Latest review:
One Saturday evening, my wife and I visited Sycamore Covent Garden, located within the elegant Middle Eight Hotel, for a relaxed dinner and an opportunity to experience its Italian-inspired menu. The restaurant offered a comfortable setting for a weekend meal, and despite a few challenges during service, it turned out to be an enjoyable evening overall. If you are looking for an Italian-inspired dinner in Covent Garden with a refined hotel atmosphere, Sycamore is certainly worth considering.
On arrival, the restaurant felt stylish yet welcoming. The lighting was warm, the seating was comfortable, and there was a calm atmosphere that suited a Saturday evening. Although the venue sits within a luxury hotel, it did not feel overly formal or intimidating. Instead, it struck a good balance between sophistication and comfort, making it equally suitable for couples, friends, or visitors staying nearby.
We started with the Mushroom & Truffle Arancini served with truffle mayonnaise. These were crisp on the outside, soft in the centre, and packed with earthy mushroom flavour. The truffle mayonnaise added an extra layer of richness without overpowering the dish. My wife chose the Fried Courgette with orange mayonnaise, which she enjoyed very much. The courgette was light and well-cooked, while the orange mayonnaise provided a subtle citrus note that complemented the dish nicely.
For our mains, I ordered the Sycamore Smash Burger, served with salad, tomato, orange mayonnaise, provola cheese, and thin fries. This was easily the standout dish of the evening for me. The burger was juicy, flavourful, and cooked perfectly, while the provola cheese added a pleasant depth of flavour. The thin fries were crisp and well-seasoned, making an excellent accompaniment. An added bonus was that the burger was halal, which I greatly appreciated.
My wife opted for the Black Truffle & Ricotta Ravioli with butter and sage. She found it enjoyable, with the truffle flavour coming through well and the pasta cooked to a good texture. The simplicity of the butter and sage sauce allowed the filling to remain the focus of the dish.
To finish, I chose the Vanilla Pannacotta with raspberry coulis and fresh fruit. This dessert was delightful. The pannacotta had a smooth, creamy texture, while the raspberry coulis added just the right amount of sharpness to balance the sweetness. My wife selected the Crème Brûlée with custard cream and caramel, which she thoroughly enjoyed. The caramelised top provided a satisfying crunch, while the custard beneath was rich and silky. Alongside our meal, we also enjoyed a selection of refreshing mocktails that complemented the food well.
One aspect worth mentioning was the pace of service. On the evening of our visit, service was noticeably slow. However, this was handled professionally by Dulal, who explained that several members of staff had called in sick, leaving the team to cover a much heavier workload than usual. His communication throughout the evening was excellent, and his friendly, attentive approach ensured that we felt looked after despite the delays. Given the circumstances, the team worked hard and maintained a positive attitude throughout.
Overall, we had a pleasant dining experience at Sycamore Covent Garden. The food was enjoyable, the setting was attractive, and the service from Dulal stood out for all the right reasons. While the evening moved at a slower pace than expected, the transparency and professionalism shown by the staff made a real difference. I would happily return for another dinner and would recommend it to anyone seeking a relaxed Italian-inspired dining experience in the heart of Covent Garden.
