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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Midtown East

Coffee and French Food

A morning coffee followed by a meal of French food sets a deliberate tone for the day.

Based on 751 Opinions
+748
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Updated May 2026
01
Tartinery Café - Bar | Grand Central image 1
Tartinery Café - Bar | Grand Central image 2
Tartinery Café - Bar | Grand Central image 3
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Open café with full bar and close seating creates a lively yet welcoming space amid a busy transit hub. Atmosphere shifts from quiet and pleasant to bustling with travelers on the go. Cocktails and coffee complement a menu featuring delicious tartines and casual fare.

Coffee here stands out for its sublime flavor and outstanding quality. The cappuccino ranks as one of the best in the area, and staff will even reheat your coffee and almond milk on request.

Croissants come light and flaky, with the ham and cheese version being buttery and fluffy. The café serves classic French sandwiches like croque madame and croque monsieur, both prepared very well.

People are saying

"The food here is simple, good, and original."

"I enjoyed the amazing coffee here."

"I tasted one of the best croque madame in French food."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7 PM with $5 beers.

2

The happy hour offers 2 for 1 tarts.

3

The location is perfect for happy hour before catching the train.

02
Le Cafe Coffee image 1
Coffee shop

Tiny coffee shop with minimal seating and a cozy, tucked-away vibe. Atmosphere feels warm and relaxing, suited for quiet work or reading. Known for carefully crafted cappuccinos and standout avocado toast.

Espresso and lattes stand out with balanced flavors and perfect warmth. The pistachio and vanilla lattes are thick, creamy, and strong, crafted with care right in front of you.

Croissants vary widely, with some being fresh and good, while others come out dry and stale. Basic egg, cheese, and ham sandwiches and quiche offer safe, straightforward French options.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be amazing and delicious."

"It's a cozy little hole in the wall coffee shop."

"The French food here is really good and the portions are big."

Good to know

1

The kitchen closes at 2:30 PM on a regular weekday.

2

There is no bathroom at this place.

3

There are only 4 or 5 chairs to sit in the coffee shop.

03
Chez les Frenchies Cafe image 1

Small cafe with charming kitschy decor and full-length windows offers a cozy, Parisian atmosphere filled with the smell of butter. Outdoor seating invites people-watching while authentic French pastries and solid coffee create a taste of Europe in a neighborhood setting.

Coffee here stands out for its delicious cappuccino and tasty lattes that meet European standards. Pastries like pain aux raisins pair well with the coffee, making it a solid spot for a quick morning pick-me-up.

Croissants come out buttery, flaky, and fresh. Sandwiches feature crunchy baguettes with juicy mozzarella. The menu includes quiche lorraine, eclairs, and Madeleines alongside French staples like sauces, pâtés, and olives.

People are saying

"This cozy coffee spot feels like a little piece of Paris."

"This cafe has a real French vibe and charming atmosphere."

"The French Food here, especially the croissants and pastries, is buttery and flaky."

Good to know

1

Finding a spot may be difficult due to people lingering.

2

There is no table service at this spot.

3

The cafe did not have hot water available for coffee.

04
Tartinery Café - Bar | Olympic Tower image 1

Space offers magnificent views of St. Patrick's Cathedral with an open, airy atmosphere and casual seating. Energy stays peaceful and quiet, making it suitable for work or relaxation despite nearby city bustle. Occasional live music and a bar add a lively touch without overwhelming the calm vibe.

Coffee stands out with fantastic flavor and includes cold brew and cappuccino options. Service is attentive, enhancing the overall experience.

Croque monsieur and Croque Madame stand out with rich, classic flavors. Fresh egg and cheese brioche with bacon offers a satisfying, savory bite. Tartines like salmon and ricotta bring a light, fresh touch to the menu.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be tasty and delicious."

"I had a great latte here."

"I thought the French Food croque monsieur was the best I had ever tasted."

Good to know

1

The restaurant gets busy during peak hours, so plan accordingly.

2

The kitchen closes at 4:30 PM, despite the all-day menu.

3

Lunch deal includes a soup and small tartine for $15.5.

05
Benny John's Bar and Grill image 1

Live guitar and jazz music create a relaxed, European cafe vibe with comfortable seating both indoors and on a pleasant outdoor patio. The atmosphere suits both solo diners and groups, offering an upscale yet cozy setting with excellent energy throughout.

Coffee here is smooth and rich with a real espresso that stands out. The iced coffee and cappuccino are especially notable for their quality.

French onion soup stands out with rich flavor. The steak tartare and creme brulee also impress with their quality and taste.

