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Best restaurants in Covent Garden

With its selection of world-famous theatres, variety of shops and abundance of bars and restaurants, it’s easy to see why Covent Garden is often considered the beating heart of London’s West End. Home to several London attractions such as the The Royal Opera House and the London Transport Museum, there’s plenty to see in the area, while the famous Covent Garden Piazza plays host to live entertainers and buskers that draw the crowds. Pair this with Covent Garden’s prime location and it comes as little surprise that it’s one of the capital’s premier dining destinations. Want to discover the best restaurants Covent Garden has to offer? Come this way.

Updated on 23 January 2024

To London locals, Covent Garden has historically been a bit of a no-go zone, thanks in large to it being overrun with tourists at all hours of the day. Not to mention the deluge of chain restaurants which are often overpriced and underwhelming. The last few years, though, have seen a major shift in Covent Garden’s restaurant credentials, with a cohort of top-quality dining establishments opening their doors in the area. To help you get to the root of this fantastic dining destination, we’ve rounded up the best restaurants Covent Garden has to offer. 

Whether you’re on the hunt for date spot at one of London's most romantic restaurants, in the mood to splash the cash at a luxury haunt or you’re after some of the best cheap eats in the capital, Covent Garden is one of those rare areas that really does have it all. Boasting a ton of top chefs and internationally recognised restaurants, there's a reason why so many places choose to open their doors here. Yes, Covent Garden’s restaurant scene is not to be taken lightly. Read on for our pick of the best restaurants in Covent Garden - you're guranteed to find something you like, but if you're still struggling, then you can find Covent Garden's full list of restaurants which includes plenty more options.

Barrafina Adelaide Street

Barrafina Adelaide Street

10 Adelaide Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2N 4HZ

London’s archetypal tapas bar, perennially popular Barrafina is all about dainty small plates that pack a serious punch. Be wary of the no-bookings policy, but trust us when we say the queues will be worth it.  

£30 - £49
Tapas
Spanish
Cora Pearl

Cora Pearl

30 Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 8NA

Boasting an atmosphere that makes both Londoners and out of towners feel at home, cosy Cora Pearl pulls in the crowds with its Anglo-European menu. Our top order? The finger-licking good ham and cheese toastie.

£50 - £79
British
French
The Barbary

The Barbary

16 Neal's Yard, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9DP

With just 24 seats and no reservations allowed, The Barbary is a homely spot which serves a blend of Israeli cooking that employs both Mediterranean ingredients and North African spices – enticing, affordable and delicious stuff.

£30 - £49
North African
Floral by Lima

Floral by Lima

14 Garrick Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 9BJ

More accessible than Fitzrovia’s Michelin-starred Lima, this casual spin-off serves up enchanting dishes made with ingredients that aren’t often seen in the capital. For post-dinner Pisco Sours, the basement bar is the place to go.

£30 - £49
Peruvian
Balthazar

Balthazar

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

Balthazar is an upscale bistro suited to all ages and any time of the day. The prix fixe is remarkably good value for this part of town, while afternoon tea and weekend brunch also appeal.

£50 - £79
Afternoon tea
French
Portrait at the National Portrait Gallery

Portrait at the National Portrait Gallery

National Portrait Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London, WC2H 0HE

The Portrait comes with an endless list of reasons to visit, aside from the National Art Gallery that sits just a few floors below. You’ll find a menu that showcases the best of British and Irish produce, views of some of London’s iconic landmarks, and getting to watch chef patron Richard Corrigan at the helm - it’s pretty special.

£50 - £79
British
Irish
SquareMeal London Top 100
Savoy Grill by Gordon Ramsay

Savoy Grill by Gordon Ramsay

The Savoy, Covent Garden, London, WC2R 0EU

Overseen by Gordon Ramsay, the long-standing Savoy Grill harks back to a bygone era with its unashamed glamour; think mirrored walls and glittering chandeliers. The meat is the star, served up as steaks and chops.  

