Are You Searching for the Best Places to Dine in Covent Garden This Year? In 2025, Covent Garden remains one of the UK’s most vibrant destinations for dining. Its iconic streets, theatres, and market squares draw in millions of visitors, but it’s the food scene that often steals the show.
Whether you’re a London local seeking new flavours or a visitor hoping to enjoy the city’s culinary best, Covent Garden is brimming with choices that satisfy all tastes and preferences.
The challenge? With dozens of highly rated establishments, deciding where to eat can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve compiled this carefully researched guide to the Top 10 Covent Garden Restaurants in the UK 2025, covering fine dining, casual eateries, and trend-setting hotspots.
This isn’t just a list; it’s your insider look at the restaurants that are truly worth your time and taste buds.
Covent Garden’s appeal lies not just in the variety of its restaurants but in the experiences they offer. Nestled between Soho, the West End, and the Thames, this area captures a unique blend of culture, creativity, and culinary artistry.
In 2025, restaurants here continue to innovate. Chefs are embracing local, sustainable ingredients, while interior designs range from fairy-tale elegance to edgy minimalism. Whether you’re seeking an atmospheric dinner before the theatre or a sunlit lunch on a terrace, Covent Garden delivers.
Its central location also makes it a convenient hub for dining before exploring nearby attractions such as the Royal Opera House, the London Transport Museum, or Seven Dials.
Diversity defines Covent Garden’s food scene. While some areas in London may lean heavily into specific cuisines, Covent Garden is a true melting pot. French, Italian, British, Indian, Peruvian, Japanese, you’ll find it all here, sometimes in a single menu.
Many restaurants fuse global flavours to create something unique. Sushi Samba, for example, blends Japanese precision with Brazilian vibrancy and Peruvian spice. Meanwhile, others like Dishoom focus on authenticity, recreating the nostalgic charm of Bombay cafés with modern twists.
This range makes Covent Garden an ideal destination for food adventurers and traditionalists alike.
One of the biggest misconceptions about Covent Garden is that it’s only for high-end dining. While there are certainly luxury establishments, there’s also a wealth of affordable and mid-range restaurants that deliver exceptional value.
Let’s take a closer look:
| Budget Category | Example Restaurants | Average Spend (per person) |
| Budget | Flat Iron, Shake Shack | £15–£25 |
| Mid-Range | Dishoom, Ave Mario | £25–£45 |
| Premium | Clos Maggiore, Sushi Samba | £60–£120+ |
From a casual steak at Flat Iron to a refined French dinner at Clos Maggiore, Covent Garden caters to every financial comfort level.
Timing can significantly influence your dining experience. Covent Garden restaurants are busiest during weekends, theatre hours, and public holidays. If you’re planning to dine before a show or during peak tourist seasons, making a reservation is highly recommended.
For a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere, weekdays, especially early afternoons, are ideal. Many restaurants offer set lunch menus during the week, allowing you to enjoy the same quality at a reduced price.
In warmer months, outdoor seating becomes a highlight, with spots like The Ivy and Petersham Nurseries offering open-air spaces perfect for people-watching.
Given the wealth of options, selecting a restaurant in Covent Garden can be daunting. Start by defining what you’re in the mood for, casual or formal, quick bite or slow-dining experience, local flavours or international cuisine.
Next, consider proximity. If you’re heading to the theatre, you may want a restaurant close to your venue. Use tools like Google Reviews, TripAdvisor, or directory.clickdo.co.uk to compare customer experiences and check for dietary accommodations, child-friendly menus, or dog-friendly patios.
Many of Covent Garden’s top spots are now listed on OpenTable and Resy, making it easier to compare menus, view photos, and reserve a table in seconds.
Clos Maggiore has earned a reputation as London’s most romantic restaurant, and with good reason. Located just a short walk from Covent Garden’s main piazza, it transports guests into a scene that feels lifted from the hills of Provence or the quiet lanes of Tuscany.
The highlight of the space is undoubtedly the blossom-adorned conservatory, where soft candlelight and overhead blooms create an open-air garden feel year-round. During winter, the space transforms into a warm, intimate escape lit by firelight.
The restaurant’s approach to dining is refined and seasonal. Its modern European menu is crafted with a deep respect for British ingredients, combining French techniques with ingredients sourced from across the UK, like seafood from local boats, lamb from Welsh mountains, and vegetables from Kentish farms.
