About Balthazar
Balthazar is an elegant evocation of a traditional French brasserie on Russell Street, set in Covent Garden's historic Flower Cellars building on the edge of the Piazza. A London outpost of Keith McNally's New York original, it opened in 2013 and has become one of the area's landmark all-day dining rooms, with its zinc bar, antique mirrors and red leather banquettes giving it an authentic Parisian feel.
The restaurant's own summary is classic cuisine, impressive wine and an irresistible bonhomie, and the menu runs French brasserie from morning to night: breakfast pastries and eggs, steak frites, moules, plateaux of shellfish and a long list of classics served with polish. A boulangerie a few doors along sells the same breads and viennoiserie to take away. Private dining and events are a large part of the operation, and the room also hosts a cabaret takeover on selected dates.
French brasserie in Covent Garden with prix fixe and weekend brunch
The prix fixe menu is available all day Monday to Friday and from 5pm on Sundays, built for a leisurely lunch, a special gathering or pre-theatre dining, and a summer set menu offers two courses at a fixed price. Weekend brunch starts the day from 10am on Saturday and Sunday and is the liveliest service of the week. The bar takes walk-ins for a quick plate when the dining room is full.
What to expect on a visit
Expect a big, busy, grand Belle Epoque room that feels transported from Paris, at its loudest during brunch and the pre-theatre rush. Russell Street is a minute or two from the Royal Opera House and the market halls, so book ahead for evening tables around show times and for weekend brunch. Service runs from 11.30am to 10.45pm on weekdays, with earlier starts at the weekend and a 9.45pm close on Sunday. See our guide to restaurants in Covent Garden, or for handmade pasta at a gentler price nearby try Bancone on William IV Street.
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Reviews
Balthazar is an elegant Parisian style french brasserie in Covent Garden. The building is very grand and the high ceilings, gold trimmings, fish display and impressive bar make this a classic west end restaurant. The restaurant has a large capacity which makes it ideal considering the busy location but we managed to get a table last minuet at the time we wanted however if you are more than two of really on eating here I would advise to book early. The menu is french brasserie with an extensive wine list. If you are a fan of oysters then you’ll love their oyster plater. I had the half lobster which was delicious and perfectly cooked. The menu also has a set menu option which is exceptionally good value as well as a pre and post theatre menu available. One of the really great things about Balthazar is that it severs food well past the theatres closing with the last tables being available up to 23.30. So if you want to go to a show and then find somewhere that has a lively buzz, delicious food and and a spectacular setting this is the place. The menu has something for everyone, several vegetarian options, plenty of fish and traditionally cooked meat. The prices are fair meaning that you can eat on a budget or splash out on oyster and champagne if the mood takes you. The staff are super professional, there is a doorman and all are dressed in a smart uniform that does elevate the occasion. I like having the bar in the restaurant so you can watch the cocktails being made and there
Excellent French style restaurant for a relaxed but exquisite dinner. Great atmosphere and lovely decor inside. We were very well taken care of by Paul who had us laughing throughout the meal. Speaking of which i can highly recommend the snails to start followed by the steak frites - good quality beef cooked to perfection. The dessert menu was highly appealing however we unfortunately didn’t have any room left! Hope to come again soon
The setting is very much a French bistro or brasserie style, which it carries off quite well, but when you get into the appetizers, they disappoint and at this price point they should be very good. In the appetizers, the duck liver “parfait” was mostly a mousse, far from parfait, and would not be served in a French restaurant while the prawns were a bit disappointing (small and flavorless). Balthazar did make up for it with the meats as the steaks and sauces and the lamb were very good. The soufflé for dessert was quite good but the crème brûlée disappointed. While the wine was excellent, it was overpriced.