Deliciously Covent Garden: Top 10 Family Restaurants
Feeling peckish after all that fun? Covent Garden is bursting with amazing restaurants! From posh nosh to easy-peasy pizza, here are ten top spots where families can enjoy a delicious meal together. Remember, price categories are roughly: £ = under £30, ££ = £30-£50, £££ = over £50 for a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine or equivalent.
Covent Garden Family Feasts – Top Restaurants
| Restaurant Name | Location | Cuisine Type | Kids Menu/Suitable? | Price Guide | Website (if available) |
| The Ivy Market Grill | 1–5 West St WC2 | Brasserie/British | Yes, “Little Dreamers” kids’ menu. Very suitable. | £££ | ivycollection.com |
| The Barbary | 16 Neal’s Yard, WC2 | Middle Eastern/N. African | No specific kids’ menu mentioned; bar seating, lively. | ££ | thebarbary.co.uk |
| Mon Plaisir | 19–21 Monmouth St WC2 | French | Classic French may have options; set menus good value. | ££ | (via OpenTable) |
| Rock and Sole Plaice | 47 Endell St WC2 | Fish & Chips | Yes, Cod/Chicken Goujons “Great for children.” Very suitable. | ££ | rockandsoleplaice.com |
| The Delaunay | 55 Aldwych WC2B | European/Austrian/German | Afternoon tea/brunch good for families. Elegant. | ££-£££ | thedelaunay.com |
| Cora Pearl | Henrietta St WC2E | British/French | Smart, elegant. Check suitability for young children. | ££ | corapearl.co.uk |
| On The Bab | 36 Wellington St WC2 | Korean Street Food | Lively, good for groups/families. Wi-Fi. | ££ | onthebab.com (likely) |
| Opera Tavern | 23 Catherine St WC2 | Spanish/Italian Tapas | Tapas good for sharing. Buzzy. | £££ | operatavern.co.uk |
| Rules | 35 Maiden Lane WC2 | Traditional British/Game | London’s oldest. Kids under 10 not allowed after 7 pm. | £££ | rules.co.uk |
| Souk (Medina/Marrakech) | 27 Litchfield St WC2 | Moroccan | Feast menus, belly dancing. Fun, atmospheric. | £ | soukrestaurant.co.uk (likely) |
The Ivy Market Grill: Sophistication Meets Family-Friendly
While “The Ivy” is a legendary name associated with celebrity and exclusivity , The Ivy Market Grill at 1-5 West Street, WC2, is its more accessible and decidedly family-welcoming sibling in the heart of Covent Garden. It offers a relaxed yet sophisticated all-day dining experience, perfect for a special family meal.
Opening Hours & Menus: They are open long hours, typically from 8 am till late (around 12:30 am Mon-Sat, 11:30 pm Sun). You can pop in for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, or their signature afternoon tea. Crucially for families, they have a dedicated “Little Dreamers” kids’ menu, which thoughtfully includes a main dish (like pan-fried cod, hamburger and chips, or fish and chips), a freshly squeezed juice, dessert, and even a chance for kids to build their own sundae!. For adults, the pre-theatre menu (often around £17.50 for two courses) offers good value , while the A La Carte menu falls into the £££ category.
Family Appeal: The dedicated and well-thought-out kids’ menu is a huge plus, showing they genuinely cater to younger diners. The atmosphere, while stylish, is more relaxed than the original Ivy, and they have a lovely terrace overlooking the Piazza, which can be great with kids. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a touch of Ivy glamour without it feeling too formal for a family outing. This is a prime example of a high-end brand successfully adapting to be more inclusive for families.
Website: ivycollection.com (for the group, which includes The Ivy Market Grill).
The Barbary: Fiery Flavours and Chef Spectacles
Located in the colourful Neal’s Yard (16 Neal’s Yard, WC2), The Barbary offers an exciting taste of the Middle East and North Africa. The heart of the restaurant is the open kitchen where you can sit at the bar and watch the chefs work their magic, grilling over coals and baking in clay ovens.
Opening Hours & Menu: They are generally open daily from 12 pm to 10 pm (closing a little earlier on Sundays, around 9/9:30 pm). The menu is seasonal and focuses on dishes cooked with fire, drawing inspiration from the ancient Barbary Coast. Expect bold flavours. The price category is ££. If the main Barbary is busy, their little sister restaurant, The Barbary Next Door, offers some reimagined Barbary dishes and is particularly noted for its lunchtime pitas.
