Best French restaurants in London: 28 must-visit spots for Gallic gastronomy

It’s fair to say, French food is one of the most highly respected cuisines in the world. Certainly in terms of modern cuisine we owe a great deal to French cuisine, and the foundations of French cooking - the mother sauces, techniques and more - are still a huge part of how we cook today. Each region of France brings something to the table, from the sunny Mediterranean dishes of the Southern coast to the rich, rustic flavours of the more rural regions, with each area taking full advantage of its local produce. Whichever sort of iteration of this European food you fancy you’ll find it below, in our round up of the best French restaurants in London - bon appetit!

London is simply full to the brim with great French restaurants, all featured here in our complete list of the best French restaurants in London. Visit classic French bistros and brasseries, with their rustic style menus full of classic French dishes or perhaps sample one of London’s best fine dining French restaurants where high end cuisine is served in beautiful surroundings.

If you really fancy the crème de la crème amongst French restaurants in the capital, London is lucky enough to boast some of the finest in the world, right up to three Michelin-starred temples of gastronomy. These fancy affairs are well worth saving up for, but the other end of the scale, the menus of some of the most affordable restaurants in London are also French-led, with spots such as Brasserie Zédel offering some of the best value for money in Central London.

So, whether you’re looking for a hearty plate of beef bourguignon, a foie gras-filled tasting menu, or simply a top notch croque monsieur, you’ll be sure to find the perfect place in London to satisfy your cravings. With so many amazing French restaurants around, it can be rather overwhelming when deciding which one to visit, so we’ve put together this list of London's best French restaurants.

The Midland Grand Dining Room, King's Cross

What: Rivalling The Ritz as London’s most jaw-dropping dining room, The Midland Grand Dining Room honours the legacy of grand station restaurants, serving modern, elegant French food in an utterly beguiling gothic dining room at St Pancras. An extremely competitive lunch set menu makes this accessible too.
Where: St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, Euston Road, NW1 2AR
Book now: The Midland Grand Dining Room

Maison Francois, St. James's

What: From brilliant attentive service to timeless French cooking, Maison Francois has it all. The expansive site has plenty of room for all and a lovely atmosphere when it’s buzzing. Like many on this list this is not one for the calorie-conscious (most dishes are bathed in oil or butter) but for delightful, elevated brasserie classics, you can’t go wrong here.
Where: 34 Duke Street, SW1Y 6DF
Book now: Maison Francois

Le Cafe du Marche, Farringdon

What: Housed in an old Farringdon warehouse, Le Cafe du Marche is all about romance, from the crisp white tablecloths to the greenery and sumptuous French menu, which changes often but always has something you want to eat. The menu dives into more provincial French classics, and always comes as a menu du jour with a choice of two or three courses at very reasonable value.
Where: 22 Charterhouse Square, EC1M 6DX
Book now: Le Cafe du Marche

The Ritz Restaurant, Mayfair

What: If ever there was a restaurant worth saving up to visit it would have to be The Ritz, the creme de la creme of fine dining. Executive chef John Williams’s menu is just as impressive as the grand interiors, though it has to be said, this is probably the most beautiful restaurant in the country.
Where: The Ritz Hotel, W1J 9BR
Book now: The Ritz Restaurant

Josephine Bouchon, Chelsea

What: Claude Bosi’s cosy bistro on the Fulham road is the chef’s most casual outpost, a step away from his usual fine-dining haunts. Tables are tucked together in the charmingly intimate dining room, where Bosi serves up a traditional Lyonnaise menu. This rustic bistro is everything you hope French dining will be - frog tails and all.
Where: 315 Fulham Road, SW10 9QH
Book now: Josephine Bouchon

Bistrot at Wild Honey, St James's

What: The slightly lower-key sister to chef Anthony Demetre’s Michelin-starred Wild Honey St James, Bistrot at Wild Honey markets itself as a neighbourhood restaurant. The all-day menu serves French-inspired dishes at more affordable prices than its companion, including a happy hour between 5-7pm, when you can get a glass of wine and croquettes for a bargain.
Where: Sofitel St James, 8 Pall Mall, SW1Y 5NG
Book now: Bistrot at Wild Honey St James

Clarette, Marylebone

What: Located in what was once the The William Wallace pub in the centre of Marylebone, wine bar Clarette serves a French-inspired lunch and dinner menu, as well as a lighter, charcuterie-style bites between 3:30-5pm, but the real jewel in its crown is the wine selection. Co-owned by one of the Chateau Margaux dynasty, the wine list is stockpiled with some mighty French varieties as well some as from further afield.
Where: 44 Blandford Street, W1U 7HS
Book now: Clarette

Socca, Mayfair

What: Socca is another contribution to London’s French dining scene from Michelin-decorated chef Claude Bosi, this time in collaboration with restaurateur Samyukta Nair. The pair have created a celebration of French-Mediterranean cuisine at Socca, with a menu reminiscent of summers spent in the South of France, helped by the whimsical, Provencal-style interiors.
Where: 41 South Audley Street, W1K 2PS
Book now: Socca

