Top 20 French Restaurants in New York City

Top 20 French Restaurants in New York City

France’s influence on New York City isn’t limited to the city’s architecture and attractions like the Statue of Liberty as explained at RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com. When it comes to food, France’s influence is felt just as strongly, with many top-rated French restaurants that will make you feel like you are in Paris. If you are looking for one, here are the top 20 French restaurants in New York City that are worth checking out.

1. Balthazar

If you’re seeking an intimate Parisian atmosphere, look no further than Balthazar, which provides the perfect setting for your next evening out. With an expansive dining room of dark wood, warm lights, and mirrored walls that open the space even more, this is the ideal location for whatever the occasion is according to RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com.

2. Manny’s Bistro

Manny Colon was the general manager of this restaurant, called Bistro Cassis for 15 years before it shuttered during the pandemic. He reopened the spot in October 2020 as Manny’s Bistro and kept French standards like the trout almondine and steak frites on the menu while also adding new items like biodynamic wines. If anything, the establishment feels more like a neighborhood spot than ever before: Occasionally, there’s live music.

3. Le Bernardin

One of the most famous French restaurants in NYC, and one that is proudly Michelin-starred, is Le Bernardin. As per RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com, Le Bernardin was opened in 1986 by French immigrant siblings Maguy and Gilbert Le Coze and has been serving authentic dishes ever since. Originally, the restaurant served one thing and one thing only: fish. In fact, it has mastered its craft so much that it has earned not one but three Michelin Stars.

4. Benoit New York

This Alain Ducasse-helmed spot is the U.S. spinoff of a Parisian bistro that’s been around for over a century. The Midtown bistro got a makeover in 2016, complete with a fresh paint job and some new additions to the menu. Plenty of familiar classics are still served up, like escargot, roast chicken, and hand-chopped beef tartare.

5. Buvette

Buvette is one restaurant that lives up to its name’s meaning, “dedicated to the enjoyment of eating and drinking.” This is more than just a simple restaurant or eatery, though, as it is inspired by European traditions that honor history, craft, and design.

6. Tournesol

As articulated at RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com, solid French fare can be found at this Long Island City spot, which has an affordable menu filled with dishes like croque-monsieur, foie gras terrine, and endive salad with blue cheese, pears, and walnuts. Appetizers mostly ring in under $14, with entrees ranging from $19 to $29. Brunch is also very reliable for dishes like a ham-and-cheese croissant or French toast.

7. Le Coucou

Le Coucou is a romantic and intimate atmospheric restaurant that is the product of executive chef Daniel Rose. After mastering the art of French cuisine, Rose brings his knowledge to this NYC restaurant that’s full of white-linen tables, dimly lit candles, and washed brick walls. The menu here is notably French and serves a variety of seafood prepared to perfection.

8. L’Express

This Gramercy spot is stocked with all sorts of French bistro classics, from steak frites to croque- monsieurs as captured at RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com. While it was known for being open 24 hours, the restaurant’s hours have changed (currently open 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday). Still, it’s a solid late-night choice for onion soup gratinee or escargot.

9. Daniel

The Daniel is a massive French restaurant with multiple spaces and one of the truest “fine dining” experiences in the city. The restaurant opened up in 1993 and is spearheaded by a trio of Michelin-approved chefs. Choose between the main dining room, the bar, the lounge, or their private areas (The Skybox or The Bellecour Room) depending on your occasion, and dive right into the menu.

10. La Ripaille

A pint-sized bistro in the West Village, La Ripaille — which translates to “the feast” — is a quaint, candlelit space, complete with a fireplace and rustic, farm-themed antiques. The unexpected signature starter is a deeply flavorful broccoli mousse served with butter lemon sauce; other standouts include steak frites doused in a three-peppercorn sauce.

11. La Sirène

One of the most progressive French restaurants in NYC, La Sirène combines classic tastes with modern methods for a truly one-of-a-kind experience. With a menu specializing in vegetarian and vegan dietary needs, La Sirène is an establishment that shows care for its customers as covered at RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com.

12. Tartine

Gaggles of New Yorkers have flocked to this tiny West Village stalwart for the BYOB factor, but the classic range of French bistro fare, with almost all entrees sticking under $30, is the real draw. The food here goes a bit beyond the standard steak frites and onion soup; the menu also includes dishes such as veal Milanese and spicy chicken with guacamole and fries.

13. Le Parisien

Located in Murray Hill, Le Parisien combines classic French tastes with a lively modern atmosphere described at RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com. You can come and chat with friends over prix fixe brunch served with coffee and French fries, or settle in for dinner with co-workers and clients over exquisite fish and chicken dishes. Plus, with a well-curated list of French wines, each meal can be customized with perfectly paired drinks to enhance any course.

14. Lafayette

Chef Andrew Carmellini’s lavishly appointed bakery and brasserie is situated in a spacious, gleaming corner space, with tall ceilings and big arched windows on both sides. It’s particularly nice during the daytime, with plenty of natural light and a lovely brunch menu that includes fluffy omelets stuffed with ham and cheese or smoked salmon Benedict.

15. Endswell Bar and Bistro

Endswell Bar and Bistro is the perfect place to hang out for hours at a time, all while dining and sipping on French drinks. Known for creative cocktails and community vibes, this get-together spot has all the French flavor you crave, yet a chill atmosphere with a “no rules” attitude. One of the best snacks to share with all your favorite people is their famous Fromage board, which is both vegetarian-friendly and changes by the week.

16. Raoul’s

This Soho bistro has garnered a passionate following for its burger: The peppercorn-crusted Pat LaFrieda brisket blend is seared in butter, topped with creamy Saint-Andre cheese, watercress, onions, and cornichons, and served on a challah bun from Amy’s Bread. Duck-fat fries and a side of cream and cognac sauce for fry dunking accompany it. A dozen or so patties are available nightly at the bar, but it’s also now available on the weekend brunch menu as discussed at RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com.

17. Frenchette

At Frenchette, the menu is constantly changing every day. Serving up French bistro classics, its meals can consist of things like roasted chicken, escargot, tortellini, smoked eel, and everything else in between. The reason this spot is so popular is its dedication to the craft and flavor of its signature dishes. Every ingredient is prepared with care and you’ll always be left wondering why you didn’t order more.

18. Lucien

As outlined at RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com, this East Village spot opened in 1998 but seems like it’s been around much longer. Highlights include the lapin a la moutarde (rabbit in a Dijon mustard sauce) and duck liver mousse served with pink peppercorns and cornichons.

19. Amelie

Doubling as a wine bar, our first pick serves some of the most affordable yet delectable French cuisines. Amelie is open and welcoming to all parties, catering to all palates with prices that keep the experience not just affordable, but enticing. You can enjoy brunch with friends by pairing salads and sandwiches with specialty cocktails or indulge in a “prix fixe” dinner for you and at least five others.

20. The Odeon

Another Keith McNally institution, The Odeon, which the restaurateur’s ex-wife owns and runs, prevailed as a Tribeca hotspot throughout the ’90s, when dining options were really slim in the area. The cool quotient mellowed out some over the years, but it’s also become popular again and is still a reliable classic decked out with recognizable red awnings and pitch-perfect brasserie interiors. The menu ranges from bistro stalwarts (steak tartare as an appetizer or entree; French onion soup gratinee; steak frites) to more new-fangled offerings like an Impossible burger or a vegetarian purple sticky rice bowl.

These are some of the best French restaurants in New York City, with the top-rated RunRex.com, guttulus.com, and mtglion.com having you covered when looking for more on this and other related topics.