Clos Maggiore

A Georgian townhouse with a discreet and unassuming mulberry-coloured awning and frontage picks out this sumptuous restaurant from the less glamorous razzmatazz of Covent Garden. Reminiscent of a stylish Provençal or Tuscan country property - with its warm colours and conservatory-style courtyard with fully opening glass roof that offers 'internal alfresco dining' in the warmer months, or under the stars at night - it positively exudes romance, with real box hedging and flowers adding to the garden feel. In winter there's a roaring fire, while wooden floors, elegantly laid tables and smoked mirrors all contribute to the ambience. Service is impeccable - slick, friendly, professional and French - and there is an excellent wine list. Talented chef Marcellin Marc, previously at the two Michelin-starred Le Clos de la Violette in Aix-en-Provence, heads up the kitchen, his cooking modern-focused and underpinned by a classical theme. Classy, sophisticated and driven by high quality ingredients, this is French cooking at its best. Presentation is simple, portions generous and flavours bold, all accompanied by a superb wine list. Begin with a remoulade of Dorset crab and marjoram, with pickled cauliflower and brown shrimp, and follow with oven-roasted whole Maine lobster served with macaroni gratin and a light lobster and basil bisque.

1 min walk from The Piazza & Royal Opera House
Nearest station: Covent Garden

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