Best Restaurants in Covent Garden, London | 16 Places To Eat
London is filled to the brim with spectacular places to eat. And when it comes to finding the best restaurants in Covent Garden, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
It’s no secret that Covent Garden is a must-visit destination for foodies, fashion lovers, and art enthusiasts alike. You’ll come across quirky markets, museums, clothing shops, modern restaurants, and more.
Are you wondering where to eat in Covent Garden? Below is a list of the finest eateries in the area.
Best Covent Garden Restaurants
Whether you’re seeking an exquisite fine dining experience or a casual spot for lunch, Covent Garden boasts many excellent restaurants.
Casual Covent Garden Restaurants in London
There are many casual dining restaurants that are perfect for a relaxed lunch or brunch in Covent Garden. Here are some of the best restaurants to visit for a wonderful culinary experience.
26 Grains
Nestled in Neal’s Yard, 26 Grains is a fantastic spot to enjoy a yummy breakfast or grab a coffee in Covent Garden. The restaurant is positioned in a quirky alleyway, and you can admire the colourful surroundings while dining at the outdoor seating area.
Start your day with an aromatic coffee and gourmet porridge. Try the banana tahini porridge with cinnamon, cacao nibs, and honey drizzled on top. If you want a quick bite, have a look at the delicious treats on the cake counter.
The all-day dining and dinner menus feature many tasty dishes, from a leek and pickled walnut toastie to braised Launceston lamb neck with almond cream and olives. And be sure to bring your camera along as the dishes are beautifully presented.
If you’re popping in for drinks, there are several natural wines and innovative cocktails.
Location: 1 Neal’s Yard, London WC2H 9DP, United Kingdom
Barrafina
If you’re looking for the best restaurant Covent Garden has to offer for solo dining, lunch dates, or light bites, Barrafina is certainly a strong contender. This tapas restaurant serves a selection of delectable dishes and drinks.
Get a little taste of Spain with yummy tortillas, pan con tomate, ham croquetas, and plenty more. There are also veggie dishes to enjoy. If you have space for something sweet, try the crema catalana or have a refreshing scoop of ice cream or sorbet.
You can sit at the marble-topped bar and watch the talented staff prepare the delicious creations or book a private dining room for a more intimate setting.
Location: 10 Adelaide St, London WC2N 4HZ, United Kingdom
Red Farm
In the mood for dim sum? Make your way to Red Farm in Russell Street. This charming Chinese restaurant boasts cute décor, white-washed brick walls, wooden furniture, and bright pops of red that add to the playful vibe.
There is bar and booth seating, and the red-and-white checked seats will make you feel like you’re having a stylish picnic.
This modern restaurant offers some of the best Chinese food in Covent Garden. The innovative menu includes dim sum, vegetable spring rolls, soup dumplings, fried rice, chilli chicken, and several others.
Red Farm is a wonderful place for catch-ups with friends, cute dates, and casual dinners. If you’re short on time, pop in for a quick drink and light bite or pick up a takeaway.
Location: 9 Russell St, London WC2B 5HZ, United Kingdom
Darjeeling Express
Darjeeling Express is a family-owned restaurant in Covent Garden that offers mouthwatering Indian cuisine. The founder, Asma Khan, uses family recipes passed down for generations and provides you with polished, delicious dishes.
At this cosy restaurant, you can enjoy a number of Indian dishes and speciality drinks. The menu includes chicken kati rolls, prawn curry, aloo paratha, and plenty more. The food is halal, and there are vegan and vegetarian options too.
Sip on a warm cup of masala chai tea or cool down with an Indian iced coffee or mango lassi. There are also a few traditional desserts to try. If you’re planning to have dinner with friends or family, try the Royal Thali Tasting Platter (£55 per person) or the three-course set menu (£40 per person).
Location: 2a Garrick St, London WC2E 9BH, United Kingdom
Flat Iron Covent Garden
If you’re craving a delicious steak, take a trip to this lovely steakhouse in the heart of Covent Garden. While many may associate eating good-quality steak with a fine dining restaurant, Flat Iron focuses on making sensational steak available to all.
The restaurant has a cosy vibe with wooden furnishings and earthy tones. It’s a great spot to tuck into a tasty meal or grab a drink with friends and fellow meat-lovers.
Indulge in a fine steak or yummy burger with homemade beef-dripping chips on the side. There is a selection of wines, cocktails, beers, and soft drinks to pair with your meal.
While the steak is undoubtedly the biggest drawcard here, you’ll be happy to know that Flat Iron offers a complimentary scoop of homemade soft serve ice cream to all guests.
Location: 17-18 Henrietta St, London WC2E 8QH, United Kingdom
Covent Garden Places To Eat for Fine Dining
If you’re looking for a sophisticated setting to dine with a loved one or have a business dinner, there are many suitable spots in the area. Here are a few top restaurants in Covent Garden for a refined experience.
