Situated in the heart of theatre land, Opera Tavern offers the 'small plates proposition' like Polpo (Italian) and Tierra Brindisa (Spanish) but does so with a mix of Mediterranean influences plus other fancies. The result is not only old favourites like croquettes but some more unusual menu additions like Scotch eggs and a pork and foie gras burger. Overall, we enjoyed the meal there and we can imagine going back in the future to meet friends and have a fun get together over assorted plates.
Set over two floors, and having opened only in January of this year, Opera Tavern feels fresh in its décor and enthusiasm of the staff who were exceptionally helpful throughout as well as knowledgeable about the product. The only small negative was that while the mid week lunch service we attended saw only a handful of other diners, hardwood floors and the smallish room provided for poor acoustics and noise levels were really quite high; we can only imagine what it might be like on a busy weekend service.
Foodwise, we took dishes across the menu to share on a table of three. The stand out dish of the day was the Mini Iberico pork and foie gras burger which was truly excellent delivering a hugely juicy and tasty burger that was so good, you were upset that it was a 'mini' version. Also very good was the Jamon Iberico de Bellota that came in generous proportions on a wood board though if you want bread, that's charged extra at £2.55. Smoked anchovies with crostini from the bar snacks menu was also enjoyed as was the gratin of gnocchi.
There were no major disappointments with the food but the day's special, Cuttlefish, was billed as being on a bed of risotto though it was really no more than ordinary rice; the dish overall was one of the weaker offerings. The crispy pigs ears were also just too hard, something that's been commented on elsewhere and the pot was returned mostly full, for fear of a dental incident.
For the most part though, dishes were good enough examples of what they aimed to be, seasoning was about right and we enjoyed the food returning mostly empty plates back to the kitchen. Desserts too were enjoyed which included a meringue and a chocolate fondant. Overall, we were happy and full when we left.
Otherwise, there's not too much that needs to be said. Opera Tavern is a nice environment in a good location that serves Tapas like dishes that are for the most part pretty good. In the Covent Garden area, it's definitely a place that we would recommend where you could meet friends and have a good time all without breaking the bank. There's something for everyone across a reasonably extensive menu and service is friendly. Opera Tavern feels like it delivers on what it sets out to achieve and will no doubt remain a popular Covent Garden fixture for some time to come.
Set over two floors, and having opened only in January of this year, Opera Tavern feels fresh in its décor and enthusiasm of the staff who were exceptionally helpful throughout as well as knowledgeable about the product. The only small negative was that while the mid week lunch service we attended saw only a handful of other diners, hardwood floors and the smallish room provided for poor acoustics and noise levels were really quite high; we can only imagine what it might be like on a busy weekend service.
Foodwise, we took dishes across the menu to share on a table of three. The stand out dish of the day was the Mini Iberico pork and foie gras burger which was truly excellent delivering a hugely juicy and tasty burger that was so good, you were upset that it was a 'mini' version. Also very good was the Jamon Iberico de Bellota that came in generous proportions on a wood board though if you want bread, that's charged extra at £2.55. Smoked anchovies with crostini from the bar snacks menu was also enjoyed as was the gratin of gnocchi.
There were no major disappointments with the food but the day's special, Cuttlefish, was billed as being on a bed of risotto though it was really no more than ordinary rice; the dish overall was one of the weaker offerings. The crispy pigs ears were also just too hard, something that's been commented on elsewhere and the pot was returned mostly full, for fear of a dental incident.
For the most part though, dishes were good enough examples of what they aimed to be, seasoning was about right and we enjoyed the food returning mostly empty plates back to the kitchen. Desserts too were enjoyed which included a meringue and a chocolate fondant. Overall, we were happy and full when we left.
Otherwise, there's not too much that needs to be said. Opera Tavern is a nice environment in a good location that serves Tapas like dishes that are for the most part pretty good. In the Covent Garden area, it's definitely a place that we would recommend where you could meet friends and have a good time all without breaking the bank. There's something for everyone across a reasonably extensive menu and service is friendly. Opera Tavern feels like it delivers on what it sets out to achieve and will no doubt remain a popular Covent Garden fixture for some time to come.
Iberico ham
Smoked anchovies and crostini
Crispy pigs ears
Croquettes
Italian style Scotch eggs
Moorish marinated Iberico pork
Mini Iberico pork and foie gras burger
Fried young artichokes with poached egg and a smoked garlic and shallot vinaigrette
Gratin of gnocchi, taleggio, trompettes and migas
Confit of Old Spot pork belly with rosemary scented cannellini beans
Cuttlefish
Roasted salt cod with Romesco crust, arroz negro and piquillo emulsion
Chargrilled chicken with chorizo, curly kale and Jerusalem artichokes
Meringue
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