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Rules Restaurant

35 Maiden Lane, London WC2E 7LB, England
(020) 7379 0258
Ranked #65 of 9,846 restaurants in London
4.5 of 5 stars 355 Reviews
Price range: 39 AUD - 57 AUD
Cuisines: British
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Restaurant details
Good for: Romantic, Business, Local cuisine, Special Occasion Dining, Entertaining clients
Dining options: Breakfast/Brunch, Lunch Spot, Dinner, Reservations, After-hours, Dessert
Neighbourhood: Charing Cross / Trafalgar Square
Description: Established by Thomas Rule in 1798, Rules is a Covent Garden institution and the oldest restaurant in London. Tuxedoed waiters glide around the formal interior, decorated with antique sketches, where plush banquettes offer a discreet retreat from the main dining room. The whole-hearted menu of traditional British food specialises in classic game cookery, oysters, pies and puddings, featuring game birds, roe deer and Belted Galloway beef fresh from the establishment's own High Pennines estate. The wine list is a French-led affair, or there are native draught beers served in silver tankards.
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355 reviews from our community

82% Recommend
    215
    81
    27
    19
    13
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
New York City, New York
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 June 2012 NEW

I am an avowed Anglophile visiting London for pleasure--one of my favorite cities in the world, several times a year. I make sure before anything else is planned for each stay, that I book a table at Rules Restaurant located in Covent Garden. It is to me, the quintessential English dining experience. The restaurant is the oldest still in operation... More

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San Francisco, California
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 May 2012 NEW

Only had a drink upstairs in the bar, very quiet, no music good conversation with the tender who was quite knowledgeable.

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See 12 more reviews by kimiha01 for London
Sydney, Australia
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 May 2012 NEW
2
people found this review helpful

We have been three times to this bastion of English Hospitality. Every time it has been a Wonderful Gastronomic experience. The Service has been excellent and the atmosphere Fantastic. I will remember eating here all my life and intend returning on my next visit to London.. I cannot recommend this place highly enough

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See 2 more reviews by silvermanalpha for London
England
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2012 NEW
1
person found this review helpful

I've had two superb lunches at Rules - a catch up with my female friends and a birthday lunch for my husband. On both occasions we were warmly welcomed and all the staff provided great service whilst being discreet, so not disturbing our conversations. The food was delicious - generally traditional, but plenty of choice, with rabbit, oysters, venison on... More

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Ascot
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2012 NEW
1
person found this review helpful

Fabulous restuarant in the heart of London with tradtional tranquil pampered service, this excels in every direction to give an ambient unforgettable pleasure. Quite pricey but the dining befits the bill, so absolutely perfect for a special occassion. We took our friends here for a 50th and it was an evening of utter fun and amusement coupled with simply delicious... More

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See 2 more reviews by windsor10yellow for London
East Anglia
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2012 NEW
2
people found this review helpful

You just prompted me into disclosing my all time favorite restaurant ............ RULES it is traditional interior ... lovely tables and linen ..... Amazing service - wonderfully gracious and informative staff ......... a strong yet interesting menu - awesome vegetables for every course - delicious wines - portions to fill - but not to sink before you arrive at the... More

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North Fambridge
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2012 NEW
1
person found this review helpful

Any traveller looking for quintissential English food this is the place to visit. Truely British 100%

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Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2012 NEW via mobile
1
person found this review helpful

Just been for Sunday lunch again, as usual all was fantastic, started with a dozen "thinking" oysters which were superb. Fine wines made the whole meal work, followed by crop well bishop cheese. We will be back soon

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Ravenna, Italy
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2012 NEW
1
person found this review helpful

This is London's oldest restaurant, and it's a wonder to behold. Its decor is as wonderful as its food is delicious. Service is also delightfully professional and friendly. I personally recommend going between August and Jan-Feb because you will find wild game dishes, which are this restaurant's speciality. The grouse is a must-have, but yeah all wild game dishes are... More

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See 2 more reviews by operageist for London
London, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2012 NEW
1
person found this review helpful

I liked the interior, the service and of course the food - just wonderful traditional, attention to detail. A place where I would always come back to.

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See 8 more reviews by SomerscalesLondon for London

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