Travel & Living

21 French Restaurants in NYC to See and Be Seen

These are the go-to French restaurants in the heart of New York City.

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Whether you are more of a wine-and-dine type of person, or you want to look at the scenery of the city or seat at a café to enjoy some pastries, there is always something fun à la parissiene you can do in the Big Apple. From pastry shops to outdoor terraces, there are plenty of options for you and your gals to try, including eating at French restaurants.

New York City is already a lively spot, but within its boroughs, neighborhoods, and streets, the charm of the city will have you wondering more about what else to do. And trust us, there is a lot you can do, especially where to dine in. We gathered some of the best French restaurants in the city for you to vibe in. There is no denying that the ambiance of Paris or the countryside of France is ever so romantic. From its charming streets and architecture to the intimate cafés and sightseeing on la Seine, the country has a lot of unique and beautiful places. And if you can’t make it to France, here in New York City we have you covered with some of the best French restaurants that will have you transported to the country in no time. Scroll for more. 

Café Chelsea

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Photos: Noah Fecks.

Inside the historic Hotel Chelsea, Café Chelsea is the latest addition to the selection of French restaurants NYC has to offer. As the first restaurant concept to open in the hotel since 1930, Café Chelsea offers an array of fine French cuisine with an atmosphere true to the space's legacy of NYC art and culture but marked with unmistakable French details.

Ladurée

 

Bring your gals to the magical Maison Ladurée for lunch or a get-together. Located at 398 West Broadway, this whimsical Parisian spot is not only an Instagram-worthy photo, but a great way to escape your mind from the business of New York. The décor is custom-made furniture from curated Parisian antique shops. Ladurée has several options for you to dine in, from a pristine white marble counter area, a boutique-like room, an open garden with café chairs, and a Marie Antoinette ballroom-style area. Ladurée will transport you to France and to a whole new era.

Balthazar

 

Meet at Balthazar and conjure Paris in NYC. A favorite of New Yorkers, this brasserie is magical in every sense of the word, from the gilded mirrors to the patina on the walls to the aroma of its kitchen, all evoke a Parisian ambiance. The servers dressed in black and white with aprons put on a theatrical performance with their attire at your service. Enjoy a French-inspired menu as well as their specialty and their bakery goods. Balthazar is located in the heart of SoHo on Spring Street.

La Grande Boucherie

 

Located at 145 West 53rd Street, La Grande Boucherie takes inspiration from the opulent and elegant Art Nouveau Style, transporting France to the heart of NYC. The place offers you outdoor seating and features a gorgeous arched skylight. This place is la vie de la fête when it comes to its atmosphere that gives its customers.

Miss Madeleine

 

A unique French pastry shop to experience is Miss Madeleine. Born out of a catering service, this bakery has established its roots on the Upper East Side, providing unique and authentic pastries made with a Parisian heart. Stop by to try their famous madeleines and almond croissants. 

Le Dive

 

Located in the middle of Dimes Square, this hip and fashionable place is the place to be. Le Dive is an intimate and sophisticated space to enjoy casual drinks with friends in a trendy locale.

A.O.C L'Aile Ou La Cuisse

 

A celebrity favorite, A.O.C L'Aile Ou La Cuisse is situated at the heart of the Greenwich Village in New York City, on 314 Bleeker St, and it has become part of the rich history of the neighborhood. The menu brings you traditional cuisine from the chef/owner Romain Bonnans. This chic and iconic restaurant will teleport you to the countryside of France with a relaxing outdoor garden.

Le Rock

 

Bring your gals to New York's iconic Rockefeller Plaza at Le Rock for one of the most French, New York experiences. Le Rock is known for its elegance and French decor. The place brings in the magic with exquisite views of the city as well as the opulent atmosphere for a New Yorker to experience. From retail to dining to entertainment, they have it all.  

Le Coucou

 

Dine at Le Coucou, one of the most elegant restaurants in SoHo. Restauranteur Stephen Starr and Daniel Rose work in collaboration after Rose made a name for himself in Paris with his restaurants Spring and La Bourse e La Vie. Located at 11 Howard, Le Coucou gives guests a spacious dining room, tables draped in linen, flickering candles, and a mural of an 18th-century French landscape decorating the bar. Rose's impeccable menu brings you the finest European gastronomy, from exquisite pastries to egg dishes to the classic French fare dinner. 

La Sirène

 

La Sirène brings you homemade French cuisine at the heart of SoHo as well as the Upper West Side. This casual bistro serves a traditional Southern French gastronomy made with seasonal ingredients. One of their main dishes is the Escargots à la Bourguignonne, an authentic and symbolic dish to the French. The spot will have you transported to Provence with its decor and impeccable service. 

