Palm Court Brasserie restaurant and product information

Palm Court Brasserie, London - pure serenity for the stomach and soul - a la carte dining

There are times when the Palm Court Brasserie feels just perfect. Let's give you some quick examples - lunch with a co-worker, after-work drinks and nibbles with a mate, a quick bite before a film or play, and that end of playtime flop. We'd like to go on, but you probably get the picture...

Like us, you'll love the charming decor, Mediterranean murals and super slick service. All this adds up to some effortless eating and a reserved place on your "top ten reliable favourites" list. You just have to relax as you sink into the comfy upholstered banquettes, or flop into the cushioned rattan chairs. The subdued lighting, classic decor and potted palms conspire to shut out the mad, crazy world outside.

For great eats, you could try the bruschetta or moules mariniere starters. For mains, you'd do well with the chicken Dijonnaise or lobster and tiger prawn ravioli. But you can't chose badly actually... Even if you were just sticking a pin in the menu with your eyes closed.

Staff pick

Palm Court Brasserie is a great place to head before or after a show. Located in King Street, one of the most attractive streets in Covent Garden, and leading directly into the piazza and St Paul's Church - the setting for the opening scene of My Fair Lady - Palm Court is modern and young in feel, with a youthful and helpful staff. There is an a la carte menu, which is very reasonably priced, but they also have a pre and post theatre menu that's extremely good value. We started with baked Camembert and a chicken liver paté with foie gras parfait, onion and pit nuts, with, for our main courses, sea bass with cherry tomatoes and black olives and a braised lamb shank with sweet potato mash. We skipped the desserts as it was the end of a very long evening but the Palm Court does a mouth-watering selection. We drank a vodka martin (excellent) and dry sherry (ditto) followed by a bottle of Shiraz, which was first-rate, and a couple of quick cappuccinos.

Paul Webb, Theatre critic

Details

• Á la carte dining
• Lunch and dinner: Monday - Sunday
• An optional service charge will be added to your bill

The meal
This is a sample menu and may be subject to changes

• Tomato and black olive bruschetta with rocket and Parmesan
• Baked Camembert with hazelnut crust, apple and baby spinach
• Char grilled swordfish minted couscous and salsa verde
• Roast rack of lamb Dauphinoise potatoes and tarragon jus
• Fresh fruit pavlova with passion fruit coulis and autumn berries
• Bramley apple crumble with custard

Essential information

• Nearest station: Covent Garden
• Average cheque £20 - £25 per person
• All major credit cards accepted
• 24 hrs cancellation notice is required or the restaurant may charge up to £10 per person cancellation fee