go with the menu we chose* and though we ultimately opted for some fairly pricey ones (Meursault 2006 and Savigny les Beaunes 2004) they weren't pushy on this score and suggested many reasonably-priced bottles from the U.S., Italy and France, as well as a South African wine. We chose the Pannier Vintage Champagne 2002 for the apéritif, new to me but which was one of the champagnes recommended by the restaurant. We weren't disappointed. Other unexpected little plusses were menus and place-cards printed at no extra charge – one of them rustled up moments before lunch when the guest list changed! Also, no charge was made for the flower arrangements owing to a misunderstanding about the type of flower to be used. Obviously, such touches encourage repeat visits.

    Negatives: a minor inconvenience but one to note nonetheless, the turnover in staff seems higher than average, which made planning from a distance a bit nerve-wracking. I spoke with at least 3 different people who expected to be there for the duration but disappeared overnight. However, the French maître d' who made final arrangements was terrific and the Italian head waiter was attentive but unobtrusive throughout the meal. I thought it was in-keeping that a restaurant with an Italian and French theme should also have a Franco-Italian team. Excellent: 10/10 for service and atmosphere

    *Parmesan & Wild Mushroom RIsotto, Steamed Fillet of Weymouth Sea Bass with Dill, French Cheese Plate, Pina Colada Baba

    • Overall: 9
    • Food & Drink: 8
    • Service: 10
    • Atmosphere: 10
    • Value: 8
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  19. Ian J.

    Ian J. ( 30s, Male )

    October 2009

    What a little gem this restaurant is in the hectic life of Covent Garden. Great food, excellent service, a wine list that would take a year to read cover to cover and fantastic atmosphere. Will definitley return.

    • Overall: 9
    • Food & Drink: 9
    • Service: 9
    • Atmosphere: 9
    • Value: 9
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  20. Charlotte S.
    Silver Reviewer

    Charlotte S. ( 30s, Female, United Kingdom )

    October 2009

    We went for a romantic meal and it certainly delivered. We sat on the first floor, which had about 6 tables and was reminiscent of being on a boat. Elegant & cosy. The food was outstanding as was the recommended wine and for fine dining, was good value for money. I had a delicious vegetarian soup from a separate menu, bursting with flavor, followed by gnocchi. I found that the vegetarian choices that I liked the sound of were a bit repetitive so it was great that they accommodated me. My husband had scallops followed by steak. I didn't try, being a vegetarian, but it looked fabulous and he enjoyed it.
    Our only gripe was the service. Although attentive, our waiter had a strange manner & came across as a bit sarcastic & short to start with, but I think he was trying to be funny.
    For romantic special occasions, I would recommend this restaurant.

    • Overall: 8
    • Food & Drink: 9
    • Service: 6
    • Atmosphere: 8
    • Value: 10
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  21. Hanna O.

    Hanna O. ( 30s, Female, United Kingdom )

    September 2009

    I book this often for client lunches.
    The three course lunch menu is excellent, and they dish out the courses in a timely manner. The restaurant is not overly loud and buzzing, which makes it ideal for business lunches.

    • Overall: 9
    • Food & Drink: 8
    • Service: 8
    • Atmosphere: 9
    • Value: 8
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  22. Nick B.
    Silver Reviewer

    Nick B. ( 50s, Male, United Kingdom )

    September 2009

    Never come across this restaurant before but was taken there for a business lunch today for the 1st time – 4 of us.

    Very pleasant indeed sitting at the back in the conservatory area. Restaurant was full by the time we left as far as I could see. Justifiably so.

    Service was very efficient and friendly.

    Food was excellent and well presented – we all ate of the fixed price lunch menu

    Sadly, it being a business lunch and I wasn't hosting, we passed on the wine list – next time!

    Definitely worth the visit!

    • Overall: 8
    • Food & Drink: 8
    • Service: 9
    • Atmosphere: 8
    • Value: 8
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  23. Vicky O.
    Reviews: 1

    Vicky O. ( 40s, Female )

    July 2009

    This is a lovely room (eat in the conservatory out back), staffed by attentive, knowledgeable waiters who really seem pleased that you are there (a rare treat!). We ate at 10.30, and were a few minutes late (we did ring…), and our experience was lovely – friendly welcome, attentive service, drinks arrived swiftly, food was timely and really delicious – excellent smokey rack of lamb for 2, excellent cheeseboard and generous, well made petit fours.

    A table next to us were served their main course as we arrived, and finished it as we left (80 minutes!), the table opposite us had 2 courses in 50 minutes – the kitchen and service team happily coped with the requirments of diners at both ends of the scale!

    This restaurants has won plaudits as one of the most romantic dining rooms in London – perhaps because of that it attracts romantic types, but we found the overt public displays of affection (spoon sharing, snogging and hand wandering generally) faintly nauseating! Perhaps the displays aren't quite so overt at earlier sittings! Next time we will go earlier and take advantage of the very appetising tasting menu – available before 10 only.

