Balthazar London: Vibrant Parisian Brasserie in Covent Garden
Experience the lively charm of a Parisian brasserie with classic French cuisine in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Balthazar is a bustling French brasserie located in Covent Garden, London, renowned for its vibrant Parisian atmosphere, classic French dishes, and lively ambiance. This upscale restaurant offers a mix of breakfast, brasserie meals, and wine bar experiences in a stylish setting, making it a popular destination for both casual dining and special occasions.
A brief summary to Balthazar
- 4-6 Russell St, London, WC2B 5HZ, GB
- +442033011155
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Luxury
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 11 am-10:45 pm
- Tuesday 11 am-10:45 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-10:45 pm
- Thursday 11 am-10:45 pm
- Friday 11 am-10:45 pm
- Saturday 10 am-10:45 pm
- Sunday 10 am-9:45 pm
Local tips
- Reserve a table in advance, especially for evenings and weekends, to avoid long waits.
- Try the steak frites or pork chop for a taste of Balthazar’s signature French dishes.
- Visit during weekday lunch hours for a slightly quieter atmosphere and lunch menu options.
- Enjoy the vibrant ambiance near the bar area for a lively dining experience.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Balthazar location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Balthazar
A Parisian Brasserie Transplanted to London
Balthazar London brings the unmistakable charm of a classic Parisian brasserie to the heart of Covent Garden. Founded as an offshoot of the iconic New York original by Keith McNally, this restaurant recreates the bustling, elegant vibe of a French eatery with red leather banquettes, mirrored walls, and a lively hum of conversation. The décor and ambiance evoke the spirit of a traditional Parisian brasserie, offering guests an immersive cultural dining experience in a stylish yet casual setting.Classic French Cuisine with a Contemporary Twist
The menu at Balthazar features a range of classic French dishes executed with modern flair. Signature offerings include steak frites, escargots, and seafood, alongside breakfast options and a curated wine list. While the food quality can vary, many dishes such as the pork chop and crème brûlée tarte receive praise for their flavor and presentation. The restaurant aims to balance traditional recipes with contemporary tastes, appealing to both French cuisine aficionados and newcomers alike.Atmosphere and Service Dynamics
Balthazar is known for its vibrant and energetic atmosphere, which can become quite lively and noisy during peak times. The service is generally attentive and professional, contributing to the overall polished dining experience. However, the high volume of guests can occasionally affect the pace and consistency of service. The venue’s large size and central location make it a popular spot for brunch, pre-theatre meals, and social gatherings, creating a dynamic environment that buzzes with activity.Location and Setting in Covent Garden
Situated at 4-6 Russell Street, Balthazar benefits from its prime location near the Covent Garden Piazza, a hub of London’s theatre and shopping districts. This central placement makes it easily accessible and an ideal stop for visitors exploring the area. The restaurant’s exterior and interior design complement the historic yet lively character of Covent Garden, blending seamlessly into the vibrant urban fabric while standing out as a stylish dining destination.Considerations for Visitors
Balthazar is positioned in the higher price range, reflecting its upscale ambiance and central location. Some diners find the portions modest relative to the cost, and food quality can be inconsistent on certain dishes. Despite this, the restaurant remains a favored choice for those seeking the experience of a Parisian brasserie in London, especially for special occasions or a lively meal out. Reservations are recommended during busy periods to secure a table in this popular venue.A Legacy of French Dining in London
Over the years, Balthazar London has established itself as a notable part of the city’s dining scene, drawing inspiration from its New York counterpart while adapting to local tastes. Its blend of classic French cuisine, vibrant atmosphere, and central location continues to attract a diverse clientele, from theatre-goers to food enthusiasts. The restaurant’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to offer a slice of Parisian life amidst the bustle of London’s West End.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Bow St
0.1 km
Bow Street, a historic London street famed for pioneering policing, vibrant theatre, and rich cultural heritage in Covent Garden.
Plaque: David Garrick
0.1 km
Honoring David Garrick, the 18th-century actor and theatre innovator, with a commemorative plaque in London’s historic theatre district.
Strand
0.2 km
Historic London thoroughfare linking Westminster and the City, famed for grand hotels, cultural landmarks, and hidden historical treasures.
John Adam St & Adam St
0.3 km
Explore John Adam Street & Adam Street, heart of the Adam brothers’ neoclassical Adelphi development, blending Georgian elegance with modern London vibrancy.
Richard D’Oyly Carte Monument
0.3 km
A sculptural homage to Richard D’Oyly Carte’s theatrical and hospitality legacy, nestled in the serene Victoria Embankment Gardens.
Henry Fawcett Monument
0.4 km
A serene Victorian fountain memorializing Henry Fawcett’s pioneering spirit in social reform and women’s suffrage, nestled in tranquil Embankment Gardens.
