By: Amy Rosner and Sara Dial By: Amy Rosner and Sara Dial | July 19, 2024 | Food & Drink, Feature, Guides,
From ultra-chic Parisian eateries with art deco finesse to neighborhood bistros home to your favorite chef's favorite chef, New York City attracts only the finest French fare. Looking to elevate your next dining experience? We've garnered a list of the most fabulous French restaurants in the city.
See more: The 20 Best Waterfront View Restaurants In NYC
900 Broadway / 212.595.0303 / Website
One can hardly talk about French dining in NYC without mentioning Daniel Boulud and his fleet of delicious restaurants. Boulud's eponymous restaurant is known all over the world thanks to its delicious takes on French bistro favorites, such as French onion soup, beef tartare, salade niçoise, coq au vin and more. We highly recommend the corn and crab agnolotti for a filling yet fresh dish.
60 E 65th St. / 212.288.0033 / Website
The crowning jewel of Daniel Boulud's restaurants, DANIEL boasts two Michelin stars, and it's not hard to see why. This contemporary French restaurant showcases the very best of French cooking through its creative, seasonal dishes that truly never fail to impress. Guests are treated to a five-course prix fixe menu featuring local seafood, vegetables and meats all prepared to perfection thanks to chef Eddy Leroux's classical French technique.
155 W 51st St. / 212.554.1515 / Website
Le Bernardin stands as a beacon of culinary excellence, where seafood is celebrated in a sophisticated French setting. The three-Michilin-starred restaurant—founded by Parisian sibling duo Maguy and Gilbert Le Coze—presents a dining room menu highlighting fish at the center of the plate. Under the masterful direction of chef Eric Ripert, the kitchen crafts dishes that evoke the emotions of every guest, ensuring a truly memorable meal.
241 W Broadway / 212.334.3883 / Website
Inside the burgundy wood-paneled walls of Frenchette, Chefs Lee Hanson and Riad Nasr have established a French dining experience with art deco finesse. Brouillade, a plate filled with scrambled eggs surrounding a pool of Peconic snails and garlic butter, of course, sets the tone for the following delicate menu of market-fresh fare.
80 Spring St. / 212.965.1414 / Website
This bustling, romantic brasserie enchants diners daily with its French cuisine, served from breakfast through dinner. Famed for its bright ruby awning, this Soho culinary destination is the most notable endeavor of London-born Keith McNally, delighting critics and patrons alike. The menu is headlined by standout dishes such as roasted king salmon and NY strip steak “au poivre,” alongside an extensive list of fine wines.
380 Lafayette St. / 212.533.3000 / Website
Lafayette celebrates the ceremony of French cooking within its elegant café and bakery on the corner of Lafayette and Great Jones Streets. The artfully copper-lined kitchen pays homage to French cuisine, skillfully orchestrated by chef Andrew Carmellini. Pâtissier Scott Cioe’s delicate confections add a touch of sweetness to the grandeur. The interiors, with their cinematic ambiance, provide a captivating backdrop where flavors truly shine. Whether savoring signature dishes or discovering new favorites, Lafayette offers a journey through the heart of French gastronomy.
249 Park Ave S / 212.254.5858 / Website
Nestled between Gramercy Park, Park Avenue South, and Union Square this Lyonnaise bouchon serves classic bistro dishes cherished by its loyal regulars. L’Express’ inviting atmosphere draws diners attention and the expertly crafted entrees stay the course. Israel's Tadmor Culinary School-trained chef Amitzur Mor brings a fresh touch to traditional French cooking with dishes like escargots de Bourgogne and duck legs confit with sautéed spinach, potato purée, and old-fashioned mustard sauce. L’Express offers a delightful blend of authenticity and innovation in the heart of New York City.
188 Orchard St. / 917.261.7370 / Website
Tucked away in the Lower East Side, Le French Diner has gained a reputation as a chef’s favorite spot. This charming 270-square-foot bistro, known for its unpretentious atmosphere and friendly service, captures the essence of a Parisian café. The menu features classic French dishes such as duck confit and steak frites, all prepared with meticulous attention to detail. The rustic décor, complete with vintage posters and exposed brick, adds to the ambiance inside this beloved neighborhood restaurant.
684 Greenwich St. / 646.429.8383 / Website
Cody Pruitt handles the wine while Max Mackinnon drives the kitchen inside the impressively authentic French destination Libertine. On the corner of Christopher Street in the West Village, guests seated on cherry bar stools atop honeycomb-tiled floors sip reds and nosh on a la carte entrées—oeufs mayo, a reintroduced favorite. Libertine brings old-world France to the West Village amidst an unparalleled atmosphere.
113 MacDougal St. / 212.475.3850 / Website
This storied Parisian steakhouse has been a cherished establishment since 1937. It has been a favorite haunt of literary titans like Ernest Hemingway, Ezra Pound, and E.E. Cummings. With its classically checked floors, crisp white linen tables, and walls adorned with caricatures, the restaurant’s rich history is palpable. In 2008, renowned New York restaurateur Keith McNally breathed new life into the beloved space, enhancing the ambiance while introducing classic New York City tavern dishes to complement the traditional Parisian menu.
180 Prince St. / 212.966.3518 / Website
Upon their arrival from Alsace, France, Guy and Serge Raoul found a restaurant for sale in SoHo and capitalized on an opportunity. They embraced the existing space, keeping the original booths and chairs, which only left the scene when they succumbed to time. They were thrifty, not wasting even the salt. Today, Raoul’s is a celebrated haven for French cuisine, renowned for its top-tier signature dishes like steak au poivre and an ambiance that’s authentically cultivated. No designer or consultant needed, just a natural evolution of Raoul’s illustrious past.
80 Wythe Ave., Brooklyn / 718.460.8004 / Website
Inside Williamburg’s Wythe Hotel sits Le Crocodile, an all-day brasserie by Chefs Jake Leiber and Aiden O’Neal. Earnest French dishes inspired by Parisian and New York favorites grace the menu while guests sip the spirits list under frosted lights against the backdrop of exposed brick walls. The menu boasts authentic French dishes, with highlights such as chilled vichyssoise with poached oysters and maltagliati with summer squash and basil pistou, offering a symphony of flavors that capture the heart of both cities.
26 Greenwich Ave. / 646.833.1831 / Website
Neighborhood regulars and destination diners meet for simple yet elevated French fare at casual bistro Le Brartin. Seasonally driven entrées easily accompany a complimenting selection of cocktails, beers and wines. Signature dishes, including mussels and tartare de boeuf au couteau, highlight only the freshest ingredients courtesy of local purveyors. Gracious service adds warmth to the ambiance of it all inside the West Village favorite.
138 Lafayette St. / 212.271.4252 / Website
Stepping into Le CouCou, diners are welcomed by a modern nod to ornate European interiors, a testament to Daniel Rose and Stephen Starr. The menu, brimming with French cuisine, is touched by personality. The atmosphere—equal parts classic and cool—offers exceptional service accentuated by a view of an open kitchen. Start off with the exquisite “Gourmandises,” and savor dishes like lamb chop, duck breast with apricots, and delicately steamed black bass from the “plats” menu.
52 Gansevoort St. / 212.929.4844 / Website
A painted tin ceiling, subway tiles, vintage accents and a curved zinc bar detail the interiors in Pastis. All day, guests find French fare with a soulful twist, including steak frites, moules marinières, and a meticulously curated selection of wines. The restaurant effortlessly combines the old-world charm of a French café with the vibrant energy of New York City.
Enjoy exploring the best of French dining in New York City. Bon appétit!
Photography by: Dana Devolk