Family Appeal: While there isn’t a specific kids’ menu mentioned, the experience of watching the chefs at work can be highly entertaining, especially for older children and teens. The food, with its emphasis on grilled items and flavourful breads, might appeal to more adventurous young eaters. The vibrant atmosphere of Neal’s Yard adds to the fun. Given its small and buzzy nature with bar-style seating, it might be better suited for families with older children or for a quicker, more dynamic meal rather than a long, leisurely one with very young tots. The shareable nature of some dishes can also be a plus for family-style eating.
Website: thebarbary.co.uk.
Mon Plaisir: A Taste of Classic Paris
Mon Plaisir, found at 19-21 Monmouth Street, WC2, holds the distinction of being one of London’s oldest French restaurants. It’s a charming spot with four different rooms, each offering a slightly different ambiance.
Opening Hours & Menu: They typically serve lunch Monday to Saturday from 12 pm to 2:15 pm, and dinner from 5 pm to 9:15 pm. (One source suggested they might be closed on Sundays, or have different Sunday hours, so it’s worth checking ). The cuisine is classic French, with daily specials keeping the menu fresh. For families looking for good value, their set lunch and pre-theatre menus are excellent options, with two courses around £26.50 and three courses for £32.00. The general à la carte price is in the ££ range.
Family Appeal: Classic French cuisine often includes dishes that are surprisingly kid-friendly – think steak frites (steak and chips), simple roast chicken, or delicious omelettes. The set menus make it a more predictable and budget-friendly choice for families. The different rooms might also mean you can find a cosier or more suitable spot depending on your family’s needs. It offers a lovely, traditional bistro experience.
Website: You can find them and book via OpenTable, which usually links to the official site.
Rock and Sole Plaice: The Ultimate Fish & Chips!
For a truly traditional and satisfying English meal, head to Rock and Sole Plaice at 47 Endell Street, WC2. This popular spot is London’s oldest fish and chip restaurant, having been serving up this British classic since 1871!.
Opening Hours & Menu: They are open Monday to Saturday from 12 pm to 10 pm, and Sunday from 12 pm to 9 pm. As you’d expect, fish and chips are the stars of the show, using locally sourced, sustainable British fish prepared with their 152-year-old traditional recipe. A regular cod loin and chips is around £21, and haddock and chips around £20. They also offer pies and savouries. For children, they have excellent options like Cod Goujons (£14) and Home-made Chicken Goujons (£15), which are specifically noted as being “Great for children”.
Family Appeal: Fish and chips is almost universally loved by families, making this a surefire hit! The availability of specific children’s portions like goujons is a big plus. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming. They have two floors of cosy inside seating and even an Al Fresco dining area for warmer evenings. It’s a quintessential London dining experience that’s perfect for families.
Website: rockandsoleplaice.com.
The Delaunay: Grand Café Elegance for Families
The Delaunay, located at 55 Aldwych, WC2B, is an elegant restaurant inspired by the grand cafés of Europe. It’s open seven days a week, from early breakfast right through to late dinner, offering an extensive à la carte menu alongside a bar and counter setting.
Opening Hours & Menus: They open around 7 am on weekdays (8 am Sat, 11 am Sun) and close late, around 10:30 pm (5 pm Sun). They offer various dining experiences that can suit families:
- Breakfast and Brunch: Always a good option with kids.
- Afternoon Tea: Served on Saturdays and Sundays from 3 pm to 5 pm, priced around £34.50 per person (or £49.50 with Champagne). This can be a lovely family treat.
- Pre-Theatre “Full Haus” Set Menu: Available Monday to Friday (4:30 pm-6 pm and again from 9 pm), this offers 3 courses and a drink for a very reasonable £29.50. The general à la carte price is in the ££ to £££ range.
Family Appeal: While it’s an elegant setting, The Delaunay can certainly be family-friendly, especially for breakfast, brunch, or their delightful afternoon tea. The pre-theatre set menu also offers excellent value and a chance to experience the grand café atmosphere without breaking the bank. The varied menu inspired by European classics is likely to have something to please most palates. It’s a way to enjoy a more sophisticated dining experience that’s still accessible for families.
Practicalities: They have wheelchair access.
Website: thedelaunay.com.
Cora Pearl: Smart British & French Influences
Cora Pearl, on Henrietta Street (WC2E), is a smart, delightful addition to Covent Garden’s dining scene. It occupies two floors and is known for its elegant interiors and vintage lighting. The food menu reflects both British and French influences.