Paulette, Maida Vale

What: Paulette is a wine cellar, restaurant and deli, serving up charcuterie and family-style dishes just like grand-mere used to make. Sitting amongst Paulette’s eclectic decor, where quaint wallpaper covers the walls and tables are clad in gingham, is a welcome escape into the French countryside.
Where: 18 Formosa Street, W9 1EE
Book now: Paulette

Cafe Francois, Borough 

What: Cafe Francois is the all-day cafe and deli from the team behind Maison Francois in St James’s. Offering a selection of dishes at more accessible prices, Cafe Francois takes international inspiration from cafe culture in California and Montreal, as well as Parisian cafes. Spread across two floors, the downstairs houses a deli counter and rotisserie, while upstairs there’s an open kitchen serving brasserie-style food to two dining rooms.
Where: Borough Yards, SE1 9AD
Book now: Cafe Francois

Hélène Darroze at The Connaught, Mayfair

What: This beautiful, timeless restaurant in The Connaught Hotel serves up sublime French food at the very highest level. Helene Darroze is one of the world’s most respected French chefs and her three Michelin-starred restaurant at The Connaught is among the very best anywhere in Britain.
Where: The Connaught Hotel, W1K 2AL
Book now: Hélène Darroze at The Connaught

Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, Mayfair

What: Somehow Alain Ducasse has created a fine-dining space that doesn’t feel stuffy or pretentious, and along the way managed to pick up three Michelin stars. Ducasse, one of the world's most decorated chefs, has designed a menu which defies trends, giving little attention to fickle culinary fashions. The menu is an exploration of the seasons, weaving sentimental nods into an example of the heights of French culinary prowess. This kind of French food is worth saving for the most special of occasions.
Where: The Dorchester Hotel, W1K 1QA
Book now: Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester

Les 110 de Taillevent, Marylebone

What: One of the standout features of Les 110 de Taillevent is its wine list, which is vast and largely offered by the glass. The wines can be paired with indulgent dishes such as foie gras, and the restaurant looks the part too, making this a great choice if you want to make an impression.
Where: 16 Cavendish Square, W1G 9DD
Book now: Les 110 de Taillevent

Brasserie Zédel, Soho

What: This cavernous, grand restaurant in the heart of Piccadilly delivers opulent, old-world-style interiors (all white and gold and intricately detailed) with service to match. The highlight is forever the excellent prix fixe menu, which always manages to stay competitive and excellent.
Where: 20 Sherwood Street, W1F 7ED
Book now: Brasserie Zédel

Bouchon Racine, Farringdon

What: Henry Harris’ restaurant Racine was sadly-missed when it departed Knightsbridge some years ago, but when it returned in the evolved form of Bouchon Racine, it returned just as good, perhaps even better. This is the place for no-frills, gutsy French cooking, and old favourites like Harris’ calves brains in black butter, steak au poivre, rabbit and mustard, and the famous creme caramel are still alive and well.
Where: 66 Cowcross Street, EC1M 6BP
Book now: Bouchon Racine

Marceline, Canary Wharf

What: We’re huge fans of this very reasonable and expansive brasserie in Canary Wharf. Marceline really has everything covered, from soothing art deco interiors that straddle all occasions, to well-drilled staff and a comforting, well executed menu that doesn’t break the bank (the £19 steak frites is outstanding value). The cocktail programme is excellent, and the wine list is superb too. Just another reason to think about moving to the Wharf.
Where: 10 Water Street, Wood Wharf, E14 5GX
Book now: Marceline

Alex Dilling at Hotel Cafe Royal, Piccadilly

What: Alex Dilling's cooking was held in extremely high regard when he led The Greenhouse to two Michelin stars, so it wasn't a shock when his debut solo restaurant at Hotel Cafe Royal won a similar accolade within its first year of business. The quality and precision of the cooking at Alex Dilling at Hotel Cafe Royal is nothing short of spectacular, with traditional French cooking methods honoured in slick, modern plates. The restaurant has a predictably extensive French wine collection too. 
Where: Hotel Café Royal, 68 Regent Street, W1B 4DY
Book now: Alex Dilling at Hotel Cafe Royal

Otto's, Clerkenwell

What: Otto himself, the eponymous owner, is as much a draw to this restaurant as the menu is with his larger-than-life personality that exudes into every aspect of this French eatery. Though somewhat nondescript from the exterior, Otto's insides tell a different story. Eclectic, sometimes whismsical, and often clashing interiors feel a little like stepping into the Mad Hatter's tea party, and make for the perfect environment to unwittingly while away a few hours. The food, which includes lobster and duck presses, is also not to be missed.
Where: 182 Gray's Inn Road, WC1X 8EW
Book now: Otto’s

