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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of LES

French food

French food that feels like a neighborhood staple, not a formal occasion that requires a reservation weeks in advance.

Based on 493 Opinions
+490
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Updated April 2026
01
Felix Empanadas image 1
Felix Empanadas image 2
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Restaurant

Small spot serves authentic empanadas with a twist and lively vibes. Steak frites impresses with great taste and price. Perfect for quick bites or casual meals with energetic staff.

Steak frites stands out as a killer dish with a very reasonable price. Chicken empanada also appears as a notable option alongside the steak frites.

People are saying

"These empanadas are seriously great and homemade."

"They have live jazz on Saturday nights."

"The French food, especially the steak frites, was so good."

Good to know

1

Expect a casual atmosphere with quick service for takeout.

2

Credit cards are accepted, making payment convenient.

3

The place can get busy during lunch hours, so plan accordingly.

02
Mila's Bistro image 1

Small bistro offers Parisian brasserie vibe with cozy seating and charming decor. Duck confit is tender and well seasoned, capturing authentic French flavors. Intimate space and great music create a relaxed mood like a street in Paris.

Duck confit stands out as very tender and well seasoned, capturing authentic French flavors. The menu also features escargot and steak au poivre, all served in a setting that feels like a Paris street.

People are saying

"The food here is top-notch and really good."

"I loved their happy hour oysters; they were a decent size."

"The French food here, especially the duck confit, is excellent."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers $1 oysters and appealing drink prices.

2

Reservations are recommended as the bistro fills up quickly.

3

The restaurant is conveniently located near Bowery Ballroom for concert-goers.

03
Oi bozu image 1
Japanese restaurant

Spacious interior blends modern design with a cozy cafe vibe and Japanese music. Enjoy authentic Japanese flavors and a unique, extensive sake selection. French treats like thick chocolate croissants and escargot with a grill add a special touch.

Great croissants include a thick chocolate version. Escargot comes with a small grill to toast bread, adding a unique touch.

People are saying

"You have to try the sushi bombs; they're playful and flavorful."

"This lunch spot's burger steak was so juicy."

"The miso butter escargot at this French Food spot is really unique and yum."

Good to know

1

Happy hour includes sushi and runs from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

For the soft opening, they offer free drip coffee with a pastry purchase.

3

The cafe transforms into a bar/izakaya at night.

04
Doughnut Plant image 1
Donut shop

Tiny shop offers a colorful doughnut display and a vibrant atmosphere with loud music. Crรจme brรปlรฉe donut shines with authentic vanilla cream and a crispy top, blending French flavors with casual, limited seating including sidewalk options.

People are saying

"These donuts are world class and out of this world."

"I thought the coffee here was quite good."

"The vegan sourdough donuts are unique and delicious."

Good to know

1

Their new store hours are 8am to 4pm.

2

You should go early because they sell out fairly fast.

3

A single donut at The Donut Plant costs around $4.50+.

05
Dirty French New York image 1
French restaurant

Space blends lazy Parisian vibe with punk rock soul, featuring vintage furniture and cozy booths. Rich chicken and crepes shine alongside mushroom millefeuille and oysters bourguignon. Guests relax in ample dining areas, including a semi-outdoor glass ceiling section.

Chicken and crepes stand out with rich flavors. Mushroom millefeuille, oysters bourguignon, pommes frites, and trout meuniere add variety. Crepes au sucre come soft and mildly sweet with strawberry jam and lemon. Croissants are flaky with a buttery interior.

People are saying

"The blood orange sorbet dessert was exceptional."

"Our server Abdel made our brunch experience fantastic and attentive."

"The French food's fried chicken is served in bite-sized pieces with its own sauce."

Good to know

1

Reservations are a must, but there are lots of tables available.

2

The restaurant is expensive, with meals often exceeding $100 per person.

3

Sides must be ordered separately as they are not included with mains.

06
Le French Diner image 1
French restaurant

Small bistro offers an intimate, Parisian cafe vibe with an open kitchen and lively brick walls. French dishes shine with spicy steak tartare and buttery escargots. Seating around the bar creates a chatty, relaxed energy perfect for singles.

Steak tartare comes with a spicy kick and garlic toast. Escargots are buttery and well-seasoned. Grilled octopus is tender with lemon and aioli.

People are saying

"This tiny bistro feels like Paris, making the French food feel special."

"It's a tiny, cozy spot for intimate dinner spots."

"The Hanger Steak with cheesy potatoes was exquisite."

Good to know

1

Get there around 5 if you want the first seating.

2

You cannot make reservations at the bistro.

3

Le French Diner is walk-in only, so it is advisable to arrive early or expect a bit of a wait on weekends.

07
Pause Cafe image 1

Moroccan-inspired decor creates a cozy vibe with plenty of outlets and covered outdoor seating. Savory crepes with salmon shine among fresh pastries. High-speed WiFi and loud music make it perfect for work or study.

Savory crepes with salmon stand out for their bursting flavor and presentation. Fresh chocolate croissants and a variety of pastries and sandwiches complement the French food offerings well.

People are saying

"I thought the breakfast here was spectacular and worth the price."

"I thought the sandwiches here were super tasty and delicious."

"The French food, especially the savory crepes, was loaded with delicious ingredients."

Good to know

1

The cafe has a no laptops allowed policy.

2

You order at the counter and then sit down.

3

The restaurant opens at 7am and closes at 8pm.

08
Creperie image 1
Creperie

Small space with late-night hours offers a gritty yet warm vibe. Crepes shine with authentic taste and generous fillings like Nutella and banana. Outdoor seating is limited but adds to the cute aesthetic.

Crepes here stand out for their authentic taste and generous fillings like strawberry, banana, and Nutella. Both sweet and savory options use quality ingredients and come in large portions.

People are saying

"I found the French food, especially the crepes, to be delicious."

"I always order the famous crepe with ice cream."

"I had the best chocolate covered strawberries I ever had."

Good to know

1

Creperie is open late, making it a great late night treat.

2

Creperie stays open until 2 AM.

3

You cannot call to order for pickup; you have to use an app.

09
Supermoon Bakehouse image 1

Minimalist bakery offers a cozy outdoor seating area with no indoor spots. Croissants shine with flaky layers and spicy fillings, while eclairs and cruffins feature bold flavors like banana chai cream. Atmosphere feels sterile yet chill, perfect for enjoying fresh pastries.

Croissants stand out with flaky layers and spicy fillings that add a unique twist. Eclairs and cruffins come with strong, flavorful fillings like banana chai cream and piรฑa colada, making them memorable.

People are saying

"The pastries here are amazingly creative and delicious."

"The Nutella croissant was pure bliss and generously filled."

"The French food here, especially the croissants and eclairs, is amazing."

Good to know

1

They only accept cards and do not accept cash.

2

Check their working days and hours before visiting as they donโ€™t open every day.

3

Get there early as a line forms before they open.

10
Casetta image 1
Wine bar

Wine bar shines with dimmed lighting and a cozy atmosphere that stays quiet even on weekends. French food features simple baguettes paired perfectly with cheese and rich pate. Outdoor seating offers a sunny, charming spot for warmer days.

Simple and good baguettes and tartines stand out. The baguette and cheese pair well, and the pate adds a rich touch.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the delicious wine."

"It's a laid-back spot perfect for unwinding and soaking in the vibe."

"The stracciatella here is so fresh and flavorful."

Good to know

1

A shot of orange juice, a piece of baguette, and americano costs $18.

2

A poached egg and beans in a bowl of water cost $16.

3

Two spoonfuls of Greek yogurt cost $12.

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Lower East Side, New York

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