Covent Garden in London is a place that always comes alive when the sun is shining. The cobbled piazza, with its bustling crowds and charming cafes, transforms into an open-air dining paradise. It’s hard to resist the allure of soaking up the sun while enjoying a delicious meal amidst the vibrant energy of this iconic London spot.
Dining in the Heart of Covent Garden
Imagine sitting right in the heart of the action, a delicious meal in front of you, the sun warming your face, and the lively atmosphere of Covent Garden swirling around you. Many restaurants in the piazza offer tables right on the cobblestones or even on the upper terrace of the old market building itself. It’s a perfect vantage point to watch the world go by, perhaps with a refreshing Aperol Spritz in hand.
Beyond the Piazza: Hidden Gems Await
While the piazza is undeniably charming, Covent Garden has much more to offer the adventurous diner. Venture a little further and discover hidden courtyards, peaceful terraces, and stylish restaurants with outside seating perfect for a relaxed meal in the fresh air.
Covent Garden is largely pedestrianised, creating a haven for outdoor dining. Many restaurants have created large, sheltered terraces, providing protection from the elements and allowing you to enjoy the sunshine in comfort.
Our Picks for Al Fresco Dining
Here are a few of our favorite restaurants in Covent Garden, each with its unique charm and atmosphere:
Baudry Greene: A Stylish Cafe with a Continental Flair
Baudry Greene is a stylish cafe, bar, and restaurant with a handful of pavement tables that soak up the afternoon sun. Open the windows on a sunny day, and the place feels balmy and continental. The food and drinks are exceptional and wallet-friendly, and the homemade choc ices are a must-try on a hot day.
Address: 20 Endell Street, WC2H 9BD
Book Now: Baudry Greene
SUSHISAMBA: Opulence with a View
SUSHISAMBA is known for its stylish interiors, buzzing atmosphere, fun food, and outstanding cocktails. It’s one of the more expensive options in Covent Garden, but you get to lounge on Covent Garden’s Opera Terrace overlooking the bustling crowds below.
Address: Opera Terrace, The Piazza, WC2E 8RF
Book Now: SUSHISAMBA Covent Garden
J Sheekey’s: A Seafood Lover’s Paradise
J Sheekey’s is a London restaurant icon, known for its supremely cosseting atmosphere and exemplary fish and seafood cooking. Located near Theatreland, it boasts a huge al fresco terrace in front of the restaurant. There are few better places to indulge in a delicious seafood platter.
Address: 28-32 St Martin’s Court, WC2N 4AL
Book Now: J Sheekey
Lahpet: Burmese Delights in a Quiet Courtyard
Lahpet is a Burmese restaurant with a humble beginning that has grown to include three locations across London. The Covent Garden location is our favorite for al fresco dining, as it offers a first-floor terrace overlooking quiet St Martin’s Courtyard.
Address: 21 Slingsby Place, St Martin’s Courtyard, WC2E 9AB
Book Now: Lahpet West End
La Goccia: A Tranquil Oasis in Floral Court
Tucked away in Floral Court, La Goccia is a hidden gem that perfectly captures the essence of Covent Garden’s charm. This sheltered courtyard is a peaceful oasis, covered in foliage and pot plants. The all-day menu at La Goccia is perfect for light Mediterranean bites and botanical cocktails.
Address: 1 Floral Court, WC2E 9FB
Book Now: La Goccia
Rucola at The Conduit: Rooftop Dining with a View
The Conduit is a chic, eco-conscious members’ club with a beautiful rooftop restaurant called Rucola. Aside from offering one of the best views in the area, Rucola serves up a Mediterranean feast of delicious dishes, from morel and wild garlic bruschetta to spaghetti con vongole, all paired with a fantastic cocktail list.
Address: 6 Langley Street, WC2H 9JA
Book Now: Rucola at The Conduit
Henri: Parisian Charm in Henrietta Street
Henri is a restaurant inside the Henrietta Hotel, known for its exceptional Parisian cocktails and proper bistro food. It has a lovely al fresco space on the pedestrianised street just outside, making it a perfect spot to enjoy the ambiance of Covent Garden.
Address: 14-15 Henrietta Street, WC2E 8PS
Book Now: Henri
Olea Social: A Mediterranean Feast for the Senses
Olea Social takes inspiration from Spain, Greece, Turkey, and Morocco, offering a broad Mediterranean menu with something for everyone. We love the soothing green color scheme, the abundance of plants, and the inviting menu, which features everything from puffy flatbreads to chicken shish, prawn croquetas, and slow-cooked Galician octopus.
Address: 10 Upper St Martin’s Lane, WC2H 9FB
Book Now: Olea Social
Laduree: Parisian Elegance and Sweet Treats
Laduree is a respected Parisian teahouse with a strong presence in Covent Garden. It instantly attracts attention with its lime green chairs and parasols on the piazza. Laduree is a wonderful place to enjoy a sweet snack and a cup of tea, and its afternoon tea is a popular choice, combining delicate finger sandwiches and artistic patisserie. There’s also a terrace for those who prefer to dine outdoors.
Address: Unit 1, Covent Garden Market, WC2E 8RF
Book Now: Ladurée
Louie: A Modern Twist on French and Creole Classics
Louie offers a variety of uniquely themed spaces, but our favorite is the terrace with a retractable glass roof. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the outdoors even on less than perfect days. The menu is a modern take on French and Creole favorites, featuring dishes like lobster rolls, barbecue shrimp, buttermilk chicken burgers, and pecan pie.
Address: 13-15 West Street, WC2H 9NE
Book Now: Louie London
Margot: Parisian Chic with Italian Flavors
Margot is a stylish bistro with pavement tables tucked under royal blue awnings. It has a positively Parisian chic and is the perfect place to watch the comings and goings of Covent Garden while enjoying a good coffee, a cocktail, or some classic Italian cooking.
Address: 45 Great Queen Street, WC2B 5AA
Book Now: Margot
Brasserie Max at Covent Garden Hotel: International Flair in Seven Dials
Brasserie Max has a boutique charm that perfectly complements Seven Dials. The outside tables are always in high demand. The menu is thoroughly international, offering dishes like courgette fritti, sage and lemon, and roast lamb with harissa summer beans. Brasserie Max also serves a great afternoon tea, and if Covent Garden becomes too crowded, you can always retreat into the lovely restaurant.
Address: Covent Garden Hotel, 10 Monmouth Street, WC2H 9HB
Book Now: Brasserie Max at Covent Garden Hotel
26 Grains: A Health-Conscious Haven
26 Grains is an ultra-popular restaurant with a health-conscious all-day menu. The outdoor terrace is always busy from breakfast to late lunch. We love sitting outside with a bowl of banana and tahini porridge, but the fried eggs in chilli butter are also a favorite, and 26 Grains makes great coffee too.
Address: 1 Neal’s Yard, WC2H 9DP
Book Now: 26 Grains
Beyond Covent Garden: More Outdoor Dining Options
If you love the fresh air and are looking for more outdoor dining options, be sure to check out our guide to the best outdoor restaurants across London. And if you are seeking spectacular views, don’t miss our list of London’s best rooftop restaurants. Wherever your taste buds take you, there’s an outdoor dining experience in London just waiting to be discovered.
