A French brasserie that taught London to love the classics.
In a city where restaurants appear and disappear faster than cocktail trends change, this place holds its ground: it’s not about trends, but about the continuity of taste.
A restaurant in St. James’s became the place where London relearned to appreciate French cuisine — without artificiality or unnecessary theatrics.
High concrete ceilings, large arched windows, and long cream-colored banquettes — the Maison François space simultaneously evokes a Parisian brasserie and a modern art gallery.
The daylight and evening’s soft shadows create a backdrop where everything fits perfectly: from a croissant breakfast to a dinner for two with a bottle of Burgundy.
Beneath the restaurant is Frank’s Bar. It’s almost a private club: dim lighting, a wine list of 250 bottles, and cocktails that don’t shout—they whisper. The perfect spot to linger after dinner.
Chef Matthew Ryle — a finalist of MasterChef: The Professionals — works with French classics in a way that makes them accessible and light, even for those far from the world of gastronomy. This is cuisine for grown-ups: no unnecessary frills, just pure flavor.
Maison François doesn’t play the fine dining game, but it also doesn’t settle for excessive simplicity. Everything here is about quality and balance, while still offering a fairly wide selection.
The mobile dessert trolley has become an iconic feature of Maison François. Paris-Brest with hazelnuts, pistachio gâteau rivaling those from Normandy, glossy macarons, and éclairs — all of these travel around the dining room, drawing eyes and tempting with their aromas. It’s not just about sweets — it’s a show worth seeing.
Average check: around £60 per person for three courses with wine.
Maison François is a restaurant for those who no longer chase trendy “Instagram-friendly” plates. It’s a place for business breakfasts, relaxed dinners, and evenings when you need a restaurant that won’t let you down.
Maison François is London for grown-ups. It doesn’t try to impress with gimmicks; it delivers exactly what you come to a restaurant with history for: consistent cuisine, a welcoming atmosphere, and wine that’s always just right.
Location: 34 Duke Street, St. James’s, London SW1Y 6DF
Opening Hours: Mon–Sat: 07:30–23:00 | Sun: 09:00–23:00
Frank’s Bar: 16:30–23:00
Website: maisonfrancois.london
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