London Covent Garden And The Strand

In spite of its trendiness—or perhaps because of it—Covent Garden is not known for its cuisine. The Piazza within has unremarkable tourist-oriented cafes and overpriced restaurants catering to theater- and opera-goers, while sandwich bars and themed pubs prevail on side streets. Two exceptions are Neal’s Yard, a small open courtyard that has evolved into a wholesome haven of vegetarian, vegan, and organic delights, and the side streets surrounding Seven Dials. Since the Strand is essentially one busy thoroughfare, it’s not surprising that the majority of dining is mediocre at best. Head to Craven Passage and Villiers Street, between the Strand and Victoria Embankment, if you’re looking to grab a bite.

Rock and Sole Place, 47 Endell St. Covent Garden. There’s a reason Rock and Sole’s been around since 1871: messy and delicious fried fish in an equally no-frills environment. A self-proclaimed “master fryer” (qualifications unclear) turns out tasty haddock, cod, halibut, and sole filets (all with chips; £9 takeaway, £11 sit down), while customers gather around the crowded diner tables inside, or the large wooden picnic tables under the giant tree outside. Extras like mushy peas, baked beans, coleslaw, or curry or gravy sauce £0.50-1.50. Open M-Sa 11:30am-11:45pm, Su noon-10:30pm
Neal’s Yard Salad Bar, 1, 2, 8-10 Neal’s Yard (☎020 7836 3233; www.nealsyardsaladbar.co.uk), Covent Garden. Not so much a salad bar as a hidden community feasting spot. A 3-building complex of vegetarian and vegan fare, the Salad Bar fills up an entire pastel-inspired courtyard with its picnic tables and colorful garbage bins planted with trees. The food is no less inspired: special salads (£3-5), hearty soups (£5.50), and slices of homemade quiche (£4.50) are all delicious. Specialty breads £1.50. Fresh juices like passion fruit, acai-banana, and carrot £3. Open daily 8am-9pm
The Ivy, 1-5 West St. Leicester Sq. Ivy’s tables are highly sought-after, and for good reason: the modern British food is mouth-watering and the service (starting with the doorman) will make you feel like Queen Elizabeth. However, the steep prices (entrees £13-39) make the Ivy more appropriate as an occasional splurge. All the more reason to indulge—whether it be on the traditional shepherd’s pie (£17), the Bannockburn rib steak (£28), or a delicious dessert (sticky toffee pudding; £7). Dress code classy, but no ties required. Wheelchair-accessible. Open daily noon-3pm and 5:30pm-midnight. Dinner reservations require booking up to 3 months in advance, but lunch tables are much easier to come by and have excellent views
Food for Thought, 31 Neal St. A tiny vegetarian lunch haven that draws a crowd at noontime. Choose from stir-fried vegetables (£4.50), an Indian-inspired platter (£4.70), or one of the many specialty salads (£3.50-7). Don’t forget vegan desserts like whole wheat brownies (£3.20-3.80). Open M-Sa noon-8:30pm, Su noon-5pm
Cafe in the Crypt, Duncannon St. Charing Cross. In the basement of St.-Martins-in-the-Fields Church. Eating in this spacious, exposed-brick cellar, with vaulted ceilings and subdued lighting, is an amped-up cafeteria experience. With a variety of fresh sandwiches (£5.20), dishes from the gourmet salad bar (£6.60), and hot meat and vegetarian dishes (£8.50 and £6.20, respectively), the Crypt is the perfect lunch stop during a day around Trafalgar. Linger with a glass of wine (from £4). Jazz some W nights. Open M-W 8am-8pm, Th-Sa 8am-9pm, Su 11am-6pm. AmEx/MC/V over £5.
Cafe Pacifico, 5 Langley St. (☎020 7379 7728; www.cafepacifico-laperla.com), Covent Garden. A rare touch of Cabo in Covent Garden, this Mexican cantina is the most authentic in town. Pacifico’s tequilas have been recognized as one of the top 3 most authentic by the Tequila Regulatory Council of Mexico. Take a shopping break with chips and salsa (free with meal) and a cold Corona (£3); heartier lunch special (£6; £10 with 2 beers or a margarita) M-F noon-4:30pm. Dinner entrees include fajitas (£14-17), tostadas (£11-12), and enchiladas (£8-13). Open Tu-Sa noon-11:30pm, Su noon-10:30pm

Cafes And Specialty Shops

Yuforia, Covent Garden Piazza (☎ 020 7240 5532; www.yu-foria.com), Covent Garden. This take on an American yogurt craze (a la PinkBerry) just opened in June 2009. Women especially (but men too) will ...more