South Kensington, French Restaurant Guide

“Boeuf bourguignon was done to perfection” – typical of the “very solid French cooking of meat and fish courses” at this “reliable neighbourhood restaurant”, on the well-heeled borders of Earl’s Court and South Kensington. Top Tip – “it’s best to eat upstairs”.

“You could be in Paris… except the staff are nicer” at Didier Garnier’s stalwart “absolute old favourite” in a quiet Chelsea backstreet. For its silver-haired Francophile following, it ticks all the boxes for “a proper French restaurant”, serving ultra-classic bistro fare (“the menu changes rarely”), “wonderful desserts” and a “fabulous Gallic wine list at very reasonable prices”. More sceptical reporters feel it’s “delightful”, but that “it’s a pity they don’t put a bit more effort into the cuisine”. They are drowned out, though, by the proportion who feel that “for a very relaxing meal, there’s nowhere better”. Top Tip – “try and get a table under the awning”.