The French Michelin Cuisine Experience

David Moore
Oct 24, 2024
3 min read

French cuisine, with its incredible flavours and aromas, continues to have an undeniable influence far beyond the country’s own borders. From shaping culinary trends to pushing the boundaries of creativity in cooking and inspiring chefs around the world, French food is incredibly influential.

Beyond the food itself, the experience that so often accompanies French dining is one of luxury and sophistication, so it’s no surprise that France has more Michelin stars than any other country (and by no small margin). In London, where the dining scene continues to grow, Michelin-starred French restaurants (and those inspired by French techniques) remain a popular choice for locals and tourists alike.

The Rise of French Cuisine in London's Culinary Scene

French cuisine and French cooking techniques have had a profound and lasting influence on London’s dining scene, thanks in no small part to so many chefs being trained in French restaurants and culinary schools and subsequently incorporating French elements into their own cooking. It’s unsurprising then that they bring a legacy of excellence to their work, both elevating standards and inspiring innovation. Our Executive Chef, Phil Kearsey, describes his cuisine as Modern British using classic French techniques, meaning he draws inspiration from French cuisine’s emphasis on quality ingredients, meticulous presentation and masterful techniques. Phil has been able to hone his craft in some of the best Michelin-starred kitchens in the UK and USA, including The Waterside Inn and The French Laundry, allowing him to achieve the holy trinity of taste, texture and technique. Combining all of this experience and expertise, Phil is able to showcase his own creative culinary talent at Pied à Terre. As well as Phil’s extensive background, Pied à Terre founder David draws on his six years working alongside Raymond Blanc at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons to ensure a superior experience in French cuisine for all diners.

Essence of French Culinary Techniques

As well as being known for their artistry and precision, French culinary expertise is built on a deep understanding of unique flavour combinations, balanced textures, carefully-considered methods and meticulous presentation. From the delicate art of pastry-making to the mastery of sauces and stocks, chefs have perfected a wide range of techniques that have become essential in modern kitchens. As a saucier, Phil is obsessed with the quality of his sauces, all of which have their own incredible depth of flavour.

Seasonal, local and high-quality ingredients are also a major priority in French cuisine. Carefully-selected produce helps chefs create strong flavour profiles and unique ingredient combinations, contributing to the taste and presentation of French-inspired dishes. Phil is uncompromising in his use of hyper seasonal ingredients and takes a zero waste approach in the pursuit of culinary perfection.

The Role of Wine in French Cuisine

Expertly pairing the right wine with a given dish not only complements the flavours on the plate but can enhance the overall dining experience, so this pairing is an important part of the masterful flavour combinations that French cuisine is known for.

The different regions in France produce wines that can be used to create stunning pairings with food. For example, Merlot pairs beautifully with earthy ingredients like mushrooms and fresh herbs, whereas a dry Riesling works wonders in cutting through the richness of certain fish.

Of course, France is just one wine-growing country and there are thousands of excellent vineyards around the world that can offer more ideal pairings for a dish. That’s why, at Pied à Terre, our sommeliers Ciarán Bagchus and Isabelle Strutt, are passionate about selecting the perfect wine, French or otherwise, to enhance your dining experience. Whether you are a seasoned wine connoisseur looking for something specific or simply want to explore new horizons, our wine list of over 800 wines from around the world offers something for everyone.

The Allure of French Michelin Cuisine in London

Beyond the exquisite flavours and impeccable service of London’s Michelin-starred French (and French-inspired) restaurants, these establishments showcase the peak of French culinary artistry, providing a luxurious journey through the world of French gastronomy.

At Pied à Terre, we are proud to be the longest-standing Michelin-starred restaurant in London, founded in 1991 and still owned and run by David Moore. We offer our guests Michelin-quality cuisine inspired by classic French techniques. Our talented chefs, under Executive Chef Phil Kearsey, are dedicated to serving the best using only the finest ingredients. Why not reserve your table at Pied à Terre in Fitzrovia today to experience it for yourself?

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