Discover London's Best French Bistros: A Culinary Journey
- comedyinyoureye
- 23 minutes ago
- 10 min read
London's food scene is always buzzing, and if you're anything like me, you're always on the hunt for that perfect spot. French bistros, in particular, have a special charm, don't they? They offer that cosy, classic vibe with food that just hits the spot. Finding the best French bistros in London can feel like a bit of a quest, but it's a delicious one! From traditional dishes to more modern takes, these places offer a real taste of France right here in the city.
Key Takeaways
Mon Plaisir is London's oldest French restaurant, offering a nostalgic experience.
L'Escargot is famous for being the first London restaurant to serve snails and has a celebrity following.
Le Beaujolais is a revered bistro and the oldest French wine bar in London.
Bouchon Racine focuses on hearty Lyonnaise cuisine with a relaxed, friendly vibe.
Camille uses local British produce in its classic French dishes.
1. Mon Plaisir
Right then, let's talk about Mon Plaisir. Tucked away in Covent Garden, this place is a proper London institution, holding the title of the city's oldest French restaurant. Honestly, stepping inside feels like you've just popped back in time, in the best possible way. It’s got that classic, cosy vibe you’d expect from a Parisian bistro, but it’s right here on our doorstep.
You'll often find theatre crowds here, you know, grabbing a bite before or after a show. They're tucking into hearty, traditional dishes that have been firm favourites for decades. It’s the sort of place that really champions authentic French cooking.
Here’s a little peek at what you might find on their menu:
Garlicky cassolette d’escargots (snails, naturally!)
Tartiflette (that rich, comforting dish with potatoes, cheese, and bacon)
Beef tartare, done the traditional way
Mousse au chocolat for a sweet finish
Their steak tartare is particularly noteworthy, a real testament to their commitment to classic French recipes. It’s a charming spot for a satisfying, old-school French meal that just hits the spot.
2. L'Escargot
Right then, L'Escargot. This place in Soho is a proper institution, and it's famous for a couple of big reasons. For starters, it was the very first restaurant in London to put snails on the menu – back in 1927! Can you believe it? The original owner even had a snail farm in the basement, which is pretty wild to think about. It’s seen a lot of history and a lot of famous faces over the years, giving it this timeless, classic feel.
The food here is proper French provincial stuff, the kind that feels comforting and familiar. You absolutely have to try the escargots, of course, but they do other classics really well too. Think slow-cooked lamb, perfectly cooked steak with a rich béarnaise, and a sharp, zesty tarte au citron to finish. It’s not trying to be trendy; it’s just good, honest French cooking.
Here’s a little peek at what you might find on their menu:
Escargots (prepared traditionally with garlic and parsley)
Braised Lamb Shank
Steak with Béarnaise Sauce
Tarte au Citron
L'Escargot has a relaxed vibe, friendly service, and serves up good food and wine without costing a fortune, making it a solid choice for a taste of old Soho. It’s a place that really captures that old-school charm, and it’s definitely worth a visit if you're looking for an authentic French dining experience in the heart of the city.
3. Le Beaujolais
Tucked away on a quiet street, Le Beaujolais feels like a genuine slice of France right here in London. It’s the sort of place where you can properly relax and enjoy some good food and wine without any fuss. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with a lovely buzz that makes you feel right at home from the moment you step inside.
The menu here is a celebration of classic French cooking, done with real care. You'll find all the comforting dishes you'd expect, prepared using quality ingredients. Think perfectly cooked steak frites, rich coq au vin, or perhaps some delicate escargots to start. They also do a rather nice onion soup, if you're after something truly traditional.
Here’s a little taste of what you might find:
Steak Frites
Coq au Vin
Escargots
French Onion Soup
Le Beaujolais offers a comforting and authentic taste of France without any fuss. It’s the sort of place where you can settle in and enjoy good food and wine.
4. Bouchon Racine
Tucked away in Farringdon, Bouchon Racine is chef Henry Harris's nod to the traditional Lyonnaise bouchon. It’s the sort of place that feels like it’s always been there, offering a proper French experience without any fuss. The name itself hints at the relaxed, convivial atmosphere you'd find in Lyon, where these eateries traditionally served workers. You can really feel that genuine sense of hospitality here.
