Covent Garden Bites: Uncovering Culinary Gems in the Heart of London’s West End
Covent Garden is a haven for foodies, with so many choices to wine and dine that you’ll be spoilt for choice! Whether you’re here for a fleeting visit, looking to move to the area or lucky enough to already be a resident, here’s our top pick of restaurants to check out, from casual eateries to fine dining venues there’s something to suit all tastes and budgets.
Brunch Spots
Many of the cafés and restaurants in Covent Garden boast outdoor seating so there’s no better place to relax and enjoy a leisurely brunch. From eggs and pancakes to granola and smoothies, these spots are some of our favourites for a delicious brunch.
Chez Antoinette
Chez Antoinette brings a flavour of France to the streets of London with a fantastic menu of French favourites to kick off your weekend. The brioche French toast, Croque Madam and baked avocado and eggs, finished off with smoked salmon, are all tasty and perfectly washed down with a finely roasted coffee to kickstart your day.
Ladurée
Staying with the French theme is the irresistibly pretty Ladurée, offering a decadent weekend brunch menu from 10 ‘til 3pm. With the best terrace in town to people watch, along with spectacular views to pair with your food, this is a great spot for something special. Indulge in the truffled omelette or a divine selection of handcrafted pastries and famous macarons served paired with signature teas.
26 Grains
26 Grains are passionate about serving up delicious food and drinks that are made with the highest quality, seasonal ingredients. Set in the colourful enclave of Neal’s Yard, it’s the ideal spot to enjoy nourishing dishes like pear and turmeric porridge or kimchi and cheese toasties, before an afternoon browsing the local boutiques.
Evening Meals
Gaucho
Gaucho’s newest location brings Argentinian flair to Covent Garden, set in the extension of the historic Royal Opera House, showcasing a menu of copious cuts of beef, fine wines and flavoursome cocktails, as well as tasty Sunday roasts for a weekend treat. And on Fridays and Saturdays, you can be transported to Buenos Aires with live tango shows starting from 9pm. Starting life in the early ‘90s, Gaucho is now an 18-strong restaurant group that’s won numerous awards over the years.
Balthazar
One of the reasons Covent Garden is such a popular borough to live in is surely due to Balthazar’s menu of delicious French brasserie classics with an authentic Parisian feel. It’s a wonderful summer spot for bistro dining, with a great wine menu and friendly staff. This restaurant also offers a great vegetarian brunch, so there really is something for everyone here.
Da Henrietta
Tucked away within Covent Garden’s Henrietta Hotel, you’ll find Da Henrietta which is run by the Italian Supper Club. Enjoy a culinary journey through the Italian West Coast’s much-loved classics like farinata, ravioli and bucatini topped off with Roman pecorino cheese.
Cafes
Violas
A two-minute walk from the Piazza, Violas is the perfect spot to enjoy some calm amidst the bustle of Covent Garden. The floral-clad venue delivers a wonderfully relaxed dining experience, popular for its stunning food, warm welcome and a menu of Instagrammable favourites such as tiramisu French toast, lobster bao bun and 35-day dry aged steak.
Fair Shot
Fair Shot is a social enterprise and charity giving opportunities to young people with disabilities and/or autism. This specialty coffee shop opened up in 2021 and has since become a popular Covent Garden spot for tasty coffee from a local small batch roastery and a menu of limited dishes that’s changed up regularly.
Fabrique
Fabrique is a Swedish stone oven bakery serving up fresh bread and pastries to Covent Garden residents. Originating in Stockholm, Fabrique is now a firm favourite among Londoners who love the traditional techniques and flavours used to create their menu of distinctive baked goods. We highly recommend their cinnamon buns, known as kanelbullar, paired with a warming coffee.
Whether you want a light bite or a heartier meal, Covent Garden is the perfect foodie destination to suit all. It’s such a fantastic borough for food lovers with a tempting array of eateries to choose from, so you can travel the world through its food, all from the heart of London’s West End!
If you’d like advice on moving to Covent Garden or anywhere in central London, contact the team at Hudsons Property today.
