Rucola at The Conduit

Bars, Italian, Pizza·
££££
·
Bronze Award
·

SquareMeal Review of Rucola at The Conduit

Bronze Award

While navigating through the crowds of Covent Garden, it’s entirely reasonable that Rucola might have escaped your attention. You’ll find it on the fifth floor of The Conduit, a collaborative members' club facilitating social change and sustainability initiatives. Blessed with stunning views over London, Rucola specialises in low-waste northern Italian fare. It’s proof that, even in Central London, good food in a glamorous setting can be sustainable and reasonably affordable at the same time.

On a summer’s day, the dining room is laid-back and streaked with light. There’s a Brooklyn feel to it; a copper bar stretches the length of the restaurant while boho wicker shades complement lush planting. We make our way to the best table in the house: a majolica-tiled nook with white-blue rattan chairs on the terrace. It’s a serene scene with couples chattering softly as long grasses sway behind them.

With the London Eye soaring in the background, we start with a stimulating 58 & Co White Negroni led by a natural bittersweet honey aperitif and complemented by aromatic rosé vermouth. Among northern Italian classics, there are some twists. The bruschetta is a standout. On paper, it’s simple: tomatoes are substituted with earthy king oyster mushrooms on well-oiled, crunchy sourdough bread. It’s a generous starter, laden with meaty mushrooms daubed with confit shallot puree and enlivened by a tickly hit of wild garlic.

Rucola had already demonstrated an intense appreciation for the simple details, but the vongole, which arrives as an advert-worthy bowl of fettuccine, seals the deal. Slick with a zippy chilli-infused olive oil, pasta ribbons take on and amplify the sweet minerality of the fresh clams. As dessert rolls around, we’re back in the north. The tiramisu, or Tuscan trifle, is light and silky with an almost bouncy mascarpone cream topped with dark chocolate shavings.

Although the staff are friendly and relaxed, Rucola isn’t the place for speedy service or a quick meal. It’s a retreat, made for brunch and golden hour dinners with glasses of natural wine. The view is a bonus, but the seasonal low-waste dishes hold their own. This kitchen knows exactly what they’re doing and why.

Good to know

Average Price
££££ - £30 - £49
Cuisines
Bars, Italian, Pizza
Ambience
Cool, Lively
Food Occasions
All day dining, Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner, Lunch, Sunday roast
Alfresco And Views
Great views, Outside seating, Rooftop, Terrace
Special Features
Gluten-free options, Vegan options, Vegetarian options
Perfect for
Birthdays, Celebrations, Child friendly, Dates, Group dining [8+], Romantic

About

Head up to the roof of The Conduit in Covent Garden and you'll find this chic central London members' club has a lovely terrace and restaurant - called Rucola - perched on the rooftop. Boasting views over Covent Garden's rooftops, the restaurant specialises in Northern Italian dining, signature cocktails, and natural wines, with a focus on doing things as sustainably as possible. As a result, this eco-conscious eatery offers a wealth of plant-driven dishes using thoughtfully-sourced ingredients.

One of the best rooftop restaurants in Covent Garden, Rucola offers incredible views from its fifth floor vantage point. During the summer, guests can dine al fresco to soak up some sunshine, but there’s also a covered pergola area for less balmy conditions. This chilled restaurant is inspired by the easy-going bars in Brooklyn, and features an open kitchen and central bar to connect the chefs and staff with the guests.

The a la carte menu features a range of starters, salads, pasta dishes and mains. Think morel and wild garlic bruschetta with confit shallot dressing, spaghetti con vongole, fresh market fish with Jersey Roal potatoes and salsa verde, and salt baked celeriac wit green apple and truffles.

If you’d like to pop in for a bite before or after a show, then take a look at its pre- and post-theatre menus, which feature two or three courses for a set price. It also offers an indulgent brunch menu at the weekend, complete with brunch cocktails and the option to add half a bottle of Champagne to your meal if you wish.

The drinks menu at Rucola also reflects the restaurants’ sustainable principles, offering a selection of both classic and natural wines. All have been chosen for their unique qualities and characteristics, but you’ll find that its natural selection is made using traditional methods with minimal intervention.

Finally, a series of signature cocktails features unusual and intriguing ingredients. Take Oaxaca Sour, for example, a punchy creation made with mezcal, strega, lemon, aquafaba and smoke.

This venue also offers

The Conduit
Private Group Dining

The Conduit

The Conduit
Event Party Venue

The Conduit

The Conduit
Christmas Parties

The Conduit

The Conduit
Wedding Venues

The Conduit

Location

6 Langley Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9JA

020 3912 8405 020 3912 8405

Website

Opening Times

Breakfast
Mon 08:00-11:00
Tue 08:00-11:00
Wed 08:00-11:00
Thu 08:00-11:00
Fri 08:00-11:00
Sat Closed
Sun Closed
Brunch
Mon Closed
Tue Closed
Wed Closed
Thu Closed
Fri Closed
Sat 10:00-16:00
Sun 10:00-16:00
Lunch
Mon 12:00-15:00
Tue 12:00-15:00
Wed 12:00-15:00
Thu 12:00-15:00
Fri 12:00-15:00
Sat Closed
Sun Closed
Dinner
Mon Closed
Tue Closed
Wed Closed
Thu Closed
Fri Closed
Sat 17:30-22:00
Sun Closed

Reviews

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4 Reviews 
Food/Drink
Service
Atmosphere
Value

richard L

10 October 2024   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 3
Service 3.5
Atmosphere 3
Value 2.5
Rucola in Covent Garden

Relaxed top floor restaurant as part of a hotel in Covent Garden.  Good cooking and good service, as expected from the Rucola name.  Shame about the over-priced wine list.   Good option for supper if you are tee-total.  Rucoka

Anonymous

07 August 2024   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 4
Service 4
Atmosphere 4
Value 4
Lovely roof terrace in Covent Garden

I was little nervous after reading some negative reviews about poor service but we experienced a warm welcome and overall pleasant service. Set menu offer good value. 

Anon

06 June 2024   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 4
Service 2.5
Atmosphere 5
Value 3.5
Wonderful if you can wait!

The food is lovely, portions on main course small (and in contrast to the kids meals which were huge) but despite having a lovely attentive waiter, the service was extremely slow!!!

Sara A

25 March 2024   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 3
Service 3
Atmosphere 5
Value 3
Wonderful ambiance but poor value for money

A beautiful restaurant, nice dim lighting, wonderful view. We had a very attentive waiter however service was slow, despite it not being busy and  I had to send my food back to be reheated as it was not hot enough.  For the price of the food I would say it was not good value for money. Overall a pleasant evening saved by the ambiance of the restaurant.

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