Chicago is known for its diverse culinary scene, and French cuisine is no exception. From classic bistro fare to elegant fine dining, Chicago offers a range of French restaurants that showcase the country’s culinary traditions. In this blog post, we’ll explore the best French restaurants in Chicago, highlighting their unique offerings, ambiance, and service. Whether you’re looking for a romantic date night spot or a place to indulge in delicious French cuisine with friends, Chicago’s French restaurants have got you covered.
Bistronomic
Address: 840 N Wabash Ave between Chestnut and Pearson, Chicago, IL 60611-2029
Phone: +1 (312) 944-8400
Bistronomic is a charming French restaurant in downtown Chicago that offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The decor is a blend of Napoleon III and contemporary design, creating a traditional bistro ambiance. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive, making diners feel welcome and comfortable. The wine list is extensive, with a great selection of vintage, grapes, and origins, and the staff is always available to help with wine selection.
The menu at Bistronomic is a blend of classic French bistro dishes and modern interpretations, with a range of options in small and large plates. The food is delicious and well-priced, with most small plates in the $teens and large plates in the mod-to-higher $20’s. The seasonal add-ons and weekly specials, like The Dover Sole Meunière, are particularly noteworthy. The restaurant also offers a 3-course prix fixe menu with a selection of dishes in each course. The portions are ample, and the food is well-prepared, authentic, and flavorful.
Overall, Bistronomic is a delightful dining destination in Chicago, offering a range of options for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner or a casual night out with friends, Bistronomic has got you covered. The restaurant’s traditional bistro ambiance, friendly service, extensive wine list, and delicious food make it a must-visit for anyone looking for a taste of France in the heart of Chicago.
FIG & OLIVE
Address: 104 E Oak St, Chicago, IL 60611-1646
Phone: +1 (312) 445-0060
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FIG & OLIVE is a French-Mediterranean restaurant in Chicago that offers an exceptional dining experience. The restaurant has a unique tasting menu concept with many interesting and creative dishes. The wine selection is also noteworthy, with multiple reds and whites, including a Cabernet with a unique caramel note. The appetizer trays are a great way to sample some creative items, and the entrees, like the crusted lamb filet, are unlike anything else. The food is superbly seasoned, and the desserts are creative and decadent.
The atmosphere and ambiance at FIG & OLIVE are excellent, making it a perfect venue for any type of occasion. The service is attentive, courteous, and prompt, with staff members like Lindsay and Jon Bader providing exceptional service. The restaurant has a relaxed and friendly vibe, and the staff goes above and beyond to ensure that diners have a wonderful experience. The outdoor seating is also a pleasant addition to the restaurant, allowing diners to enjoy the lovely Chicago weather while dining.
The menu at FIG & OLIVE is creative and fresh, with a range of options that include lamb, duck, seafood, and truffle risotto. The desserts are also a must-try, with the apple tart and the truffle oil dishes being particularly noteworthy. The crostini starters are delicious and addictive, and the steak tartare is particularly memorable. The restaurant also offers a range of options for those with dietary restrictions, like no butter or cream used in cooking, and olive oils or truffle oils instead. Overall, FIG & OLIVE is a special and unique restaurant in Chicago that should be on every foodie’s list.
Bistro Campagne
Address: 4518 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625-2103
Phone: +1 (773) 271-6100
Bistro Campagne is a French bistro located in the Lincoln Square neighborhood of Chicago that offers excellent food, professional yet friendly staff, and a beautiful restaurant and outdoor garden. The atmosphere is lovely, and the simple dishes are cooked perfectly, with amazing sauces that elevate the flavors of the dishes. The restaurant has a cozy and romantic vibe, and the outdoor patio is beautifully lit with strings of lights, making it a perfect place to dine on a summer night.
The food at Bistro Campagne is outstanding, with a French bistro menu that includes escargots, steak frites, trout, and beef bourguignon. The Amish chicken and pork chop are also highly recommended, and the desserts like creme brulee and the warm, melty ball of goat cheese are a must-try. The cooking is well-prepared and delicious, with fresh ingredients that are nicely presented. The service is attentive, knowledgeable, and never overbearing, with staff members like Emily providing excellent service.
