Value for money in Covent Garden environ?

[Haidz]

Here's a challenge for you. I live in Drury Lane, Covent Garden (have just moved from Sydney). I am trying to find places to eat in the local area, with the criteria of a decent main meal for less than 6 pounds. So far my finds include Belgo Centraal and Cafe Pacifico for their lunchtime deals, and a portugese cafe in seven dials that does great fresh take-away meals. Any recommendations in CG, Seven Dials or SoHo, or indeed anywhere within walking distance, would be much appreciated! I'm sure there are some gems here somewhere, I just need to unearth them...

[Michael Florey -- St. Paul/MN]

When I travel to London I usually stay at a hotel right at Seven Dials. There is a little cafe on Seven Dials run by a guy from Paris. The baked goods are close to a religious experience, particularly the pain-au-chocolat. Stop by in the morning and try one with a cafe-au-lait.

Also keep in mind that Seven Dials is only 2 blocks from Neal's Yard Dairy, one of the finest cheese shops in the entire world. Go in and they will give you samples of hundredds of different artisnal, farmhouse cheeses. These guys are total cheese geeks. I talked to one fellow for over an hour about their cheeses. I carried home as much as my suitcase would hold.

There is also a decent Indian restaurant near Seven Dials that specializes in seafood. I'd never been to an Indian restaurant before that did seafood. This place was excellent. Name starts with an "M" I believe and it is painted bright colors. (There is a nice housewares store accross the street that sells great Bourgeat pans.)

That's a great neighborhood you've moved into.

[Bruce in London]

The best value for money restaurant I have found in the Covent Garden area that I return to time and time again is 'Food for Thought' on Neal Street. Its vegetarian and has homemade specials every day for less than six pounds.

Otherwise there isnt much in the Covent Garden area as it caters to tourists. Wagawama is hit or miss depoending on the location. Didnt like Covent Garden but enjoyed the Knightsbridge location at Harvey Nichols department store.

Takeaway, microwaveable Indian foods from Marks & Spencer are fantastic. Particularly the Chicken Jalfrezzi, Chicken Tikka, and Naans.

Good but small portioned sandwiches are available for take away from M & S, EAT, and Pret A Manger.