Festive Dining in Covent Garden

Uncover the best of festive feasts at some of Covent Garden's most popular dining destinations. Tried and approved by London Foodie, Clerkenwell Boy - Read the guide to the best Christmas inspired meals of the Good Food Club.

PXL 20221202 141736163.PORTRAIT 01

Japan meets Brazil via Peru: SUSHISAMBA Festive Menu

For international jetsetters, SUSHISAMBA’s luxurious “Festive Taste of Samba” menu is a must! The restaurant dazzles with festive decorations and the buzzy open kitchen highlights the restaurant’s unique mix of Japanese cuisine (sushi is made fresh to order) plus Brazilian and Peruvian cuisine (with many dishes cooked over a robata grill).

Highlights from the menu include Seared Tuna Tataki with mango-chili relish, Crispy Yellowtail Taquitos with avocado and roasted corn miso, Robot Grilled Calf’s Liver Antichuchos, the “Sambazonia Chirashi” with Japanese rice, fresh seafood, langoustines and caviar, plus the Chef’s Premium Sushi Selection - and that’s just the starters!

Main courses include the most delicious Asahi Braised Short Rib with purple potato “mash” and a phenomenal Truffle Grilled Lobster with Peruvian pickles. Save room for the Cherry Eggnog with gingerbread ice cream to finish!

Clerkenwell Boy Approved

→ SUSHISAMBA
PXL 20221201 152306548.PORTRAIT 01

Traditional Festive Cheer: Ivy Market Grill

For a family friendly festive feast - we’re loving this year’s Christmas menu at The Ivy Market Grill. Starters include a choice of The Ivy Cure Smoked Salmon, Traditional Duck Liver Parfait, Truffled Mushrooms, or our favourite: Twice Baked Stilton and Walnut Souffle

The star of the show is their very festive main course: Goose and Turkey Shepherd's Pie with Pi’s in Blankets, Creamy Mashed Potatoes and Cranberry Sauce - served with a side of Brussel Sprouts and Chestnuts.

For desserts, choose between the Christmas Pudding (flambeed at the table), Melting Chocolate Bomb with Vanilla Ice Cream or “Santa’s on His Way” - a delicious red velvet sponge cake (shaped like chimney), cream cheese frosting and a chocolate Santa of course!

Clerkenwell Boy Approved

→ Ivy Market Grill
PXL 20221202 123125996.PORTRAIT~2 01

A Parisian Christmas: Frenchie

For a super chic Christmas feast with a modern Parisian twist, Frenchie delivers an exciting menu - fusing fresh, seasonal ingredients and classic French techniques with bursts of eclectic and international flavours.

Step through the beautiful entrance - decorated with a forest of festive garlands, to a sleek restaurant - filled with fashionistas. Pre-feast snacks include indulgent Parmesan Gougères with Hazelnut Craquelin or Frenchie’s famous Bacon Scones with Maple Syrup & Cornish Clotted Cream.

Starters include a beautiful Beetroot Tart with Smoked Ricotta, Navel Orange & Pine Nuts (perfect for vegetarians). Traditionalists will love the Truffled Foie Gras Pressé with Shiitake Mushrooms, Candied Pecan Nuts and Homemade Brioche.

For the main event, we loved the Black Truffle Sabayon Tortelli with Trompette Mushrooms and Parmesan Broth. Save room for the Yuzu Mont Blanc with sweetened chestnut purée.

Wash down with an espresso martini (or two), with freshly baked madeleines.

Clerkenwell Boy Approved

→ Frenchie
PXL 20221201 141821347.PORTRAIT 01

A Modern Italian Christmas: La Goccia

Hidden away in Floral Court is the beautiful La Goccia restaurant (from the team behind Petersham Nurseries). The modern Italian menu celebrates the freshest seasonal ingredients. Diners can cosy up in the heated courtyard amongst the Christmas trees and fairy lights.

Alternatively head inside the vibrant restaurant to enjoy the view of the open kitchen, wood fired oven, large grill and cocktail bar. The menu is perfect for sharing with friends.

For a festive celebration with a twist, we highly recommend the oozy Burrata with roasted pumpkin and chilli to start, alongside La Goccia’s Signature Fried Chicken. For mains we loved the White Truffle Pasta and the Slow Cooked Lamb with Polenta, and Radicchio Salad with Pomegranate and Dried Figs.

For desserts, the traditional Tiramisù is a must. Their seasonal special includes a wonderfully wobbly Vanilla Panna Cotta served with a Citrus Compote. Continue the celebrations with a cocktail or two from the bar. We recommend a classic Negroni or a few glasses of Prosecco.

Clerkenwell Boy Approved

→ La Goccia
PXL 20221202 160451982.NIGHT 01 01

Best of British: Pivot Bar and Bistro

Award-winning Chef Mark Greenaway has opened his flagship restaurant in Covent Garden offering homely dishes plus the choice of a four-course or eight-course tasting menu.

For the perfect festive season date night, diners can enjoy an indulgent multi course Christmas sharing menu with a magical view of the Covent Garden Christmas Tree. Starters include a winter warming Roasted Pumpkin Soup with Chestnuts and Creme Fraiche, followed by a choice of Scottish Smoked Salmon with Capers and Dill or Chicken & Hazelnut Terrine.

For the main event, there’s Roasted Turkey with Honey Roast Parsnips and Cranberry Stuffing, Roasted Cod Fillet with a Warm Tartare Sauce or Wild Mushrooms with Salt Baked Celeriac and Truffle.

Desserts feature a traditional Christmas Pudding with Brandy Butter and Eggnog Custard or Chocolate Mousse with Caramelized Hazelnuts. We highly recommend washing down with a glass (or two) of mulled wine by the fireplace.

Clerkenwell Boy Approved

→ Pivot British Bar & Bistro

v