The restaurant is elegant, with soft music and a quiet atmosphere that is good for nice conversation. The service is excellent, and the food is very well-prepared and delicious. The patio is a great place to dine, with pretty flowers and little lights that create a romantic ambiance. The restaurant is also close to the Lincoln Square neighborhood, making it a convenient place to dine with family and friends. Overall, Bistro Campagne is a great gem in Chicago that offers a wonderful dining experience.
CHEZ MOI
Address: 2100 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614-4359
Phone: +1 (773) 871-2100
CHEZ MOI is a French bistro located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago that offers excellent food, professional service, and a delightful atmosphere. The restaurant has a cozy and warm ambiance, with a French bistro feel that fits perfectly. The menu is very complete, with a wonderful selection of menu items, including dishes like pork tenderloin, beef bourguignon, lamb shank, and sea bass fillet. The food is simple, delicious, and authentic, prepared perfectly and presented beautifully.
The professional, dedicated staff at CHEZ MOI are attentive and responsive, providing excellent service without being overbearing. The service is first-rate, with staff members like Chad and Dominique making sure that each meal is to perfection. The restaurant has a prime location near Lincoln Park and De Paul, making it a convenient place to dine with family and friends. The French cuisine is excellent, with dishes like escargots en croute, quail ballotine, and onion tart that are prepared so authentically that one feels like they are in Marseille.
The restaurant is a Chicago treasure, with a great loyalty program and reasonably priced French wine list. The desserts like gateau Breton, warm butter cake with ice cream and caramel sauce, crème brulee, and chocolate mousse are spectacular, and worth saving room for. Parking can be a challenge, but the restaurant is definitely worth the journey. Overall, CHEZ MOI is a wonderful small gem of a restaurant that offers a delightful dining experience, with excellent food, service, and ambiance.
Cafe Touche French Bistro & Wine Bar
Address: 6731 N Northwest Hwy Edison Park, Chicago, IL 60631-1319
Phone: +1 (773) 775-0909
Cafe Touche French Bistro & Wine Bar is a neighborhood restaurant located in the far northwest side of Chicago, offering classic French bistro food with a Louisiana accent. The menu is a blend of French, Creole, and Cajun cuisine, with dishes like steak tartare, roasted chicken, steak frites, and cassoulet. The food is superb, with generous portions and nothing over the top as to saucing or spices, made for a wide range of palates. The dessert selection is also established and gives just enough variety for anyone in the crowd.
The atmosphere at Cafe Touche is great, with a festive and cozy feel that reminds one of an old-fashioned Italian restaurant. The staff is friendly and accommodating, providing courteous service to both bar and table alike. The servers are excellent, with Joshua R. being particularly praised for his outstanding service. The restaurant is always buzzing with people, and it can get a bit noisy depending on how many in a group are celebrating whatever and obviously having a good time. However, the restaurant offers free valet parking and is well worth the trip.
Cafe Touche is a wonderful place for big celebrations, book launch parties, or intimate dinners. The establishment offers a nice selection of liquors at the bar, a thoughtful selection of beers, and a manageable wine list with enough by the glass selections to accommodate anyone. The pricing is moderate overall, and the seafood is higher priced, but when either jambalaya or etoufee are offered, they are a tremendous value. The regular menu items are reasonably priced, and the dinner specials often surprise, whether it is small plate, salad specials, or the seafood offerings. Overall, Cafe Touche French Bistro & Wine Bar is a top neighborhood dining restaurant that is consistently excellent in quality and variety, making it a must-visit for anyone in the area.
Brindille
Address: 534 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654-7116
Phone: +1 (312) 595-1616
Brindille is an intimate French restaurant in Chicago that offers a cozy and warm atmosphere. The restaurant is relatively small, but the beautiful room is well-designed, with an ample length bar that provides plenty of room for diners arriving early. The menu is modest in size but spectacular in appeal, with classic and favorite French dishes, including appetizers such as Tarte Tatin and Foie Gras. The Beau Soleil Oysters from New Brunswick are exceptionally fresh and served with a unique preparation that showcases the delicacy of the oysters.
The main courses at Brindille are beautifully presented, rich, and complex, with dishes like sirloin, duck, sole, quail, chanterelles, and pomme frites. The Dover Sole is a must-try, with a delicate flavor and a crisp exterior that makes it a great fish dish. The desserts are also outstanding, with options like frangipane “cigar” with roasted fuji apples, brown butter ice cream, golden raisins, and caramel. The wine list is excellent, with excellent wines by the glass and specialty cocktails that are not too sweet but wonderfully complex.
The serving staff at Brindille is led by Shane, who is elegant, witty, and a little irreverent without being overbearing or inappropriate. The service is quick and plenty, with ample seating space for diners. While the restaurant is expensive, it is meant for diners who are looking for excellent food. The quantities are not massive, nor minuscule, and the food is rich and complex, making diners well satisfied and well-fed. In total, Brindille is an outstanding restaurant with phenomenal staff, good wine list, and delicious food, highly recommended for anyone looking for an intimate and cozy dining experience.
Le Bouchon
Address: 1958 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60647-6411
Phone: +1 (773) 862-6600
Le Bouchon is a small and cozy French bistro located in Bucktown, Chicago, that offers classic bistro cuisine in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The menu features a modest selection of dishes, including seasonal options, with only four or five main courses that do not change too often. The dishes are well-executed, with authentic French comfort food that is sure to satisfy any palate. The portions are generous, and the flavors are great, making it an excellent value for the price.
The staff at Le Bouchon is exceptional, with the same wait staff who have been there before the COVID lockdown, making it a consistent and special place. The service is friendly, classy, and attentive, with a focus on making diners feel comfortable and welcome. The wine list is good, with reasonably marked up prices, and the amuse-bouches are incredible. The gratin potatoes steeped in heavy cream and thyme are dreamlike, and the French onion soup is the best, with no comparison.
The ambiance at Le Bouchon is warm, close, and intimate, with a cozy living room feel that encourages togetherness. The restaurant is small, crowded, and popular, with almost all tables occupied even on weekdays, so it is necessary to book a table at least a week in advance. The decor is modest, with a focus on classic and traditional French bistro style. Overall, Le Bouchon is an extraordinary dining experience that delivers authentic and terrific local bistro cuisine with exceptional service, making it a Chicago mainstay for over 28 years.
La Creperie
Address: 2845 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657-5207
Phone: +1 (773) 528-9050
La Creperie is a cozy French restaurant located in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood that offers a delightful dining experience. The restaurant features a charming atmosphere with simple provincial French details, and it consistently gets the details right. The staff is informed and attentive, and the wine list, even of the most modest bottle, is generous and of high quality.
The menu at La Creperie is fantastic, and the savory crepes are a must-try. The spinach, chicken/mushrooms, and vegetables with goat cheese crepes are each perfection, and the seafood crepe on a light white sauce is a favorite among patrons. The crepes are made to order, and each is well worth the wait. The dessert crepes, such as the salted caramel and butter crepe, are divine and must not be missed.
La Creperie is a wonderful place to visit, and the outdoor dining area is enchanting. The back patio garden is the perfect spot to enjoy a meal during warm weather. The restaurant is welcoming to both single diners and small groups, and reservations are preferred. Overall, La Creperie is a lovely French restaurant that offers authentic food and a charming ambiance.
Le Bar Chicago
Address: 20 E Chestnut St, Chicago, IL 60611-2664
Phone: +1 (312) 324-4063
Le Bar Chicago is a modern and cozy lounge bar located in the heart of Chicago’s Rush Street area. The atmosphere is intimate and welcoming, and the staff is highly engaging and accommodating. The bartenders are excellent and make unique and delicious cocktails, including the highly recommended Manhattan.
The food at Le Bar Chicago is also highly recommended, especially the steak frites, which is cooked to perfection. The menu also features several small dishes, such as crab cakes and turkey sliders, which are perfect for a quick bite. The complimentary snacks are a nice touch, and the French fries are a must-try. The service is quick and efficient, and the staff goes the extra mile to make the experience special, such as offering complimentary chocolates for a birthday celebration.
Le Bar Chicago is a great place to relax and unwind, whether it’s for a nightcap or a starting point before heading out to explore the area. The bar has a bustling and energetic vibe, and there are plenty of seating options, including a fireplace with a seating area. The outdoor seating area is also a nice touch. Overall, Le Bar Chicago is a fantastic lounge bar that offers a great ambiance, tasty food, and exceptional service.
Le Sud Mediterranean Kitchen
Address: 2301 W Roscoe St, Chicago, IL 60618-6295
Phone: +1 (773) 857-1985
Le Sud Mediterranean Kitchen is a charming and elegant restaurant located in the Roscoe Village neighborhood of Chicago. The restaurant has a warm and cozy atmosphere, with a beautifully decorated dining room and a lovely outdoor seating area. The staff is friendly, informative, and attentive, making sure that guests have a great dining experience.
The menu at Le Sud Mediterranean Kitchen is simple and easy to choose from, with an array of choices that are sure to please. The food is excellent, with a creative take on southern French cuisine that often feels nationality-less. The dishes are well-prepared, creative, and often original. The wine list is also impressive, with a good selection of French wines. The appetizers are delicious, with favorites such as shrimp, beans, mussels, croquettes, and polenta. The entrees are equally impressive, with excellent choices such as scallops, pork chops, cod, steak, and burger.
Le Sud Mediterranean Kitchen is a community-driven restaurant that takes great pride in providing exceptional service to its guests. The staff is always friendly and helpful, and the owner frequently goes from table to table to make sure that her guests are enjoying their dinners. The restaurant is a gem in the Roscoe Village neighborhood, and a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience a true local Chicago dining experience. Overall, Le Sud Mediterranean Kitchen is an excellent restaurant that offers delicious food, great service, and a warm and cozy atmosphere.
Marchesa
Address: 535 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654-7113
Phone: +1 (312) 527-9535
Marchesa is an elegant French restaurant located in Chicago’s Near North neighborhood. The restaurant has a stunning interior with beautiful decor that creates a sophisticated atmosphere. The French music in the background is soft and allows for easy conversation. The staff is friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable, providing excellent service to guests.
The menu at Marchesa is comprehensive, but not too long, providing an authentic French dining experience. The food is delicious, with highlights such as mushroom soup, duck, and crème brulee. The restaurant also has a great selection of cocktails and wine to accompany the meals. The service is near perfection, and the staff is knowledgeable, making recommendations on food and wine. The restaurant also offers a special menu if preferred, and guests can book the Savarin Room for a private dining experience.
The attention to detail at Marchesa is precise and on point. The staff is extremely attentive and polite, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The ambience and elegance of the decor make guests feel like royalty. The restaurant is perfect for special occasions, such as weddings or anniversary dinners. The wine list has some very interesting bottles not found too often in other restaurants. Overall, Marchesa is a great place to enjoy a sophisticated and authentic French dining experience in Chicago.
Ba Le French Bakery & Restaurant
Address: 5018 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL 60640-3006
Phone: +1 (773) 561-4424
Ba Le French Bakery & Restaurant is a modern and clean quick service restaurant located in Uptown Chicago, serving up delicious Vietnamese sandwiches and soups. Their signature Banh Mi sandwiches have an amazing crunchy French bread and a mix of flavorful ingredients that make them stand out from the rest. With an average price of $4.50 per sandwich, Ba Le is a fantastic value for the money. The staff is always courteous and helpful, and the restaurant is known to have a variety of Asian restaurants and cuisine.
The sandwiches come with a range of fresh vegetables, including shredded daikon radish, and the meats have a nice marinade that adds to the flavor. The vegetarian options are just as good as the real chicken and beef, and the iced Vietnamese coffee is always refreshing. In addition to the sandwiches, Ba Le also has a retail section where you can take home the meats they serve.
The bakery also sells French pastries, macarons, and other desserts, adding to the unique and delicious experience. Whether you are looking for a quick meal, a snack, or something special, Ba Le French Bakery & Restaurant is the perfect place to visit. With its reasonable prices, friendly staff, and wide range of flavors, it is sure to satisfy all your cravings.
Maison Marcel
Address: 3114 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL 60657-4523
Phone: +1 (630) 638-2004
Maison Marcel is a charming French restaurant located just north of downtown Chicago. With its modern vintage decor, bright and welcoming atmosphere, and friendly service, it’s the perfect spot for a relaxing cafe experience. The menu offers a wide range of delicious options, including traditional breakfast items, quiches, omelets, and ratatouille. The pastries are also a must-try, with a variety of croissants, macarons, and other sweet treats.
The coffee is perfectly prepared, and the overnight oats are a great breakfast option. The presentation of the restaurant and food is also very Instagram-worthy. Prices are a bit higher than average, but the quality of the food and the atmosphere make it worth it.
Maison Marcel is also a great spot for afternoon tea, which comes with an assortment of delicious pastries. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite, a relaxed brunch, or something special, Maison Marcel is sure to satisfy all your cravings. With its unique offerings and cozy ambiance, it’s a great place to visit and enjoy with friends or family.
Edgewater Beach Cafe
Address: 5545 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60640-1662
Phone: +1 (773) 275-4141
Edgewater Beach Cafe is a charming and intimate restaurant located in the historic Edgewater Beach Apartment Building. The menu offers a unique blend of American and French cuisine, with some Asian influences and a few signature dishes that defy any specific ethnic origin. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the staff is knowledgeable and attentive. Prices are reasonable and portions are generous, making it a great spot for a special occasion or just a casual night out.
The restaurant also offers a wonderful Sunday brunch, complete with a piano player and some of the best food in the city. The wine selection is also impressive, with many reasonably priced options. On selected nights, there is also live music and a house magician to add to the experience.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening out or a leisurely brunch with friends, Edgewater Beach Cafe is sure to satisfy all your cravings. With its unique offerings, cozy atmosphere, and excellent service, it’s the perfect spot to kick-start your vacation or just treat yourself to a special experience.
Le Pain Quotidien
Address: 135 N Clinton St, Chicago, IL 60661
Phone: +1 (312) 234-0900
Le Pain Quotidien is a charming French cafe located in the heart of the West Loop. The menu offers a variety of delicious options, from light and healthy salads to hearty sandwiches, as well as a selection of fresh pastries, desserts, and coffee. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the staff is friendly and attentive. Prices are reasonable and portions are generous, making it a great spot for a quick breakfast, lunch, or snack.
The restaurant is also a great place to spend some time working or catching up with friends. With its unique offerings, cozy atmosphere, and excellent service, it’s the perfect spot to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Additionally, the restaurant is just steps away from the Art Institute, making it a great place to grab a bite before or after a visit.
Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a leisurely lunch, Le Pain Quotidien is sure to satisfy all your cravings. With its delicious food, friendly staff, and inviting atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to get away from it all and enjoy some French-inspired fare.
Volo Restaurant Wine Bar
Address: 2008 West Roscoe Street, Chicago, IL 60618-6202
Phone: +1 (773) 348-4600
Volo Restaurant Wine Bar is a cozy and relaxed French restaurant located in Roscoe Village, Chicago. The restaurant has a beautiful outdoor garden seating area, providing a little oasis in the city. The staff is great, very friendly and attentive, providing excellent service to guests. The wine list is extensive, and guests can order wine flights to try different wines and decide on their favorite.
The menu at Volo is diverse, offering a wide variety of small plates with different fresh meats. The food is fantastic, with highlights such as pork belly and chicken. The restaurant also offers a great selection of cocktails at the bar. The space is very cozy and romantic, with no loud music or bright lights. The outdoor patio is great for a casual visit or a special occasion, with private cabana-style seating available.
Volo is a savvy little neighborhood wine bar that offers a great dining experience with high-quality bistro preparations and fresh ingredients. The oysters are a must-try, especially during their happy hour special. The pate and charcuterie are simply presented with a sweet but zippy mustard dip and are very satisfying. The star of the menu is the confit of duck with black lentils. The gelati for dessert is smooth and very flavorful. The bartender, April, is a real asset to the place, knowledgeable, friendly, efficient, and makes a great martini. Overall, Volo Restaurant Wine Bar is a great place to enjoy good food, wine, and ambiance in Chicago.
In conclusion, Chicago’s French restaurants offer a taste of classic French cuisine and a glimpse into the country’s culinary traditions. Whether you’re looking for a cozy bistro experience or an elegant fine dining atmosphere, the city has a range of options to choose from. From classic dishes like escargot and coq au vin to modern interpretations of French cuisine, these restaurants offer something for everyone. So, if you’re looking to indulge in some delicious French cuisine in Chicago, be sure to check out these top-rated restaurants.
