Ave Mario launches pre-theatre dinner menu in Covent Garden

Ave Mario, the Covent Garden outpost operated by the Big Mamma Group, has launched a new Pre-Theatre Dinner Menu. The offering, available daily from 4:45 PM to 7:30 PM, is designed to cater to theatregoers (or early diners) seeking a substantial meal ahead of West End performances. Priced at £34.50 per person, the menu features a three-course selection with dishes inspired by various Italian regions.

The restaurant, located on Maiden Lane, is known for its distinctive interiors, created by the in-house design team Studio Kiki. The space draws inspiration from late spring afternoons in Florence and Siena, with features such as a six-metre-tall main dining room, Vatican red banquettes, antique skylights, and a bar framed by 3,500 bottles. Indoor areas include mirrored walls and floors, an indoor courtyard with fuchsia flowers and mirrored ceilings, and a 70s luxe mirrored basement space.

The kitchen is overseen by head chef Andrea Zambrano. The menu is characterised by an emphasis on traditional Italian brasserie dishes with contemporary twists. Among the specialities included in the pre-theatre list, there are Mafaldine al Tartufo, Pizza ‘Nduja Really Like It?, and the Instagram-obsession Incomparable Lemon Pie, a citrusy tart topped by a 5’9-inch meringue layer.

Ave Mario sources ingredients from both small family-run Italian producers and select UK suppliers, that counts on the likes of Giovanni Bertarini for the mortadella from Bologna, Salvatore Corso for the mozzarella di bufala, and Luigi Devodier for the 36-month matured Parma ham. The restaurant has also introduced its first 100% organic wine list, alongside a drinks menu featuring large-format cocktails and a selection of Italian wines.

Big Mamma Group was founded in 2015 by Victor Lugger and Tigrane Seydoux, who spent a year travelling Italy to source products for their restaurants. Since then, the group has opened 15 trattorias in three countries and operates a large food market in Paris. The company obtained B-Corp certification in 2018, reflecting a commitment to product quality, environmental impact, and staff training.

Ave Mario also partners with Depaul UK, donating £1 from every meal to support emergency accommodation for homeless young people. The group’s delivery service, Napoli Gang, launched in 2020, now operates in several European cities.

Food Desk

The Pre-Theatre Dinner Menu is available to book via Ave Mario website’s here.