Buvette London Review: A French Brasserie in Covent Garden 2026

Buvette London has opened in Neal's Yard, bringing a slice of faux-French dining to the heart of Covent Garden. This is the London outpost of Jody Williams' West Village gastrothèque, a cult-hit New York brasserie that has now set up shop among the holistic therapy rooms and walk-in back rub spaces of WC2.

The neighbourhood is known for its windchimes and patchouli, but Buvette aims to add a touch of Gallic glam to the area. With its menu of French classics and a wine list that includes Macvin champagne and muscadet spritz, it's clearly targeting the Emily in Paris generation.

What's on the Menu at Buvette London?

The menu is a pretty card listing 25 dishes, none of them above £18. It features recognisably French fare like croque monsieur with roast mushrooms and gruyere, rillettes de saumon, and salade niçoise with haricots verts and a mollet egg. For dessert, there are warm scones with jam and almond croissants.

It's the kind of French food that won't scare the horses – or at least the horses that the French haven't minced coarsely and served in their own gastroduodenal juices. In other words, it's a safe, crowd-pleasing version of French cuisine that's familiar to anyone with a working GCSE knowledge of La Rochelle cafe life.

• Croque monsieur with roast mushrooms and gruyere
• Rillettes de saumon – a salmon spread
• Salade niçoise with haricots verts and a mollet egg
• Warm scones with jam
• Almond croissants
• Macvin champagne and muscadet spritz – plus pastis on the rocks

Is Buvette London Anything New?

Despite its cult status in New York, Buvette London may not be offering anything new to Londoners. As the review notes, we used to call places that looked like this Café Rouge. That is, recognisably French, and by that I mean recognisable if you have a working GCSE knowledge of La Rochelle cafe life.

The restaurant clearly thinks it's a hot, fresh, new thing, but the concept – a casual French brasserie with affordable classics – is well-trodden ground in London. What Buvette brings is a dose of New York cool and a fashionable address in Neal's Yard.

Buvette London vs. Traditional French Brasserie

What the Critics Are Saying

The review describes Buvette as "actually rather lovely," suggesting that despite its lack of novelty, it's a pleasant addition to the neighbourhood. The food is well-executed, the setting is charming, and the prices are reasonable for the area.

However, the critic questions whether Buvette is truly breaking new ground. It's a formula that London has seen before, but perhaps that's exactly what makes it appealing – a reliable, affordable taste of France in the heart of the West End.

Who Is Buvette London For?

Buvette London is aimed at the Emily in Paris generation – those who love the idea of French dining but want something approachable and Instagrammable. It's also for locals and tourists looking for a casual bite in Covent Garden without breaking the bank.

If you're after a genuine, rustic French experience, you might be disappointed. But if you want a charming spot for a croque monsieur and a glass of champagne, Buvette fits the bill. The background to this story is set out in France: latest articles. A related thread runs through Buvette London Review: A French Brasserie in Covent Garden.

FAQ

For those planning a trip to London, Buvette offers a taste of France without leaving the city. If you're interested in exploring more of the city's French connections, you might enjoy our guide to French cuisine and culture. And for other dining adventures, consider our France travel section.

Whether Buvette London will become a lasting fixture or just another trendy opening remains to be seen. But for now, it's a welcome addition to Covent Garden's dining scene, offering a little joie de vivre in the heart of WC2.