The Delaunay

Austrian, Central European·
££££
·
Silver Award
·

SquareMeal Review of The Delaunay

Silver Award

Like its sibling The Wolseley, this "lovely buzzy restaurant" bears all the hallmarks of a success story from the The Wolseley Hospitality Group, from "spot-on" service to please-all cooking for a big-city crowd. No wonder The Delaunay has become a perennial favourite on all counts: the welcome is "always friendly" and the David Collins interior "impresses straightaway" with its glossy dark wood, gleaming brass and polished stone floors. There's an "old-school Viennese" vibe here, so expect to find wiener schnitzel, choucroute and rich borscht, as well as traditional dishes from elsewhere in Europe such as chicken Kiev and the ever-popular kedgeree. Tempting patisserie and viennoiserie – including an exemplary sachertorte – are worth a visit alone: luckily the adjoining Counter at The Delaunay sells many of these goodies to go. We urge you to book ahead for the phenomenally popular pre-theatre slot, or start your day in splendid fashion with a gut-busting breakfast. In short, "a great London institution".

Good to know

Average Price
££££ - £50 - £79
Cuisines
Austrian, Central European
Ambience
Fun, Glamorous, Lively, Traditional, Unique
Food Occasions
All day dining, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Special Features
Counter dining, Vegan options, Vegetarian options
People
Celeb spotting, Romantic, Special occasions
Food Hygiene Rating

About

With the same old world romantic feel to it as its sibling, this central London restaurant is from the team behind The Wolseley, and you can feel it in the sumptuous decor and high standard of service. The Delaunay is a grand space in the centre of theatreland that is modelled on the grand cafes of Mittel-Europe and serves up a menu packed with classics.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, a visit to The Delaunay is a welcome treat no matter the time of day. For lunch there’s a selection of sandwiches ranging from an indulgent lobster-filled roll to a stunning chicken schnitzel, and if you happen in later on in the day then you can enjoy heartier fare from the all-day menu - moules, schnitzel or confit duck, say.

Tables fill up fast so booking ahead is recommended, but there are always a handful of spaces reserved for walk ins, in case you fancy a spontaneous trip to one of London’s premier dining destinations.

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300 Points for lunchtime diners

For all diners to this restaurant, spending over £45 on Tuesdays, lunchtimes only.

300 Points

For all diners to this restaurant, spending over £45 on Mondays.

100 Points

For all diners any day, every time


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Menu Highlights

Starters
Chicken Soup with Spätzle - £8.75
Main Courses
Fillet of Beef Stroganoff - £26.00

pilau rice, sour cream & pickles

Dessert
Chocolate & Hazelnut Gugelhupf - £7.25

This venue also offers

The Delaunay
Private Group Dining

The Delaunay

The Delaunay
Christmas Parties

The Delaunay

Location

55 Aldwych, Covent Garden, Aldwych, London, WC2B 4BB

020 7499 8558 020 7499 8558

Website

Opening Times

Breakfast
Mon 07:00-11:30
Tue 07:00-11:30
Wed 07:00-11:30
Thu 07:00-11:30
Fri 07:00-11:30
Sat 08:00-11:30
Sun Closed
All day
Mon 07:00-22:30
Tue 07:00-22:30
Wed 07:00-22:30
Thu 07:00-22:30
Fri 07:00-22:30
Sat 08:00-22:30
Sun 11:00-21:45

Reviews

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79 Reviews 
Food/Drink
Service
Atmosphere
Value

David S

18 November 2023  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 3.5

Ian H

07 February 2023  
Food & Drink 4
Service 4
Atmosphere 4
Value 2.5
How much should you pay for ambience?

A buzzy place I've not been to for some time. It is the atmosphere that lifts the occasion. On a crowded evening the staff struggled to provide attentive, fast, engaging service but it was professional throughout. All three of us enjoyed our choices without any 'wow' factor. The only real negative is the prices. Way over the top for cocktails, starters, main courses and desserts. The wine list, somewhat surprisingly is not unreasonably priced. 

Evan C

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

Great atmosphere, great service, super and varied menu altogether my favourite restaurant

Hazel M

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

The perfect combination of ambiance, lovely service and comforting food. 

Christopher J

24 November 2022  
Food & Drink 3.5
Service 3.5
Atmosphere 3.5
Value 3.5

Fantastic location and ambiance

Suzy B

24 November 2022  
Food & Drink 4.5
Service 4.5
Atmosphere 4.5
Value 4.5

Teriffic atmosphere reminisent of grand European cafes.  Friendly, approachable staff who are very flexible and offer great service. Beautiful decor.  Guests enjoyed the German style food. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ruban S

01 September 2022  
Food & Drink 4
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 3.5

Went to the side restaurant (the Counter) for a quick breakfast. Great coffee, scrambled eggs and salmon. Would only say that the size of the toast was way too tiny. 

Harriet M

23 February 2022   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Breakfast

Great breakfast. I am a regular, and always receive fantastic service

James D

26 July 2019  
Consistent and has a good buzzy atmosphere. My go to place. The schnitzel and green sauce are excellent.

Beverley D

08 July 2019  
Food marvellous, very generous portions. Service great, all staff ready to assist. Ambience perfect for business or more quiet intimate meal.
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