Best Contemporary French Restaurants in London

29 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal restaurant

1. Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal

4.8

Exceptional(23)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary french • Soho

Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal, a gem in Soho, London, offers an unparalleled dining experience with its 2 Michelin Star Contemporary European cuisine. The restaurant is celebrated for its modern approach to European dishes, heavily influenced by French classics. Diners are treated to meticulously crafted tasting menus that highlight the finest ingredients sourced both locally and internationally. Reviews consistently praise the restaurant for its “outstanding food with subtle flavours and impeccable presentation,” and the service is noted as “attentive, friendly, and unobtrusive.” Each dish is described as a work of art, making Alex Dilling's venue a must-visit for an "unforgettable experience" in contemporary dining.

2. Gallery

4.7

Exceptional(8084)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary french • Covent Garden

Booked 58 times today

At the heart of Covent Garden, London, the Savoy Lounge (formerly Thames Foyer) serves as a beacon of British cuisine, offering a sumptuous array of traditional recipes with a contemporary twist. Renowned for its legendary afternoon tea, the Savoy Lounge excels in both service and presentation, capturing the essence of British dining with "outstanding service" and "delicious" fare. Guests frequently praise the "beautiful setting" and the "excellent attention to detail," making each visit memorable. Whether it's the classic afternoon tea or a vibrant lunch, the Savoy Lounge is a perfect embodiment of British culinary excellence, making it a must-visit for those seeking an authentic and luxurious dining experience in London.

A photo of Palm Court Brasserie restaurant

3. Palm Court Brasserie

4.6

Exceptional(15258)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary french • Covent Garden

Booked 124 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.

4. Balthazar London

4.3

Awesome(5309)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary french • Covent Garden

Booked 137 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 Boulevard Brasserie restaurant

5. Boulevard Brasserie

4.5

Awesome(11884)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary french • Covent Garden

Booked 34 times today

Boulevard Brasserie is one of Covent Garden’s most iconic restaurants fixtures. Serving heart-warming French classics since 1991, this grande dame of brasseries is the perfect place to soak up Covent Garden's unique cultural heritage. Set over three intimate floors with views of the Royal Opera House and décor reminiscent of 1920’s art nouveau Europe, Boulevard Brasserie echoes a true sense of Parisian style in London’s own Theatreland. The restaurant and café offers a selection of carefully curated menus founded on seasonality, freshness and flavour. Guests can choose from our popular Lunch and Pre-Theatre Menu, Light Lunches, Dinner Menu all serving Parisian classics such as French Onion Soup, Moules Marinière & frites, Croque Monsieur, Coq au vin, Crème Brûlée and our much-loved Traditional Afternoon Tea Menu.

A photo of The Restaurant at St Martins Lane London restaurant

6. The Restaurant at St Martins Lane London

4.1

Excellent(276)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary french • Covent Garden

Booked 11 times today

Nestled in the vibrant Covent Garden, London, The Restaurant at St Martins Lane offers a sublime escape into the world of Contemporary French cuisine. Celebrated for its chic ambiance and impeccably crafted French-inspired dishes, this dining spot has garnered glowing testimonials from diners. Patrons rave about the "visual and palatable experience" with standout dishes like the smoked octopus. The menu is an artful blend of tradition and innovation, with guests often remarking on the "fabulous food" and "exceptional service." As one pleased guest noted, the dining experience here is not just a meal, but a "highlight of our London trip," making it a must-visit for anyone seeking to indulge in authentic and high-quality French cuisine in the heart of the city.

7. The NoMad London

4.4

Awesome(1747)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary french • Covent Garden

Booked 49 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.

8. Mister Nice

4.0

Excellent(16)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary french • Mayfair

Booked 2 times today

Mister Nice in Mayfair, London, is a gem for those seeking authentic Contemporary French cuisine with a gourmet twist. The restaurant's Parisian-inspired dishes, crafted with seasonal ingredients, ensure a fresh and delightful dining experience. Guests rave about the "perfectly creamy mashed potato" and the "truly indulgent rigatoni caviar," highlighting the meticulous preparation and exceptional flavors. The ambiance, described as "cozy yet stylish," complements the culinary delights, making every meal memorable. One reviewer summed up the consensus, stating, "One of the best food places I've been in London so far." Mister Nice stands out not only for its food but also for its "impeccable service" and vibrant atmosphere, making it a must-visit for lovers of refined French cuisine.

