London's Best French Restaurants

Inspired by the flavours of Provence and the Mediterranean coastline, Cigalon is bringing contemporary French cuisine to the streets of London. Taking its name from the famous chef in Marcel Pagnol's 1935 film, it's located within a former auction house, featuring a dazzling glass-ceilinged dining room, plush velvet booths and clusters of vibrant greenery. Chef Julien Carlon runs the kitchen, creating gorgeous plates of seared wood pigeon breast, grilled courgette risotto and poached rhubarb with cocoa sorbet to be devoured from a seasonally changing menu. After dinner, head downstairs to Baranis, the Riviera-inspired cocktail bar where you can play pétanque and sip on a Pomme Fanny, made with Calvados and green apple liqueur.

A sunny slice of the French Mediterranean nestled in between London's St James and Leicester Square, Whitcomb's At The Londoner is a fine dining restaurant dishing out modern twists on classic dishes from the French and Italian rivieras. Located just a short walk from venues like the London Coliseum, it's the perfect spot to grab a delicious post-theatre bite. If you choose to dine a la carte, make sure to select from gorgeous goodies like tuna tartare, yellowtail carpaccio and lobster linguine.

With a warm, exposed brick interior and elegant finishes, Café François brings the French bistro to Borough Market. The brainchild of executive chef partner Matthew Ryle, its menu transforms throughout the day, covering everything from hors d'oeuvres and sandwiches to afternoon tea and moules marinière.

Its Sunday roasts are also the stuff of legend. We're talking prime rib of beef with horseradish cream, rotisserie chicken with bread sauce and stuffing, porchetta with apple sauce or stuffed cabbage with celeriac and freekah, served with roast potatoes, braised greens, carrots, leek gratin, and the star of the show, Yorkshire pudding. 

The Great Northern Hotel's first-floor RAILS restaurant is home to a delightful mixture of Parisian chic interiors and French fare, which is paired with dishes from our side of the Channel too. Boasting striking golden light fixtures, marble tables and luxurious leather seating, it romanticises travel and the thrilling dining opportunities that come with it. Feast on a set menu starting from only £22 per person, or indulge in plates from the a la carte, like its signature beef Wellington (£82) to share, or grilled half lobster (£26). Better yet? Adjoined to the main eatery is Little Bar, serving up French cocktails, aperitifs and digestifs. 

Don't be fooled by the cosy pub downstairs, as this Bloomsbury destination also houses an elegant French restaurant above: Bistro Bleu. Expect sultry dark blue furnishings, velvet curtains and touches of gold throughout the room, with charming miniature lamps on each table. Head Chef Bernard Dumonteil is cooking up an authentic menu from Northern France, including braised leg of rabbit, baked courgette cannelloni and bavette steak, paired with a selection of fine wines.

Champagne Route's suave and sophisticated, bistro-style interiors are the perfect setting for a leisurely lunch or indulgent dinner. Just a few minutes walk from Tower Hill, it serves up spectacular seafood and succulent steaks using only the finest cuts and freshest ingredients.

Its extensive drinks list is designed to pair perfectly with your plate, covering everything from champagnes and cremants to small batch spirits and flavourful beers.

If you're looking for a French restaurant in London, Covent Garden has a delicious helping of brasseries, one of them being the romantic Balthazar. Located within the famous Flower Cellars building, it fronts candle-lit tables and Art Deco-inspired interiors. As well as offering an authentic Parisian feel, the eatery whips up delicious brunches, lunches, pre-theatre dining menus from £27.50 each and dreamy jazz evenings on Wednesdays. Dine here and you'll be able to get your chops around steak frites, six oysters for £19.50, and moules mariniere.

An elegant hideaway in the heart of the City, Cabotte offers a menu of stunning French food paired perfectly with over 1000 fine wines. It was founded by two leading sommeliers, Xavier Rousset and Gearoid Devaney, and showcases some of the finest produce from the Burgundy region. Step inside and you'll find two exclusive dining rooms complete with shabby-chic walls, vintage mirrors and velvet seating. Both traditional and modern dishes can be found on a menu created by head chef Elliot Miller, who uses seasonal, fresh produce to a high standard. For date night with a touch of luxury, book a seat to dine on trout gravadlax, dry-aged beef tartare, and stone bass with violet artichokes. 

An elegant French restaurant with a Mediterranean twist, Mistress of Mayfair can be found on St James' Street. This gorgeous space is decked out in plush red velvet booths, soft, glowing lighting and a mirrored ceiling, creating an intimate atmosphere that's perfect for date night.

