Christopher's

American Restaurant in Covent Garden
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9 / 10 from 55 reviews
Address
18 Wellington Street
Covent Garden
London
WC2E 7DD
Map
Telephone
020 7240 4222
Cuisine
American
Other Branches
Christopher's
Region
Covent Garden
Nearest Station
Covent Garden
0.19 miles
Opening Summary
Lunch
Monday – Friday: 12:00 - 15:00

Dinner
Monday – Saturday: 17:00 - 23:30
Sunday 17:00 - 22:30

Weekend Brunch
11:30 - 15:30

Martini Bar
Monday – Wednesday: 11:30 - 0:00
Thursday - Saturday: 11:30 - 1:30
Sunday 11:30 - 22.30

Christopher’s, London’s original American restaurant and bar
since 1991, has reopened after an extensive, four-month refurbishment with new menus to complement the new look. Set in an iconic, Grade II listed building in the heart of
Theatreland, the new look for the Dining Room, Martini Bar and Club Room celebrates the glamour and elegance of Modern America whilst exposing and highlighting the exceptional
character of the original structure. Similarly, the menus reflect the history of Christopher’s, retaining the ever-popular USDA Prime steaks, and Surf ‘n’ Turf dishes, whilst introducing more contemporary classics and a brand-new, all-day menu in the Martini Bar.

Christopher's Picture Gallery

Christopher's Picture
Christopher's Picture

All In London Review

Skillfully blends British formality with American ease

Decades ago, this Covent Garden stalwart was home to wealthy media types. Working with lawyers in the area, I was a frequent flier. Then it changed hands and fell a bit out of favour. But it has new owners once more and has just emerged from an extensive refurbishment so my colleague suggested that it would be a perfect place for lunch on 4th July – Independence Day.

Upon entry up a few steps, you enter a small domed reception area. The two staff were rather cool and formal and I began to feel uncomfortable when they failed to identify my colleague’s reservation on the first attempt. Then I was directed into the Martini Bar to await my companion. It’s a lovely long room – just faintly reminiscent of an intimate hotel lounge. There’s a small, well stocked bar at the far end and on the right is a beautiful brown marbled high table with bar stools and on the left are low level banquettes and cushion stools in ivy green and burgundy in open bays. It feels elegant and expensive but the light from the wall of windows gives it a relaxed feel.

Before I had time to inspect the cocktail menu a waitress appeared and I ordered a Virgin Mary. This appeared rapidly adorned with a celery stick and cherry tomato on a stick. The straws arrived shortly afterwards. It was fresh, peppery and seasoned just right. My colleague ordered a martini almost immediately he joined me – just a hint of vermouth and some olives. He was happy. But looking at the menu as we sipped my eyes roamed across the classic, contemporary and decadent martinis on offer (most priced at £10) including the Nutella martini, the chilli and ginger chocolate martini and the espresso martini.

There’s also a solid bar food menu here offering nibbles, salads and burgers. If I’d wanted an informal bite there was plenty to choose from.

However, I was keen to see the refurbished restaurant so we went up a delightfully restored (authentic wear marks) spiral stone stair case with huge oval shaped modern light fittings hanging down the central space. It’s worth just taking a peek at this architectural feature.

The restaurant décor is calming and tasteful – shades of grey and a dash of yellow and the ornate ceiling cornices well lit. I was pleased with our white clothed table – I could see out of the window and onto Waterloo bridge. It was comfortably busy too – there were only two empty tables on arrival and these were soon filled. It was low key, informal wear for the business folk and smart casual for the various ladies who lunch and others.

My colleague took a glass of Californian Pinot Noir and I stuck to a French Chenin Blanc. I was super impressed that the waiter didn’t blink an eye when we gave our somewhat complicated order – we wanted to share a starter and my companion wanted a burger with bacon and no salad (£14) (not on the restaurant menu). He tucked into the salted and herbed butters with the offered bread varieties while I munched through some olives.

