It is hard to believe that Covent Garden was once the garden and fields of Westminster Abbey and convent, a clue to how it got its name. Later becoming a bustling fruit and vegetable market, it offers some of the best brunch spots in London. It is fitting that the area is providing food for people once again.
Covent Garden is in London’s fashionable West End, home to the prestigious Royal Opera House and over 20 theatres. The area is a shopper’s paradise, with many colourful side streets to explore. It is one of London’s best-loved tourist hotspots.
The Best Brunch & Breakfast Spots in Covent Garden: A Map
With so much to see and do, start your day with a relaxed and sumptuous brunch. Do you want pancakes or full English, coffee or Prosecco? Brunch gives you the excuse to have it all. Covent Garden has a wide array of eating establishments for brunching, and here are a few ideas.
Lowlander Grand Cafe – The Waffle Brunch
On the edge of Covent Gardens is the Lowlander, where you can feast on a unique waffle brunch in Covent Garden with beer. Lowlander is a premier Belgian bar and brasserie passionate about Belgian beers, understandable when in 2016, UNESCO added Belgian beer to its Intangible Culture Heritage of Humanity list.
Step into the classic Belgian bar with Belgian beer posters cladding the walls. Warm and friendly staff serve the finest Belgian beers and authentic comfort food. There is a wide range of draught and bottled beers and a detailed menu describing the various types.
On Saturdays and Sundays, the brasserie serves the Waffle Brunch. There are several choices, including bacon and maple syrup waffles, cream cheese and hot-smoked salmon, and apple crumble waffles with ice cream.
Or you can relish in a Bottomless Brunch with unlimited Prosecco, Bloody Mary, or Pilsner and plenty of non-alcoholic options.
Address: 36 Drury Lane, Covent Garden, London, WC2B 5RR.
Telephone: 0207 379 7446
Balthazar Restaurant – Le Brunch
Balthazar is an elegant brasserie with a relaxed ambience, serving classic French cuisine. The restaurant is a short walk from the Royal Opera House and is inside the historic Flower Cellars building. The original building dates back to 1871 when it was part of the flower market and London’s oldest square. It seems a fitting setting for a restaurant that emphasises authenticity.
Balthazar serves a weekend and bank holiday brunch with delicious delights, such as Eggs Royale with Frites, a tasty dish of smoked salmon, poached eggs, muffins, and hollandaise sauce; and mixed Berry pancakes. The brunch runs from 10 am to 4 pm, and booking is advisable.
You can opt for a touch of extravagance with oysters and champagne for lunch or perhaps steak tartare. Balthazar is well-liked for its impeccable service, fantastic food, and a touch of luxury mixed with live, dreamy jazz playing. A perfect way to spend le brunch with a bohemian Paris vibe.
Address: 4 – 6 Russell Street, London, WC2B 5HZ
Telephone: 020 3301 1155
Mildreds – Vegan Breakfast in Covent Garden
Mildreds Covent Garden has been serving vegan food since 1988. Up until then, restaurants served dreary and unexciting vegetarian food. When Mildreds first opened in Soho, they aimed to change the stereotype by serving mouth-watering, enticing, and delicious dishes. Mildred’s popularity grew, and they now have several restaurants in London.
Mildreds internationally inspired menus include a vegan weekend brunch available until 3 pm. The Thali brunch is a favourite dish, full of authentic flavours. It combines Gujarati tomato dahl, paratha, tomato spinach sabzi, scrambled tofu, pea basmati, and mango mint chutney. Or how about banana butterscotch pancakes?
There is a wide range of drinks, including Bloody Mary, noughtini, an alcohol-free cocktail, coffees, and teas.
Ideally, make a reservation as it is a popular restaurant.
Address: 79 St Martin’s Lane, London, WC2N 4AA
Telephone: 020 8066 8393
Flesh and Buns – Sunday Brunch
For the best brunch in Covent Garden, Flesh and Buns has got to be one of the places to check out. Flesh and Buns is a fantastic basement restaurant set in an underground bunker that offers something unique, artistic, and energetic. The experience is about using your senses as you share a feast of tantalising food with friends.