£50 - £79
Modern European
The Oystermen Seafood Bar & Kitchen

The Oystermen Seafood Bar & Kitchen

32 Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 8NA

This humble oyster restaurant proved so popular that in 2018, the team doubled the size of its dining room. Charming hosts, reasonably priced dishes and top-quality oysters go some way to explaining its popularity.

£30 - £49
Fish
Parsons

Parsons

39 Endell Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9BA

Kitted out to look like a traditional fishmongers, Parsons is a seafood joint with heart. The wine list impresses too – no surprise considering Parsons is a sibling to 10 Cases wine bar across the road.

£30 - £49
Fish
Bancone Covent Garden

Bancone Covent Garden

39 William IV Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2N 4DD

Serving fresh pasta at knock-down prices, Bancone has been a smash hit ever since opening its doors in 2018. The silk handkerchiefs are the top order, but antipasti put in a strong showing too.

£30 - £49
Italian
50 Kalò di Ciro Salvo

50 Kalò di Ciro Salvo

7 Northumberland Avenue, Charing Cross, London, WC2N 5BY

Overseen by a third-generation master pizzaiolo, this Naples imported pizzeria serves a menu that will knock your socks off. Ignore the gaudy furniture, and feast on some mind-blowingly good pizzas, all at reasonable prices too.

Under £30
Pizza
Oriole

Oriole

7-9 Slingsby Place, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 9AB

Named after the brightly coloured, musical oriole bird, this sumptuous subterranean space is an oasis of warmth that combines beautiful décor, glowing hospitality and top-notch refreshments. Delve into flavours of the Old World and the New, with a South American set menu, extravagant cocktails and evenings of live music.

£30 - £49
South American
Bars
Kebab Queen at Maison Bab

Kebab Queen at Maison Bab

4 Mercer Walk, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9FA

Billed as the world’s first kebab tasting menu restaurant, this marvellous 10-seat operation beneath Maison Bab delicately straddles the line between fine dining experience and all-out parody. It’s truly delicious and tons of fun too.

£50 - £79
Middle Eastern
Turkish
Sushisamba Covent Garden

Sushisamba Covent Garden

Opera Terrace, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 8RF

It may have swapped out the breathtaking views of its City sister for a grown-up rainforest vibe, but London’s second Sushisamba still features all of its greatest hits – think Wagyu gyozas and tightly packed sushi.

£50 - £79
Peruvian
Sushi
Japanese
Brazilian
Afternoon tea
J Sheekey

J Sheekey

28-32 St Martin's Court, Covent Garden, London, WC2N 4AL

Legendary J Sheekey may be best known for being a favourite among theatre stars, but the top-quality seafood and unfalteringly warm service ensure us regular folk can have a great time dining here too.

£50 - £79
Fish
The Ivy

The Ivy

1-5 West Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9NQ

It may feel like there’s an Ivy on every corner now, but the original still boasts an air of glamour that the spin-offs can’t replicate, with the restaurant even counting the Queen among its fans.

£50 - £79
British
International
Rules

Rules

35 Maiden Lane, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 7LB

Taking the title of London’s oldest restaurant (opened by Thomas Rule in 1798), charming Rules is a resolutely traditional spot serving the kind of British food that will make you sing ‘God save the Queen!’

£50 - £79
British
Kerridge

Kerridge's Bar & Grill

10 Northumberland Avenue, Westminster, London, WC2N 5AE

Tom Kerridge’s debut London restaurant is as plush as you’d expect, featuring red leather booths and chic light fixtures. From the accomplished menu of comfort food classics, the decadent lobster thermidor is our top pick.

Over £80
British
FishWorks Covent Garden

FishWorks Covent Garden

2-4 Catherine Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2B 5JY

The newest of London's three branches of the slowly expanding FishWorks chain betrays its origins as a fishmonger with some spankingly fresh seafood treated simply with classic accompaniments to highlight the freshness of the produce. 