They placed the Maryland Crab Cake with arugula, red pepper mayo and tomato jam in the centre. The cake was a good size – not too large – and it was warm, well flavoured and moist. Excellent choice.

There was a set lunch menu although the a la carte menu has a good selection – steaks and lobster feature strongly but there were numerous other choices including chicken, rack of lamb, pork bellies and zucchini flowers for the vegetarians. There were raw bar, salads, pasta and fish options too (I was sorely tempted by the red snapper). I choose the blackened salmon (which wasn’t very black but was expertly cooked otherwise) with jambalaya risotto and cress salad (£19). Please notethe English rather than American portion sizes. I also received a side of skinny fries (£4) which I don’t think I ordered having expected to steal a few of my companion’s. Whilst our choices didn’t allow a fulsome critique of the chef, what we had was very good. Better than expected.

There was a bit of a mix up with the coffees – it was quickly sorted out though. And whilst we had looked at the dessert menu we decided to share some ice cream – mainly because I was keen to try the salted caramel version. And I admit I also tasted the pistachio and vanilla scoops too.

The overall bill came to £112. I thought that this was on the pricey end but it is a smart and top end restaurant and slap band in the heart of Covent Garden that skilfully blends British formality with American ease. It’s good to see that the owners have breathed new life into a Covent Garden institution and restored it to its former glory.

Reviewed by KimT
Published on Jul 8, 2013


In The News

Christopher's re-opens

The venue reopens on May 16th

Best For

London's best pancake shops and restaurants picture

London's best pancake shops and restaurants

Don't forget the Jiff lemon...

This American restaurant and martini bar sticks to crowd-pleasing buttermilk pancakes for weekend brunch, however for Pancake Day customers are given a list of ingredients to build their own. We'll take the blueberry-buttermilk base with coconut yoghurt/nutella/salted caramel ice cream/chocolate sauce and everything else please.

User Reviews

Rob de Mercado

Feb 16, 2011

Very impressed with the quality of service, food and wine. The menu was one of the most rich and appetising I have ever seen, and being a devout carnivore couldn't resist the rib-eye steak with cajun spices.
Anonymous

Jan 24, 2010

We have often been to Christopher's after the opera at Covent Garden and have never been disappointed. The food is consistently good and the service charming. It is a very enjoyable way to end the evening.
Rosemary Bartholomew
Anonymous

Jan 12, 2010

This is a great location and the interior is worth the visit. The food is consistently delicious - we especially enjoy their brunch. We ate pre-theatre which is good value for a west end restaurant and we finished in good time without feeling rushed. Food delicious and beautifully presented. Service is excellent and friendly.
Anonymous

Dec 15, 2009

I visited Christopher's for the first time recently for a celebratory brunch. The atmosphere was great, but the restaurant was not loud. Service was efficient and friendly without being overbearing. It is definitely somewhere I would go for somewhere special but unpretentious.

The standard of food was very high, and I was surprised at how good value the brunch menu was. They also did a fantastic 'breakfast martini'! We already have plans to go back.
Anonymous

Sep 4, 2009

As an active visitor of the Christopher's steak restaurant in Covent Garden, I have found it one of the best in London. Sensual steak with crispy fries on the side, Christopher's does not disappoint a single customer. The lavish cocktails served before meals at the bar are always a favourite for myself. Then to finish, the extravagant, yet delicious desserts followed by a wide selection of teas and different types of coffee. If you are visiting Christophers' from abroad I highly recommend it to be added onto your itinery, as it will not be forgotten - recommended going in the week as it gets extremely busy at the weekend. Booking is needed. Enjoy! - Katy Hessel, North London
Anonymous

Aug 18, 2009

I went to Christopher's a couple of weeks ago with a friend and we opted for the pre-theatre menu. The food was amazing and really well cooked. My friend and I both ordered steak (medium rare but more rare than medium for me!) and my friend ordered it well done. Amazingly, it came exactly as we'd both requested it. Some restaurants don't take into account what you ask for and cook it the way they think best. Anyway, it was delicious. I had panna cotta for pudding, which again was absolutely amazing.

