Ave Mario is one of the biggest and boldest Italian restaurants in central London. Opened by Big Mamma Group in summer 2021, it sits just off Covent Garden Piazza and is known for its theatrical interior, huge pizzas, shareable pasta and towering desserts. This guide covers everything you need to plan a visit in 2026: the exact location, opening hours, what to order, how much to budget, booking tips and what to do nearby.
- Address
- 15 Henrietta St, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8QG
- Cuisine
- Italian: Neapolitan pizza, pasta, grills
- Opened
- Summer 2021 (Big Mamma Group)
- Size
- Two floors, around 250–300 seats, two terraces
- Price
- Around £26–£40 per person
- Nearest Tube
- Covent Garden (Piccadilly line)
What Is Ave Mario?
Ave Mario is a large Italian trattoria from Big Mamma Group, the team behind London favourites Gloria in Shoreditch and Circolo Popolare in Fitzrovia. When it opened in July 2021 it was billed as one of London’s largest new restaurants, covering around 7,000 square feet across two connected buildings on Henrietta Street and Maiden Lane.
The concept is playful and over the top. The design is a cheeky take on Italian church architecture and Florence, with a striking striped dining room, a skylight and a bar lined with thousands of bottles. The food follows the Big Mamma formula: generous Neapolitan pizzas, rich pasta, sharing plates and indulgent desserts at mid-range London prices.
Location and How to Get There
You will find Ave Mario at 15 Henrietta Street, London WC2E 8QG. Henrietta Street runs along the south side of Covent Garden Piazza, so the restaurant is only a short walk from the Apple Market, St Paul’s Church and the main West End theatres.
By Tube
- Covent Garden (Piccadilly line): the closest station, about a 3–4 minute walk.
- Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly lines): around 6–8 minutes on foot.
- Charing Cross (Northern and Bakerloo lines and National Rail): around 7–9 minutes on foot.
- Embankment (District, Circle, Northern and Bakerloo lines): around 10 minutes on foot.
By Bus, Car or Taxi
Many bus routes stop on the Strand, a couple of minutes’ walk away. Parking in Covent Garden is limited and expensive, and the area sits inside the Congestion Charge zone, so public transport is usually the easiest option.
Ave Mario Opening Hours
| Day | Opening hours |
|---|---|
| Monday – Wednesday | 12:00 – 22:00 |
| Thursday – Saturday | 12:00 – 22:30 |
| Sunday | 12:00 – 21:45 |
These are the hours shown on public booking listings. Hours can change on bank holidays and around Christmas, so check the restaurant’s official channels before you travel. Lunch is usually the easiest time to get a table without a long wait.
Inside the Restaurant: Design and Atmosphere
Much of Ave Mario’s fame comes from its look. The restaurant spreads over two floors and seats roughly 250–300 guests, with two outdoor terraces for warmer days.
- The main dining room: dramatic striped walls and a skylight, inspired by Italian cathedrals.
- The bar: famous for its wall of around 3,500 bottles, a popular photo spot.
- The basement: a mirrored, 1970s-style space often used for groups and events.
- The terraces: outdoor seating that is ideal for people-watching in summer.
The mood is loud, lively and social rather than quiet and formal. Expect music, a busy buzz and plenty of birthday groups. If you want a calmer meal, choose a weekday lunch or an early evening slot.
What’s on the Ave Mario Menu?
The menu is split into clear Italian sections. You can see every dish and price on our full Ave Mario menu page. Here is a quick overview:
| Menu section | What you’ll find | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Buoni Prodotti | Focaccia, burrata, stracciatella, cured meats | £4.50 – £44.00 |
| Italian Caviar | Caviar on ice, baby pizza with caviar | £12.00 – £24.00 |
| Primi Piatti | Carbonara, truffle mafaldine, ravioli | £15.00 – £21.00 |
| Pizza Napoletana | Neapolitan-style pizzas | £13.50 – £20.00 |
| Secondi | Sea bass, sirloin, T-Bone Fiorentina for two | £17.00 – £35.00 pp |
| Sides | Crispy potatoes, friggitelli peppers, salads | £5.00 – £6.00 |
| Dolci | Tiramisù, lemon pie, gelato, cheesecake | £8.00 – £9.50 |
| Cocktails | Jumbo cocktails, spritzes and classics | £9.00 – £16.00 |
Dishes Worth Trying
- La Gran Carbonara (for two), £18.00: a sharing-size carbonara and one of the dishes most associated with Big Mamma.
- Mammargherita di Bufala, £13.50: a classic Neapolitan-style Margherita with buffalo mozzarella and the cheapest pizza on the menu.
- Mafaldine al Tartufo, £20.50: ribbon pasta with truffle, a rich vegetarian option.
- T-Bone Fiorentina, £35.00 per person: a Florentine-style steak for two, best for a celebration.
