London’s theatre district stands above Broadway in New York and Le Marais in Paris as the oldest and finest in the world. In 1663, the Theatre Royal was built on Drury Lane to begin an explosion of entertainment venues in the area that has continued over the last three and a half hundred years. From the mass development of the industrialised Victorian age through to the Golden Age of Theatre in the 20th Century, a vast supporting cast of beautiful residential streets and food and drink establishments were created to support what became a booming cultural phenomenon. Covent Garden has always been the epicentre of this scene with the greatest places to go for pre-theatre dinner as its eateries and bars adapted to the tastes of the time.
In recent times food connoisseurs and enthusiasts have been reluctant to sing the praises of Covent Garden restaurants as there was a developing trend of outdated and uninspired fixed-price menus and conveyor belt dining that didn’t offer any individuality or nuance. It was widely felt that a new injection of life, personality, and energy was required to revitalise an ailing scene. Fortunately, it seems as though that call has been answered with some stunning additions and overhauls that can deliver the perfect prologue to any evening at the theatre. Let us take you through a few of the very best with our guide to the best pre-theatre dinner locations in Covent Garden.
Balthazar
You’ll find Balthazar in the Flower Cellars building of Covent Garden where it shares a home with the London Film Museum. The décor and ambience of authentic Parisian brasserie are well suited to such a majestic venue with a service that feels friendly, professional but not too formal. With red leather banquettes and a subtle amber hue on the walls, it would be easy to imagine you were in a glamorous 1960s photo shoot full of chic ornaments and effortless style. The menus work in a similar way with some classic French-inspired items that will always remain closely associated with luxury dining. Starters of escargots and steak tartare prepare the palate for some wonderful seafood options of Royal Baerii caviar or rock oysters with sauce mignonette and tomato horseradish. Similarly, decadent choices are available from the grill with grilled calves’ liver and sage roasted Roscoff onions and pomme Aligot in a red wine jus. Bon appetit indeed.
Mrs Riot
The latest addition to Henrietta Street comes from the wonderfully named Mrs Riot. The name, and much of the inspiration for the whole Mrs Riot restaurant and bar concept comes from Kitty Clive, an infamous figure from London’s Theatreland in the 1700s. Kitty was a musician and comedian who is widely recognised as a vivacious and rebellious figure who led the way for female artists to make their own way in a male dominated industry and the wider world. The menu is a riotous affair too with some intriguing takes on simple fayre. The truffle and burrata pizza comes with a rice, soy, and wheat flour base for a healthier and crispier taste. As you may expect, the cocktail menu is comprehensive and cool with some dramatic reimagining at play for the vodka and rum staples. The Rasp-Baby and Ooh Na Na will definitely work as a pre-theatre pick-me-up for your evening.
Sushisamba
The grand opulence of the Opera Terrace that sits elegantly at the top of Covent Garden’s Grade II listed Market Building demands a restaurant that can match such a striking view. Sushisamba delivers on the brief with an atmosphere and experience that celebrates and enhances it in equal measure. The stunning glass roof, designed by the award-winning London architect Eric Parry, is complemented by a living canopy ceiling of trees and plants surrounding the buzzing open kitchen. There is no other menu quite like Sushisamba, with a fusion of influences from Japan, Brazil, and Peru weaved together for dishes such as lobster ceviche and the Samba Covent Garden rolls with soft shell crab, Hamachi, yuzu tobiko, bonito flakes, avocado, asparagus, and yuzu miso. There are some showstopping cocktails to try too with the Blood Orange & Chocolate Boulevardier delivering a blend of Japanese whisky and cacao-infused Grand Marnier, blood orange and Campari being one of the most daring.
Frog by Adam Handling
Frog by Adam Handling on Southampton Street is an exquisite example of food theatre with a unique and innovative service philosophy. It seems suitably fitting that this place is nestled amongst some of the best entertainment venues and shows in the world and it may even rank amongst them. This is Michelin-starred luxury delivered through sustainable British produce in the most immersive and interactive way possible. Diners face the kitchen and welcome the chefs to each table as they prepare and finish a range of immaculate dishes right before your eyes. A 12-course tasting menu will have you enthralled with sauces dripping from great heights and edible works of art arriving bathed in dramatic and mysterious clouds of dry ice. The food is the real star though and it more than matches the breath-taking delivery and garnish you will witness at your table. We won’t spoil the surprise, but we can guarantee that you will not be disappointed.
Gaucho
Gaucho has been the finest example of an Argentina steak house for many years now and their latest venture located in an expansion of The Royal Opera House in Covent Garden looks destined to become a hit too. Carbon-neutral steak, fine wines, and some classic cocktails make up the menus here for a simple offering that is spectacularly delivered. Gaucho definitely makes the most of its surroundings, adding a touch of Tango to the artistic heritage and architecture available in the building. The ground floor and terrace are bright and welcoming for the early afternoons, but it is the darker and dimly-lit downstairs floor that provides the best pre-theatre environment for dinner. Luxurious pleated drape walls mimic a theatre setting that is just perfect as a curtain raiser for your own evening.
With so much diversity of choice through menus and dishes that represent the wonderful multicultural capital that London has become, Covent Garden is now a prime destination for desirable dining. There has never been a better time or place to visit before an evening at the theatre. The only concern could be that you will be having such a good time that you may be late for the show.