The staff were very courteous and prompt with the service. We lingered a little longer as we weren't going to the theatre afterwards and there was no problem with this.

It's rare to find a restaurant that serves excellent food cooked to perfection, so I enthusiastically recommend any one to try out Christopher's. I am going again with a few more friends for my birthday!

Corinne
Nicholas Duncan

Aug 5, 2009

An excellent restaurant that will guarantee a quality atmosphere with food to match. Personal favourites include the carpaccio beef starter and sirloin steak. This place is definitely worth coming to for that special occasion, although why not make every night special just by dining any night of the week.

Anonymous

May 18, 2009

Christopher's was recommended by a friend and well worth the visit. The staff are perfectly attentive and knowledgeable when it came to menu items and wines. We enjoyed a late Sunday lunch of oysters, and meltingly delicious scallops. Followed by a succulent, perfectly gilled rib eye steak with generous sauce & sides. Food was beautifully presented but unfussy and really tasty. We were especially impressed by the South African wines on the menu - the Graham Beck Brut is fantastic! I wouldn't hestitate recommending if you are in the West End. Gorgeous quiet setting in what can sometimes be a hectic Covent Garden.
Anonymous

May 5, 2009

We visited Christopher's on a Saturday night, prior to seeing a show. The staff were exceptional - very friendly and attentive without being overbearing. The food was amazing, and, as we had told them it was my mum's 50th birthday, they brought out a dessert with a candle in it... my mum was really touched and I can't thank them enough for making our night so special.

I'd definitely recommend this place to anyone - particularly if you are planning to see a show at the Lyceum Theatre in Covent Garden, as the restaurant is right outside.
Anonymous

Apr 18, 2009

I went to Christopher’s for brunch with my sister. I was very impressed with the choices on the menu, the food was gorgeous and the atmosphere was very welcoming. It is definitely a place I would recommend, especially due to its location to all of the theatres.
Anonymous

Apr 9, 2009

Great service and even a good atmosphere for a Tuesday night.

We hadn't booked in advance and were helpfully accomodated with a table later that evening, so we had drinks in the bar, again a great atmosphere.

Food was great, and I'd definately go again
Anonymous

Mar 24, 2009

We recently had a pre-theatre meal at Christophers. The restaurant is lovely with plenty of ambience and the staff were very attentive, friendly and aware of our time constraints. We will definately be back for more.
Anonymous

Jan 8, 2009

I visited Christopher's recently for a pre theatre dinner because of it's location in the heart of theatre land. I had never been before and had been recommended by a friend. I was pleasantly surprised firstly by the warm welcome by the staff and also by the beautiful surroundings of the hisroric building. We were seated in the smaller side dinning room upstairs which I would recommed for its more intimate ambiance. Our table was next to a large window over looking the west end. We chose from the pre thatre dinner menu which although was not extensive did offer some excellent choices and was very reasonaly priced. We informed our friendly waiter we were attending a show that evening and would need to be leaving the restaurant by 7.30. This he assured us was no problem and all three courses came in good time but we were neve made to feel rushed. The food was of excellent quality and my steak in particular was generous in size and cooked to a perfect medium rare as requsted. The service was some of the best I have had in London, the waiter even went to the trouble of finding directions to our theatre so we would not be late. The best surprise of all was the size of the bill! We all enjoyed a fabulous evening and I would highly recommend Christopher's especially to anyone visiting a west end theatre.
Anonymous

Oct 23, 2008

I love Christophers bar and grill. The Martini bar is the perfect place to chill and chat while enjoying a fabulous martini or two. The service is always great. The staff are charming and always look after me when I visit. The bar food is great too. You have to try their classic burgers or if you fancy something lighter try out a selection of their delightful bar snacks. I'm a big fan of the zucchini chips! Go check out the amazing cocktail menu and enjoy the geat atmosphere. It's relaxed boutique chic at it's most comfy.
natureboy

