The French House

io van zaim★★★★★★★★★★5.02 months ago

A restaurant with no pretensions but incredible charm, tucked above a pub that has been serving the heart of Soho for over a century — five or six tables, nothing more. I decided to go after watching Angela Hartnett's Condé Nast YouTube video, and it turns out the restaurant's chef is her husband. Luckily, on the days I happened to be in London, I managed to snag a table for one. Crisp white tablecloths, beautiful classic tableware, a handwritten menu, and generous light flooding the small room through three large windows. The two members of staff were attentive, appropriately discreet, and genuinely warm. To start, scallops; for my main, red mullet served with a sauce vierge. Dessert was a Jamaican rum and chocolate mousse. Every dish let the true flavour of the ingredients speak for itself, unobscured by unnecessary sauces or seasonings — quite simply, wonderful. And a heartfelt thank you for not making a solo diner feel like an alien.

Travelling Doc★★★★★★★★★★4.08 months ago

Located in bustling Soho, just off Shaftesbury Avenue , The French House is a compact yet charming pub with a distinct old-world atmosphere. Space is tight — a few window seats and several small tables towards the back — and the narrow staircase leading up to the intimate first-floor dining room adds to the cozy, almost Parisian feel. The room itself is warmly decorated, with red walls, black-and-white photos from the past, and white tablecloths on tables set close together. There’s also a small bar at the far end and light streaming in from the windows on the right. Despite not booking, we were lucky to get a table; the room was nearly full (about 80% occupied, with just eight tables in total). I started with the Irish rock oysters with mignonette (£4.50 each). These were a little underwhelming — small in size, with average flavour and one noticeably meagre in meat. The calves’ brain with capers and brown butter sauce, however, was outstanding. Delicately cooked, it had the lightness of white fish like cod but with a firmer texture. The sauce carried a lovely hint of vanilla, and the accompanying sourdough bread was perfect for soaking it up. A real highlight — and very reasonably priced. Service was warm, personable, and efficient. We were in and out within an hour, feeling very satisfied. Overall, The French House offers a distinctive dining experience — interesting, well-executed food served in a wonderfully atmospheric setting.A Soho gem worth visiting, especially for those who enjoy something a bit different.

Olivia★★★★★★★★★★5.05 months ago

Went here on a weekday - very hard to get an evening booking due to minimal tables. This adds to its charm. Service was very friendly and happy to chat about the menu. I mostly wanted to come for the madeleines and they did not let me down - warm and light! I would definitely come back if I can get a booking

Grace Andrews★★★★★★★★★★4.02 months ago

The French House felt like a fully French experience, it’s only when heading back downstairs that you feel the full Soho energy. The staff were a little frosty at first and not that engaging, but then again I think that’s what makes it so French. I would say the starters did lack something - they didn’t wow me although the oyster was the best I’ve ever had BUT the pork shoulder and cheesy mash (eaten too quickly for a picture) made up for it. The pork was succulent, buttery with a crispy outer which is everything you want. The madeleines warm from the oven made the evening, made me forget the tartare lack of seasoning. Ordered with sauterns was the perfect ending. I would recommend if you want solid French food. The intimate setting also felt nice, it is quite loud but I suppose it’s better for a space to feel loved and lived in rather than it being sterile and still which The French House is not. I will be back with the hope the pork shoulder is on the specials menu again!

Graham Hood★★★★★★★★★★5.0a month ago

Lunch here midweek. A short menu which is always a good sign. Great, friendly staff with knowledge and panache in abundance. Meaty and vegetarian dishes full of flavour with top-notch ingredients. And a fab wine-list and digestives (not the biscuits though). Good value for high class nosh.