Top Best French Restaurants in Downham

"Restaurants Contemporary European Mayfair. Like the rest of this luxe Mayfair extravaganza, Sketch’s velvet-clad dandy-esque Gallery is a lesson in more-is-more eclecticism, complete with semi-permanent exhibitions from high-profile artists like David Shrigley. Afternoon tea in this decadent pink boudoir is one of the quirkiest in town."

"Giving new meaning to the term 'theatrical dining', Sketch is taking guests on a culinary experience from start to finish. Take a seat in one of the West End restaurant's Wes Anderson-esque rooms and tuck into a luxurious breakfast, afternoon tea or three Michelin-starred meal."

"A real sought-after restaurant in Mayfair, Sketch initially grabs attention with its unique decor. Then the grub takes over. Is it an art gallery?"

"What: Still the cock of the walk after all these years, Coq D’Argent’s three-pronged restaurant, bar and roof terrace space remains one of the most popular dining destinations for City workers. To drink in the views (while drinking a glass of champers), head to the grass-covered terrace, which comes complete with neatly trimmed hedges and its own fashion boutique-style soundtrack. To really get a feel for the atmosphere, we’d recommend swinging by at night, when the capital’s skyscrapers twinkle before your eyes."

"A haunt of City types (located, as it is, just around the corner from the Bank of England, at the amusingly named ‘No. 1 Poultry’), the grass-lined roof of this restaurant and bar is the perfect place to sip drinks whilst watching the wheels of British financial institutions being oiled. A menu of classic French dishes compliments the English garden party atmosphere. 1 Poultry, London , United Kingdom"

"A long-standing favourite of the SquareMeal team, Coq d'Argent is charmingly luxurious with its fine French menu and traditional, old-school service. A roof terrace adds allure on summer evenings – a perfect spot for pre-dinner drinks."

"Set within the former 19th century Central Foundation School for Girls, the Galvin Brothers really went for the wow factor with their Spitalfields restaurant. Cleverly built within the framework of the old building (but not touching it) this fine French restaurant is this year celebrating its 20th birthday. Chef Patron Jeff Galvin and Head Chef Alex Piombino give what they call a "light modern gloss" to traditional French cuisine."

"If you are looking for a family lunch in a French Michelin Star restaurant, Galvin La Chapelle is a great choice where you won’t have to break the bank. Kids have a lovely set menu for around £12.5 and adults can choose the 3-course Sunday lunch menu for £38. The room is very nice and large with a feeling of grandeur and luxury."

"The first of two award-winning French restaurants from the brothers Galvin. Under the high ceilings of St Botolph’s Hall, the seven-course Menu Gourmand will satisfy your appetite for £85."

"Authentic Breton-based cooking and a friendly, relaxed setting is what diners can expect at this compact neighbourhood restaurant in Richmond. Precise cooking rather than an innovative menu is what keeps this all-day bistro buzzing, so while you might find the idea of de volaille à la Normande (chicken breast with calvados cream sauce) or galettes a little predictable, you’ll be astounded by the quality once you taste them."

"23/05/2021: The staff here are extremely friendly and hospitable, and the food is to die for!. We highly recommend the lamb and the duck, as well as the escargot and french onion soup. We’ll definitely be back."

"Featuring rustic stone walls and an abundance of candles, this brasserie delivers a slice of rural France to the streets off Sloane Square. Escargot, steak frites and rabbit in mustard sauce are among the classics served, while the beef bourguignon is the best dish on the menu. Enjoying its well-priced, all-French wine list among the cosy, close surroundings is a treat on a rainy day, while the staff greeting you with "Bonjour, ça va?" is a heartwarming thrill."

"Restaurants French Belgravia. A classic French restaurant in Belgravia, La Poule au Pot has oodles of charm and a very summery white-tableclothed outdoor dining area that’s open during the warmer months. The food is gloriously old-school: think pan-fried scallops and foie gras terrine to start; tender, slow-braised beef bourguignon to follow."

"Offering al fresco dining options in the summer and cosy indoor seating in the winter, La Poule au Pot is a great all-year-round destination to sample fine, French cuisine in a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. The 1960s decor, aroma of freshly baked bread and the soft lighting welcome guests into this Belgravia establishment. The food is indulgent, hearty French cooking, perfect for a treat or celebratory meal."

"In response to the second lockdown Le Comptoir Robuchon began delivering its signature high-end food for lucky Londoners. The restaurant endorses the legacy of chef Joël Robuchon – who held the accolade of the most Michelin starred chef in the world at one point. Menu highlights include ‘Le Thon’, a smoked tuna tart with avocado guacamole and citrus dressing, ‘Le Poireau’, a smoked leek dish with mimosa eggs and Shitake mushroom and ‘Le Burger’, which combines beef with foie gras and peppers."

"In a nutshell: Paris burger chain returns to London Where is it?. 39 Thurloe Place, South Kensington, SW7 2HP Why should you care?. After an initial attempt at cracking the London market in 2015, French burger chain Big Fernand is back, attempting to woo Francophiles in South Kensington and hoping to replicate their successful business in France and also the UAE."

"A stylish restaurant with a distinctly modern approach to French cooking. L’Atelier exudes charm and elegance, which explains why it’s the only Michelin star restaurant in Covent Garden. Tackle the eight-course tasting menu if you’ve got the time (and funds)."

