The area surrounding Covent Garden 's covered market used to be a culinary desert, all grey steaks , chain restaurants and tired old tourist traps. But all of a sudden Covent Garden has become a foodie destination in its own right, staking claim to some of the best restaurants in London. To find them, we've put together our edit of the best Covent Garden restaurants, in no particular order.
For the latest restaurant openings in London, subscribe to our foodie newsletter. The starters and snacks stole the show: the classic Parisian fried pied de cochon with Agen prunes and beer mustard was a winner, closely trailed by the oysters in a refreshing apple and Chartreuse granita. Pick of the charcoal grill were the Brixham cod, crab bisque and lime leaf; and the juicy roast duck slices in blood orange sauce and green olives. Still, I would return here for the riz au lait dessert alone, with its build-your-own topping of apricot, dulce de leche and rice krispies.
Pure heaven. Noo Saro-Wiwa. Downstairs, though, the pace changes to something slower and sultry, all low-lighting and small tables facing towards a small stage, where a band plays a show every evening. Abigail Malbon. Whereas Restaurant Story, which relaunched in early following an extensive refurbishment, is a gastronome's go-to for its nine-course tasting menus and opulent atmosphere, Cellar tones down the refinement just enough to become a casual, yet exceptional, spot for lunch and supper.
Both the interiors and the menus are inspired by Paris ' rotisserie-style restaurants so, while chicken dishes in many London restaurants are reserved for more conservative palates, it's a must here, served alongside a crunchy salad and helpings of crisp French fries.
For the most part, it's simple food done very well; head chef Rob Homer's kitchen highlights include perfectly cooked steaks and dry-aged pork chops, so this team knows how to handle their meat. Put your reservations aside and start with the snail bolognese on toast with parsley butter β an earthier take on a favourite.
