Words by Anna Myers
Named London’s most romantic restaurant by Architectural Digest, and routinely featured in a host of Most Romantic Restaurants in the World lists, it’s easy to see why everyone sings Clos Maggiore’s praises. With a gorgeous cherry-blossoms-adorned conservatory and a rich French-inspired menu, a visit to this oasis of peace in the centre of London’s bustling Covent Garden is nothing short of an idyllic experience, and one that’s sure to leave a romantic mark in the heart of even the most hardened cynics.
Clos Maggiore boasts multiple AA Rosette Awards for Culinary Experience, as well as one of the world’s finest wine lists, with over 2,500 selections from 18 different countries and vintages spanning four centuries. Particular care is reserved for every small detail making up the grand experience. You feel taken by the warm atmosphere as soon as you walk through the doors and into the cherry red foyer, from the picturesque ambience in the stunning conservatory, with low lighting and a crackling fireplace, to the uber-attentive service and the complimentary sweet they serve every table celebrating a birthday.
My partner, who happens to be French but is, most importantly, a romantic, had booked a table at Clos Maggiore for my birthday in February 2020. It was supposed to be a special moment that we’d been talking about for months, but I ended up ruining it when I got sick with a ‘mysteriously persistent form of pneumonia’ that kept me bed-bound for a month.
It was, in hindsight, most definitely an early form of Covid-19 – and if I’d known then what the next months, and years, would entail, I would have thanked my lucky stars a little more ardently. Instead, I was blissfully unaware of how much worse things could have been, and was mostly just irritated with myself for having to cancel our romantic restaurant reservation, so when I had another opportunity to visit, over two years later, I jumped at the chance.
And it was worth the wait, that’s for sure!
On the night
We had dinner at Clos Maggiore on a Friday, and by the time the end of the work day came around, we were both in need of a strong drink. We started our evening off with tasty signature drinks as we took our time sifting through the endless wine list: I tried the Clos Fashioned, a twist on the Old which adds rum and amaro to a powerful mix of scotch, bitters, and sugar.
Olive bread and soft and deliciously salted butter materialised on our table minutes after we sat down, which might be my personal favourite thing a restaurant can do to start things off on the right foot – so simple, yet always appropriate!
For starters, I asked for the waiter’s recommendation and trusted him that the Orkney scallop with smoked mussels, shiitake and leek chowder was unmissable; the scallop was extra large, extra sweet, and the accompanied combination just so flavourful, he was definitely right. My boyfriend, on the other hand, tried the Brixham crab garnished with blue radishes and Elderflower gel, a refreshing and beautifully presented concoction mixing gorgeous pinks, greens, and violet accents.
By the time we were ready for our main course, we had managed to pick a wine from the extensive and impressive selection. Clos Maggiore puts particular emphasis on their 100-page list, which has been awarded some of the most prestigious titles in the industry, including The Wine Spectator Grand Award, making them one of only 70 restaurants worldwide to have achieved this honour.
Both half and magnum bottle formats are available, as well as the occasional glass, and the sommelier is always happy to assist with picking the perfect choice. We tried a 2005 Château les Carmes Haut-Brion, from the Graves region in Bordeaux, a rich and savoury red with plum and blackcurrant notes and a distinct vanilla aftertaste, perfect to accompany both our truffle-rich mains, which proved finger-licking good.
I’m not a huge fan of chicken, but have to admit that my partner’s chicken breast with heritage carrots and truffle jus looked more appetising than most chicken dishes I’ve seen him eat. In line with Clos Maggiore’s commitment to sourcing the finest ingredients, the chicken is always corn-fed and from a family-run smallholding in Lancashire, as the vegetables are organically grown in Kent and the seafood only comes from the UK.
On a sweet note, my boyfriend mentioned how tender the meat was and how the dressing reminded him of the caramelised apple crepes he loves from his hometown in Brittany – a sure sign that the ‘French-inspired’ part of the Clos Maggiore menu is more than up to a native’s standards.
I opted for the fresh linguine with wild mushrooms, pecorino cream and black winter truffle from the woods of Wiltshire, Hampshire, and Somerset, which was absolutely glorious. I’ve grown up in Italy, so I know a thing or two about pasta, and this one was absolute autumnal perfection: with abundant truffle, and heavy cream that managed not to be overpowering, I only wish I hadn’t been too full to indulge in a little ‘scarpetta,’ the Italian ritual of using bread to sop up the sauce left on the plate.
But I knew I wanted to keep some space for dessert, so I had to rein myself in. My Jivara chocolate and mango mousse was silky smooth and exquisitely rich, adorned with golden specks and accompanied by a refreshing mango sorbet. My boyfriend, in true French style, tried the cheese selection (Roquefort, Saint Marcellin, and Fourme d’Ambert) which comes with homemade onion chutney, apple and pear chutney, fig and walnut crackers, pecans, walnuts, grapes, and honey.
What a way to end our night, a truly special one two years in the making.
In a nutshell
For a superlative romantic experience, and a truly enchanting fairy-tale setting, head to Clos Maggiore to get transported to Provence and sip some of the world’s finest wines. Get ready to have a delicious, idyllic time – even better if it’s a special occasion, for it’ll be one you won’t forget.
Factbox
Address: 33 King Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 8JD
Phone: +44 (0)20 4580 1174
Email: enquiries@closmaggiore.com
Website: closmaggiore.com
Instagram: @clos_maggiore
Monday to Sunday lunch: 12pm to 2pm
Monday to Saturday dinner: 5pm to 10.15pm
Sunday dinner: 5pm to 9.30pm
Dress code is smart casual, with the emphasis on smart – no sports wear, shorts or flip flops. No children under six are allowed for lunch, and no children under fourteen for dinner.