    • Overall: 8
    • Food & Drink: 9
    • Service: 9
    • Atmosphere: 7
    • Value: 8
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  24. Flying Foodie
    Gold Reviewer

    Flying Foodie ( 40s, Male, United Kingdom )

    May 2009

    After years of thinking I knew the London dining scene I had never heard of Clos Maggiore, but was drawn to it for a post theatre dinner by its two Square Meal stars. I was not disappointed. The decor was fabulous, warm and inviting, a labyrinth of cosy nooks and secluded well spaced tables. It looks a lot better in reality than in photographs.
    Service was excellent throughout and the staff equal any seen in a Michelin star establishment. They really could not have tried harder or been nicer to me and my guests throughout the meal.
    In keeping with the restaurant name, the menu has a French and Italian theme running through it. Pricing is very reasonable at £8 for starter and sub £20 for most mains. I had a delightful terrine of quail, foie gras and ham hock, followed by a perfectly cooked monkfish on butter beans with tomato.
    Overall – This place is undoubtedly one of the most romantic places in London and the staff and food are verging on Michelin standards but at very reasonable prices. This may well become a firm favourite of mine.

    • Overall: 10
    • Food & Drink: 8
    • Service: 10
    • Atmosphere: 10
    • Value: 10
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  25. T B

    T B ( 30s, Male, United Kingdom )

    May 2009

    I happened to chance upon recommendations for this restaurant, all of which were in high praise and so decided that, from what was said, I would try it out. Having browsed through the well-constructed website and looked at the menus it certainly appeared that the restaurant would live up to the expectation, often a dangerous assumption. I would honestly say that overall Clos Maggiore was an excellent night out.

    I experienced friendly, polite and efficient service from the start of the booking, through to the end of the meal. Booking a reservation was simple and there was no hassle – I was informed that the table would be required for a later sitting, a request I did not have an issue with because it was made clear and the time frame was more than sufficient to enjoy the meal. Clos Maggiore varied in tone from many other French-fronted establishments in that it was more relaxed overall and yet this did not detract from the standard of delivery and was in keeping with style of the restaurant. Although there were a few slips (which I will highlight later), overall I found it extremely welcoming and comforting.

    We were seated straight away and were fortunate to be in the main conservatory area at the back of the restaurant. I noted that there were a number of tables between the reception area and bar and these did seem to be a little cramped and would suffer from passing traffic. The conservatory area makes clever use of mirrors to create the illusion of increased size and works well to avoid a claustrophobic atmosphere. The area is decorated with greenery and other stylised flora – certainly different from the minimalist high-end dining rooms, although it all adds to the romantic appeal that this place holds. My negative comments about this area would be that even though we were eating late, the area became warm, although not uncomfortably so. In terms of table spacing, it is perhaps a little tight for some people’s taste, leaving you a bit too close to neighbouring tables, which required a clever balancing act to move in and out of seats. Overall though, this didn’t detract from the whole dining experience and is soon forgotten about.

    We chose the Tasting Menu (6 courses for £55) with accompanying wines (at £35). In London this represents exceptional value for money in my opinion, especially given the quality of food and wine served. Scallops on crushed potato were cooked flawlessly (a consistent theme) and were a light introduction to the meal – the sweetness of the scallops came through well. The pan-fried Duck Foie Gras was rich and balanced well with the confit chicken leg – the sauce adding the acidic balance to the foie gras. The Cod was perfectly cooked and the fillet flaked away – the chorizo sauce added a note of spiciness without being too overpowering and destroying the flavour of the cod. The Duck was cooked pink and was balanced with well with the sweet caramelised sauce. Cheese was well presented with a varying choice of quinces and jellies that gave a breadth of choice that you don’t normally find. Each of the accompanying wines perfectly complimented the food served and is always a better way to enjoy a meal. The distinct differences of each wine came through with the food served and they were well introduced. You could refer to the food as ‘safe’ – throughout the cooking was to a very high standard and there were no problems with any of the dishes served. It may not have the x-factor but it certainly represents a better quality than establishments such as the Ivy. The food was easily of 1* standard.

    What I felt detracted was that the dishes were served slightly too quickly and there wasn’t enough of a pause between courses; I don’t believe that this had anything to do with the need to return the table. Although not too rushed, it just felt a little uncomfortable and gave insufficient time to fully appreciate each dish. In terms of drinks service, my complaint would be that the staff didn’t notice that my water needing replenishing and I did this myself – I noticed this fault with an adjoining table, where the wine was not properly topped up. This sort of slip should have been avoided at a restaurant of this calibre. These two points are why I marked the service at 7 overall. On the plus side, I found the staff to be very knowledgeable about the food and wine. All were very engaging and sincere in their conversation, showing a genuine interest and making you feel relaxed whilst not being too overbearing at any stage.

    In terms of value, Clos Maggiore represents the best I have found – £120 per head for aperitif, tasting menu with wines, coffees and digestif. It is more than capable of achieving 1* status and would require very little polish to bring things up to the required standard. If you are looking for the pitch-perfect venue for a romantic evening, which will not hurt your wallet (too much), then Clos Maggiore is the ideal location.

    • Overall: 8
    • Food & Drink: 8
    • Service: 7
    • Atmosphere: 9
    • Value: 10
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  26. John A.

