Missed Your Trip to Paris This Summer? This London Spot Brings the City Right to You

If you didn’t make it to Paris this summer, you’re certainly not alone. Many of us have faced those rainy days during a visit to the French capital and know how comforting it is to find refuge in snug little bistros, indulging in ridiculously buttery dishes that somehow feel just right. Now, imagine being able to experience that same vibe and fare without even stepping on a plane.

Enter Henri, a fresh dining hotspot in Covent Garden that effortlessly channels the spirit of a Parisian eatery. Created by the talented chef Jackson Boxer, this restaurant opened its doors recently and promises a vibrant, creative take on the classic flavors and ambience of Paris.

Henri is tucked inside Henrietta, a charming 19th-century townhouse converted into a stylish hotel, just a stone’s throw from Covent Garden’s bustle. As soon as you step inside, you’re greeted by an atmosphere that feels both sophisticated and welcoming — a lovely blend that’s perfect for casual dinners or special nights out.

Through slender windows, glowing globe lamps offer a peek into the inviting interior. On entering, your eyes are drawn to a busy, elegant bar on one side and a sleek open kitchen where culinary magic unfolds in real time. Meanwhile, the main dining room invites you to relax amid dark wood panelling, polished marble tables with delicate pleated dust ruffles, golden candlesticks shining on each table, and carefully chosen glasses that hint at the restaurant’s attention to detail.

The space evokes Parisian charm with intimate booths that encourage close conversations, although be prepared to cozy up as space is a little tight. There are also select round tables perfect for small groups. All around, gentle piano melodies drift through the candlelit air, momentarily shielding you from the busy city outside and making it feel like you’ve crossed the Channel and found yourself in a genuine, stylish French bistro.

Henri’s menu is thoughtfully segmented into snacks, starters, main courses, sides, and desserts, proudly sticking to traditional French roots while adding inventive elements. This is a breath of fresh air amid a London food scene sometimes overwhelmed by overly themed or fusion-heavy options. There’s also a charming chalkboard listing charcoal grill options, charged by weight, reminiscent of classic French dining.

My meal began with a beautifully balanced raw oyster paired with green apple and Chartreuse granita—a refreshing and bright start that whetted the appetite perfectly. Then came a delightful surprise: a seaweed canelé served alongside sour cream and vibrant neon orange trout roe. This dish reinterprets a French pastry classic, with the sweet caramelized notes of the canelé perfectly offset by the salty bursts of roe and the smooth creaminess of the sour cream. It’s clear from dishes like this that Henri’s chefs push beyond the usual garlic butter snails and frog legs, delivering creativity rooted in genuine bistro tradition.

The cocktail menu complements this culinary approach, offering robust choices like bourbons, vermouths, and cognacs for those who enjoy richer flavors. At the same time, lighter, more floral options are available — including the 'Antoine,' with St Germain and cucumber, and 'Anne-Sophie,' a sweeter blend of vodka, sour cherry, and pineapple. Whether you want something bold or refreshing, there’s a drink here to suit your mood.

Starters showcase both classic and modern influences. You can opt for Henri’s signature grilled snails, accompanied by green garlic and veal rice, or try more contemporary takes like carrot râpée, a fresh French carrot salad with black olives and sesame seeds. The poached leek paired with Brixham crab and crispy fried capers is another standout, expertly balancing textures and flavors. For those seeking indulgence, a dish of raw beef paired with duck liver and pommes allumettes—crispy, thin potato sticks—is a rich yet rewarding choice. Portions are generous, so sharing some dishes adds to the experience without overwhelming your appetite.

The wine list is intentionally compact but well-curated, offering impressive value given the prime location. Many wines can be ordered by the glass or carafe, making it easy to enjoy a quality pour even if time is short, like before a theatre performance. Henri also offers fixed-price menus—two courses for £23 and three courses for £28—perfect for a streamlined dining experience without sacrificing choice.

Moving on to mains, one can’t miss trying the steak frites served with Henri’s take on Café de Paris sauce. While the sauce packs a salty punch, it’s quickly forgiven by steak lovers, especially when accompanied by a generous bowl of crispy frites. Other options include a hearty Toulouse sausage served with creamy potato purée and a whole roast chicken shared with earthy turnips and morels, bringing rustic French comfort to the table. Vegetarians aren’t left out either, with dishes like a buttery roast accompanied by green olives and toasted hazelnuts, elevated further by expertly cooked duck fat fries that are crisp to perfection.

After your main, there’s a petite but thoughtfully composed dessert menu, paired with an excellent selection of sweet wines and sherries. It’s a sweet ending you’ll want to savor. I opted for a dense chocolate sabayon cake that balanced its richness with a refreshing yoghurt sorbet. Next time, I’m eager to try the frangipane tart served with pear eau de vie and a bay leaf sorbet, a pairing that promises to remind me why Paris remains so unforgettable.

Overall, Henri offers a rare chance to enjoy authentic Parisian flavors and atmosphere without leaving London. Whether it’s a casual after-work meal, a romantic weekend date, or a pre-theatre dinner, this place has you covered. Plus, its accommodating menu options also cater to vegan and vegetarian diets, ensuring everyone can share in the experience.