Frog by Adam Handling Restaurant Covent Garden
For those seeking a fine dining occasion with a relaxed atmosphere, Frog by Adam Handling is an excellent option. It is the flagship restaurant of the celebrated chef and offers both flavoursome and meaningful dishes with wonderful stories behind them.
Immerse yourself in a theatrical show and witness the talented staff prepare seasonal dishes using locally sourced ingredients. The food is plated to perfection, and some are served with edible flowers or dry ice, so you’ll want to snap a shot of the dramatic presentation.
You can choose from either the five-course seasonal menu or Adam’s classic menu. Both are available with vegan options, and there is an extensive wine list to accompany your meal.
Location: 34-35 Southampton St, London WC2E 7HG, United Kingdom
The Ivy
The Ivy is a long-standing establishment that has provided countless visitors with world-class service over the years. It’s a delightful location if you want to enjoy delectable food in a luxurious setting and perhaps spot a celebrity.
The opulent restaurant boasts elegant décor and comfy seats. It exudes an old-world charm and luxury in every detail. The seasonal and set menus feature delicious classic and contemporary British dishes.
You can indulge in sirloin steak, Yellowfin tuna tartare with caviar, crispy duck, grilled seafood, and plenty more. There are also several vegan and vegetarian dishes and an impressive drinks menu.
Satisfy your sweet tooth cravings with a selection of mini cheesecakes, warm chocolate fondant, sticky toffee pudding, or tiramisu. If you’re dining with a loved one, try the baked Alaska for two or order a box of handmade truffles to go.
Location: 1-5 West St, London WC2H 9NQ, United Kingdom
The Delaunay
In Covent Garden, food options are plentiful but visit The Delaunay if you want to enjoy refined dishes in an elegant environment. Here you’ll dine in a posh setting with modern décor and a little bit of old-world flair.
This upscale restaurant offers a contemporary and classic European menu. The menu includes oysters, truffled cauliflower soup, confit duck, and more. If you want a vegan or vegetarian dish, try the roasted root-vegetable goulash or the mushroom stroganoff. There are also a number of desserts to delight your senses further.
Whether you want to have brunch, afternoon tea, dinner with friends, or evening drinks, the menu and atmosphere at The Delaunay certainly make it worth checking out.
Location: 55 Aldwych, London WC2B 4BB, United Kingdom
Best Places To Eat in Covent Garden for Date Night
Whether you’re heading on a first date, anniversary celebration, or dinner with the girls, here are a few lovely spots to consider.
Frenchie Covent Garden
If you want to enjoy delicious French cuisine and world-class service, be sure to check out this modern restaurant. It’s a lovely spot for special occasions, dates, and catching up with friends. And you might even see a celebrity.
Frenchie is one of the top restaurants Covent Garden has to offer, serving globally influenced dishes and drinks.
Here you’ll experience the same elegant Parisian spirit as the original Frenchie restaurant in Paris. And you’ll definitely want to snap a shot of your beautifully presented meal.
The restaurant offers a set menu, a seasonal A La Carte menu, and a delicious five-course tasting menu. Indulge in your choice of truffle sabayon agnolotti, banoffee, nutmeg, caramelised pecan dessert, and more.
The restaurant boasts a stylish design with eye-catching décor and cosy seats. There is also outdoor seating where you can dine amongst stunning greenery and enjoy the fresh breeze.
Location: 16 Henrietta St, London WC2E 8QH, United Kingdom
Cora Pearl Covent Garden
If you’re seeking inviting comfort food in a picturesque setting, make your way to the Cora Pearl Covent Garden restaurant in London. The chic restaurant is set in a historic townhouse and has a cosy vibe with comfortable seating and vibrant décor.
This is a wonderful place for an intimate dinner, celebration, pre-theatre dining, or a business meeting. The dishes are carefully prepared and highlight diverse produce and seasonal ingredients.
The menu includes English rose veal with carrot puree and bordelaise, Jerusalem artichoke risotto, milk and cookies dessert, and many other scrumptious dishes. And the drinks menu features several wines and potent cocktails.
For a delightful experience, visit the restaurant for Sunday lunch. You’ll choose from a special Sunday menu and have a relaxing afternoon dining with jazz-music playing in the background.
Location: 30 Henrietta St, London WC2E 8NA, United Kingdom
Nutshell
Taste delicious Persian cooking at Nutshell. This charming restaurant is a lovely place to visit for lunch and dinner in Covent Garden.
As you walk into the restaurant, the stylish décor and pops of pink tones and greenery will certainly catch your attention. And the delicious dishes will definitely hold it.