Casse-Croûte, Bermondsey

What: With just three options on the menu each day (which is a hand-written chalkboard, all in French), this small old-fashioned bistro gives off a traditional French vibe. With chequer-tiled floors, red gingham tableclothes and intimately spaced-together tables, Casse-Croute caters to all romantic notions of what unfussy French eating should be. Everyday you can be sure to find plates, such as salmon coulibiac with beurre blanc, all packed with flavour.
Where: 109 Bermondsey Street, SE1 3XB
Book now: Casse-Croûte

Soif, Battersea

What: This cosy space on Battersea Rise offers up something of olde worlde Paris, a dimly-lit bistro serving up perfect plates of food at prices that won’t make you baulk. Dishes include home-cured charcuterie, crispy fried artichokes and a classic steak tartare with cured egg yolk. Also identifying as a wine bar, wines from the impressive list of organic and natural wines from artisan growers are offered by the glass, carafe or bottle.
Where: 27 Battersea Rise, SW11 1HG
Book now: Soif

Soutine, St John's Wood

What: Named after the expressionist artist with an apt penchant for painting chefs and waiters, this quaint Gallic cafe-restaurant offers a little piece of Parisian life on St John’s Wood high street. Decadent decor and a menu filled with French-cafe favourites ensure Soutine is the perfect destination for those looking for a sophisticated but casual dining experience. Parisian-style bistro dishes include confit of duck, steak frites, and, for a truly authentic experience - escargots a la bourgignon.  
Where: 60 St John’s Wood High Street, NW8 7SH
Book now: Soutine

Bellanger, Islington

What: A relaxed brasserie from the Wolseley Hospitality Group, Bellanger is an all-day dining fixture of North London life. Classic brasserie dishes are served from an elegant dining room punctuated with red leather banquet seating. Steak frites and croques are staples on the menu, offering a taste of casual French dining that can be enjoyed with a glass of something special.
Where: 9 Islington Green, N1 2XH
Book now: Bellanger

La Dame de Pic at Four Seasons Hotel London Tower Bridge, Tower Hill

What: With two Michelin stars and an arresting double-height modern dining room, Anne-Sophie Pic’s two Michelin-starred London restaurant makes a seriously impressive venue for a special occasion. The menu is composed of classic dishes that make use of some pretty indulgent ingredients.
Where: Four Seasons Hotel London Tower Bridge, 10 Trinity Square, EC3N 4AJ
Book now: La Dame de Pic at Four Seasons Hotel London Tower Bridge

Claude Bosi at Bibendum, Chelsea

What: If you want to eat the best French food in London then why not head straight for the top? This incredibly indulgent two Michelin star restaurant in Chelsea serves up some of the capital’s finest examples of classic cookery, all wrapped up in the magnificent Michelin Building in West London.
Where: Michelin House, SW3 6RD
Book now: Claude Bosi at Bibendum

Galvin La Chapelle, Spitalfields

What: Chris and Jeff Galvin’s legacy of French cooking in London is unquestioned, and Galvin La Chapelle is testament to that. This is a crowd-pleaser in all senses of the word: incredible food, warm hospitality and an impressive setting. The menu is built around classic French technique, but expect plenty of added flare.
Where: 35 Spital Square, E1 6DY
Book now: Galvin La Chapelle

Cabotte, City of London

What: This low-lit restaurant delivers smart French cooking - the beef cheek Bourguignon is richly satisfying, and the tarte tatin does the job too, for a meal that will have you lingering over each course. Cabotte’s ace in the hole is that it was founded by a pair of master sommeliers, so the wine list is predictably first class.
Where: 48 Gresham Street, EC2V 7AY
Book now: Cabotte

Noizé, Fitzrovia

What: Exquisitely presented plates of food come out of the kitchen at Noize, where the dining room is wood-panelled and decked out in crisp white linens. Expect dishes like glazed sweetbreads with morels, and scallops with cauliflower. Noize is named after the village in the Loire where owner Mathieu Germond's grandparents ran a farm, and the restaurant is characterised by a intergenerational appreciation of sharing food around a table. 
Where: 39 Whitfield Street, W1T 2SF
Book now: Noizé

Blanchette, Soho

What: While you can visit Soho favourite Blanchette for an evening of wine, cheese and charcuterie, there is much more on offer here than this standard trio. The mid-level priced larger plates never fail to be delicious and are well worth trying as well, and it’s particularly lovely in the summer when you can grab a seat at the open front and watch Soho life go by.
Where: 9 D'Arblay Street, W1F 8DR
Book now: Blanchette

If you're looking for something a little more adventurous with some French spirit, check out our list of the best Modern European restaurants in London. Or, if you tend to gravitate towards the fine dining of the Michelin Guide, out handy guide to every Michelin-starred restaurant in London is worth a look too.