Tuck into a luxurious menu of josper-grilled ribeye in truffle sauce, onion-glazed aubergine and lobster rolls, followed by a dreamy chocolate mousse.

From the terrines to the sauces, everything at Gazette is made freshly on-site. So whether you pop into its restaurants in Battersea, Clerkenwell or Putney, you're sure of fantastic seasonal dishes with traditional French hospitality.

Expect show-stopping snail platters, tartare prepared at your table and prime cuts of succulent meat. The wine list is just as impressive, with many bottles sourced exclusively from French vineyards.

Boulevard Brasserie is a classic and popular restaurant that's been serving up French classics since 1991. Situated in Covent Garden, this traditional spot covers three floors decorated to imitate 1960s Paris Theatreland - think crisp tablecloths, elegant prints and flowers hanging above large windows. Enjoy sophisticated eats in a pretty setting and wolf down a surf and turf platter, seafood linguine or boeuf bourguignon. This dining room is also home to a marvellous afternoon tea which is served Monday to Sunday from midday 'til 3.45pm.

Auberge is coming in hot, packing a stellar menu featuring classic French dishes paired with refreshing pints. Only a moment's walk from Waterloo, this restaurant also includes a rooftop bar which offers sneak peeks of The Shard. Inside, ceilings are laced with yellow threads of light and walls are covered in quirky posters. An ideal haunt for a relaxing bite to eat, it provides a menu full of traditional French flavours with a modern twist: we're talking everything from moules frites and steak sandwiches to deep-fried camembert and much more. 

Inspired by Parisian bistros, Henri brings fine French dining with a British twist to this cute corner of Covent Garden. The brainchild of renowned British chef, Jackson Boxer, it's perfect for a light breakfast, long lunch or pre-show dinner. 

With warm and welcoming lighting, red velvet interiors and candles flickering on every table, you'll soon feel like the Eiffel Tower is only a few steps away. Stop by for carrot rapees or roast duck with blood orange, perfectly partnered with French wine or Henri signature cocktails.

Located in South Kensington, Josephine Bouchon is a love letter to Lyon's culinary traditions. Created by acclaimed chef Claude Bosi, this inviting bistro is named after his grandmother and styled like a true Lyonnaise bouchon, complete with bustling energy, warm hospitality, and vintage French décor.

Under the guidance of Chef Matteo de Degola, the kitchen serves up classic French dishes with precision and heart, earning a Bib Gourmand from the Michelin Guide. Whether you're after steak frites, hearty terrines, or just a glass of wine and good conversation, Josephine Bouchon is an irresistible slice of France in the city.

Iconic and steeped in history, The French House is a must if you're looking for fun after-work drinks in a Bohemian setting. What it lacks in music machines and televisions it makes up for in atmosphere and authenticity, fronting only seven tables at its upstairs restaurant. Fixed to the wall you'll find vintage photographs looking over white, crisp tablecloths topped with moreish cuisine. Join the likes of Dylan Thomas and Francis Bacon who've frequented its rich, red walls and dine on baked scallops in garlic and parsley butter, pork chops alongside puy lentils, and madeleines to finish. If you're on the hunt for a French restaurant in Central London, call off the search because we've found you a scorcher. 

Bleeding Heart is a thing of beauty: split up into a buzzy bistro and an elegant bar and grill on the first floor, they pull punters from all over looking for a very French bite to eat. You'll find the bistro sporting all-year-round outdoor seating, 19th-century wine posters and mustard yellow walls. There are more than 350 wines to enjoy by the bottle and over two dozen by the glass, making it a prime place to sip some of the good stuff. Feast on les escargots 'bourguignon' (£11.50) to begin with, followed by rabbit leg à la moutarde (£24) or line-caught cod fillet on a bed of puy lentils (£28.50).

Tucked away on the high street of St John's Wood, Soutine is a captivating homage to the golden age of Parisian boulevard cafés. Created by esteemed restaurateur Jeremy King and part of The Wolseley Hospitality Group, Soutine blends French elegance with a distinctly local charm, inspired by the artistic legacy of its namesake, the French-Russian expressionist painter Chaïm Soutine.

Stepping inside is like entering a romanticised vision of 1920s Paris. The interiors, rich in warm wood panelling, vintage mirrors, and ambient lighting, reflect a timeless aesthetic. The menu is a faithful love letter to traditional French bistro fare, featuring well-executed classics such as steak frites, French onion soup, and tarte au citron, alongside all-day egg dishes and a curated cheeseboard.

