The 15 Best French Restaurants in Manhattan Right Now
Which French restaurant in Manhattan is the best?
Are you looking for the best French restaurants in Manhattan? Then you’ve come to the right place! There are restaurants all over Manhattan that are dedicated to French cuisine: from relaxed and casual to fine dining, it’s all here.
And so that you can quickly see which French restaurant is near you, you can find them all clearly on a map.
By the way: you’ll find many more New York City spots in our Loving New York travel guides!
My Favorite French Restaurants in Manhattan
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01
Balthazar
French Restaurant in SoHoOur Highlight
The stylish restaurant serves traditional French cuisine. Outside the menu you can also choose from the seafood bar and the delicacies from the Balthazar Bakery. The breakfast is legendary and the home-baked bread is especially convincing. By the way, you can get a lot more of it in the adjacent bakery.
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02
Cathedrale
French Restaurant in East VillageOur HighlightThe imposing Cathedrale restaurant will be doing Thanksgiving their way this year (located in the MOXY East Village). Their menu will include favorites such as autumn squash with pomegranate vinaigrette, rotisserie heritage turkey, brussels sprouts, golden raisin chestnut stuffing, pumpkin pie, and much more.
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03
Lafayette Grand Café & Bakery
French Restaurant in NoHoOur Highlight
Never leave NoHo without stopping by Lafayette Grand Bakery. Great vibes, authentic French scenery, plus amazing food will amaze you for sure. Lafayette is an everyday French restaurant bringing the spirit of French dining to the NoHo neighborhood. They are open in the morning, noon and night, so you can join them either for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
My favorite dishes (it’s very hard to only mention one) are the lemon pancakes, the chicken salad, and the egg sandwich. Oh, and their fruit tarts are very delicious as well.
Other than Lafayette Grand Bakery there are many other smaller coffee shops and bakeries in the area. Just by simply exploring the neighborhood, you will come across a few. Walk-in, join the locals and take a break from sightseeing. NoHo is the perfect place to do so.
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04
Little Prince
French Restaurant in SoHoOur Highlight
For the first time we noticed the French restaurant in summer: the windows can be opened completely and because it is so small, you have a window seat & table all to yourself, so to speak. Super-romantic and that’s why it immediately landed on our list of the most romantic restaurants in NYC.
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05
Manhatta
French Restaurant in Financial DistrictOur Highlight
The restaurant Manhatta is one of the best restaurants in town and is perfect if you are looking for a restaurant for a special occasion. Not only is the food here at the highest level – so are you! Located on the 60th floor, it offers you a magnificent view of the city!
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06
Benoit
French Restaurant in Midtown Manhattan
Here at Benoit you can get the French classics like cassoulet or onion soup. The restaurant is famous for its fantastic fish dishes and steaks. Be sure to order the fries with it – they are second to none. The Benoit is also ideal for a romantic dinner for two, as the selection is large and the wines are sensational. Here the emphasis is on French wines.
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07
Boucherie West Village
French Restaurant in West Village
Around NYC, you’ll find four Boucherie sister restaurants, all of which will offer a special menu for Thanksgiving dinner. The dinner will consist of a roasted turkey smothered with truffle ballotine, brussels sprouts, sweet potato au gratin, cranberry compote, chanterelles, and turkey for $48 per person. This year’s famed dessert is priced at $15 for a slice of cheesecake topped with spiced caramel and pecans.
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08
Buvette
French Restaurant in West Village
Tucked away on 42 Grove St, Buvette serves up daily brunch in the heart of Greenwich Village and provides a distinctly Parisian flair that’s hard to resist. The moment you enter, you’re whisked away to a charming Paris café thanks to its laid-back ambiance.
Amid the tempting brunch menu options, the succulent Croque Madame is a clear standout, with velvety prosciutto that melts in your mouth. And sure, Buvette’s popularity might result in a slight wait, but I assure you, this tantalizing French culinary adventure is genuinely worth your patience. So, brace yourself for this French delicacy in your New York City brunch itinerary that’s undeniably worth the hype.
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09
Café Boulud
French Restaurant in Upper East Side
Extravagant, French cuisine in a restaurant with bistro character. Very chic and exclusive. Especially recommendable is the brunch on weekends.
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10
Cafe Cluny
French Restaurant in West VillageThere’s something about Cafe Cluny that just screams, “New York Brunch!” This classy spot, nestled between Eighth Ave and Greenwich Ave, is a staple of the West Village brunch scene.
Come the weekend between 10:00 am and 3:30 pm, and you just may find me digging into a breakfast sandwich filled with scrambled eggs or, on more adventurous days, the buffalo chicken dumplings. If you’ve got a bit of a sweet tooth, the French Toast with butter, maple syrup, and mixed berries is out of this world. Just a heads up, though – it’s as popular as it is good, so be sure to book a reservation ahead of time to secure your spot!
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11
Cafe d'Alsace
French Restaurant in Upper East SideCafe d’Alsace, an Upper East Side brunch favorite, brings the warmth of a classic Parisian brasserie to the city. It’s where you can savor flawlessly folded crepes and the buttery goodness of croque madame under a radiant ambiance.
