Covent Garden, particularly during the festive season, can feel like a whirlwind of activity. But tucked away within its vibrant heart lies a haven of tranquility: the Royal Opera House. This historic building, with its spacious and airy interiors, offers a welcome respite from the holiday hustle and bustle. The Royal Opera House has recently undergone a remarkable transformation with its Open Up initiative, opening its doors to the public and inviting them to enjoy its amenities, even if they aren’t attending a performance. The ground floor shop and cafe now beckon visitors with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and the reopening of the Piazza, the Opera House’s restaurant, provides yet another compelling reason to visit. Now, even without a performance ticket, you can indulge in a delightful dining experience.
A Rooftop Oasis with Breathtaking Views
The Piazza offers a unique culinary journey, located on the fifth floor. The restaurant boasts an abundance of space and a warm, inviting atmosphere, decorated with plush cashmere tones and charming drawings of opera and ballet costumes. However, the true gem of the Piazza lies on its rooftop terrace. This expansive terrace wraps around the restaurant, offering stunning panoramic views of London, regardless of the season. Whether basking in the summer sun or enjoying a winter wonderland, the rooftop provides a captivating backdrop for any meal. While the Piazza boasts a delightful ambiance, its location within the Royal Opera House can pose a slight challenge for first-time visitors, as it’s not immediately obvious where to find it. On nights with performances, the restaurant entrance faces a lively public bar area, usually bustling with opera or ballet enthusiasts. This can occasionally result in a somewhat jarring contrast, especially when the restaurant is less crowded. However, this minor inconvenience shouldn’t deter anyone from experiencing the delectable food that awaits.
A Culinary Journey of Modern British Flavors
Under the skilled guidance of Executive Chef Richard Robinson, the Piazza now presents a sophisticated modern British menu that emphasizes sustainability and seasonality. The restaurant sources its ingredients from the finest suppliers in London, ensuring freshness and quality. While the menu features a few unexpected and adventurous dishes, it primarily showcases classic British cuisine, executed with impressive skill and artistry. One of the more whimsical and delightful offerings on the menu is the Cods Roe Crisp, a zesty snack that pairs perfectly with the restaurant’s ambiance. This unique appetizer, aptly named after its crunchy cousin, the Quaver, offers a playful and unexpected taste sensation. Another noteworthy appetizer is the Duck Arancini, a rich and satisfying dish served with a tangy mango chutney. The Piazza’s bread basket is a true standout, featuring warm, pillowy focaccia that’s so irresistible, it could easily be enjoyed as a complete meal.
A Culinary Experience that Transcends Expectations
The Piazza’s dedication to quality ingredients and masterful execution is evident in every dish. Though the menu doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it delivers a consistently satisfying and elevated dining experience. We opted for a starter of Tenderstem Broccoli, and were pleasantly surprised by its richness and indulgence. The broccoli was cooked to perfection, resting on a bright citrus purée and accompanied by a generous sprinkling of pine nuts. This simple yet exquisite dish truly stole the show. Another starter, the Chicken Liver Parfait, served on brioche, was equally delightful, delivering a touch of decadence without feeling overly heavy. For our main courses, we savored a delicate Lemon Sole with creamy mashed potato, and a hearty Pork Chop served with cabbage and a side of perfectly crisp french fries. Both dishes were incredibly flavorful and satisfying, perfectly balanced and not at all overwhelming. The Piazza’s extensive wine list provided an excellent selection, and our knowledgeable server recommended pairings that complemented our meal beautifully.
A Culinary Destination for All
With prices ranging from £12-14 for starters and £20-30 for main courses, the Piazza caters to a sophisticated clientele and is an ideal dining destination for patrons of the Royal Opera House. However, its exceptional food and atmosphere make it a worthwhile culinary experience for everyone. So, if you find yourself in the heart of Covent Garden, be sure to venture up the escalators and discover the hidden gem that is the Piazza. You’ll be treated to breathtaking views, delicious food, and a warm and welcoming ambiance that will make you forget all about the hustle and bustle of the city.
