8 of the Best French Restaurants in London

French gastronomy has been a huge part of British life and British food for almost one thousand years. From the days of the Normans onward there are influences that can still be seen, heard and of course tasted today. French words like menu, café, picnic, salad, soup, omelette, restaurant, chef, and many hundreds of others have become part of the English vernacular.

Although there are many similarities between the two cuisines due to this inflow of influence, French cuisine still has a "je ne sais quoi" that has caused it to remain distinct and ever popular. Perhaps it is the richness, the garlic, the sauces, the butter, the wine, or the romantic connotations associated with French dining.

If you are a lover of French cooking then you are spoiled for choice in London with numerous Michelin starred French restaurants amongst the most celebrated places to dine in the city. It is not always such accolades that help define a great restaurant though and with hundreds to choose from we have put together the following recommendations for the best French restaurants in London to help you decide.

If you have a favourite French restaurant in central London that we have not mentioned then please let us know about it. If you enjoyed this article then take a look at our London guide and London blog for more inspiring ideas of things to do and places to visit in London.