Cuisine Guide

Date Night — Best French in London

Discover handpicked French restaurants in 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.

13 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
Pompette

French · £££

89Signal

Start with

Fish Soup

Described as a 'deep, plunging bowl' the 'colour of copper pans' that serves as a 'distillation of the bits of fish and seafood we leave behind,' complete with classic gruyère, croutons, and garlicky rouille.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

3
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.

4
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.

5
Cadet

French Wine Bar · £££ · Newington Green

84Signal

Start with

Pâté en Croûte

An 'architectural' and 'fragrant, thickly rich' masterpiece featuring a 'rum-steeped apricot winking out of the centre like a burning sun.' Critics describe being 'blown away' by the craftsmanship of this signature dish.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

6
Duchy

French-Italian (Savoyard) · £££ · Shoreditch

83Signal

Start with

Brown Crab Arancini

Universally praised as an 'easy recommendation' and a 'great, filling start' to the meal.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

7
Medlar

Modern French · £££ · Chelsea

82Signal

Start with

Crab Raviolo

The undisputed signature dish, featuring samphire, brown shrimps, and a rich bisque sauce that critics describe as brilliant.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

8
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.

9
Patron Kentish Town

French · ££ · Kentish Town

78Signal

Start with

Duck Confit

Universally praised and 'absolutely heavenly,' this duck 'falls off the bone with the press of a fork.' Critics highly recommend pairing it with truffle fries and dipping them into the 'sweet red wine reduction sauce.'

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

10
Bistro Freddie

British-French Bistro · £££ · Shoreditch

76Signal

Start with

Dorset Snails Flatbread

This dish is propelled to the top of critics' hit lists thanks to the 'amazing tarragon butter' and the addition of crispy chicken skin.

Strong, consistent praise across multiple sources.

11
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.

12
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.

13
Authentique

French Wine Bar · ££ · Tufnell Park

55Signal

Start with

Mixed Cheese and Charcuterie Board

Praised for featuring "excellent artisanal French produce," ranging from "wedges of Comté to jars of foie gras."

Useful signal, but still lighter than the standouts.

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