NYC's 7 Best French Restaurants
Le Bernardin
155 West 51st Street
New York NY 10019
(212) 554-1100
le-bernardin.com
This is the ultimate French restaurant where the quality matches the hype. Not only did it win Zagat's Best Food award for eight years, but non-food critics alike also sing the restaurant's praises. Yes, the tasting menu might cost approximately three weeks of your grocery budget, but Eric Ripert's seafood genius - particularly the warm octopus "carpaccio"; leek compote, peruvian anticucho sauce - makes it worth the crazy expense. Stick around for the Dark Chocolate Parfait with Candied Marcona Almonds, Dulce de Leche, and Milk sorbet, and you may just reach nirvana.
Les Halles
411 Park Ave S
New York, NY 10016
(212) 679-4111
15 John St
New York, NY 10038
(212) 285-8585
leshalles.net
The lunch menus vary slightly from location to location, but the focus is the same: affordable French bistro fare. It's true that a certain celebrity chef used to hang his hat here, but the menu has hardly changed since his epic rise to fame. The reason people come here: the famous Les Halles steak frites et salade, cooked to your specification with some of the salty-crispest frites you'll ever eat. Vive la révolution!
La Bonne Soupe
48 West 55th Street
New York, NY 10019
(212) 586-7650
labonnesoupe.com
No, the name doesn't mean "good soup" - even though there is plenty of that. La Bonne Soupe means the good life with wealth, health and happiness. We will take that - especially if you add in their delicious steak frites and yummy Croque Monsieur. Also, don't miss the Lamb and Goat Cheese Burger—it's spectacular.
Francois Payard Bakery
116 W Houston St
New York, NY 10012
(212) 995-0888
fpbnyc.com
Francois Payard has made a name for himself as one of the best pastry chefs in the world, but did you know his bakery also serves a fabulous lunch? Nothing is over $12, and most sandwiches are actually in the $8 range (with one hitting $9.50 and one bottoming at $7). Of course, as any visitor to Francois Payard Bakery knows, that is just what you eat first to seem like a normal lunch, before you dive headfirst into all of the wonderful pastries on display. Cookies, cakes, eclair... c'est une pâtisserie très merveilleux, oui?
26 Seats
168 Avenue C
New York, NY 10009
(212) 677-4787
26seatsbistro.com
Yes, 26 is the number of seats at this restaurant. Described as intimate and warm, this spot is known for its friendly service and very reasonable prices. Decorated with delectable hues of cranberry and chocolate, 26 Seats prepares an especially delicious Bouillabaisse and a very nice Filet de Sole.
Landmarc
179 West Broadway
New York, NY 10013
(212) 343-3883
landmarc-restaurant.com
Have kids? You can't go wrong with a French restaurant that has both Eggs en Meurette and Lucky Charms on the menu. A trendy parental gathering place with great selections for kids, The Landmarc also has an extensive wine list (there's even a selection of half bottles).
Millesime Restaurant
92 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10016
(212) 889-7100
millesimerestaurant.com
Laurent Manrique's French casual seafood restaurant is located on the second floor of the Carlton Hotel. The Les Plateau, bursting with oysters, clams, jumbo shrimp, mussels, 1/2 lobster, and king crab leg is definitely a seafood-lover's dream come true.
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