The coolest restaurants in Covent Garden

Part of Big Mamma Group, Ave Mario is directly inspired by one of the coolest periods in music history – the Italo disco boogieing of the 70s and 80s. In addition to a bangin' soundtrack, the restaurant brings the vibes with over-the-top decor, decadent Italian dishes, and funky tableware. Make sure to check out the loos if you're after a cool snap or just a quick dance-like-no-one's-watching moment.

Gilgamesh stands out as one of the coolest spots in Covent Garden, blending bold pan-Asian cuisine with striking Babylonian-inspired interiors. The venue's dramatic design and mood lighting create an effortlessly stylish backdrop, transforming from an elegant dining space into a buzzing late-night party hub with resident DJs.

Bocconcino spin-off Osteria is one of Covent Garden's coolest new dining spots, with its surreal undersea-chic interiors, tentacle-like chandeliers, and a vibe straight out of Neptune's dream lounge. The menu puts a luxe contemporary spin on Italian osteria tradition – think freshly made pasta in rich sauces, expertly grilled fish, and lobster bottomless brunches – all served with flair beside an open kitchen and poured-over cocktails by a top-tier mixologist.

Through the centuries, Rules has been up and down on the coolness rollercoaster – as London's oldest restaurant, that's only to be expected. Its lavish interiors are doused in timeless elegance, having welcomed icons like Charles Dickens and Charlie Chaplin, and even serving as a film location for the James Bond flick “Spectre”. Regardless of the times, Rules remains a cherished Covent Garden landmark, blending heritage with classic British cuisine.

Seeing as they're often sloppily devoured on a dodgy street corner in the wee hours of the night, kebabs aren't really thought of as cool, but Kebab Queen turns all that on its head. This hidden Covent Garden spot takes Le Bab's Michelin-honed approach to kebabs to the extreme, serving a fine-dining take on the popular street food in an exclusive space serving only ten at a time. There are no plates or cutlery – your food is served directly on the counter in front of you, and you eat with your hands.

The French know a thing or two about cool, so it stands to reason a bistro-slash-wine bar is going to rank high on any list of coolest restaurants in Covent Garden. The 10 Cases is a relaxed and fairly priced French bistro, offering a rotating selection of ten wine cases without repeats. If you want more choice, the wine bar and shop next door features over 300 bottles for purchase or enjoyment in a cosy space, complemented by cheese, charcuterie, and bistro menu options.

Bone Daddies is all about bringing rock 'n' roll vibes to the ramen scene. This lively, community-driven eatery offers Japanese cuisine infused with Western flair, serving up creative dishes like sweet and spicy sesame-glazed pig bones. Dive into a bowl of their signature house-made tonkotsu, complete with a rich Clarence Court egg. It's a place where bold flavours meet laid-back cool, making it a must-visit for ramen enthusiasts.

Trends come and go, but champagne is forever. Snag one of the pavement tables at this charming bistro, hold a flute of top-notch champagne, and nibble delicately on premium cheeses as you watch the world go by for one of the coolest experiences in Covent Garden. It's sophisticated and chic without being stuffy or pretentious.

Nestled in a stylish townhouse in Covent Garden, Louie combines French sophistication with the vibrant flavours of New Orleans for a unique dining experience. The menu showcases the culinary highlights of these two cultures, accompanied by regular live jazz performances. Is it a cool restaurant? Well, starry guests like Zendaya and Timothée Chalamet certainly seem to think so.

Considering the roaring fire pits and smoky ambiance, “cool” might not be the best descriptor to use for Temper, at least not temperature-wise. That said, devoted carnivores are sure to love this spectacle-loving restaurant. Championing ethical sourcing and standing firmly against industrial farming, Temper Covent Garden features an in-house butcher and open kitchens, all fully in view of the patrons. The steakhouse delivers a unique dining experience where culinary artistry and ethical practices take centre stage.

Seven Dials Market is a pretty cool venue in and of itself, a trendy multi-level food hall with a glass roof, its own event space, a vibrant, perennially bustling atmosphere, and even a bookshop. What's more, the group behind it, Kerb, operate their own street-food business incubator, meaning they have all their fingers on the pulse of London's coolest new street-food ventures. Put simply: if it's trending on TikTok, you'll likely find it here.

The original Flesh & Buns, located in Covent Garden, is a sleek Japanese-inspired restaurant and bar focusing on shareable small plates, sake, and cocktails in a lively setting where you're as likely to spend the chatting to your mates as to complete strangers you bump into at the bar. In addition to the signature steamed buns, guests can also enjoy an omakase journey, curated tasting menus, or a lively Sunday brunch.

Spring crafts daily-changing menus that celebrate seasonal, high-quality ingredients at this standout Somerset House venue. Undoubtedly one of the coolest things here is the restaurant's serious commitment to sustainability, reflected in things like the innovative “Scratch” menu. Available for just one hour each evening, it creatively repurposes surplus and leftover ingredients to raise awareness about food waste.

The elegant Christopher's in Covent Garden is hailed as one of London's premier American restaurants, encompassing a Dining Room, a chic Martini Bar, and a secluded Club Room for private gatherings, with all of the spaces exuding a touch of timeless grandeur. The menu is chock-full of American favourites like grilled lobster, succulent steaks, and blackened shrimp, while desserts such as cheesecake and rich fudge brownies cater to those with a sweet tooth. 

The Pizza Pilgrims lads run a number of cool pizza joints all across London. They're renowned for serving authentic Neapolitan pizzas, rivalled only by those in Italy itself. With a focus on the perfect crust, their motto, “in crust we trust,” reflects their dedication to quality, using only top-tier ingredients sourced directly from Italy. The Covent Garden branch stands out with its cinema-inspired decor, located conveniently near Leicester Square.

Stereo, tucked beneath Covent Garden Market, blends music, cocktails, and dining for a stylish evening and late-night experience. The American-influenced menu, crafted by fire-cooking expert Andrew Clarke of Acme Fire Cult, pairs perfectly with drinks sourced from local breweries and distilleries. With live music every night, featuring a house band and resident DJs, Stereo creates an energetic and fun atmosphere.

Inspired by the Thai-Chinese shophouses of Bangkok's Chinatown, Speedboat Bar brings the vibrant flavours of Thailand to London and quickly became a hit among Londoners in the know. With autographed photos of Thailand's canal speedboat racers adding a unique touch to the setting, the restaurant serves up bold dishes like drunken noodles and stir-fries in a buzzy and sociable environment.