Clos Maggiore

French·
££££
·
Gold Award
·

SquareMeal Review of Clos Maggiore

Gold Award

“A special restaurant for a special occasion” Clos Maggiore simply oozes magic and romance – with an added soupçon of Gallic ooh-la-la for good luck. Love is always on the cards at this inviting Covent Garden hideaway which is often considered among the most romantic restaurants in London – especially if you’re lucky enough to bag a table in the desirable glass-roofed conservatory with foliage and blossoms climbing overhead, fairy lights a-twinkling and star-gazing opportunities on balmy evenings. The waiting list for this prime piece of dining real estate can be months long though, so our advice is to book well in advance.

If you’re unable to secure a booking in the deeply seductive conservatory itself, you can always decamp to one of the (slightly) less beguiling dining areas: either way, expect “superlative” French-accented cooking with rich, soothing overtones and some noticeable Mediterranean nuances.

Kick things off with pan-roasted Les Landes duck liver dressed with artichoke and hazelnut vinaigrette or a take on vitello tonnato involving fillet of Limousin veal, smoked tuna and anchovy mayonnaise plus pickled vegetables and croûtons. After that, keep things Gallic and seasonal with slow cooked cod ‘rougaille’ or roast squab pigeon and confit leg with a truffle and onion tart, plus a warm lentil and beetroot salad on the side.

Vegetarians might be offered a casserole of new season’s vegetables served with a crispy purse of smoked soya cheese and Provençal aromatics, while intricate desserts always feature the signature ‘caramelised Valrhona chocolate sensation’ with burnt honey ice cream and Armagnac jelly as well as, say, white chocolate mousse and fresh gariguette strawberry ‘volupté with Sicilian pistachios and wild strawberry sorbet.

Service is invariably on point, and Clos Maggiore’s “very extensive” (but accessible) wine list also warrants serious exploration. No wonder this theatreland stalwart has achieved “absolute favourite” status and a legendary reputation among its legions of fans.

Good to know

Average Price
££££ - £50 - £79
Cuisines
French
Ambience
Cosy, Fine dining, Quiet conversation, Traditional
Food Occasions
Brunch
Perfect for
Romantic, Special occasions, Special occasions
Food Hygiene Rating

About

Clos Maggiore is one of London's most picture perfect restaurants. In the enchanting conservatory, you'll be sitting under a retractable roof. So, on sunny days you can sit outside and bask in the beautiful sunshine, and when it’s winter, get cosy under the twinkling lights and decorations.

At this fabulous restaurant, indulge in French and Italian-inspired dishes that embrace the essence of each season, complemented by an extensive wine list that boasts remarkable depth. The lunchtime and both pre and post theatre menus, known for their exceptional value, have garnered love from all who visit. The inspiration for Clos Maggiore are the country inns in Tuscany and Southern France, and in keeping with their traditions, the restaurant uses fresh and seasonal ingredients wherever possible.

To start, perhaps you'll enjoy the spiced red lentil soup with yoghurt, cucumber and puffed wild rice, or a dish of seared yellowfin tuna with wasabi avocado puree, sesame and yuzu ponzu dressing. Those who want a classic starter may opt for steak tartare with pickled onion, chive crumb and smoked dressing. Main courses include Scottish halibut with ver jus gel, white grapes, sea aster and seaweed butter sauce. For a hearty dish, enjoy the Rhug Estate venison loin with a chestnut puree, poached pear and pickled blackberries. When it's time for dessert, try the caramelia chocolate with banana and coconut sorbet, which is paired beautifully with a glass of Vin de Constance, or a goat's cheese cheesecake with wild blueberry and Parma Violet, which goes with Recioto della Valpolicella.

There are also set menus for both weekdays and the weekend, a tasting menu, vegetarian and vegan options, and a pre theatre menu, so whatever the occasion, you can enjoy a cracking meal at Clos Maggiore.

This venue also offers

Clos Maggiore
Private Group Dining

Clos Maggiore

Location

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

020 7379 9696 020 7379 9696

Website

Opening Times

Lunch
Mon 12:00-14:30
Tue 12:00-14:30
Wed 12:00-14:30
Thu 12:00-14:30
Fri 12:00-14:30
Sat 12:00-14:30
Sun 12:00-14:30
Dinner
Mon 17:00-22:30
Tue 17:00-22:30
Wed 17:00-22:30
Thu 17:00-22:30
Fri 17:00-22:30
Sat 17:00-22:30
Sun 17:00-22:00

Reviews

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74 Reviews 
Food/Drink
Service
Atmosphere
Value

Fatjon S

29 June 2024   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Romantic spot

Great place for a special event 

MarkC

08 June 2024   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 3.5
Fine dining in heart of Covent garden

Dined here for a birthday lunch and was very pleasantly surprised. We must have walked past the restaurant over many years in London and had never ventured in.

Lovely interior and whilst being compact the tables were well spaced apart. Excellent menu with good seasonal choices asparagus, crab etc all beautifully presented to a very high standard.

Mammoth wine list that takes some exploring ably assisted by knowledgeable sommelier with bottles to suit all tastes and wallets. Service was prompt, professional and friendly.

Definitely a venue for a special occasion and worth another visit

Michael P

22 April 2024   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Anniversary treat

Everything one could hope for, splendid food, a fascinating wine list with accessible prices and rooms which are attractive and have a good accoustic. Worth every penny.

Ashley W

08 January 2024   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5

Lovely place, food pretty good as well for such a tourist location

Melanie O

02 November 2023   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5

Alan J

31 May 2023   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 4
Service 1.5
Atmosphere 3
Value 4

Darren G

31 March 2023   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 4
Value 4

A very beautiful restaurant, excellent food and friendly but attentive staff.

Anon

28 December 2022  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5

The cutest, cosiesr, most romantic setting, gorgeous menu and fabulous sommelier, all in the heart of Covent Garden. Just perfect ?? 

Deirdre B

28 December 2022  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5

exceptional service, top class dishes and interesting cocktails / great wine list

Anon

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

The best restaurant in London.  There is a varied menu and an attentive and polite staff.

A very friendly manager who ensures our visit runs smoothly.  We always eat there twice a year and hope to do so for years to come. 
Claudine Dumart-Flower

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