21 Covent Garden

Set over 3 floors, I was concerned that it would be a sprawling noisy place with disinterested waiters and stuffed with tourists who don't know any better. I was very pleasantly surprised to be faced with a relatively intimate bar on the first floor, in which the hostess was engaged, attentive and fantastically welcoming. Most importantly the barmen were alert, quick, pleasant and capable of making the perfect dry martini. Not only that, the music wasn't at such decibels to make a conversation impossible. The cellar houses the restaurant. Set in vaulted arches (mind your head if you are tall) the atmosphere completely changes to one of calm and cosiness. The staff again are smiling, attentive and on the ball. The food is incredibly delicious and the portions are enormous. I had the crab linguine and it would have quite happily of fed two (women). Would definitely go again.

First time booked through Square Meal. Wanted a pre-opera meal. Staff very welcoming and considerate. Had taken into consideration request for suitably cushioned seat to accommodate my wife's back problem. Helpfully steered away from ordering accompaniments for a main course which, with starter, was quite sufficient. Liked the cellar atmosphere. If you have not been before and do not know Covent Garden, don't be misled into thinking that 21 is on the outside of the square - walked round completely and missed it. Cabs not able to drop you at the door. But it is well worth finding.

Really great food and location in the Covent Garden square so you are able to see the entertainers on a sunny day. I had a tastecard and they told me at the end of the meal that you have to eat indoors if using a tastecard but they let me off this time as I had mentioned it to them. Would go back again but wasn't happy with the Tastecard issue.

Although great value, the set menu ravioli tasted vinegary and our meal was spoiled by a large group of rowdy girls who came in half way through. We had gone for a pre theatre meal and the place wasn't that busy so a shame they couldn't have been seated away from quieter diners.

Don't normally bother with this review stuff, but this place was excellent. Great atmosphere, great food and excellent value for money – I would strongly recommend a visit if you are in the vicinity, you wont be disappointed if your experience is half as good as ours!