One of the best things about London is that no matter what sort of cooking or dining you like, you will be able to try it all in England’s capital. There are plenty of great English dishes and restaurants to choose from but if you fancy trying something else, you don’t have to head too far.
With the Eurostar, you are not that far away from France and genuine French cuisine but anyone in London looking for authentic and excellent French cuisine only needs to step onto the Underground not the Eurostar to find plenty of brilliant French cuisine restaurants.
There are plenty to choose from but these are the top 5 French cuisine restaurants in London for many experts and diners.
1. The Ledbury
• 127 Ledbury Rd, London W11 2AQ
The Lebdury in Notting Hill may have a name that sounds like a pub that is serving up limp burgers and Sunday roasts but that could not be further from the truth.
This French style restaurant has developed a sterling reputation, and earned two Michelin stars, with food of such epic proportions that it would not surprise you if diners gave their meal a round of applause at the end of it.
There is a very modern feel to The Ledbury in its food and servings so if you are looking for traditional fare, you may be better heading elsewhere. For everyone else though, this is a restaurant that serves up excellent food and has a great atmosphere.
2. Les Trois Garcons
• 40 Church St, London NW8 8EP
Shoreditch may be the destination for the hip and trendy folk in London (at least it used to be, trends change quickly) but there is still an opportunity to experience great French cuisine in this part of town.
Les Trois Garcons may stand apart from many of the other restaurants in the local area but it has enough unique charm and style to stand up for itself no problem!
The taxidermy décor may take some time to get used to but if you appreciate the Heston Blumenthal method of experimentation, this is the French restaurant that is right for you.
3. La Petite Maison
• 53-54 Brook’s Mews, London W1K 4EG
The atmosphere in La Petite Maison is far removed from what many people think about when French restaurants come up.
There is a far more relaxed atmosphere in this Mayfair restaurant, keeping more in line with the high-class French restaurants in France as opposed to London. This casual eatery draws from the influence of Provence and serves up an excellent French cuisine experience for all diners.
One of the first things you will appreciate about this restaurant is the fact that the staff are very knowledgeable and are more than happy to lend a hand in helping you find the right dish. If you are an experienced French cuisine diner you will be delighted to sample the wide range of produce but if you are new to all this, the helping hand you will receive will be very much appreciated.
This is an excellent French dining option.
4. Le Gavroche – Michel Roux Jr
• 43 Upper Brook St, London W1K 7QR
Le Gavroche – Michel Roux Jr is another Mayfair restaurant but in this one, the service is second to none.
No matter the turnover of restaurants in this part of London, this has remained a firm favourite for decades. In many ways, it would be fair to say that very little has changed in this restaurant since the 1960s and the décor still stands as testimony to the era when it made its debut in swinging London.
It is definitely an expensive evening out but anyone looking to experience the quality of the food but for a lower cost will be pleased to find the lunch menu is a much more reasonable price.
5. Galvin Bistrot de Luxe
• 66 Baker St, London W1U 7DJ
This restaurant can be found in Baker Street placing it at the heart of London close to so many tourist attractions and transport hubs. This means that is no excuse for not making a trip to the Galvin Bistrot de Luxe.
With full knowledge of how the food is prepared and an extensive understanding of the wine list, you will have as much fun talking to the front of house staff as you will eating the food. This is a massive compliment given the fact that restaurant is run by Chris and Jeff Galvin.
These are two chefs who not only have a Michelin star to their name; they have shown time and time again that they are experts when it comes to French cuisine.
* Unfortunately since writing this guide Galvin Bistrot de Luxe has closed.