Culinary Experience
Clos Maggiore’s à la carte menu celebrates balance and depth. Starters include highlights such as:
Mains range from a grilled côte de boeuf for two, to a butter-poached Icelandic cod in a lobster and vegetable casserole, or a light but flavourful Italian grezzina courgette dish with feta and puffed rice.
The dessert menu continues the indulgence, featuring dishes like a Clos Maggiore chocolate soufflé, a Gariguette strawberry with Madagascan pink pepper, and a vanilla rice pudding mousse paired with selected dessert wines.
A comprehensive wine programme, including exclusive tasting events and an optional Wine Club membership, invites guests to explore vintages from across Europe. For private occasions, the upstairs dining room, intimate yet elegant, offers bespoke menus and room for up to 18 guests.
| Dining Options | Details |
| Cuisine | Modern European with French influence |
| Ambience | Romantic, garden-inspired |
| Standout Feature | Blossom conservatory, award-winning wine list |
| Notable Events | Wine tastings, private dining |
| Signature Dish | Côte de boeuf for two with gratin Dauphinois |
Clos Maggiore doesn’t just serve meals, it curates moments. Whether celebrating an anniversary or indulging in refined seasonal flavours, it remains one of Covent Garden’s most enchanting culinary destinations.
Perfectly positioned in the heart of Covent Garden, The Ivy Market Grill offers a mix of old-world British charm and contemporary dining. It’s an offshoot of the famed Ivy Restaurant, delivering the same polished hospitality in a more relaxed, theatrical setting.
The interiors pay homage to Covent Garden’s rich performing arts history. Photographs of iconic stage stars adorn the walls, and soft lighting creates an atmosphere both glamorous and inviting. Guests can dine on the terrace or in one of the two private rooms, The Pygmalion and The Galatea, named in honour of myth and drama.
Menu & Special Offerings
The Ivy Market Grill has crafted an extensive selection of menus to suit every occasion and time of day. Morning visitors can enjoy a traditional English breakfast or elegant weekend brunch. Lunchtime diners are welcomed with the Heritage Menu (£20.95 for two courses), while the ‘Class of 2025’ Set Menu celebrates seasonal highlights for a limited time.
A full à la carte menu is available throughout the day and features timeless British staples like:
Sundays offer a classic Ivy roast with Yorkshire puddings and all the trimmings, and vegan or vegetarian guests will find dedicated options crafted with the same attention to detail.
Dining Overview
| Dining Options | Details |
| Cuisine | British/European brasserie |
| Ambience | Elegant, theatre-inspired |
| Notable Menus | Breakfast, brunch, heritage, Sunday roast |
| Private Dining | Two rooms with flexible setup |
| Accessibility | Main restaurant fully accessible |
The Ivy Market Grill is equally suited to casual lunches or special evening occasions. It’s a reliable choice for those seeking classic British dishes with a side of West End flair.
Since its opening, Dishoom Covent Garden has redefined what Indian dining in the UK can look like. Inspired by the Bombay cafés of the early 20th century, the restaurant recreates a nostalgic, bustling atmosphere layered with colonial architecture, antique furniture, and soulful music.
Dishoom’s mission is to tell the story of Bombay through food. Its recipes are tributes to the roadside vendors, family kitchens, and legendary restaurants of India’s most dynamic city. The result is a menu rich with comfort, spice, and innovation.
Dishoom’s Culinary Stories
Dishoom’s food is shaped as much by memory as it is by flavour. Dishes such as:
Each plate is a tribute to Bombay’s heritage. Even snacks like spicy chicken puffs and white chocolate pistachio dates reflect India’s fusion of cultures and tastes.
Why It Stands Out?
The restaurant is open from early breakfast to late-night dinner and draws in locals and tourists alike. Despite its popularity and frequent queues, the vibe remains welcoming and unhurried.
| Dining Options | Details |
| Cuisine | Indian/Bombay-style café food |
| Ambience | Colonial, vintage, casual |
| Signature Dishes | Bacon naan roll, black daal |
| Cocktail Specialities | Permit Room drinks |
Dishoom blends nostalgia and modernity, honouring the spirit of Bombay while delivering one of Covent Garden’s most unique dining experiences.
Set inside the historic Watney-Combe brewery, Hawksmoor Seven Dials is a destination for those who take their steak seriously. This beloved steakhouse reflects a rich heritage and continues the tradition of great British beef, once celebrated by 19th-century London high society.
