Buvette Opens in Covent Garden, Bringing French Bistro Chic from New York

Buvette, a French bistro created by New York restaurateur Jody Williams, has launched at 2 Neal's Yard in Covent Garden, London. Williams, who co-owns five popular eateries in Manhattan with his spouse Rita Sodi, previously ran a Buvette in Notting Hill from 2020 until 2023. This new establishment is influenced by the original West Village Buvette, which debuted in 2011, as well as the 400-year legacy of the building and the 1970s whole-food movement in Neal's Yard. The decor includes exposed brick, warm wood, a tin ceiling, and closely arranged tables. Williams refers to the venue as a "gastrothèque," merging café, bar, and restaurant elements. The menu features shareable small plates of classic bourgeois dishes such as coq au vin, steak tartare, and tarte Tatin. A self-taught chef and James Beard Award winner for Best Chef in New York City, Williams spent five years in Italy and Japan prior to opening Buvette. The restaurant has been reviewed by Ben McCormack, a seasoned London-based food journalist with over 25 years of experience.