Bella Italia

Bella Italia is a casual Italian restaurant on Wellington Street, just around the corner from the Royal Opera House, the London Transport Museum and the Piazza. The Wellington Street branch of the national chain is built around big bowls of pasta and hand-stretched pizza, and it positions itself as an easy stop for pasta lovers, families and anyone wanting good Italian food in a central spot.

The menu runs from creamy and tomato-based pasta sauces to baked dishes such as lasagne, with familiar starters like calamari and a range of hand-stretched pizzas. Dedicated children's meals, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options run across the menu, which makes it a straightforward choice for mixed groups. Spritz season brings Aperol, Hugo and alcohol-free options, and the chain runs regular offers including a lunch deal, summer rewards, kids eat free periods and a 25 per cent discount for emergency services, NHS and armed forces staff through Blue Light.

Family Italian restaurant in Covent Garden for pre-show meals

The restaurant describes itself as the spot for quick pre-show bites, relaxed catch-ups and spontaneous party dinners, and service is paced for theatre timings. Walk-ins are welcome, and bookings are recommended around busy times, when the team will do its best to seat you either way. Group bookings are taken, and there is free wifi.

What to expect on a visit

Expect a warm, family-friendly room rather than a destination dining experience, with pizza and pasta at chain prices a minute from the opera house. Doors open at 11am daily, closing at 10pm Sunday to Thursday and 11pm on Friday and Saturday, and delivery is available through the usual apps. Covent Garden and Charing Cross stations are both a short walk. See our list of restaurants in Covent Garden for other options, or for Southeast Asian food a few doors along the same street try Banana Tree.