Jamie Oliver Catherine Street

I had the pleasure of dining at Jamie Oliver’s new restaurant in Covent Garden, and I must say, it was a delightful surprise after many disappointing celebrity chef restaurants. As I strolled through the bustling streets near Drury Lane theatre, my excitement grew. This was Jamie’s comeback after the unfortunate closure of his previous restaurant empire four years ago, and I was eager to see what he had created this time after his Italian restaurants turned out to be a disappointment.

Upon entering, I was immediately struck by the stunning interior. The atmosphere was vibrant, with a lovely bar, a charming courtyard area, and a menu that seemed to burst with flavour. I decided to go for the set menu, which offered great value at £27 for two courses or £31 for three. After much contemplation, I settled on the Westcombe Panela ham as a starter, recalling a recent meal I had at one of Gordon Ramsay’s establishments for comparison.

When the ham arrived, I was pleased to find it was a simple yet quality dish. The sweetness and texture of the ham paired beautifully with the crunchy bread drizzled in olive oil. It wasn’t an overly large portion, which I found to be just right for a starter, allowing me to fully appreciate the quality without feeling overwhelmed. Nothing too amazing, but good!

Next came my main course: an eight-ounce 35-day aged rump steak served with Béarnaise sauce and Koffman fries, along with seasonal greens. As I dug into the steak, I was happy with it’s flavour, it lacked the perfect sear and crust that you love to see on a steak but tt was perfectly seasoned and had none of the chewiness that can sometimes spoil a good cut of meat. The Béarnaise sauce arrived shortly after, and I relished how well it complemented the steak. The attentive staff quickly corrected a small oversight with the sauce, which I truly appreciated. Mistakes happen.

To finish off my meal, I opted for a chocolate brownie for dessert. I chose to enjoy it outside, so I wouldn’t disturb the other diners. This indulgent brownie was rich and addictive, beautifully balanced with the tartness of fresh raspberries and a scoop of ice cream. Each bite was a heavenly conclusion to my dining experience.

Reflecting on my visit, I was genuinely impressed by the quality of the food and the attentive service. It was refreshing to dine at a celebrity-owned restaurant that didn’t disappoint. My total bill came to £45, including a 12.5% service charge, which I felt was reasonable considering the exceptional meal I had enjoyed.

I would rate Jamie Oliver’s new restaurant an 8.5 out of 10. I do think there is better out there but one to give a go if you are feeling nostalgic!