Executive Chef Philippe Roussel weaves magic in the kitchen, transforming Franco-German flavors into delicious brunch treats. Whether you’re delighting in the Croque Madame or the Country Avocado Toast, this is THE place to experience a taste of Alsace in NYC and a truly unforgettable brunch.
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12
Cafe Luxembourg
French Restaurant in Upper West SideWhen it comes to the best brunch on the Upper West Side, Cafe Luxembourg is a cherished institution. Tucked near the Lincoln Center, this French-American bistro serves a great brunch every weekend from 10 am until 3:30 pm. When eating here, I’m always torn between the Eggs Benedict and a classic omelette since both are phenomenal.
Yet, regardless of what you order, with its charming ambiance, it’s easy to imagine being in a classic romantic movie scene while enjoying brunch here. If you’re a fan of French Onion Soup, Yellowfin Tuna Burger, or eggs, you’ve found your new favorite spot. In fact, you’ll love Cafe Luxembourg so much; you might even start recommending it to all your guests as the best Upper West Side brunch!
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13
Claudette
French Restaurant in West VillageNestled on the corner of 5th Ave, right by the iconic Washington Square Park, is Claudette. This spot serves up one of the tastiest brunches in West Village with Mediterranean-inspired French cuisine every Friday through Sunday.
If you’re lucky enough to stop in and eat, be sure to try the Eggs Benedict with lox, it’s my brunch staple that hits the spot every time. And don’t overlook the pastry basket; it’s a yummy assortment that’s ideal for sharing during a leisurely brunch with friends. However, one of the things that truly sets this restaurant apart is its abundance of natural light, creating a warm and lively ambiance. Of all the things you do, you don’t want to miss the unique experience of Claudette.
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14
Daniel
French Restaurant in Upper East Side
A very elegant French restaurant with excellent cuisine. You should definitely dress up here. Make sure you make a reservation in advance.
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15
Dirty French
French Restaurant in Lower East Side
Dirty French is a French bistro created by Mario Carbone, Rich Torrisi and Jeff Zalaznick located inside The Ludlow Hotel on the Lower East Side. It’s a really great location for a romantic dinner in the city.
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16
La Goulue
French Restaurant in Upper East Side
Add a touch of French culture to your Thanksgiving meal by enjoying your dinner at La Goulue. This Upper East Side establishment is offering a three-course meal for $96 per adult or $48 for each child under 12. The menu will offer foods such as tuna tartare, butternut squash soup, steak au poivre, roasted organic turkey, pumpkin tart, and pecan mascarpone napoleon.
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17
La Grande Boucherie
French Restaurant in Theatre District
Consistently named as one of the best Theater District restaurants, La Grande Boucherie is another French dining destination with the vibe of a classic steakhouse. With ample seating, the timeless bistro food along with seafood and dry-aged steaks are sure to indulge your palate. Be sure to grab something off the extensive drinks menu, particularly one of the absinthe-fueled cocktails.
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18
La Mercerie
French Restaurant in SoHoIf you fancy a chic Parisian-esque brunch experience right in SoHo, La Mercerie should be your next stop. This stylish café, nestled within Roman and Williams Guild, provides more than just a place to dine – it offers a delightfully immersive atmosphere. As you sit down for brunch amidst stylish homewares, you’d be forgiven for feeling as though you’ve taken a quick jaunt to a charming café on the streets of Paris.
La Mercerie’s brunch hours run every weekend from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, offering an array of scrumptious French fare. From crêpes and croques to croissants, they’ve got the staples down pat. However, my personal recommendation strays a little from the classics. Treat yourself to their Avocat-Crevettes. A delightful combo of new Caledonia shrimp, grapefruit, and avocado, all brought together with a French cocktail.
If I’m being honest, no SoHo breakfast experience at La Mercerie is complete without dessert. And when in a French café, what better way to round off your meal than with a classic Crème Brûlée à la Vanille? This vanilla custard dessert, with its perfectly caramelized sugar top, is the sweet finish your brunch needs.
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19
Le Bernardin
French Restaurant in Theatre DistrictFor a fancier dining experience in the Theater District, head to Le Bernardin. This Michelin-starred French restaurant is the ultimate for luxurious seafood dishes before your show. You’ll need to plan well in advance for this restaurant since it’s hard to get a reservation. Choose a four-course meal or go with a Chef’s Tasting. There’s also a Vegetable Tasting for the meatless crowd. The a la carte also offers a way to experience the cuisine in a slightly more affordable way, but if you’re here, splurge. It’s worth it.
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20
Le Coucou
French Restaurant in SoHo
With Daniel Rose as chef, Paris comes to New York! The Michelin-starred restaurant Le Coucou serves French cuisine at a very high level. Located in the beautiful Soho district, it is the ideal place if you are looking for a romantic restaurant in New York.
In addition to the classy Parisian ambiance, you can watch the open kitchen crew at work. The menu includes French classics such as halibut, lobster, and fillet of beef with foie gras.
