Best Contemporary French Restaurants in Castelnau

30 restaurants available nearby

A photo of CORE by Clare Smyth restaurant

1. CORE by Clare Smyth

4.9

Exceptional(3468)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary french • Notting Hill

Booked 30 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.

2. La Palombe

4.9

Exceptional(84)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary french • Kensington

Booked 10 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.

3. Mister Nice

3.9

Excellent(16)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary french • Mayfair

Booked 2 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.

4. Margaux

4.7

Exceptional(959)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary french • South Kensington

Booked 10 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.

5. Orrery

4.6

Exceptional(3940)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary french • Marylebone

Booked 18 times today

Nestled in the heart of Marylebone, London, **Orrery** stands out as a beacon of contemporary French cuisine. The restaurant's elegance is matched by its culinary excellence, driven by Chef Patron Igor Tymchyshyn, known for his Michelin-starred expertise. Guests rave about Orrery's ability to consistently deliver "fabulous food" in a "fabulous setting" with "fabulous service." The refined dishes, beautifully presented, capture the essence and innovation of French cooking, making each dining experience memorable. Diners specifically highlight the "delicious and beautifully presented" food alongside the "exceptional" service, making Orrery a must-visit for those seeking an authentic contemporary French culinary journey.

6. Casa Cruz

4.6

Exceptional(148)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary french • Notting Hill

Booked 2 times today

Welcome to Casa Cruz, a refined and intimate neighbourhood restaurant nestled in the leafy streets of London’s Notting Hill. Spread across two beautifully designed floors and featuring a charming roof terrace, Casa Cruz offers a home-away-from-home experience, combining elegant dining with a warm, inviting atmosphere.As we approach our 10th anniversary in 2025, we are delighted to announce a special collaboration with Paris’ acclaimed restaurant Jaïs, led by Chef Jaïs Mimoun. From October 18th to December 20th, Casa Cruz will transform into a Parisian-inspired brasserie, offering a limited-time menu of modern French cuisine enriched with international influences. Chef Jaïs brings his signature style of refined yet approachable dishes, complemented by a curated selection of French wines.Join us for this exclusive dining experience and discover the perfect blend of Parisian elegance and Casa Cruz’s familiar charm.

7. Cornus

4.8

Exceptional(79)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary french • Victoria

Booked 18 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 Restaurant at St Martins Lane London restaurant

8. The Restaurant at St Martins Lane London

4.2

Awesome(271)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary french • Covent Garden

Booked 6 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.

9. Pied à Terre

4.8

Exceptional(399)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary french • Fitzrovia

Booked 9 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.

A photo of Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal restaurant

10. Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal

4.8

Exceptional(23)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary french • Soho

Booked 1 time today

Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal, a gem in Soho, London, offers an unparalleled dining experience with its 2 Michelin Star Contemporary European cuisine. The restaurant is celebrated for its modern approach to European dishes, heavily influenced by French classics. Diners are treated to meticulously crafted tasting menus that highlight the finest ingredients sourced both locally and internationally. Reviews consistently praise the restaurant for its “outstanding food with subtle flavours and impeccable presentation,” and the service is noted as “attentive, friendly, and unobtrusive.” Each dish is described as a work of art, making Alex Dilling's venue a must-visit for an "unforgettable experience" in contemporary dining.

‘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

OT
OpenTable Diner
New York City •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 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.
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MargauxPrice: Expensive• Contemporary European• South Kensington
•
4.7
E
Emily
Surrey •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
The best dining experience we have ever had, totally worth the wait! Food, service, and ambience 11/10. Fine dining without any pretentiousness. Such a young team doing such an amazing job! A masterclass in hospitality ⭐️⭐️⭐️
More info
CORE by Clare SmythPrice: Very Expensive• British• Notting Hill
•
4.9
M
Mark
London •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 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.
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CornusPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary European• Victoria
•
4.8
E
Estibaliz
London •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
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)
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La PalombePrice: Expensive• French• Kensington
•
4.9
N
Nigel
London •1 review
5.0
Dined on 26 Oct 2024
the food served here is outstanding in such an intimate space, we have been going for the 10 years that they have and have always had superb food and service
More info
Sinabro RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Bistro• Clapham
•
4.9

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Contemporary french

Best Contemporary French Restaurants in Castelnau

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30 restaurants available nearby

1. CORE by Clare Smyth

2. La Palombe

3. Mister Nice

4. Margaux

5. Orrery

6. Casa Cruz

7. Cornus

8. The Restaurant at St Martins Lane London

9. Pied à Terre

10. Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal

See what locals rave about

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