You’ll get to choose from a selection of traditional Iranian dishes with a twist. Here you can enjoy many mouthwatering dishes from smoked aubergine with pomegranate, walnut, and mint to halibut with quince and pear puree.
There are a few vegan and vegetarian options too. If you want something sweet, try the toasted flour tart with pistachio, dates, and spiced crème Fraiche. Or opt for the vegan dark chocolate ganache with puffed rice, charred orange, and rose.
Location: 30 St Martin’s Ln, London WC2N 4ER, United Kingdom
J Sheekey
J Sheekey is a short 4-minute walk from Nutshell. You certainly won’t miss this bright red building as you walk down the street.
The restaurant features a cosy atmosphere with comfortable banquette seating. You can also eat at the outdoor tables and admire the beautiful views.
Indulge in shellfish bisque, mushroom risotto, shrimp and crab burger, shellfish platters, lobster, and plenty more. There are vegan and vegetarian options and an extensive wine list too. For dessert, try the hazelnut praline chocolate fondant or tuck into the vanilla panna cotta and pistachio biscotti.
The restaurant is ideally located for a pre-theatre meal, making it one of the best places to eat near Covent Garden theatres. So, pop in before or after your show to experience exquisite service and delicious food.
Location: 28-32 St Martin’s Ct, London WC2N 4AL, United Kingdom
La Goccia Covent Garden
La Goccia is a hidden gem that’s perfect for lunch or dinner dates with friends, family, or your significant other. This charming eatery is an excellent option if you’re craving Italian food.
Here you can watch the talented chefs prepare delicious dishes in the open kitchen. They use the finest ingredients and highlight seasonal produce in the menu items.
The menu includes roast lamb, beef tartare, pumpkin ravioli, and plenty more. There are several Italian wines, innovative cocktails, beers, non-alcoholic cocktails, and soft drinks. As well as coffee and tea to accompany your meal.
This chic restaurant boasts a stylish bar area, eye-catching wall art, and plants dotted around the stunning space. The courtyard features lovely outdoor seating surrounded by gorgeous blooms and trees.
Location: 1 Floral St, London WC2E 9FB, United Kingdom
Quirky Places To Eat – Covent Garden
If you want a delicious meal with a twist, make your way to one of these quirky West End restaurants in Covent Garden.
The Barbary
The Barbary is a quaint eatery situated in Neal’s Yard. Here you can see your food being prepared in the kitchen. So you might even pick up a cooking tip or two.
The restaurant draws inspiration from the Barbary Coast, serving flavourful dishes with exotic ingredients. The menu is influenced by rich traditions and age-old techniques.
Try the octopus masabacha, or enjoy earthy flavours with a Fattoush salad. The dishes highlight products from both land and sea, while the desserts give you a little taste of heaven.
Location: 16 Neal’s Yard, London WC2H 9DP, United Kingdom
Cinnamon Bazaar
If you’re craving Indian food, Covent Garden’s Cinnamon Bazaar is a wonderful place to eat. The restaurant offers a range of innovative dishes in a quirky setting inspired by a bazaar.
Here, you’ll come across a brightly coloured bar, beautiful artwork, and vibrant red ceiling drapery. In addition to the bazaar-themed décor, Cinnamon Bazaar serves many delicious dishes.
If you want something light, try the samosa chaat, curried popcorn, or watermelon chaat. There are plenty of filling dishes, including the tandoori chicken breast, stir-fried baby aubergine, duck curry, and more.
Enjoy a bottomless biryani lunch or a flavoursome set dinner menu for £21 (two courses) or £24 (three courses). You can also visit for afternoon tea and sip on an inviting cup of chai tea.
Location: 28 Maiden Ln, London WC2E 7JS, United Kingdom
The Oystermen Seafood Bar & Kitchen
The Oystermen Seafood Bar and Kitchen is one of the best restaurants near Covent Garden Piazza. So, after browsing around the trendy markets, head to this splendid seafood restaurant for a bite.
At this quirky spot, you can indulge in fresh fish and seafood paired with some of the finest produce. While there are many tasty items on the menu, you’ll want to start with a plate of delectable oysters.
If you’re looking for something to share, tuck into a seafood platter. It is packed with flavour and includes oysters, prawns, crab, clams, and mussels. Although the seafood is the star of the show, there are a few yummy desserts too. Try the apple strudel and vanilla custard for a classic treat.
Location: 32 Henrietta St, London WC2E 8NA, United Kingdom
Eat at the Best Restaurants Covent Garden Has to Offer
Are you ready to taste the best food in Covent Garden? Each of these elegant establishments offers a creative menu, so you’re sure to find something that suits your palate.
Whether you want a whimsical experience, a pre-theatre meal, or a light bite and drink with friends, there are plenty of suitable options on this list. Once you’ve delighted your belly with delicious food, it’s time to explore the wonderful attractions and activities in Covent Garden.