Last Updated on December 2, 2020 by Fiona Maclean
London’s Covent Garden reopens with a gentle whisper.
On the fringe of the West End, bustling Covent Garden is popular with theatre-goers, tourists and locals alike. While for many hundreds of years it was a fruit and vegetable market, the redevelopment of the area into what we see today started in the early 1980s when the fruit and vegetable market moved to South London. The shops, street performers and al-fresco cafes now feel like they’ve been there forever. Normally at this time of year, the space would be packed with visitors browsing the designer boutiques in the central square or wandering through the quirky independent shops of Neal’s Yard and Seven Dials. There’s usually a craft market in the central square and street performers throughout the area.
In addition to the shops, the London Transport Museum is on one corner of the main square and the Royal Opera House takes up most of the space on the Eastern side of the square. The Theatre Royal Drury Lane is just around the corner too. Covent Garden has its own tube station but it also claims the shortest journey between two stations – it’s just 300 yards to Leicester Square tube. The area is easy to reach from busses running along the strand- get off when you see the Savoy Hotel and it’s within walking distance of Picadilly Circus, Holborn, Waterloo and The Embankment. Packed with restaurants and bars, many with an al-fresco dining space, it’s a great place to dine.
While normally Covent Garden is somewhere you don’t need a reservation, right now I’d suggest booking. Not every restaurant is open and some are only operating on specific days of the week. Here’s a guide to those we know are open now or re-opening soon. We’ve prioritised the restaurants that we’ve tried and tested, though there are plenty more places you could visit. We’ll be updating this guide regularly as we hear about re-openings so do keep popping back to check
Covent Garden Restaurants - Summer 2020
Restaurant in Covent Garden open for business in Summer 2020. Now that lockdown is over, Covent Garden is coming back to life. There's more al-fresco dining with some streets temporarily pedestrianised. And, there's a calm and tranquil atmosphere right now - a chance to see Covent Garden as never before. Why not make the most of it and support the great restaurants of this part of London.
Frenchie, Covent Garden
We loved visiting Frenchie in Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, just before lockdown and are truly delighted they are back. Definitely worth a visit!
The Oystermen Seafood Bar & Kitchen - Review
Looking for ultra-fresh shellfish and seafood? The Oystermen has a great range of options including crab, oysters, and delicious fresh fish dishes. Simple but perfect.
Frog by Adam Handling - Covent Garden
We went along to Frog by Adam Handling just before lockdown and absolutely loved it. Reopening on 1st August we can't wait to go back and try Adam's amazing contemporary European menu. If you go, make sure to try the chicken butter!
Lady of the Grapes Wine Bar - Review
A quirky restaurant and wine bar serving light meals and snacks along with an excellent range of innovative wines, Lady of the Grapes has already reopened with a small outside seating area and newly installed social distancing measures inside. There's a takeaway option too - and with some of the finest French cheese and charcuterie, not to mention the wine, why wouldn't you go!
Moto, Covent Garden - Review
A Japanese sake bar and shop serving a wide range of alcoholic drinks and a short but perfectly formed Japanese bar menu. Perfect for a light bite, especially if, like us, you love Japanese food!
Petersham Nursery
The beautiful shop in Covent Garden has reopened, along with the Italian restaurant La Goccia. We haven't formally reviewed the restaurant but we have been to try some of the food at a special Parma Ham event - and we're looking forward to returning soon.
Champagne & Fromage
One of the first places we reviewed in Covent Garden, Champagne & Fromage has a special spot in our hearts. We love the offering of a whole range of champagne together with charcuterie, tartines, cheeses and more. Could be our perfect grazing menu. The Covent Garden branch reopens on 31st July - and we'll be there!
28-50 Covent Garden - Wine Bar and Kitchen Review
We loved 28-50 under its previous owners and we adore the swanky new 28-50 which offers a wealth of brasserie food, wines and cocktails in a large contemporary space with plush seating, well spaced tables and a great new outdoor terrace.
Grays and Feather Covent Garden
This fun wine bar specialises in sparkling wines from around the world and serves a range of sharing plates. We loved visiting Grays and Feather - it's a great place to meet up with friends. The former home of Charles Dickens, the historic connection is neatly exemplified in the interior decor.
inamo Covent Garden
A quirky Japanese restaurant where you order via a special app on your table, imano has reopened with outdoor seating in the courtyard area and plenty of social distancing indoors. Apart from serving excellent black cod, imano has a menu packed with delicious sushi and special items like hot stone beef that you cook at the table.
Tuttons Covent Garden
Tuttons is a classic brasserie in the heart of Covent Garden. With a large al-fresco terrace and new social distancing measures inside, this would be a great option for anyone looking for a classic brasserie menu in Covent Garden
Le Restaurant de PAUL
We understand that Le Restaurant de Paul is not completely reopened, but that you can eat in the bakery area or take away some of their excellent food, including breads, patisserie and salads.
Cafe Pacifico Covent Garden Review
We hear that Cafe Pacifico has reopened - it's a great place for cocktails and Latin American food - and a cool location to get back into a lively London scene
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