£50 - £79
Fish
RedFarm London

RedFarm London

9 Russell Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2B 5HZ

Imported from New York, RedFarm is a pricey, but fun Cantonese restaurant that’s best known for its Insta-bait Pac Man dumplings. Other quirks include cheeseburger spring rolls and xiao long bao soup dumplings pierced with a straw.

£30 - £49
Chinese
Dim Sum
The Petersham Covent Garden

The Petersham Covent Garden

27-31 King Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 8JB

This Petersham is more glamorous (and expensive) than the Richmond original. Don’t let high prices put you off though, as the menu of beautifully presented and hearty Italian fare is sure to win you over.

£50 - £79
Afternoon tea
Italian
Cinnamon Bazaar

Cinnamon Bazaar

28 Maiden Lane, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 7JS

One of Vivek Singh’s more casual spots, Cinnamon Bazaar is a riot of colour and flavours. The a la carte revolves around snacks and chaat, but we are also fans of the Indian-style afternoon tea.

Under £30
Vegetarian
Vegan
Afternoon tea
International
Indian
Halal
Cafe Murano Covent Garden

Cafe Murano Covent Garden

36 Tavistock Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 7PB

A slightly more casual spin-off of Angela Hartnett’s Mayfair flagship, Café Murano deals in modern Italian cooking and cosy, welcoming vibes. Come for the heavenly homemade pasta, and stay for the selection of Italian-themed cocktails.

£50 - £79
Italian
Hawksmoor Seven Dials

Hawksmoor Seven Dials

11 Langley Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9JG

There may be a handful of Hawksmoors around, but the Seven Dials outpost is probably our favourite. Great for groups, dining here means 35-day aged steaks from The Ginger Pig, creative cocktails and sumptuous sides.

£50 - £79
Steak
British
Frog by Adam Handling

Frog by Adam Handling

34-35 Southampton Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 7HG

The flagship of Adam Handling’s The Frog group, this smart and sophisticated restaurant is often packed to the rafters. All of Handling’s signature dishes are present and correct, including those beguiling cheese and truffle doughnuts.

Over £80
Modern European
British
One Michelin star
SquareMeal London Top 100
Margot

Margot

45 Great Queen Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2B 5AA

This upmarket Italian has elegance in spades and top-drawer service too, with smart doormen and suited bartenders nice added touches. The menu is just as classic, featuring the likes of crab ravioli and tiramisu.

£50 - £79
Italian
Clos Maggiore

Clos Maggiore

33 King Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 8JD

Clos Maggiore regularly tops lists of the most romantic restaurants in the capital. The best seats in the house are found in the famed glass-roofed conservatory, which is festooned with oh-so-seductive fairy lights and foliage.

£50 - £79
French
Spring

Spring

Somerset House, Covent Garden, London, WC2R 1LA

Found at Somerset House and masterminded by Skye Gyngell, Spring is a love letter to seasonality which thrills with its disarmingly simple dishes; think the likes of girolles on toasted sourdough with sheep’s milk ricotta.

£50 - £79
Modern European
The Delaunay

The Delaunay

55 Aldwych, Aldwych, London, WC2B 4BB

Whether it’s for a hearty breakfast or a pre-theatre pit stop, The Delaunay’s versatile European menu is bound to have something for you. We’d always recommend buying pastries from the Counter to take home too.    

£50 - £79
Central European
Austrian

Visiting Covent Garden for its wealth of nearby theatres? Check out our pick of the best pre-theatre dining restaurants in London. Many have set menus at a reasonable price and can be worked around your show timings, to help your evening flow as smoothly as possible. 

Central London is bursting with fantastic places to eat, and you'll find plenty more great restaurants in the surrounding area. Take a look at the best restaurants in Soho, with its eclectic combination of bars, clubs and trendy restaurants. Or, enjoy dinner with a view and discover the best riverside restaurants in the capital.

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