Today, Hawksmoor balances tradition with a modern, ethical approach. A certified B Corp, it sources grass-fed beef from UK farms and places staff well-being at the centre of its operations.
Food That Means Business
At its heart is the steak: dry-aged, expertly seasoned, and grilled to perfection. The Express Menu, served during lunch and early dinner, offers incredible value and efficiency, pairing dishes like potted beef and bacon with toast or rump steak with beef-fat chips.
Weekends at Hawksmoor are marked by a legendary Sunday roast. Expect:
And for wine lovers, BYO Mondays offer corkage for just £5, making it an ideal date night or catch-up spot.
Dining Overview
| Dining Options | Details |
| Cuisine | British Steakhouse |
| Ambience | Rustic, warm, historic |
| Signature Dish | Rump steak with triple-cooked chips |
| Sunday Offering | Full roast dinner with trimmings |
| Set Menus | Available weekdays (12–3 pm & 5–6:30 pm) |
Hawksmoor isn’t just about beef, it’s about bringing people together over food rooted in quality and story. The service, history, and flavour make it one of the most consistent and rewarding dining spots in Covent Garden.
Ave Mario, created by the Big Mamma Group, is far more than a restaurant, it’s a theatrical celebration of Italian life. Inspired by a Florentine palazzo, the interiors are dramatic and extravagant, with high ceilings, a central bar decked in over 3,000 bottles, and retro lighting that turns every meal into a show.
The menu is equally audacious. From Neapolitan pizzas with blistered crusts to Spaghetti Carbonara stirred tableside in a 4kg pecorino cheese wheel, Ave Mario goes big on flavour and fun.
Menu Highlights
Ave Mario caters to a lively crowd, perfect for group dining or spontaneous walk-ins. Its pre-theatre menu, available daily between 4:45–7:00 pm, is ideal for those headed to a West End show.
| Dining Options | Details |
| Cuisine | Italian trattoria-style |
| Ambience | Theatrical, bold, retro |
| Signature Dish | Pecorino carbonara, Fiorentina steak |
| Special Offerings | Pre-theatre and lunch set menus |
Whether it’s a birthday dinner or a weekend outing, Ave Mario is where joy meets generosity. It’s a love letter to Italian food wrapped in Covent Garden energy.
Perched atop the iconic Opera Terrace within Covent Garden’s Grade II-listed Market Building, SUSHISAMBA Covent Garden brings unmatched energy and style to London’s dining scene. Architecturally stunning, the restaurant’s glass canopy, designed by Eric Parry, allows natural light to flood the space by day and offers dazzling views of the piazza at night.
More than just a visually striking venue, SUSHISAMBA offers a menu that spans cultures and continents.
The culinary concept fuses Japanese precision, Brazilian flair, and Peruvian vibrancy in an ever-changing, globally inspired selection of small plates. It’s a place where robata-grilled meats, seviches, sushi rolls, and tempura coexist seamlessly.
Signature Dining Experience
Whether seated at the high-energy sushi bar, under the lush living canopy ceiling, or out on the terrace overlooking the square, guests are immersed in a vibrant atmosphere. The menu is designed for sharing, with an emphasis on discovery and variety.
You might begin with delicate yellowtail tiradito or Peruvian-style seviche before exploring robata skewers or wagyu gyoza. From the Japanese kitchen, the sushi is as theatrical as it is precise, delivered with flair and often a touch of fire from the open kitchen.
The bar serves a wide range of inventive cocktails, sake, and curated wines, while private dining options offer an exclusive, elegant space for intimate events or corporate functions.
| Dining Options | Details |
| Cuisine | Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian fusion |
| Ambience | Contemporary, vibrant, rooftop views |
| Seating Highlights | Glass-canopied roof, sushi bar, terrace dining |
| Private Dining | Yes – with private balcony access |
| Signature Plates | Robata-grilled meats, sushi rolls, moqueca, seviches |
SUSHISAMBA brings a cosmopolitan experience to Covent Garden, perfect for trendsetters, special occasions, or anyone looking to enjoy world-class cuisine in a show-stopping space.
At Flat Iron Covent Garden, the mission is clear: make exceptional steak accessible to everyone. What started as a small pop-up in Shoreditch in 2012 has grown into a beloved London staple, and the Henrietta Street location is its largest and most atmospheric.