The menu, usually scrawled on a blackboard, changes regularly, which is a nice touch. It means there’s always something new to discover, though some firm favourites do make a regular appearance. You might find dishes like the celebrated Jambon de Bigorre, a cured ham from the Pyrenees, or classic Lyonnaise fare such as hearty stews and rich terrines. It's a spot that champions simple, well-made French food with a genuine sense of conviviality.
Here's a little of what you might expect:
Jambon de Bigorre: A cured ham from a special breed of black pigs from the Pyrenees.
Seasonal specials: Keep an eye on the blackboard for whatever's fresh and in season.
Classic Lyonnaise dishes: Expect things like hearty stews and rich terrines.
This restaurant is a real nod to the traditional Lyonnaise bouchon, offering a comforting and authentic taste of France without any fuss. It’s the sort of place where you can settle in and enjoy good food and wine.
5. Camille
Camille, nestled near the bustling Borough Market, is a bit of a hidden gem that often flies under the radar. It's from the same team behind Ducksoup and Little Duck The Picklery, so you know the food's going to be good. The atmosphere inside is proper French bistro – cosy, maybe a little steamy on a chilly evening, and definitely the kind of place where you'll want to settle in with a glass of wine. They're really good at taking excellent British ingredients and giving them a French spin. It feels genuinely authentic, like you've stumbled upon a little Parisian haunt, even though you're right here in Southwark.
What to expect at Camille:
A chalkboard menu that changes daily, packed with tempting French classics.
A really well-chosen wine list to complement your meal.
A relaxed vibe, perfect for catching up with friends or a quiet dinner.
This spot really captures that feeling of a neighbourhood bistro you might find tucked away on a side street in France. It’s unpretentious and focused on good food and wine.
Camille has earned a solid 4.0 out of 5 rating on Tripadvisor, based on 21 reviews, placing it at number 8401 of London's restaurants. It’s a place that feels lived-in and loved, a proper neighbourhood favourite.
6. Josephine
Josephine in Chelsea is one of those French bistros that just feels right. It’s the sort of place you’d imagine seeing in a classic French film, all cosy corners and the gentle clinking of glasses. It’s not trying too hard, but it nails that authentic Parisian vibe.
The atmosphere here is pitch perfect, making it feel like a genuine slice of France. They really capture that relaxed, convivial spirit you’d hope for in a good bistro. It’s the kind of spot where you can settle in for a good while.
While the menu can change, you can generally expect a solid selection of French classics done well. Think hearty, comforting dishes that showcase good ingredients. It’s the sort of food that warms you up from the inside out.
Josephine feels like a well-kept secret, a place that prioritises good food and a welcoming atmosphere over flashy trends. It’s a charming addition to London’s French dining scene.
It’s a place that’s great for a relaxed meal with friends or a more intimate dinner. The focus is on good food, good wine, and good company, which is really all you need, isn't it?
7. Casse-Croûte
Tucked away in Bermondsey, Casse-Croûte offers a delightful slice of French village life right here in London. It's the kind of place that feels instantly familiar, like you've stumbled upon a hidden gem. The menu changes daily, scrawled on a blackboard in French, which adds to the authentic charm. You'll find a concise selection of dishes, usually just three options per course, focusing on well-executed, classic French bistro fare.
Expect hearty, flavourful dishes that are true to their roots. Think along the lines of rillettes to start, followed by a satisfying lamb dish, or perhaps some cheese and charcuterie if you're after something simpler. The prices are quite reasonable, especially considering the quality and the cosy atmosphere. It's a place that doesn't try too hard but succeeds in making you feel wonderfully content.
This is a spot where the focus is squarely on good food and a relaxed vibe. It’s perfect for a leisurely lunch or a comforting dinner, reminding you of the simple pleasures of French cooking.
8. Bistro Freddie
Tucked away in Shoreditch, Bistro Freddie offers a rather cool, laid-back vibe that feels genuinely welcoming, not at all stuffy. It’s the sort of place that feels like a friend’s stylish flat rather than a formal restaurant. The menu here is refreshingly concise, focusing on well-executed French classics with a bit of a modern twist. Think along the lines of their signature house sausage, or perhaps some snails served on a soft flatbread with tarragon butter and crispy chicken skin – sounds unusual, but it really works.
It’s a spot that manages to feel both chic and incredibly friendly, a rare combination.
What I particularly like is the attention to detail without being over the top. They’ve got a decent wine list too, which is always a bonus when you’re settling in for a good meal. It’s not trying to be a carbon copy of a Parisian bistro; instead, it carves out its own identity, feeling more akin to a beloved local haunt than a tourist trap. It’s a place that makes you want to linger over your wine and conversation.
