The best French restaurants in Covent Garden

Honouring the legacy of Georges Auguste Escoffier, an influential chef who laid the foundations of modern French cooking, Restaurant 1890 by Gordon Ramsay combines unparalleled service for up to 26 guests at a time with culinary creativity. Inspired by dishes Escoffier himself created while at the hotel that houses the restaurant, the tasting menu incorporates top-notch ingredients from all over the world. The carefully compiled wine list features an extensive array of vintages, as well as Coravin wine by the glass.

Situated in the heart of Covent Garden, Balthazar is an all-day brasserie serving a wide array of French specialties. You can start off with brunch classics such as eggs Benedict or pancakes, before going on to traditional bistro staples such as escargots, steak tartare, and confit duck leg, and finally rounding off your meal with French patisserie. Alternatively, you can pay a visit to the raw seafood bar, or enjoy fine French wines in the plush bohemian surroundings.

The 10 Cases is a French bistro and wine bar in Covent Garden that opened in 2011, offering a limited but frequently changing selection of wines from around the world. Spread across two areas, the goal is to provide a relaxed and affordable space for wine enthusiasts. The Bistrot a Vin area provides a monthly menu and French small plates to go with the shortlisted wine selection, while the Cave a Vin wine bar and shop next door boasts a larger wine list of over 300 bottles.

Mon Plaisir has been offering authentic French cuisine in Covent Garden since the 1940s. The menu includes classic starters like onion soup and escargots, followed by mains featuring seafood and meat dishes such as duck confit, coq au vin, baked sea bass fillet, and other options. Various vegetable sides are also available to accompany your meal, and a concise wine list is offered to complete the bistro experience.

This renowned French restaurant is recognised for its enchanting atmosphere, attentive service, and striking green exterior. Its classic setting makes it an ideal spot for a romantic evening, where you can enjoy authentic dishes from various French regions. The menu offers both pre- and post-theatre options, in addition to the main menu, and features classic French cuisine such as escargots and moules frites. 

Tom Sellers, the renowned two-Michelin-starred chef behind the acclaimed Restaurant Story, expanded his vision with the launch of Story Cellar. Boasting a view of Neal's Yard, Story Cellar offers counter seating and specialises in Parisian-style rotisserie chicken, complemented by daily specials, charcuterie, and small plates. Wine enthusiasts can take advantage of the sophisticated wine list and the Coravin system, as well as the walk-in cellar, where they can store their personal wine collections.

Champagne + Fromage, a bistro, bar, and shop that offers rustic French cuisine and high-quality champagne, has multiple locations in London, including this warm and inviting venue in Covent Garden. Featuring indoor and outdoor seating, Champagne + Fromage showcases top-notch artisanal ingredients. Champagne enthusiasts can explore an extensive selection of champagnes, including vintage bottles. In addition, diners can enjoy authentic French dishes like raclette, baked cheese, and tartines.

For a breathtakingly romantic dining experience, there are few places more enchanting than Clos Maggiore in Covent Garden. Its intimate setting, featuring a roaring log fireplace and delicate cherry blossoms, is a feast for the senses. The restaurant's charming conservatory is widely regarded as the most romantic dining spot in London. The menu, which changes seasonally, complements the romantic ambiance with contemporary French-inspired cuisine, including a delectable selection of oysters and other dishes that are sure to speak the language of love.

Chez Antoinette offers a tranquil oasis for French dining. This classic bistro boasts a vibrant atmosphere and serves up modern takes on traditional French cuisine. The menu features savoury breakfast options and a variety of light dishes, such as tartines and salads, alongside heartier main courses. Guests can enjoy selected wines from different regions of France, including wines available by the glass.

Savoy Grill is an iconic West End restaurant with an interior inspired by Art Deco, and a menu blending traditional British and French cuisine with modern twists. It has a rich history dating back to 1889 and has been frequented by famous people like Winston Churchill, James Dean, and Marilyn Monroe. Today, the restaurant is run by Gordon Ramsay and remains a popular spot for those looking for an unforgettable dining experience. Recently refurbished, one of its new additions is a golden wine cellar where a sommelier can craft your perfect wine list.

Located in the heart of Covent Garden, Louie is an elegant townhouse restaurant that offers a refined dining experience with a fusion of New York, New Orleans, and Parisian cuisine. The restaurant serves highlights from each city's culinary traditions in a glitzy setting that has attracted a celebrity following, including Zendaya and Timothée Chalamet. Louie also features regular live jazz music in both the restaurant and bar areas, as well as a terrace for outdoor dining and relaxation.

Lady of the Grapes is a cosy French restaurant and wine bar that specialises in organic and natural wines. The warm and friendly atmosphere is complemented by a focus on supporting female wine producers. The bar offers a carefully curated selection of around 25 wines by the glass or carafe and over 200 by the bottle. The wine shop wall adds a touch of charm and inspiration to the ambiance. To complement the wines, the restaurant serves a seasonally inspired menu.

Compagnies de Vins Surnaturels in the vibrant Neal's Yard boasts over 400 bottles to choose from. The extensive wine list focuses on French bottles and champagne, and guests can enjoy them in a comfortable and modern setting. Wines are also available by the glass, allowing for the opportunity to sample a variety of vintages. Cheese and charcuterie are available as snacks to complement your wine, with a selection of heftier dishes offered as well.

Boulevard Brasserie has been a bastion of French gastronomy in London's West End since 1991, serving up sophisticated French classics. The restaurant's menu is centred around high-quality, seasonal ingredients and offers guests a taste of quintessential French cuisine. Spread over three floors, the chic restaurant's decor is inspired by 1960s Paris Theatreland, providing the ideal setting for any occasion, be it lunch, dinner, or afternoon tea.

Le Beaujolais is a French wine bar and restaurant that has a rich history and has been under French ownership since World War II. The ground floor of the establishment features London's oldest French wine bar, offering an authentic and rustic experience of French culture. The space is adorned with ties and tankards hanging from the ceiling, adding to the ambiance. The wine list celebrates the unique spirit of every French wine region, and the bar offers assorted small plates and mains to complement the drinks.