French cuisine is often considered the most luxurious of fine dining, even in the Big Apple. Whether you’re in the mood for a fun, shareable charcuterie board with friends and a glass (or two) of wine, a flavorful gourmet meal or a truly delightful culinary experience in NYC, there’s a French bistro for you. Here are five fantastic New York City restaurants serving delicious French flavors.
New York City’s French Restaurants
Boucherie
The four locations of Boucherie (including La Grande Boucherie and Petite Boucherie) offer classic French cuisine in a quaint bistro setting. All the best French classics can be found on the menu, like escargots, ratatouille and boeuf bourguignon. The brunch menu has traditional offerings like le Croque madame, and you can never go wrong with a charcuterie board. Offerings vary by location, but each restaurant offers lunch, dinner, weekend brunch and “green hour.” Diners at La Grande Boucherie can also enjoy a special pre-theater menu priced at $59 for three courses from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Menu Spread (Courtesy La Grande Boucherie)
La Goulue
With its close proximity to Central Park, La Goulue is a perfect dining destination for lunch before your explorations or dinner after. Though it is primarily a French restaurant, you’ll find various imaginative flavors on the menu, like spicy rock shrimp tempura and crispy steak tartare. Order from a variety of sandwiches and salads during lunch or brunch and try something truly decadent at dinner, like the Poulet Rôti Aux Herbes De Provence (roasted Green Circle chicken breast) or the Loup de Mer aux Endives Braisées (Branzino and endive).
Profiteroles (Courtesy La Goulue)
Buvette
Buvette is a beloved Parisian bistro in the heart of the West Village. It’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner so you can stop by anytime for delicious fare or a quick espresso. Start the day off right with a perfectly made Croque monsieur or madame. For lunch, the salad nicoise is not to be missed. At dinner, share a variety of small plates with friends. The slow-poached duck cassoulet pairs brilliantly with any of the vegetable options. The wine list is extensive and features varietals from every major wine-making region in France.
Steak Tartare (Courtesy Buvette NYC)
Pastis
Pastis was an early adopter of the outdoor cafe scene. No matter the weather, the expansive covered outdoor space feels like a logical extension of the restaurant itself, like a charming French sidewalk cafe adjacent to an uber-Parisian bistro. The menu itself is also pure Paris-order the steak tartare and frites to start, perhaps add a platter of succulent oysters and then finish with the trout amandine or gruyere omelette and a glass or two of Burgundy. Save room for dessert!
Dinner at Pastis (©Louise Palmberg/Courtesy STARR)
Benoit
World-renowned chef Alain Ducasse brings the charming bistros of Paris to New York City at Benoit. Featuring a modern take on classic French restaurants, Benoit serves contemporary and traditional French cuisine for lunch, dinner and brunch. Try French staples like the tarte flambée and the duck foie gras terrine before moving onto classic entrees such as the traditional cassoulet or the quenelles de brochet. Make sure to save room for dessert and perhaps even a cheese course—perfect for pairing with a pour from the in-house wine bar at Benoit.
Charcuterie Board (Courtesy Benoit)