A photo of CORE by Clare Smyth restaurant

9. CORE by Clare Smyth

4.9

Exceptional(3489)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary french • Notting Hill

Booked 31 times today

CORE by Clare Smyth in Notting Hill, London, stands as a beacon of Contemporary European cuisine, infused with a distinctive British flair. Since its opening in 2017, the restaurant has captivated diners with its "sublime" and "meticulously put together" dishes, as one patron noted, emphasizing the harmonious blend of flavors. The dedication to excellence is palpable, with guests praising the "exceptional food and service" and an ambiance that marries elegance with comfort. Reviews consistently highlight the "thoughtful food" and the skilled staff that makes each dining experience memorable. CORE by Clare Smyth is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of contemporary culinary artistry, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking the pinnacle of fine dining in London.

10. Pied à Terre

4.7

Exceptional(413)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary french • Fitzrovia

Booked 5 times today

Pied à Terre in Fitzrovia, London, stands as a beacon of Mediterranean excellence, consistently delighting diners with its authentic and innovative cuisine. Established in 1991 and flaunting a Michelin star, this restaurant offers a Mediterranean journey through its meticulously crafted dishes. Diners rave about its "exquisite" food and "first-class" service, emphasizing the culinary artistry that reflects true Mediterranean flavors. The chef's passion for hyper-seasonal ingredients shines in every dish, making each meal a celebration of the region's rich culinary traditions. Guests particularly love the "Ionian Sea" starter and the chef’s signature "grilled French quail," praising the depth of flavor that feels both traditional and inventive. Pied à Terre isn't just a meal; it's a sumptuous Mediterranean escapade right in the heart of London.

‘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

A
Anna
London •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
This was our first time having afternoon tea and it was an absolutely delightful experience! The Gallery was beautiful with a wonderful atmosphere that was energetic but sophisticated. We were slightly intimidated about not being fully aware of the etiquette of afternoon tea but we were made to feel very comfortable with the wait staff. The piano and singer were a lovely touch as well! The tea and food were scrumptious and presented so beautifully! We will absolutely return upon our next trip to London.
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GalleryPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary British• Covent Garden
•
4.7
F
FranciscoVIP
Austin •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
The service was excellent, the beef was very fatty and full of tendons though
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The Restaurant at St Martins Lane LondonPrice: Expensive• Contemporary French• Covent Garden
•
4.1
A
Alicia
London •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Everything was amazing. Food was perfect we order one set menu and the rest was a la carte. The only plate I did not like a lot was the Steak tartar, but the rest DELICIOUS. They gave me a small dessert with a candle for my birthday!
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Balthazar LondonPrice: Expensive• French• Covent Garden
•
4.3
P
PatrickVIP
London •26 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Excellent atmospheric brasserie right in the heart of London, the set price menu seems to be good value, I had an excellent and very tasty, large, piping hot mushroom soup and a chicken main course, that was perfectly seasoned and extremely tasty. Efficient friendly service; I will certainly come again soon.
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Boulevard BrasseriePrice: Moderate• Contemporary French• Covent Garden
•
4.5
J
Janet
London •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
The restaurant was very much in demand as it was 23 Dec and practically Christmas. We were a party of 6 and I was extremely pleased with the level of service, standard of food and atmosphere even though they must have been under a lot of pressure. We were made to feel welcome and well looked after.
More info
Palm Court BrasseriePrice: Moderate• Contemporary French• Covent Garden
•
4.6

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29 restaurants available nearby

1. Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal

2. Gallery

3. Palm Court Brasserie

4. Balthazar London

5. Boulevard Brasserie

6. The Restaurant at St Martins Lane London

7. The NoMad London

8. Mister Nice

9. CORE by Clare Smyth

10. Pied à Terre

See what locals rave about

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