Best French Restaurants in Clerkenwell

146 restaurants available nearby

1. Otto's Restaurant

4.9

Exceptional(905)

Price: Expensive

• French • Bloomsbury

Booked 2 times today

Otto's Signature dishes are Canard a la Presse, Homard a la Presse and Poularde de Bresse demi deuil.Our private room seats up to 30 people.

2. Tabac

4.1

Excellent(6)

Price: Expensive

• French • Clerkenwell

Booked 2 times today

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Clerkenwell, London, Tabac offers an authentic slice of French culinary tradition. Celebrated for its relaxed yet distinctly French ambiance, Tabac has become a beloved staple for both locals and visitors. Patrons rave about the "delicious duck," "perfect cheese fondue," and the "best truffle fries" they've ever tasted. With a focus on classic dishes like Raclette and Fondue, Tabac excels in creating a social dining experience that's both delightful and memorable. The extensive selection of wines and the cozy garden setting further enhance the dining experience, making every visit to Tabac a charming encounter with the best of French cuisine. As one reviewer aptly puts it, Tabac is "a little piece of France in London."

3. Le Cafe du Marche

4.7

Exceptional(1380)

Price: Very Expensive

• French • Barbican

Booked 6 times today

Le Cafe du Marche, nestled in the quaint Barbican area of London, epitomizes the essence of European dining with its authentic French charm and cuisine. Celebrated for maintaining high standards for over three decades, this family-run gem offers a slice of the south of France right in the heart of London. Patrons are consistently impressed, describing it as a place where you can enjoy "excellent food and service" and an atmosphere that's "always a pleasure to eat here." With live jazz enhancing the ambiance, and a menu featuring classics like confit duck and chateaubriand, Le Cafe du Marche promises a truly European dining experience. As one delighted diner puts it, "It's such a romantic place for dinner – candlelight and live piano music make it impossible not to be seduced by the place."

4. Cloth Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(204)

Price: Expensive

• French • Farringdon

Booked 27 times today

Cloth Restaurant, nestled in the historic Cloth Fair of Farringdon, London, offers a quintessential British dining experience that captivates with its authenticity and quality. Praised for its "remarkably talented chef" and "superb food," Cloth has become a beloved gem in the city. The restaurant's ambiance, set in a Grade II listed building, complements its menu perfectly, creating a "cosy, intimate atmosphere" that enhances every meal. Guests frequently laud the innovative and precise culinary creations, with one reviewer noting, "The sirloin steak with snails blew us away." This establishment not only promises a delightful evening with its "friendly and efficient" service but also ensures each visit is uniquely memorable, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking genuine British cuisine in London.

5. Balthazar London

4.3

Awesome(5317)

Price: Expensive

• French • Covent Garden

Booked 188 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

6. Palm Court Brasserie

4.6

Exceptional(15259)

Price: Moderate

• French • Covent Garden

Booked 82 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.

A photo of 56 West Smithfield restaurant

7. 56 West Smithfield

4.7

Exceptional(19)

Price: Moderate

• French • Farringdon

Booked 1 time today

At 56 West Smithfield in the heart of Farringdon, London, the essence of Provence is brought to life through its exquisite selection of French wines. Founded by a family of winemakers from Château De La Cômbe, this charming wine bar showcases their dedication to crafting award-winning organic wines. Patrons consistently praise the "knowledgeable wine staff" and the "cozy atmosphere," making it an ideal spot for indulging in finely curated wines. As one reviewer raves, it's "the best Wine Bar in London with great wines at very reasonable prices." Whether for a casual outing or a special gathering, 56 West Smithfield offers a slice of French winemaking excellence, right in the bustling city of London.

8. L'Escargot

4.7

Exceptional(671)

Price: Expensive

• French • Soho

Booked 13 times today

L'Escargot in Soho, London, is a venerable gem renowned for its exquisite Mediterranean cuisine. As London's oldest French restaurant, it serves up authentic and beautifully prepared dishes that have consistently wowed diners. Patrons rave about the "best duck confit I’ve ever had" and the "incredible escargot," highlighting the menu's depth and authenticity. The ambiance, enriched by live music and a bustling cocktail bar, complements the culinary experience, making every visit memorable. Celebrated for its "exceptional service" and "delicious French food," L'Escargot stands out as a top destination for Mediterranean cuisine lovers seeking an authentic and vibrant dining experience in the heart of London.

9. The NoMad London

4.4

Awesome(1748)

Price: Expensive

• French • Covent Garden

Booked 33 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.

10. Kettner’s

4.6

Exceptional(951)

Price: Expensive

• French • Leicester Square

Booked 44 times today

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Leicester Square, London, Kettner’s Townhouse offers an authentic Bistro experience that truly stands out. Since its establishment in 1867 by Auguste Kettner, chef to Napoleon III, this historic venue has been synonymous with exquisite French cuisine. Patrons consistently praise its "delicious and beautiful" dishes and "exceptional service," with standout menu items like the "phenomenal veggie panisse." The ambiance of Kettner’s, combined with its locally sourced ingredients, ensures a dining experience that is both genuine and delightful. As one reviewer summed up, "Great food, wonderful ambience, and extremely attentive staff." Kettner’s Townhouse is not just a meal; it’s a journey through the rich tapestry of bistro dining.

‘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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

R
RobertVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
The food and service were excellent. I had lamb cutlets with potato mouse, absolutely delicious . The lamb was cooked medium rare, so tender. My son had the ribeye and commented it was excellent, served with peppercorn sauce and big chunky chips. My wife had the mushroom risotto, also commenting on the quality. Service was excellent with attentive and polite staff, highly recommended.
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Whitcomb's at The LondonerPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Leicester Square
•
4.4
J
Judy
London •35 reviews
5.0
Dined on 19 Dec 2024
Food is excellent. Service is friendly. I have got a nice table. But in general the table for 2 is quite tight. It is a great place to have a cosy bites
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Cloth RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Traditional French• Farringdon
•
4.7
D
Darren
London •1 review
5.0
Dined on 19 Dec 2024
So it was 5 stars all around. The service was probably 5.5 stars even thought the waiters were Italian not French but for me good service is attentive at all time while not being intrusive. My wife had one cocktail with the meal and wash tentative in ordering and the waiter watached observantly and when she was not drinking came and asked if everything was OK and she said she would have liked it a little more sweet than sour so he took it away and adjusted. Happy wife happy life as they say.
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Le Cafe du MarchePrice: Very Expensive• French• Barbican
•
4.7
P
Paul
London •9 reviews
5.0
Dined on 18 Dec 2024
Sublime! Absolutely beautiful food, ambience and a warm welcome from the staff
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Otto's RestaurantPrice: Expensive• French• Bloomsbury
•
4.9
A
Amore
London •9 reviews
4.0
Dined on 12 Dec 2024
Delightful, small French restaurant. Staff very attentive. Food - rabbit bonbons starter was delicious, quite filling. My companion, who likes his meat gave the steak a thumbs up. The duck, served with green beans and mash. was flavoursome and tender. The bottle of red from Languedoc was good. I look forward to going there again.
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TabacPrice: Expensive• French• Clerkenwell
•
4.1

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Best French Restaurants in Clerkenwell

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146 restaurants available nearby

1. Otto's Restaurant

2. Tabac

3. Le Cafe du Marche

4. Cloth Restaurant

5. Balthazar London

6. Palm Court Brasserie

7. 56 West Smithfield

8. L'Escargot

9. The NoMad London

10. Kettner’s

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