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In the heart of St James’s, Maison François brings the character of a traditional French brasserie to one of London’s most distinguished neighbourhoods. Located on Duke Street, the restaurant combines elegant interiors, classic French cooking and a lively atmosphere, with a menu that encourages leisurely dining.
With its grand dining room, extensive wine selection and celebrated dessert trolley, Maison François has established a distinctive presence on London’s dining scene. Its appeal extends to breakfast, afternoon tea and the downstairs Frank’s Bar à Vin, offering several ways to experience the restaurant.
Parisian Brasserie Elegance in St James’s
Maison François occupies a striking space defined by high ceilings, Art Deco-inspired chandeliers and mirrored arches. The interiors draw on Europe’s grand brasseries, with contemporary details that complement the restaurant’s St James’s setting.
The open kitchen brings a sense of theatre to the dining room, while the atmosphere shifts naturally between business breakfasts, leisurely lunches and evening celebrations. Throughout, the restaurant retains the convivial character associated with traditional French dining.
Its location among the galleries, boutiques and historic streets of St James’s makes it a convenient choice following an afternoon in central London or before an evening in the West End.
French Classics and Seasonal Specialities
Under Executive Chef Partner Matthew Ryle and Head Chef Michael Yates, Maison François offers French brasserie classics alongside seasonal dishes and carefully prepared specialities.
Seafood features prominently, with oysters served with mignonette, langoustines, raw scallops with citrus and crab salad with fennel and capers. For sharing, Le Plateau de Fruits de Mer brings together several of these selections, alongside raw tuna with tomato. Caviar is also available.
Among the hors d’oeuvres, house-made pâté en croûte is a traditional favourite, with the option of adding sauce bordelaise and escargots. Comté gougères, œuf meurette en gelée and shallot tatin offer further French specialties, alongside flatbreads topped with moules marinières or figs, Bleu d’Auvergne, honey and chilli.
Tableside preparation adds a traditional touch, particularly with the beef tartare and Caesar salad. The former is also available with bone marrow, while lighter choices include beetroot salad with radicchio, citrus and hazelnuts, and courgette with ricotta, chilli, lemon and seeds.
Main courses follow the same brasserie tradition. Steak frites comes with béarnaise or sauce bordelaise, while filet de boeuf au poivre and châteaubriand offer more substantial options. The latter is designed for two, accompanied by frites and salad.
Elsewhere, roast chicken with fines herbes is available in individual portions or as a whole bird to share. Seafood options include cod Véronique with grapes, girolles and fine herbs, alongside the grilled fish of the day. Roast duck with spices and blackberries provides another alternative, with pommes purée, pommes frites and pommes paillasson among the accompaniments.
Sunday dining brings a dedicated roast menu featuring aged beef rump, suckling pig collar and roast chicken, served with pommes paillasson, seasonal vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and condiments from the trolley. For sharing, Le Grand Roast combines three meats, including stuffed rabbit saddle, in a generous centrepiece.
Breakfast is another highlight, with freshly baked croissants, pain au chocolat and pain suisse alongside Eggs Benedict, Eggs Royale, smoked salmon with scrambled eggs and the Maison full English. Sweeter options include French toast with vanilla and hazelnut chocolate, and house-made granola with berries and yoghurt.
The Dessert Trolley and French Pâtisserie
Dessert is one of Maison François’s defining traditions, with a trolley presenting an assortment of French pâtisserie and classic sweets. The selection reflects the kitchen’s emphasis on traditional techniques.
Highlights include Paris-Brest aux noisettes, chocolate and caramel éclairs, coffee éclairs and seasonal fruit creations. Fig and honey tart, pear and tonka financier, and banana and caramel gâteau offer further variety, while crème caramel and mousse au chocolat remain familiar favourites.
Smaller treats include Earl Grey madeleines, hazelnut macarons, candied orange coated in dark chocolate and pecan bonbons. Ice creams, sorbets and a selection of dessert wines and digestifs complete the offering.
French Wines and Frank’s Bar à Vin
Wine is integral to Maison François, with an extensive list centred on France’s celebrated regions, including Champagne, Burgundy, Bordeaux, the Loire and Rhône valleys. The selection also explores producers across Italy, Spain, South Africa and the Americas.
Alongside established Champagne houses such as Philipponnat and notable Burgundy and Bordeaux producers, the list places an emphasis on organic, biodynamic and sustainably farmed wines, reflecting an interest in distinctive terroirs and individual winemakers.
Downstairs, Frank’s Bar à Vin offers a more informal setting. Operating as a deli during breakfast and lunch before becoming a wine bar in the afternoon, it provides a relaxed alternative to the main brasserie.
The menu features charcuterie, seafood and small plates, including house-made pâté en croûte, jambon noir de Bigorre, Comté gougères and oysters. More substantial choices include a shrimp burger with frites and rump steak with sauce bordelaise.
Wines are available by the glass, carafe or bottle, with selections including Chablis, Bourgogne Blanc, Gigondas and Pomerol, alongside Champagne, rosé and orange wines. Cocktails such as the Champagne Daiquiri, Vieille Prune Sour and Martini of Decadence round out the drinks offering.
Frank’s is particularly appealing for an aperitif, an informal evening with friends or a glass of wine accompanied by seafood and charcuterie.
Afternoon Tea and Private Dining
Maison François brings its French pâtisserie expertise to afternoon tea, offering a considered interpretation of the British tradition.
The savoury selection includes sandwiches filled with oeufs mimosa and watercress, cucumber with cervelle de canut, tuna rillettes with chilli, basil and avocado, vadouvan chicken, and smoked salmon. French pâtisserie follows, with chocolate and caramel choux, banana and caramel gâteau, fig and honey tart, and pear and tonka financier among the offerings.
In place of traditional scones, hand-braided babkas in chocolate and hazelnut or vanilla are served with strawberry jam, hazelnut spread and clotted cream. Teas come from Postcard Teas, with choices including Darjeeling, Earl Grey, jasmine and green oolong. Champagne pairings feature Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée, Cuvée Rosé and Grand Siècle, alongside a non-alcoholic Copenhagen Sparkling Tea option.
For private occasions, the Salon Privé and wine room accommodate gatherings of up to 18 guests. Available for breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks receptions, these spaces suit business entertaining, family celebrations and intimate gatherings.
A Distinctive French Dining Experience in London
Maison François captures the appeal of traditional French brasserie dining through its elegant St James’s setting, carefully prepared classics and appreciation for established dining rituals.
The tableside preparations, seafood platters and dessert trolley give the restaurant much of its character, while the extensive wine selection and relaxed atmosphere at Frank’s broaden its appeal.
For leisurely lunches, intimate dinners or afternoon tea, Maison François is a compelling choice for those who appreciate French cuisine, attentive hospitality and a restaurant with a strong sense of identity.
Location: 34 Duke Street, St James’s, London SW1Y 6DF
