Looking for a green oasis in the heart of London for lunch or dinner? La Goccia in Covent Garden is the perfect spot! Add Italian-inspired dishes, and you’ll be hooked!
La Goccia, part of the Petersham Nurseries group, embodies respect for both the environment and people. Stepping inside, you’ll feel uplifted, with all your senses awakened!
Today, DOYOUSPEAKLONDON takes you to La Goccia, a hidden gem for al fresco dining in London, perfect for enjoying delicious meals in a beautiful setting!
La Goccia, Food & Philosophy
When Petersham Nurseries opened La Goccia, they built it “on the slow living values of good, clean and fair and unwavering respect for our planet, our people and sustainable processes”.
The Head Chef’s philosophy consists of “creating delicious and interesting menus with minimal waste, maximum flavours”, as well as “sourcing the best quality ingredients working closely with small and independent producers”. Pleasure and ethics, perfectly blended on your plate, what more could you ask for?!
La Goccia’s symbol is the elephant and on the day my friend and I discovered the place we were welcomed by a few elephants standing in the courtyard and bringing an unexpected sense of exotism to this place…
These wooden animals are actually part of the Coexistence Campaign supported by Petersham Nurseries, raising awareness on the necessity to “create landscapes that allow humans and wildlife to live in peaceful coexistence”.
After soaking in the lush greenery outside, my friend and I were greeted by the hostess and told our table was inside. We were a bit disappointed. Who wants to eat indoors on a sunny London day? I’m still not sure how I missed the chance to choose the courtyard seating!
Luckily, it was still early and we had very little time for lunch so we managed to negotiate to stay outside and leave before the next customers arrive.
While enquiring about the toilets, I met a friendly staff member who explained to me the owners’ passion for art, plants, good food, and support for charities. It was lovely to hear all that and feel that the passion of the owners had been transmitted to the people working there!
En route for the toilets (still, but very determined this time!) I left this really pretty outdoor dining space and discovered the indoor part of the restaurant: a whole new decor made of warm colours, beautiful art, and an open grill, I could not believe my eyes!
Indoors vibrant colours and floral inspiration
On weekdays, the venue feels calm and relaxed, making it the perfect spot to unwind with a drink and dinner. It’s like a little escape from the daily grind (something we all need right now, right?)
The red, purple, brown, and green colours all mix together perfectly well and create such a warm atmosphere inside. I was blown away by this interior decoration.
The open kitchen also creates proximity with the Chefs who prepare the dishes in front of the guests. Next time, I’d love to enjoy this kind of ambiance.
A room with smaller tables is also available (for the most romantic clients…?). I LOVE the paintings on the wall, they are the perfect addition to this interior decor!
Al Fresco lunch at La Goccia
As I said before, we were quite in a hurry that day, and my friend and I made a simple order: a fruity drink, a rather hearty main, and a coffee.
Though La Goccia boasts an extensive menu of Italian small plates (cicchetti), the options for us were a bit limited.
The goal was to get a first impression and return (especially for the Burrata with Grezzina zucchine as an aperitivo, Bresaola della Valtellina and Mortadella Bologna as coccoli, Wood-roasted St. Mary’s scallops with butter and lemon as pesce, and either the cherry tart with cherry ripple ice cream or tiramisu for dessert… maybe both!).
I hope you’ve enjoyed this post and found inspiration here. If you are planning to eat at La Goccia soon, please share your experience and opinion on DOYOUSPEAKLONDON’s blog!
To go further:
La Goccia: 1 Floral Court London, WC2E 9FB
Website
Petersham Nurseries: Church Lane, Off Petersham Road, Richmond, Surrey, TW10 7AB
Website
The Coexistence Campaign website
Check out my other restaurant recommendations in and around London here.
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Comme toujours de belles photos inspirantes et une grande envie de déguster la magnifique assiette de rogatonis
Nice place !!
Nice images…as usual! Next Time, a ” gourmand” dinner there?
Good idea isn’t it ?
@christine Merci Christine!
@olivier Certainement!
Le lieu semble très agréable . Le souci proclamé d’éthique et de respect de la planète est louable.
Espérons qu’il s’étende aux conditions d’élevage (viande , poisson , œufs , produits laitiers ,). Il serait intéressant de leur poser la question.
@myriam Go to their website, they explain how they care about the way animals are treated too!