Cora Pearl is a beautiful, small restaurant in the heart of Covent Garden. It came highly recommended by the Covent Gardener, who is an expert on Covent Garden and all its history.
Cora Pearl is the sister restaurant of Kitty Fisher in Shepherds Market, so expect the same small exquisite menu with a touch of history attached of this gem of a restaurant.
Cora Pearl has had rave reviews since it opened in July and we went with high expectations. Downstairs there is there is a charming small bar, befitting its namesake, with a list of cocktails that are both flirty and fun. I was early ahead of Mr B and so listened with glee, to the mixologist at the different cocktails stories and history of Cora Pearl.
Cora Pearl is named after a 19th century courtesan, name Emma Elizabeth Crouch. In 1860 she was the most celebrated courtesan in Paris. Her most notable admirer was Napoléon Bonaparte. In her heyday, Pearl was able to command as much as ten thousand francs for an evening with her – isn’t that a fact!
So with the history now over let me tell you about our rather quick bite to eat…
We had a little Croque Madame, it went down a treat – I wish we’d ordered two.
Mr B had the beef, which he gave a full 10/10 for. The portion sizes are just right if you haven’t got teenagers with you. We did order the chips, but we ate them so quickly I forgot to capture the moment.
My fish stew was absolutely sublime – delicate and light and so full of flavour. I couldn’t recommend it more highly.
This little restaurant is divine. The service and friendliness of the staff make you feel right at home. They are warm, inviting and engaging. I honestly wonder why I eat at big chains, when I discover little places like this.
Cora Pearl is a small – maybe 11 tables or so upstairs, so it is unlikely you will get a walk-in table. Book it up, and look forward to a night out à deux, and be sure to make enough time for a cocktail downstairs beforehand. We will definitely be going back.
Cora Pearl : 30 Henrietta Street.