Harden's survey result
Summary
The Balthazar website promises an ‘elegant evocation of a traditional French brasserie with an authentic Parisian feel’, and many reporters feel that this “big” Covent Garden destination delivers just that: “good Gallic classics, a bustling (noisy) atmosphere all in a touristy area” (“with a wide menu for everyone, kids included… French onion soup and steak frites excellent!”). But while fans say that “if you go with that in mind, it’s a good choice for the right occasion”, there’s a persistent minority happy to write the place off (“very disappointing food and rushed service trying to get you out ASAP”, “at a high price”).
Summary
This “big, buzzy faux-Parisian brasserie” in the heart of Covent Garden certainly looks the part, but it “can get very busy” and “extremely noisy” as a result. It provides “lots of classic French cuisine”, but with very mixed results: fans say it’s “executed pretty well” but reviews overall are often jaundiced – for example: “dull food, impossible to chat… really bad experience and a ridiculous bill”.
Summary
“Like being in an old fashioned Parisian brasserie”, this big venue, “centrally located by Covent Garden Piazza”, provides a “hectic but impressive” backdrop to a meal. Many reporters feel “it has a whole lot going for it”, but even they often acknowledge either “seriously poor” cooking, or the trade-offs that a visit entails: “Yes it’s on the pricey side and the food is average really, but it’s still a tradition that we enjoy.”
Summary
“An excellent simulacrum of a Parisian brasserie” – this big, prominently situated Covent Garden fixture, just off the Piazza (created by English-born New Yorker, Keith McNally, but nowadays part of Caprice Holdings) provides “good vibes for Sunday brunch or a meal around a show”. But even fans feel “the main draw is the buzzy atmosphere, not the unexciting food” and – especially when it becomes “too busy for its own good” – this is, for its critics, “the worst kind of hell”, with food that’s “absolutely average and poor value for the price”.
For 34 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Balthazar?
4 - 6 Russell Street, London, WC2B 5HZ
Restaurant details
Balthazar Restaurant Diner Reviews
"here you will dine with a lot of people with average dishes and a fast throughput of tables. Its not somewhere to while the evening away at or have a cosy intimate meal. Its fast French food at a high price."
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Always | £24.50 | £27.50 |  |
|
|
Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Veggies | Pudding |
|---|---|---|---|
| £17.50 | £28.70 | £8.00 | £9.25 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £36.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £6.75 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £4.75 |
| Service | 13.50% |
4 - 6 Russell Street, London, WC2B 5HZ
Opening hours
| Monday | 11 am‑10:45 pm |
| Tuesday | 11 am‑10:45 pm |
| Wednesday | 11 am‑10:45 pm |
| Thursday | 11 am‑10:45 pm |
| Friday | 11 am‑10:45 pm |
| Saturday | 10 am‑10:45 pm |
| Sunday | 10 am‑9:45 pm |
Best French restaurants nearby
International restaurant in Covent Garden
French restaurant in Covent Garden
French restaurant in Covent Garden
Best similarly priced restaurants nearby
British, Modern restaurant in Covent Garden
Fish & seafood restaurant in Covent Garden
British, Traditional restaurant in Covent Garden