Oct 1, 2008

Went to Christophers a few weeks back and loved it. Excellent food, superb cocktails and a magnificent staircase leading to the dining room. I recommend this for brunch dates, mother's day, grannies birthday or friends getting together. The brunch menu covers all bases and is very reasonable for 2 or 3 courses. Natureboy
Anonymous

Sep 26, 2008

Enjoyed a great brunch here on a Sunday - including the best brown sauce I've ever had! Wouldn't hesitate to go again.
Anonymous

Sep 22, 2008

Delightful!

The bar has a superb range of Martinis and delicious cocktails of all varieties-always lovingly created packed full with amazing flavours.

Service is excellent and staff are attentive, unobtrusive and helpful.

Relaxed and stylish atmosphere.

Would highly recommend for pre- or post- dinner or theatre drinks (good restaurant at Christopher's too!)
Anonymous

Sep 11, 2008

The staff were a delight to be served by. There were so polite and could not do enough for you.

There was so much cboice on the menu it was hard to decide what to have.

It is a great find right in the heart if theatreland.

I thoroughly reccomend Christopher's
Anonymous

Sep 9, 2008

Christopher's was a very enjoyable experience. From waiting in the bar with the knowledgeable barmen / mixologists to the table service throughout our meal nothing was left undesireable. Whilst I was being served by people of similar age, I was treated with the upmost respect and felt very welcomed. Compliments must go to both the service staff and the cooking staff. The food was superb and I would recommend the steak. I will definitely be returning in the near future.
Anonymous

Sep 3, 2008

I have been to Christopher’s now several times it’s my favourite London restraint.
Always superb food, nice but unpretentious surroundings wonderful cocktails and a nice buzz - very good, knowledgeable staff who remember you. I can also recommend the Martini class for the lovers of that drink informative and fun.
Can be quiet but I like that...

Highly recommended
Anonymous

Sep 3, 2008

A friend and I went for cocktails in the early evening having walked past Christopher's many times before and was very pleasantly surprised. I love my martinis and am very very picky about them but the one I got was perfect. I was listened to attentively by a very experienced bar tender and was whipped up the most delicious creations, both classic and ones that I'd only seen there. Despite the bar being quiet at that time there was a nice buzz about the place, a beautiful interior, good staff and great cocktails.
Anonymous

Sep 3, 2008

We went to Christopher's for a quick drink before going to a show. Such a shame we didn't have more time!! The cocktails are excellent and the bar snacks really morish, especially the chilled Tiger shrimps. All topped up by good and friendly service. Looking forward to our next visit.
Anonymous

Aug 10, 2008

I love Christophers! Great brunches, lovely food, fab service... the bar downstairs is stylish, as is the whole building. Brilliant for lunches or dinner and I'll say it again, weekend brunches very cool...
Anonymous

Jul 17, 2008

Terrific restaurant. Lovely cocktail bar that is trendy but not offputting and the choice of cocktails is great. The food is of a consistently high standard, particularly the steaks. We often come here post theatre because not matter how late you are you never feel as if they are rushing you. Highly recommended!
Anonymous

Jul 15, 2008

An excellent find. I have had dinner here on 3 seperate occasions and each time it has been excellent. I can't recommend the surf and turf enough, superb. all my fellow diners also enjoyed a very relaxed evening with an excellent menu and fab wine list too.

I am looking forward to the next visit
Anonymous

Jul 3, 2008

Well worth a visit prior to going to the theatre as they offer an excellent pre theatre meal service. The staff were attentive but not over attentive. The restaurant is within a wonderful building up a lovely stair case. Lovely spacious room with rich colour & warm atmosphere. The food choice was great and it lived up to its presentation!