"Otto’s may only have been open for seven years, but it feels like it’s been an integral part of London’s restaurant scene forever. And at a time when restaurants were all about sharing plates and open kitchens, this Grays Inn Road restaurant was properly old school from day one - reintroducing Londoners to the joy of Gueridon service with dishes like the steak tartare prepared tableside. But really there’s only one dish to order at Otto’s - the Canard Presse which is one duck for two guests over three courses of sheer theatricality."

"Dinner and a show is a classic way to impress a date – but at Otto’s, dinner is the show. The Holborn restaurant is something of a hidden gem favoured by food critics, and its famous dish of canard à la presse – or pressed duck – is a theatrical performance like few others in the capital’s restaurants. The bird is prepared tableside, often by the charmingly eccentric Otto himself, using a silver press to extract the blood (possibly not one for the squeamish)."

"Otto’s is somewhat of an institution when it comes to the best French restaurants in London. They do classic French cuisine which is old-school, traditional and deliciously hearty. Dine here if you’re after lobster bisque, foie gras terrine, French rabbit and veal sweetbreads."

"Just a stone's throw away from Spitalfield’s, you’ll stumble across this quirky covered market on Brick Lane. Follow your sense of smell and work your way through the hipster hoodies and independent jewellers to a foodie’s heaven in the heart of Shoreditch. Food options from all over the world are crammed into the Old Truman Brewery every Sunday, from Indian street food to Middle Eastern falafels and Tibetan dumplings, whatever you fancy, you’re bound to find it here."

"Although famous for its jewellery, crafts and antique stalls, this 200-year-old covered market at the heart of Greenwich’s UNESCO World Heritage Site also does a good line in street food – on any given day you’ll find more than 40 pitches selling everything from artisan sarnies to Ethiopian veggie food. Da Fish Ting is renowned for its epic soft-shell crab burgers, Chuckling Wings specialises in crispy chicken coated in shards of ramen, while Brazilian Churros speaks for itself."

"If you want a little bit of everything from antiques to amazing food stalls, then definitely check out the eclectic Greenwich Market. The street food market is tucked to the side of the main market – a melange of tempting smells and colourful foods. Foodies shouldn’t miss Victus & Bibo (weekends only)."

"Greenwich Markethas been in existence since the 18th century and is one of London’s best covered markets. The market sells food, clothing, flowers, antiques, crafts, souvenirs, art, and more. There are also a number of pubs and restaurants nearby. A great area to grab a snack or meal."

"Additionally, the Amba just might be the best place to stay in London for walking as numerous attractions – including the National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, 10 Downing Street, and Covent Garden – lie just steps away. Check rates:Booking.com | Hotels.com | Expedia Read reviews:on TripAdvisor"

"Located in the Temple area of Central London lie the peaceful Inner Temple Gardens, within the precincts of Inner Temple, one of the four Inns of the Court in London. A place of tranquillity in the hustle and bustle, you will find a 3-acre garden with wide lawns, rare trees and herbaceous borders."

"Located in the heart of Chelsea, The Phene is a charming gastropub that has got a slick choice come lunchtime. From light lunches that let you combine proteins and salads through to open sandwiches, lunch here is a healthy and tasty affair."

"Housed in the old Hampstead Central Library on Finchley Road, Camden Arts Centre began life as a local initiative, providing art classes for the community. Now, it is a powerhouse of contemporary art showing ambitious exhibitions by well-known British and international artists such as Kara Walker, Rose English, Ben Rivers and Jennifer Tee. The bookshop stocks a range of artist’s editions, and the garden is the perfect spot for a sunny afternoon."

"In 1965 a former library was converted into a gallery to promote contemporary art. The exhibitions feature emerging artists, international artists debuting in London, significant historic figures who have inspired contemporary practice, and group shows relevant to current debate. Arkwright Road, NW3 6DG Free entrycamdenartscentre.org"

"Another great one for name-dropping, but also for keeping your finger on the pulse. Tate Modern showcases work from 1900 onwards, which means modernist pioneers mix with work that’s happening right now. The addition of the Herzog de Meuron-designed building has made it both bigger and better, but the grand old Turbine Hall still has the power to strike awe into visitors, particularly when hosting one of its signature epic installations."

"Over on the South Bank, Tate Modern is not only one of the best museums in London, but also one of the most visited museums in the world. Tate Modern focuses on international modern and contemporary art. It also houses the national collection of British art from 1900 to the present day."

"Giles Gilbert Scott (1963), Herzog & de Meuron (2000, 2016)📕 Page 199. Before the National Theatre was erected, the south bank was a polluted and horrible place. Factories pestered an already problematic area, historically known for its prisons and brothels."

"18.2_Installation view of Lee Bul, Willing To Be Vulnerable – Metalized Balloon, 2015-2016 at Hayward Gallery_Lee Bul 2018_Photo by Linda Nylind. The Hayward Gallery is located in the Southbank Centre in central London and belongs to the group of arts venues on the South Bank of the River Thames. The building is another example of brutalist architecture."

"Housed within the brutalist Southbank Centre, the Hayward Gallery is one of London's leading contemporary art galleries. Be captivated by boundary-pushing and thought-provoking shows from some of the world's most adventurous artists, as part of the year-long programme of exhibitions."

"Hayward Gallery is a world-renowned contemporary art gallery and a landmark of Brutalist architecture. Since its inaugural exhibition in 1968, the gallery has presented the work of many of the world’s most influential and inventive artists."