Cicoria Restaurant London Review: Italian Elegance & Rooftop Charm at the Royal Opera House

September 29, 2025

Cicoria Restaurant London Review: Italian Elegance & Rooftop Charm at the Royal Opera House

Set to debut in September 2025, Cicoria restaurant in London, by Angela Hartnett, brings a fresh perspective on Italian cuisine to Covent Garden, on the fifth floor of the Royal Opera House. This new venture from the Michelin-starred chef—best known for her transformative work at Murano—promises a blend of relaxed refinement, seasonal cooking, and panoramic rooftop beauty.

Angela Hartnett, a celebrated restaurateur awarded an OBE in 2022, has long been synonymous with Italian warmth and precision. With Cicoria, she teams up with the Royal Opera House to create a space that’s welcoming to all. And there’s no opera ticket required. The restaurant and adjacent bar aim to serve as dining destinations in their own right. They will offer both lunch and dinner, as well as an all-day rooftop terrace inspired by Turin’s timeless bar culture.

Cicoria boasts views across the piazza and West End skyline. The restaurant interior offers a contrast to the theatre’s grandeur, while its rooftop bar—Bar Cicoria—channels that sun-soaked Italian spirit right into the city centre. It’s the kind of spot where a pre-show aperitivo or a leisurely weekend lunch feels equally effortless.

This already feels like one of London’s most anticipated restaurant openings. Hartnett captures that rare balance of elegance and accessibility. It is all rooted in Italian tradition yet entirely livable and relevant for Covent Garden. Whether it becomes your go-to post-opera destination, a sunny brunch hideaway, or a quiet solo dinner perch, this is the kind of culinary social club London didn’t know it needed.

Cicoria Restaurant London Menu

Although the full menu is yet to be revealed, Hartnett’s vision is clear: “sophisticated yet simple, Italian-inspired cooking”, with a focus on exceptional produce and light, flavour-first dishes. Expect all-day dining that caters to both theatre-goers and casual visitors, with seasonal, antipasti-led menus perfect for sharing.

Imagine a menu featuring Hartnett classics reimagined for the ROH setting—think delicate arancini, squid and crab linguine, and a perfectly tart lemon dessert to finish.

Cicoria Restaurant London Bookings

Capital A List members can make bookings for Cicoria below.

Cicoria Restaurant London Cuisine, Dress Code & Address

Cuisine: Italian

Dress Code: Smart Casual

Area: Covent Garden

Address: Royal Opera House, Bow St, London WC2E 9DD

Website: https://www.rbo.org.uk/visit/eat-and-drink/cicoria#cicoria

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