Soutine

Sitting on St John’s Wood High Street, Soutine brings the easy elegance of a Parisian boulevard café to North West London. Part of The Wolseley Hospitality Group, it pairs Belle Époque-inspired interiors with a relaxed, neighbourhood spirit, nodding to the area’s artistic heritage while keeping the welcome warm and unpretentious.

The kitchen leans into classic French bistro cooking, all comfort, craft and quiet confidence. Think steak frites and soupe à l’oignon, crisp croque monsieur and silken crème brûlée, with the likes of oysters, steak tartare or a molten Camembert de Normandie for those seeking a little theatre. From eggs Benedict to a char-grilled spatchcock poussin or a grilled tranche of halibut, flavours are clean, generous and rooted in tradition.

An extensive cellar of French wines sets the tone, from Loire valley whites to Burgundy reds, with Champagne and timeless cocktails such as a French 75 for celebratory moments. Service is polished yet personable, the atmosphere convivial and unhurried, making it as fitting for a lingering lunch as for an intimate supper. Younger diners are not forgotten, with simple pleasures like haddock goujons or ricotta and spinach ravioli with tomato sauce.

Settle in, order something classic, and let the clink of glasses and café chatter carry you to the boulevard. A little slice of Paris, right where you want it.