Great Restaurants in Covent Garden/ Holborn (London)

Tea Palace

Afternoon tea has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity, so much so that you may bump into the likes of Stella McCartney or Kate Moss at the Tea Palace in Covent Garden. Although tea is one of Great Britain's oldest traditions, the Tea Palace prides itself on having a global perspective on tea. Customers at the Tea Palace can choose from over 150 different varieties of tea imported from around the globe. The Tea Palace is open for breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea seven days a week. So remember whether you're in London for business or holiday, or even if you're lucky enough to live there, drop into the Tea Palace for tea that's fit for a king or a queen.

Poetry Cafe

Tucked away in a small side street off Drury Lane, The Poetry Cafe is a name to remember. It isn't glamorous, extravagant or formal, but it is a welcoming place to which you could happily come on your own or with a friend. The atmosphere is welcoming and the service is friendly, and no one will rush you if you just want to sit and read. As the name suggests, this is a place dedicated to reading and poetry. There are plenty of books lining the walls to pick from and to read while eating or hovering over a coffee. On Tuesday, there's an open-mic poetry night, and some poetry reading evenings, book launches and lectures are also arranged. The (mostly snacky) food is both good value and tasty.

Navajo Joe

London has its tacky Latino and Tex Mex bars and then its super-trendy nouvelle American restaurants, but it also has a handful of restaurants that fall somewhere in between, like Navajo Joe's, which serves great Tex Mex and, apparently, Europe's largest selection of tequila and mescal. The interior is quite smart in a dark, subdued way, with a long counter and floor-to-ceiling shelves of tequilas. The menu features the usual suspects, from fajitas to hamburgers, but definitely order a bunch of appetizers, like the delicious stuffed peppers. More refined dishes, like maple-glazed lamb shank, are offered too. Portions are, as you might expect, huge; so order some tequila to wash it all down.

The Marquis of Granby

Dating from the reign of Charles II, and originally run by a mistress of the Duke of Buckingham, this wedge-shaped pub is a traditional drinking den with enough history to satisfy even the most history-hungry of visitors to the capital. The pub is a common haunt of West End thespians, and the clientele includes a good mix of residents local to this frantic part of London. The menu is laudable, with the quality of meals on offer rating well above that of the average pub. This is a genuinely charming watering hole in the heart of the capital.

Dial Restaurant & Bar

Located at the intersection of seven streets, the Dial Restaurant & Bar is apt for some people-watching while you wait for your order to arrive. Lounge on the comfy leather sofas and dine in style as gorgeous waitresses attend to you. The elaborate menu offers Modern British fare such as sumptuous rolled chicken breast with pan-seared foie gras or sausages made from rare-breed pork. The bar offers a variety of beverages too. Prices at dial are reasonable, so call your friends and have a party!

Guanabara

A circular room with two levels, Guanbara is located behind the New London theater. This is the place where all come to eat, drink and play - in true Brazilian style. The live bands and the Brazilian DJ's will keep you on your feet forever. Try the Cachaca drinks, which are flavored with fruit juices brought specially from Brazil. And if you find yourself hungry, have the Croquetes de Carne (beef croquetes) or even the Frango Grelhado, among others. The drinks as well as the dishes are quite affordable. So all in all, you are guaranteed a great night out. Guanbara also features a number of events, so kindly check the website for details.

Bhatti

A beautiful 17th century heritage structure houses the Bhatti restaurant. The inside is made up of polished wooden flooring and bright red walls that are adorned with colorful artworks. The cuisine is completely Indian - so, make sure you try the Samosa, Murgh Jalfrezi, Pulao Rice and Raita and other delicacies. There is a special vegetarian menu too. After savoring the spicy food, you can cool yourself with a wine or cocktail of your choice.

Le Deuxieme

When the crowds at Le Café du Jardin could not be contained any longer, Le Deuxieme was born. Although smaller than its sister concern, the idea was to provide quality service to all its patrons. Located in Covent Garden and just minutes away from the major theaters in London, this eatery is the ideal spot for pre- and post-theater dining. Executive Chef Geoffrey Adams presents a menu featuring contemporary European cuisine (the Pan-Fried Veal Vilet is a real treat!), and an extensive wine list - so go ahead and enjoy a meal fit for a king!

Octave

If you are a jazz lover, then a visit to Octave is a must. Launched in 2003, it has rapidly gained popularity among the locals. The regularly changing menu includes Pan Fried Foie Gras Potato & Bacon Rosti, Krupnik & Honey Jus and Monkfish Tail wrapped in Spinach & Parma Ham, Rustic Sweet Potato Mash. Do have a look at the Canape platters, where you can choose between three, five and seven canapes for a fixed price. The drinks menu has an assortment of cocktails and wines to keep you going through the night. Live music played by various artists on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays keep the crowds grooving. Octave also hosts events and parties, so if you're looking for a good venue, this just might be it.

Harlequin Restaurant

Separated by a curved glass wall, the Harlequin Restaurant forms an impressive part of the Kingsway Hall Hotel. With an oak timber and marble flooring, complemented by soft lights, this restaurant exudes an elegant and classy feel. Sample delightful treats from an international cuisine, such as Penne Pasta with roasted vegetables and Lamb Cullets served with watercress, tomato and mushrooms for the main course; and Rich Chocolate Tart and Vanilla Panna Cotta (mango sorbet) for dessert. Complement these with offerings from the expressive cocktail bar. This cafe organizes private parties for around 120 guests, making it ideal for large gatherings. You could choose your own entertainment, if you hire the entire restaurant.

The Clos Maggiore

The Clos Maggiore is known for its decor and pretty setting, which alternates between alfreco dining amongst apple-blossoms in summer, and the cozy indoors complete with a fireplace in winter. This makes it the perfect spot for both a romantic rendezvous, as well as a leisurely family meal. The cuisine is an exotic blend of French and Mediterranean cooking styles. Dishes like Light Creamy Polenta with Baby Artichoke, and Braised Fillet of Turbot are simply irresistible and leave you craving more. The award-winning wine list boasts of more than fifteen hundred wines that help bring out the flavor of your food, while the desserts, comprising of cheesecakes, tarts and more, are undoubtedly toothsome. If you're not in the mood for something too sweet, then the seasonally changing cheese selection can help you end your meal in the ideal manner!

Pearl Restaurant & Bar

Located at the Renaissance Chancery Court London, Pearl offers a luxurious dining experience. The impressive interiors have been done by renowned designer Keith Hobbs. Beautiful chandeliers, curtains of pearls and leather seating are just some of the stunning design features. Simple but elegantly presented French dishes include a choice of six starters and warm salads among others. Portions are generous and reasonable, making it an ideal venue for business lunches as well as private dinners. The dining room also features a centrally positioned wine cellar; the knowledgeable wine waiter can suggest the right wine to go with your selection of food. If you want to celebrate a special moment, there is a choice of six champagnes served by the glass.