London’s dining scene is surprisingly sophisticated, drawing influence from the far reaches of the world, demonstrating the vastness of the once-great British Empire (not only afternoon teas).
However, we were a bit disappointed with the food they serve in historical pubs, and that is why we wanted to find the best bistros with mussels, nice fries, and good French cuisine in the city. Despite what legends might suggest, the British have a strong connection with the French, sharing some language, culture, and cuisine over the years.
For a taste of French delicacy in the heart of England’s capital city, you’ll find a choice of exquisite bistros dotted around the busy streets, serving up the best of French cuisine from Provencal ratatouille to classic onion soup with fresh, warm baguettes and hand-churned butter.
Now that we have your mouth watering, feast your eyes on these top choices for traditional French cuisine.
The Best French Bistros in London Right Now
Bouchon Racine
Location: 66 Cowcross Street, Clerkenwell
Bouchon Racine is upstairs in the Three Compasses pub in Clerkenwell. A small family-run French bistro inspired by the bouchons of Lyon, it offers informal French dining in a cosy setting.
The menu is crafted by chef/owner Henry Harris, who is reviving his celebrated Racine in Knightsbridge. It offers a mixture of classics and seasonal flavours perfectly paired with French wines. Think steak tartare or tête de veau, finished off with rich crème caramel, a cheese plate, and sticky dessert wine. It’s rich and indulgent, and precisely what you’d expect from this London icon.
Tables can be hard to book, so give yourself a few weeks’ notice to secure your spot. Mains are about £30-50 ($40-$70). The menu changes seasonally, but you can check their Instagram page for the latest update.
| Google Rating | 4.8/5.0 (902 reviews) |
| TripAdvisor Rating | 4.5/5.0 (115 reviews) |
“Had a wonderful experience at this restaurant! Everything was delicious — each dish was prepared with great care and full of flavor.The atmosphere was top-notch — cozy, stylish, and very welcoming.Service was excellent — friendly and attentive staff.I really enjoyed it! 💫” Tetiana Malyshko, Google Review
L’Escargot Restaurant
Location: 48 Greek Street, Soho
L’Escargot is an iconic French restaurant deep in London’s magical West End district, the beating heart of its famous theatre scene. It’s Soho’s oldest French restaurant, with classy interiors and a romantic atmosphere; it’s the perfect location for your pre-show meal.
Snails are a big part of the dining experience, with a menu put together by chef James Tyrell including a la carte dining, Sunday lunch, snacks, and luxurious puddings. Mains average about £40+ ($55+), think rich confit of duck, rib-eye steak, or its legendary Tournedos Rossini. The carefully curated wine list is upward of £125 ($170) per bottle.
Children under ten are only welcome for lunchtime service, and there is no separate children’s menu. Give yourself at least two weeks to get a table, especially at weekends, before a popular show. You can make a reservation directly through the restaurant’s website.
| Google Rating | 4.5/5.0 (1,105 reviews) |
| TripAdvisor Rating | 4.3/5.0 (1,163 reviews) |
“Divine. The only reason I came was for the grouse, and boy, was it good. Perfectly cooked, beautiful, soft meat that was just so delicious. Accompaniments were just as good as the main event. Beautiful game bird treated with respect and cooked to perfection. Also, the service was spot on, thank you for a gorgeous lunch.” Lisa C, TripAdvisor
Casse-Croute
Location: 109 Bermondsey Street
Casse-Croute has been serving traditional French cuisine on Bermondsey Street in the hands of Normandy-born chef Sylvain Soulard for over ten years. He has created an authentic bistro setting, complete with gingham tablecloths and fleur-de-lis wallpaper, welcoming you into the magic of a Parisian institution.
The seasonally inspired menu changes daily and is usually priced around £35 ($50) for a main. Filet de Boeuf en croute, Selle d’agneau, tarte tatin, and summer lamb saddle are just some examples of what you might find on the ever-changing menu. You can get a taste of what to expect on their website or Instagram.
It’s a critically acclaimed spot with limited seating. You’ll need to call to make a reservation, or take the gamble and try walking in.
| Google Rating | 4.7/5.0 (1,218 reviews) |
| TripAdvisor Rating | 4.4/5.0 (649 reviews) |
“We came for Saturday lunch and enjoyed the cosy bistro atmosphere, and the food was very good with good portion sizes. I like that the menu changes daily. Between the two of us, we shared the quail salad (very fresh and tasty), the steak with beans and peppercorn sauce with green beans and potatoes on the side (meat cooked perfectly medium rare, and the peppercorn sauce was delicious), and the cabillaud with ratatouille (nice piece of fish and the ratatouille balanced it out well). The service was polite and friendly.” Christine Kim, Google Review
Brasserie Zedel
Location: 20 Sherwood Street, Piccadilly
Brasserie Zedel is styled with gold, red, and deep wooden finishes, high-ceilinged, with art deco artwork, chic furnishings, and a bustling atmosphere. Everything you could want from a French bistro, and more.
There is live music, theatre, and cabaret for entertainment, a dedicated cocktail bar, and an American-themed bar offering top-shelf spirits. Combined with the Parisian Brasserie, it’s easy to see why it’s such a Piccadilly hotspot.
The Prix Fixe menu is £16.95 ($24) for two courses or £19.95 ($28) for three. Menu options include a dedicated vegetarian section with mains averaging about £18 ($25), and a separate children’s menu. A la carte mains include coq au vin and steak tartare, veal escalopes, and pan-seared duck. Meaty mains are closer to £30 ($40).
It’s recommended that you book your table a few days in advance, but they allow walk-ins if you’re feeling adventurous.
| Google Rating | 4.5/5.0 (9,401 reviews) |
| TripAdvisor Rating | 4.1/5.0 (6,280 reviews) |
“Great meal in an incredible building. This was like walking into a time machine, straight back to the 1930s – What an amazing place! Went for the pre-theatre menu, which was very good value. Very busy, but very efficient and attentive staff. Food quality was top rate, and quantity spot-on.” Michael-Aylesford, TripAdvisor
Le Petit Citron
Location: 98–100 Shepherds Bush Road, Brook Green, W6 7PD
Le Petit Citroen is a small, family-run bistro in the Hammersmith area. It serves Provencal-inspired dishes in a quaint and cozy bistro with warm lighting and checkered tablecloths. It’s a family-friendly restaurant offering hearty dishes from the south of France.
Chef Lawrence Hartley’s seasonal menu includes timeless classics like duck with gratin dauphinois or pan-fried cod. Mains average around £25-£40 ($34-$55) from the à la carte menu, or you can order the Prix Fixe three-course for £33 ($45).
Be sure to wrap up your meal with a delicious dessert, such as the petit pot au chocolat or signature petit citron. Add a delicate French wine, champagne, or cocktail to complete the taste sensation of this London favorite.
| Google Rating | 4.7/5.0 (899 reviews) |
| TripAdvisor Rating | 4.7/5.0 (227 reviews) |
“It was a great experience, and it was authentic French cuisine! The starters are traditional French classics.And the menu a little more elaborate, but showing classic slow-cooked duck and having an amazing plat du jour. We went with the waiter’s recommendation for one of them and were not disappointed!” Marine Leger, Google Review
We Choose: L’Escargot Restaurant
L’Escargot Restaurant is a Soho institution, inspiring Londoners with the flavors of France since the late 1920s. Set in an old Georgian townhouse, it’s a magnificent experience from apéritif to digestif, delivering top-quality traditional French cuisine in the heart of London.
