10 Good Places To Eat in Covent Garden
Since Covent Garden is such a great central spot in many London trips, I thought it might be helpful to put together a list of my favourite places to eat there. After all, there is no more helpful recommendation than one from someone who has actually been there approximately a gazillion times. Luckily for us all, I spend endless hours of my life right there- eating and shopping. As anyone who has been can tell you- you won't be short on options there. But it can be a bit overwhelming... so I've tried to make it easy on you.
If you're planning a trip to London, find more of my favourite London places in my guides to London & Notting Hill.
10 GREAT EATS IN COVENT GARDEN
FLAT IRON | Flat Iron has three locations, and this one just between the Covered Market and Trafalgar Square is the largest. The food is insanely good. (Which is steak, in case the name didn't give it away.) And while the atmosphere is cool and the food is too notch- you'll walk out feeling a bit stunned at how inexpensive the whole experience is. The one caveat: none of the locations take reservations. Your best bet is to go early to get as far ahead in the queue as possible... or plan to put your name on the list and keep yourself entertained elsewhere for a good hour or more while you wait for a table.
DISHOOM | Most Londoners will point you to Dishoom, if you're looking for great Indian food. Not only is the decor very cool, the central setting in Covent Garden ideal for easy access, their famous "Naughty Chai," and outstanding food keep pushing Dishoom into the limelight. On the weekend, opt for something a bit different and head their for one of London's favourite brunches. Think Naan stuffed with bacon, eggs, coriander (read: "cilantro" if you're in the US) and cream cheese.
Photo courtesy of @jeradmichael
BATTERSEA PIE STATION | I absolutely love pie & mash. While it feels perfectly British, anyone that has a bite totally connects to the concept and taste. I mean, come on: pie crust, tasty fillings, mashed potatoes and gravy? What's hard to like about that? This tiny shop on the basement floor of the covered market puts new meaning to the phrase "Pie Hole." And since I like to give unsolicited advice: my favourite is the goats cheese & sweet potato pie.
BALTHAZAR CAFE | While many people will know that this is the result of NYC's success in he Balthazar concept, London has still rejoiced with its arrival. To be honest, the actual restaurant always leaves me a bit... meh. (The New York one, too.) But I have serious respect for their neighbouring, tiny cafe that sells incredibly authentic French items. Sandwiches, decadent desserts and casually perfect Viennosserie items. They also have a full coffee/espresso range, so please opt for this quiet stop before wandering into the Starbucks next door.
HOMESLICE IN NEALS YARD | Situated in one of the most photographed corners of London, Neals Yard, Homeslice serves up some killer pizza. Huge slices covered in a variety of toppings (from common to cool. Kale, anyone?) It's a tiny shop, but the real score is getting to sit outside on a tiny perch to enjoy the setting and people watching.
MEATMARKET | While I'm a fan of the obvious "American" approved burger joints crowning Covent Garden, I actually really like MEATMarket. While centrally located by the Covered Market, this in-the-know "dive" has a discreet sitting a level above the hustle and bustle below. This isn't a place you can be healthy, but if you're looking for something good, greasy and guy-approved- head here.
FABRIQUE BAKERY | If you're looking for coffee and a Swedish roll, which I assume most of us are, there's no finer place to get one than Fabrique. (I've blogged about the Notting Hill location before here.)
ROSEWOOD HOTEL | This may technically be across the road from "Covent Garden," but since it's so close and so wonderful- it's making the list. I love meeting friends for tea or a drink here. Whether it's their classy lunch served in the mirror room or an afterword meet up in the very cool Scarves Bar- I'm never disappointed when I venture to this palatial hotel.
MILK TRAIN | Soft serve ice cream that is covered in an endless offering of toppings and nestled in a cloud of brightly-hued candy floss (US read: "cotton candy"). The line can be long, so maybe not best the easiest place to stand around if little ones are in tow.
Photo courtesy of @media_candy
CICCHETTI | This restaurant is not only decorated like a gorgeous Mediterranean jewel, but the food and experience reinforce the feeling. With small, shareable plates of authentic Italian cuisine- this is a great date spot that will both introduce you to amazing new flavours... and still offer a huge range of familiar favourites. Service is slick and attentive. Make sure you get the full experience and get an espresso or milliner macchiato before you get the bill. Reservations recommended for dinner.
DELAUNAY COUNTER | As the little brother to the glamorous Viennese cafe, The Delaunay, situated next door, this more casual concept might almost fool you into thinking it's somehow less special. But with affordable daily specials like weiner schnitzel, fresh bakery goods like pretzels and Sacher tortes, and cosy warm drinks- you'll soon realise that the Delaunay Counter is one of the gems of Covent Garden.
Any other Covent Garden classics that you want to add to this list? You can also find a few more area favourites on my Instagram with the hashtag #AspiringLondon.