I found this gem on a Thrillist list online as a must-try in London and after reading the reviews I had to give it a shot. Not sure what pulled me in the most - the fact that the owner Angela Hartnett boasted a Michelin Star or that the 3 course lunch was only £21 but needless to say I was NOT disappointed. Walking in, the atmosphere is bright, warm and welcoming and our waiter (I forgot to ask his name but a red-headed young man) was absolutely wonderful. He greeted us, took our coats and entertained us just enough without taking too much time away from our meal. He offered great suggestions for the food and wine alike! We had the most amazing meal, between the salad, the mackerel, the rigatoni, the pork oh my! The flavors were so rich and distinct, even down to the honey whipped cream on our desert I had never had anything quite like it. This was the best meal I had in London, and I can't wait to go back! read more

Lovely little spot! I had been eating my way through London so wasn't super hungry when we landed here for dinner. But, everything that I had was great. I also appreciated that they let you order a small size of the pastas. I shared the chicken milanese and pesto pasta with a friend and both were tasty! read more

Solid 4.5 review. This restaurant is jumping! If you want to have a quiet conversation, it is not the place to go. If you don't mind a loud space full of people eating good food, then head right over. The staff were very welcoming and friendly. Prices were fair for the quality. We shared arancini. They were tasty, but there was a lot of the thick sauce underneath them. I had chicken Milanese and my husband had the pork chop. Both were delicious, but huge. We couldn't finish our plates and had to skip dessert. I would definitely go back to Cafe Murano, but would aim to share a secondi and have room for dessert! read more

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Fantastic experience with great food and service We look forward to pit trip to London and lunch or dinner and bottle of wine Always Spot On read more

We had the arancini and focaccia bread for appetizers and both were amazing. We had the tortelli, rigatoni, gnocchi, and conchiglioni. The service was great! The environment is very chill and friendly. Overall I would come back here again! read more

This place is off the chain. Cafe Murano is simply delicious, every time....the salads are sides are splendid, simple and fresh but with surprising and bright flavor elements. The entrees and pastas are excellent, and the cocktails are on point. So centrally located in the West End, but it feels quiet and hidden, only steps away from the Waldorf Hilton. A must visit each time to London ... read more

The service was fantastic! The waitstaff made us feel incredibly welcome and treated us like we were the most important diners that evening. We were celebrating our wedding anniversary and it was a true pleasure dining at Cafe Murano before seeing a nearby show. Thank you tremendously for the splendid experience. read more

Amazing food and even better service!! I will eat here every time I visit ! Located perfectly off the Main Street

We visited this Italian eatery for a work dinner out and had a fun time in the ambiance, yet the food was substandard. We got various courses, including bruschetta and arancini to start, the octopus, various pastas, and fish, finished with tiramisu. The food was underwhelming unfortunately, without much flavor or pizzaz. The staff were friendly, though, and the space was good for hanging out with a large group. I'd personally pick somewhere else, but Cafe Murano can work. read more

Mice running around! Last night, I took my guest who was visiting london to Cafe Murrano in Covent Garden because it was recommended to me by friends and colleagues as a great italian restaurant. To be honest, the food and service was good and we were having good time. Until we noticed a mice running around the floor at the 2nd floor. This made my guest feel sick and ruined the whole good experience we had up to that moment and my guest asked me to leave the restaurant ASAP. Im sure that im not going to take anyome to Cafe Murano again. My guest and i were really disappointed with the overall experience. My guest noticing a mice running around on the floor cost me a lot of reputational and emotional damage. Sadly, I cant possibly recommend Cafe Murano to anyone else. read more

Great food, friendly and helpful service. I've been here twice, once in the informal café and once in the restaurant next door. Although I didn't make a reservation it has been very busy on both occasions and I've been lucky to get a seat. I would say the most diners in the restaurant were dressed fairly smart (shirts and shoes) but the place didn't have the air of arrogance, which is great as I rocked up in my trainers and rolled up jeans. The food I've eaten here has been delicious and plentiful. I enjoyed it so much that I brought my partner, and fellow foodie, for a second visit. The first time I had homemade quiche and salad, I also tried the pasta of the day. On the second visit we had truffle arancini and polpette lemon and garlic pangrattato both very good. We had pasta for our main course and then for dessert tiramisu and a cherry cake with whipped cream. Safe to say we were very full and very happy. Oh a set menu is available, 3 courses for £21. read more

Lovely restaurant, tucked away and larger on the inside than expected judging by the restaurant front. Relaxed cosy booths upstairs . Decor was inviting and food was excellent. The service was friendly and on point. Will most definitely return in the future. read more

