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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks

French food in Downtown Austin

French cooking that feels like a genuine neighborhood staple rather than a stiff, white-tablecloth performance.

Based on 592 Opinions
+589
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Updated May 2026
01
VanHorn's image 1
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Steak house

Steakhouse shines with classic New York style and a buzzy atmosphere that fills the space. French dishes like steak tartare and rich desserts add unique flavors. The patio vibe offers a fun contrast to the lively indoors.

Steak tartare stands out with its freshness, Parmesan topping, and solid seasoning. Desserts like the layered chocolate crepe and cheesecake offer unique, rich flavors.

People are saying

"Jeremy's service made my steak experience perfect."

"I thought the cheesecake was truly to die for."

"The steak tartare here is excellent and well seasoned."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends and holidays.

2

Parking is limited; expect to pay around $18 for two hours.

3

Happy Hour offers steak tartare, prime rib sandwiches, and martinis for $10.

02
Café Crème - Downtown image 1

Expansive cafe space offers natural light and a gorgeous patio perfect for relaxing. Crepes shine with sweet and savory options like strawberry Nutella, paired well with espresso martinis. Fast WiFi and varied seating make it great for work or socializing.

Crepes come in sweet and savory varieties with options like strawberry Nutella and the crispy Tuscany crepe served with a fresh side salad. Drinks such as the espresso martini pair well with the crepes, which are flavorful but a bit pricey.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was great."

"It's a great place to get your work done."

"The French food, especially the crepes, is so delicious you can't resist."

Good to know

1

Café Crème offers a daily happy hour from 4-7pm with $5 cocktails.

2

The café is dog-friendly in their outdoor seating area.

3

Café Crème is located on the ground floor of the Austin Public Library.

03
J Carver’s Oyster Bar & Chophouse image 1

Small space with classic steakhouse design and sexy, clean interior sets a cozy, high-end vibe. Lighting and furniture create a well-executed atmosphere that feels special for occasions. Comfortable seating and attentive service add to the refined dining experience.

People are saying

"The steak here is incredible, and the service is phenomenal."

"The desserts here are scrumptious and unforgettable."

"The French food, especially the escargot, was delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for weekends and special occasions.

2

Proper attire is required; business casual is preferred.

3

Street parking is limited, so plan to arrive early.

04
The Royale Room image 1
Cocktail bar

Enjoy carefully crafted martinis in an intimate, upscale setting with fresh oysters shucked at the bar. The menu features perfectly cooked steak frites alongside simple, quality French dishes. Atmosphere stays cozy and chill, ideal for conversation despite some loud music.

Steak frites stands out with perfect cooking and consistent quality. The menu keeps it simple with just three entrees, including a hamburger and salmon sandwich alongside the steak frites.

People are saying

"The oysters here are fresh and shucked right at the bar."

"It's a perfect spot for a romantic date night."

"The steak frites here are perfectly cooked."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers $10 martinis and fun food options from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

Live music happens every Friday from 8 to 10 pm.

3

The menu includes only three entrees: a hamburger, a salmon sandwich, and steak frites.

05
Austin Rotisserie & Sandwicherie image 1

Parisian café style meets casual food court in a cool basement space. Rotisserie chicken shines alongside Poulet Roti Baguette with fresh, crispy bread and Swiss cheese. Air conditioning keeps the lively chatter comfortable for a relaxed meal.

Poulet Roti Baguette features plenty of meat and a perfect cheese blend with Swiss cheese. The baguette is fresh and crispy with balanced saltiness, pairing well with butter and ham.

People are saying

"The baguettes here are fresh with a crispy exterior."

"I found the carrot soup to be unbelievably good."

"The French food here, especially the baguettes, is so good with salty butter."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the one eleven building garage with a voucher from the register.

2

Free parking is possible on Brazos with a receipt.

3

Credit cards are accepted for payment.