People are saying

"I've never had a steak cooked so perfectly to my preference."

"I've never had French onion soup this good."

"I had the best cappuccino I've ever had here."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has an all-day happy hour with a variety of appetizers.

2

Happy hour drink specials are available all night at the bar.

3

Reservations are recommended due to high demand during peak times.

06
Eclair Bakery + Cafe image 1

Bright, airy bakery with Parisian vibe and cozy interior offers a quiet, relaxing atmosphere. Plenty of seating invites sitting with coffee or working quietly. French light music plays softly, enhancing the pleasant mood.

Coffee comes with regular milk for better texture and includes options like hazelnut cappuccino, mocha, latte, and chai latte. Drinks pair well with freshly baked pastries such as pain au chocolat and eclairs.

Eclairs stand out with a variety of flavors like pistachio, chocolate, and passion fruit, each offering complex and fresh tastes. Pastries and hot drinks like mocha and chai latte complement the freshly baked French treats.

People are saying

"The eclairs here are not too sweet and always tasty."

"The coffee here is great, and the pastries are delicious."

"You have to try the French Food here; the eclairs are perfect."

Good to know

1

The bakery was able to accommodate a last-minute cake order.

2

Pastries cost $7, making them reasonably priced.

3

The sample box allows trying six different flavors at once.

07
Cafe Joyeux image 1
Coffee shop

Spacious café with a bright cheery color scheme and high ceilings creates an inviting and well-designed workspace. The atmosphere is welcoming and cheerful, filled with positive energy and friendly vibes. Staff interactions can be loud, which may affect quiet activities like reading or writing.

Coffee here is excellent with standout options like the pumpkin latte. The shop pairs great coffee with a kind, caring atmosphere that feels full of love.

Quiche stands out with its packed ingredients and solid flavor, including a tasty ham and cheese croissant. Sandwiches and croissants offer a classic French touch with reliable quality.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the great coffee here."

"It's a great work-friendly spot with comfortable solo spots."

"The French Food here is served with such friendly and quick service."

Good to know

1

The bathroom and entrance are wheelchair accessible.

2

Outdoor seating is available for safety during COVID.

3

The hot drink and pastry combo for $8 is a steal.

08
maman image 1
Coffee shop

Small space with bright open windows creates a cozy and calm atmosphere. Seating includes small tables suited for chatting, and laptops are not allowed. Decor features abundant hydrangeas, adding to the inviting vibe.

Coffee here stands out for its amazing flavor and specialty lattes like the honey lavender. Baked goods like the pumpkin spice cookie pair well with the rich coffee.

Pistachio croissants stand out with unique flavors and textures. Large, tasty quiches and a flavorful red pepper aioli add variety to the French offerings.

People are saying

"I loved the coffee here; it was amazing."

"I loved their huge, nutty chocolate chip cookie."

"The French pastries here are super delicious, just like in Paris."

Good to know

1

The avocado toast costs $14 with tax.

2

The sandwich costs $17.

3

Maman is a laptop-free environment.

09
Le Café Louis Vuitton NYC image 1

Elegant café space features Louis Vuitton-themed decor with artistic design and monogrammed tableware. Atmosphere feels upscale yet relaxed, with expertly crafted cocktails and attentive service creating a warm, welcoming vibe.

Coffee here is delicious and served with thoughtful elegance. Options include an incredible cappuccino and a divine matcha latte, perfect for a small snack or afternoon break.

Sliders au Foie Gras stand out with rich, buttery foie gras that melts in the mouth. Viennoiseries and croissants impress with flaky, buttery layers, while the Monogram Flower Ravioli and Pommes Frites add refined French touches.

People are saying

"The desserts here are rich, indulgent, and beautifully presented."

"The coffee and pastries were outstanding and beautifully presented."

"The French food, especially the steak frites and pastries, was amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required to enter the venue.

2

You definitely need a reservation for lunch at 12pm.

3

Strollers are not allowed in the restaurant.

10
Brasserie Cognac Midtown East image 1

French restaurant offers a cozy, intimate space with Parisian-style decor and a chic bar featuring excellent cocktails. Atmosphere feels like a relaxed Parisian bistro, encouraging easy conversation. Seating is well spaced, creating a comfortable and inviting vibe.

Coffee here uses Kimbo, a brand noted for its quality in New York. The coffee tastes great and pairs well with food like croque madame.

Steak tartare stands out as a highlight, noted for its quality and flavor. Classic Beef Bourguignon offers a tasty and consistent French dining experience with a Parisian bistro ambiance.

People are saying

"The French food service here is amazing and so friendly."