Well worth a visit - I shall certainly be returning & will be treating my daughter!
Pierra

Jun 18, 2008

Excellent Restaurant. Food delicious, atmosphere fantastic and the service was great. All of these are essential for a great and memorable night out. I would highly recommend Christopher's for a special occasion and the cocktails in the bar downstairs are delicious so don't be surprised if you start in the bar and then finish in the bar after a delicious meal upstairs.
mick eve

Jun 16, 2008

Ihave been to Christopher's a few times now and alway's had a great night.
The good is good quality, and the portion sizes are well above adverage. Service is good to excellant, especially at the price. Wine selection is very good, and again at a very reasonable, price.
Try to establish the table with the view across the river. You will not be disappointed.
C. M. Eve.
Aimee Marshall

Jun 16, 2008

I went to Christopher's for the first time in March for a hen night and was impressed from the very beginning. The bar staff were friendly and coped very well considering we were a party of 15 ladies all requiring Cosmopolitans and Mojitos. The food was delicious and the decoration, especially of the private room downstairs was beautiful. I would definitely go back!
Sooz

Jun 10, 2008

I went here for the third time last week and really enjoyed it. Aside from the v. high prices (which would be my only negative comment) the setting was great as were the cocktails...they had a huge menu to choose from and all those i tried were absolutely delicious and beautifully presented.
kath212

Jun 8, 2008

I spent a really enjoyable evening in this place. The cocktails in the bar are delicious and the bar itself is a beautiful setting to enjoy them. Upstairs in the restaurant the food and the service were perfect. A really notable feature is the lighting - I loved the little candles up the stairs. All in all an elegant and classy place to drink and dine!
Bunde

Jun 8, 2008

Went to Christopher's last year for one of their brunches and again a a few days ago to meet friends for a drink.

Firstly the brunch was fantastic: bloody marys in the bar downstairs waiting for all friends to arrive the upstairs for GREAT food from an extensive menu. Healthy choices and things from the grill menu. Had a great time and coming back on July 6th!

The bar downstairs is a great place to meet people after work when you want to go somewhere where you can hear each other talk and sit in pleasant surrondings. Martinis are sublime and I could've quite happily worked my way through the list given enough time. Service from highly attentive staff was impecable.

Top marks! Than
Katie B

May 31, 2008

We started with drinks in the Martini bar - lovely decor and amazing selection of martinis to try too!
We then had dinner from the set menu - which had a great variety and the food was excellent. The service was great too - it was much more than we had hoped for and we're definitely going back!!
sonyawelsh

May 30, 2008

Great cocktails, excellent food, excellent service. The pre and post theatre menu is really good value for such a top quality place.
bubsylooloos

Apr 9, 2008

Absolutely fantastic, the food was gorgeous and the atmosphere was brilliant. The Martini bar was very ambient with the low lighting and candles, the choice of drinks was amazing. Upstairs in the restaurant the waiting service was very professional and efficient would definitely dine there again. The only problem was the tables were quite close together and the people next to us could hear everything we were saying and vise versa, other than that it was a perfect night. Highly recommended.
chcameron

Apr 7, 2008

Christopher's is the perfect place to indulge in a delicous lunch or dinner of high quality served by professional staff. I highly suggest it as a business spot, but is also ideal for a meal with friends.
PRC

Apr 5, 2008

Christopher's is a terrific place for a night out. The cocktail bar downstairs is one of the best in London. I recommend the Gin with fresh raspberries. The restaurant has a great atmosphere with an extensive menu. It is easy to go for the great steaks but I thought the Halibut was cooked to perfection and made a nice change.
neilvilla

Apr 4, 2008

I went to Christopher's recently with some work colleagues. We started in the cocktail

bar, and sampled some of their brilliant selection of very well made cocktails. Nice

atmosphere in the bar too.
Dinner was excellent. Great variety of dishes, great presentation, although I was a

little diappointed by the size of my desert, but all round excellent quality. Service was

attentive without being overbearing, and they happily changed my drink without fuss when

a mistake was made.
Would recommend Christopher's for an excellent evening out, but save up first as it is a

little on the pricey side, but certainly justified.
Lizzie P

Mar 12, 2008

For a special night out (unless you're loaded and could afford to eat there all the time!) this is the place to choose. The food is superb, the wine is delicious - I recommend the Perrier Jouët, like drinking ambrosia - and the service is excellent.
We love the ambience as well; you can't ask for more from a restaurant and Christopher's delivers it all. Just off the Aldwych in Wellington Street, it is easy to find and to get to.
S Anderson