06
J-Prime Steakhouse image 1

Modern restaurant blends romantic atmosphere with loud pop and EDM music for a club-like vibe. French dishes shine with escargot and foie gras, paired with crispy Brussels and au gratin potatoes. Space feels busy and close, adding to the energetic dining experience.

Flavors stand out with escargot, foie gras, and truffle fries. Sides like crispy Brussels and au gratin potatoes complement dishes such as steak and lobster mac n cheese.

People are saying

"The food here was amazing, tasty, and fresh."

"The steak here is served with amazing, friendly service."

"The French food here is great, and the service is impeccable."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

2

Happy hour runs all day on Mondays and Sundays with $10 specials.

3

The daily social hour from 4-7pm offers great value on drinks.

07
The Guest House Austin image 1

Elegant steak house shines with private seating and live DJ vibes. French flair shows in truffle steak tartare and spicy rigatoni. Signature cocktails add theatrical flair to the upscale scene.

Steak tartare stands out with its amazing truffle flavor and is served on toast points topped with micro chives and aioli. Other notable dishes include spicy rigatoni and dry-aged steak.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, thanks to the super nice and proactive staff."

"The service at these dinner spots is so attentive and proactive."

"The French Food here is amazing, especially the steak tartare."

Good to know

1

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

2

Reservations are required for private events and must be confirmed in advance.

3

A $25 cutting fee applies if you bring your own cake.

08
Péché image 1
French restaurant

Shotgun-style layout and vintage charm create a cozy, lively spot with dim lighting and a high noise level. French dishes like steak tartare and crème brûlée shine alongside an impressive absinthe selection. Perfect for small groups seeking rich flavors and festive vibes.

Steak tartare stands out with a fresh, rich flavor. Foie gras and crème brûlée offer classic French richness, with the latter shining even during happy hour. Bouillabaisse, quail, and Bananas Foster add variety to the menu.

People are saying

"Happy Hour has fantastic cocktails and excellent food like mac and cheese."

"The duck confit and escargot at these dinner spots are heavenly."

"The duck confit here is absolutely delicious French food."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers drinks for $6 and half-off appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

Reservations are recommended to secure a table, especially during busy hours.

3

The bar area is not ideal for cocktails; consider dining instead.

09
Bill's Oyster image 1
Restaurant

Small oyster bar offers an intimate, cozy space with an open kitchen and quaint patio seating. Known for phenomenal drinks and a classic coastal vibe, it serves bold French dishes like Steak Tartare and Crab & Andouille Hush Puppies.

Steak Tartare stands out with a rich, flavorful profile, though it sometimes comes covered in cheese. The Crab & Andouille Hush Puppies and Clams Michelada also offer bold, distinctive tastes.

People are saying

"The oysters here are insanely fresh and taste clean."

"The happy hour prices were pretty great."

"You have to try the steak tartare; it's one of the best."

Good to know

1

Parking near the restaurant can be difficult and expensive.

2

Bill's Oyster does not take reservations, allowing for walk-in dining.

3

Happy hour features $3 oysters and $8 beer and shot specials.

10
Restaurant François image 1
Modern French restaurant

Open kitchen buzzes with chefs crafting rich escargot and short rib bourguignon. Art deco and 1930s Paris style create an upscale yet welcoming vibe. Perfect for relaxed dining and deep conversation with classic French flavors.

Rich, buttery escargot starts the meal with perfect seasoning. Dishes like short rib bourguignon and creme brûlée showcase classic French flavors with solid execution.

People are saying

"The duck and red snapper at these dinner spots were so tender and flavorful."

"The French Onion Soup here is phenomenal, with recommendations that don't disappoint."

"The French food's fries are thin, crispy, and cooked in beef tallow."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, as walk-ins may not be accepted.

2

Expect to pay over $100 for steak dishes, unless opting for the filet.

3

Desserts are complimentary for special occasions like anniversaries.

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Downtown Austin, Austin

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