Description: I went to Belgo's many years ago when they had a branch in Ladbroke Grove and had a great time. I think it has closed now. For some unknown reason I did not go to the Covent Garden outlet for ages but finally went again a few weeks and remembered what a great restaurant it is.
Belgo's is situated in London in the heart of Covent Garden yards away from Neal's Street and the 7 dials. If you're near (or even if you're not) and have a yearning for Mussels, there is only one place to go in my book... and that's Belgo's. This restaurant is famous for 2 things, which fortunately work very well together. 1. Mussels & 2. A huge selection of exotic beers. It's not that they don't serve other dishes, they do, and they are very good too, but I only ever now have a moule frites.
The mussels are always perfectly cooked and come in a variety of sauces but I can recommend the standard maraniere, which is cooked in a beautiful liquid made from onion, garlic, white wine and celery. The mussels are succulent and the stew perfect for dipping your chips in. Also very good is the boar sausage if you're not a mussel lover.
The beers are extensive and I won't begin to name them. I find it always best to ask advice as the waiting staff are usually very knowledgeable and will find you a good one. If you're not a beer drinker, the wine list is also decent and as well as beer, they have a vast selection of schnapps too. Try the 32 stick if you dare. This is a stick of 32 different shots of schnapps. Obviously recommended for a group and not on your own!
Soft drinks leave a little to be desired here which is a shame. If you don't drink alcohol it's disappointing with only a standard selection of juices and cola and lemonade.
The atmosphere is quite buzzy. As the restaurant is in the basement, there is no natural light and the place can get quite noisy but don't let this put you off. A couple of Chimay later and you'll be shouting above it anyway. Service is always friendly and helpful. I have been a few times now and never been able to fault the service once.
Cost wise, it's fairly priced and portions are big (Mariniere is £12.75). They have a great happy hour too called Beat The Clock which runs from 5pm - 6:30pm Mon - Fri. If you order from their set menu you pay the amount that is equivalent to the time. E.g. If it's 5:45 you pay £5.45 for your meal. If you don't mind eating early, this offer is a great way to have a high quality and inexpensive meal.
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