French cooking is famous throughout Europe and has long been one of the most influential – and awarded – cuisines in the world. With its thriving restaurant scene, it’s hardly surprising that London has its fair share of amazing French restaurants. From rustic comfort food to the ultimate romantic meal, the city’s French restaurant scene boasts cosy bistros, Parisian-inspired brasseries and contemporary fine dining gems.
Feast with friends on charcuterie boards laden with cheese and saucisson, try a hearty bean and pork stew that hails from the Sout of France and dig into traditional moules marinières and oysters from the coastal regions. Some exquisite pastries will make you feel like you’ve just stepped into a Parisian pâtisserie.
Here are the 10 best French restaurants in London to try now, and to book on OpenTable today.
The best French restaurants in London for an authentic gastronomic trip – read on for a guide
For Parisian-style dining at one of the best French restaurants in London – try Balthazar London in Covent Garden
Balthazar London is located in the historical Flower Cellars building, which was a fixture of the city’s Victorian flower market. Inside, the restaurant boasts a refined, old-world feel, with live jazz on Wednesday evenings and an upmarket weekend brunch option. On the menu, you’ll find the sort of dishes you’d expect in a Parisian bistro, including a selection of shellfish and steak frites with béarnaise sauce. The rich and warming onion soup topped with croutons and melted emmental cheese is a great way to start your meal. For a special celebratory dinner, don’t miss the shellfish platter filled with rock oysters, mussels, prawns, and lobster. Wash it all down with a pear and Champagne cocktail for a truly decadent experience. With the welcoming atmosphere of a classic French brasserie in the heart of London’s theatre district, Balthazar London in Covent Garden offers relaxed, Parisian-style dining at one of the best French restaurants in London.
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For exceptional wines at one of London’s best French restaurants – visit Clos Maggiore in Covent Garden
Escape to a villa in Provence at Clos Maggiore in Covent Garden, one of the best French restaurants in London for rare wines and continental dining. Blending French recipes with local British produce, the menu features a mix of global cuisine and classic French dishes, such as steak tartare with pickled onions and chives or stone bass served with saffron and mussel sauce. The beef cheek with bone marrow is also a speciality. Known for its iconic wine cellar featuring more than 2,000 bottles, the restaurant has consistently been awarded the Wine Spectator ‘Best Award of Excellence’ since 2003, and also serves rare wines by the glass, allowing diners to sample a variety of vintages throughout the meal. The stunning floral decor transports diners to a French garden, while the elegant table settings add a sophisticated feel that makes Clos Maggiore the perfect destination for an anniversary or a romantic date night.
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For champagne breakfast at one of the best French restaurants in the city – try Côte Brasserie in Kingston Upon Thames, Covent Garden, Soho, Marylebone, St Katherine’s Docks, Kensington, St Paul’s, Sloane Square, Hay’s Galleria, Barbican, and Royal Festival Hall
Bringing contemporary French dining to the UK, Côte Brasserie has venues across London in Kingston Upon Thames, Covent Garden, Soho, Marylebone, St Katherine’s Docks, Kensington, St Paul’s, Sloane Square, Hay’s Galleria, Barbican, and Royal Festival Hall. Each location has a slightly different aesthetic – with a terrace overlooking the Thames at the Hays Galleria branch, while the Marylebone location boasts a chic, bistro vibe. All, however, share a sleek, modern feel. Start your day off with a champagne breakfast and enjoy dishes like the house French toast, made with brioche and served with berries and crème fraîche, or a ham and cheese croque monsieur. Côte Brasserie also offers a Sunday sharing menu for £25 per person, which features a platter of sirloin steak, grilled chicken, and confit pork belly. Enjoy it with a side of truffle fries or potato Dauphinoise with bacon.
📍 Kingston Upon Thames — Check Availability
📍 Covent Garden — Check Availability
📍 Soho — Check Availability
📍 Marylebone — Check Availability
📍 St Katherine’s Docks — Check Availability
📍 Kensington — Check Availability
📍 St Paul’s — Check Availability
📍 Sloane Square — Check Availability
📍 Hay’s Galleria — Check Availability
📍 Barbican — Check Availability
📍 Royal Festival Hall — Check Availability
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For incredible rooftop views at one of the best French restaurants in central London – head to Coq d’Argent in Bank
With panoramic views over the city and a sophisticated fine dining menu, Coq d’Argent in Bank is one of the best French restaurants in London for elegant fare. Executive chef Damien Rigollet has worked in some of London’s finest French restaurants and has built the Coq d’Argent menu around classic continental dishes. Standout dishes include the lobster cooked in parsley butter and served with chips and the duckling breast served with plum and red wine sauce and fondant potatoes. For dessert, don’t miss the classic crème brûlée. With a team of expert sommeliers to help you pair your meal with premium vintages, Coq d’Argent received the ‘Best Award of Excellence’ by Wine Spectator in 2023. As well as wines, Coq d’Argent also offers a range of cognac-based cocktails. Sleek interiors and white tablecloths promise a memorable celebratory meal. During warm days, enjoy the alfresco rooftop terrace and drinks in the secret garden.
