Best French Restaurants in South Kensington

152 restaurants available nearby

1. Margaux

4.7

Exceptional(959)

Price: Expensive

• French • South Kensington

Booked 14 times today

Dine in style at Margaux, a beacon of Contemporary French cuisine nestled in the charming South Kensington neighborhood of London. This modern European restaurant delights with a menu that brilliantly blends French and Italian influences, featuring dishes like the "melt in the mouth delicious" swordfish and a "five-star tarte tatin." Patrons rave about the "outstanding food" and particularly laud the "perfectly cooked" beef Bourguignon. With a "100 bin wine list" praised for its breadth, Margaux ensures a perfect pairing for every palate. The ambiance is described as "relaxed and comfortable," making every visit a memorable experience. Whether it’s the "phenomenal great quality food" or the "exceptional service," Margaux is a must-visit for anyone seeking a top-tier dining experience in London.

2. Balthazar London

4.3

Awesome(5250)

Price: Expensive

• French • Covent Garden

Booked 269 times today

Nestled in the vibrant Covent Garden, London, Balthazar London is a gem for those seeking exceptional Contemporary French cuisine with a brasserie twist. Patrons rave about the "authentic Bistrot environment" and the "exceptionally tasty" dishes that reflect true French culinary artistry. The restaurant's dedication to quality is evident, with guests highlighting the "fresh oysters" and "delicious fruits de mer" that transport diners straight to France. A standout is the "delicious 3 course Prix Fixe dinner" which, along with the "superb service," makes Balthazar not just a meal, but a delightful French experience. As one diner puts it, this place is "above my expectation," making it a must-visit for lovers of French fare.

3. Pavyllon

4.7

Exceptional(286)

Price: Very Expensive

• French • Mayfair

Booked 41 times today

Pavyllon, located in the heart of Mayfair, London, is a gem of International cuisine and a testament to the innovative spirit of multi-Michelin-starred French Chef Yannick Alléno. Known for its "mind-blowing, delicious dining experience" as one diner raved, Pavyllon excels in presenting dishes that are both a feast for the eyes and the palate. This relaxed yet refined neighborhood spot offers an "immersive Mayfair 6 course menu" that leaves guests in awe, especially with standout dishes like the duck, described as "the best one we’ve had." The restaurant’s vibrant Bar Antoine and the option to dine at the counter for a front-row culinary show enhance the dining experience further, making each visit memorable. With impeccable service and a beautifully inviting ambiance, Pavyllon is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of International culinary artistry.

A photo of Claude Bosi at Bibendum restaurant

4. Claude Bosi at Bibendum

4.7

Exceptional(1683)

Price: Very Expensive

• French • South Kensington

Booked 10 times today

Celebrated French chef Claude Bosi launched Claude Bosi at Bibendum back in 2017, with a ground-floor seafood and oyster bar and first-floor restaurant which is ‘unashamedly fine dining’, with the chef's signature contemporary and light-hearted flair.The a la carte menu features some of his signature classics and the chef’s Michelin-starred alma matter, with ingredients sourced predominantly from the British Isles and France. The striking upstairs dining room with its dramatic and iconic floor-to-ceiling stained glass windows has been redesigned to house a larger central open kitchen. The light and airy dining room will feature the original Conran chairs with a soft colour palate of muted blues.

A photo of Côte Brasserie - Kensington restaurant

5. Côte Brasserie - Kensington

4.5

Awesome(141)

Price: Moderate

• French • Kensington

Booked 42 times today

Nestled in the charming neighborhood of Kensington, London, Côte Brasserie stands as a beacon of British cuisine, delighting locals and visitors alike. Despite its French-inspired menu, this restaurant excels in integrating classic British elegance with each dish, making it a favorite dining spot. Patrons rave about the "excellent food and drinks," and the "impeccable service" that make every meal memorable. As one reviewer highlighted, the experience is akin to "dining in an independent restaurant" due to the personalized attention and expertly recommended dishes. Whether it's the succulent confit duck or the perfectly cooked steaks, Côte Brasserie offers a true taste of Britain's culinary finesse in a cozy, welcoming setting. This is a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic British dining experience in the heart of London.

A photo of Côte Brasserie - Sloane Square restaurant

6. Côte Brasserie - Sloane Square

4.3

Awesome(216)

Price: Moderate

• French • Chelsea

Booked 126 times today

Côte Brasserie in Sloane Square, nestled in the charming Chelsea neighborhood of London, stands out as a beacon of Bistro cuisine, delivering a slice of Paris right to your table. Inspired by the quintessential Parisian brasseries, Côte is celebrated for its commitment to authentic French classics, which are "freshly cooked to order" using the highest quality ingredients. Patrons rave about the "excellent service" and the "lovely atmosphere," with special mentions of the Mushroom Bourguignon that's "absolutely amazing" and the welcoming staff that make every visit memorable. Whether it’s a casual brunch or a special dinner, Côte promises an authentic Bistro experience that is consistently "delicious and great value for money." Highly recommended for anyone looking for a taste of France in the heart of London!

