One of the genuine pleasures of publishing Travel Life is discovering places that deserve to be talked about. Whether we are halfway across the world or simply enjoying a city break closer to home, when we stumble across a restaurant that delivers something memorable, we like to share it with our readers.
Tucked away in the heart of Covent Garden, Le Garrick is exactly that sort of place.
Celebrating four decades in business this year, this charming French restaurant feels like a deliciously well-kept secret, despite its prime central London location. Step through the doors and the capital falls away, replaced by a distinctly Parisian atmosphere of low lighting, polished wood, intimate corners and that unmistakable hum of effortless French hospitality.
There is nothing contrived about Le Garrick. It feels authentic rather than themed – a place that knows precisely what it is and has no need to shout about it.
A classic French start
We began with what the menu modestly calls a snack – bread and butter at £4.50. Simple? Yes. Forgettable? Absolutely not. Fresh, crusty bread paired with beautifully smooth butter proved impossible to resist and set the tone for what followed.
For starters, the kitchen demonstrated exactly why French cooking remains so enduringly admired. The Noix de St Jacques (£10.75) were delicately cooked scallops with natural sweetness and finesse, while the pâté de campagne maison (£8) delivered the sort of rustic richness that instantly transports you to a bustling Paris bistro.
This is food rooted in confidence rather than gimmickry.
French comfort done properly
For mains, we chose two classics.
The confit de canard et pomme purée (£26) was everything a duck confit should be – rich, deeply flavoured meat beneath gloriously crisp skin, paired with velvety mashed potato that happily absorbed every drop of flavour.
Equally satisfying was the faux filet rib eye (£29.50), a generous 225g cut cooked perfectly rare, served with classic Béarnaise sauce and golden French fries that were exactly as they should be.
To accompany the meal, our waiter recommended a glass of Clos du Colombier, Cahors Malbec AOC (£12 for 175ml), a bold yet smooth red that worked beautifully with both the duck and steak.
Save room for dessert
By this point, restraint would have been pointless.
The crème brûlée (£9) arrived with a satisfyingly crisp caramelised top that cracked beautifully under the spoon, revealing a silky, vanilla-rich custard beneath. An Americano (£3) provided the ideal finishing touch.
A discreet London favourite
Le Garrick also carries a quiet sense of old-school glamour.
During our visit, we happened to spot a political celebrity dining discreetly nearby – a reminder that this is the kind of establishment where notable faces can enjoy an evening without fanfare, fuss or unwanted attention.
That discretion feels very much part of Le Garrick’s charm.
In a city overflowing with restaurants chasing trends, Le Garrick does something rather more appealing: it simply gets on with doing what it does exceptionally well.
Authentic, atmospheric and consistently delicious, this is a restaurant we would happily revisit whenever our travels bring us back to London.
Le Garrick
10-12 Garrick Street
Covent Garden
London WC2E 9BH
020 7240 7649
info@legarrick.co.uk
www.legarrick.co.uk
Instagram: @le_garrick
Facebook: Le Garrick
X: @LeGarrick
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