While Mayfair and Soho often steal the spotlight for London’s finest dining experiences, Covent Garden stands its ground as a culinary powerhouse in its own right. Don’t let the pre-theatre dinners and post-show pubs fool you; this West End gem boasts a vibrant scene of Michelin-starred restaurants and exquisite cuisine, all just a stone’s throw from the flavorful haven of Chinatown.
Story Cellar: A Parisian Escape in Covent Garden
For fans of the acclaimed Restaurant Story, the two-Michelin-starred establishment by Tom Sellers, a visit to its cosy sister venue in Covent Garden’s charming Neal’s Yard is a must. Story Cellar, with its stylish, laid-back ambiance, opened its doors last year, drawing inspiration from the Parisian culinary scene. The restaurant’s monochromatic, ruby red and navy interior evokes a sense of chic sophistication, with marble counters lining the street-facing windows and open kitchen, offering a peek into the culinary action. This hidden gem has flown under the radar, but its time to shine has arrived.
A Taste of Tom Sellers’ Genius: Signature Dishes and Rottisserie Delights
Although the concept differs slightly, Story Cellar showcases some of Sellers’ signature recipes, including the mouthwatering snail bolognese on toast with parsley butter and the refreshing tuna tartare with tomato ponzu, sesame and seaweed. For heartier appetites, the restaurant boasts a premium rotisserie chicken that can be ordered in half or whole portions, served with delectable caramelized juices, perfect for dipping those crispy fries.
Steak Diane, Grilled Delights, and Desserts to Remember
Don’t miss out on the indulgent steak Diane, bathed in the most heavenly, peppery mushroom sauce, or the selection of grilled meats and fish of the day, such as the dry aged pork chop and brandy-pickled dates. The dessert menu beautifully complements the overall concept, featuring timeless classics like bread and butter pudding that would rival your grandmother’s best recipe.
Exceptional Service, Wine Expertise, and a Relaxed Ambiance
The combination of decadent dishes, exceptional service, expertly curated wines, and a relaxed atmosphere rarely found in an acclaimed restaurant makes Story Cellar a truly memorable dining experience. The walk-in cellar downstairs and the in-house sommelier are the perfect partners in creating a truly exceptional evening.
The Adam Handling Restaurant: Theatrical Dining with a British Flair
The flagship Michelin-starred restaurant from Scottish chef and MasterChef: The Professionals finalist Adam Handling delivers on its promise of a theatrical dining experience. Located in the heart of London’s West End, diners find themselves positioned directly in front of the open kitchen, offering a front-row seat to the culinary artistry unfolding before them. Guests can choose from a meat or vegetarian tasting menu that showcases the very best of British ingredients, sourced directly from independent farmers, fishermen, and growers.
A Feast for the Senses: Artistic Presentation and Flavorful Delights
The presentation of the dishes is nothing short of spectacular. Imagine sea bream with tiger’s milk and white radish, a symphony of flavors and textures, or lobster with smoked chili and roasted lemon, a tantalizing dance of spice and citrus. Other highlights include the turbot served with mussels and basil, and the pigeon, hen of the woods and black garlic, a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
The NoMad Hotel: A Foodie Paradise in the Heart of Covent Garden
The NoMad Hotel, despite only opening in 2021, has quickly become a foodie haven in Covent Garden. This stylish establishment houses a collection of dining destinations, including the signature NoMad Restaurant, the Mexican-inspired Side Hustle, the Library, and the newly opened cocktail bar, Common Decency, all under the culinary direction of Executive Chef Michael Yates.
NoMad Restaurant: A Celebration of Farm-to-Table Delights
The NoMad Restaurant, set within a soaring glass conservatory adorned with hanging plants and pale-green furnishings, is a vibrant destination every day of the week. The restaurant’s menus focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from farms, fields, and the coast, with dishes like king crab tagliatelle, halibut seared with mushroom dashi, pork confit with crispy skin, roasted apples and mustard, and a newly launched Sunday lunch.
Stereo: Where Music and Food Harmonize
For those seeking a night of live music and delicious food, Stereo on Covent Garden’s Piazza is the perfect destination. This restaurant-come-music-bar, inspired by the vibrant late-night scene of New York City with a touch of Parisian chic, opened its doors in early 2023.
A Culinary Journey: American Classics with a French Twist
Under the guidance of Chef Andrew Clarke, formerly of Brunswick House and St Leonards, the menu at Stereo blends American classics with French influences, offering a unique culinary adventure. Indulge in cheeseburgers, fried-chicken sandwiches, and Stereo hot wings alongside halibut T-bone, lobster pie, and Highland Porterhouse steaks. The extensive cocktail and bar menu features selections from South Bermondsey microbrewery Partizan, Thames Distillers, Biercraft, and The Lakes Distillery, all perfectly complemented by Stereo’s eclectic daily music program.
Louie: A Parisian Party Palace with Jazz and Soul
Louie is an opulent party palace, brought to Covent Garden’s West Street by Parisian hospitality director Guillaume Glipa. This historic 19th-century townhouse, redesigned by Dion & Arles, offers a sophisticated blend of French hospitality, jazz, and soul. The ground-floor restaurant pays homage to the classic brasserie, inviting guests to graze and share small plates of seafood from the raw bar.
A Feast for the Senses: Dining and Entertainment in a Luxurious Setting
The first-floor dining room, with its plush and sultry décor, provides the perfect backdrop for wine enthusiasts to discover hidden gems and savor Louie’s signature barbecue lobster and tarte tatin. After dinner, guests can venture to the Alligator Bar, terrace, and smoking lounge, where they can enjoy classic cocktails, special serves, and a selection of Cuban cigars. The vibrant entertainment program, from Jazz Night Tuesdays, Soulful Wednesdays, and All About Rhythm Thursdays to DJs on Friday and Saturday nights, guarantees a night of unforgettable fun.
Petersham Nurseries: Elegant Italian Dining in Covent Garden
Petersham Nurseries, a renowned name in elegant, Italian-inspired dining, has brought its unique charm to Covent Garden. The two outposts, The Petersham and La Goccia, embody the Petersham brand’s commitment to slow living and sustainable values, offering seasonal, nose-to-tail Italian aperitivo and dishes. La Goccia, with its sun-drenched courtyard, is the perfect spot for enjoying al fresco dining and savoring dishes like cured beef carpaccio with rocket and pickled onion, a Haye Farm salumi board, and radicchio with figs and pomegranate.
A Culinary Destination for Every Occasion
From Michelin-starred restaurants to cozy sister venues, Covent Garden offers a culinary adventure for every taste and occasion. Whether you’re seeking a romantic evening, a night of lively music, or a casual gathering with friends, this West End gem has something to offer everyone. So, take a stroll through the charming streets of Covent Garden, and discover the hidden culinary gems that await.
