Balthazar

"Since opening in London in 2013, Balthazar has been consistently busy, much like its original counterpart in New York City. That’s why we suggest you head early to the boulangerie next door for a more casual but equally delicious bite, before the crowds flock. There’s takeaway coffee, sausage rolls, sandwiches, sweet pastries, baguettes and more, but if you can find a seat, it’s worth sitting in for the upmarket Parisienne vibe." - Assembly

"Balthazar, Covent Garden. Since opening in London in 2013, Balthazar has been consistently busy, much like its original counterpart in New York City. That’s why we suggest you head early to the boulangerie next door for a more casual but equally delicious bite, before the crowds flock. There’s takeaway coffee, sausage rolls, sandwiches, sweet pastries, baguettes and more, but if you can find a seat, it’s worth sitting in for the upmarket Parisienne vibe."

"The ne plus ultra of New York-style pancakes, served in surroundings only marginally less majestic than Grand Central Station. Balthazar’s fluffy pucks, made the traditional way with plenty of bubbles in the batter, come drizzled with maple butter and dotted with sliced banana. Not groundbreaking, but when the wheel’s this delicious, why reinvent it? Pair with bacon and litres of filter coffee." - Emma Hughes, James Hansen

"Balthazar is one of those restaurants that invokes serious pangs of jealousy every time you walk past its glowing brasserie lights and question why you’re not currently sipping on boulevardiers and eating oysters. Despite its obvious old school charm, the food here can be a little hit or miss so although you might be tempted by the whole grilled lobster, you’re much better off going for the lobster spaghetti that is a proper ‘summer on a plate’ tomato and seafood party. Open until 1.30am on Fridays and Saturdays, it’s worth knowing about in case you find yourself in an Urgent Late-Night Weekend Lobster Situation. We’ve all been there, haven’t we?" - Heidi Lauth Beasley

"Balthazar is one of those restaurants that invokes serious pangs of jealousy every time you walk past its glowing brasserie lights and question why you’re not currently sipping on boulevardiers and eating oysters. Despite its obvious old-school charm, the French food here can be a little hit or miss so although you might be tempted by the whole grilled lobster or the hamburger, you’re much better off going for the lobster spaghetti that is a proper ‘summer on a plate’ tomato and seafood party. It’s also worth knowing about in case you find yourself in an Urgent Late-Night Weekend Steak Tartare Situation, or are looking for one last drink with a side of oysters." - Heidi Lauth Beasley