With an eclectic mix of fun, fancy, experimental and historic restaurants, cafés and bars, Covent Garden Riverside has a culinary culture all of its own.

So, whether you’re particularly partial to a posh coffee or aiming to impress clients, here’s a snap shot of what makes this area particularly special…

Grind has a coffee-loving cult following, and this local branch on Maiden Lane is arguably the best. Not only can you start your day at their espresso bar, but kick-off after work drinks at the cocktail bar with an infamous Espresso Martini and you’re in for a good night!

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THE original home-roasted and fairtrade coffee company – enjoy Monmouth’s mouth-watering blends at their original home in charming Neal’s Yard.

This quirky café across the market in Neal’s Yard is the ideal escape for a caffeine hit, angelic salad or devilish cake.

Lunch didn’t hit the spot? It’s time for a treat! This funky spot serves an inventive selection of fresh ice creams, candyfloss and popcorn. The diet starts tomorrow.

A place of calm away from the hustle and bustle of the city, The Petersham is an elegant à la carte restaurant serving seasonal fare in a plant filled setting of understated grandeur.

A stylish and snug sushi restaurant with a range of Japanese-inspired cocktails – all set within an historic townhouse… sounds strange, but this makes it all the more special.

For fans of award-winning restaurant Kitty Fisher’s in Mayfair, Cora Pearl is the second restaurant from the team serving complex and seasonal British comfort food in a gorgeous Covent Garden townhouse.

Playful dishes full of colour & personality are shared alongside cocktails inspired by southwest France, Corsica & Basque country.

A casual neighbourhood diner, bar and garden created by local social enterprise Coin Street Community Builders and the National Theatre. Inside you'll find an airy, contemporary space featuring props and scenery recycled from National Theatre shows.

In the heart of Covent Garden, Balthazar is open all day, seven days a week, serving breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, as well as an amazing weekend brunch. Great French bistro food, good wine and friendly service are the order of the day with booths and private spaces making this restaurant ideal for group bookings.

An elegant yet trendy Parisian bistro with a London twist, serving à la carte and set menus for lunch and dinner.

London’s most renowned and authentic Spanish tapas bar with an open kitchen and beautiful marble-topped bar where guests can sit and watch the chefs at work.

A marble feature bar and elegant dining room set the scene for a menu of Italian cooking from the Milan region.

A cool intimate and cosy bar offering an interesting tapas menu along a great wine and beer selection.

Head Chef Marcellin Marc combines the freshest ingredients with a passion for bringing out inherent flavours in a contemporary approach to Provençal inspired dishes, all served within a seriously stunning setting that is sure to impress.

At the heart of Covent Garden, these unique private dining rooms offer elegant and charming surroundings ideal for entertaining clients and colleagues and for celebrating special occasions.

Inspired by the grand cafés of Mittel-Europe, The Delaunay is an all-day café-restaurant from the team behind The Wolseley. A perfect local venue for brunch meetings, fine-dining and private hire.

This high-end American Steakhouse is beautifully decorated and makes for a delectable yet informal experience.

Across the river, this fine dining restaurant at the Royal Festival Hall serves delicious modern European cuisine in a beautiful, bright environment surrounding a stunning centrepiece bar, which is renowned for its fabulous cocktails.

Tucked away on St Martin’s Court between Covent Garden and Leicester Square, J Sheekey is an iconic London restaurant which has been serving the finest fish and shellfish for over 100 years. Tables look on to the elegant oyster and Champagne bar with the full à la carte menu being served throughout the day.

A stalwart on the ‘London’s Best Hidden Bars’ circuit, Gordon’s is thought to be the oldest wine bar in London. An after-work crowd spills out from the cave-like basement bar into the sun trap side street. Go for wine, cheese and an unrivalled atmosphere.

On the 10th floor of the ME Hotel, join a polished crowd and take in amazing panoramic views at one of London’s most premier rooftop bars.

One for music lovers, Spiritland has it all – an uber-trendy setting, a delicious menu and an incredible bespoke sound system with guest DJs playing the cream of their collections from Thursday through Saturday. This is the place for a late-night boogie for those in the know, with a licence until 2am from Thursday through Saturday.

The longest surviving cocktail bar in London and one of the most renowned in the world, serving classics with a twist, new and vintage creations and legendary bartender’s signature drinks all with a live jazz pianist.

Keep your caffeine levels topped up with the signature Grind House Blend and feel suitably replenished with bottomless prosecco at brunch. After hours, Grind is better known for fuelling fun evenings with Espresso Martinis and small plates.

Gloria always threw the wildest parties. She makes the best whiskey sour. She had the best legs in Soho. She taught Bowie how to do his make-up. She has Elton’s old piano. Some say she dated Hendrix. She spent her life in hotels. When she ran out of dosh she moved into the basement. She still throws the best parties...

For low-key after work drinks, Landlady Fanny McGee throws open her doors to a traditional Victorian tavern in the heart of Covent Garden.

For something a bit different, head to Southbank for infused vodkas, cocktails and to experiment with tasty Polish inspired platters and snacks.