Opening Hours & Menu: They are open for lunch and dinner Monday to Saturday (typically 12 pm – 2:30 pm for lunch, and 5 pm – 9 pm for dinner last booking), and for Sunday lunch (12 pm – 3:30 pm last booking). Their daily menu focuses on seasonal UK produce with a “hint of the demi-monde deliciousness of Paris”. They are also recognized for serving one of the best Sunday lunches in town, often accompanied by mellow jazz. The price category is ££.
Family Appeal: The “complex comfort food” might appeal to families with more developed palates. The Sunday lunch sounds like it could be a lovely family occasion. While it’s a smart restaurant, the atmosphere is described as “stylishly inventive” and “romantically cosy” , which could be welcoming. It would be advisable to check about high chairs or specific accommodations for very young children if needed, as it leans towards a more grown-up elegance.
Website: corapearl.co.uk.
On The Bab: Lively Korean Street Food
For a taste of vibrant Korean street food, On The Bab at 36 Wellington Street, WC2, is a bustling and popular choice. It’s known for its lively crowd and finger-licking good food.
Opening Hours & Menu: They are open daily from 11:30 AM until 10:30 PM (closing at 9:00 PM on Sundays). The menu features traditional Korean flavours, with signature dishes like bibimbap and tteokbokki. The price category is ££.
Family Appeal: The atmosphere is described as “lively and welcoming, perfect for groups or families”. Korean street food can be a fun and adventurous culinary experience for families. Dishes are often flavourful and varied. They offer amenities like free Wi-Fi and even bike parking. This sounds like a casual, energetic spot that would be enjoyable with older children and teens who are open to trying new cuisines.
Website: Their menu and details can be found via on-the-bab.res-menu.com , and likely a main site too.
Opera Tavern: Spanish & Italian Tapas to Share
The Opera Tavern, at 23 Catherine Street, WC2, is a buzzy and inviting tapas bar and restaurant right in the heart of Covent Garden’s theatreland. It has a stylish bar with counter seating downstairs and a warm, atmospheric dining space on the first floor.
Opening Hours & Menu: They are open daily from 12 pm, closing around 10 pm or 11 pm on weekdays and Saturdays, and around 8 pm on Sundays. They serve scrumptious Italian and Spanish tapas, which are perfect for sharing, complemented by a terrific wine list. They also offer set menus (e.g., £55 or £75 set menus mentioned ) and an à la carte option. The price category is £££.
Family Appeal: Tapas are inherently great for family dining as everyone can try a bit of everything. This encourages sharing and can be a fun way for kids to sample new flavours. The “buzzy and inviting” atmosphere suggests it’s lively rather than overly formal. It could be a great pre-theatre option for families wanting a varied and sociable meal.
Website: operatavern.co.uk.
Rules: London’s Oldest Restaurant – A Historic Treat
Rules, proudly standing at 35 Maiden Lane, WC2, holds the title of London’s oldest restaurant, having been serving customers since 1798!. It’s like stepping back into a Victorian time capsule, with walls adorned with hunting trophies and portraits.
Opening Hours & Menu: They are open daily from 12:00 pm with last orders around 10:00 pm. Rules is famed for its traditional British cuisine, particularly “oysters, pies and game”. This is the place to go for classic English roast beef and other hearty dishes. The price category is £££.
Family Appeal: A visit to Rules is an experience in history as much as a meal. For families, it’s important to note their policy: Children under ten years of age are welcome during the day but will no longer be allowed in the Restaurant after 7:00 pm. This makes it a viable option for a special family lunch or early dinner. The traditional food and historic ambiance can be fascinating for children old enough to appreciate it. They also have a dress code: no shorts or sportswear.
Website: rules.co.uk.
Souk (Souk Medina/Souk Marrakech): A Taste of Marrakech
For an exotic escape, Souk, located at 27 Litchfield Street, WC2, offers a real taste of Marrakech right in London. This restaurant aims to transport you with its North African culinary staples and vibrant atmosphere.
Opening Hours & Menu: They are generally open from 12 noon to 12 midnight (closing around 11 pm on Sundays). You can expect everything from refreshing mint tea to flavourful tagines and fluffy couscous, followed by sticky-sweet baklava. They also offer feast menus, which can be great for groups. The price category is an affordable £.
Family Appeal: This sounds like a really fun and atmospheric dining experience for families! The “Maghrebi-style” decor with twinkling tea lights and low brass tables creates an enchanting setting. The reasonably priced feast menu is good for sharing and trying various dishes. Plus, the added entertainment of belly dancers and Arabic music would likely captivate children and make for a memorable meal. It’s described as a “crowd pleaser” and can accommodate big parties.
Website: Likely soukrestaurant.co.uk or similar (based on common naming, though not explicitly in snippets).
