Dishoom Covent Garden

The look and the story

The Covent Garden café takes its theme from Bombay in 1949, the era of the Talkies, when early Indian sound films were at their height. The walls are hung with photographs, artefacts and portraits of Bombay film stars, giving the room a busy, old-cinema feel that suits the location in London's theatre district.

What to order

Mornings bring the bacon naan roll, the akuri and the Big Bombay breakfast. Later, the house black daal is the dish most people come back for, alongside grills, biryanis and small plates for sharing. Vegetarians do well, with dishes such as pau bhaji, paneer and gunpowder potatoes, and separate vegan and gluten-free menus are available. Chai is a constant. Plates are designed for sharing, so order a few between the table rather than one main each, and save room for chai or a cocktail such as the house Negroni.

Queues and booking

Most tables are for walk-ins. Breakfast and lunch usually mean little or no wait, but after 6pm and at weekends expect a queue of 30 minutes to an hour, with chai served while you wait. Groups can book during the day, and after 6pm bookings are taken for six or more. Seven Dials Market and the Covent Garden theatres are a short walk away.

Highlights

• Bombay café styled on 1940s cinema
• Bacon naan roll at breakfast
• House black daal and chai
• Vegan and gluten-free menus

Good to know

• Mostly walk-in; evening bookings only for groups of six or more.
• Expect 30–60 minute queues after 6pm and at weekends; breakfast and lunch are quieter.
• Opens for breakfast every day.

Frequently asked questions