Established in 1994 by Corsican Stephane Luiggi and his Nottingham-born wife Louise, French Living offers an authentic French dining experience in the heart of Nottingham. The two-story establishment features a ground floor dining area accommodating up to 40 guests, complemented by a unique Deli Corner offering farmhouse unpasteurized cheeses, wines from small growers, and French grocery essentials. The basement room, reminiscent of Toulousain restaurants, provides seating for up to 44 diners. The menu showcases classic French bistro dishes, all homemade from fresh ingredients, aiming to make French patrons feel at home and British guests reminisce about their holidays.
What each source says
- Google 4.7 1,099
- Tripadvisor 4.5 791
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-26.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Authentic French Cuisine French Living offers a taste of France in Nottingham, with many reviewers noting the authenticity and quality of classic dishes, reminiscent of dining experiences in France.
- Charming and Cozy Atmosphere The restaurant boasts a unique and charming French ambiance, creating a relaxed and enjoyable setting for diners.
- Convenient Location Its proximity to the Theatre Royal and Concert Hall makes it an ideal choice for pre-theatre meals and those attending events in the city center.
- Excellent Value for Money Many reviewers highlight the reasonable prices, especially the fixed-price lunch and pre-theatre menus, considering the high quality and generous portions.
- Friendly and Attentive Service The staff are consistently praised for their welcoming, friendly, and attentive service, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Criticised
- Accessibility Issues The toilets are located in the cellar and accessed by a tight spiral staircase, which may pose a challenge for individuals with mobility issues.
- Inconsistent Food Temperature Some reviewers have experienced issues with food being served lukewarm or not hot enough, affecting the overall enjoyment of the meal.
- Menu Accessibility The menu is presented on boards on the wall, which may be challenging for some customers to read comfortably, especially when seating arrangements are not ideal.
- Occasional Over-Seasoning A few reviewers have found the food to be over-seasoned, particularly with salt, which can be overpowering for some palates.
- Portion Size Variability While some find the portions generous, others have noted that certain dishes, like the halibut, may be smaller than expected for the price.
The longer read
French Living in Nottingham is highly praised for its authentic French cuisine, atmosphere, and friendly service, offering a taste of France in the city center. Many reviewers highlight the restaurant's consistent quality over many years, with some being patrons for over a decade. The restaurant is described as a family-run business that clearly cares about the food and the dining experience. The ambiance is frequently mentioned as being genuinely French, rustic, cozy, and charming, with decor that enhances the experience. The restaurant is a popular choice for pre-theatre dining due to its proximity to the Theatre Royal and Concert Hall. The service is consistently described as friendly, welcoming, attentive, and knowledgeable, with staff having excellent menu knowledge. The food receives high marks for being delicious, well-cooked, and beautifully presented, with fresh ingredients and authentic French flavors. Standout dishes include the steak frites, venison, lamb cutlets, mussels, rabbit casserole, and crème brûlée. The steak frites is frequently cited as a must-try, with perfectly cooked fries, rich peppercorn sauce, and juicy steak. The crème brûlée is also consistently praised for its thickness and richness. Reviewers often comment on the good value for money, especially the fixed-price lunch menu and pre-theatre menu. The house wines, both red and white, are generally well-regarded and complement the food. Several reviewers appreciate the broad-ranging menu with consistently tasty and well-presented meals. The atmosphere is relaxed and unhurried, making it a great place for a leisurely meal. Many reviewers express a strong desire to return, with some considering it their go-to restaurant in Nottingham. Several reviewers also commend the restaurant for maintaining its high standards post-lockdown, with excellent safety measures in place. Some reviewers mention specific features that enhance the dining experience, such as the blackboard menus, the replica of Dali's Mae West 'Lips Couch', and the availability of French books. While the vast majority of reviews are positive, a few mention minor issues, such as occasional cold food, overcooked vegetables, or a less-than-ideal table location. However, these issues are relatively infrequent and do not detract from the overall positive impression of the restaurant.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 115 958 5885
- Website
- frenchliving.co.uk
| Mon | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tue | 12:00 - 14:00, 17:00 - 21:00 |
| Wed | 12:00 - 14:00, 17:00 - 21:00 |
| Thu | 12:00 - 14:00, 17:00 - 21:00 |
| Fri | 12:00 - 14:00, 17:00 - 21:00 |
| Sat | 12:00 - 14:00, 17:00 - 21:00 |
| Sun | Closed |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.6 against a median of 4.5 across the 17 places to eat we hold for St Ann's, where the most-reviewed is Saracens Cafe.
Still deciding?
- What are the signature dishes that showcase authentic French cuisine at French Living?
- How does French Living select its wines from small growers and what varieties are highlighted?
- Can guests explore the Deli Corner for farmhouse cheeses and French groceries outside the main dining area?
- What reservation policies does French Living have for its ground‑floor and basement rooms, and can walk‑ins be accommodated?
- Is French Living suitable for larger parties or events, given its seating capacity and two‑story layout?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.