The Best French Restaurants In London

French cuisine was considered the world's best for centuries, and whilst other competitors may be equalizing the playing field, their French cuisine and dining experience in London has not dropped its standards a bit. Whether you're looking for a charming bistro, something that's French accented, fine dining or a cute caf- London has it all and we've scoured the city to find the best the capital has to offer. Read on to discover our list of the best French restaurants in London.

20 Sherwood St, London W1F 7ED

This sprawling brasserie beneath Picadilly Circus provides a heavy mix between American influence and Parisian dining with a vibrant atmosphere and a price point that won't leave your pockets empty. With authentic Art Deco interiors, live music, delicious food and affordable prices- if you're into French dining, Brasserie Zédel will be a place you won't mind frequenting. The menu has a fabulous selection of dishes, from soup d'oignon, tartes flambées, ile flottante and much more. 

The pre-fixe menu starts from £16.95- and in a room that feels like it should justify a £200 meal, there's a reason Zédel is at the top of our list. The snails might not be for everyone but that atmosphere certainly is. 

2 Bellevue Rd, London SW17 7EG

The Michelin star restaurant with the welcoming aura of a cosy, neighborhood joint- Bruce Poole's tastefully stylish restaurant Chez Bruce allows you to enjoy French-inspired dishes without the hefty prices. You can tell a restaurant has style and good quality food when there's minimal change on the menu and interior in over 25 years. And that's exactly what Chez Bruce has managed to do. The menu is packed with rich, delicious dishes from Ballotines to côte de boeuf, brushed tart tartin that's so good you'll be shouting ooh lala before you can stop yourself. Turning a blind eye to technological and famous chef driven trends, Chez Bruce has stuck to what it knows and succeeded in doing so- their 600-bin wine list is worth checking out too! We probably recommend not trying all in one sitting though. 

Being a neighborhood favourite means Chez Bruce can get a little busy from time to time, so we recommend making a reservation here.

48 Greek St, London W1D 4EF

L'Escargot- the first London restuarant to have ever served snails (with the original owner having farmed them in the basement of his Georgian, London townhouse). 

The restaurant has been a Soho sweetheart since 1927 having served the likes of Coco Chanel, Mick Jagger and plenty more well known names. Obviously the snails are the talking point here (and the improvisational pianist whom you can personally request a jam from)- but the menu has a whole heap of French dishes that gives this place all the more reason to be on our top list. Braised lamb steaks, confit duck, froie gras and créme brulee are just a few of the tasy options awaiting you here. Pair that with the wine list stuffed with vintage tipples and you'll feel like you're in Paris- just without the extortionate travel expenses. 

34 Duke Street St James's, St. James's, London SW1Y 6DF

Maison Francois is more of a place for simple, classic meat cookery (vegetarians accounted for too fret not) but if you're searching for a French steak, succulent roast chicken or for some gougègeres then this is the place for you. Matthew Ryle, head chef presents his guests with a whirlwind of delicious French dishes paying homage to the brasseries of Paris. There's interchanging menus throughout the day available, so whether you want to pop by for a fresh breakfast filled with pastries and other picky delights or a classy sit-down dinner- Maison Francois will have something for everyone. Once you've cleaned off your plate, head downstairs to Frank's winebar to enjoy a beautiful glass of prime wine and some charcuterie to keep the stomach happy. 

34 Charlotte St., London W1T 2NH

Pied A Terre is the longest standing, independant Michelin Starred restaurant in the UK. It was founded in 1991 and is still owned and run by Irish restauranteur David Moore who combines classic French cuisine with his Greek heritage presenting his guests with deliciously, fresh and sustainably made dishes in and elegant and sophisticated setting. Unlike most French cuisine and restaurants in London, Pied A Terre also caters to vegans and was awarded No1 vegan tasting experience in the UK. 

The menu is packed with sensational dishes that are presented equally well. Tuck into their cornish mackerel with avocado crème fraîche or their pork with rainbow chard for a delicious meaty delight. For dessert, we recommend tucking into the amuse-bouches! Prices are a little on the higher end but if you want to treat yourself on a more affordable scale book yourself in for one of their set lunches. 

