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Best Contemporary French Restaurants in South Kensington

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30 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Margaux restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(959)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary french • South Kensington
Booked 11 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.
A photo of Gallery restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(8005)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary french • Covent Garden
Booked 35 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.
A photo of CORE by Clare Smyth restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(3470)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary french • Notting Hill
Booked 21 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.
A photo of Balthazar London restaurant
4.3
Awesome(5251)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary french • Covent Garden
Booked 241 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 Palm Court Brasserie restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(15186)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary french • Covent Garden
Booked 60 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 Boulevard Brasserie restaurant
4.4
Awesome(11848)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary french • Covent Garden
Booked 51 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.
A photo of Mister Nice restaurant
4.1
Excellent(16)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary french • Mayfair
Booked 3 times today
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.
A photo of La Palombe restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(84)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary french • Kensington
Booked 3 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 Cornus restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(82)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary french • Victoria
Booked 15 times today
Cornus in Victoria, London, is a beacon of Contemporary French cuisine, led by the talented Chef Gary Foulkes, previously of the Michelin-starred Angler. This rooftop gem in Belgravia delivers a menu that is both inventive and rooted in classic French techniques, described by diners as "elegant and stylish" with "top-notch food." Patrons rave about the quality and presentation of dishes, emphasizing that the ingredients are cooked "with the respect they deserve," leading to an "exceptional" dining experience. With glowing reviews like "exceptional in every way" and predictions of a forthcoming Michelin star, Cornus stands out for its commitment to excellence in both cuisine and service, making it a must-visit for aficionados of refined French dining in London.
A photo of The NoMad London restaurant
4.3
Awesome(1719)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary french • Covent Garden
Booked 83 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.

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From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Justine
    Asheville / Western North Carolina •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Just truly the most exceptional culinary experience. 10/10.
    More info
    CORE by Clare SmythPrice: Very Expensive• British• Notting Hill
    4.9
  • OpenTable Diner
    New York City •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 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
  • Mark
    London •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Another excellent lunch at Cornus. I was tempted by the excellent value set lunch menu at £55 for 3 courses but succumbed to the full 7 course tasting menu at £165, which included of course the usual selection of canapés, delicious sourdough bread and focaccia, and petit fours. Top quality ingredients, highly skilled cooking and beautiful presentation. Highlights included red mullet with a salsa verde; cod with girolles, squid and crispy potatoes; roast pigeon with a chestnut purée. Service was excellent throughout from the whole team, with particular thanks to the incomparable sommelier Melania and joint owner David. The wine list is extensive and keenly priced by London standards but BYO is extremely popular and with corkage at lunch of £20 an absolute bargain. The total bill for this solo diner was £235, including a glass of champagne, corkage and service charge. I think that is tremendous value for money. Overall at least 17/20 and one of the best restaurants in London for classic cooking with lots of technique and top quality ingredients. The only problem is that now I’m torn between long-established sister restaurant Medlar and newcomer Cornus for a neighbourhood lunch. Ah well, life is tough.
    More info
    CornusPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary European• Victoria
    4.8
  • Estibaliz
    London •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 26, 2024
    Oh my goodness what a find! Delicious cuisine in a very smart decor. After our dinner head chef came over to check on us which was a really lovely touch - it turns out he is not just a great cook but charming too (none of this moody chef nonsense)
    More info
    La PalombePrice: Expensive• French• Kensington
    4.9
  • OpenTable Dinervip
    London •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on May 9, 2024
    Amazing restaurant. Excellent food and service Good music
    More info
    Mister NicePrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary French• Mayfair
    4.1

Discover best Contemporary French restaurants in South Kensington

Discover the allure of contemporary French cuisine in the heart of South Kensington, a prime location in South West London known for its vibrant dining scene. This area boasts a selection of restaurants that expertly blend traditional French techniques with modern culinary innovations, offering a sophisticated palette of flavors that cater to discerning diners. The menus typically feature a diverse array of dishes, from expertly seared foie gras to meticulously prepared seafood, paired with an impressive selection of wines and spirits. Each establishment in South Kensington strives to create a memorable dining experience, emphasizing quality, ambiance, and attentive service. Patrons can expect a delightful culinary journey, enhanced by the elegant and intimate settings characteristic of contemporary French dining spots. South Kensington's dining scene is a testament to London's rich gastronomic diversity, making it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts and casual diners alike. Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner spot or a chic place to gather with friends, the contemporary French restaurants in South Kensington promise an unforgettable experience.

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