GO BACKTOP 10 RESTAURANTS MANHATTAN (French)
Raoul's Restaurant
180 Prince Street
New York, NY 10012
Raouls is an intimate, dimly lit classic French bistro with a whimsical shabby chic décor. This modern day little Bohemia is frequented by an eclectic collection of patrons including ultra-loyal locals, young models, modern families and excited out-of-towners who hem and haw over the luxurious Butternut Squash and Lobster Bisque and the signature Steak au Poivre with Frites.
• Price
• Atmosphere
Intimate
• Dress
Casual
Le Parisien Bistrot
163 East 33rd St
New York, NY 10016
This Murray Hill gem with its white stucco walls, cozy booths, dim lights, large mirrors, French posters, wall of wines and oversized chalkboard with handscripted specialties, will make you wish you had ridden your grandma’s bike with basket space for a baguette. This café is French to its core and its classic core of foodstuffs including the requisite buttery escargot and Moules et Frites are mouth-watering delicious.
• Price
• Atmosphere
Intimate, Casual
• Dress
Casual
Balthazar Restaurant
80 Spring Street
New York, NY 10012
This Parisian style bistro may be in the middle of SOHO, but once you cross the threshold into its enchanting cocoon and savor its coquettishly divine French fare, you will wonder if you haven’t been transatlantically transported to a brasserie flanking the Seine. Notable menu morsels include the warm goat cheese and caramelized onion tart and the braised short ribs.
• Price
• Atmosphere
Classy
• Dress
Casual
Chez Napoleon
365 W 50th Street,
New York, NY 10019
New York, NY 10019
At the helm of this family run French love affair in the heart of the theatre district stands Grand-Mere Marguerite, who proudly cooks Provencal fare true to its origins, gentle in price and generous of portion. The rich, decadent cassoulet will make you want to throw your arms around grand-mere and claim you are a long lost relative.
• Price
• Atmosphere
N/A
• Dress
Casual
La Grenouille
3 E 52nd Street
New York, NY 10022
New York, NY 10022
La Grenouille opened its doors in 1962 and was an immediate tour de force of fine French cooking and elegant décor. Fresh flower displays rival the most exquisite botanical gardens and the gold damask walls, fine English tableware and crisp white linens, allow diners to feel like the noblesse oblige sipping fine wine and nibbling on amuse-bouche and velvety foie gras in a romantic French chateau.
• Price
• Atmosphere
Romantic, Classy
• Dress
Jacket Required
Vin et Fleurs
69 Thompson Street
New York, NY 10012
New York, NY 10012
As its straightforward name suggests, simplicity reigns at this bistro which celebrates classic French favorites with creative American flourishes. Their impressive wine list is wallet friendly and the cheerful flowers on every table are matched by the sunny dispositions of their servers. Two must-tries are the fresh and flavorful endive salad and the tender chicken paillard.
• Price
• Atmosphere
Intimate
• Dress
Casual
La Sirene
558 1/2 Broome Street
New York, NY 10013
New York, NY 10013
Bring a big appetite and your own booze to this cozy twenty-five seater BYOB bistro on Broome Street. There is no corkage fee for wine and they even provide chillers. French food is crafted here with loving tenderness as exemplified by the exquisite goat cheese tartlet with caramelized shallots and truffles and their signature hangar steak which is seared to perfection.
• Price
• Atmosphere
Intimate
• Dress
Smart Casual