The Old Watch House
0.4 km
A quaint early 18th-century parish watch house on London’s Strand, offering a rare glimpse into pre-Metropolitan Police community policing.
Major-General Lord Cheylesmore Monument
0.4 km
A serene stone tribute in Victoria Embankment Gardens honoring Major-General Lord Cheylesmore’s military and civic legacy.
Neal’s Yard (Courtyard)
0.4 km
Discover Neal’s Yard, a colorful hidden courtyard in Covent Garden transformed from dereliction into a thriving hub of community, sustainability, and alternative culture.
Seven Dials
0.4 km
A star-shaped Georgian quarter blending historic charm with contemporary culture, boutiques, and dining.
Historic Seven Dials
0.4 km
Discover Seven Dials, a historic London quarter where seven streets meet at a unique sundial pillar, blending rich heritage with vibrant culture.
Agatha Christie memorial
0.4 km
A captivating bronze tribute to Agatha Christie, celebrating her literary genius and theatrical legacy in London's vibrant theatre district.
Cleopatra's Needle
0.4 km
An ancient Egyptian obelisk on London's Thames Embankment, bridging millennia of history and mystery in the heart of the city.
York Watergate
0.5 km
Discover the York Watergate, a rare 17th-century gateway marking the old Thames riverside and London's vanished aristocratic waterfront.
Cecil Court
0.5 km
Step into a cobbled alley where books, history, and magic converge in the heart of London.
Unmissable attractions to see
London Transport Museum
0.1 km
Explore over 200 years of London’s transport history through iconic vehicles, interactive exhibits, and hidden underground tours in Covent Garden.
Royal Ballet and Opera
0.1 km
Experience world-class ballet and opera in the historic and stunning Royal Opera House at London’s vibrant Covent Garden.
Music at Covent Garden
0.1 km
Experience the vibrant live music and rich cultural heritage at Covent Garden, London's iconic West End soundscape.
Theatre Royal Drury Lane
0.1 km
Experience London's oldest theatre site, where 350 years of theatrical history come alive in a stunning 1812 West End landmark.
Jubilee Market
0.1 km
Historic Covent Garden market with antiques, crafts, and vibrant food stalls in a lively, iconic London setting.
Covent Garden
0.1 km
Historic market piazza and cultural hotspot blending world-class theatre, vibrant street life, luxury shopping, and diverse dining in London’s West End.
Fortune Theatre
0.1 km
Experience intimate West End theatre magic at the historic Fortune Theatre, London’s charming post-WWI gem with a rich cultural legacy.
Bow Street Police Museum
0.1 km
Explore London’s pioneering policing history and iconic court cases at the Bow Street Museum of Crime and Justice in Covent Garden.
Duchess Theatre
0.1 km
Discover the intimate charm and rich history of the Duchess Theatre, a West End treasure since 1929 with iconic productions and timeless elegance.
Punch & Judy
0.1 km
Historic Covent Garden pub named after iconic puppet shows, blending lively atmosphere, traditional fare, and vibrant street views.
Lyceum Theatre
0.1 km
Experience world-class West End theatre in the historic Lyceum Theatre, home to The Lion King and a jewel of London’s cultural scene.
Huntfun Covent Garden
0.2 km
Explore Covent Garden through an engaging self-guided treasure hunt blending history, artisan markets, and lively street performances.
Novello Theatre
0.2 km
A classic West End theatre on Aldwych, home to Mamma Mia! and a refined Edwardian auditorium with excellent sightlines and intimate charm.
Mamma Mia!
0.2 km
Experience the joyous ABBA musical Mamma Mia! at London’s Novello Theatre, a timeless West End celebration of love and laughter.
Drury Lane Gardens
0.2 km
Discover a historic and tranquil pocket park in Covent Garden, blending Victorian heritage with modern play spaces in central London.
Essential places to dine
Balthazar
0.0 km
Experience the lively charm of a Parisian brasserie with classic French cuisine in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Cicchetti by San Carlo - London Covent Garden
0.1 km
Experience authentic Venetian small plates and seasonal Italian flavors in a stylish, lively Covent Garden setting.
Chez Antoinette
0.1 km
Authentic Lyon-inspired French bistro serving classic tartines and cozy café fare in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Inamo Covent Garden
0.2 km
A futuristic Pan-Asian restaurant in Covent Garden where interactive tables meet bold Asian flavours in a sleek, tech-forward space.
Frog by Adam Handling Restaurant Covent Garden
0.2 km
Experience Michelin-starred modern British cuisine with theatrical flair and sustainable luxury in the heart of Covent Garden.
