Are you looking for the best French restaurants in NYC? If so, keep reading for our top recommendations!
There are some beautiful French restaurants in NYC, and if you’ve come here looking for some of the best French restaurants in NYC, then you’ve come to the right place!
NYC is a city for foodies, and you can find every type of cuisine in NYC. This includes French food!
In fact, some of the best French restaurants in NYC, are some of the most loved restaurants in NYC!
Why does NYC love French cuisine? Well, it’s sophisticated, delicious, and traditional. French food is all about taking traditional food techniques and turning them into irresistible flavors and combinations.
So if you’re looking for the best French restaurants in NYC, this list is going to give you plenty of inspiration for places to try!
So, let’s get into it!
Here are the best French restaurants in NYC!
Balthazar
If you’re in the mood for classic French fare, mid-afternoon brunch, or a warming supper, Balthazar is one of the best French restaurants in NYC for the job.
Believe it or not, this incredible place services over 1,500 guests a day, and many people visit for the restaurant’s notorious steak frites.
Although its staple steaks are well worth ordering, there’s much on this menu to love.
So, whether you fancy an impressive Tart Tatin to satisfy your sweet tooth or would simply want to drink the night away with a selection of delicious French wines, this is one of the French restaurants in NYC that have got you covered.
Lafayette Grand Café & Bakery
Next on our list of the best French restaurants in NYC, it’s Lafayette Grand Cafe and Bakery.
With its incredible Belle Epoque architecture, mood lighting, and top-notch food and cocktails, it’s unsurprising that Lafayette Grand Café and Bakery has made its way onto our list of the best French restaurants in NYC.
The atmosphere is worth writing home about, but the food is equally divine (it is one of the best restaurants in NYC after all!).
Serving everything from perfectly cooked steaks to fish that melts in your mouth, there’s something on the extensive menu for everyone.
This is one of the best French restaurants in NYC, which you need to try!
Read more NYC food recommendations: Where to find the best bagels in NYC
Little Prince
Tucked away in vibrant SoHo is Little Prince, the next entry onto our list of the best French restaurants in NYC.
What we love about this place is the setup; all windows open out onto the street, giving you a prime spot for people-watching during the day, and ultimate romance during the evenings as the twinkling city lights begin to appear.
It’s one of the best French restaurants in NYC, that everyone who visits absolutely loves.
With a modern menu, plenty of character, and one of the coziest neighborhood atmospheres on our list, this is one of the best French restaurants in NYC that is perfect for locals and out-of-towners.
Read more about visiting NYC: 15 amazing upscale restaurants in NYC
Le Bernardin
If you’re on the hunt for the best French restaurants in NYC, you really can’t do better than the high-class Le Bernadin.
Known as one of the more upscale and expensive spots to grab French food in the city, this is one of the best French restaurants in NYC for anyone who wants their meal to be an experience.
This place is known for its refined seafood, and you can either order from their extensive a la carte menu or opt for the four-course tasting menu.
Perfectly balancing French cuisine with global flavors, this is one of the best French restaurants in NYC for adventurous types.
Read more NYC food inspiration: What is the best bakery in NYC? Here are 10 options!
Café Luxembourg
Next on our list of the best French restaurants in NYC, it’s Cafe Luxemburg. Located on West 70th Street, Café Luxembourg is one of the finest French restaurants in NYC when it comes to atmosphere and class.
This place has been making waves in the Big Apple since it opened in 1983, and its welcoming, upmarket vibes keep guests coming back for more.
Whether you fancy classic steak tartare and moules frites or France’s infamous croque monsieur, you’ll be able to pick up these dishes and more at this incredible French restaurant in NYC.
As this place can get very busy during peak periods on account of its amazing seasonal menu and killer bar, we highly recommend booking a table in advance to avoid disappointment.
This is one of the best French restaurants in NYC.
Read more NYC food recommendations: The best restaurants on the Upper West Side in NYC
Gabriel Kreuther
Gabriel Kreuther has a reputation for being one of the best French restaurants in NYC, and it’s easy to see why. Although the food here is still up-market, it has a distinctive, cool atmosphere that puts diners at ease.
With homely wall prints, timber beams, and a country-like vibe, it’s unsurprising that many New-Yorkers consider this one of the best restaurants in NYC for a “home-away-from-home” feel.
Serving up sophisticated French cuisine, this Michelin-starred restaurant is a luxurious night out that anyone will appreciate. It’s one of the best French restaurants in NYC.
Read more about NYC food: The best brunch in NYC – 15 places to try!
Le Coucou
Next on our list of the best French restaurants in NYC, it is Le Coucou. An authentic transfer from Paris, Le Coucou is one of the best French restaurants in NYC by a mile.
With chef Daniel Rose at the helm, this place serves up refined and unique French cuisine such as lobster, rabbit, and foie gras.
This may not be one of the best French restaurants in NYC for picky eaters, but if you’re a fan of European gastronomy, elegant dining rooms, and the buzz of Lower Manhattan, then this place is sure to make it onto your list of must-visit spots in the city.
Read more about NYC food: Where to find the best lobsters in NYC!
Frenchette
There are several luxurious spots on our list, but if you’re looking for the best French restaurants in NYC that won’t break the bank, then Frenchette is an excellent place to check out.
