Dining
The 5 Best French Restaurants in London
From grand dining rooms to the perfect bistro: where to eat the best French food in London.
In short: our top picks are Bouchon Racine, Otto's and Comptoir Gascon. 5 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
French cooking is the bedrock of fine dining, and London does it across the range: grand haute-cuisine rooms, buzzy brasseries and perfect little bistros. These are the French tables worth booking, whether you want a steak frites or a proper occasion.
| Place | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bouchon Racine | £££ | |
| Otto's | ££££ | |
| Comptoir Gascon | Smithfield | £££ |
| Bibendum | South Kensington | ££££ |
| Bellanger | Islington | £££ |
-
Editor’s choice
Bouchon Racine
Why we pick itA rapturously received French bistro above a pub; rich, classic, joyful cooking.
-
Otto's
Why we pick itOld-school haute cuisine and tableside theatre; the pressed duck is a spectacle.
-
Comptoir Gascon
Why we pick itSouth-west French cooking and duck in every form; rustic and generous.
-
Bibendum
Why we pick itClaude Bosi's two-star kitchen in the stained-glass Michelin building; a real occasion.
-
Bellanger
Why we pick itA grand all-day Alsatian brasserie; tarte flambee, a buzzy room and proper service.
Before you book
Book the grand rooms ahead and look at their set lunch for the cooking at a kinder price. At the bistros, go for the daily specials and the house wine. And linger; a good French meal is meant to be unhurried, with cheese before dessert.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
Bouchon Racine is our editor's choice: A rapturously received French bistro above a pub; rich, classic, joyful cooking. Bouchon Racine, Otto's and Comptoir Gascon lead the guide, with 5 places in total, all chosen on merit.
How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?
Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.
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