Bistro Freddie in Shoreditch is a warm and characterful bistro that blends nostalgic charm with modern flair, offering seasonal British produce through a French lens. With rich burgundy interiors, an open kitchen and space for up to 80 standing or 45 seated guests, it's perfect for intimate dinners, group celebrations or stylish private hires.

The menu features hearty bistro classics, larger cuts cooked over fire, and a curated all-French wine list that explores regions and styles across the country.

Restaurant Gordon Ramsay is the crown jewel of the celebrated chef's empire, offering an intimate and exclusive dining experience in Chelsea. Since opening in 1998, it has held three Michelin stars, a testament to its exceptional quality and consistency.

The restaurant's elegant design features soft lighting and crisp white linens, providing a calm, sophisticated backdrop for Gordon Ramsay's signature modern French cuisine. Under the expert leadership of Chef de Cuisine Kim Ratcharoen and Chef Patron Matt Abé, diners enjoy precision-crafted dishes in a polished yet inviting environment, making it a must-visit for fine dining enthusiasts in London.

Colbert is inspired by the boulevard cafes of Paris, which is evident by its warm, Art Deco-laced decor and brown leather, diner-style booths. It beckons you to slide in and enjoy your morning petit déjeuner or perhaps a kick-starting coffee on its terrace while watching the world of Sloane Square go by. As well as a selection of patisseries and desserts, there's a mouthwatering menu designed by head chef Sascha Rieb. Think croque monsieurs, escargots and steak tartare to name a few of the authentic plates, followed by some madeleines, of course. 

What was formerly a bootmaker, a surgery and an electrical shop at various points in history is now home to Noble Rot Wine Bar & Restaurant on Lamb's Conduit Street. First converted into a tipple hub by Admiral Nelson in 1974, it today sports sophistication with vibrant, framed self-designs on the wall and sleek, dark furniture. Executive chef Stephen Harris is at the helm, overseeing the à la carte menu dubbed 'Franglais' cooking thanks to its overseas influence. Come for the delectable coq au vin or indulgent creme fraiche panna cotta with rhubarb and stay when you discover that it won 'Wine List Of The Year' at the National Restaurant Awards four times in a row.

An award-winning French restaurant in Mayfair, you say? Sign us up. Providing a modern take on traditional French gastronomy is two Michelin-starred chef Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal. His stylish eatery is made up of only 34 seats, overlooking the iconic Regent Street and flooded with natural light. Clean-cut interiors marry a thought-provoking tasting menu for £215 per person which includes Iberico pork shoulder with black pudding, guanciale and smoked caviar, plus additional signature dishes that can be ordered such as clam chowder (£35) or oeuf noir AKA Clarence court egg and périgord jus (£65).

Located in the heart of Mayfair, La Petite Maison offers a dining experience that captures the soul of the French Riviera. With its airy interiors, whitewashed walls, and contemporary art, the restaurant exudes a chic, welcoming atmosphere, bathed in natural light. It's a space where the elegance of La Belle Époque effortlessly blends with modern sophistication, transporting guests to the sunny, relaxed vibes of the Côte d'Azur.

From vibrant salads and delicate fish carpaccios to indulgent mains like truffle macaroni and expertly cooked fish, every plate reflects the authenticity and quality of French cuisine. For dessert, guests can delight in classic sweet treats like vanilla crème brûlée, pain perdu with spiced ice cream, and a crisp, thin-crust apple tart. The extensive wine list is a journey in itself, featuring a hand-picked selection of French wines that perfectly complement the rich flavours of the menu.

Nestled in the elegant heart of Belgravia, La Môme London offers an escape into a world of timeless French charm and sophistication. Inside, the glow of Slim Aarons' iconic photographs sets the stage for an evening of cinematic allure, while the terrace boasts sweeping views of one of London's most refined neighbourhoods.

The menu embraces the very best of Mediterranean cuisine with a French twist. Signature dishes like black angus tagliata and flame-grilled octopus alla Luciana steal the spotlight, many prepared tableside with flair and theatrical precision. Start with cloche-covered cocktails and exquisite hors d'oeuvres at the bar, and end on a sweet note with a rich soufflé au Grand Marnier or the decadent le fondant chocolat.

