Royal Opera House restaurant to open to the public for the first time

The Piazza restaurant at the Royal Opera House in London’s Covent Garden is to open to the public for the first time on 27 September, instead of only serving ticket holders.

In collaboration with Company of Cooks, the Royal Opera House’s long-standing catering and hospitality partner, executive chef Richard Robinson has created a menu that features modern British dishes using local market produce, such as London burrata and heritage beetroots; and Pershore broccoli with citrus and pine nuts.

The former chef at Tom’s Kitchen, the French Laundry and Per Se will place an emphasis on seasonality and sustainability, incorporating snacks and starters that use trims and offcuts to reduce waste.

All the wines for Piazza are to be supplied by Ellis Wines, a 200-year-old independent, family-owned wine business.

The restaurant is located on the fifth floor of the historic building, parts of which date to 1858, was designed by Studio Linse as part of the Royal Opera House’s Open Up redevelopment.

Alex Beard, chief executive of the Royal Opera House, added: “We’re absolutely delighted to be opening Piazza at the Royal Opera House, another great reason to visit our beautiful home in the heart of Covent Garden.

"We look forward to welcoming visitors old and new to enjoy the food, views and warm hospitality in our award-winning and internationally renowned building.”

Piazza opened to ticket holders in 2018 and seats 150 diners indoors and 100 on the terrace.

During the pandemic the Royal Opera House lost £3 in every £5 of its income and continues to feel the financial impact. In September 2021 it reopened for its first full season since 2019.