Pubs & Cafés
Royal Opera House Café Take the escalator up to the café in the Amphitheatre Bar for coffees, cakes and drinks.
World Food Café, Neal’s Yard Dining Room Have a pot of tea or a coffee, an Indian mango ice cream or a vegetarian snack in this pretty corner of Covent Garden.
World food café sign
Freuds This
small basement attracts a designer crowd in the evenings. Huge choice
of coffees (some with liqueurs), cocktails and bottled beers. Canela Portuguese and Brazilian treats await the hungry here. Try the black bean stew with pork, chunky sandwiches filled with chorizo, and filling desserts. The Lamb and Flag This traditional pub, serving cask bitter, is one of the oldest in the West End and is deservedly popular. Delicious roasts are served upstairs at weekday lunchtimes.
Outside the Lamb and Flag
Paul The
best patisserie in Covent Garden has authentic French fruit tarts,
croissants, breads and cakes, as well as filled baguettes and real
French coffee.
Enjoying a snack at Paul
Gordon’s Wine Bar An ancient dive where wine, port and Madeira are served from the barrel in schooners or beakers. Lowlander Belgian beer and European cuisine served in a relaxed setting attract drinkers and diners alike at this popular spot. Porterhouse Excellent beers and a great atmosphere in this pub, which boasts snugs and bars over 11 levels. Monmouth Coffee Company The
best place in London to buy and sample really good coffee, as well as a
wonderful small café of great character that serves delicious French
pastries .
Restaurants
The Ivy Mere
mortals need to reserve several months ahead for London’s most
star-struck restaurant, but it’s worth waiting for the delicious
brasserie-style food and lively atmosphere. 1–5 West Street WC2 020 7836 4751
Abeno Too Okonomiyaki
– Japanese comfort food, rather like a cross between omelette and a
savoury pancake – is cooked on a hot grill right in front of you. Mon Plaisir One of the oldest French restaurants in London. Daily specials keep the menu fresh. Rock and Sole Plaice This is simply the best place in central London for traditional British fish and chips. 47 Endell Street WC2 020 7836 3785
Chez Gerard This
airy branch of a popular chain of French restaurants has a glass roof
and spectacular setting overlooking Covent Garden market. Robust,
unfussy French food at its best. The café is open 11am–5pm. Hamburger Union Hamburgers are of the gourmet variety and are accompanied by chunky chips. 4–6 Garrick Street WC2 020 7379 0412 No disabled access
Orso A popular, atmospheric, mid-priced Italian restaurant. 27 Wellington Street WC2 020 7240 5269
L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon Experience fine dining from the man who mentored such luminaries as Gordon Ramsay. 13–15 West Street WC2 020 7010 8600
Rules London’s oldest restaurant has been famed since 1798 for its “porter, pies and oysters” . 35 Maiden Lane WC2 020 7836 5314 No disabled access
The Admiralty Modern European cooking in elegant surroundings.
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