Ave Mario 🇮🇹

Ave Mario is the Big Mamma group's Covent Garden outpost, and it brings the same philosophy of theatrical Italian dining that made Circolo Popolare famous to a location that is perfectly positioned for a family day out in central London. The interior is dramatic and beautiful, with a grand staircase, ornate flourishes, and the kind of design that makes children immediately sit up straighter because the environment communicates that something special is happening. The food is genuinely good — fresh pasta, excellent pizza, and Italian desserts that are absolutely worth saving room for.

For families visiting Covent Garden, the Royal Opera House, the London Transport Museum, or any of the surrounding attractions, Ave Mario makes a natural centerpiece for a meal. The restaurant is loud and convivial in the way that all Big Mamma venues are, which means children's voices and enthusiasm blend naturally into the atmosphere rather than drawing looks from neighboring tables. Bookings should be made well in advance — the Covent Garden location is extremely popular and walk-in availability is rare.

The menu does not have a specific children's section but offers enough familiar Italian dishes that children with broadly typical tastes will find options they enjoy. It is positioned at the higher end of casual dining, so expect it to be a treat rather than an everyday meal.