Cuisine Guide

Best French in Central London

Discover handpicked French restaurants in Central London, with what to order first at each place.

Every place here is handpicked. Signal score shows how strong and consistent the review coverage is, not a star rating.

15 restaurants

1
Bouchon Racine

French Bistro · £££ · Farringdon

98Signal

Start with

Grilled leg of rabbit in a mustard sauce

A 'Harris old-stager' that remains a defining classic; Jay Rayner highlights the 'nose punch of Dijon' and the 'plank of crisped bacon balanced on top.'

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

2
The Cocochine

Modern French / Sri Lankan · ££££ · Mayfair

95Signal

Start with

Tanera Island Native Lobster in Banana Leaf

Sourced from private Scottish waters and barbecued in banana leaves with wild cardamon and red wine jus, this dish is consistently cited by critics as the kitchen's standout showcase of high-end produce.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

3
The Ritz Restaurant

French / British · ££££ · Mayfair

91Signal

Start with

Langoustine À La Nage

Universally cited as a masterpiece; huge, sweet crustaceans served in a rich, buttery sauce with bronze fennel.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

4
The Ninth

French Mediterranean · £££ · Fitzrovia

88Signal

Start with

Oxtail Croquettes

Described as 'perfect orbs' and a 'classy opener', these contain strands of long-braised meat that critics claim they would happily clear an entire tray of.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

5
Gauthier Soho

Vegan French Fine Dining · ££££ · Soho

88Signal

Start with

Grand Dîner Tasting Menu

This 9 to 10-course experience is the definitive way to experience the restaurant, which feels like visiting an 'incredibly posh friend' in a Soho townhouse where entry is granted by ringing a bell.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

6
The French House

French Bistro · £££ · Soho

87Signal

Start with

Confit Garlic & Goat's Curd

A length of sourdough sourdough toast 'slathered' in curd and olive oil, served with a confit bulb of garlic providing 'soft, translucent pearls' to smear over the bread.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

7
Otto's

Classic French · ££££ · Bloomsbury

82Signal

Start with

Canard à la Presse

The restaurant's signature piece of theatre; a 'gastronomic heyday' dish pressed tableside in an antique silver press, one of which actually sailed on a sister ship to the Titanic.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

8
Hélène Darroze at The Connaught

French Fine Dining · ££££ · Mayfair

82Signal

Start with

Lobster with Tandoori Spices

Cited by critics as the unwavering signature dish; it is the one menu item that never changes and is seen as justifying the restaurant's Michelin stars.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

9
Randall & Aubin

Seafood / French Brasserie · ££££ · Soho

80Signal

Start with

Assiette de Fruits de Mer

Described as a 'massive' and 'expert fish dish,' this towering display of seafood is the centerpiece of the restaurant's 'buzzy' and 'Parisian' atmosphere.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

10
Brasserie Zédel

French · £ · Soho

79Signal

Start with

Steak Haché

A 'French hamburger' that is delicious and tender, done to perfection.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

11
La Fromagerie

French Deli · ££ · Marylebone

79Signal

Start with

Alpine toasted cheese

The ultimate melted, comforting classic supplied by the editor as the absolute must-order item.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

12
64 Goodge Street

French · £££ · Fitzrovia

75Signal

Start with

Truffle-cream gougères

Described as 'absolutely, extraordinarily wonderful' and 'silky smooth,' these warm snacks pack a heady truffle punch and are topped with shaved Comté.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

13
Petrus

Modern French · ££££ · Belgravia

75Signal

Start with

Scallops with caper berries and caramelised cauliflower

Regarded as the kitchen's 'finest work' and an 'expertly cooked' highlight that stands out against safer menu options.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

14
Elsa

Modern French / Alsatian · ££ · Fitzrovia

70Signal

Start with

Seasonal Terrine

A staple of the Alsatian-inspired menu, these are described as 'packed with flavour' and highlight the kitchen's focus on 'simple' and 'ingredient-led' cooking.

Well-backed by reviews and repeat mentions.

15
Club Gascon

French (Gascon) · ££££ · City of London

47Signal

Start with

Cassoulet Toulousain

A staple of the 'hearty peasant food' tradition of Gascony and the chef's home region, though critics note it is best enjoyed when properly crusted and rich with sausage.

Useful signal, but still lighter than the standouts.

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