If you’re looking for somewhere to eat in Covent Garden that offers plenty of flavour, a relaxed atmosphere and a menu packed with Southeast Asian favourites, Banana Tree is well worth considering. Tucked away amongst the bustle of central London, it’s a great spot to take a break from sightseeing and enjoy a leisurely meal, or, as we did a pre-theatre dinner before watching Disney’s Hercules.
Now, I didn’t use it for Banana Tree, but in the past I have used First Table for dinners in Covent Garden. You can get 50% off your meals this way. If you use my code we each get $5 (£3.80??) off your next meal. Just click through here.
We started with a selection of small plates, which turned out to be an excellent way to sample a variety of flavours. The Sweetcorn Fritter Balls were the surprise hit of the table. Crisp on the outside and soft in the middle, they had a gentle sweetness from the corn and were incredibly moreish. They disappeared far quicker than expected.
The vegetarian spring rolls were another success. Light and crunchy, they came with plenty of fresh herbs which added a welcome freshness and lifted the whole dish. They felt vibrant and colourful rather than heavy, making them a lovely starter.
For something with a little more punch, we tried the chicken wings. These were sticky, flavourful and cooked beautifully, with tender meat that fell easily from the bone. They struck a nice balance between sweetness and spice and were packed with flavour.
For the main course, the vegan pad thai was an easy choice. This classic dish can sometimes feel like an afterthought on restaurant menus, but that certainly wasn’t the case here. The noodles were perfectly cooked and coated in a rich, tangy sauce, while the vegetables added plenty of texture and freshness. It was a generous portion and satisfying enough that even non-vegans at the table were tempted to steal a few forkfuls.
The restaurant itself has a lively but comfortable atmosphere. Despite being in one of London’s busiest areas, it felt welcoming and relaxed, making it a good option whether you’re visiting with friends, family or simply looking for somewhere convenient before heading to the theatre.
Overall, Banana Tree Covent Garden delivered a thoroughly enjoyable meal. The Sweetcorn Fritter Balls and vegan pad thai were particular highlights, while the vegetarian spring rolls and chicken wings provided plenty of variety and flavour. If you’re exploring Covent Garden and fancy Southeast Asian-inspired food in a casual setting, it’s certainly a restaurant worth adding to your list.
