Covent Garden, International Restaurant Guide

“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”.

“A real find so close to the Opera House”, this independent Covent Garden wine bar/bistro offers a “sometimes brilliant but always good – eccentric and eclectic – wine list”, which is “ever changing” as only 10 cases of each wine are stocked at any point in time. “Friendly and knowledgeable staff” are on hand to advise on your choice and to present a short menu of “beautifully crafted small plates and charcuterie”, with “particularly enticing blackboard specials”.

For a “lovely afternoon tea” and “a truly elegant experience” there’s much to recommend the light-filled foyer of this posh hotel lounge (set beneath a glass dome). “The price is eye-watering but seconds are regularly provided, so it’s actually good value for the amazing experience”. Breakfast here is also “a gorgeous start to the day”.

In the tourist hell of Covent Garden, this traditional brasserie is easily missed but worth remembering for a “cheap ’n’ cheerful” bite. Even those who say “it’s not too inspiring” feel it’s “hard to fault for a speedy pre-theatre meal”: “just like half the brasseries in France – classic dishes, realisation can be mediocre, but very reasonably priced”.

This group of “buzzing” late-night diners (also good for breakfasts with “vibe and edge”) opened a sixth London site in Covent Garden's Seven Dials. In 2016 the chain underwent a bit of a rebrand, changing its name from Balans to Balans Soho Society and revamping its existing venues.

A new deli, juice bar and cafe in the streets near Leicester Square, offering a healthy, quick alternative to the usual suspects.

KERB's first indoor market and new, permanent home (in a former banana factory) landed with some impressive opening acts: Monty’s Deli, Club Mexicana, Claw, and newcomer conveyor belt cheese restaurant, Pick & Cheese, and over 20 others.