Seemor
Paris GrillB+Worth Trying
37 Crutched Friars, London EC3N 2AE
· French restaurant, Bar, Restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (268 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout · Outdoor seating
City stalwart with art-deco charm, beloved steak sandwiches, and solid brasserie classics; strong for business lunches but can be noisy and pricey for the quality.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Paris Grill delivers solid neighborhood dining with above-average food quality anchored by signature steak sandwich and table-side tartare, supported by attentive service and appealing art-deco ambiance. However, consistency shows occasional quality variation during peak service, and moderate uncertainty exists due to review authenticity concerns that prevent a higher grade. The experience is reliable and worth visiting for City workers and steak enthusiasts, though it doesn't quite reach the distinction of grade A territory.
Restaurant Summary
Down a City side street, Paris Grill feels warm and bustling with retro mirrors and a clubby downstairs bar where office regulars slip in for the steak sandwich. Diners praise the team as polite and efficient, and the room hums at lunch and on tribute nights. "The tartare mixed at the table was superb," sums up the vibe: classic, confident, and a little theatrical. The cooking leans classic French brasserie with a City tilt—think steaks, tartare, salmon, and sides—so the approach is elevated traditional rather than experimental. Strengths center on the signature steak sandwich and table-side tartare, with solid seafood and a fair wine list; a few diners noted seasoning misses or a steak doneness slip during the lunch rush. Families can make it work if kids like simple comfort picks: burger, schnitzel, fries, ice cream. There is no kids menu, and lunch can be lively and loud. The menu shows some vegetarian items and a single vegan main, so adventurous eaters will be fine, but picky eaters may prefer the more familiar choices.
At a Glance
- Iconic steak sandwich and excellent table-side tartare
- Art-deco ambiance suits business lunches and after-work meals
- Noisy during peak lunch and event nights
- Pricing is City-level; occasional comments about bland seasoning
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- table_side_tartare
- art_deco_interior
- iconic_steak_sandwich
- downstairs_bar_hideaway
What People Love
- The ritual of tartare prepared at the table
- A steak sandwich that feels like a London classic
- Friendly, efficient service in a lively room
- Retro decor that makes weekday lunches feel special
Points of Concern
- Noise spikes at lunch and during tribute events; conversation can be tough
- Service can slow at peak times; one-off misses on steak doneness reported
- City pricing; a few diners felt certain dishes needed more seasoning
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (brief 5-star bursts in late 2024) which may not reflect typical diner experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£46-64 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair the tartare with truffle fries (£5.50) and a light starter like smoked salmon (£14.50).
- Value route: Corn Fed Chicken (£22) plus crème brûlée (£9.95) for a balanced full meal under £35 before drinks.
- Seafood fans: Pan Fried Cod (£28) with asparagus and saffron sauce for a lighter main.
Perfect For
- Client lunches where ambiance matters
- After-work dinners with colleagues
- Casual date night with classic brasserie vibes
- Small groups sharing sandwich platters
Location Insights
Area: Historic financial district with weekday business crowd; after-work drinks and client dining vibe.
Safety: Well-patrolled and busy on weekdays; quieter at night and weekends but generally safe.
Nearby: Near Tower of London, Fenchurch Street Station, offices, hotels; draws office workers and visiting clients.
AldgatePrestigious commercial zone blending historic architecture with contemporary office spaces, featuring high-end dining options catering to professional clientele and corporate entertainment.
Crutched FriarsCompact urban enclave with narrow streets representing the intersection of medieval urban planning and modern financial infrastructure, known for discreet professional networking spaces.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–17:00
Tuesday12:00–17:00
Wednesday12:00–17:00
Thursday12:00–17:00
Friday12:00–17:00
Saturday
Sunday
Available: Reservations, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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