Best Contemporary French Restaurants in Leicester Square

29 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Palm Court Brasserie restaurant

1. Palm Court Brasserie

4.6

Exceptional(15182)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary french • Covent Garden

Booked 74 times today

Palm Court is the quintessential Parisian-style brasserie in the heart of Covent Garden. The restaurant has been lovingly crafted to recreate a classical 1920’s art nouveau-style venue echoing elegant dining rooms in Paris’s most affluent arrondissements.The restaurant offers a menu of French classics centred on seasonal meat, fish, seafood and vegetable dishes with quality and flavour at the forefront of our work. Whether you are dining for lunch with colleagues, dinner with a special someone, for Afternoon Tea with family or simply stopping by for a glass of wine, Palm Court Brasserie resonates the ideal environment to help you relax and unwind. Our wine list boasts an enviable list of labels spanning the vineyards of France, Italy and the New World.

A photo of The Restaurant at St Martins Lane London restaurant

2. The Restaurant at St Martins Lane London

4.2

Awesome(272)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary french • Covent Garden

Booked 4 times today

Nestled in the vibrant Covent Garden, London, The Restaurant at St Martins Lane offers a sublime escape into the world of Contemporary French cuisine. Celebrated for its chic ambiance and impeccably crafted French-inspired dishes, this dining spot has garnered glowing testimonials from diners. Patrons rave about the "visual and palatable experience" with standout dishes like the smoked octopus. The menu is an artful blend of tradition and innovation, with guests often remarking on the "fabulous food" and "exceptional service." As one pleased guest noted, the dining experience here is not just a meal, but a "highlight of our London trip," making it a must-visit for anyone seeking to indulge in authentic and high-quality French cuisine in the heart of the city.

3. Gallery

4.7

Exceptional(7999)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary french • Covent Garden

Booked 50 times today

At the heart of Covent Garden, London, the Savoy Lounge (formerly Thames Foyer) serves as a beacon of British cuisine, offering a sumptuous array of traditional recipes with a contemporary twist. Renowned for its legendary afternoon tea, the Savoy Lounge excels in both service and presentation, capturing the essence of British dining with "outstanding service" and "delicious" fare. Guests frequently praise the "beautiful setting" and the "excellent attention to detail," making each visit memorable. Whether it's the classic afternoon tea or a vibrant lunch, the Savoy Lounge is a perfect embodiment of British culinary excellence, making it a must-visit for those seeking an authentic and luxurious dining experience in London.

4. Balthazar London

4.3

Awesome(5251)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary french • Covent Garden

Booked 210 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.

A photo of Boulevard Brasserie restaurant

5. Boulevard Brasserie

4.5

Awesome(11845)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary french • Covent Garden

Booked 55 times today

Boulevard Brasserie is one of Covent Garden’s most iconic restaurants fixtures. Serving heart-warming French classics since 1991, this grande dame of brasseries is the perfect place to soak up Covent Garden's unique cultural heritage. Set over three intimate floors with views of the Royal Opera House and décor reminiscent of 1920’s art nouveau Europe, Boulevard Brasserie echoes a true sense of Parisian style in London’s own Theatreland. The restaurant and café offers a selection of carefully curated menus founded on seasonality, freshness and flavour. Guests can choose from our popular Lunch and Pre-Theatre Menu, Light Lunches, Dinner Menu all serving Parisian classics such as French Onion Soup, Moules Marinière & frites, Croque Monsieur, Coq au vin, Crème Brûlée and our much-loved Traditional Afternoon Tea Menu.

6. The NoMad London

4.4

Awesome(1718)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary french • Covent Garden

Booked 74 times today

Set in the vibrant heart of Covent Garden, The NoMad London offers an authentic British dining experience that is both eclectic and exquisite. The restaurant, praised for its Edwardian greenhouse ambiance, provides a menu that celebrates the richness of British cuisine with locally sourced ingredients from farm, field, and coast. Guests rave about the "amazing food" and "excellent service," highlighting the restaurant's ability to deliver both comfort and decadence. With glowing reviews like "the best food and service I have ever received at a restaurant" and an atmosphere described as perfect for a "lovely night," The NoMad London stands out as a top destination for those seeking a truly British culinary experience in an unforgettable setting.

A photo of CORE by Clare Smyth restaurant

7. CORE by Clare Smyth

4.9

Exceptional(3468)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary french • Notting Hill

Booked 23 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.

