Keith McNally is a renowned British-born New York City restaurateur, often credited with defining the modern bistro scene in Manhattan. He is known for creating iconic, atmospheric restaurants that attract both...
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FrenchSteakhouseSeafoodVegetarian Vegan FocusVegan-friendlySeafoodUpscaleBreakfastLunchDinnerLate Night
Last updated: 6/30/2026, 5:45:27 PM
Key Information
Balthazar London is an elegant Parisian-style French brasserie located in the heart of Covent Garden, London's Theatreland. It's known for its grand building, high ceilings, gold trimmings, and impressive bar, creating a classic West End dining experience. The restaurant offers a lively buzz and serves classic French brasserie and bistro dishes, including extensive pre and post-theatre menus, with food available until late (last tables at 23:30).
Customers praise Balthazar for its excellent French-style food, great atmosphere, and lovely decor. The staff are consistently described as professional, attentive, and smartly dressed. Popular dishes include the oyster platter, half lobster, snails, and steak frites. While many find the prices fair, some appetizers and wine have been noted as potentially overpriced. It's highly recommended for its convenient location, especially for pre or post-theatre dining, and its ability to accommodate a large capacity without compromising service.
Additional Details
The restaurant features a prominent bar where guests can watch cocktails being made, and bar seating is available for drinks. Its large capacity makes it suitable for spontaneous visits, though reservations are recommended. The ambiance is enhanced by a doorman and staff in smart uniforms, elevating the dining occasion.
Balthazar is ideal for pre and post-theatre dining due to its location in Covent Garden and late operating hours (last tables at 23:30). It's also a popular spot for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering a lively atmosphere throughout the day. Booking in advance is advised, especially for more than two people or during peak times.
Balthazar is an elegant Parisian style french brasserie in Covent Garden. The building is very grand and the high ceilings, gold trimmings, fish display and impressive bar make this a classic west end restaurant.
The restaurant has a large capacity which makes it ideal considering the busy location but we managed to get a table last minuet at the time we wanted however if you are more than two of really on eating here I would advise to book early.
The menu is french brasserie with an extensive wine list. If you are a fan of oysters then you’ll love their oyster plater. I had the half lobster which was delicious and perfectly cooked. The menu also has a set menu option which is exceptionally good value as well as a pre and post theatre menu available.
One of the really great things about Balthazar is that it severs food well past the theatres closing with the last tables being available up to 23.30. So if you want to go to a show and then find somewhere that has a lively buzz, delicious food and and a spectacular setting this is the place.
The menu has something for everyone, several vegetarian options, plenty of fish and traditionally cooked meat. The prices are fair meaning that you can eat on a budget or splash out on oyster and champagne if the mood takes you.
The staff are super professional, there is a doorman and all are dressed in a smart uniform that does elevate the occasion.
I like having the bar in the restaurant so you can watch the cocktails being made and there is bar seating so you could probably just come for a drink.
This has been on the list to visit for a while and it wont be the last time either.
Excellent French style restaurant for a relaxed but exquisite dinner. Great atmosphere and lovely decor inside. We were very well taken care of by Paul who had us laughing throughout the meal. Speaking of which i can highly recommend the snails to start followed by the steak frites - good quality beef cooked to perfection. The dessert menu was highly appealing however we unfortunately didn’t have any room left! Hope to come again soon
The setting is very much a French bistro or brasserie style, which it carries off quite well, but when you get into the appetizers, they disappoint and at this price point they should be very good. In the appetizers, the duck liver “parfait” was mostly a mousse, far from parfait, and would not be served in a French restaurant while the prawns were a bit disappointing (small and flavorless). Balthazar did make up for it with the meats as the steaks and sauces and the lamb were very good. The soufflé for dessert was quite good but the crème brûlée disappointed. While the wine was excellent, it was overpriced.
Very nice food and atmosphere. Pop-in for a quick lunch, ended up having a course meal😅 The fish was very well cook and loved the curly flower soup too. Will definitely go back next time to enjoy desert.
My new favourite restaurant in London, absolutely stunning food and amazing staff.
It was recommended to us by someone that lives in London, and what a find.
You walk into a vibrant ( but not too noisy) atmosphere, the service from every member of staff is impeccable- Rita our waitress was particularly helpful and friendly.
My pork chop was the best I’ve ever had, my wife’s salmon so so tasty and our desserts were simply amazing.
For the price you pay it’s simply amazing value for money.
Can’t wait to go back.