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For a stellar brunch and elegant pâtisseries at one of the best French bistros in London – visit Richoux in Piccadilly
High-end Richoux chefs Lewis Spencer and Jamie Butler have worked at starred hotels, like the celebrated Moor Hall in Sutton Coldfield, and have created a traditional French menu that feels modern and luxurious in the heart of Piccadilly. Notable menu items include the signature beef burger topped with cheese and bacon and served with fries. French classics, like the onion soup and rock oysters with lemon, are also sought after. The brunch menu at Richoux is a great way to start your weekend, with a tempting selection of eggs Florentine and eggs Royale served with bellinis. Drop into Richoux for lunch or afternoon tea and enjoy the viral pâtisseries and decadent petit fours on offer, like salted caramel truffles or pistachio and raspberry cake. Recreating the feel of a classic Parisian brasserie, Richoux offers a cosy getaway away from the bustling streets of Piccadilly.
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For pre-theatre dining in west London – don’t miss Palm Court Brasserie in Covent Garden
The bright, 1920s Art Nouveau aesthetic is one of the first things diners notice about Palm Court Brasserie in Covent Garden – one of the best French restaurants in London for casual dining. The pre-theatre menu is available until 6.30pm and features an array of standout dishes like beef bourguignon and wild mushroom and truffle risotto – perfect for an early dinner before a show. Meanwhile, popular favourites on the à la carte menu include a range of French classics, like the seafood linguine and Toulouse cassoulet – a bean and pork stew popular in southern France. Palm Court Brasserie also has an extensive wine list, with vintages from French wine regions including Provence, Bordeaux, and the Loire Valley. Palm Court Brasserie has a lively, bustling atmosphere just a two-minute walk from the most iconic West End theatres like the Adelphi and the Royal Opera House.
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For an exceptional Côte d’Azur-inspired lunch– try Bellanger in Islington
Bellanger in Islington has a relaxed, intimate vibe that’s perfect for catching up with friends or a romantic date night. Light lunch options include a grilled octopus starter with pepper and tomato salsa or a Provencal goat’s cheese salad. If you’re in the mood for something more filling, there are also hearty mains on offer. Try the crab linguine or rib-eye steak on the bone or opt for the prix fixe set menu, which features pork rillettes on sourdough and a Toulouse sausage and lentil stew. A pear vodka cocktail is the perfect sweet treat to finish off your meal. Inspired by Parisian cafés and the sunny Côte d’Azur, Bellanger infuses a leisurely feel, ideal to unwind and relax over lunch, brunch, or dinner. Outdoor tables and traditional red awnings also give you the sense of dining streetside in France.
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For classy late-night dining at one of the best French restaurants in London – head to Café Boheme in Soho
Café Boheme in Soho is a chic London jazz bar that doubles up as one of the best French restaurants in London for traditional European food. Café Boheme’s menu is simple and satisfying, with charcuterie boards and cheese plates served as late-night snacks. For a traditional French bistro experience, try the bavette steak with chips and Dijon mustard mayo. Meanwhile, moules marinière – mussels prepared in a white wine broth – served with chips will transport you to the French coast. The smooth jazz and nightclub feel pair well with the exquisite house cocktails – order a Champagne martini or a Patron and raspberry concoction. The swanky modern exterior – very much at home in London’s stylish theatre district – leads into a classic French pub, with bar seating and cabaret tables. The bar is open until late every evening and live jazz is performed from 3-6.30pm.
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For French fine dining with an innovative take – visit Petrus Gordon Ramsay in Knightsbridge
Owned by award-winning celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, Petrus Gordon Ramsay in Knightsbridge offers contemporary dining inspired by French classical cooking techniques. Stunning dishes and top-notch ingredients earned the restaurant a MICHELIN star in 2023. Diners can choose luxury dishes from the prestige menu, such as confit Dover sole with spelt and trompette mushrooms or venison with figs and cranberries. The creamy lobster bisque starter is a great way to kick off your meal, while the turbot in a clam and white wine sauce is a must-try. Petrus also has an expert sommelier on hand, who can advise you about wine pairings throughout your meal. The decor is modern and sleek while still feeling plush and comfortable, with a smart casual dress code.
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For cosy dining and a blanket-filled heated terrace at one of the best French bistros in London – try Boro Bistro in London Bridge
Boro Bistro is a great place to get together with friends and specialises in sharing platters, like the Boro house meat and cheese charcuterie board and the mixed French saucisson plate. To start, the roast tomato soup served with Emmental on toast is pure home comfort. For mains, the beef onglet steak with Madeira and mushroom sauce is rich, smoky, and delicious. Meanwhile, the quinoa and beetroot veggie burger topped with goat’s cheese is a great option for vegetarians. Chocolate fondant with caramel ice cream is one of Boro Bistro’s most popular desserts. As well as a varied wine list, the bistro also has a wide selection of craft beers. With its chic bohemian vibe, beautifully lit outdoor terrace, and French home-cooking menu, Boro Bistro in London Bridge is one of the best French restaurants in London for capturing the rustic feel of France.
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With so many incredible restaurants to try, you’ll have no trouble getting your French fix in London. Whether you love cosy bistro vibes or upmarket dining, these restaurants showcase the world’s most famous cuisine perfectly.