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I have been to Cafe Murano twice and although the food is decent, it leaves much to be desired when compared to its price. In my opinion the dishes tend to be too rich and hardly qualify as genuine Italian food. The meat is fairly good, especially when combined with a side of potatoes which have been deliciously browned. On the other hand I was ever so slightly underwhelmed by their pastas which were too oily. The decoration was not to me taste, and I found that the parquet's tone was too light and clashed with the lighting (or the lack of it in this case). The second floor would provide an adequate setting for a romantic dinner was it not for the large table lying in its centre. Indeed, Given how popular this venue seems to be, it is always crowded by very loud groups. On a positive note, the bar on this storey looked quite impressive. I would like to emphasise that the food was not bad by any means, however, Cafe Murano offers relatively poor value and the service, though professionals, does not mitigate that lack of finesse of its food offering. If you still intend to try it, I would recommend you book it at least three days in advance. read more

My friend and I decided to visit Cafe Murano for a pre-theatre dinner at its new second location in Covent Garden. At 16.50 pounds for 2 courses and 21 pounds for 3 courses, it is also exceptionally great value. We previewed a menu online but the set menu offered upon arrival was different, though just as good. The restaurant was very quiet during this pre-theatre seating, with only 3 or 4 other tables full from between 6:15 and 7:15. On the flip side, the staff were always readily available and very attentive. I ordered an octopus and potato salad for a starter (this actually reminded a lot of Polpo's fare), and had a tagliatelle for my main. My friend got a generous dish of risotto for a starter, and had the lamb polpette as a main, which were basically lamb meatballs in tomato sauce. It's interesting that the menu didn't have the tagliatelle and risotto as part of the same course, so you could theoretically end up eating 2 pasta dishes, if you so desired. The desserts looked great but unfortunately we ran out of time for a third course. I enjoyed my dining experience, but I don't think I'm in any rush to come again soon. The set menu was good value and well executed... I just didn't think it was all that creative, and to be honest I expected more from a name like Angela Hartnett. Perhaps, as with Heston Blumenthal's restaurants, it's best to try the flagship restaurant first, lest be disappointed with the cheaper options. read more

I would say overall I liked this restaurant. I think the architectural design and music choice was cool, and the staff was very kind. The food was also very tasteful, and something I hope I can eat again. The drinks they had were also very tasty. This restaurant had a lot of variety to it and the staff was very quick about to everything. I recommend this restaurant. read more

Fantastic service first and foremost. Food was fantastic. Really a great Pre theatre experience. I highly recommend it and would come here again. The mushroom arancini were lovely as was the minestrone and the meals. read more

The food was very delicious. We ordered Saffron risotto and brown crab linguini fir starters; grilled quail and plaices as main courses. All the dishes were beautifully cooked. The staffs were very friendly and services went perfect. It was a great dinning experience! definitely will come again. read more

Rustic Italian in the theater district - I came here with my friend for Sunday brunch - we got the roasted kale and butternut squash antipasti and truffle arancini. All were delicious. Opting for primi only we got the pumpkin gnocchi and the guinea fowl agnolotti. The agnolotti was outstanding. For dessert, tiramisu and carrot cake which is nothing to write home about but solid options. The staff were friendly professional and even helped me print my Ryanair tickets! Great service and will be back to try dinner / set lunch. Prices were a bit pricier a la carte. Also interested to try Pastifico next door read more

After visiting many restaurants in the Covent Garden area I can definitely say Cafe Murano stands out above the others. Portions may not be viewed by some a big but is more than enough to satisfy your appetite. The service was exemplary and professional but still friendly, the food was the tastiest we've had for ages, the sea bream crudo with mandarin & chilli was an explosion of sweet citrus flavours with just enough heat from the chilli to add flavour. The grilled calamari was tender and cooked perfectly. Our main of the prawn risotto was cooked exactly right with the sweetest tasting prawns. The risotto itself was bursting with flavour too. The tiramisu was (for once in any restaurant) prepared in a traditional way with a distinct coffee flavour. Coffee was good too! All in all £80 for 2 was reasonable considering the quality of the food. read more

Cafe Murano - Sea bream Crudo - Italian Near Me - London, XGL

Went here for dinner at 6pm on a Saturday. Tried the asparagus for starters and lamb as main. Nice and welcoming staff and the food tasted great. Ask for a table upstairs if you book in advance. read more

Cafe Murano was amazing! The tortellini paired fantastically well with the recommended wine. Would definitely recommend.

Ive eaten here four times in two weeks each time having the set menu .Three courses great value.Many didnt seem to change artichoke salad starter ,fish fritters ,mains belly of pork and sea bass ,desserts blueberry tart,plum tart .Maybe they change the menu mothly?I never asked didnt really mind food is excellent the staff are,young viberent professionals interested in food and deliver it well three course £27 ,lovely dining room lots of character.Its becoming one of my favorites. read more

Lovely place, small but still larger than you expect when you walk in. Truffle arancini and Parma ham are delicious, as well as lobster spaghetti and ricotta pasta dishes. The sauce is light and flavorful and noodles are very fresh. Service a bit slow, but food is fantastic. read more

The Italian coffee is amazing! The shop is cozy, warm and inviting! I would love to try the wine selection as well.