In a significant culinary development for London's West End, the prestigious Time Out guide has officially named Twenty8 Nomad as the best restaurant in Covent Garden for 2026. This announcement follows the recent closure of the previous top-ranked establishment, Tandoor Chop House, creating a vacancy that has now been filled by this American-style brasserie located within the NoMad hotel.
A New Culinary Champion Emerges
The selection process involved thorough evaluation by Time Out's team of London food experts, who meticulously assessed dining venues across the bustling Covent Garden neighborhood. Twenty8 Nomad, which underwent a comprehensive renovation from its former identity as Atrium, impressed critics with its bold interpretation of the classic American brasserie concept.
Architectural and Culinary Grandeur
According to Time Out's detailed 2025 review, the restaurant's aesthetic presents "an extravagant Yank take on the French brasserie" with Manhattan-inspired design elements reminiscent of Paris's Marais district. The space features dramatically high ceilings, elegant balustrades, and multiple balconies that create an atmosphere of sophisticated grandeur.
The culinary offerings match the impressive surroundings, featuring a lavish raw bar showcasing premium seafood selections. Signature dishes include supersized steak frites that have become a talking point among London food enthusiasts, along with innovative preparations like crispy artichoke, classic prawn cocktail, mussels prepared in green curry sauce, and luxurious lobster pasta.
Martini-Centric Cocktail Experience
What truly distinguishes Twenty8 Nomad is its dedicated focus on martini variations, with an entire cocktail program built around this classic drink. The restaurant's bar, Side Hustle, has achieved international recognition, having been named the world's best international hotel bar in 2025. This tequila and mezcal specialist bar complements the main restaurant's offerings, creating a comprehensive dining and drinking destination.
Covent Garden's Competitive Dining Scene
Covent Garden maintains its reputation as one of London's premier dining districts, home to numerous acclaimed restaurants including French-inspired Story Cellar, The Portrait by renowned chef Richard Corrigan, along with established favorites like The Savoy Grill and J Sheekey. The elevation of Twenty8 Nomad to the top position reflects the dynamic and evolving nature of London's restaurant landscape.
The Time Out guide continues to serve as an authoritative resource for both London residents and visitors seeking exceptional dining experiences. This latest ranking highlights how established hotel restaurants can transform themselves through thoughtful renovation and innovative culinary concepts to compete with standalone dining establishments in one of the world's most competitive restaurant markets.