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21
LouLou
French Restaurant in ChelseaWhen a French restaurant named after a rescue dog captures your heart, you know you’re at LouLou. This whimsical bistro, adorned with colorful flowers, offers some of the best brunch Chelsea, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm.
From the decadent Eggs Benedict to the dreamy Croissant French Toast, every dish tells a delicious story. And just when you think it couldn’t get any better, their speakeasy at the lower level serves up creative cocktails in the most charming glasses. Trust me, LouLou isn’t just a brunch spot; it’s an experience!
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22
Maison Harlem
French Restaurant in Harlem & Washington HeightsFirst off, let’s talk about Maison Harlem, the French restaurant that’s setting the brunch bar high. Just a short hop from St. Nicholas Park, this hotspot serves up classic French bistro dishes in a cozy, light-filled space. You’ll feel welcomed the moment you step in and the amazing service? Super friendly and always ready to make your brunch a memorable one.
On your visit, dive into their Eggs Benedict, enjoy the rich, savory notes of their French Onion Soup, or go sweet with French toast. And trust me, don’t skip the Herbed Potatoes. Swing by for either dinner or the weekend brunch; you won’t regret it!
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23
Pardon My French
French Restaurant in Alphabet CityIn the heart of East Village, you’ll find Pardon My French, a French-American bistro with an electrifying brunch atmosphere. This bustling hotspot boasts a sun-soaked patio perfect for enjoying a nice day or people watching.
But not only does Pardon My French offer an exciting ambiance, they offer everything from Croque Monsieur to Brioche French Toast, making it the go-to spot for a spirited celebration. If you stop by, give their Ruit Buttermilk Pancakes a try, or indulge in their Sandwich P Té De Campagne. No matter what foods you choose, Pardon My French is more than just a restaurant, it’s an invitation to enjoy the dynamic essence of the East Village.
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24
Pastis
French Restaurant in Meatpacking District
Head on over to 52 Gansevoort Street near the High Line and the Whitney Museum, and you’ll find Pastis. This cute cafe brings a touch of Parisian charm to your brunch menu, which is served from 10 am to 3 pm on the weekends.
At Pastis, you can savor a scrumptious Croque Madame or eat the classic French Omelette. Its vintage atmosphere adds a touch of nostalgia to your dining experience. So, it’s a spot where history, good food, service, and ambiance combine to make it one of the best brunch Meatpacking District NYC options.
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25
Per Se
French Restaurant in Upper West Side
Exquisite French cuisine in the building of the Time Warner Center. Taste, service and price are all at a very high level.
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26
Petite Boucherie
French Restaurant in West Village
Petite Boucherie is a small relaxed French restaurant with sensational steak fries and a great Wagyu truffle burger. But they can also do steaks and have nice selection of wines.
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27
Quality Bistro
French Restaurant in Midtown ManhattanWith gold detailing that astounds, Quality Bistro is an elegant French restaurant with all the trimmings yet a cozy quality in the dining room that feels inviting rather than stuffy. Choose from the extensive wine list of 400 bottles and let the six-layer caviar dip start your meal. The filet mignon and French onion soup are also splendid options, but do not skip the tableside butter service. This takes bread and butter to a level you didn’t know existed, complete with hors d’oeuvres that are beyond your expectations. Make this your date night spot for a pre show meal and you will not be disappointed with this Broadway dining.
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28
Tartine
French Restaurant in West VillageOkay, now let me tell you about Tartine, an absolutely great brunch spot in Greenwich Village. Just around the corner from the Village Vanguard and right up the road from the Magnolia Bakery, this corner bistro opens its doors for brunch on weekends from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Despite its no-reservation policy, believe me; it’s worth getting up early in the morning for, especially with their BYOB option. Tartine is famous for its Eggs Benedict – perfect hollandaise, fluffy poached egg, and crispy Canadian bacon. Pair this with a frothy, delicious cappuccino, and you’re all set. The staff and service here is just as wonderful as their breakfast, making you feel right at home in this charmingly cluttered spot.
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29
The Consulate
French Restaurant in Upper West SideNow, for another of my favorites: The Consulate! This restaurant captures the essence of a European brasserie with the cool edge of New York City. Their brunch menu offers a range of classics from granola bowls and salads to the decadent croque monsieurs and lobster bennies. If you’re a waffle enthusiast, their savory and sweet options are to die for! I’m talking options such as Nutella, Berry, Burrata, or Salmon waffles. The innovation really never stops here!
And while it’s known for being a classy joint, the hangover burger gets a special mention because it’s a comfort food haven wrapped in sophistication. If you want to try it for yourself, stop by between 10:00 am and 3:30 pm on weekends. Just beware that once you’ve tried The Consulate, expect you’ll be back time and time again!
The Best French Restaurants in Manhattan on the Map
A map with all french restaurants in Manhattan can be found here – just click on “FULL MAP” if you want to see more. You can click on each restaurant on the map to find out everything you need to know.
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