Balthazar

 According to one reader, Balthazar could be “the best brasserie in London for atmosphere and service". Elsewhere, abundant praise for the lively buzz and "happy, friendly staff" is proof that this London outpost of Keith McNally's upscale bistro lives up to the reputation of his NYC original. By and large, the food wins approval too, with particular mentions for the "delicious afternoon tea" and "just the best dauphinoise potatoes".

Order them alongside wickedly rich duck confit or coq au vin, preceded by chicken liver parfait, steak tartare or garlicky escargots. The all-day offer also includes delectable pastries, omelette Arnold Bennett for brunch, plateaux de fruits de mer from the seafood bar or eggs mimosa followed by roast hake with bouillabaisse soup on the prix fixe. "It's a great place for breakfast, lunch or dinner and business meetings" concludes one ardent admirer; another simply says “sit back, enjoy the buzz and don’t worry about your wallet”.

The original Balthazar was opened in the spring of 1997 by Keith McNally in New York City. This London-based sister site can be found on the corner of Russell Street and Wellington Street, right in the heart of Covent Garden. 

The French-inspired menu offers all-day brasserie dining and menus are available for breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. The weekend brunch menu takes influence from American-style breakfast, with steak and eggs, New York pancakes served with fresh banana and maple syrup, alongside your choice of Mimosa or Balthazar Bloody Mary.

No matter the time of your visit, there will be a menu for you, the late evening bar menu served from 9.30pm offers savoury bites to satisfy any late night hunger, including a Croque Monsieur on sourdough, smoked salmon tartine and marinated vegetables served with avocado and hummus in a brioche bun. A children's menu shows off the restaurant’s family-friendly credentials, while the dinner menu is where you see the French-inspired dishes at their best, highlights include lobster spaghetti and the classic steak frites.

Balthazar in Covent Garden is open all day, seven days a week. Read our review and browse photos to learn more.