Le Petit Nantais is a French restaurant in East Molesey serving seasonal menus inspired by classic French cooking. Open for lunch and dinner, it’s particularly well suited to date nights, birthday celebrations and special occasions, with a menu built around quality ingredients and traditional dishes.
Owned by Jean-Philippe and Kim Gravier, the restaurant takes a thoughtful approach to sourcing the best, fresh ingredients. Meat, fish, vegetables, bread and wine are carefully selected from trusted suppliers, while cheese is imported directly from France twice a week. Located near Hampton Court, Le Petit Nantais focuses on seasonal produce and French culinary traditions, resulting in menus that combine well-known classics with changing specials.
Inside, white tablecloths and crisp white furnishings set the tone, while fairy lights and softly glowing lamps create a romantic atmosphere. Ornate mirrors, framed artwork and a striking floral feature wall add character to the dining room, while the intimate layout makes it easy to settle in for a long lunch or evening meal.
The menu begins with classic starters such as crayfish cocktail, French onion soup, escargots in garlic butter and salade de confit de canard. There is also a selection of nibbles, including garlic bread, olives and cornichons. Main courses include steak tartare served with frites, chicken in a rich blue cheese sauce and confit de canard, accompanied by sides such as green salad, mixed vegetables and mashed potatoes. Guests can further customise their meal with sauces including peppercorn, red wine and shallot and garlic butter.
Desserts offer a memorable finish, with highlights including a chocolate sphere that is melted tableside with warm chocolate sauce. The drinks list features Champagne, French wines and cocktails such as the Lychee Bomb, caipirinhas, Long Island Iced Teas and Old Fashioneds, alongside premium spirits and soft drinks.