Step inside Amélie, and you're instantly transported far from the bustle of everyday life to the sun-drenched charm of Provence. Inspired by the spirit of the flâneur - that leisurely wanderer who finds joy in the little things - this restaurant is a celebration of French living at its most indulgent.

Here, rustic elegance meets effortless sophistication. The menu is a tribute to Provençal tradition, brimming with vibrant flavours and seasonal ingredients. From a perfectly crisp tarte flambée to artfully prepared mains and thoughtfully selected wines, every dish invites you to slow down and savour the moment.

When it comes to Michelin star French restaurants in London, The Ninth is certainly pulling out all the stops. The Charlotte Street haunt oozes quirkiness with its textured stone walls, fixed with a wire rack hanging copper pans, and cosy leather seating. Chef Jun Tanaka brings the flavours of France and the Mediterranean to diners' plates: think grilled seabream with tenderstem broccoli and an anchovy dressing, paired with Stephen Vincent chardonnay. The set lunch menu comes in at £30 for two courses or £35 for three, and the wine list is comprised of smaller, lesser-known producers, with a selection of 25 red and 25 whites. 

A modern French brasserie that's inspired by the finer side of Parisian dining, Maison Francois can be found in the heart of St James's. It's headed up by restaurateur François O'Neill and MasterChef: The Professionals finalist Matthew Ryle, promising some of the finest cuisine around.

Get stuck into plates of anchovies with burrata, celeriac remoulade, herb-roasted chicken and so much more. The interiors are just as impressive as the food, featuring high ceilings, curved banquettes and latticed glass, as well as a more intimate wine bar downstairs.

Brasserie Zédel can be found in the heart of Piccadilly and is one of the more affordable French restaurants in London. Upon entrance, you'll be met by a dazzling chandelier hanging from the ceiling, surrounded by graphic wallpaper featuring iconic landmarks such as the Eifel Tower. Make your way into the main dining area to marvel at towering, marble pillars and Art Deco furnishings, then take your seat to tuck into three courses for just £19.95. Elsewhere on the menu, expect the likes of French onion soup, pig head terrine and the house choucroute. What's more, the building is also home to ZL Café where you can enjoy light bites, watering hole Bar Américain and live music venue Crazy Coqs.

Tucked above The Three Compasses pub, Bouchon Racine is a warmly intimate French bistro that channels the spirit of classic Lyonnaise dining. Chef Henry Harris and restaurateur Dave Strauss have transformed a former pub function room into a candlelit sanctuary of vintage charm, complete with blackboard menus, soft lighting, and a stunning glass-roofed veranda that glows both day and night.

The rotating menu honours traditional French favourites like rabbit in mustard sauce, escargots, and steak tartare, all crafted with bold flavours and classical technique. Recognised in the 2025 Michelin Guide, this is authentic French comfort in the heart of Clerkenwell.

Nestled just steps away from Notting Hill's iconic bookshop and Portobello Road Market, Chez Lui is a chic new French bistro that brings a touch of Parisian romance to West London. With sultry oxblood interiors, velvet booths, and flickering candlelight setting the mood, this stylish spot offers a beautifully curated menu of classic French dishes elevated with modern, complex flavours.

Whether you're starting with fresh sea bass carpaccio or diving into indulgent ravioli truffle parcels, each plate is a celebration of exquisite taste and impeccable presentation. Pair your meal with inventive cocktails like the smoky BBQ margarita or a refreshing Notting Hill spritz, and finish off with a decadent crème brûlée or rich mousse au chocolat. 

Les 110 de Taillevent overlooks Cavendish Square and is the sibling of the two Michelin star Taillevent in Paris. Offering an outstanding selection of French wines (over 2000 bins) and modern dishes, it too is an award-winning restaurant with three AA Rosettes to its name. It provides an elegant, modern setting with a towering bar at its core filled with emerald green bottles, large windows and a private dining room adorned with gorgeous oil paintings. Whether you're dining exclusively or swinging by for a bit of lunch, the marvellous fare you'll be devouring includes spelt lobster risotto and the signature Pink Lady apple tarte tatin. 

Get a taste of the French Riviera in London courtesy of Mimosa At The Langham. The menu features delicious Mediterranean delights, ranging from whole sea bass baked in a salt crust to spit-roast coquelet with thyme and confit lemon. As for the stunning interiors, the restaurant is kitted out with pink walls, blue ceramic wall lights with coral motifs, palm chandeliers and rattan elements. Head over to step into a 1960s coastal town with a modern twist serving the most scrumptious goodies around.