Strada Cucina Italiana in Covent Garden

After the matinee play this afternoon in Covent Garden, I thought it would be sensible to eat before the dinner crowds. Across the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane on Catherine Street is a full block of restaurants including a location of Strada Cucina Italiana.

Though the restaurant was not busy at 5:30pm, every table was occupied by the time I left less than hour later. The dining room is warm and inviting with dark woods and red accents. Though tables are close, you can choose the front dining room with windows facing the Theatre Royal or a back room beyond the restaurant's bar. Being early I scored a table by the window which kept me comfortable when the restaurant became full.

This evening's meal started with a small glass of Verdicchio (an Italian white wine), green olives, bread with pesto pomodoro (tomato and basil) and for my entree, risotto norcini (mushroom and sausage). It was 'Risotto Week' at the restaurant and this was just one of the several listed in their specials menu. Everything looked new and unusual and so the waiter was patient and helpful to find choices to my liking.

Service was fast and the food delicious and filling. I could have actually eaten more of the buttery-flavored green olives. Cost for each item: wine £4.55, olives £2.25, bread £4.25 and risotto £10.95. Total with tip was £24.50 (about US$36). As you can see dining in central London can be an expensive experience. So you're not broke from just eating, my suggestion is to balance your meals with light and heavy meals or to skip a meal if you are not hungry. This evening I truly was. Add this location of Strada as a recommendation in Covent Garden. Click here for a copy of their menu. More info at strada.co.uk. In London, there are thirty locations of this restaurant.