Brasserie Zédel is a vibrant Parisian-style brasserie located in the heart of Soho. This elegant restaurant is renowned for its Art Deco decor and lively atmosphere, offering a delightful escape from the bustling streets of London. The menu features a range of traditional French dishes, from classic coq au vin to freshly baked pastries. Guests can enjoy a selection of affordable yet high-quality wines, making it a popular choice for both casual diners and special occasions. The spacious dining area includes a charming terrace, perfect for enjoying a meal al fresco.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Attentive and Friendly Service The staff are consistently described as warm, friendly, and helpful, providing excellent service. They are accommodating to dietary needs and go the extra mile to make guests feel welcome.
- Excellent Value for Money Despite its central London location and luxurious setting, Brasserie Zédel offers surprisingly reasonable prices. Set menus and BYOB Mondays make it an affordable option.
- High-Quality French Cuisine The menu features classic French dishes cooked to perfection, with options for both traditional and adventurous palates. The food is tasty, well-presented, and a great introduction to French cuisine.
- Live Music and Entertainment The restaurant often features live jazz music or cabaret shows, adding to the overall ambiance and creating a lively atmosphere. The music is generally at a level that allows for easy conversation.
- Stunning Art Deco Ambiance The restaurant boasts a grand, beautiful Art Deco interior, transporting diners to 1930s Paris. The atmosphere enhances the dining experience, making it feel like a special occasion.
Criticised
- Basement Location Located underground, the restaurant lacks natural light and may feel enclosed for some diners. Entrance through cafe can be deceiving.
- Can Be Pricey Overall While some dishes and set menus are affordable, the overall cost can be high, especially when ordering individual dishes and drinks. It may not be suitable for those on a very tight budget.
- Food Taste Can Be Inconsistent While generally good, some reviewers noted that the taste of the food wasn't extraordinary. Food portion of Seafood can be small.
- Reservations Recommended Although not always necessary, reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak hours. Without a reservation, there may be a wait or difficulty securing a table.
- Slippery Floors Several reviewers mentioned that the floors can be quite slippery, posing a potential safety hazard. This could be a concern for guests with mobility issues.
The longer read
Brasserie Zédel offers a slice of Paris in the heart of London, transporting diners to a grand, elegant 1930s Art Deco brasserie. The restaurant is known for its stunning atmosphere, attentive service, and classic French cuisine at surprisingly reasonable prices, particularly for its central London location. Many reviewers describe it as a hidden gem, accessible through a cafe near Piccadilly Circus, leading down to a vast, beautifully designed basement dining room. The ambiance is frequently enhanced by live jazz music, creating a romantic and special occasion-worthy setting. The service receives consistent praise for being friendly, professional, and attentive to dietary needs and special requests, even providing customized dishes. The staff's passion for their work makes diners feel welcomed and cared for. The menu features traditional French dishes cooked to perfection, with reviewers frequently recommending the French onion soup, steak haché, beef bourguignon, and a variety of desserts. The restaurant is praised for its attention to detail, high-quality drinks, and the overall immersive experience. A popular feature is the prix fixe menu, which offers excellent value for money, allowing diners to enjoy a three-course meal at an affordable price. The option to bring your own wine on Mondays without a corkage fee is a notable perk, making it possible to have a fantastic experience without breaking the bank. Brasserie Zédel is ideal for romantic dinners, nights out with friends, pre- or post-theater meals, and special occasions. Its central location and proximity to Piccadilly Circus make it easily accessible. The combination of atmosphere, food, and service consistently delivers a magical and memorable dining experience, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists seeking an authentic French culinary escape in London.
A synthesis of third-party reviews supplied by Mindtrip travel index. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 20 7734 4888
- Website
- brasseriezedel.com
| Mon | 12:00 - 22:30 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 12:00 - 22:30 |
| Wed | 12:00 - 22:30 |
| Thu | 11:30 - 23:00 |
| Fri | 11:30 - 23:00 |
| Sat | 11:30 - 23:00 |
| Sun | 11:30 - 22:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.5 against a median of 4.5 across the 1,957 places to eat we hold for London, where the most-reviewed is The O2.
Booking
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Where this comes from
Venue records are drawn from the Mindtrip travel index, which aggregates place data and review signals from Google Places, Tripadvisor and booking providers. Ratings are reproduced per source rather than merged into a single number. Distances to nearby venues are computed here as great-circle distances between the published coordinates, not walking or driving routes. Comparison figures are medians computed across the venues we hold for the same neighbourhood or city.
Source: Mindtrip travel index, captured 2026-08-21.
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.
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- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.