My favourite restaurants in Covent Garden
It’s been ages since I last posted a London guide, so I thought that it was about time that I rounded up some of my favourite places to eat in one of the most well-trodden parts of the city: Covent Garden. It may be one of London’s most tourist-heavy neighbourhoods, but this corner of the city nestled between Trafalgar Square and Holborn is home to some of the best theatres, restaurants, and boutique shops that London has to offer. Get lost amongst the cobbled streets surrounding the piazza and stop off for a bite at one of my recommendations below…
One of my favourite Middle Eastern restaurants in London, The Barbary is a slick, intimate space located in Neal’s Yard, from the same brains behind famed The Palomar. Take a seat at the circular bar here, where you’ll watch the chefs work their magic in front of you, and feast on delicious grilled meats, homemade breads, and flavourful dips. Order a range of dishes to share with a friend, and save room for dessert (aptly named ‘Heaven’ on the menu).
Sister cafe to The Barbary, Jacob The Angel is located right next door: this quaint coffee shop offers breakfast, lunch, coffee, and homemade pastries every day, and all with a Middle Eastern twist. Expect avocado on toast served with hazelnut dukkah and harissa, or homemade granola bursting with dates, vanilla, pecans, and coconut. You’ll find an impressive spread of pastries as well: grab a seat by the window and enjoy your toasted banana bread and coffee with a view over Neal’s Yard.
The original porridge cafe in London, 26 Grains is a tiny cafe located in Neal’s Yard, offering up warming and creative porridge creations. On a blustery day, curl up inside with their Nordic spiced porridge, served with cardamom granola and blackberry compote; coffee is also expertly poured with beans roasted by Assembly. At lunchtime, you’ll find cooked dishes such as scrambled eggs and crispy garlic on brioche, or roasted pumpkin and dukkah on toast.
This Antipodean brunch cafe is located on a side street just off the main piazza in Covent Garden, featuring a long sharing table and a killer cake spread in a cosy space. Dishes are colourful and playful, as easy on the eye as they are delicious. Make sure to order their famous fig toast, which features sliced figs on a mascarpone base and sourdough, topped with pistachios, honey, and edible flowers - or try their delicious chorizo and halloumi waffle.
The London outpost of famed Parisian restaurant brand Frenchie, this slick spot on Henrietta Street offers modern fine dining with a French twist. Settle in amongst the plush velvet sofas and make sure to start off your meal with the freshly baked bacon scones (they’ll arrive warm out of the oven). You’ll find a delicious mix of meat, fish, and vegetarian dishes here, each as indulgent and tasteful as the next - save this place for a special occasion.
La Goccia at Petersham Nurseries
Housed inside Petersham Nurseries in the heart of Covent Garden, La Goccia offers an Italian menu in a chic and welcoming space, with an al fresco terrace that makes the perfect dinner spot in summer. Dishes are vibrant and colourful, featuring fresh produce and Mediterranean favourites such as melt-in-the-mouth burrata with fresh tomatoes, and handmade pastas. Save room for their desserts: you can expect the blowtorched meringue and homemade gelati to delight.
This coffee shop serves a hearty and delicious brunch menu all day every day. Opt for the grilled halloumi and fried eggs on butterbean hummus; or for veggies, ‘The Gatherer’ is The Black Penny’s take on a veggie breakfast, featuring eggs, sourdough, halloumi, spinach, and mushrooms. For those with a sweet tooth, the brioche French toast with lemon ricotta, toasted almonds and blueberry compote is divine.
From the same minds behind Crispin, Lundenwic is a minimal and tiny coffee shop located on Aldwych. You’ll find a range of sandwiches, pastries, and treats on offer here, as well as a few cooked options: the avocado toast is simple but absolutely delicious, sprinkled with chives and chilli salt. Coffee is roasted by Assembly, and there are few tables to eat in downstairs.
Have you been to any of these places? I’d love to know your favourite spots to eat in Covent Garden in the comments section below.
