11 Best French Restaurants in NYC
1. Boucherie
This may be the best-known of New York’s French restaurant lineup, with locations in West Village, Union Square, and Midtown. Each Boucherie location has its own charm but the Midtown location is the largest one and is uniquely located in the entire block of 6½ Ave (yes that’s a real thing!).
They aim to make it a Parisian square right in the heart of the city, and it feels exactly like that – the classic brasserie decor, romantic jazz, and luscious plants will make you forget you’re in Manhattan.
On Boucherie’s menu, you’ll find traditional French classics like onion soup, steak frites, beef bourguignon. While you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, the beef bourguignon is very reminiscent of the kind served in France.
Also they serve the best salty, creamy French butter with baguettes to start and it’s absolutely delicious!
2. Lucien
This is an East Village classic. Opened in 1998, Lucien has long been a gathering spot for artists and curators. They get the unhurried, hour-long mealtime spirit exactly right. They’ve undoubtedly garnered a list of regulars and proudly cover the walls in photos of their guests.
You’ll be sure to find something to your taste from their large menu but the escargots, steak frites, and cinnamon tarte tatin are some favorites!
3. Bobo
Located in an 1800s West Village townhouse, Bobo may be hard to miss at first glance. Inside, you’ll find this charming restaurant occupies multiple floors of the home with a lot of the original features preserved like a cozy fireplace, brick walls, window seats, and chandeliers.
On the menu, you’ll find a mix of French classics and some modern American options as well. This darling space is perfect for an event like a shower, birthday party, or brunch.
4. La Mercerie
If you’re looking for a fresh and modern French dining experience, La Mercerie is it. Located in the Roman and Williams Guild in Soho, the interior is impeccable.
The large space has a dramatic black interior and has gorgeous tables, chairs, and sofas arranged throughout. Add to that art, flowers, and artisan tableware and it feels like you’re visiting a friend’s upscale home.
La Mercerie is known for their crepes but they cover many of the French classics as well.
5. L’Express
L’Express captures that French bistro feeling. Located right between Union Square, Gramercy Park, and Madison Square Park, it’s fairly centrally located. Plus it’s open 24 hours a day, making it a go-to spot for many in the neighborhood. You’ll find plenty of francophiles drawn to the traditional Lyonnais menu. If you want to try any French classic, you can trust they’ll serve it well here. The Croque Madame is a must-try!
6. Le Crocodile
Set in the lobby of the Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg, Le Crocodile is a blend of charming and cool. The space is modern while retaining the elegance of French style as do the servers donning crisp, white chore jackets. The menu is as immaculate as the interior and you’ll be impressed with their steak au poivre, salads, pate, profiteroles, and creme brulee.
7. Odeon
So much of French dining is about sitting, lingering, and people-watching. Odeon is the perfect place for that. Located on a busy corner in Tribeca, this is the place to be on a weekend afternoon. Grab a table outside, order some drinks and snacks, and pretend you’re on a Paris corner.
8. Laduree
While most visit Laduree for the iconic macarons, there’s a Secret Garden restaurant tucked in the back of the SoHo location. On their menu is a mix of light French and American bites. It’s a great spot for lunch or a girl’s brunch or tea party! They make an incredible Chicken Vol-au-Vent (a puff pastry filled with chicken and mushrooms and drizzled with a savory sauce). And of course, you’ll have to finish with their delicious desserts.9. Balthazar
An icon in the New York restaurant scene, Balthazar is a trip to an old-school French restaurant. As soon as you enter, you’ll be caught in the enchanting buzz. The crowd includes a good mix of regulars, high-profile folks, and SoHo shoppers. It’s the combination of all of these people that make the atmosphere at Balthazar so unique. Their prices are on the higher end and it’s arguably not the best food but the service and atmosphere more than make up for that.
10. Pastis
Pastis is a sister restaurant to Balthazar located in Meatpacking. It’s a quieter, more sophisticated, and refined experience, and the food is impeccable. They do the French salads, steaks, and seafood well here. Grab a table outside if you’re able to for prime people-watching. The beef bourguignon or steak frites with some red wine are divine!11. Buvette
Tucked into a quiet West Village street, Buvette is a must-try. You’ll often find a line up half the block to snag a table here. There are a couple of tables inside/at the bar, but the sidewalk are most coveted. Their small plates are great for sharing and tasting a lot from the menu.
You’ll have a hard time narrowing it down, but some brunch favorites include the famous steamed eggs or brioche with berries. For dinner, try the coq au vin or salads.
P.S. It’s a celebrity hot spot so keep your eyes peeled!
And that wraps up the list of 11 best French restaurants to visit in NYC, bon appetit!
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