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On the corner of Aldwych and Drury Lane, just moments from London’s most celebrated theatres, The Delaunay brings a distinctly continental elegance to the West End. Inspired by the grand cafés of Vienna, Budapest, and Berlin, the restaurant has become a reliable address for polished dining throughout the day, from early breakfasts to late suppers after the curtain falls.
The room itself reflects that Central European heritage. Dark wood panelling, mirrored walls, and softly glowing chandeliers lend the dining room a timeless character, while the buzz of conversation from theatre-goers, business meetings, and celebratory dinners keeps the atmosphere lively. It is the sort of restaurant where Londoners return again and again, confident they will find excellent food, attentive service, and a dining room that feels quietly glamorous without ever being overstated.
A Menu Rooted in the Grand Café Tradition
At the heart of The Delaunay is a menu shaped by the culinary traditions of Europe’s historic cafés. The cooking leans towards robust, comforting classics prepared with precision and confidence.
To begin, the selection of hors d’oeuvres reads like a tour through traditional European dining. A king prawn and avocado cocktail, dressed Dorset crab, and grilled langoustines with garlic butter sit comfortably alongside steak tartare, served either as a lighter starter or a larger portion with fries and salad. Seared scallops with cauliflower and brioche purée provide a richer option, while Jersey rock oysters offer a suitably indulgent opening for those beginning their meal with something celebratory.
Soups and lighter starters also feature prominently. Chicken soup with spätzle, wild mushroom soup with truffle oil, and a goats’ cheese and Lyonnaise onion tart demonstrate the kitchen’s affection for comforting European flavours.
Main courses are where the restaurant’s Central European inspiration becomes most apparent. Schnitzels and sausages form an important part of the menu, with Wiener schnitzel, chicken schnitzel with lingonberry compote, and a range of traditional sausages including veal bratwurst, Montbéliard A.O.C, and Käsekrainer, served with Austrian potato salad, caramelised onions, and sauerkraut.
Elsewhere, the kitchen moves easily between European classics and more contemporary dishes. Venison goulash with root vegetables and mashed potato offers a rich and warming option, while duck confit with winter greens and sauce soubise reflects the restaurant’s French influences. Fillet of beef stroganoff with pilau rice and pickles remains a longstanding favourite.
Seafood also features prominently. Diners may opt for whole baked sea bass with roast tomato and caper sauce, goujons of haddock with crushed minted peas and fries, or a more indulgent tranche of halibut served with cavolo nero and champagne sauce.
For those seeking vegetarian or plant-forward dishes, the menu includes wild mushroom stroganoff with herb-buttered spätzle, Soufflé Suisse served with gem salad, and an aubergine and chickpea curry accompanied by basmati rice.
Steak lovers are also well catered for, with dishes such as rib-eye with béarnaise sauce and filet au poivre with peppercorn sauce, both classic expressions of European brasserie cooking.
Desserts Inspired by Europe’s Great Patisseries
The final course draws heavily on the traditions of Central European pastry kitchens, where comforting classics and indulgent desserts take centre stage.
Signature dishes include a classic apple strudel served with vanilla ice cream, a dramatic berry and vanilla baked Alaska flambéed with kirsch, and the beloved Kaiserschmarrn, a shredded Austrian pancake accompanied by plum compote.
Other favourites include spiced chocolate and vanilla crème brûlée, orange and treacle steamed pudding with brandy ice cream, and a chocolate and salted caramel fondant served with whipped cream.
The restaurant’s Konditorei selection adds another layer of indulgence, featuring cakes such as Sachertorte, Black Forest gâteau, carrot cake, and a mango and coconut slice.
Ice-cream coupes provide a playful finish to the meal. The Coupe Lucian, made with pistachio, almond, and hazelnut ice creams with butterscotch sauce, and the classic banana split with caramelised banana, vanilla ice cream, nougat, whipped cream, and chocolate and raspberry sauces are particularly popular choices.
Breakfasts Worth Arriving Early For
The Delaunay is just as well known for breakfast as it is for dinner, and the morning menu reflects the same grand café spirit.
Guests might begin with freshly baked viennoiserie such as croissants au beurre, pain au chocolat, fruit Danish, or almond croissants, before moving on to more substantial dishes.
Traditional favourites include eggs Benedict, Florentine, or Royale, smoked salmon with scrambled eggs, and mashed avocado, tomato, and poached eggs on toast. A full English breakfast is available for those seeking something more substantial.
The kitchen also offers distinctive morning plates, including smoked haddock kedgeree with a poached egg, grilled kipper with mustard butter, and Gröstl, a comforting combination of paprika-fried potatoes, onions, spinach, and eggs.
For lighter options, diners can choose from birchermüesli, granola, Greek yoghurt, and a seasonal fruit salad, alongside fresh juices and smoothies.
Theatre Dining and Set Menus
Given its location in the heart of London’s theatre district, The Delaunay has become a favourite for pre- and post-show dining.
A prix-fixe menu offers two or three courses built around signature dishes such as wild mushroom soup, smoked salmon, grilled spatchcock chicken with salsa verde, or crème brûlée. The format allows diners to enjoy a refined meal while keeping an eye on the time before the curtain rises.
For something lighter, the restaurant also serves tartes flambées, including Paris mushroom with thyme and smoked bacon with shallots, which can be enjoyed as part of a relaxed, quick dining option alongside a drink and coffee.
The Bar and Cocktail Programme
Beyond the dining room, The Delaunay maintains a lively bar that reflects the restaurant’s continental spirit.
The drinks list spans classic European aperitifs, an extensive spirits selection, and a cocktail programme that balances tradition with creativity. Guests will find everything from refined classics to more elaborate creations featuring premium whiskies, cognac, and champagne.
For those who prefer something lighter, the bar also offers alcohol-free cocktails, fresh juices, smoothies, and a thoughtful selection of coffees and teas, making it just as suitable for an afternoon pause as it is for a nightcap after the theatre.
A Timeless Address for London Dining
In a city where restaurants constantly reinvent themselves, The Delaunay remains refreshingly consistent. Its appeal lies in its ability to feel both grand and welcoming, polished yet approachable.
Whether arriving for breakfast before work, lunch between meetings, or dinner before the theatre, the restaurant offers a dining experience grounded in tradition and executed with quiet confidence.
For Londoners and visitors alike, The Delaunay continues to embody the enduring charm of the great European café.
Location: 55 Aldwych, London WC2B 4BB
