I have the Covent Gardens website bookmarked, and its loaded with restaurants. Anyway, which would be the best restaurants to have dinner in for a single person? Don't need to break the bank here, so looking for recommendations in the $30 to $50 range to include an appetizer, entree and glass of wine. Especially looking for recommendations of restaurants where I can get in wearing a nice pair of slacks and blazer or sweater, and won't feel uncomfortable eating by myself. I don't mind bringing a book. <BR><BR>Will be going to the theatre each night I am in London, so I would need to have dinner before the show. Recommendations in Bloomsbury would also be good, as that is where my hotel is situated.<BR><BR>Not interested in Indian cuisine, I'm not a fan of curry, which limits my choice to tandoori chicken.

Wagamama Noodle Bar is a restaurant I went to alone, no problem, and enjoyed very much. It's at 10A Lexington St. tel: 0171/292-0990. I seem to remember it's near the British Museum. I also liked Yo!Sushi for Japanese food (52 Poland St. tel: 0171/259-0399 - 2 blocks south of Oxford St. where Lexington St. becomes Poland St.). Hope I'm not way off the mark for your location. I think some of the phone number area codes may have changed.

We had a FABULOUS pre-theatre dinner at Asia de Cuba. Normally it would have been much too pricey, but had a 3 course dinner for about $30. It was one of the best meals we had in London. Although somewhat dimly lit (not good for reading) I would not have been uncomfortable by myself there.

I am having a senior moment and can't come up with the name -- but someone else will probably know it. (This is going to bug me because I know the name, oh well) A great place in Covent garden I try to hit every trip is upstairs on the end of the market bldg that faces towards Drury Lane and the Transport museum.<BR><BR>It is split into two parts - one a very nice cafe/bar and the other more upscale. It is a long narrow room so all tables have a view dowm over the rear of the Royal Opera House, Bow and down Russell street and good people watching.<BR><BR>They have good moderately priced meals and the wines and champagne by the glass will not break the bank like some places.

Thanks for the suggestions sofar. I know that I will go to Salieri's one night for dinner. I checked Wagamama's website, and it looks like a great choice for lunch or takeaway after the theatre. I didn't realize that there are so many of them.<BR><BR>Asia de Cuba -- sounds interesting from the name. Can you give me an idea as to what the cuisine is and menu? Also, where is it?<BR><BR>Janis, I'll check the Covent Gardens site for the name of the restaurant. Thanks for the location.<BR><BR>Anyone have any comments about Rules?

I'll vote for Wagamama's also - you won't feel alone, the tables hold groups of people. <BR><BR>Janis, are you thinking of Maxwell's? It sort of faces Drury Lane if I remember correctly (Of course I could be wrong, there are so many places around that area).<BR><BR>Actually I don't think you will have any problem eating alone in most places, I travel with my husband but frequently see people eating by themselves in London's restaurants.

Got it ! - it is Chez Gerard and/or the Opera Terrace. They are actually the same place but one end is more casual and less expensive. It is upstairs on the 1st floor (2nd floor to us).<BR><BR>I have been there several times alone and with friends and notice no difference in the seating or service.

I like the White Lion pub in Covent Garden. When you exit the tube and turn right to walk to the market area, the pub is on the first corner on your right--bookstore across the alley, Maxwell's across the street. The downstairs looks like a rowdy "guys" pub, but go around the corner and up the stairs and there's one little room. Take a table by the window and people watch. Great ham/mushroom/chicken pies, hubby likes the fish & chips. I've also had the roast chicken and liked it a lot. Very reasonable, nice young waitstaff. Great service.

Asia de Cuba is in the St.Martin's hotel on St. Martin's Lane - was right across the street from theatre where we saw Private Lives. Said to be a fusion of Asian and Cuban cuisine. We had booked through lastminute.com. They currently have a special listed with them right now also - 20 lbs for a pre-theatre menu including a cocktail. I went to Wagamama - was okay for lunch, but in my opinion nothing really special. There were not lots of people at Asia de Cuba for the pre-theatre menu - it is trendy, so the crowd comes later. My cousin and I loved it!

There are actually a few Chez Gerard around town... another one is over near Bank tube area...<BR><BR>I also think Wok Wok is pretty good. The one in Soho closed though... There is one in South Ken.<BR><BR>go down Charlotte Street, you will find a lot of good restaurants which won't break the bank.

another vote for asia de cuba!! food was fabulous - don't forget to try dessert. the portions are large, though, so you might have to take your leftovers home.