PipsDish Covent Garden

Loved this place – unpretentious and friendly. The food was excellent – fresh and full of flavours. The wine selection was spot on too. Pre- or post- theatre. Un-rushed. Genuine. Can't wait to be back!

We have been here twice over the last couple of months. From the moment you arrive, you are made to feel very welcome. Comfortable seating and no loud music – a great place to unwind in the middle of London. Although the concept is that there is no menu, when one of us was not able to eat one of the proposed courses an alternative was very quickly offered. All food was delicious and well-cooked. Good sized portions, which were very well presented. Very good value for money. Am yet to try the Shepherd's Hut to the rear of the restaurant, but the space looks wonderful for those who want something a little more intimate.

I was very happy to stumble upon PipsDish one night, and have been back many times since. It is more like going to someone's house than a restaurant (the owner will likely shake your hand and chat with you when you walk in), and for that I love it. I don't have the hassle of choosing what to eat, and I know I won't be eating the same things when I go back. The dishes I've had have ranged from very inventive to classic, but all delicious. I guess I don't have to recommend any food specifically, since you're unlikely to come across it or at least won't be able to order it, but I've recently had a heavenly braised lamb and the best eton mess I've come across for a while. The menu is healthy, fresh, and exciting, and the place is a cozy respite from the soulless chains next door. As someone who goes to a lot of theatre and is constantly looking for somewhere to eat in Covent Garden that doesn't have a location on every block, I can't recommend this place more highly.

I'm not sure what your reviewer wants out of a restaurant. The fact that PipsDish is “out of place among Covent Garden’s slick chains and old pros” is exactly why it's a gem. I first got to know PipsDish when it was a long-lived Pop Up restaurant in Islington, where it was a neighbourhood favourite and always packed with faithful and returning customers. We were so disappointed when they lost their lease. Your reviewer seems to think that Mr. Dundas is slovenly because he doesn't offer a menu, he simply offers his dish of the day (with a vegetarian option). But that's the magic and the fun of his restaurants. No ordering hassle, you're eating in his kitchen. I've been to the new location four or five times. The food has varied from good to great. I haven't had to “endure” “poorly judged flavours”, “chaotic cooking” or “sloppy presentation”. When was your reviewer last there? As for the service, I've never found it anything but warm and inviting. And as for the decor, it's playful and warm, not slick and corporate and slathered in Italian tiles and designer lighting. I suggest your reviewer stick to Pizza Express and Byron. For everyone else, I recommend PipsDish for a memorable meal.

I had dinner here with a friend a few weeks ago. Really nice to discover a restaurant that offers something totally different from the rest of Covent Garden's restaurant options. Lovely homey atmosphere. Relaxed décor. Best of all is that the (beautiful) kitchen is set up in the restaurant so you get to see all the fresh ingredients they're cooking with. And to indulge in some serious kitchen-envy. Food was great. The not-knowing-what-you're-going-to-get idea feels unusual but for us worked an absolute treat. Hearty and delicious. All in all – loved it. Will definitely go back next time I fancy some ‘home-cooking’ in the heart of Covent Garden.