Frenchie in Paris is an institution, a tiny and intimate restaurant with just 26 seats, serving inventive and delicious food by chef Gregory Marchand. I’ve often walked past the Parisian eatery wishing I was tasting the food inside, and so when Frenchie arrived in London I was delighted to be able to finally try the acclaimed restaurant’s offering.
The London branch of Frenchie is conveniently located in the heart of Covent Garden, sandwiched between boutique hotels and chic clothes shops. Much like its Parisian counterpart, this eatery has a modest entrance, with a branded mosaic marking its territory. Inside, the stylish interiors and buzzing atmosphere is convivial and fun… groups of friends celebrate birthdays and colleagues conduct business meetings over satisfying plates of food.
Between the four of us we managed to sample most of the short and delightful menu (two courses for £27 or three for £30). The dishes are not particularly French, and reflect Gregory Marchand’s experience working in restaurants all over the globe.
After gobbling up the exquisite bite-sized bacon scones with clotted cream we moved onto starters: Burrata with kumquat and Lamb pappardelle with kalamata olives. Both were served in dainty bowls, the burrata was a vibrant dish to look at and to eat, indulgent creamy cheese with sharp and sweet orange fruit segments. I managed to also nab a mouthful of the pasta, a rich and delicious dish with a lovely depth of flavour, I can see why it rarely leaves the menu.
Main courses smelt delicious before they had even reached our table. I tried the gnocchi with leeks, onions and a warming broth. Chicken and fish was also on the menu and received rave reviews from my fellow diners. My gnocchi had the perfect texture, cheesy but not too heavy and accompanied by an almost vinegary fresh sauce. I loved it. The sides were also a hit, radicchio with blue cheese and a wonderfully buttery potato dish.
I must also mention the brilliant wine list at Frenchie, the staff really know what works with their food and pair the drinks beautifully. We were lucky to visit in ‘raw wine week’ when a selection of organic and natural wines were gracing the menu, each more interesting and appetising than the last.
After feasting on rich savoury food we were almost too full for dessert, but the waiter insisted we try the Lemon and passionfruit tart and the Frenchie take on banoffee pie. The tart was the ideal palate cleanser – sharp and full of tropical flavour. If you are a ‘pudding person’ go for the Banoffee Pie; airy, creamy and magical it was consumed within moments of arriving at our table.
It is easy to spend hours relaxing and enjoying the food at Frenchie, and we did. A final little noisette coffee completed our scrumptious meal… now I just need to tick the original Parisian location off my list.
More information and book a table at Frenchie here.