Nice cafes in Covent Garden area

[JSMill]

We have friends who live abroad who are coming to London for a holiday and want to meet for coffee and maybe lunch. They are staying in the Covent Garden area. I would be grateful for any suggestions.

Royal Opera House foyer for coffee

Depends what you mean by nice…

Apple butter cafe
l’eto

Violas

Cafe Nero in Long Acre is our go-to cafe when dd and I are in London, just round the corner from the Opera House. Maybe not right for a fancy lunch though. The ROH has a nice cafe, but it is on the expensive side.

I've had a really nice lunch at Abuelo in Covent Garden - tiny cafe, Australian-run (I believe), one big table so feels quite communal, but very pleasant: https://www.abuelocafe.co.uk/

Chestnut Bakery, because of the excellent food, peaceful atmosphere and it’s not too crowded inside.

Royal Opera House, upstairs on the balcony is nice or the floral hall ( Paul Hamlyn Hall). Otherwise the Portrait Restaurant at the NPG, OXO Tower - on the balcony, or J Sheekey for lunch.

If you want cheaper options, there is a cafe just behind the ROH that does nice salads and sandwiches, Masala Zone or the cafe in St James Park.