Last week, we had a delicious express lunch at the Dalla Terra Italian Wine Bar and Restaurant in Covent Garden. The sun was shining, so we sat on the terrace, and it felt like we were on holiday. It’s amazing what a sunny day and a few plants can conjure up in your mind. Dalla Terra is excellent for lunch or dinner with Italian wine. We weren’t drinking wine but enjoyed our three-course express lunch just as much without a glass of vino. If you’re looking for express lunch and pre-theatre meals in Covent Garden, Italian restaurants near Covent Garden station or wine bars in WC2, you’ll love Dalla Terra.
“Enjoy a romantic Italian meal with a glass of wine as you relax in the charming, calm courtyard of The Yards Covent Garden,” Homegirl London.
Dalla Terra Italian Restaurant Set Menu
I love a good set menu because it’s value for money and stops any dithering. This Express Menu didn’t disappoint and had enough to satisfy vegetarians and meat eaters. We started by sharing the Bruschetta with two pieces of bread covered in tasty ripe tomatoes, basil and garlic and two slices of grilled bread smeared with a green olive tapenade. The other dish was a simple yet super fresh Caprese with juicy Pomodoro tomatoes, basil and two small portions of mozzarella.
Other starters are Hummus with Flat Bread, Melon with Prosciutto di Parma, Carpaccio di Manzo (beef carpaccio) and Carpaccio di Zucchini (baby courgettes with lemon).
For our mains, we chose the Spinach Ricotta Ravioli in a Butter and Sage Sauce, my absolute favourite pasta and sauce combination. It was outstanding; the ravioli perfectly al dente and the butter with sage ratio spot on. Lasagna Bolognese (Merlot simmered beef), Spaghetti Carbonara (guanciale pork jowl and pecorino cheese) and Tagliatelle di Manzo (rich tomatoes and beef sauce) are the Primi alternatives.
Upgrades include Cotoletta alla Milanese (veal cutlets), Branzino al Forno (European bass) and Tagliata di Manzo (sliced beef). Consider adding a side if you’re feeling hungry; Verdure Grigliate (grilled mixed veg), Patatine Fritte (twice cooked chips with rosemary) or Rucola Insalata (rocket salad).
If you’re smart, you’ll opt for one of your fixed menu courses to be a dessert because they are delectable. We shared a creamy Tiramisu and a slice of Cheesecake, both perfect. Other options are Tortino al Chocolate Lava (hot chocolate cake for two takes ten minutes to make), Affogato (Italian gelato with coffee poured over) and Gelato alla Vaniglia (vanilla ice cream).
The Express Menu is available for lunch and pre-theatre from Sunday to Friday until 6.30 pm. It costs £18.90 for two courses and £23.50 for three courses.
The drinks list is impressive, with plenty of Italian wines, cocktails, spirits, soft drinks and coffee. They have over 600 wines from Italy and worldwide with seasonal options.
Dalla Terra Covent Garden WC2 Information
Dalla Terra is a wine bar, wine shop and restaurant. The address is 25 Slingsby Place, St Martin’s Courtyard, London WC2E 9AB. You’ll find it just off Long Acre in a shopping and dining destination called The Yards Covent Garden. There is outside seating in a pedestrianised courtyard, and inside it has a wine bar feel with bottles of wine on shelves. It’s the perfect place for a quick business lunch, pre-theatre meal or cosy dinner for two people. To find out more, visit the Dalla Terra Website. Check the website for current opening times.
While you are in the area you may want to explore further, please read my relevant posts:
Ten Reasons To Visit The Yards Covent Garden
Ten Things To Do In Covent Garden
Best Shopping Streets In Covent Garden
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. I only write about restaurants where I had a good experience. I recommend you further research as restaurant standards fluctuate, as do opinions. Please check if the restaurant is still in business and the opening times before you go. If you discover this restaurant has closed, contact me to remove it from my blog.
