Cinnamon Bazaar Review - london Restaurants | Christoff

Cinnamon Bazaar: Where Covent Garden Gets Its Indian Market Fix

A theatrical dining experience that's more than just pre-show fuel

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Step inside and you're immediately transported from London's grey pavements into what feels like a vibrant Indian marketplace. The pink-green silk awnings overhead, combined with rose-gold mosaic walls and strategically placed hanging plants, create an authentically bazaar-like environment that's both Instagram-worthy and genuinely atmospheric. The energy level sits at a lively 7.5 out of 10 - buzzy enough to feel exciting but not so chaotic that conversation becomes impossible. The colorful design elements work together to create what the venue accurately describes as an 'immersive Indian market atmosphere.' It's sophisticated enough for a proper meal out (6.5/10 on the refinement scale) while maintaining the casual, sharing-plates vibe that makes it perfect for groups. The space accommodates larger parties well, with a social group size score of 8.0, making it ideal for celebrations or theatre groups dining together.

Food & Drink

The menu centers around modern Indian small plates designed for sharing, with the lamb rogan-josh shepherd's pie standing out as their signature claim to fame. Beyond this fusion creation, the kitchen offers traditional chaats including papdi chaat, samosa chaat, and the more unusual watermelon chaat. Tandoori king prawn and Calcutta spiced fish feature among the grills and curries, while the dessert menu ventures into creative territory with garam-masala crème brûlée and rasmalai tres leches. The all-day dining concept spans from 'Chaiwala's Breakfast' through to dinner, with a 'Bazaar Express' lunch menu for quicker service. Bottomless brunch options are available from £14-£20, and they offer bottomless chaat & chai for those wanting to graze. Craft cocktails come courtesy of Mr Lyan, complemented by mocktails, wine, beer and spirits for those preferring traditional pairings.

Service & Experience

The staff here genuinely know their stuff, with team members like Tanvir, Rejab, and Sangeet earning specific praise for their knowledge and friendliness. The service is designed with theatre-goers in mind, offering quick turnaround times that work perfectly for pre-show dining. The team acts as proper food guides, helping navigate the sharing-plates concept and timing meals appropriately for West End schedules. However, there's a significant accessibility issue with the restrooms being located upstairs with no lift access, which creates genuine problems for guests with mobility needs despite the venue being otherwise wheelchair accessible.

Value for Money

With a price level of 2 out of 4, Cinnamon Bazaar positions itself in affordable luxury territory. The pre and post-theatre set menus offer exceptional value at £22 for two courses or £25 for three, with average spend staying under £30. This pricing strategy makes it particularly student-friendly for brunch and accessible for regular dining. The bottomless options starting at £14 represent solid value in the Covent Garden context, where tourist pricing often dominates. For the quality of ingredients, creativity of dishes, and prime location just a five-minute walk from Leicester Square, Covent Garden and Charing Cross stations, the pricing feels fair rather than exploitative.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Hit the 5:30pm slot for the pre-theatre menu - you'll get the full experience under £25 and still make your 7:30pm curtain call. The venue operates Monday to Saturday from 12pm-10:30pm, with Sunday hours ending at 9pm. Avoid peak weekend lunch if you're looking for a quieter experience.

What to Focus On

The lamb rogan-josh shepherd's pie is non-negotiable - it's their signature for good reason. For sharing, focus on the chaat selection and don't miss the tandoori king prawn. If you're doing the bottomless brunch, the chaat & chai option offers better value than standard bottomless drinks.

Christoff's Insider Tips

Book the private dining room Khari Baoli upstairs for groups of 12-35 - it's a hidden gem most people don't know aboutThe venue allows outdoor-only pet access, so your four-legged friend can join you if there's terrace seating availableStaff members Tanvir, Rejab, and Sangeet are the ones to ask for menu recommendations - they know every dish inside out

The Final Verdict

Cinnamon Bazaar succeeds in creating something genuinely different in Covent Garden's saturated dining scene. The immersive bazaar atmosphere isn't just Instagram theatrics - it enhances the dining experience in a way that feels authentic rather than gimmicky. The food quality matches the setting, with creative modern Indian dishes that respect tradition while offering something fresh. The pre-theatre pricing strategy is smart and customer-friendly, making this accessible to a broader audience than many Covent Garden establishments. However, the upstairs restroom situation is a genuine accessibility concern that needs addressing. Overall, it delivers on its promise of affordable luxury with a distinctive atmosphere.

Christoff's Rating:

7.2/10

Perfect For:

Theatre-goers seeking quality pre-show diningGroups wanting Instagram-worthy sharing platesStudents looking for bottomless brunch value in central London

Cinnamon Bazaar

Cinnamon Bazaar

Christoff's Take

Cinnamon Bazaar: Where Covent Garden Gets Its Indian Market Fix

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Food & Drink

Service & Experience

Value for Money

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

What to Focus On

Christoff's Insider Tips

The Final Verdict

Perfect For:

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Cinnamon Bazaar

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