The Best French Bistros & Brasseries in London

Best understood as a specifically Lyonnaise version of a bistro, a bouchon is typically a relaxed neighbourhood operation that focuses on the cuisine of Lyon and the surrounding area. This one, located merely a few steps from Farringdon station, has experienced chef Henry Harris at the helm, who certainly knows his way around a French classic. This is the kind of place where you can enjoy escargots followed by rabbit with mustard sauce, then crème caramel to finish. The cooking, like the restaurant itself, is comforting, familiar and hugely enjoyable.

Another bouchon with a personal touch, this one is something of a passion project for decorated chef Claude Bosi, who was born in Lyon himself and has named the restaurant after his late grandmother. There’s a traditionally French feel to the place and the hearty, boldly flavoured cooking is a brilliant fit for the surroundings. The ‘Menu de Canut’ offers great value for money, featuring dishes such as boudin noir and andouillette, a Gallic classic that’s known for dividing opinion.

You could be forgiven for thinking you really are in Paris when you enter this immaculately kept brasserie which retains a true neighbourhood feel and spirit. The kitchen sticks to the brief, producing consistently well-prepared and flavour-packed French dishes. Oysters are something of a feature and are always a good way to start things off; if you’re in the mood for sharing, go for the chateaubriand. The kitchen team even offer their version of a Sunday roast, albeit with a French twist – dauphinoise instead of roasties, anyone?

There was a real cause for celebration in Crouch End when highly experienced chefs Robert Reid and Jean-Christophe Slowik opened this authentic French bistro, which was later awarded a Bib Gourmand for its great value cooking. Run with Gallic flair and confidence, it is the home of everything the Francophone food-lover could wish for, from ‘soupe à l’oignon’ to ‘baba au rhum’. It’s guaranteed to put a smile on anyone’s face, even on the dullest of days. If you’re celebrating, the ‘Le Petit Coin’ private dining room is ideal.

Serious oenophiles may recognise the name, as this bistro is run by the same people who produce the award-winning wine magazine. This location on Lamb’s Conduit Street is the original and sister to newer branches in Soho and Mayfair. Stephen Harris from The Sportsman near Whitstable has a hand in the menu, which is classic French to its core. As you can imagine, wine plays a large role here too, with some advice from the team making sure that what’s on the plate complements what’s in the glass.

Here is yet another well-established neighbourhood bistro, this time in the north London district of Wanstead. The packed menu offers something for every palate and purse, be it steaks from the grill, ‘casse-croûte’ light bites or dishes that lean more towards the bourgeois style of French cooking, like the fabulously rich confit de canard. The prix fixe menu – available all day during the week and for lunch on weekends – represents unbelievable value for money, if you needed another reason to visit.

‘Soif’ means ‘thirst’ in French, so it’s no surprise that wine plays a big role in proceedings at this simple, rustic-looking bistro located not far from Clapham Common. It’s actually an eatery and wine shop combined, meaning you can start your visit with a charcuterie board and end it by purchasing a couple of bottles to take home with you. Rotisserie chicken is a signature here, as evidenced by their ‘Wine & Chicken Mondays’. As is to be expected , the wine list is full of interesting choices, most of which are French.