London Covent Garden Restaurant Guide

“The wait can sometimes be twice the time spent at the counter”, but no-one seems to mind at the Hart Bros kick-ass small group of Barcelona-inspired tapas haunts in Soho (now relocated to the ground floor of Quo Vadis) and Covent Garden. “The buzz is amazing” and, having nabbed a perch (fewer than 30 in each branch), everyone “loves the open kitchen and watching the keen staff at work”, while the dishes themselves are genius – “fresh seafood is amongst the highlights” but “even something as simple as tomato bruschetta is transformed here”. (So far, the February 2017 departure of founding group exec head chef, Nieves Barragán Mohacho, to found Sabor, has had zero effect on ratings – the new incumbent is Angel Zapata Martin.)

“The wait can sometimes be twice the time spent at the counter”, but no-one seems to mind at the Hart Bros kick-ass small group of Barcelona-inspired tapas haunts in Soho (now relocated to the ground floor of Quo Vadis) and Covent Garden. “The buzz is amazing” and, having nabbed a perch (fewer than 30 in each branch), everyone “loves the open kitchen and watching the keen staff at work”, while the dishes themselves are genius – “fresh seafood is amongst the highlights” but “even something as simple as tomato bruschetta is transformed here”. (So far, the February 2017 departure of founding group exec head chef, Nieves Barragán Mohacho, to found Sabor, has had zero effect on ratings – the new incumbent is Angel Zapata Martin.)

“An instant classic, bravo!” This “very elegant Italian on the edge of Covent Garden” proved one of the best arrivals of 2016 and although the odd report complains it’s been “hyped” the vast majority say it’s plain “stunning”. “Quality and service are in abundance” – the comfortable interior feels enjoyably “superior”, and “staff make the meal into an occasion – they make you feel very special”. “Most of the menu is of traditional dishes with a twist” and it’s “damned good too”. Top Menu Tip – “the best ever Osso Buco”.

“Bringing the fun and fizz of the best places in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv to London” – the debut of Palomar’s little brother in Neal’s Yard fully lives up to its stablemate’s trailblazing performance, with “a brilliant selection of totally delicious and vibrant Mediterranean dishes”, eaten “in a small plate, counter eating-style format”, complete with “loud banging music and chefs dancing along”. “Perfect for a drop in and quick bite, but beware of the queues!!” STOP PRESS: The Barbary now takes bookings for lunch and early dinner.

“It’s cramped, it’s busy”, but “you’ll never get bored of the variety of coffee flavours on offer”, at these epic caffeine-stops – the best-known of London’s top tier coffee house chains – where “excellent recommendations” from the “really knowledgeable” staff (“who will let you sample and taste different growths”) really add to the experience. Borough Market is the definitive branch, and – as well as the pastries offered elsewhere in the group – also has bread and jam on hand to soak up the brews.