Clos Maggiore

“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.

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.