Clos Maggiore has been voted London’s Most Romantic restaurant. Due to its location in the heart of Covent Garden, I was slightly sceptical of this title and half-expected to be greeted with a host of tourists blocking the doorway to a gimmicky crowded dining area with Punch and Judy plastered over the walls… and perhaps an accordion player thrown in for good measure.
Running late, I rushed down King Street and nearly missed the restaurant, so surprisingly understated was its charming exterior. No swarms of tourists gathered were outside and my anxiety of being serenaded over spaghetti and meatballs lessened slightly. I walked through the doorway, and was shown into a small lounge where I waited to be shown to my table, alongside a party of very well dressed Londoners (mental pat on back for not wearing my trainers after all).
As I was escorted to the table, I took in the cosy and romantic interior. Our table was next to a fireplace and underneath a skylight draped in leaves and flowers. The effect was quite delightful and any lingering fears of Covent Gardentrifying slipped away.
I sat down in the plush leather chair and clinked a glass of Prosecco with Milly, who seemed equally enthralled by our beautiful surroundings. We were handed their Sunday menu which offered three courses for £22.50 or 3 courses plus ½ bottle of wine for £26.50. Not bad at all, even by my own cheapskate standards (Big Macs are outrageously overpriced these days, aren’t they?).
I ordered the Seared Wild Scallops which was served with salted cod brandade and herb vinaigrette. The scallops were perfectly cooked and the brandade added nicely to the flavour. Milly ordered the Sicilian Aubergine and Fig Caponata with Goats Cheese which looked delicious but I didn’t dare ask for a bite lest she ask for some of my precious scallops in return.
For the main, I ordered the Honey Glazed Duck Breast and a side of Wilted Spinach while Milly had the Slow Cooked Charolais Beef Cheek and a side of Triple Cooked Chips. Conversation took a turn for the non-existent as we both tucked in to the feast in front of us. The occasional ‘this is delicious… this is so delicious’ was exchanged, but otherwise speech was forgotten as we savoured every bite.
When the waiter came to take our dessert order, we began the kneejerk choruses of ‘Oh no, I couldn’t -‘ before trailing off as the menus were placed in front of us. We shared the Dark Chocolate & Jaffa Orange Cake and the Strawberry & Pistachio Baked Alaska. Clearly not fooled by our faux resistance to all things sugar, they brought Petite Fours to accompany our sweetfest. In keeping with the meal, the desserts were as delicious as they sounded on the menu. Must not write more about dessert for fear of salivating at memory.
Clos Maggiore is indeed worthy of its Most Romantic Restaurant in London title and is the perfect date spot… not least because if your date starts to confide in you about their secret obsession with unicorns, your food will stun both of you into satisfied silence.
Visit the Clos Maggiore website here.
Written by a Thoroughly Modern Miss, Kate O’Brien.