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New Yorkers 1st Choice
the Loop's best

French food

A French meal that feels authentic to the tradition rather than a simplified version tailored for a casual crowd.

Based on 505 Opinions
+502
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Updated May 2026
01
Bistro Monadnock image 1
Bistro Monadnock image 2
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French restaurant

Historic building hosts a French bistro with authentic duck confit and live jazz music. Cozy, stylish space offers standout cocktails and attentive service. Perfect for those seeking refined dining with European charm.

Offers authentic French bistro dishes like perfectly cooked duck confit, escargot, and steak frites. The food is creative and rich in flavor, served in a cozy, beautiful space with attentive service.

People are saying

"The escargot here is outstanding and alone worth the visit."

"I thought the French onion soup rivaled the best I had in Paris."

"The French onion soup here rivals the best I've had in Paris."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, to avoid being turned away.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

Expect a $10 charge for each cheese on the charcuterie board.

02
Brü Chicago image 1
Coffee shop

Spacious coffee shop buzzes with laid-back vibe and quiet chill music. Crepes shine with light, fluffy dough and fresh fruit fillings. Modern decor invites you to relax and enjoy generous, flavorful portions.

Crepes stand out with light, fluffy dough and fresh fruit fillings. Both savory and dessert options, like the lox crepe, offer generous, flavorful portions.

People are saying

"The French food, especially the crepes, were light, flavorful, and generously filled."

"It's a work-friendly spot with tons of outlets for your laptop."

"It's so cozy and welcoming here."

Good to know

1

All their meat is halal.

2

Brü Chicago has a deal where you get $1 coffee with the purchase of a crepe.

3

They make their syrups in house.

03
Bandol Brasserie & Raw Bar image 1

Space blends art deco style with southern France beach vibes for an upscale feel. French pop and chill house music create a lively yet low-key mood. Menu shines with French Onion Soup and fresh oysters, offering a luxurious dining experience with trendy cocktails.

French Onion Soup features a deep, slow-cooked onion richness topped with a golden, bubbling layer of gruyère cheese. Escargot, oysters, and a bistro sandwich also highlight the menu, which offers vegetarian options and avoids foie gras or veal.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the steak frites."

"The service at these dinner spots is excellent and attentive."

"The French onion soup is delicious and gooey."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

2

Happy hour runs from 4 to 6 PM with great deals on drinks and appetizers.

3

The rooftop menu starts at 3 PM, perfect for afternoon gatherings.

04
Léa French Cafe Lake Street image 1

French cafe offers buttery croissants and fresh baguette sandwiches like Le Saint German in a lively space with Parisian decor and marble floors. Self-order kiosks keep service quick amid a cozy, energetic crowd.

Croissants stand out as buttery, flaky, and among the best outside France, including pain au chocolat and almond varieties. Sandwiches come on fresh, crusty baguettes or in-house baked croissants, with options like the Le Saint German and croque madame.

People are saying

"The French food quiche is thick, smooth, and flavorful."

"This baguette is fresh, airy, and chewy, just like in France."

"I loved the sandwiches, especially the brie with walnut butter."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted; it's first-come, first-served.

2

Expect limited seating, especially during peak hours on weekends.

3

Self-service ordering is available via terminals.

05
Nutella Cafe Chicago image 1

Bright Nutella-themed decor and personalized jars create a cozy vibe despite cramped seating. French treats like Nutella crepes with fresh fruit and rich creme brulee shine. Outdoor patio offers a quieter spot away from the noise.

Crepes filled with Nutella stand out, especially the thin, delicate ones with fresh banana and strawberry. The creme brulee is rich and highly praised, often noted as a highlight alongside the Nutella crème brûlée and fresh baguettes.

People are saying

"You have to try the Nutella Crepe with bananas; it's very tasty."

"The waffles here are light and fluffy."

"The French food, especially the Nutella crepes, is delicious and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of 30-45 minutes during peak hours.

2

The cafe opens at 8 am daily.

3

You can personalize your Nutella with your name for a unique souvenir.