- The Incomparable Lemon Pie, £8.00: a tall, meringue-topped lemon tart that is famous on social media.
- Il Tiramisù, £8.00: the safe, classic finish to the meal.
How Much Does Ave Mario Cost?
Ave Mario is mid-range for central London. Based on current menu prices, here is what a typical visit costs before drinks and any service charge:
| Type of visit | What you might order | Estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| Quick lunch | One pizza and a soft drink | £18 – £25 per person |
| Classic dinner | Shared starter, pizza or pasta, dessert and a soft drink | £35 – £45 per person |
| Celebration for two | Gran Carbonara, T-Bone Fiorentina, two sides and two desserts | £115 – £120 for two |
| Pre-theatre | Three-course pre-theatre menu | £34.50 per person |
Cocktails cost £9–£16 each, so drinks can quickly raise the bill. Many London restaurants add a discretionary service charge, so check your bill. For a full price breakdown, see the Ave Mario menu with prices.
Ave Mario Pre-Theatre Menu
Because it sits in the heart of Theatreland, Ave Mario offers a pre-theatre menu. When it launched in April 2025, it was a three-course menu at £34.50 per person, served daily from 4:45pm to 7:30pm. Dishes highlighted at launch included Mafaldine al Tartufo, a ’nduja pizza and the Incomparable Lemon Pie.
Most West End shows start at 7:30pm, and theatres such as the Royal Opera House, the Lyceum and the Theatre Royal Drury Lane are within a 5–10 minute walk. Book a table for 5:00pm or 5:30pm to eat without rushing. Prices and times may have changed, so confirm when you book.
How to Book a Table at Ave Mario
Ave Mario takes bookings through its official website and through OpenTable. Here are a few tips:
- Book ahead for evenings and weekends. Friday and Saturday nights fill up fastest.
- Try lunch on a weekday if you want a last-minute table or a quieter room.
- Mention a celebration in your booking notes if it is a birthday.
- Large groups should book well in advance and ask about group or set menus.
- Arrive on time. Busy restaurants often hold tables for only a short time.
Dietary Needs: Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten-Friendly
The Ave Mario menu uses clear labels: V for vegetarian, V* where a vegetarian option is available, Veg for vegan and GIF for gluten-intolerance friendly. Vegetarians are well catered for, with several pizzas, pastas and almost every dessert marked V. Vegan options include focaccia, olives, some sides and a fruit dessert.
If you have an allergy, tell your server before ordering and ask for the allergen guide. Never rely only on menu labels.
Tips for the Best Visit
- Share everything. Portions are generous and the menu is designed for sharing.
- Ask for the main room or terrace if you want the full Ave Mario atmosphere.
- Visit at lunchtime for better light for photos and a calmer room.
- Watch the drinks bill. Jumbo cocktails look great but add up quickly.
- Leave space for dessert. The lemon pie and the giant ice-cream cake are part of the experience.
Things to Do Near Ave Mario
- Covent Garden Piazza and Apple Market: shops, street performers and craft stalls, right next door.
- St Paul’s Church: the “actors’ church”, with a quiet garden behind Henrietta Street.
- London Transport Museum: great for families, on the east side of the Piazza.
- Royal Opera House: world-class opera and ballet, a few minutes away.
- West End theatres: dozens of shows within a 10-minute walk.
- Seven Dials and Neal’s Yard: independent shops and colourful courtyards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ave Mario in Covent Garden?
Ave Mario is at 15 Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8QG, just off Covent Garden Piazza. The building also runs through to Maiden Lane.
What are Ave Mario’s opening hours?
Ave Mario is listed as open Monday to Wednesday 12:00–22:00, Thursday to Saturday 12:00–22:30 and Sunday 12:00–21:45. Hours can change on bank holidays, so check before you travel.
How much does a meal at Ave Mario cost?
Pizzas cost £13.50–£20.00, pasta £15.00–£21.00 and mains £17.00–£34.00. Most diners spend around £26–£40 per person before drinks and any service charge.
Do I need to book Ave Mario?
Booking is strongly recommended for dinner, weekends and pre-theatre times. Tables can be reserved through Ave Mario’s official website or OpenTable.
Does Ave Mario have a pre-theatre menu?
Yes. In 2025 Ave Mario launched a three-course pre-theatre menu at £34.50 per person, served daily from 4:45pm to 7:30pm. Confirm the current price and times when booking.
Is Ave Mario good for vegetarians?
Yes. The menu marks vegetarian (V), vegan (Veg) and gluten-intolerance friendly (GIF) dishes, and there are vegetarian pizzas, pastas and desserts.
Final Verdict
Ave Mario is a fun, photogenic and good-value choice for Italian food in Covent Garden, especially for groups, birthdays and pre-theatre dinners. Book ahead, come hungry and plan to share. Before you go, browse the complete Ave Mario menu with prices and check opening hours and location.