Upstairs, 66 Cowcross St, London EC1M 6BP

Tucked above the historic Three Compasses pub in Farringdon, Bouchon Racine serves a slice of Lyon in the heart of London. Chef Henry Harris and David Strauss have crafted a cozy haven where hearty French classics reign supreme. Think jambon de noir de bigorre, or rabbit wrapped in smoked bacon with a mustard butter sauce that sings with each bite. The ever-changing blackboard menu ensures a fresh experience each visit, but staples like the decadent tête de veau are regular stars. Prices hover around £15-£30 per dish, making it a delightful splurge. Open Monday to Saturday from noon to 10:30 PM, this little nook is a must-book – especially if you fancy a romantic candle-lit evening on their glass-roofed balcony. Bon appétit!

 182 Grays Inn Rd, London WC1X 8EW

Otto’s near Russell Square is a love letter to la vieille France, where every visit is a fête of French finery. Amidst velvet banquettes, vintage lights, and charming statuettes, Otto Tepasse serves up timeless classics with panache. The pièce de résistance? The canard à la presse – a three-course duck extravaganza featuring seared liver, breast in a rich sauce, and crispy leg, all ceremoniously prepared using a silver press from 1927. For a mere £120, this culinary theater is worth every penny. Open Tuesday to Saturday, noon to 2:30 PM and 6:30 to 10:30 PM, Otto's also delights with dishes like roasted French boudin and lobster soufflé. Indulge in the finest foie gras or pig’s trotter stuffed with calf’s sweetbreads, and don’t miss the flambéed soufflés – Otto's cuffs be damned.

 21 Romilly St, London W1D 5AF

Gauthier Soho is a gastronomic gem where haute cuisine meets haute vegan. Alexis Gauthier, the Avignon-born chef, proves that gourmet vegan is no oxymoron, serving up plant-based perfection in a charming Regency townhouse. Diners can indulge in exquisite creations like saffron-roasted butternut squash and miso caramelised turnip with quince, with prices around £50-£80 for a tasting menu. Open Tuesday to Saturday from noon to 2:30 PM and 6:30 to 10 PM, Gauthier Soho is a delightful throwback to classic fine dining with a contemporary twist. Expect impeccable service, silver cloches, and sommeliers who make wine pairings sing, all in an ambiance that's as elegant as it is refreshingly modern.

35 Spital Square, London E1 6DY

Galvin La Chapelle, the crown jewel in the Galvin brothers' empire, is a divine dining experience set in a stunning former church near Spitalfields. With its high stone ceilings and grand arched windows, this Michelin-starred marvel serves up modern French cuisine with ecclesiastical elegance. Highlights include the signature lasagne of Dorset crab with beurre nantais and the hay-smoked grouse with mirabelle plum and dark chocolate. For those willing to indulge, a bottle of Hermitage La Chapelle will elevate your meal to heavenly heights. Prices range from £40-£70 per dish, and with service as smooth as the silkiest béarnaise, you'll feel positively blessed. Open Tuesday to Saturday from noon to 2:30 PM and 6 PM to 9:30 PM, Galvin La Chapelle is truly a cathedral of culinary delight.

 109 Bermondsey St, London SE1 3XB

Casse-Crout- a cosy eatery, with its dark wood, embossed wallpaper, and checkerboard floors, feels like stepping into a quaint French village bistro. The daily blackboard menu offers three choices per course, featuring boldly chosen and smartly executed classics like rillettes de saumon and herbed lamb, all at sensible prices around £25-£40 per meal. Open Tuesday to Saturday from noon to 2:30 PM and 6:30 to 10 PM, Casse-Croûte's charm extends to its welcoming service and familial atmosphere, where owner Hervé Durochat might greet you with a Parisian double kiss. Whether you’re indulging in creamy mackerel rillettes or ending with a decadent crème brûlée, this bijou brasserie promises a culinary rendezvous that’s très magnifique!