Known by locals and visitors as a contemporary bistro, this place serves everything from Spit-Roasted Lobster to Duck Frites. Run by top-tier chefs Lee Hanson and Riad Nasr, every dish on Frenchette’s prized menu is worth trying.
We highly recommend pairing your meal with one of their famous Aperitif-based cocktails for an extra kick! It’s a great choice for best French restaurants in NYC.
Batard
Located on West Broadway, Batard is one of the best French restaurants in NYC for those who love modern European fare. Due to its prime location and excellent menu, it’s quite difficult to get a table here.
Therefore, we’d say that booking ahead of time is essential. The space itself is exquisite, and you can expect a streamlined dining area that’s lit beautifully.
There are plenty of dishes on the menu worth mentioning, but we’d say their famous arctic char is a standout pick.
Serving up seasonal treats and a selection of incredible desserts, this is one of the best French restaurants in NYC that will leave you wanting more.
Read more NYC food recommendations: Where to find the best oysters in NYC!
La Grenouille
Our next suggestion for the best French restaurants in NYC, it’s La Grenouille. For classic French cuisine and a glamorous setting, you can’t beat La Grenouille.
Known as one of the best French restaurants in NYC by food critics and visitors alike, there’s much to love about this incredible spot.
A meal here won’t come cheap, but with ingredients like lobster, artichoke heart, and foie gras featuring heavily, it’s unsurprising!
Whether you fancy perfectly cooked seafood or want to go all-out on a decadent dessert, you’re unlikely to leave La Grenouille with an empty stomach. This is a great choice for the best French restaurants in NYC.
Read more about NYC food: Top 12 best places to eat in Little Italy, NYC
Buvette
Next on our list of the best French restaurants in NYC, it’s Buvette. If you on the hunt for a bustling restaurant that serves great food and glorious wines…. Then this might be one of the best French restaurants in NYC for you!
And it’s why Buvette deserves a spot on our list of the best French restaurants in NYC.
There’s plenty on the menu to salivate over, but we’d say the coq au vin is a total knockout. If you’d prefer something even more French, why not opt for the hand-cut steak tartare?
There are plenty of seats available for guests, but we recommend taking a seat at the bar before or after your meal for the ultimate experience at Buvette.
Made from gorgeous marble that quite literally glistens, it’s the perfect spot for winding down and letting a hefty meal digest. This is a wonderful choice for the best French restaurants in NYC.
Read more NYC food recommendations: Where to find the best hot chocolate in NYC… 20 locations!
Jean Georges
Another great addition to our list of the best French restaurants in NYC, it’s Jean Georges.
With décor that even Marie Antoinette would marvel at, Jean Georges is one of the best French restaurants in NYC for anyone wanting a luxury dining experience.
With ambient mood lightning, pristine furniture, and impeccable service, this is one of the best French restaurants in NYC when it comes to high-class dining.
If you have room for dessert after your main meal, we cannot recommend the dessert quartet enough. Featuring a stunning poached pear and a couple of palate cleansers, it’s the perfect way to end an evening.
Read more NYC food recommendations: 15 best Japanese restaurants in NYC
La Mercerie
Next on our list of the best French restaurants in NYC, it’s La Mercerie.
Are you on the hunt for the best French restaurants in Lower Manhattan? If so, you’ll want to book a table at La Mercerie pronto!
Known for its enchanting décor, thoughtful French cooking, and excellent seasonal ingredients, this is one of the best French restaurants in NYC that caters directly to its customers.
Whether you want to join the team for lunch, dinner, or a simple plate of dessert, you’ll be treated as an esteemed guest for the duration of your visit. Lovely!
Read more NYC recommendations: Our top 23 themed restaurants in NYC
Benoit
Is there anything better than a decadent wine bar and upscale French food? We don’t think so. If you’re looking for the best French restaurants in NYC, then you need to add Benoit to your list of places to explore.
The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, but it’s the food that put this place on the map.
Aiming to recreate traditional Parisian dishes with authentic flavors and ingredients, you can expect thick sauces, tender meats, and the most glorious onion soup you’ve ever tasted.
This place isn’t the cheapest option on our list of the best French restaurants in NYC, but good things often come with a price!
Read more about NYC: Top 22 best restaurants in Greenwich Village, NYC
Daniel
Next on our list of the best French restaurants in NYC, it’s Daniel NYC.
Known for its elegance and expertise in the world of French cuisine, Daniel is one of those New York staple restaurants that you need to try before you die.
Before you go ahead and book a table, be aware that this place has a strict dress code. To sample this place’s Michelin-star-worthy meals, you’ll need to don a jacket or a smart feminine ensemble to be granted entry.
Once you’re in, you’ll be treated to food from one of the best French restaurants in NYC.
This place prides itself on classic French bistro dining with a twist, so you can expect classic short ribs to feature, but also a selection of world-class hamburgers too! Magnifique.
It’s a great choice for our list of the best French restaurants in NYC.
Read more about exploring NYC: A guide to Little Tokyo in NYC
We hope this list of the best French restaurants in NYC has given you plenty of ideas and inspiration!
There are so many wonderful options for the best French restaurants in NYC, and we know you’ll find somewhere to love on this list of our best French restaurants in NYC!
Which one are you planning to visit?
Read more NYC food inspiration: 12 EPIC food challenges in NYC!
Read more about visiting NYC: The ultimate NYC bucket list (80 ideas in the city!)
Read more NYC food recommendations: Top 15 Peruvian restaurants in NYC