06
Lea French Cafe Michigan Avenue image 1

Cozy spot with quaint Parisian decor and warm lighting offers golden, flaky croissants and classic French sandwiches. Outdoor terrace boasts a lovely view of the Bean and nearby park. Self-service and cashless payment keep visits quick despite crowds.

Golden, flaky croissants filled with rich chocolate and subtle almond paste offer a nutty sweetness. Sandwiches, tartines, and croques blend classic French bistro fare with modern flavors, all made with high-quality baked goods.

People are saying

"I loved the delicious, authentic French pastries and croissants here."

"I thought the ham and cheese baguette was perfect, just like Paris."

"I thought the croissant breakfast sandwich was excellent."

Good to know

1

Parking is available nearby in an underground garage.

2

Expect a wait time of 15-30 minutes during busy brunch hours.

3

The menu features a variety of pastries, including croissants and éclairs.

07
Paris Baguette image 1

French bakery style shines with flaky croissants and buttery pain au chocolat. Cozy seating offers city skyline views amid abundant pastry displays. Fresh, flavorful treats like colorful macarons make it a must-visit spot.

Flaky croissants and buttery pain au chocolat stand out with authentic French flavors. Colorful macarons and luscious cakes add variety, all served in a warm, French-inspired atmosphere.

People are saying

"I found the pastries here to be fresh and delicious."

"The bread here is fresh, tasty, and excellent."

"The French food pastries are amazing, especially the croissants."

Good to know

1

Expect limited pastry options as they often run out throughout the day.

2

Prices are around $4 for a pastry and $13 for two breads and coffee.

3

The bakery is not wheelchair or stroller friendly.

08
Grill on 21 image 1
Restaurant

Dine in a sleek, upscale space with an art deco vibe and soft live jazz. Enjoy grilled hanger steak steak frites at a great price. End with fresh raspberry crème brûlée in cozy booths for a perfect French meal.

Steak frites features a grilled hanger steak cooked just right and comes at an affordable price. Crème brûlée finishes the meal with a fresh raspberry topping.

People are saying

"The food here tasted lovely and was outstanding."

"The steak here is cooked to perfection, tender and juicy."

"The Steak Frites here is affordable and amazing."

Good to know

1

Live jazz performances happen every Friday and Saturday evening.

2

A 20% gratuity is automatically added to bills for parties of two.

3

Sourdough bread is often out of stock, so consider alternatives.

09
Francois Frankie Le Carousel Bar image 1

Rotating carousel bar creates a unique vibe while a jazz duo livens the upscale yet cozy space. French dishes shine with steak frites rivaling Paris and rich foie gras. Perfect noise level makes it easy to enjoy both food and music.

Steak frites here rivals the best in Paris with its rich flavor and perfectly cooked meat. The steak tartar and foie gras arrive quickly and taste delicious, while the French onion soup stands out as hearty and flavorful.

People are saying

"The Amish chicken at this Bar is tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned."

"The cocktails are creative and the bar looks just like a carnival carousel."

"You have to try the steak tartare; it's so flavorful."

Good to know

1

On Tuesdays, enjoy a $10 cocktail and oyster night with live jazz music.

2

Happy hour features discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

3

Expect to spend around $60 per person for a meal with drinks and tip.

10
Sugar Bliss image 1

Bakery offers a chill vibe with gluten-free options and cute displays. Macarons feature a delicate, crisp exterior and unique Earl Grey with dark chocolate flavor. Welcoming atmosphere suits special occasions with decorating kits.

Macarons here have a delicate, crisp exterior with a luscious filling that balances flavors without being too sweet. The Earl Grey with dark chocolate stands out as a unique and irresistible choice.

People are saying

"These macarons are perfection, with great flavors and delicate texture."

"These cupcakes are so moist and flavorful, they practically melt in your mouth."

"These French macarons are perfection, delicate and delicious."

Good to know

1

Sugar Bliss offers gluten-free options for those with dietary restrictions.

2

A dozen mini-cupcakes costs $30, making them a good option for parties.

3

They do not accept cash as a payment method; credit cards only.

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