The restaurant serves Sunday brunch between 12 pm and 4 pm. Choose from up to three dishes, such as Korean fried wings, described as sensational, and one flesh, which includes the tender, crispy piglet belly in two soft hand-made buns. For those who want something sweeter, there are the highly-recommended Kinako donuts.
While you tuck into your delicious brunch, the price includes prosecco and red and white wine, which flow freely.
The chicken is halal when not deep-fried.
There is a party limit of six, and all party members must eat from the brunch menu to keep things manageable for the kitchen team.
Address: 41 Earlham Street, London, WC2H 9LX
Telephone: 020 3019 3492
Related: London Bridge Brunch Crawl: A Delicious Adventure Awaits!
The Ivy Market Grill – One of the Best Brunch in Covent Garden
The Ivy Market Grill is the epitome of a restaurant experience. The restaurant is part of the acclaimed Ivy Collection, a high-quality chain across the UK. As you step into the stylish dining rooms, the walls are in keeping with the theatre theme, with photographs of stars from the stage and movie screen.
The restaurant serves an extensive brunch menu on Saturdays, Sundays, and Bank Holidays from 11 am to 3.45 pm. The menu includes Venison Tartare, Hot Buttermilk Pancakes, Avocado Benedict and Chips, Goose and Turkey Shepherd’s Pie, and Créme Brûlée. I would describe the food as divine and outstanding.
There is a wide variety of drinks, including delicious cocktails, refreshing smoothies, wines, spirits, teas, and coffees.
The restaurant gets busy, so it is best to book ahead. However, the service remains professional and has impressive attention to detail.
Although there is no strict dress code, the Ivy Market Grill asks people to dress respectfully and to understand that many patrons are dining for a special occasion.
Address: 1a Henrietta Street, London, WC2E 8PE
Telephone: 020 3301 0200
All Bar One – Bottomless Brunch
All Bar One is a chic and stylish city bar. It’s the perfect place for morning coffee, leisurely lunches, and fine dining dinners with friends and family. If you are looking for that extra special start to the day, All Bar One serves a Bottomless Brunch every day until 4.30 pm, although you have to grab your table by 3 pm for the last booking.
All Bar One offer various options. You can relish delicious dishes accompanied by free-flowing Prosecco, Tanqueray Gin & Tonic, and Daiquiris. Or, you can upgrade to enjoy unlimited Porn Star Martinis, Espresso Martinis, and Long Island Iced Teas.
The menu has a good selection, from savoury to sweet, including croissants, a Full English Breakfast with a veggie and vegan option, Belgian Waffles, a bacon or sausage sandwich with a vegetarian alternative, and delicious Shashouska Baked Eggs. There are also a few choices of feel-good smoothies.
The food is delicious, and the bottomless drinks keep coming, all served with impeccable service. What a fantastic way to start a day.
One slight negative is you cannot pay with cash.
Address: 19 Henrietta Street, Greater London, WC2E 8QH
Telephone: 020 7240 9842
Bill’s – All Day Breakfast
Bill’s is a secret gem tucked away from the city’s hustle and bustle. Bill Collison originally started Bill’s as a greengrocer, adding a restaurant by using the insurance money after flooding damaged the premises in 2000. Today, Bill’s is a successful chain of 78 branches across the UK. Although part of a chain, Bill’s uses fresh, seasonal ingredients to bring delicious food beautifully presented by a friendly, enthusiastic, and attentive team.
Charmingly decorated with a warm and friendly atmosphere, Bill’s serves an all-day breakfast of Buttermilk Pancakes, Avocado, poached eggs and toast, and Bill’s Big Brunch, a traditional Full English Breakfast with all the works, and there is a vegan and veggie option.
Prices are between £10.00 and £20.00.
You can upgrade to a bottomless brunch with unlimited Prosecco or non-alcoholic drinks for an additional fee.
