French Classics - by Matthew Ryle (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

"Chef Matt makes French food easy for everyone. Everyone should love French food forever." -Matty Matheson

A Vogue.com Best Coffee Table Book to Gift in 2025

The most venerated French dishes, prepared for a new generation of chefs by rising star Matthew Ryle-with a foreword by Michelin-starred chef Raymond Blanc.

We're in the midst of a French food renaissance, in no small part thanks to Matthew Ryle and his accessible, warm approach to the most classic of cuisines. French Classics is full of recipes that have for centuries withstood the test of time-and are soon to break through to a new generation of chefs.

Whether you're craving the perfect Croque Madame for lunch or Beef Bourguignon on a cold night, hoping to surprise your partner with Steak Diane or wow your family and friends with a "Grande Bouffe," French Classics has you covered-and will leave you wondering why you haven't been cooking this food your whole life. With a 70/30 split of "Easy" and "Elevated" dishes, these recipes are made for any home cook who appreciates fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and true classics.

Review Quotes

"I love French food more than anything. Everyone should experience a beautiful coq au vin, a classic tarte tatin. Chef Matt makes French food easy for everyone. Everyone should love French food forever." --Matty Matheson

"London restaurateur Matthew Ryle makes the best roast potatoes imaginable." --Sheryl Julian, The Boston Globe

"There is something so straightforwardly delightful about this cookbook, a forthright guide to the kind of recipes-moules mariniére, beef bourguignon-that make you feel as though you're attending your grandmother's dinner party, if she was entertaining on Park Avenue. And yet, there's nothing fussy or stuffy about French Classics rather, it's a streamlined and simplified (without sacrificing authenticity!) take on the classics we all love." --Chloe Schama, Vogue.com

"French Classics by Chef Matthew Ryle, the classically trained London-based chef and founder of Maison François, is the perfect cookbook for anyone looking to bring timeless recipes like moules marinière and beef bourguignon into a modern kitchen with ease and flair. French home cooking has never felt so approachable." --Allison Fabian Derfner, goop

"[Matthew Ryle's] classic beef bourguignon is rich, tender, and full of flavor . . . by the time it's ready, you're rewarded with a deeply flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth dish that makes every step worth it." --Katie Couric Media

"Matt's new cookbook is a masterpiece, bringing French classics to life in a way that's both approachable and inspiring. After experiencing his incredible French cuisine at his Maison François restaurant, I have no doubt this book will go on to do great things-guiding a whole new generation to master these timeless French dishes." --Jonas Blue

"Ever since I met Matthew back in 2010, when we started working together, I knew he was destined for success. He's incredibly organized, diligent, and has an exceptional palate and technique. This book is just the beginning of the knowledge he's eager to share, and I have no doubt there will be many more to come. But this one is truly fantastic." --Thomas Straker

"Matthew Ryle has cooked some of my all-time favorite dishes and is responsible for some of my most memorable meals. I admire him greatly-not just for his skill, but for his authenticity as a chef. If his food is anything to go by, this book will be nothing short of brilliant. I can't wait to dive in." --Ravneet Gill

"An instant classic for the ages. Matt has written a love letter to French cuisine that feels like a gift to all of us, I want to cook it all." --Calum Franklin

"I've long been a fan of Maison Francois, with its confident and assured cooking and this book is a beautiful collection of those delicious French classics. One to linger over." --Matt Tebbutt

"Matthew Ryle made Maison Francois one of my favorite restaurants to wow guests, soon after that Cafe Francois entered my little black book of places I truly trust. Ryle's book will become equally as vital: this is a delicious cornucopia of classic French cookery delivered with aplomb." --Grace Dent

"Matthew Ryle's passion for French food shines from every page, sharing traditional and much-loved recipes for home cooks to recreate authentic French dishes at home. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, Matthew's cookbook is a must-have for anyone looking to explore the flavors and traditions of French cooking." --Paul Ainsworth

"A collection of gorgeous recipes for French classics, and in a style that is entirely relevant to the way we cook and eat today. What a stunning debut book! An irresistible combination of culinary cleverness, boundless passion and absolute devotion to the great craft of cookery. Magnifique, Matt! I'm off to make your beautiful French onion soup..." --Adam Byatt

"Et voilà! A rare and wonderful thing-a new voice in food writing. A 'how to' compendium of all the much-loved classics that constitute the backbone of fine dining. Matthew Ryle is so generous with his expertise and writes so invitingly. He brings the most exquisite dishes within the grasp of anyone with a keen interest in cooking. Utterly delicious reading." --Alex James

"Matt is a chef whom I admire. In his restaurant, he doesn't just capture the essence of French cuisine: He also captures the spirit of France, and I can see that London diners enjoy the authenticity of the cooking. I look forward to trying these recipes." --Pierre Koffman

"Sometimes one must step back and admire a peer with the greatest respect for their professionalism, maturity, and excellence. Matthew is one of these people. His ability to breakdown creative ideas and create restaurant dishes is admirable and faultless, and he has now taken this to the home cook." --François O'Neill

"this book makes me f%#ing hungry!!! buy it now!!!" --benny blanco

"Could spark joy in the saddest heart . . . The food is generously, memorably seasoned, and oil-, butter- or garlic-drenched . . . Really quite wonderful."" --The Guardian, on Maison Francois

"Maison François has being chic down to a fine art . . . It isn't the kind of food that shouts or pleads for your attention. Mais non, bébé. Instead it flirtatiously whispers with a dose of bone marrow on your escargot flatbread and the subtle crunch of breadcrumbs in the cabbage." --The Infatuation, on Maison Francois

"Everything was delicious here . . . if you didn't have enough reasons to come to Maison François already, this should be it." --House & Garden, on Maison Francois

"The go-to restaurant for the smart set." --Tatler, on Maison Francois

About the Author

Matthew Ryle is a devoted chef with more than ten years of experience in renowned global eateries including three Michelin-starred Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester (UK), Frioul (Dubai) and Isabel Mayfair (UK). He began his career at just fifteen in the Michelin-starred kitchen of L'Ortolan in Reading, UK. After becoming a firm favorite as a runner-up in the final rounds on MasterChef: The Professionals in 2018, Matthew launched one of London's busiest new restaurants, the French all-day brasserie Maison Francois, to great critical success and numerous accolades including two AA rosettes and a Michelin Plate. He lives in London. Matthew is now dedicated to sharing his culinary expertise by introducing uncomplicated, top-notch culinary experiences into people's households through his hugely popular and continually growing social media following. He lives in London.
Instagram and TikTok @MatthewRyle