Walking into Clos Maggiore is like stepping into a secret garden; you seem to enter another world entirely, far away from Covent Garden, where the restaurant has been located since 2001.
Over the past 23 years, it has remained one of London’s most romantic and desired fine dining spots. Even Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, was spotted having a meal with her family here.
Charming hideaway
Clos Maggiore is as focused on its aesthetics and atmosphere as on its food. The restaurant is divided into several grand spaces, including outdoor seating areas, upstairs, the bar area, and the conservatory.
All the rooms are cozy and softly lit, with tables close enough together to create a warm, intimate and exclusive feel, but with big tables and not so close as to intrude on the privacy of those who have come to indulge in all that famous romance. Curtains and plush chairs suit a building that dates back to Georgian times.
Romantic dinner à deux
The blossom-filled conservatory – complete with a retractable roof – is an undeniably impressive sight to behold, especially for a special occasion. It also benefits from the clever use of floor-to-ceiling mirrors that make it feel like an infinity room.
The soft jazz music in the background, the dimmed lighting, the dark wooden furniture, the huge fireplace, and the sophisticated paintings on the walls add intimacy to the enchanted atmosphere. Romantic settings don’t get more splendidly over-the-top than this. You can scarcely imagine how many proposals have taken place under Clos Maggiore’s foliage-laden ceilings.
Exquisite wine selection
Silky-smooth service only adds to the appeal of this timeless classic. Bow-tied waiters and restaurant managers who know your name and surprise you with their general knowledge and, of course, wine pairing skills.
The award-winning wine selection here is outstanding, a treat for the connoisseur. Its spirits menu, which we would rather call a book, spans 125 pages and features some very fine producers of reds, whites, champagnes, and even sakes by the glass or bottle. While mostly from France, there are also selections from Italy, Spain, and other regions around the world.
The menu is extensive too. In addition to the à la carte options, Clos Maggiore offers seasonal, vegetarian, and vegan six-course tasting menus, pre- and post-theatre set menus, and lunch set menus for both weekdays and weekends.
Contemporary French cuisine
Clos Maggiore serves classical French food with a varied, vaguely European feel, featuring lots of seafood and oven-roasted meats. We opted for the three-course pre-theatre menu with complimentary champagne. Technically, it was a four-course meal because the bread, made on the premises, deserves recognition.
Our starters included Warm Leek & Potato Soup, which went beautifully with Roast Cod, Smoked Haddock, Sweetcorn & Summer Vegetable Chowder, and Native Breed Bavette Steak. Side orders are not to be skimped on here. The truffle mash almost stole the show, while the creamy wilted spinach managed to make a marvellously opulent dish out of healthy greenery.
There were a few other tempting options which we saved for our next visit. But whatever you choose, don’t leave without trying the desserts – both Classic Savarin of Exotic Fruit, soaked in Venezuelan aged rum, and Delicate Mousse of Equatorial Valrhona Chocolate felt light and delicious.
We washed everything down with espresso, and walnut and orange homemade petit fours – a naughty but nice bonus thanks to the combination of chocolate. With the tone for indulgence well and truly set, it’s up to you how you spend the rest of your evening. But why would you ever want to leave?
Clos Maggiore is located at 33 King St, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8JD. More information can be found here.
Image credits: © Clos Maggiore, Travel with Style
