French Restaurants
You have never been to France ? In New York City, you are not so far from France : New York has several restaurants opened by French expatriates. Try the onion soup or the traditionnal "pot-au-feu".
Crayfish in French fashion.
Why eat at a French restaurant in New York?
- Opinions are quickly divided when the topic of French restaurants in New York comes up on our Facebook group Destination New York. Some believe that you don’t go on vacation to New York to eat French food, while others appreciate being able to find a taste of France in New York. Our view is simple: everyone should choose and do as they please!
- New York has always attracted French chefs, such as Alain Ducasse, Daniel Boulud, or Jean‑Georges Vongerichten. New Yorkers are always amazed by French specialties, especially onion soup. According to specialized websites, there are about fifty French restaurants in New York, mainly in Manhattan.
- One thing to keep in mind, however, is that the prices of French restaurants in New York are much higher than the addresses you can find in France. This is explained by the fact that many products have to be imported and that taxes are not favorable. Wine, for example, is heavily taxed in New York.
The 5 best French restaurants in New York
Café Un Deux Trois
Café Un Deux Trois offers you the atmosphere of a truly French café, in the heart of Times Square. You can have breakfast there or opt for lunch and dinner for the great classics of French cuisine: onion soup, lobster bisque, quiche lorraine or even beef tartare. And many other specialties! Not to mention real European-style coffees that will make you forget American sock juice…
Café Un Deux Trois, in French in the text! Address: 123 West 44 Street, between 6th Avenue and Broadway.
Neighborhood: Theater District.
Metro: Times Sq-42 St.
Lucien
This small French bistro immerses you immediately in the Parisian atmosphere with its typical decor and closely spaced tables, a rare thing in New York. The menu features Burgundy snails, marinière mussels and traditional bouillabaisse. For dessert, indulge in the crème brûlée.
Address: 14 1st Avenue.
Neighborhood: Lower East Side.
Metro: 2 Av.
Le Petit Village
Le Petit Village transports you to Provence, with its brick walls, its green facade and a warm decoration. The onion soup, snails and marinière mussels are obviously a must, as is the camembert. For dessert, the crêpes suzette flambé as they should. Le Petit Village even displays foie gras on its menu, something not so common in New York!
Address: 173 7th Avenue South.
Neighborhood: Greenwich Village.
Metro: 14 St.
L’Express
L’Express is a Lyonnais bouchon in the heart of New York! Yet it is one of the few French restaurants in New York run by a New Yorker. The menu nevertheless features the great classics of French cuisine, from the croque Madame to the tarte tatin, including frogs’ legs and beef tartare. The restaurant has very extended hours and opens for breakfast.
Address: 249 Park Avenue South.
Neighborhood: Flatiron District.
Metro: 23 St-Baruch College.
Tournesol
Located in Long Island City, not far from Gantry Plaza State Park, Tournesol presents itself as a “French bistro”, in French in the text. You will find all the great classics of the Parisian bistro: the croque-monsieur, the onion soup or the quiche lorraine. You can also order the Tournesol Hamburger, proof that America is never far away!
Address: 50-12 Vernon Boulevard.
Neighborhood: Long Island City.
Metro: Vernon Blvd – Jackson Av.