There is a terrace for outside seating, and Bill’s is dog-friendly inside and out.
Address: St Martin’s Courtyard, Slingsby Place, London, WC2E 9AD
Telephone: 020 7240 8183
Related: Vegan Brunch Heaven: Indulge in London’s Top Plant-Based Breakfasts
Dishoom Covent Garden – A Fusion of Flavours and Vibrance
Nestled in the heart of Covent Garden, Dishoom delivers delectable Indian cuisine, garnering a reputation as a foodie’s paradise. Must-try dishes? The praised Chicken Ruby, The Vegan Bombay, and Black Daal, delivering a punch of flavour that guarantees a foodie revelation.
Service is top-notch with friendly, knowledgeable staff. The bottomless chai, alongside their refreshing Aflatoon Colada, deserves a special nod, adding authenticity to your dining experience.
The atmosphere is vibrant, exuding Bombay’s hustle amidst Covent Garden’s liveliness. However, its popularity brings long waits and considerable noise levels at peak times. While some find the pricing steep, most agree that the culinary experience makes it worth every penny.
In short, Dishoom Covent Garden – an irresistible blend of great food, lively atmosphere and attentive service. Despite minor drawbacks, it’s a must-visit for any Indian food aficionado.
Address: 12 Upper St Martin’s Ln, London WC2H 9FB
Abuelo Covent Garden – Cosy Setting with Instagram-Worthy Brunch
Tucked away in Covent Garden, Abuelo offers a snug setting for a meal, with each dish crafted to be an Instagram sensation. There’s a sense of cosiness here that extends beyond the inviting interiors, courtesy of the warm and welcoming staff.
Their brunch selection comes highly recommended. The fig and honey plate, Turkish eggs, and huevos with pumpkin dish have all gathered a devoted following. Having tried the fig and honey plate myself, I can vouch for its tastiness, though some might find it a bit on the mild side.
Despite the charming ambiance and eye-pleasing dishes, Abuelo’s limited seating capacity and a discretionary service charge have sparked some chatter among patrons. Plus, the prices are deemed a little steep compared to other coffee shops.
In a nutshell, Abuelo Covent Garden is a gem for those who enjoy a cosy setting and Insta-worthy brunch. Despite minor concerns about the balance of presentation and taste, its friendly service and remarkable coffee make it a place to consider.
Address: 26 Southampton St, London WC2E 7RS
26 Grains – The Porridge Paradise
26 Grains is a delightful breakfast haven in bustling Covent Garden.
Their standout offering, the creamy and delicious porridge, is a real crowd-pleaser. From the roasted plums to the hazelnut & butter variety, every bowl sings with flavour. The robust coffee, considered a perfect breakfast companion, never disappoints.
Service is speedy, and the staff are friendly. There’s an outdoor seating option, ideal on a sunny day, although space might be a touch limited.
Be prepared to brave a queue during peak hours due to its popularity, and seating could feel a bit snug when it’s busy. The pricing, slightly on the high side, matches the quality of the food on offer.
In summary, 26 Grains offers an exquisite breakfast experience with stand-out porridge and excellent coffee, despite minor seating challenges and a slight premium on price. Trust me, the porridge here is worth every penny and every minute you wait.
Address: 1 Neal’s Yard, London WC2H 9AW
Tips for a Perfect Brunch in Covent Garden
- Covent Garden is easily accessible. It is on the Picadilly Line, and Covent Garden’s tube station is a ten-minute walk.
- Check brunch times. Covent Garden has a vast selection of brunch options. Some places open at 9 am, others at 11 am. Finishing times vary from 12 pm to 4.30 pm.
- Book ahead. Covent Garden is popular, and places can get busy. So, it is advisable to book early.
- Take advantage of outdoor seating. If the weather’s looking good, you’re in luck! Lots of restaurants in Covent Garden have outdoor seating areas that are perfect for enjoying a delicious brunch in a great atmosphere. Soak up the sun and enjoy your meal al fresco!