Sarastro

Price

££

Cuisine

Meze & Fine Dining

Area

Soho & West End

Sarastro is a theatrical restaurant on Drury Lane in Covent Garden, a few steps from some of the West End’s biggest stages. Open since 1996, it is known for its over-the-top interior: gold rococo swirls, red velvet drapes, mirrors and booths laid out like theatre boxes over two levels, dressed with props and memorabilia from nearby theatres.

The food is Mediterranean with a Turkish accent, built around meze plates, stuffed aubergine, grills and some seafood. A two-course pre-theatre menu runs every day until 6pm, which is useful if you have curtain-up to make.

It suits birthdays, groups and pre- or post-theatre dinners where the show in the room matters as much as the food.

What to order at Sarastro

Share a few plates; the meze and the grill are the most Turkish parts of the menu.

• Karışık meze – a mixed plate of cold and hot starters for sharing
• Patlıcan dolması – stuffed aubergine, baked until soft
• Karışık ızgara – a mixed grill of meats from the charcoal
• Tarak – pan-seared scallops from the seafood side of the menu

Atmosphere and good to know

Live entertainment is part of the evening here. Opera singers perform regularly, and themed music nights from Thursday to Sunday have included Motown, Latin, and 70s and 80s hits; check the what’s-on page for the current line-up. There is a full bar with cocktails, including alcohol-free versions.

Halal status isn’t stated. Vegetarians will find options among the meze. Booking is a good idea, especially on weekend evenings and before popular shows, and the pre-theatre menu is the better-value way in.

Sarastro opening hours

Monday to Wednesday: 12:00–22:00; Thursday to Saturday: 12:00–23:00; Sunday: 12:00–22:00. Hours can change on bank holidays, so check with the restaurant before you travel.

How to get to Sarastro

Holborn (Central and Piccadilly lines) and Covent Garden (Piccadilly line) are both around 5 minutes’ walk away, and Temple (District and Circle lines) is roughly 10 minutes. Buses 59, 68, 168 and 188 stop on nearby Kingsway and Aldwych.

For live routes and disruptions, use the TfL Journey Planner.

Menu, ordering and contact

Website · Menus · What’s on · Instagram · Call 020 7836 0101

More Turkish food nearby

Nearby, try Pide & Co, Le Bab Covent Garden and TAS Bloomsbury, or browse all Turkish restaurants in Soho & West End. New to Turkish food? Start with our guide to popular Turkish dishes or see the best Turkish restaurants in London.

Features

• Alcohol served
• Live music

Location