Sarastro
0.2 km
Experience vibrant Mediterranean flavors and live musical theatre in the heart of Covent Garden’s most theatrical restaurant.
Cora Pearl Covent Garden
0.2 km
Elegant modern British dining in Covent Garden with iconic chips, soulful vibes, and a nod to a glamorous past.
Palm Court Brasserie
0.2 km
Experience authentic Parisian charm and classic French cuisine in the vibrant heart of Covent Garden at Palm Court Brasserie.
Rules
0.2 km
London’s oldest restaurant since 1798, Rules serves timeless British classics in an elegant, historic Covent Garden setting.
Clos Maggiore
0.2 km
Experience London’s most romantic French restaurant with enchanting blossom-filled conservatory and an award-winning wine cellar in Covent Garden.
Margot
0.3 km
Sophisticated Italian dining with classic charm and an extensive wine list in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Flat Iron Covent Garden
0.3 km
Savor expertly crafted flat iron steaks in a historic Covent Garden setting, complete with rustic charm and a signature ice cream treat.
Circus
0.3 km
Experience Covent Garden’s vibrant Asian fusion dinner theatre where culinary artistry meets captivating live performances.
Hawksmoor Seven Dials
0.3 km
Savor expertly grilled British steaks and vibrant seafood in a historic Covent Garden brewery setting with atmospheric charm and refined cocktails.
Hoa Sen Vietnamese Street Food Restaurant
0.3 km
Authentic Vietnamese street food in the heart of Covent Garden, blending vibrant flavors with a lively, cozy atmosphere.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
London Transport Museum - Shop
0.1 km
Discover unique transport-themed gifts and iconic London memorabilia at the London Transport Museum Shop in Covent Garden.
Sass & Belle Covent Garden Market
0.1 km
Quirky gifts and whimsical homeware in Covent Garden's lively market—permanently closed in-store, thriving online with cute finds for every home.
The Moomin Shop London
0.1 km
Step into the enchanting world of Moominvalley at The Moomin Shop in Covent Garden, London’s magical haven for fans of Tove Jansson’s beloved characters.
MUJI Covent Garden Store
0.2 km
Discover Japanese minimalism in Covent Garden: timeless clothing, sustainable homewares, and functional stationery for clutter-free, mindful living.
Brandy Melville - Covent Garden
0.3 km
Trendy Italian-LA fusion on Neal Street: one-size-fits-most chic for the effortless Covent Garden style seeker.
Rokit Covent Garden
0.3 km
Dive into retro treasures at Rokit Covent Garden, where sustainable vintage fashion meets London's vibrant street style heritage on Shelton Street.
Urban Outfitters
0.3 km
Dive into Urban Outfitters' warehouse wonderland in Seven Dials, where eclectic fashion, cult beauty, and quirky homewares fuel London's youth culture vibe.
Good
0.4 km
Discover sustainable style with curated preloved vintage and designer fashion at Good London’s Seven Dials shop.
Pop Boutique
0.4 km
Discover authentic vintage fashion treasures from the 50s to 90s in a colorful, retro boutique at London’s vibrant Seven Dials.
Blackout II - Vintage Clothing London
0.4 km
Discover timeless vintage fashion treasures from the 1920s to the 1980s in Covent Garden’s iconic Blackout II boutique.
Neal's Yard Dairy (Covent Garden Shop)
0.4 km
Discover the finest British and Irish farmhouse cheeses matured to perfection in the heart of Covent Garden’s vibrant Neal’s Yard.
The Old Curiosity Shop
0.4 km
Step into a Tudor-era timbered cottage steeped in Dickensian lore, nestled amidst the vibrant heart of modern London.
The Store X
0.4 km
A visionary space where London’s fashion, art, and culture converge in an immersive, innovative experience.
Alice Through The Looking Glass
0.5 km
Step into a whimsical world of antiques, art, and literary treasures inspired by Alice in Wonderland in the heart of London’s Cecil Court.
Henry Pordes Books Ltd
0.5 km
London's legendary independent rare bookshop preserving literary treasures on historic Charing Cross Road.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Dirty Martini - Covent Garden
0.0 km
Glamorous Covent Garden cocktail haven pulsing with martini magic, bottomless brunches, and late-night DJ vibes under sparkling chandeliers.
Crusting Pipe
0.1 km
Covent Garden wine bar pouring Davy’s finest ports amid live music, British classics and cosy nooks—perfect for pre-theatre indulgence or market rendezvous.
Be At One - Russell Street
0.1 km
Covent Garden’s vibrant cocktail bar with 100+ drinks, late-night parties, and unbeatable 2-for-1 happy hours in a stylish basement setting.
