Harden's survey result
Summary
“If you can squeeze inside this tiny restaurant off Covent Garden (which has expanded out onto the pavement in recent years thankfully) you will be in for a real treat” and one “at a very fair price”. Over its five years in operation, it’s become one of London’s top destinations for “spankingly fresh fish and seafood”, “accurately cooked with brio in a small, bright space”. “The unique gimmick here is that what’s on the menu depends entirely on what they can get from the day boats in the morning and so could be anything. Dishes and prices are scrawled on the wall tiles with a reassuring lack of upselling; and wine comes from the ever-evolving selection at their sibling ‘10 Cases’ over the road so you never have the same meal twice”. “Lively and helpful” service completes the excellent offering. Top Menu Tips – “super oysters at £1 each” are a feature, “potted shrimp croquettes feature amongst the excellent-but-small selection of staples; and if you go in the winter you might be lucky enough to sample their legendary lobster mash”.
Summary
“A tiny, buzzing space which serves delicious fish and other seafood delights in a friendly and efficient manner”, this tiled Covent Garden four-year-old has been a welcome addition to the new wave of fish specialists in the West End. “The interesting wine list comes from 10 Cases over the road”, which is under the same ownership. “We hardly ever go beyond the starters/small plates here – smoked cod’s roe, potted shrimp croquettes, brown crab pissaladière, tartare of sea trout with spicy bloody Mary jelly – all hit the spot”.
Summary
“It’s the fresh fish that brings you” to this “tiny, tiny space” in Covent Garden (sibling to 10 Cases, just across the road) – a “crowded, congested and stripped-down room” that’s almost “more of a seafood bar than a restaurant as you perch on stools”. “There’s a small menu, with a few specials painted on the walls showing the catch of the day”, “all cooked to perfection behind the counter and served as soon as it’s ready”. “Ideal for pre-theatre, but it doesn’t encourage lingering”.
Summary
“It’s the fresh fish that brings you” to this “tiny, tiny space” in Covent Garden (sibling to 10 Cases, just across the road) – a “crowded, congested and stripped-down room” that’s almost “more of a seafood bar than a restaurant as you perch on stools”. “There’s a small menu, with a few specials painted on the walls showing the catch of the day”, “all cooked to perfection behind the counter and served as soon as it’s ready”. “Ideal for pre-theatre, but it doesn’t encourage lingering”.
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).
Have you eaten at Parsons?
Restaurant details
Parsons Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Handy place as they serve lunch throughout the afternoon so good for post morning rehearsal or pre show. Reliable and quick. Lovely staff"
"Tiny tiled restaurant a short walk from the Royal Opera House. Most of the tables are bartops with stools, but there are a few tables with chairs/banquettes at the back (and on the pavement if its not too cold) - so make sure you ask for a table with chairs when booking if back ache is an issue. Unpretentious menu, but a high standard of fresh fish and seafood. "
"This may have been open for a few years now but yesterday was my first visit and I was blown away by the quality of the fish dishes served. Apparently the menu changes daily depending on the morning's catch so when I come back I look forward to trying other dishes - and I will definitely be coming back. In addition the bread served on the side was the best I've ever been offered in a restaurant in the UK. Happy to recommend"
"An excellent find which although it has been open for a few years now I have just discovered. The fish was cooked to perfection and the menu changes every day depending on what is freshest each morning. The service was excellent and although the inside space is tiny they have managed to expand onto the pavement."
"Very small so reservation recommended. Exceptional fish, daily menu. "
"Marvellous sea food and an interesting and reasonable wine list. Staff charming. Clams then whole turbot, both done to a tee."
"Tiny but well designed and a fun experience, have been a few times. Oysters still great value although no longer £1 each, bread not so good (as always). Whole turbot between 2 was not cheap but cooking was spot on, with a buttery sauce; a side of fennel potatoes was excellent. Champagne reasonably priced for a restaurant. Decent coffee Friendly and prompt service. "
"A return for lunch. After a poor patch a while ago, the last two visits confirm this as a premier fish place. Reasonably priced for the quality with a fresh daily menu all cooked in a tiny kitchen. Service is friendly and efficient This is small room and can be noisy, you need to book! There is also an outside space which they heat."
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £29.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 12.50% |
39 Endell Street, London, WC2H 9BA
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑10 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑10 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑10 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑10 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑10 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑10 pm |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
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