London’s 9 Most Affordable French Restaurants

We sometimes consider French cuisine incredibly highbrow, luxurious, and expensive, with champagne flowing and some of the most prized ingredients. It might surprise you, but in London, there are lots of really great cheap French restaurants.

Our list looks at 9 that we like particularly. Are you a tourist traveling around London trying to find the best French restaurants? Perhaps treating yourself on your last night in the city before a flight or train home?

If you’re stuck with your bags, check out Nannybag luggage storage in London. You'll be able to safely and cheaply drop off bags while you enjoy the meal. Ready to discover our selection of cosy French restaurants in London?

Le Relais de Venise l'Entrecôte

This restaurant is a French steakhouse located in Marylebone, with the original being in Paris. Their menu is simple and straightforward. They only serve steak frites with a secret herb and butter sauce (as well as desserts).

The steak is cooked to order and served in two portions, so you can enjoy it hot and fresh. The restaurant has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere with vintage Parisian decor. They don't take reservations, so be prepared to wait in line during peak hours. If you want to check out the most authentic French steak restaurant London has to offer, look no further!

Provender

This one is quite far from central London, in Wanstead, around 8 miles northeast of the city center. Still, if you’re nearby or want to experience top-quality French food in London, it’s worth making the trip.

There’s a sunny terrace to eat out or a laid-back and cozy interior to enjoy some truly great food. Provender has received great reviews from the Michelin Guide and Time Out magazine’s Best London restaurant list. The menu is rustic, cheap and traditional, and of course, delicious. At Provender, a three-course dinner set menu only costs £19.00!

Toulouse Lautrec Brasserie

This restaurant is located in Kennington and is named after the famous French artist Toulouse-Lautrec. The brasserie serves many classic French dishes, including escargots, steak tartare, "moules frites," and various cocktails and wines.

The decor is quirky and colorful, with walls adorned with Toulouse-Lautrec posters and artwork. They also host live music performances from jazz and blues artists, making it a great spot for a night out. Sometimes, we think of French restaurants as stuffy and formal, but this is the opposite!

Brasserie Zédel

This restaurant is famous for its interior. It is designed in a 1930s Art Deco style which feels truly Parisian. It is described by Architecture Today Magazine as “probably the best and most authentic series of 1930s interiors in this country”.

Despite this, and its location in Piccadilly Circus, Brasserie Zédel is perhaps the most affordable French restaurant London has. It’s got a relaxed, lively atmosphere even though the setting is pretty high-end. Serving classic French dishes such as escargots, French Onion soup, and duck confit.

A set menu option costs less than twenty pounds per person! Wines are also very affordable, and there's even an American-style cocktail bar for you to grab a drink at.

Casse-Croûte

Casse-Croûte is a small, cozy French restaurant in London (Bermondsey). The place specializes in classic French dishes like escargots, coq au vin, and tarte tatin. The menu is small, but the dishes are prepared with care and attention to detail. The menu changes daily - check out their website for a daily updated menu board picture here.

The wine list is also impressive, with a selection of French wines that complement the food perfectly. Small, intimate, and authentic, this is one of the top French restaurants London has to offer.

L’amour

This relatively new French restaurant sprung up in Fulham, in West London, in 2020. It incorporates new, exciting dishes and traditional French techniques to create a fascinating new restaurant. The restaurant prides itself on seasonal, artisanal ingredients and a great cocktail and wine bar.

There’s even a happy hour from 4 pm to 7 pm every day for some affordable drinking! They begin service for breakfast, but it is affordable by London standards, even for a main dish in the evening.

Chez Antoinette

Chez Antoinette is a charming French café located in Covent Garden. On the menu: typical French-inspired dishes, largely from the city of Lyon. The menu comprises breakfast, brunch, and lunch options, simple yet extremely effective dishes like croque-monsieurs, quiches, and salads.

The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, and the café is perfect for a quick lunch or a leisurely afternoon snack. They also have a great selection of French pastries and desserts as well as an expertly curated wine list. Needless to say that grabbing lunch here won’t break your piggy bank! A tartine, drink, and soup lunch deal costs around £11, while a glass of wine might set you back around £6.

Alpes

Alpes describes itself on its website as “A small Alpine bistro in a shipping container in Pop Brixton.” Pop Brixton is a spot where bars, dance floors, restaurants, and shops are located inside old shipping containers. Alpes serves traditional Alpine cuisine - think hearty dishes like Raclette, Tartiflette, Schnitzel, and Fondue - while using mostly locally sourced British ingredients.

The prices are also really affordable, with a main course costing between £10 -£15. They also serve cheese boards, charcuterie boards, and delicious small plate options. Come down and check this cool area out, and fill up on some hearty southeastern French cuisine while you’re there!

Aux Pains de Papy

Aux Pains de Papy is more of a French bakery and café rather than a restaurant per se. However, its excellent quality and fair prices mean it gets a place on our list. There are plenty of French bakeries around London, but they are often very expensive. This one in East Dulwich has become especially loved and well-known.

The bakery specializes in traditional French bread and pastries, with a focus on using high-quality ingredients and traditional baking methods. They offer a range of bread types, including baguettes, sourdough, and rye bread. You'll also find a variety of sweet and savory pastries, such as croissants, pain au chocolat, quiches, and tarts. All sold at a really reasonable price.

If you’re a foodie, London is ideal to get a taste of culinary excellence without breaking the bank. Our guide introduces you to the classics of local gastronomy, right in the heart of Piccadilly and beyond. Explore the charming lanes and savor an exquisite atmosphere while dining at Michelin-starred restaurants in London that won't empty your wallet. It's your ticket to indulging in the finest culinary experiences London has to offer without compromising on budget!