"I enjoyed the great cocktails; they were delicious."

"I enjoyed the delicious coffee."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

2

The restaurant opens at 7 am, offering breakfast options.

3

Expect a 20% service fee added to all bills.

11
Le Relais de Venise L'Entrecôte image 1

Seating feels extremely cramped with tables placed shoulder to shoulder in a lively, noisy atmosphere. The space fills quickly, creating a crowded environment that suits casual dining rather than intimate occasions. Wine selections often complement the menu well, adding to the energetic vibe.

Coffee comes nice and strong here, matching well with desserts like profiteroles. The flavor holds up consistently across visits.

Steak frites come as the only main dish, served with a signature secret sauce and a salad appetizer. The bistro offers a Parisian Steak Frites experience with consistently great quality and friendly staff explaining the simple menu.

People are saying

"The steak frites here are a tasty treat with a secret recipe sauce."

"The steak frites here are the best French food in town."

"The coffee here is excellent and nice and strong."

Good to know

1

The restaurant does not take reservations, leading to long wait times.

2

Expect a wait of up to 2 hours during peak times.

3

Arrive before opening at 5:30 PM for the shortest wait.

12
Grand Brasserie image 1
French restaurant

Magnificent space inside an iconic terminal offers a chic yet comfortable vibe with captivating decor and a top-notch bar featuring a spacious counter. The atmosphere balances quiet indoor seating with lively areas, making it suitable for various gatherings.

Excellent coffee includes superb lattes and a perfect cappuccino that works well as dessert.

Offers a beautiful French-American take on the brasserie concept with a rich and flavorful French onion soup. Presents a captivating hidden luxury dining experience suitable for every occasion.

People are saying

"The French food service was slow, with long waits for bread and desserts."

"The three-course lunch here is a great value at $35."

"The coffee here has a lovely, stylish, and Instagram-worthy ambiance."

Good to know

1

The establishment is open until 2AM every day.

2

The restaurant serves food until 2 AM.

3

You can get seated right away without a reservation.

13
Le Pain Quotidien image 1

Spacious restaurant with chic seating and a cozy, warm atmosphere. Pastries stand out as high quality, especially croissants and double chocolate brownie cookies. The place offers a quiet, relaxing vibe suitable for brunch or casual lunch.

Iced coffee stands out for its care and friendliness in preparation. The coffee and pastries are consistently excellent, with cappuccino and espresso also noted as delicious.

Croissants stand out with options like the toasted Paris ham & Gruyère and a cookie croissant. Quiche Lorraine and fresh brioche rolls add to the French food selection.

People are saying

"The food here is excellent and delicious."

"The coffee here is wonderfully attentive."

"The French food here is amazing, the staff is super friendly."

Good to know

1

LPQ's closing time is 6pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

2

If you want to sit down, ask to be seated for table service.

3

The bakery offers a selection of gluten-free homemade breads.

14
The Reading Room image 1
New American restaurant

Hidden behind a hotel lobby, the space offers rustic decor with wood accents and a modern speakeasy bar. Atmosphere varies from quiet and comfortable to loud and lively during dinner hours. Cocktails and steak dishes stand out as notable features.

Coffee comes out nice and strong, which suits breakfast well. The latte tastes average and there is no flexibility on milk options.

Steak frites stand out with perfectly cooked steak and crispy fries. Chimichurri sauce is available on the side for added flavor.

People are saying

"The steak was cooked perfectly."

"The French food, especially the steak frites, is cooked to perfection."

"I enjoyed the excellent, nice, and strong coffee."

Good to know

1

Reservations are suggested even for lunch due to limited seating.

2

The restaurant closes early on Wednesdays, with the kitchen closing at 9:15 PM.

3

Happy hour offers food and drink specials, making it a great time to visit.

15
Le Jardinier image 1
French restaurant

Dining space resembles an airy greenhouse with green marble and plush cushions, creating a sleek, refined vibe. Atmosphere blends casual elegance with a touch of corporate formality, evoking classic power lunch settings. Spacious seating suits both meetings and family gatherings.

Bread offerings include light brioche, sourdough rolls, and crunchy grissini. Menu features steak tartare, scallops, wagyu, risotto, and salmon, with desserts like yuzu, Montblanc meringue, and chocolate mousse.

People are saying

"The desserts here were on another level."

"The French food here is amazing, especially the perfectly cooked salmon."

"The coffee here is truly stellar and perfectly executed."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for dinner service, especially on weekends.

2

The tasting menu costs around $100 per person, excluding drinks.

3

Jazz night happens every Wednesday in the upstairs lounge.

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