Feb 29, 2008

have been to Christopher's a few times now - usually for dinner before a theatre trip. Each time I have had a very good meal in beautiful surroundings. I always have the huge sirloin steak with peppercorn sauce which never fails to impress as do the tobacco onions! Last time I had dessert for the first time and the pecan pie was awesome! Christopher's have an excellent wine list where you can enjoy a top notch bottle without paying an over the top price. I would also recommend this as the perfect place to take the in-laws or your own parents as the decor will impress.
Comment on this reader review
HugoF

Dec 14, 2007

I went to Christopher's with my parents early Dec, having not been for some years. It did not disappoint. The food overall was good, the service outstanding (attentive but not overbearing), and the price very reasonable. Of note, the carpaccio starter is something else and the venison and lamb were, as usual for their meat dishes, superb. I particularly enjoyed the venison with dried plums and blueberry glaze, interesting and delicious. A bit noisy on a Friday lunch pre-xmas and the creamed spinach was sadly too salty, but otherwise no complaints! Strongly recommended - especially for meat lovers.
welshb

Dec 7, 2007

I ate at Christophers recently with friends after the theatre. It was my 2nd visit to the restaurant and it did not disappoint.

The building itself is beautiful and restaurant has a very elegant feel. Drinks in the bar downstairs before dinner are a must - lovely atmosphere.

There is a good selection of food and all of our meals were excellent. The service is very good as you would expect of a restaurant of this calibre.

I would definitely recommend the restaurant and look forward to my next visit.
sirisimilla

Dec 4, 2007

Christopher's is beautiful food and drink in a beautiful setting. Downstairs we had delicious cocktails in the understated but gorgeous bar, and were then shown up a sweeping, candle-lit staircase to their very elegant restaurant. The food is quite simple but very well made and presented - I had salmon fishcakes and cream of potato followed by a superb baked cheesecake, my partner the chicken with asparagus, and we enjoyed a very good bottle of red. The pre-theatre menu is great value (about £15 for two courses) and the service is friendly and speedy - perfect for those in a rush for the curtain! I'll definitely be going back
PHHoy

Dec 4, 2007

My partner and I recently ate at Christopher's for brunch on a Sunday. I've walked past the restaurant each week for the last 5 years and have only now managed to dine there...and what a waste of 5 years it's been...I'm kicking myself that it took me so long to finally eat there because the experience was outstanding! The room is beautiful and comfortable and the food and service were as good as it gets. I definitely will not be waiting another 5 years to return...and you shouldn't either!
Amanda Slack

Sep 16, 2007

I absolutely cannot fault this place. Service 100%. Food amazing 100%. Good value for money and chocolate fondant to die for. What more can a girl ask for! Highly recommended.
AJ Slack

Sep 16, 2007

I absolutely cannot fault this place. Service 100%. Food amazing 100%. Good value for money and chocolate fondant to die for. What more can a girl ask for! Highly recommended.
Magenta68

Aug 10, 2007

Food and staff were fantastic. Bar downstairs was also lovely and staff very entertaining! A great evening!
Simbo

Aug 7, 2007

We loved the steak and the dessert. We were late and kept changing the booking and nothing was too much trouble. Wonderful.
Poppet

Aug 7, 2007

Really loved it all - food, service and atmosphere. Real pleasure, we only came as we passed the door and were delighted.
Lisa Rippon

Jun 10, 2007

I liked the mix and match brunch menu and relaxed service. It's a great place to spend a long leisurely afternoon.
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