I have so many favourite restaurants in London that I could return to again and again; but since starting a food blog I always try to go to different places so that there’s plenty of variety appearing on my little internet space. With that being said I love trying out other people’s favourite restaurants and there’s nothing better than a trusted recommendation.
After reading Ashleigh’s blog, Quintessentially Me, I knew she was a lady with taste so I was excited to meet her at her favourite restaurant along with my blogger friend, Melanie from Sunny in London.
21 Covent Garden is perfectly located in the Covent Garden Piazza and is made up of three floors and an outdoor terrace. Upstairs is the Print Room bar where you can chill out on the balcony and drink a cocktail overlooking the main square.
The downstairs restaurant is made up of cellar vaults where we found the perfect nook for three…
The low lighting, exposed brick work and shabby-chic tables reminded me of an authentic Italian trattoria, and the menu was also inspired by Italy. But the friendly staff and warm welcoming environment reminded me of Cheers (the bar in the American sitcom), the kind of place where everybody knows your name.
Because I am always drawn to anything containing bread, smoked salmon or tomatoes, I chose to start with a trio of crostinis.
My three bread-based snacks were topped with tomato and basil, beetroot-cured smoked salmon and goats cheese, parma ham and fig. Needless to says all three were winners in my eyes!
Ashleigh chose quick-fried tallegio parcels served with onion rings and a balsamic and apple chutney. The crisp bundles were full of gooey melted cheese, I tried one and they were totally delicious and the dish was perfect for sharing.
Melanie’s lamb cutlet was served with salsa verde and it was the ideal size for part of a tapas selection.
On to mains, I chose a light option of salmon cooked in a bag with leeks and garlic (I’m allowed cos I wasn’t with my husband…) rosemary and broccoli. It was a great health-ish option and a little melted butter added some depth of flavour. My only criticism would be that I wished they’d cooked it for a little less time as I like salmon slightly rare.
Both my blogger buddies chose a vegetarian option for their main courses.
Ashleigh had the aubergine shutter with tomato, basil and mozzarella. Also a favourite of mine.
And for Melanie…
A delicious plate of mushroom ravioli…talk about food envy.
And when it came to desserts… we just couldn’t decide…
So we had them all! Perfectly portioned for us to try one of each.
It was great to try one of Ashleigh’s favourite spots…thank you 21 Covent Garden, we’re glad we came!
21 Covent Garden
21 The Market
Covent Garden
London
WC2E 8RD
0207 836 2137