Set within a historic building once home to Pearson Weekly, Flat Iron’s space balances Victorian charm with modern craft. Inside, you’ll find oak tables handcrafted by local artisans and a floor mosaic restored from the original 1892 design.
Food Philosophy and Menu
Flat Iron serves one primary dish, the Flat Iron steak, priced at a modest £15. It’s carefully sourced from rare and native British breeds through a close partnership with Cornwall-based butchers Philip Warren & Son. These cuts are lesser-known but flavourful, the result of a philosophy rooted in nose-to-tail sustainability.
Sides like beef dripping chips, bone marrow mash, and truffled mac and cheese enhance the meal, while specials such as Scottish Bavette or Wagyu of the day provide variety. Guests are often delighted by the complimentary homemade vanilla soft serve, a small gesture that feels like a celebration of good value.
| Dining Options | Details |
| Cuisine | British steakhouse |
| Ambience | Industrial heritage meets modern comfort |
| Signature Dish | Flat Iron steak (£15) |
| Butchery | On-site with skilled artisans |
Flat Iron is ideal for quick meals, casual dates, or last-minute meetups. With no reservations needed, it represents the democratisation of great steak, done simply, respectfully, and well.
Tucked away in the serene Floral Court near King Street, The Petersham offers a quiet, artfully styled escape from Covent Garden’s buzz. Inspired by the founders’ Richmond family home and their dedication to slow food principles, the restaurant blends Italian culinary traditions with English garden sensibilities.
The interiors are refined yet organic, featuring Genoese chandeliers, Murano glass, and walls adorned with contemporary art. With large windows looking into the courtyard and access to a private terrace, it creates the feeling of dining inside a curated greenhouse.
Farm-to-Table Philosophy
The Petersham is deeply connected to the land. Ingredients come directly from Haye Farm in Devon, operated by the founders’ family, as well as from other local, organic suppliers. This allows the chefs to craft highly seasonal dishes that highlight natural flavour rather than conceal it.
Menus shift frequently, but often include dishes such as:
The Petersham’s La Merenda Afternoon Tea is another standout, offering Italian pastries, teas, and prosecco in the afternoon.
| Dining Options | Details |
| Cuisine | Italian-influenced seasonal cuisine |
| Ambience | Botanical, elegant, peaceful |
| Ingredients Sourced From | Haye Farm & small organic producers |
| Signature Offering | Seasonal tasting menus, afternoon tea |
Perfect for quiet lunches, romantic dinners, or refined gatherings, The Petersham is a sanctuary for those who appreciate simplicity, sustainability, and beauty on the plate.
Blacklock is not just another meat-focused restaurant. At its Covent Garden location, it pays tribute to Britain’s butchery heritage with both reverence and modern flair.
Built on the ideals of nose-to-tail eating and responsible sourcing, Blacklock works exclusively with Philip Warren & Son, a family of third-generation farmers and butchers in Cornwall.
From the reclaimed timber interiors to the scent of charcoal in the air, the restaurant evokes warmth and craftsmanship. Its menu is anchored by the concept of “the whole animal”, meaning everything is used, and nothing goes to waste.
What to Expect?
The signature experience is the All In, which includes a starter of flatbreads with bone marrow and dripping, followed by a tower of lamb, pork, and beef skinny chops, all piled high and served family-style. Sundays are for hearty roasts, which rival any mum’s homemade version.
Being a certified B Corp, Blacklock commits to low-impact farming and carbon-reducing initiatives through Net Zero Now. This isn’t just a steakhouse, it’s a sustainability-forward operation with deeply British roots.
| Dining Options | Details |
| Cuisine | British, meat-focused |
| Ambience | Cosy, rustic, heritage-inspired |
| Signature Dishes | “All In” Chop Experience, Sunday Roast |
| Sustainability | Whole animal use, regenerative farming |
For meat lovers, there’s no better place in Covent Garden to indulge guilt-free. Blacklock proves that ethical eating and indulgence can go hand in hand.
A transplant from New York with a flair for the theatrical, Balthazar London brings the art of French brasserie dining to Covent Garden’s historic Flower Cellars building.
The ambience is classic Parisian, with aged parquet floors, antique mirrors, and deep banquettes set the tone for leisurely lunches and late suppers alike.
Open from early morning to late evening, Balthazar offers all-day dining that seamlessly adapts to theatre-goers, business diners, and romantic couples. Its menus are grounded in French tradition and brasserie classics, elevated with a London twist.