8. Mister Nice

4.1

Excellent(16)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary french • Mayfair

Mister Nice in Mayfair, London, is a gem for those seeking authentic Contemporary French cuisine with a gourmet twist. The restaurant's Parisian-inspired dishes, crafted with seasonal ingredients, ensure a fresh and delightful dining experience. Guests rave about the "perfectly creamy mashed potato" and the "truly indulgent rigatoni caviar," highlighting the meticulous preparation and exceptional flavors. The ambiance, described as "cozy yet stylish," complements the culinary delights, making every meal memorable. One reviewer summed up the consensus, stating, "One of the best food places I've been in London so far." Mister Nice stands out not only for its food but also for its "impeccable service" and vibrant atmosphere, making it a must-visit for lovers of refined French cuisine.

9. The Wolseley City

4.6

Exceptional(78)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary french • London Bridge

Booked 17 times today

The Wolseley City, nestled near London Bridge, epitomizes the grandeur of Europe’s café culture with its all-day dining and exquisite European cuisine. Patrons rave about the "exceptional breakfast" and the "sumptuous Sunday roast," highlighting the authentic tastes and meticulous presentation that make each meal memorable. The restaurant’s monochrome design and landmark architecture provide a backdrop that enhances its vibrant yet refined atmosphere. Guests often mention the "impeccable service" and the ambiance that recalls the luxurious 1920s, complete with "live jazz music" that adds an extraordinary touch to the dining experience. The Wolseley City is a beacon of European culinary excellence in the heart of London.

10. Pied à Terre

4.8

Exceptional(400)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary french • Fitzrovia

Booked 10 times today

Pied à Terre in Fitzrovia, London, stands as a beacon of Mediterranean excellence, consistently delighting diners with its authentic and innovative cuisine. Established in 1991 and flaunting a Michelin star, this restaurant offers a Mediterranean journey through its meticulously crafted dishes. Diners rave about its "exquisite" food and "first-class" service, emphasizing the culinary artistry that reflects true Mediterranean flavors. The chef's passion for hyper-seasonal ingredients shines in every dish, making each meal a celebration of the region's rich culinary traditions. Guests particularly love the "Ionian Sea" starter and the chef’s signature "grilled French quail," praising the depth of flavor that feels both traditional and inventive. Pied à Terre isn't just a meal; it's a sumptuous Mediterranean escapade right in the heart of 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

C
Claire
London •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Excellent vegan festive afternoon tea... Same selection as others which I love! Everything was amazing and loved the constant topping up of tea.
More info
GalleryPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary British• Covent Garden
•
4.7
S
Susan
London •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
A special Christmas get together with friends of over 50 years. We do not get together very often. Food and service were great and it was wonderful not to be rushed. All excellent, thank you.
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Palm Court BrasseriePrice: Moderate• Contemporary French• Covent Garden
•
4.6
F
flyforfun
London •32 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Arrived to see disappointed people being turned away. Glad I booked! Welcomed warmly, with an almost apologetic reminder that the table was due back after 90 mins - which was fine as we had tickets the matinee at the Opera house a few mins away. Nice Sunday brunch available but went for the regular items for something to get through a fabulous 4 hour Opera. French onion soup hit the spot (although it was too good and I slightly burnt my mouth on the delicious melty cheese!!) Roast chicken chasseur was a comfort classic to add to the soup. Only time for a coffee before dashing to the performance. There is a buzz to the place that was surprising for a Sunday (well for me at least as I don't hit the west end at this time on a Sunday normally!) and the staff were warm and professional that was the cherry on top of this great meal out!
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Balthazar LondonPrice: Expensive• French• Covent Garden
•
4.3
A
Anna
London •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Arrived at 5.45pm for a pre-theatre dinner. We had asked to be in a warm spot, which had been noted and was achieved. We went for the 2 course pre-theatre menu to ensure there was no rush. The food was delicious, nice choice of wines, servers were charming and efficient, and ambience very pleasant. (Minor gripe that the music was a little too loud for our taste.) We would have had time for dessert, but were trying to be good!
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The Restaurant at St Martins Lane LondonPrice: Expensive• Contemporary French• Covent Garden
•
4.2
K
Kate
London •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Had an excellent afternoon for my friend’s birthday!! We were made very welcome and the service was perfect !! Had a great time - the food was fabulous! The restaurant has a great atmosphere too - very relaxed! Thank you 🙏🏻
More info
Boulevard BrasseriePrice: Moderate• Contemporary French• Covent Garden
•
4.5

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Leicester Square

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Best Contemporary French Restaurants in Leicester Square

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29 restaurants available nearby

1. Palm Court Brasserie

2. The Restaurant at St Martins Lane London

3. Gallery

4. Balthazar London

5. Boulevard Brasserie

6. The NoMad London

7. CORE by Clare Smyth

8. Mister Nice

9. The Wolseley City

10. Pied à Terre

See what locals rave about

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