Harden's survey result
Summary
“Like a pair of comfy shoes that never let you down”, this nostalgic Covent Garden sibling to an NYC Theatreland brasserie of the same name is “a go-to when we’re in town” for its many fans (“I have been to many Michelin star establishments around the world but Joe Allen is my favourite restaurant”). It was moved – lock, stock and barrel – three years ago due to reconstruction on its original site: “the address has changed, but everything else is the same: thank god!”. Even its fans concede that its unambitious staple menu “might not win prizes for the food” – it’s a place for a bite post-show, not a foodie occasion (with its off-menu burger being its most celebrated culinary offering for those in-the-know).
Summary
“Still great fun” – this easy-going American-style all-day restaurant sealed its long-running status as a key Theatreland venue a couple of years ago when it moved – lock, stock and resident piano-player – to a new Covent Garden address, after Robert de Niro requisitioned its former basement for his new hotel. “Excellent brunch” is the best bet food-wise – “dinner not so much” – although for a bite post-show it remains something of an institution. From late 2021, another option is a visit to Joe’s Bar, overseen by Russell Norman (who started his restaurant career here as a waiter in the 1990s). Top Tip: the off-menu burger is always available – this is, after all, a 1970s spin-off from the original NYC Joe Allen. (Note, founder Joe Allen passed away in February 2021, aged 87. His advice to would-be restaurateurs? “Think twice!”).
Summary
“Seemingly relocated brick-by-brick, table-by-table” – this “casual and fun” haunt in Covent Garden’s (a 1970s spin-off from NYC’s famous Theatre District staple) moved a couple of years ago, leaving its original basement home for this new two-level location just a minute’s walk away. It’s a surprisingly faithful reproduction, and regulars of decades standing feel “it still works and seems unchanged”; and, as a place to refuel before or after a show, it still has a large fanclub, despite a “perennially ordinary” level of cooking…sadly also preserved in the move. Top Menu Tip – “the secret’s been out about the off-menu burger for many, many years now”, and it’s the best bet.
Summary
“Seemingly relocated brick-by-brick, table-by-table” – this “casual and fun” haunt in Covent Garden’s (a 1970s spin-off from NYC’s famous Theatre District staple) moved a couple of years ago, leaving its original basement home for this new two-level location just a minute’s walk away. It’s a surprisingly faithful reproduction, and regulars of decades standing feel “it still works and seems unchanged”; and, as a place to refuel before or after a show, it still has a large fanclub, despite a “perennially ordinary” level of cooking…sadly also preserved in the move. Top Menu Tip – “the secret’s been out about the off-menu burger for many, many years now”, and it’s the best bet.
For 32 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
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Restaurant details
Joe Allen Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Having not been to this restaurant for many years it was for a pre-theatre meal we decided to give it a try being convenient for the Savoy Theatre. Sadly although it is still a fun venue with a buzzy atmosphere, the food was disappointing and below par. Service was also a bit hit and miss- will not be rushing back."
"It’s a great luvvie buzz still, but the food and service are decidedly second rate (though my off-menu burger was fine). My wife’s fish was swimming in oil on the plate. Prices not unreasonable for the location. Youthful servers probably doing their best."
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Always | £25.00 | £30.00 |  |
|
|
Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Veggies | Pudding |
|---|---|---|---|
| £11.50 | £18.80 | £1.00 | £8.95 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £32.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.50 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 13.50% |
2 Burleigh St, London, WC2E 7PX
| Number of Diners: | |
| Required Time: | |
Opening hours
| Monday | 4 pm‑9:45 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑9:45 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑9:45 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑9:45 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑4:30 pm |
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