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Best Contemporary French Restaurants in St. James's

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29 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(23)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary french • Soho
Booked 3 times today
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.
A photo of Quaglino's Bar restaurant
4.5
Awesome(46)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary french • Green Park
Booked 4 times today
At Quaglino's Bar in the chic Green Park area of London, the essence of Modern European cuisine is elevated to an art form. This iconic venue is not just about dining; it's an immersive experience complemented by live entertainment and a stunning ambiance. Patrons consistently rave about the food's quality, with one guest proclaiming, "The beef Tatare was the best I’ve ever had and will change your impression of the dish." The restaurant's dedication to excellence is reflected in their sumptuous dishes and innovative cocktails like the celebrated Fig champagne cocktail, described as a "masterpiece of mixology." Quaglino's is a top choice for anyone seeking a vibrant, flavorful journey through Modern European delights, making every visit memorable with its perfect blend of fine dining and lively atmosphere.
A photo of Gallery restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(8064)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary french • Covent Garden
Booked 54 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 Balthazar London restaurant
4.3
Awesome(5293)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary french • Covent Garden
Booked 135 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 Palm Court Brasserie restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(15253)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary french • Covent Garden
Booked 60 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.
A photo of Boulevard Brasserie restaurant
4.5
Awesome(11885)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary french • Covent Garden
Booked 35 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
4.1
Excellent(274)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary french • Covent Garden
Booked 7 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.
A photo of Mister Nice restaurant
4.0
Excellent(16)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary french • Mayfair
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 The NoMad London restaurant
4.4
Awesome(1742)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary french • Covent Garden
Booked 43 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.
A photo of CORE by Clare Smyth restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(3489)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary french • Notting Hill
Booked 10 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.
‘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
From verified diners like you
  • Patrick
    London •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Very friendly staff, delicious cocktails, great sounding bands, nice atmosphere
    More info
    Quaglino's BarPrice: Moderate• Modern European• Green Park
    4.5
  • Jean
    London •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We had a lovely relaxing dinner , there seems to be much more space than when we would dine at the Fish Restaurant ..loved the trio who performed also and the staff were very attentive and so professional as you’d expect. We were pleased to see that area being put to good use as it always seemed empty in the evening once afternoon tea had finished and a wasted Space
    More info
    GalleryPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary British• Covent Garden
    4.7
  • James
    Surrey •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    My girlfriend and I frequent Palm Court Brasserie every Christmas which has become a bit of a tradition. We always seem to sit on the same table which we love. This time, as ever before, was no exception. The service was excellent, the atmosphere was great and the food was tremendous and good value considering its location. My girlfriend has a milk allergy, and was immediately put at ease when the waiter came over and walked her through the menu in terms of what could be modified etc. which always makes the experience much more enjoyable for her. This was further enhanced at the end when the manager also checked the her allergy was adequately catered for. Overall, a fantastic experience and we’re already looking forward visiting again next year.
    More info
    Palm Court BrasseriePrice: Moderate• Contemporary French• Covent Garden
    4.6
  • Ali
    London •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Gorgeous restaurant felt really cosy and Christmassy even though it’s huge! Fab waiter and great value Prix Fixe (m-f until 7pm) Will def be back! Also a couple of celebrities spotted ◡̈
    More info
    Balthazar LondonPrice: Expensive• French• Covent Garden
    4.3
  • Emma
    London •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    The staff were very attentive and pleasant. The menu had an excellent variety of dishes and wines. We were delighted with the quality of our food and the house wines. It was refreshing to be able to have a conversation without competing with music and other guests. Great acoustics. Great ambience but we were in a corner so did not get the benefit of the lovely restaurant areas or ambience. Nevertheless, we had a great dining experience. Great value amd top quality food and wines. Would recommend highly.
    More info
    Boulevard BrasseriePrice: Moderate• Contemporary French• Covent Garden
    4.5
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