'I visited new Covent Garden eco-conscious eatery Rucola and found tasty planet-first food' - review

Rucola is set to be the latest sensation in Covent Garden next week as it offers its new eco-conscious northern Italian-inspired menu to London foodies.

Following in the footsteps of its flagship Brooklyn spot, which opened over a decade ago, Rucola has finally brought its sustainability-focused ethos across the pond.

The new Covent Garden eatery - on the fifth floor of the social-change-focused private members club The Conduit - has its heart a commitment to "putting the planet first".

By offering a 'plant-forward menu' (meaning it uses less animal protein) - practising zero waste, and aiming for net carbon neutrality, the restaurant wants to highlight how sustainably made food can be delicious and good for the planet at the same time. 

Ahead of its opening night, Rucola invited us down to try the dishes, which included everything from fish stew to handmade pasta and black peppercorn ice cream.

As well as offering a preview of what to expect from the new spot's food selection, the tasting plates showed off the sourced ingredients provided by Rucola's supply partners.

Vegetables were sourced via Angry Monk, which rescues produce that would otherwise go to landfill, while spices come from The Ujamaa Spice Company, which is working to bring Fairtrade standards to the spice industry.

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Beyond its delicious Italian-style dishes, Rucola offers London diners a look at the capital from its rooftop. While the spot was covered with an all-seasons style pergola during my visit, when the capital warms up a bit, visitors will be able to see panoramic views across London's skyline.

Rucola, Covent Garden - how to book

The London Rucola will open its doors in Covent Garden on Friday March 15 and Conduit members and non-members can book

Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner to members from Monday to Saturday, non-members will be able to dine at the Rucola for dinner on Thursdays and Fridays and lunch and dinner on Saturdays. Foodies can book a visit via the restaurant's opening on the Rucola website.

Address: 6 Langley St, London, WC2H 9JA

Nearest station: Covent Garden