If you’re searching for a restaurant with undeniable buzz this festive season, look no further than Brasserie Zédel. Located just steps from Piccadilly Circus, this Parisian-inspired brasserie transports you straight to the exuberance of the roaring 1920s. With its festive celebration, ‘Fête Fantastique,’ the venue is bringing the glamour of Parisian soirées to the heart of London, offering a nostalgic escape that combines lively entertainment, indulgent food, and an unforgettable ambiance.
This grand Beaux-Arts dining hall exudes opulence, with soaring ceilings, marble accents, and glittering chandeliers that create a space that feels both theatrical and timeless. The atmosphere is always buzzing – whether it’s midday or late evening. Even during our visit at 4 p.m., the restaurant was alive with elegant guests savouring dishes like French onion soup and steak haché, paired with glasses of red wine. The perfect stop for pre-theatre dining, the brasserie sits conveniently opposite the Moulin Rouge show at the Piccadilly Theatre, further cementing its reputation as a haven for lovers of food and culture alike.
Zédel’s menu is a love letter to traditional French cuisine, served with all the grandeur you’d hope for. Presented in French (an English translation is, of course, available), it offers a variety of classics at remarkably affordable prices. Our meal began with warm French bread and salty butter – an unassuming yet authentic touch that set the tone. The French onion soup was a rich, hearty delight, its velvety broth crowned by a perfectly melted blanket of cheese. Equally impressive was the celeriac remoulade, striking a balance of creamy texture and tangy mustard flavour.
For mains, the boeuf bourguignon was a showstopper – a tender, slow-cooked masterpiece bathed in a glossy red wine sauce. For something lighter, the ragout of artichoke hearts with Israeli couscous, preserved lemon, and ratatouille-style vegetables offered a refreshing, vibrant contrast.
For dessert, the tarte au citron was a standout – a zesty, buttery creation that left us wanting just one spoonful more. However, the highlight for many will undoubtedly be the vintage cheese trolley, a decadent and traditional touch that feels like a rare treat. Watching the array of cheeses wheeled over to your table before choosing your selection is a delight in itself, a nostalgic nod to dining traditions of old.
In addition to its stellar classic menu, Brasserie Zédel is also offering festive specials throughout December. Highlights include a gooey truffle baked Camembert for sharing, succulent pork chops with choucroute sauce, and a comforting apple and rhubarb crumble. Meanwhile, the adjoining Bar Américain and ZL Café serve a selection of seasonal cocktails, such as the effervescent Bogart, featuring Tanqueray gin, pandan, ginger cordial, and Champagne, and the warming Some Like It Hot, crafted with Johnnie Walker Black Label, almond, honey, and coconut.
Beyond the food and drinks, entertainment takes centre stage. The Fête Fantastique celebrations stretch across the entire Zédel building, with jazz-infused suppers and cabaret evenings lighting up the Brasserie, Bar Américain, Crazy Coqs, and ZL Café. Expect performances from acts like Black Cat Cabaret and Gary Williams’ Swingin’ Christmas, making every visit a multi-sensory experience that feels like a celebration.
Brasserie Zédel’s unique combination of classic French dining and festive flair makes it an unbeatable choice this season. Whether you’re dining pre-theatre, toasting to the holidays, or simply soaking in the spirited atmosphere, it’s a place that leaves an impression – one you’ll likely want to revisit time and time again.
Brasserie Zédel, 20 Sherwood St, London W1F 7ED