    John A. ( Over 60, United Kingdom )

    April 2009
    Editor's pick

    The Restaurant was busy when we visited and we were seated upstairs. Excellent decor with ample space between tables. Roaring fire, which although gas was very welcoming. Service was outstanding with a close attention to detail. Attentive but not overbearing service. Excellent choice of bread. My wife had the lobster dish which was beautifully presented and a real depth of flavour. I had the lunch special of 2 courses and a half bottle of wine for approx £19. This was excellent value, the duck was beautifully cooked with a stunning sauce. The desserts were gorgeous and again beautifully presented. I cannot fault the meal for flavour or value and I will return. Next time I shall book early for a table in the conservatory area which looked lovely.

    • Overall: 9
    • Food & Drink: 10
    • Service: 10
    • Atmosphere: 9
    • Value: 10
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  27. Jon P.
    Reviews: 1

    Jon P. ( 30s, Male )

    March 2009

    Took my partner here for his birthday and was thoroughly impressed. We ate in the conservatory where the atmosphere was lovely, staff were attentive without being intrusive and the food was fantastic. I would recommend it to anyone without hesitation and will definitely be going back.

    • Overall: 9
    • Food & Drink: 10
    • Service: 10
    • Atmosphere: 10
    • Value: 9
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  28. Gemma H.

    Gemma H. ( 30s, Female, London )

    October 2008

    My boyfriend took me to this wonderful restaurant as a surprise and it was a fabulous evening. The food was delicious and the service was just perfect – not too little and not too much. The sommelier swiftly solved our indecisiveness issues and the wine she suggested worked perfectly with the dishes we had chosen. Yes it's rather on the pricey side but in my opinion, food, wine and service like that is worth paying for.

    • Overall: 9
    • Food & Drink: 10
    • Service: 10
    • Atmosphere: 10
    • Value: 9
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Essential Details for Clos Maggiore

  • Address: 33 King Street, London WC2E 8JD
  • Telephone: 020 7379 9696
  • Email: enquiries@closmaggiore.com
  • Website: Visit Clos Maggiore
  • Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 12N-2.30pm Mon-Sun 5-11pm (Sun -10pm)
  • Capacities: Private room for 23 people
  • Restaurant Facilities: Alfresco dining area
  • Cuisine: French
  • Area: Covent Garden
  • Price: £49.00
  • Wine: £18.50
  • Champagne: £49.00
  • Lunch: ££19.50 (2 courses) - available Mon-Fri 12N-2.30pm
  • Dinner: ££19.50 (2 courses) - available Mon-Thurs 5-6pm

Location of Clos Maggiore

Customer Reviews

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Showing 5 of 28 Reviews

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  1. Continental Diner
    Gold Reviewer

    Continental Diner ( United Kingdom )

    Yesterday

    Clos Maggiore is nothing short of magical. Superb cooking supported by great service and one of the prettiest dining rooms in London is surpassed only by the service. It is so pretty it deserves a third star on the rating at SquareMeal. Cheap it is not, but the value is outstanding. Bon appétit!

    • Overall: 10
    • Food & Drink: 10
    • Service: 10
    • Atmosphere: 10
    • Value: 8
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  2. Qiling L.
    Reviews: 1

    Qiling L. ( )

    3 February 2012

    It is a very average cooking restaurant but the best course that I have ordered was the soup (starter) but unfortunately other courses was not up to high standard and I am definitely not going to pay for this price as well!! The main course was a bit salty and also no wow factor of favours and the dessert was cold… More

    • Overall: 5
    • Food & Drink: 5
    • Service: 7
    • Atmosphere: 10
    • Value: 1
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  3. Suzy C.
    Reviews: 1

    Suzy C. ( London )

    14 December 2011

    Had booked a table for two for my Husbands birthday, been a tough few months so wanted somewhere extra special as treat and we were both really looking forward to it.

    I can't comment on the food this time (although I have been for lunch before with clients and it's very good) as we never actually stayed that long… More

    • Overall: 1
    • Food & Drink: 1
    • Service: 1
    • Atmosphere: 1
    • Value: 1
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  4. AntiShearing
    Reviews: 1

    AntiShearing ( 30s, Male, London )

    4 October 2011

    oh dear, maybe it was a slightly off night, so E & OE etc etc

    We rushed in, 5mins late for our 7.30pm slot (previously on the 'phone “table back by 10 please”), but not to worry – “your table will be ready in two minutes.” eh?

    Can I take your bags as there's no space at the table. Huh. really? ‘no’ space? Turns… More

    • Overall: 5
    • Food & Drink: 5
    • Service: 7
    • Atmosphere: 7
    • Value: 5
    1 of 1 people found this review helpful. Was it helpful to you?
     
  5. Bowen

    Bowen ( 20s, Female, London )

    31 March 2011

    Sold on the courtyard setting and renowned service. We requested a table in the courtyard on booking but were told that this could not be guaranteed. A little disappointed, we arrived and were ushered to a table in the outer dining room, however, within 15 minutes and a little pouting on my part they had cleared a… More

    • Overall: 10
    • Food & Drink: 10
    • Service: 9
    • Atmosphere: 10
    • Value: 10
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