Cover Pasta at Bancone (Photo: Bancone)
Pasta at Bancone (Photo: Bancone)
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Where and what to eat in this lively entertainment hub in the largest city of England
From theatres to street performers, Covent Garden is known for entertainment, on top of its shopping and craft scenes. But what you'll also find in the vibrant district is a plethora of food, whether it's upscale restaurants, food markets or cafés.
From 20-inch pizzas and silky sheets of pasta to Japanese pastries, here are this dining writer's personal recommendations for a weekend of eating in the area.
We've also rounded up a guide to eating in Kings Cross, if you plan on visiting London.
Read more: Tatler Dining Guide 2023: The best Chinese restaurants in Malaysia
Start your day heartily at 26 Grains
Located within Covent Garden’s Neal’s Yard, 26 grains is known for warm bowls of porridge with a variety of seasonal toppings. The cosy spot also serves some delicious savoury plates, from Turkish eggs with crusty bread to toasties bursting with cheese. Be sure to ask for its specials, which rotate often.
26 Grains | 1 Neal's Yard, London WC2H 9AW | @26grains/Instagram
Grab some flaky pastries at Arome or Chestnut Bakery
Arome boasts French pastries made with Asian ingredients such as the popular honey butter toast, miso caramel cake, and the hotdog croissant with Japanese BBQ sauce. A personal recommendation is the miso bacon escargot.
Also in the area is Chestnut Bakery, notorious for both flaky pastries and flatbreads. Try the burrata and burnt honey flatbread, which is finished with fennel and sesame seeds.
Arome | 9 Mercer St, London WC2H 9QJ | +44 20 3971 4803
Chestnut Bakery | 24 Floral St, London WC2E 9DS | @chestnut.bakery/Instagram
Indulge in a giant pizza at Homeslice
When is a pizza too large? Homeslice serves up 20-inch pizzas, ideal for sharing between two or three. Flavours can be split down the middle—going half and half with the mushroom ricotta and the Neal’s Yard Dairy four cheese is always a good choice.
Homeslice | 13 Neal's Yard, London WC2H 9DP | +44 20 3151 7488
See also: 10 of the best omakase experiences in the Klang Valley
Don’t miss a trip to Seven Dials Market
If variety is what you’re after, visit Seven Dials Market and you'll be spoiled for choice when deciding between doughnuts, stuffed Taiwanese pancakes, burgers or tacos.
However, a highlight is the 40m cheese conveyor belt, courtesy of Pick & Cheese by The Cheese Bar, featuring rotating rounds of cheese pairings.
Seven Dials Market | 35 Earlham St, London WC2H 9LD | @sevendialsmkt/Instagram
Grab a pick-me-up at Arabica
Just a stone’s throw away from Covent Garden tube station is Japanese café Arabica. While the signature drink is the Spanish latte, made with condensed milk, its classic coffees are also top notch.
Arabica | 5 King St, London WC2E 8HN | @arabica_uk/Instagram
Don't miss: 13 minimalist cafés to visit in the Klang Valley
Have a fancy meal at Bancone or The Barbary
Chances are, you’ve come across Bancone’s signature dish on Instagram—silk handkerchiefs tossed in walnut butter, finished with a confit egg yolk that bursts upon the slight push of the knife. Other personal favourites are the bucatini cacio e pepe as well as the spicy pork and nduja ragù.
Another popular spot is The Barbary, known for plating up theatrical dishes rich in spices and char. Start with a selection of dips and breads before moving on to meatier offerings—the Pata Negra is a must-order.
Bancone | 39 William IV St, London WC2N 4DD | +44 20 7240 8786
The Barbary | 16 Neal's Yard, London WC2H 9DP | @barbarylondon/Instagram
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About
Katelyn is the dining and travel editor of Malaysia and Indonesia. Based in Kuala Lumpur, she offers readers an inside look at the movers and shakers in Asia’s growing food and beverage industry.
