The French Table

Fantastic. Never ever feel let down. Expensive but great value for money. Always treated like royalty. Puddings are to die for

The French Table.
I had been told that The French Table was a great little bistro. Judging by the fact that every time I called for a reservation they were booked solid I suspect the rumors were true.
So today I finally got in (nearly a year later). I am not local (I am from the states) and only visit get to this area on business.
The ambiance is delightful and the service staff friendly and attentive. Upon being seated I was immediately offered fresh homemade bread (several selections on which I choose the olive bread — delicious).
My starter was a poached salmon with fried scallops and beets. A delightfully refreshing and mildly filling dish. Scallops and salmon cooked nicely and the greens and beets fresh. The salmon was the star of this dish as advertised.
Between course the nice young man came by with more bread and this time I tried the chorizo bread. Fresh and hearty.
My entrée was the Filet of beef cooked medium rare. I am rather a bit of a beef snob so filet from the UK rarely impresses but this filet was. The exception to that rule. Tender, cooked to order and masterfully presented.
Casual conversation with other dinners confirmed my experience as not an exception but rather the norm. So I am happy to report it was worth the wait and that The French Table can hold it own in all of London and is a rare jewel for the Surbiton/​Kingston area. Well done.

Unpretentious little French restaurant, I had heard good things & decided it was time for a visit.
Started with a Marmite which is like a little smoked haddock & mussel soup with a pastry top, it wasn’t anything exciting, but my wife had pumpkin valoute with Stilton tortellini which was very good.
For mains I chose the trio of pork belly & the mrs had the Cornish lamb, both were well executed & delicious. To accompany we had a side of gratin cauliflower, unfortunately the sauce was runny & had split.
Desserts, we had coffee crème brûlée & the passion fruit tart, the star was the crème brûlée rich with intense coffee flavour.
Service was attentive & the nice lady at the front of house was very welcoming.
Overall great value, but the portions were a little small as I still had room in my belly!

I’m intrigued two of the previous 4 reviewers express surprise at how good this restaurant is. Food critics have done the same, as though the outer reaches of suburban Greater London are undeserving in some way, or considered some kind of ungastronomic backwater. But anyway it is here and it’s worth all 5 stars, in my view. I always have terrific meals here and love the flavour combinations.
As a major pork fan I especially enjoy the kitchen’s way with this meat; you’re usually guaranteed a splendid pork dish on the changing menu, like a nice reliable fixture, and often it’s a version of «pork trilogie», an ever-​changing three-​way line-​up that always has me trying to work out which one could be best. Desserts are always a delight and were slightly ahead of the curve in conjuring nostalgic flavours, such as marshmallow soufflé with bubblegum ice cream, which despite how it might sound was luscious.
Service is warm and attentive, while Sarah handles front-​of-​house beautifully, making you feel very welcome and like a long-​standing friend. During down times you can, by the way, see her bustling around in their café (The French Tarte) next door, clearing tables and serving — how’s that for mucking in?
As mentioned, prices are superb for the quality of food on offer. Each visit feels like an event, while also relaxed and enjoyable — not an event in a ‘showy’ way, but in terms of the great buzz from the excellent food. When you book they ask if it’s a special occasion; if you confirm it is, on the day they will add a personal touch to reflect this. It’s a wonderful place and I highly recommend it. I second the advice to book well in advance — it gets full very quickly.

Love love love this restaurant. I have been a few years running now for my sister and dad’s birthdays. No matter what day you go on it is always busy, definitely in a good way. It is never too loud — the atmosphere is always very pleasant.
The food is very well presented and always pleases my taste buds. I have never had a bad meal here. Although it is a tad pricey — it is most definitely worth it.

People will go there every week I think it’s for special occasion only it’s so nice in there and chefs are dowing great job nice one guys

I took my boyfriend here in December. The staff were friendly and helpful.
The food was very well presented and portions were just right. They also have an excellent wine list.
The atmosphere was quiet but buzzing.
I would definitely go back again and would recommend this restaurant to a friend.

Tables are way too close for these prices and food is fussy. Simply wouldn’t get away with it in London but Surbiton they lap it up! I suppose that’s the Suburbs for you.

I have visited this restaurant a few times and each time the food has been delicious and service excellent. My guests are always impressed. The French Table compares well to similar restaurants in France.

You don’t expect to find such a polished and slick operation down here in Surbiton. The Staff were fast, polite and attentive. The menu is wide and varied with a good selection. However the dishes we chose had just a just a few too many flavours going on. Also unfortunately the beef did not taste as good as it should have for the type of restaurant.
We will be back in the future but only after having tried more in the area.

My partner took me here for valentine’s day. The food was just gorgeous and the service was attentive and friendly without being cloying (particularly appreciated given the day we were there). They had decorated the place with little hearts and the tables were not too close which can be annoying in some chi-​chi restaurants. I am desperate to go back but getting a table is fairly hard as it’s so popular (and rightly so).

This French restaurant draws repeat customers from a wide area of SW London. The husband and wife team Eric and Sarah Guignard run the kitchen and front of house respectively and you can be assured of a reliable pleasant meal.
You can usually find street parking nearby just off the main road.
The slightly odd thing about the restaurant is the lack of a side plate for the bread which is usually fresh and delicious. The evening menu is a la carte with dishes priced individually. The dishes are from a classical French background but lately, I’ve noticed a creeping Italian influence. If you enjoy good French bistro food, you won’t be disappointed.

Food is delicious and well presented very classy. Staff are great –really helpful and patient. There were 12 of us at the table and the waitresses knew exactly who ordererd what and served at the table without asking who ordered the *@+ ! — impressive. Puddings to die for :-) .
If driving parking is on the meter and sometimes hard to find a space– can be a pain :-(

Very good service, great food, fantastic wine, all round extremely enjoyable experience, will be back for more!

If you’re worn-​out after a demanding bout of shoe shopping or following a bracing riverside excursion, this is a splendid place to revive flagging energies and treat yourself to some delicious food in smart, comfortable surroundings.
It is much better for your wallet if you can manage a lunch-​time visit here, with a well thought-​out set menu, at £18.50 for three courses, offering a good assortment of gourmet dishes to choose from. The fish is wonderful here, with an unusual selection; the vegetarian creations are far from boring. Service is efficient and friendly.