Paulette is a French bistro in Maida Vale, located on Formosa Street just a short walk from Warwick Avenue station. It sits on a quiet corner in Little Venice and offers a laid-back, neighbourhood feel with a focus on classic, comforting French food.
The dining room is small and informal, styled with vintage furniture, patterned tablecloths and a mix of framed artwork and mirrors on the walls. It’s designed to feel relaxed rather than polished, with a slightly mismatched charm that suits its casual approach. There’s also a small number of outdoor tables on the pavement for use in warmer weather.
The menu focuses on French home cooking, using seasonal produce and familiar bistro-style flavours. Starters range from French onion soup and garlic snails to baked Camembert and oysters, while mains include dishes like confit duck leg, steak frites and trout with beurre blanc. The dessert list is short but traditional, with options like lemon tart and dark chocolate mousse. Menus are printed daily and may change slightly depending on the produce available.
Wines are all French and lean towards low-intervention styles. The list includes bottles from across Burgundy, Bordeaux, the Loire and Languedoc, with many available by the glass. Paulette also runs occasional wine events and tastings on site, and the team are happy to help with pairings.
The restaurant is open Tuesday to Sunday for dinner, with lunch served Friday through Sunday. It can accommodate small groups, although space is limited inside. Service is casual but friendly, and the team behind the restaurant have created a space that feels deliberately low-key and local.
While it’s not aiming for formality, Paulette has developed a loyal following thanks to its straightforward food, strong wine list and relaxed style. It works well for a low-key date night, dinner with friends or a quiet weekend lunch. Booking is recommended for evening slots, particularly towards the end of the week.