A photo of Petrus — Gordon Ramsay restaurant

7. Petrus — Gordon Ramsay

4.7

Exceptional(2563)

Price: Moderate

• French • Knightsbridge

Booked 21 times today

Welcome to our Michelin starred restaurant, Pétrus. Join us for an exceptional fine dining experience in the heart of London's Belgravia. We look forward to welcoming you.

8. Clos Maggiore

4.6

Exceptional(15137)

Price: Expensive

• French • Covent Garden

Booked 67 times today

Clos Maggiore in Covent Garden, London, is a celebrated haven of Mediterranean cuisine, consistently enchanting diners with its Provencal and Tuscan influences, creating a "marvellous moment" of dining pleasure. Esteemed for its "exceptional food & service," the restaurant boasts a cozy yet elegant ambiance, particularly in its conservatory with a retractable glass roof, perfect for any occasion. With a wine selection that has earned the “Best of Award of Excellence” by Wine Spectator since 2003, every meal is paired exquisitely. Guests rave about experiences that are "always amazing," highlighting dishes like the "out of this world" steak tartare. Clos Maggiore remains a top choice for those seeking authentic, high-quality Mediterranean fare in a stunning setting.

9. La Palombe

4.9

Exceptional(84)

Price: Expensive

• French • Kensington

Booked 4 times today

At La Palombe in Kensington, London, French cuisine is celebrated with a unique twist, highlighting the flavors of the Pyrenees and French Basque Country. Guests rave about the authenticity and quality, describing it as a place where "the duck and cod were excellent" and the "confit duck starter was truly amazing." The restaurant's wood-burning grill and rotisserie, prominently featured, add a rustic yet refined touch to their dishes, which are crafted from wild and foraged foods. The commitment to natural and biodynamic wines complements their menu perfectly, enhancing the dining experience. As one reviewer put it, La Palombe is "a gem" where native Basque guests feel right at home, making it a must-visit for those seeking a genuine French culinary adventure in the heart of London.

A photo of CORE by Clare Smyth restaurant

10. CORE by Clare Smyth

4.9

Exceptional(3468)

Price: Very Expensive

• French • Notting Hill

Booked 13 times today

CORE by Clare Smyth in Notting Hill, London, stands as a beacon of Contemporary European cuisine, infused with a distinctive British flair. Since its opening in 2017, the restaurant has captivated diners with its "sublime" and "meticulously put together" dishes, as one patron noted, emphasizing the harmonious blend of flavors. The dedication to excellence is palpable, with guests praising the "exceptional food and service" and an ambiance that marries elegance with comfort. Reviews consistently highlight the "thoughtful food" and the skilled staff that makes each dining experience memorable. CORE by Clare Smyth is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of contemporary culinary artistry, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking the pinnacle of fine dining in London.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

E
Erik
Dublin •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Absolutely incredible dining experience. It is our favourite restaurant in London now. Elio and the rest of the team provide an unparalleled exceptional level of service that is both extremely professional and personal. Cannot recommend this highly enough!
More info
Claude Bosi at BibendumPrice: Very Expensive• French• South Kensington
•
4.7
S
Sharon
Essex •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
We unfortunately arrived an hour late for our booking but the staff were so understanding and sympathetic and still let us a have a table The service and food were both excellent We will definitely be back
More info
Côte Brasserie - Sloane SquarePrice: Moderate• French• Chelsea
•
4.3
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York City •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
In a word, spectacular. What a wonderful find last evening. Little, cozy, neighborhood gem with a warm welcoming staff. A perfectly made martini and fantastic menu. Not like everything else. The duck was perfect, the ink tortelloni in a lobster emulsion were both divine. I’ll be back.
More info
MargauxPrice: Expensive• Contemporary European• South Kensington
•
4.7
B
bronaghvip
London •9 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
We had the Discovery menu which was absolutely amazing. Every course was a joy and bursting full of flavour, texture and contrast. The service was extremely professional- not too stuffy but everyone was knowledgeable and clearly wanting to make sure it was a fantastic experience
More info
Petrus — Gordon RamsayPrice: Moderate• French• Knightsbridge
•
4.7
M
Michaelvip
Los Angeles •9 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
The best food in London by far. As good as their sister restaurant in Paris. Be sure to sit at the counter.
More info
PavyllonPrice: Very Expensive• French• Mayfair
•
4.7

Explore OpenTable

South Kensington

French

Best French Restaurants in South Kensington

Price

Regions

Neighborhoods

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Award-winning

Accessibility

152 restaurants available nearby

1. Margaux

2. Balthazar London

3. Pavyllon

4. Claude Bosi at Bibendum

5. Côte Brasserie - Kensington

6. Côte Brasserie - Sloane Square

7. Petrus — Gordon Ramsay

8. Clos Maggiore

9. La Palombe

10. CORE by Clare Smyth

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable