Best Contemporary French Restaurants in Paddington

29 restaurants available nearby

1. Gallery

4.7

Exceptional(7993)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary french • Covent Garden

Booked 35 times today

At the heart of Covent Garden, London, the Savoy Lounge (formerly Thames Foyer) serves as a beacon of British cuisine, offering a sumptuous array of traditional recipes with a contemporary twist. Renowned for its legendary afternoon tea, the Savoy Lounge excels in both service and presentation, capturing the essence of British dining with "outstanding service" and "delicious" fare. Guests frequently praise the "beautiful setting" and the "excellent attention to detail," making each visit memorable. Whether it's the classic afternoon tea or a vibrant lunch, the Savoy Lounge is a perfect embodiment of British culinary excellence, making it a must-visit for those seeking an authentic and luxurious dining experience in London.

A photo of CORE by Clare Smyth restaurant

2. CORE by Clare Smyth

4.9

Exceptional(3466)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary french • Notting Hill

Booked 23 times today

CORE by Clare Smyth in Notting Hill, London, stands as a beacon of Contemporary European cuisine, infused with a distinctive British flair. Since its opening in 2017, the restaurant has captivated diners with its "sublime" and "meticulously put together" dishes, as one patron noted, emphasizing the harmonious blend of flavors. The dedication to excellence is palpable, with guests praising the "exceptional food and service" and an ambiance that marries elegance with comfort. Reviews consistently highlight the "thoughtful food" and the skilled staff that makes each dining experience memorable. CORE by Clare Smyth is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of contemporary culinary artistry, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking the pinnacle of fine dining in London.

3. Balthazar London

4.3

Awesome(5238)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary french • Covent Garden

Booked 204 times today

Nestled in the vibrant Covent Garden, London, Balthazar London is a gem for those seeking exceptional Contemporary French cuisine with a brasserie twist. Patrons rave about the "authentic Bistrot environment" and the "exceptionally tasty" dishes that reflect true French culinary artistry. The restaurant's dedication to quality is evident, with guests highlighting the "fresh oysters" and "delicious fruits de mer" that transport diners straight to France. A standout is the "delicious 3 course Prix Fixe dinner" which, along with the "superb service," makes Balthazar not just a meal, but a delightful French experience. As one diner puts it, this place is "above my expectation," making it a must-visit for lovers of French fare.

A photo of Palm Court Brasserie restaurant

4. Palm Court Brasserie

4.6

Exceptional(15168)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary french • Covent Garden

Booked 72 times today

Palm Court is the quintessential Parisian-style brasserie in the heart of Covent Garden. The restaurant has been lovingly crafted to recreate a classical 1920’s art nouveau-style venue echoing elegant dining rooms in Paris’s most affluent arrondissements.The restaurant offers a menu of French classics centred on seasonal meat, fish, seafood and vegetable dishes with quality and flavour at the forefront of our work. Whether you are dining for lunch with colleagues, dinner with a special someone, for Afternoon Tea with family or simply stopping by for a glass of wine, Palm Court Brasserie resonates the ideal environment to help you relax and unwind. Our wine list boasts an enviable list of labels spanning the vineyards of France, Italy and the New World.

5. Mister Nice

3.9

Excellent(16)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary french • Mayfair

Booked 1 time today

Mister Nice in Mayfair, London, is a gem for those seeking authentic Contemporary French cuisine with a gourmet twist. The restaurant's Parisian-inspired dishes, crafted with seasonal ingredients, ensure a fresh and delightful dining experience. Guests rave about the "perfectly creamy mashed potato" and the "truly indulgent rigatoni caviar," highlighting the meticulous preparation and exceptional flavors. The ambiance, described as "cozy yet stylish," complements the culinary delights, making every meal memorable. One reviewer summed up the consensus, stating, "One of the best food places I've been in London so far." Mister Nice stands out not only for its food but also for its "impeccable service" and vibrant atmosphere, making it a must-visit for lovers of refined French cuisine.

6. Orrery

4.6

Exceptional(3940)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary french • Marylebone

Booked 17 times today

Nestled in the heart of Marylebone, London, **Orrery** stands out as a beacon of contemporary French cuisine. The restaurant's elegance is matched by its culinary excellence, driven by Chef Patron Igor Tymchyshyn, known for his Michelin-starred expertise. Guests rave about Orrery's ability to consistently deliver "fabulous food" in a "fabulous setting" with "fabulous service." The refined dishes, beautifully presented, capture the essence and innovation of French cooking, making each dining experience memorable. Diners specifically highlight the "delicious and beautifully presented" food alongside the "exceptional" service, making Orrery a must-visit for those seeking an authentic contemporary French culinary journey.

A photo of Boulevard Brasserie restaurant

7. Boulevard Brasserie

4.4

Awesome(11843)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary french • Covent Garden

Booked 52 times today

Boulevard Brasserie is one of Covent Garden’s most iconic restaurants fixtures. Serving heart-warming French classics since 1991, this grande dame of brasseries is the perfect place to soak up Covent Garden's unique cultural heritage. Set over three intimate floors with views of the Royal Opera House and décor reminiscent of 1920’s art nouveau Europe, Boulevard Brasserie echoes a true sense of Parisian style in London’s own Theatreland. The restaurant and café offers a selection of carefully curated menus founded on seasonality, freshness and flavour. Guests can choose from our popular Lunch and Pre-Theatre Menu, Light Lunches, Dinner Menu all serving Parisian classics such as French Onion Soup, Moules Marinière & frites, Croque Monsieur, Coq au vin, Crème Brûlée and our much-loved Traditional Afternoon Tea Menu.

8. The NoMad London

4.3

Awesome(1711)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary french • Covent Garden

Booked 72 times today

Set in the vibrant heart of Covent Garden, The NoMad London offers an authentic British dining experience that is both eclectic and exquisite. The restaurant, praised for its Edwardian greenhouse ambiance, provides a menu that celebrates the richness of British cuisine with locally sourced ingredients from farm, field, and coast. Guests rave about the "amazing food" and "excellent service," highlighting the restaurant's ability to deliver both comfort and decadence. With glowing reviews like "the best food and service I have ever received at a restaurant" and an atmosphere described as perfect for a "lovely night," The NoMad London stands out as a top destination for those seeking a truly British culinary experience in an unforgettable setting.

9. The Wolseley City

4.6

Exceptional(77)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary french • London Bridge

Booked 17 times today

The Wolseley City, nestled near London Bridge, epitomizes the grandeur of Europe’s café culture with its all-day dining and exquisite European cuisine. Patrons rave about the "exceptional breakfast" and the "sumptuous Sunday roast," highlighting the authentic tastes and meticulous presentation that make each meal memorable. The restaurant’s monochrome design and landmark architecture provide a backdrop that enhances its vibrant yet refined atmosphere. Guests often mention the "impeccable service" and the ambiance that recalls the luxurious 1920s, complete with "live jazz music" that adds an extraordinary touch to the dining experience. The Wolseley City is a beacon of European culinary excellence in the heart of London.

A photo of The Restaurant at St Martins Lane London restaurant

10. The Restaurant at St Martins Lane London

4.2

Awesome(270)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary french • Covent Garden

Booked 8 times today

Nestled in the vibrant Covent Garden, London, The Restaurant at St Martins Lane offers a sublime escape into the world of Contemporary French cuisine. Celebrated for its chic ambiance and impeccably crafted French-inspired dishes, this dining spot has garnered glowing testimonials from diners. Patrons rave about the "visual and palatable experience" with standout dishes like the smoked octopus. The menu is an artful blend of tradition and innovation, with guests often remarking on the "fabulous food" and "exceptional service." As one pleased guest noted, the dining experience here is not just a meal, but a "highlight of our London trip," making it a must-visit for anyone seeking to indulge in authentic and high-quality French cuisine in the heart of the city.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

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From verified diners like you

D
Davina
London •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Orrery never fails to disappoint. Understated elegance with delicious food, and of course the wonderful sommelier, Julio - who always makes our visit special! Thank you Orrery Team!
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OrreryPrice: Very Expensive• French• Marylebone
•
4.6
M
Melinda
Utah •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Flawless, extraordinarily delicious meal. Best 3-Michelin Star meal I’ve ever eaten. Service was impeccable without being stuffy.
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CORE by Clare SmythPrice: Very Expensive• British• Notting Hill
•
4.9
M
Mark
London •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Another excellent lunch at Cornus. I was tempted by the excellent value set lunch menu at £55 for 3 courses but succumbed to the full 7 course tasting menu at £165, which included of course the usual selection of canapés, delicious sourdough bread and focaccia, and petit fours. Top quality ingredients, highly skilled cooking and beautiful presentation. Highlights included red mullet with a salsa verde; cod with girolles, squid and crispy potatoes; roast pigeon with a chestnut purée. Service was excellent throughout from the whole team, with particular thanks to the incomparable sommelier Melania and joint owner David. The wine list is extensive and keenly priced by London standards but BYO is extremely popular and with corkage at lunch of £20 an absolute bargain. The total bill for this solo diner was £235, including a glass of champagne, corkage and service charge. I think that is tremendous value for money. Overall at least 17/20 and one of the best restaurants in London for classic cooking with lots of technique and top quality ingredients. The only problem is that now I’m torn between long-established sister restaurant Medlar and newcomer Cornus for a neighbourhood lunch. Ah well, life is tough.
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CornusPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary European• Victoria
•
4.8
E
Estibaliz
London •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Oh my goodness what a find! Delicious cuisine in a very smart decor. After our dinner head chef came over to check on us which was a really lovely touch - it turns out he is not just a great cook but charming too (none of this moody chef nonsense)
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La PalombePrice: Expensive• French• Kensington
•
4.9
OT
OpenTable Dinervip
London •1 review
5.0
Dined on 9 May 2024
Amazing restaurant. Excellent food and service Good music
More info
Mister NicePrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary French• Mayfair
•
3.9

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Best Contemporary French Restaurants in Paddington

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29 restaurants available nearby

1. Gallery

2. CORE by Clare Smyth

3. Balthazar London

4. Palm Court Brasserie

5. Mister Nice

6. Orrery

7. Boulevard Brasserie

8. The NoMad London

9. The Wolseley City

10. The Restaurant at St Martins Lane London

See what locals rave about

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