Harden's survey result
Summary
“Get lucky and score a table in the conservatory and you’ve landed the most romantic rendezvous in town!” at this “lovely” oasis in bustling Covent Garden – for many years now, reporters’ No. 1 choice “for celebrating anniversaries, engagements, weddings, etc…”. The “beautiful glazed dining room is hung with blossom and has both a roof that opens in warm weather and a cosy fire for cold days”. And not everyone feels that all is lost if you don’t nab one of these prime seats (“everyone raves about the garden room but there is a small dining room upstairs that we love too!”). Though it has never been a prime foodie destination, the kitchen typically wins acclaim for its “accomplished modern European cuisine”, which is backed up by “the longest wine list ever seen” (although pricing of some vintages gave cause for complaint this year). There continues to be a school of thought that its food is “sadly not as good as it was pre-lockdown” or that “staff changes have made it seem less welcoming”. But ratings recovered well here this year after a dive last year, and on most of the very many reports we receive: “you always feel special here!”
Summary
“The perfect way to a loved one’s heart” – this “oasis of calm and tranquillity amid the hustle and bustle of Covent Garden” yet again tops our annual diners’ poll as London‘s No 1 spot for romance. “The best tables are in the conservatory” – “intimate, elegant and florally stunning” – which is “like being whisked away to a beautiful spot in the countryside” (but don’t despair if you don’t nab one of the prime slots as there are also may “soft, dark and secluded” tables elsewhere). Another “star attraction is the wine list of biblical proportions”, showcasing its “brilliant” and “fairly priced” cellar. In prior years, we have always said the food and service are surprisingly good for somewhere with so many other competing attractions, and many reports do still laud its “very good modern British cuisine”. There’s no glossing over a big slide in ratings here though this year. No single complaint was to the fore, standards just weren’t rated as excellently as usual. Hopefully a blip.
Summary
“I saw a guy go down on bended knee to his girlfriend… she said yes!” This “luxurious and magical” haven – somewhat unexpectedly located “in the heart of Covent Garden” – continues to “live up to its reputation as the most romantic restaurant in London”, and “for a meal with that special someone, you won’t find much better”, especially if you can bag a table (book months in advance) for the “blossom-festooned conservatory” (which some reporters feel is essential to a successful visit; to others it’s merely “the icing on the cake”). Unusually for somewhere “oozing romance”, standards elsewhere “are not compromised to deliver a memorable experience”: “the food might not be the absolute pinnacle of modern British cuisine”, but “it’s more-than-competent” and “the star gourmet attraction is a wine list of almost biblical proportions”. Top Tip – “lunch/pre theatre set menus offer superb value for the excellent quality”.
Summary
“I saw a guy go down on bended knee to his girlfriend… she said yes!” This “luxurious and magical” haven – somewhat unexpectedly located “in the heart of Covent Garden” – continues to “live up to its reputation as the most romantic restaurant in London”, and “for a meal with that special someone, you won’t find much better”, especially if you can bag a table (book months in advance) for the “blossom-festooned conservatory” (which some reporters feel is essential to a successful visit; to others it’s merely “the icing on the cake”). Unusually for somewhere “oozing romance”, standards elsewhere “are not compromised to deliver a memorable experience”: “the food might not be the absolute pinnacle of modern British cuisine”, but “it’s more-than-competent” and “the star gourmet attraction is a wine list of almost biblical proportions”. Top Tip – “lunch/pre theatre set menus offer superb value for the excellent quality”.
For 32 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 Clos Maggiore?
Restaurant details
Clos Maggiore Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Always excellent."
"Pre theatre set menu was amazing value for beautifully presented and tasting food. Service was outstanding and the ambiance magical. "
"Clos Maggiore is an exquisite restaurant located in the heart of Covent Garden, London. The restaurant is known for its romantic setting, exceptional service, and delicious cuisine. As you enter the restaurant, you are greeted by a beautiful flower-filled conservatory that leads to a cozy and intimate dining room. The interior is adorned with warm lighting, soft colors, and elegant decor that creates a magical atmosphere. The ambience is perfect for a romantic date or a special occasion. The restaurant's menu features classic French cuisine with a modern twist, and the dishes are prepared using the finest ingredients. From appetizers to desserts, every dish is beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. The wine list is also impressive, with a vast selection of wines from around the world. The service at Clos Maggiore is exceptional, and the staff is attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable. They are always on hand to offer recommendations and provide an exceptional dining experience. Overall, Clos Maggiore is a fantastic restaurant that is well worth a visit. The romantic atmosphere, delicious cuisine, and exceptional service make it an excellent choice for a special occasion or a memorable night out. However, be prepared to pay a premium price for the experience."
"Visited for lunch and service was as impeccable then as it always is during an evening visit. The set course lunch is really exceptional value and was perfectly prepared. Sitting in the beautiful conservatory makes for a wonderful experience. This restaurant never fails to impress."
"Visited for lunch and found that this is exceptional value for the lunchtime menu. What is especially impressive is that the quality of food is as good as it is normally in the evening and the service is simply exceptional. to sit in the beautiful conservatory for a refined weekday lunch takes a lot of beating."
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £29.50 | £34.50 |  |
 |
|
| Cost | Availability | Courses | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Menu1 | 85.00 | Dinner only | 6 |
Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Pudding |
|---|---|---|
| £18.00 | £36.00 | £8.50 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £25.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £6.90 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £5.00 |
| Service | 12.50% |
33 King St, London, WC2E 8JD
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑2:15pm, 5 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑2:15pm, 5 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2:15pm, 5 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2:15pm, 5 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2:15pm, 5 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2:15pm, 5 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Sunday | 5 pm‑10 pm |
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