In the late 20th century, French cuisine dominated the culinary scene and established the standard for fine dining worldwide. From the haute cuisine of Paris to the bistros of Lyon, the influence was and still is hard to ignore and this period marked a time of transition for the country’s food.
The 1980s and 1990s, particularly, witnessed a revolution. It wasn’t just about the velvety sauces or intricately plated dishes; this style of cooking was evolving into something more creative, more experimental and often more playful. This shift was influenced by chefs like Alain Ducasse, Joël Robuchon and Paul Bocuse, who embraced modern cooking techniques while aiming to maintain traditional roots from their homeland. Their influence trickled through to the dining tables of London and beyond, making French food something to be admired, experienced and enjoyed.
Fast forward to today, it remains a cornerstone of the restaurant scene in London, particularly in areas like St John’s Wood, a neighbourhood known for its upmarket feel. From the sophistication of a Michelin-starred restaurant or the simple joy of a classic bistro, the area offers a plethora of restaurants that embody the refined and ever-evolving spirit of French cuisine.
Here’s a look at some of the best spots around St John’s Wood and nearby that continue to celebrate French dining.
Soutine
Soutine brings classic Parisian bistro feel to St John’s Wood, courtesy of The Wolseley Hospitality Group, behind some of London’s most iconic dining spots. Taking over a former Carluccio’s, the space has been transformed into a lavishly styled art nouveau setting, reminiscent of a Left Bank café. Named after expressionist painter Chaïm Soutine, the restaurant offers a warmly sociable atmosphere, particularly in its front room with wraparound windows and curved banquettes.
The menu features polished French bistro staples like escargots, coq au Riesling and oysters, alongside British comfort dishes such as haddock goujons and Black Forest gateau. Drinks include classic cocktails and a broad selection of French wines by the glass. Breakfast leans British, but French pastries and café au lait keep the theme intact, delivering consistently satisfying food, attentive service and a welcoming buzz that makes it a firm choice on the high street and a perfect stop before a match at Lords.
L’aventure
Found within the quiet streets of St John’s Wood, this charming and French-led restaurant feels like a hidden corner of Paris. Opened in 1979 and run by the warm and spirited Catherine Parisot and her authentically welcoming team, L’aventure exudes intimacy and old-school hospitality.
The menu, which is handwritten and updated daily, leans heavily on French bourgeois classics, offering dishes such as veal sirloin and venison alongside appetizers like escargots in puff pastry with a creamy herb sauce and onion tarte tatins. For a special occasion or just to enjoy quality French cooking, the formal dining room offers a more refined dining experience, while the terrace is a great spot when the weather allows.
Oslo Court
Located within a 1930s residential block in St John’s Wood, Oslo Court might seem an unlikely location for a restaurant, but this setting only adds to its charm. Originally designed by architect Robert Atkinson, the building houses 125 one-bedroom flats between Culworth and Charlbert Streets, many with balconies overlooking Regent’s Park. The restaurant space, once a members' club, has evolved over the decades while maintaining its old-school appeal.
Tony Sanchez, originally from Galicia in northern Spain, began his culinary journey training as a chef in Geneva before moving to the UK in 1968. During the 1970s, he built a reputation working in some of London’s most exclusive restaurants and nightclubs. In 1982, alongside his brother Jose, he took over Oslo Court Restaurant, marking the beginning of a family-run venture rooted in tradition, hospitality and timeless French cuisine.
Today, Oslo Court is a beloved institution known for its classic French dining experience and dishes are presented in a nostalgic dining room complete with pink tablecloths and napkins, a setting that feels untouched by time. The menu leans proudly into French tradition, with generous portions, time-honoured recipes and a sense of occasion that’s increasingly rare. From the cooking to the warm and personal service, the restaurant reflects the values and vision Tony and his family have nurtured over decades.
Paulette
Tucked into a charming side street in Little Venice, Paulette is an independently owned French restaurant and wine bar in the heart of North London's Maida Vale, just a short stroll from St John’s Wood. Drawing inspiration from family traditions and the comfort of home cooking, Paulette offers a menu rooted in warmth and authenticity and focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from local producers.
The restaurant serves up classic French dishes, such as escargots, moules marinière, confit duck leg and steak frites, with evident care and generous portions. The desserts, from lemon tart with torch‑brûléed meringue to chocolate soufflé, are equally rich and satisfying. However, a firm highlight is the all‑French wine list, with Coravin access to rare bottles by the glass.
The interior is delightfully eclectic, featuring gingham‑covered tables, floral wallpaper on the ceiling, fringed lampshades and mismatched furnishings, which lends the place a lived‑in, welcoming feel. Despite its modest size of only around a dozen tables, it maintains a convivial buzz and feels intimate rather than cramped. After dining, visitors can explore Paulette’s deli, which offers a selection of French items such as cheese, charcuterie, and other accompaniments that reflect the same attention to quality and tradition found in the restaurant’s menu.
Moss and Maple
Offering an immersive French-Mediterranean experience, Moss and Maple brings together food, nature and creativity in a setting where the seasons shape the story. The restaurant, led by Chef Ory Abraham, is distinguished by its seasonal menus that mirror the colours, aromas and textures of the natural world and draws inspiration from the changing landscape and a deep respect for the earth.
French influences appear throughout the menu, most notably in the Duck à la Ember – aged in a nori crust, accompanied by burnt onion cream and spiced chocolate–wine jus – and the Black Tie Tuna, a delicately plated dish of tuna bresaola, hazelnut cream and black truffle. Rather than reserving a table, guests are invited to take a seat on a personal culinary journey. Menus shift with the seasons, bright and fresh in summer, rich and grounding in autumn, warm and comforting in winter and lively and rejuvenating in spring, with each course designed to evoke a sense of place and connection to the rhythms of nature.
French cuisine, in all its glory, defined the late 20th century with its rich history, emphasis on technique and timeless appeal. In London, particularly in the St John’s Wood area, its legacy continues to thrive in the form of rustic bistros and refined modern eateries. The restaurants mentioned represent just a small sample of what’s available and each offers a unique experience that speaks to the enduring allure of French cooking.