La Mercerie

 

If you've been checking off your NYC bucket list, you may want to come to La Mercerie and explore this hidden gem. Located inside the Roman and Williams Guild in SoHo, this spot is the perfect form of escapism. The ambiance of La Mercerie will have you feeling like royalty in its dreamy and fantasy-like decor. Owned by Stephen Alesch and Robin Standefer, La Mercerie serves guests simple and authentic French dishes that celebrate the everyday cuisine of Paris. The kitchen is headed by Parisian chef Marie-Aude Rose.

La Grenouille

 

La Grenouille, a historic and award-winning French restaurant located at 3 East 52 Street was founded in 1962 by Charles Masson Sr. and his wife Gisèle. Known for its lavish floral arrangements, the restaurant has become a segment among fashion designers and celebrities. The establishment soon gained recognition and fame, positioning itself as one of the best New York French Haute Cuisines. 

Le Jardinier

 

Le Jardinier is a Michelin recipient restaurant focused on modern French cuisine. Dine in at one of the most unique spots in the city with a menu focused on vegetables, fruits, and sustainable proteins. Le Jardinier is decorated in a greenhouse space where the experience is unconditionally relaxing. The team is led by award-winning Culinary Director Chef Alain Verzeroli, whose thoughtful elements of decor and impeccable menus bring a serene atmosphere to the experience of guests. 

Nougatine by Jean-Georges

 

This casual but upscale French restaurant is located at 1 Central Park West. The spot is a favorite of celebrities, socialites, and fashion designers. The menus are a signature of Chef Jean-Geaorges who serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all year around. The restaurant has spectacular views of Central Park, and guests get to experience an open kitchen. The brown and cream tones of the space bring in a serene and relaxing atmosphere, soothing by day. 

Benoit New York

 

This Alain Ducasse's upscale French bistro is modeled after the Paris original. After remodeling the establishment, Ducasse kept some of the iconic codes of the French bistro: red velvet banquettes, a lighter color palette, and a brand-new wine bar. Benoit offers private dining, an outdoor seating area, and decor that echoes the original Parisian bistro. The restaurant is headed by Chef Executive Alberto Marcolongo. 

Perrine

 

Transport yourself to the South of France on Perrine's Rose Terrace. Perrine offers an intimate, open-air terrace with beautiful bistro seating and fragrant gardens. Located in the Upper East Side, Perrine is one of the most stylish and ambient restaurants that offers farm-to-table seasonally inspired menus. 

Le Crocodile

 

Le Crocodile is everything brasserie with meticulous detail and care to their craft. This hip establishment has soaring ceilings, large windows, vibrant and intricate mosaic tile floors, and cast-iron columns. Le Crocodile provides guests with the experience to dine on a spacious, green, and breezy outdoor dining patio. Located in Williamsburg's Wythe Hotel, Le Crocodile is an all-day neighborhood brasserie from Chef Partners Jake Leiber and Aidan O'Neal. 

Claudette

 

Meet at Claudette for Mediterranean-accented French dishes and a selection of wines hailing from the South of France. The elegant restaurant is named after Claudette Sammut, the mother of Guy Sammut. This spot serves a range of delicious North African and French dishes, most notably their NY Strip Au Poivre.

Mister French

 

Mister French is a favorite among celebrities like Madonna. This lively spot is designed for group dining and entertainment. This modern French restaurant offers an innovative approach to classic French fare. It offers one of the most sophisticated cocktail programs and features Chinoiserie flare with classic dim sum dishes with a french twist. When you and your gals visit this super club, the dining experience will leave you wanting to come back. 

Bistro Les Amis

 

Home to the best onion soup in New York City, Bistro Les Amis has been serving traditional and classic French dishes like Coc Au Vin, Lamb Shank, and Onion Soup. This cheerful place offers a casual atmosphere with cozy romantic decor. The bistro offers outside seating that offers views of some of the most iconic streets in the city.

Cathédrale Restaurant

 

Cathédrale Restaurant is a French-Mediterranean restaurant by Tao Group Hospitality Chec/Partner Ralph Scamardella, in collaboration with Executive Chef Jason Hall. Cathédrale Restaurant comes with a spacious dining room featuring soaring ceilings, an open kitchen, and an outdoor dining terrace. Their menu takes inspiration from the South of France with Italian traces, offering both a spectacle in the presentation of their dishes as well as a conjure of sophistication across their ingredient-driven cooking. 

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