Harden's says
High-ceilinged, chic newcomer – opened in September 2020 – that sits in a shiny new St James’s building (‘The Marq’). It’s a site which those with long memories may still recall as Green’s (long RIP). The longish menu of small plates and rather ‘haute’ brasserie dishes (with deserts from a posh trolley) is a witting homage to the grand brasseries of Paris, Lyon and Alsace. But the more substantial options are not served at prices we associate with the term ‘brasserie’. If you’re counting the pennies, head for the basement wine bar, Frank’s (see also).
Harden's survey result
Summary
“Busy and full of energy” – this “joyful” and highly successful, high-ceilinged room in St James’s stylishly introduces some refined chic into central London with its white leather seating, elegant lighting and subtle earthy tones. In particular, it is a big hit with business-types: “clients love it” even if it can become “loud (that is what comes of being a hedge fund and art world favourite!)”. But even fans – who see it as “several cuts above a typical Parisian brasserie with exceptionally good, traditional food” – admit “there is a price for delight”; while to less charitable reporters it’s merely “pleased with itself” and “astoundingly average given the inflated prices”.
Summary
For a quick ‘hit’ of Parisian chic in St James’s, this “comfortable” and “nicely buzzing” brasserie – with its white leather seating and artfully muted design – is just the job. Its “reliably delivered, French bistro-style dishes” are particularly recommended for an “excellent if pricey light lunch”; and especially liked for a business meal (“it’s bustling, but the reasonably spaced tables and corner tables allow for an uninterrupted discussion; service is always professional and a solid wine list is managed by the knowledgeable team”). On the downside, it can also seem like a place for those who “like burning money”. Top Tips – “I love every time of day at Maison François, but especially breakfast!”; “the dessert trolley is out of this world!” with “the various drawers revealing pastries of top quality”. And “Frank’s Bar downstairs is louche and great fun too”.
Summary
This “smart bit of France in swanky St James’s” is becoming an established favourite in the West End thanks in large part to its elegant and “buzzy” setting and the fact that it is “well organised”. The classic menu of “French brasserie classics” has “lots of crowd-pleasers”, but opinions divide on the results – to critics it is “a little expensive for what it is”, but fans feel “the food is top-notch” and ratings tend to support those who say this is “a place for serious cooking, not just a big café”. Top Tip – “the dessert trolley is an utter treat”.
Summary
“Paris comes to St James’s” at this “beautiful and buzzy” two-year-old, which has been one of the more impressive arrivals of recent years (it opened in autumn 2020). “Proper, well-executed French-brasserie food” (snails, crab salad, roast chicken, veal, steak and chips…) – “such a relief after all of the faddy nonsense dominating the London restaurant scene” – is delivered by “first-rate” staff throughout the day, from breakfast onwards. And together with the “amazing” high-ceilinged interior, the overall combination makes for a superb “all-round experience”, if one “with prices to match the location”. Top Tips – “the best dessert trolley in London!” and a “fun” basement wine bar called Frank’s.
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Have you eaten at Maison François?
34 Duke Street St James's, London, SW1Y 6DF
Restaurant details
Maison François Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Well-heeled customers eating well-executed french food at high prices, Very slick"
"Astoundingly average given the inflated prices, even for London standards. Considering the hype, this was the biggest disappointment of the year. "
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £49.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £0.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 15.00% |
34 Duke Street St James's, London, SW1Y 6DF
Opening hours
| Monday | 7 am‑12 am |
| Tuesday | 7 am‑12 am |
| Wednesday | 7 am‑12 am |
| Thursday | 7 am‑12 am |
| Friday | 7 am‑12 am |
| Saturday | 9 am‑12 am |
| Sunday | 9 am‑11 pm |
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