The atmosphere at Bistro Freddie is a big part of its charm. It’s intimate without feeling cramped, and the service is attentive but never intrusive. You feel looked after from the moment you walk in.
If you're looking for a place that serves up delicious, unfussy French food in a relaxed setting, Bistro Freddie is definitely worth checking out. It’s a great example of how a modern bistro can capture the essence of French cooking while still feeling completely contemporary. You can find out more about their current menu online.
9. Otto's French Restaurant
Tucked away near Russell Square, Otto's French Restaurant is a real gem for anyone craving a taste of classic, old-school France. It’s the kind of place that feels like stepping back in time, with its charming decor – think vintage lights and plush velvet seating. The owner, Otto Tepasse, has really poured his heart into creating an authentic atmosphere.
The star of the show here has to be the canard à la presse. This is a rather special, 19th-century dish where they use a silver press to extract all the delicious juices from the duck carcass. It’s quite a performance and results in an incredibly rich flavour. If that’s a bit too adventurous for you, don't worry, there are plenty of other traditional options.
Here’s a look at some of the other tempting dishes you might find:
Frogs' legs: Often served with snails, a classic combination.
French boudin: A type of blood sausage, usually pan-fried until crispy.
Lobster soufflé: A lighter, yet still decadent, option.
The menu itself is a nod to tradition, often presented entirely in French, which adds to the immersive experience. It’s a place that doesn’t fuss too much with trends, focusing instead on well-executed, hearty French cooking that feels both comforting and special.
10. Brasserie Zédel
Brasserie Zédel is a bit of a London institution, and for good reason. It’s one of those places that manages to feel grand and special without emptying your wallet. The sheer scale of the dining room, with its marble and velvet, transports you straight to Paris. It’s a real sense of occasion, even on a Tuesday night.
They do a cracking three-course prix fixe menu that’s incredibly good value. You can expect all the French classics done well, from hearty starters to satisfying mains and classic desserts. It’s the sort of place where you can happily linger over a bottle of wine and feel like you’ve had a proper treat.
Here’s a peek at what you might find on their menu:
Soupe à l'oignon gratinée
Steak frites
Crème caramel
Profiteroles
It’s a brilliant spot for a pre-theatre meal or just a relaxed dinner when you fancy some French flair. You can find out more about their current offerings on their website.
Brasserie Zédel really nails that feeling of classic French dining. It’s buzzy, it’s atmospheric, and the food is consistently good, all at prices that make you do a double-take. It’s a place that doesn’t try too hard to be trendy, but instead focuses on delivering a solid, enjoyable experience that keeps people coming back.
Your Next French Bistro Adventure Awaits
So, there you have it. London really does have some fantastic spots if you're craving that classic French bistro feel. Whether you're after a quick bite or a long, leisurely meal, it's clear we're spoiled for choice. From the cosy corners to the more lively places, finding a bit of Parisian charm without hopping on a plane is totally doable. It’s been a real treat exploring these places, and honestly, it just makes me want to go out and eat more French food. Cheers to that!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's a French bistro like?
A bistro is basically a small, cosy French restaurant. It's usually more relaxed than a really fancy place and serves traditional French meals. They're great for a casual meal with friends or family, offering a warm and welcoming vibe.
Are French bistros in London expensive?
Not always! While some French restaurants can be pricey, many bistros offer really good value. You can find delicious, classic French food that won't cost you a fortune. It just depends on choosing the right spot for your budget.
What kind of food can I expect at a French bistro?
You'll probably find popular French favourites like steak frites (steak with fries), onion soup, and maybe some escargots (snails). Many places also have daily specials using fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Do I need to book a table at these bistros?
It's usually a good idea to book, especially for popular places or if you're planning to go on a weekend evening. Some smaller bistros might be more casual, but booking helps make sure you get a spot.
What's the difference between a bistro and a brasserie?
Think of a bistro as smaller and cosier, often serving simpler, more traditional dishes. A brasserie is usually bigger, busier, and might offer a wider menu, sometimes including seafood and grilled dishes, and often stays open longer.
Are there any French bistros that are really old?
Yes! Mon Plaisir in Covent Garden is London's oldest French restaurant, serving classic dishes for over eighty years. L'Escargot is also a historic spot, famous for being the first in London to serve snails.