London's Covent Garden welcomes French bistro Buvette

French bistro Buvette has opened a new outpost in Covent Garden, London. The restaurant is brought to the city by New York‑based restaurateur Jody Williams, who co‑owns the original West Village location with her wife Rita Sodi. This is the couple’s second London venue after a Notting Hill branch that operated from 2020 until it closed three years later.

The Covent Garden space sits in Neal’s Yard, featuring exposed brick, warm wood finishes, a tin ceiling with metallic garlands, and small tables suited to intimate meals. Buvette describes itself as a “gastrothèque,” offering everything from breakfast croissants and café au lait to classic French plates such as coq au vin, charcuterie, steak tartare and tarte Tatin. The venue is positioned as a casual spot for breakfast meetings, pre‑theatre drinks or solo diners.

Williams, a James Beard Award winner for New York City’s Best Chef, trained in Italy and Japan before opening Buvette in 2011. The London concept draws on her experiences at flea markets and antique fairs, while also reflecting the historic 400‑year‑old building’s character.