Where to eat nr Covent Garden?

[Phwooooar]

Am taking DS to see Lion King on Friday. We need somewhere reasonably close to have a bite to eat beforehand and meet up with a couple of friends. DS is 9 so no child friendlyish would be great. Any ideas?

I took my kids to Masala Zone a couple of weeks ago and e all enjoed our meal.. Belgo is also good for both adults and kids.

What kind of place are you thinking? And what's your budget? There's so much in that area it's hard to narrow it down to be honest!

There's a Mexican called Lupita on Villiers Street which is quite nice/cheap/child friendly. Only about a 5 minute walk from Lion King. Or there's a pop up called Canteen in Covent Garden market.

Great ideas so far, will check those out - thanks. Budget around £20 pp I guess. Something with a bit of atmosphere since it's Christmas would be fab. Just wanted to try and avoid the real tourist trap places and big chains..

Smollensky's on the Strand is good and just round the corner - it's arguably a touristy place at first glance but loads of Londoners go there with their kids and it's pretty festive. Depends a little on your DS, i.e. would he like somewhere that's more of a proper restaurant or somewhere lower key and more relaxing?

Carluccios is a small chain, but I like it - there is one in Covent Garden. Also Sofra is a v small chain with a tasty, varied and good value menu

Good old Smollensky's - used to go there many a year ago for pulling cocktails. Great idea. Also yes would prefer lower key and relaxing as will have been traipsing around town for half the day too

Sophie's is fab and just down from the Lion King - it's really buzzy, the staff are friendly and the menu seems to suit everyone, although not great for vegetarians if that will be an issue. You can't reserve, but I've only had to wait for a table once and that was on NYE (and only 20 minutes). They have a separate kids' menu and also a pre/post theatre menu.

Canteen is fab, but I haven't been to the pop up one, so can't say what it's like.

Palm Court Brasserie and Boulevard Brasserie are sister restaurants - sort of like a non-chain Cafe Rouge.

Browns is a chain, but not a big one. Again it's buzzy and fun, and the other side of the piazza but not too far away from Lion King.

You could also try Livebait which is mainly fish

We love Palm Court Brasserie and usually if you book through top table you can get a 50% reduction on your food.

Pasta brown is delicious!

If you fancy somewhere really grown up, and it's lunch time, Clos Maggiore are doing 2 courses for £15.50 through Toptable, and it's a special meal rather than just a meal