Best restaurants in Covent Garden

London’s archetypal tapas bar, perennially popular Barrafina is all about dainty small plates that pack a serious punch. Be wary of the no-bookings policy, but trust us when we say the queues will be worth it.  

Taking the title of London’s oldest restaurant (opened by Thomas Rule in 1798), charming Rules is a resolutely traditional spot serving the kind of British food that will make you sing ‘God save the Queen!’

Boasting an atmosphere that makes both Londoners and out of towners feel at home, cosy Cora Pearl pulls in the crowds with its Anglo-European menu. Our top order? The finger-licking good ham and cheese toastie.

It may feel like there’s an Ivy on every corner now, but the original still boasts an air of glamour that the spin-offs can’t replicate, with the restaurant even counting the Queen among its fans.

Overseen by Gordon Ramsay, the long-standing Savoy Grill harks back to a bygone era with its unashamed glamour; think mirrored walls and glittering chandeliers. The meat is the star, served up as steaks and chops.  

Balthazar is an upscale bistro suited to all ages and any time of the day. The prix fixe is remarkably good value for this part of town, while afternoon tea and weekend brunch also appeal.

This Petersham is more glamorous (and expensive) than the Richmond original. Don’t let high prices put you off though, as the menu of beautifully presented and hearty Italian fare is sure to win you over.

Kitted out to look like a traditional fishmongers, Parsons is a seafood joint with heart. The wine list impresses too – no surprise considering Parsons is a sibling to 10 Cases wine bar across the road.

This upmarket Italian has elegance in spades and top-drawer service too, with smart doormen and suited bartenders nice added touches. The menu is just as classic, featuring the likes of crab ravioli and tiramisu.

There may be a handful of Hawksmoors around, but the Seven Dials outpost is probably our favourite. Great for groups, dining here means 35-day aged steaks from The Ginger Pig, creative cocktails and sumptuous sides.

The Portrait comes with an endless list of reasons to visit, aside from the National Art Gallery that sits just a few floors below. You’ll find a menu that showcases the best of British and Irish produce, views of some of London’s iconic landmarks, and getting to watch chef patron Richard Corrigan at the helm - it’s pretty special.

With just 24 seats and no reservations allowed, The Barbary is a homely spot which serves a blend of Israeli cooking that employs both Mediterranean ingredients and North African spices – enticing, affordable and delicious stuff.

Imported from New York, RedFarm is a pricey, but fun Cantonese restaurant that’s best known for its Insta-bait Pac Man dumplings. Other quirks include cheeseburger spring rolls and xiao long bao soup dumplings pierced with a straw.

A slightly more casual spin-off of Angela Hartnett’s Mayfair flagship, Café Murano deals in modern Italian cooking and cosy, welcoming vibes. Come for the heavenly homemade pasta, and stay for the selection of Italian-themed cocktails.

Found at Somerset House and masterminded by Skye Gyngell, Spring is a love letter to seasonality which thrills with its disarmingly simple dishes; think the likes of girolles on toasted sourdough with sheep’s milk ricotta.

This humble oyster restaurant proved so popular that in 2018, the team doubled the size of its dining room. Charming hosts, reasonably priced dishes and top-quality oysters go some way to explaining its popularity.

One of Vivek Singh’s more casual spots, Cinnamon Bazaar is a riot of colour and flavours. The a la carte revolves around snacks and chaat, but we are also fans of the Indian-style afternoon tea.

Legendary J Sheekey may be best known for being a favourite among theatre stars, but the top-quality seafood and unfalteringly warm service ensure us regular folk can have a great time dining here too.

Serving fresh pasta at knock-down prices, Bancone has been a smash hit ever since opening its doors in 2018. The silk handkerchiefs are the top order, but antipasti put in a strong showing too.

Billed as the world’s first kebab tasting menu restaurant, this marvellous 10-seat operation beneath Maison Bab delicately straddles the line between fine dining experience and all-out parody. It’s truly delicious and tons of fun too.

The newest of London's three branches of the slowly expanding FishWorks chain betrays its origins as a fishmonger with some spankingly fresh seafood treated simply with classic accompaniments to highlight the freshness of the produce. 

More accessible than Fitzrovia’s Michelin-starred Lima, this casual spin-off serves up enchanting dishes made with ingredients that aren’t often seen in the capital. For post-dinner Pisco Sours, the basement bar is the place to go.

Tom Kerridge’s debut London restaurant is as plush as you’d expect, featuring red leather booths and chic light fixtures. From the accomplished menu of comfort food classics, the decadent lobster thermidor is our top pick.

It may have swapped out the breathtaking views of its City sister for a grown-up rainforest vibe, but London’s second Sushisamba still features all of its greatest hits – think Wagyu gyozas and tightly packed sushi.

Named after the brightly coloured, musical oriole bird, this sumptuous subterranean space is an oasis of warmth that combines beautiful décor, glowing hospitality and top-notch refreshments. Delve into flavours of the Old World and the New, with a South American set menu, extravagant cocktails and evenings of live music.

Overseen by a third-generation master pizzaiolo, this Naples imported pizzeria serves a menu that will knock your socks off. Ignore the gaudy furniture, and feast on some mind-blowingly good pizzas, all at reasonable prices too.

The flagship of Adam Handling’s The Frog group, this smart and sophisticated restaurant is often packed to the rafters. All of Handling’s signature dishes are present and correct, including those beguiling cheese and truffle doughnuts.

Clos Maggiore regularly tops lists of the most romantic restaurants in the capital. The best seats in the house are found in the famed glass-roofed conservatory, which is festooned with oh-so-seductive fairy lights and foliage.

Whether it’s for a hearty breakfast or a pre-theatre pit stop, The Delaunay’s versatile European menu is bound to have something for you. We’d always recommend buying pastries from the Counter to take home too.