Restaurants

Climb up a flight of stairs from Neal’s Yard, and you’ll enter this light, airy room overlooking the health food/natural remedy centre of Covent Garden. On a fine day sunshine pours in, highlighting the photographs of idyllic vistas that adorn the walls – mementoes from owners Chris and Carolyn Caldicott’s trips around the world. The menu reflects their distant travels and features thali-style platters dotted with West African spiced sweet potato, Indian vegetable masala with coconut chutney, Middle Eastern meze or Mexican refried beans with guacamole. The masala with brown rice was just fine, but included the horror that is undercooked potatoes. Wholesome oat pancakes stuffed with fresh spinach and unspecified cheese were perked up by the sourness of fresh salsa. Most diners sit at a central counter where you can watch food being prepared, but there are a few window tables with chunky, sunshine-coloured plastic chairs. The café exudes good vibes, only slightly mitigated by staff who can be in their own little world. The food might not be ground-breaking, but this is a cheery venue for a leisurely lunch.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2008