Menu Highlights and Events
Guests can enjoy:
A special Prix Fixe menu, ideal for pre- and post-theatre dining, offers two or three courses at a fixed price. For larger groups or elegant occasions, Le Petit Salon Privé and Le Grand Salon Privé provide secluded, beautifully decorated spaces perfect for private events.
| Dining Options | Details |
| Cuisine | French brasserie |
| Ambience | Classic, lively, Parisian |
| Signature Dishes | Steak frites, escargot, tarte tatin |
| Private Dining | Yes – two private salons |
With a commitment to tradition and a flair for luxury, Balthazar captures the romance and liveliness of Paris in the heart of London. Whether stopping in for a quick tartine or celebrating a milestone, it delivers with charm and consistency.
| Restaurant | Cuisine Type | Ambience | Signature Dish / Highlight | Special Features |
| Clos Maggiore | Modern European (French influence) | Romantic, floral, fine dining | Côte de boeuf, hand-dived scallops | Wine club, private dining room, award-winning wine list |
| The Ivy Market Grill | British / European brasserie | Elegant, theatrical, brasserie-style | Shepherd’s pie, Sunday roast | Private rooms, accessible venue, seasonal menus |
| Dishoom | Indian (Bombay café-style) | Vintage, lively, colonial décor | Bacon naan roll, black daal | Inspired by Bombay, serves all day, cocktail menu |
| Hawksmoor Seven Dials | British Steakhouse | Historic, industrial-chic | Rump steak & chips, Sunday roast | BYO wine Mondays, express menu, B Corp certified |
| Ave Mario | Italian trattoria | Bold, retro, theatrical | Pecorino carbonara, Fiorentina T-bone | Pre-theatre menu, group bookings, set menus |
| SUSHISAMBA | Japanese / Brazilian / Peruvian | Rooftop, modern, high-energy | Robata meats, sushi rolls, and seviches | Panoramic views, private terrace, sushi bar |
| Flat Iron | British Steak | Rustic-modern, casual | Flat Iron steak, beef dripping chips | No reservations, free soft-serve, in-house butchery |
| Petersham Nurseries | Italian-influenced seasonal | Botanical, serene, refined | Seasonal tasting menus, Devon lamb | Farm-to-table, afternoon tea, private terrace |
| Blacklock | British meat-focused | Warm, traditional, rustic | “All In” chops, Sunday Roast | Whole animal use, B Corp, regenerative farming |
| Balthazar | Classic French brasserie | Parisian, grand, timeless | Steak frites, tarte tatin | Private dining salons, pre/post theatre menu |
Covent Garden in 2025 continues to prove itself as one of the UK’s most diverse and exciting food destinations. From candle-lit romance at Clos Maggiore to rooftop fusion dining at SUSHISAMBA, and from artisanal simplicity at Flat Iron to Italian flair at Ave Mario, each restaurant brings its own story, style, and flavour to this iconic London neighbourhood.
Whether you’re looking for a casual steakhouse, a pre-theatre menu, or a refined botanical escape, the restaurants of Covent Garden cater to every occasion, taste, and mood.
These top 10 selections represent the very best that the area has to offer this year, a celebration of cuisine, creativity, and culture right in the heart of the capital.
Explore widely, book ahead when you can, and savour every bite. Covent Garden’s tables are set for an unforgettable year in dining.
Covent Garden is known for its diversity, with popular offerings including British, Italian, Indian, Japanese, and French cuisines.
Booking is highly recommended, especially for restaurants like Clos Maggiore, SUSHISAMBA, and Hawksmoor. Some, like Flat Iron, operate on a walk-in basis.
Yes, most Covent Garden restaurants offer dedicated vegetarian and vegan menus, including Petersham Nurseries and The Ivy Market Grill.
Clos Maggiore and Petersham Nurseries are especially popular for romantic settings due to their atmosphere and intimate dining environments.
Ave Mario, The Ivy Market Grill, and Balthazar offer private dining spaces and set menus for larger groups.
Absolutely. Flat Iron and Dishoom offer high-quality meals at accessible prices, ideal for casual diners or budget-conscious visitors.
Yes, many venues such as The Ivy Market Grill and Ave Mario are family-friendly and offer kids’ menus or group dining flexibility.
Yes, Balthazar, Hawksmoor, and Ave Mario offer dedicated pre-theatre menus, timed perfectly for nearby West End shows.
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