Plume Wine Bar
0.1 km
Covent Garden speakeasy in Dickens' old offices: sparkling wines from afar, cheesy sharing plates, and note-passing to strangers in candlelit luxury.
Be At One - Covent Garden Lyceum
0.1 km
Shake up your night in Covent Garden with 100+ cocktails, 2-for-1 happy hours, and masterclasses in a historic spot pulsing with theater-district energy.
Eve Bar Covent Garden
0.2 km
Subterranean Covent Garden cocktail bar tempting with zero-waste elixirs, decadent snacks, and Eden-inspired glamour beneath a Michelin-starred haven.
Mrs Riot
0.2 km
Covent Garden's technicolor riot: punk-pop cocktails, drag brunches, live DJs, and Kitty Clive's rebellious legacy in one explosive venue.
Upstairs At Rules
0.2 km
Discover Upstairs At Rules, a refined cocktail bar above London’s oldest restaurant, where Edwardian elegance meets expertly crafted drinks in Covent Garden.
Beaufort Bar
0.2 km
Step into the Beaufort Bar’s jet-black and gold Art Deco glamour for exquisite cocktails, live sultry music, and a timeless London night out.
American Bar
0.2 km
Step into London’s oldest cocktail bar, where over a century of mixology mastery meets elegant Art Deco charm at The Savoy.
All Bar One Covent Garden
0.3 km
Stylish Covent Garden wine bar serving shareable plates, extensive wines, and cocktails in a lively West End setting—ideal for pre-theatre drinks or group gatherings.
Blame Gloria - Cocktail Bar in Covent Garden
0.3 km
Dive into Blame Gloria’s neon-lit retro cocktail haven in Covent Garden, where legendary rock vibes and wild themed brunches electrify your night.
Mr Fogg's Society of Exploration
0.3 km
Step into a Victorian explorer’s world with inventive cocktails, immersive storytelling, and a mechanical mixologist in Covent Garden’s unique speakeasy.
Oriole
0.3 km
Oriole invites you on a captivating global cocktail journey in Covent Garden, blending exotic flavours, elegant ambiance, and live music.
The Escapologist Bar
0.4 km
Step into a Victorian-inspired underground bar in Covent Garden where theatrical cocktails and lively entertainment create unforgettable nights.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
0.3 km
A neon-soaked, pizza-and-karaoke supper club under Drury Lane — 90s nostalgia, stage shows and shareable Italian feasts.
Proud Late
0.3 km
Dive into two-storey glamour under Waterloo Bridge: cabaret acrobatics, burlesque dazzle, supper feasts, and non-stop clubbing till 5am in London's West End nightlife epicenter.
Carwash Nightclub
0.4 km
Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
The Roxy
0.4 km
Soho's unbeatable happy hour cocktail bar by day, pulsing nightclub with live music and DJ nights till 3am—affordable vibes in London's nightlife heart.
Whatdafunk Presents West End Urban Disco
0.4 km
Dive into London's grooviest urban disco beats at Whatdafunk, where Covent Garden's streets pulse with funk, soul, and non-stop dance energy in the heart of the West End.
The Ivy Club
0.5 km
Art-Deco‑tinged members’ club above The Ivy — piano bars, discreet private dining and polished West End glamour.
Heaven
0.5 km
London’s iconic gay superclub under the railway arches — big nights, loud music, drag, and late finishes in the heart of the West End.
Zoo Bar & Club
0.6 km
Dive into Leicester Square's edgy nightlife hub: two floors of R&B beats, sports screens, and wild energy until 3am at Zoo Bar & Club.
The Penthouse London
0.7 km
A compact, rooftop nightclub above Leicester Square — reached by a side lift, built for late‑night private parties and skyline glimpses.
Club49Soho
0.7 km
Soho's stylish cocktail haven with DJ-fueled dancefloor energy, blending upscale drinks and classy nightlife vibes until 3am.
La Capannina Club
0.7 km
Discover Soho's discreet gentlemen's club: seductive stage shows, cosy vibes, and late-night allure in London's nightlife heart.
TSQ Club
0.8 km
Dive into Trafalgar Square's nightlife pulse at TSQ Club, where eclectic beats, dazzling lights, and craft cocktails fuel unforgettable weekend nights in London's heart.
Luxe Club
0.8 km
Experience London's vibrant nightlife at Luxe Club, a central hotspot for music, dancing, and late-night entertainment.
Tiger Tiger London
0.8 km
Experience London’s iconic Haymarket nightclub with six vibrant rooms, lively DJs, and a dynamic party atmosphere just moments from Piccadilly Circus.
Sophisticats Soho
0.8 km
An intimate, late‑night Soho gentlemen’s club on Brewer Street offering staged performances, VIP seating and an upmarket, discreet atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Scenic
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly