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| FRENCH/ BELGIAN La Mirabelle: French. 102 W 86th @ Amsterdam-Columbus; 23/18/$51; 496-0458; Old fashioned French Bistro; Excellent French food for a classic evening of top cuisine. Excellent service from family-owned business. Older crowd, full of regulars; Extremely strong desserts; As it is an older crowd, perfect to take your parents here or for a quiet night out. Incredible service. Café Luxembourg: French. 200 W 70th @ Amsterdam-West End; 20/18/$56; 873-7411; There for 25 years, produces excellent French bistro food; Local institution; Sexy crowd and a great scene- Especially outdoors. Best French Onion soup in city perhaps; Best for brunch: 9am-4pm weekends; Dinner & lunch menu more limited but contain standard French fare. Nice bar scene; La Boite en Bois: French. 75 W 68th @ Columbus-CPW; 22/17/$53; 874-2705; Quaint, romantic restaurant; Lincoln Center pre-theatre favorite; Small in size – excellent service; Very enticing menu featuring crepes filled with seafood; Fish stew with monkfish, and seafood; Lamb stew; Veal scaloppines; Roasted duck; Roast salmon; Pre-theatre prix-fixe menu- 3 courses for $44 (tons of choice); Sunday Brunch. Bar Boulud: French. 1900 B-Way @ 63rd-64th; 24/20/$61; 595-0303; From famed chef Daniel Boulud, this is his smaller, more affordable wine bar/ restaurant; Bistro fare; Perfect pre or post Lincoln Center; The steak frites stand out; Coq au Vin is yummy; Post modern setting with long bar and vaulted ceiling; Brunch and lunch is served. Massive wine list: 1,000+. Jean Georges: French. 1 Central Park W @ Trump Int’l Hotel @ 60th; 27/27/$125; 299-3900; Best French restaurant in NYC; Wildly expensive; Michelin 3-star rated; It does offer a $32 prix fixe lunch; Considered by all review sources a magical experience; Foodies ultimate dream; Celebrate your promotion (and ask for another to cover the bill); Foie Gras, Amuse Bouche highest caliber; Closed Sunday; Dinner: $98 for 3-course prix fixe- large choice for each course. See website. 8 course tasting menu, seasonal, $168.
La Bonne Soupe: French. 48 W 55th @ 6th; 20/14/$28; 586-7650; Authentic French food; Bistro feel; Cheese Fondue on the menu; French soups including perfection in French Onion. Large place. Very casual spot that is almost an upscale diner; Menu also features lots of varieties of crepes and salads; Steaks and usual French fare available. Gordon Ramsey: French. 151 W 54th @ 6-7th Av; London Hotel; 24/22/$140; 468-8888; Owned by the famous TV chef who only consults here; Tasting menu or Prix-Fixe, though crazy expensive, is way to go; Sleek modern décor; Michelin 2 stars; Incredible attention to detail; True foodie experience; Three courses $135; Seven courses $185; Some say overrated now that Gordon isn’t cooking. Le Bernardin: French. 155 W 51st @ 6th-7th Av; 29/27/$130; 554-1515; Newly renovated as of Sept 2011, this Michelin 3-star rated restaurant, and #1 in Zagats always shines; Famed chef Eric Ripert shows off his best work when you order the $112 prix fixe at dinner; Seafood-centric dishes; Save money by going at lunch ($70 prix fixe). Issues: Besides the price, jackets required. See website for seasonal menu. Chez Napoleon: French. 365 50th @ 8-9th Av; 23/16/$45; 265-6980; Old fashioned setting; Great service; Large menu with all the French classics; Excellent food! Pre-theatre; Family-owned- like dining at an old friend’s home; Steak au Poivre stands out; Been around since the 1960s; Great Martini menu and very affordable wines; Massive menu with every possible French classic; Just love this place. Marseille: French. 630 9th Av @ 44th; 21/22/$47; 333-3410; Mediterranean influenced; Unique menu with classics and innovative dishes; Spacious setting with a nice pre-drink bar area; Sexy scene. Cool décor; Mixed reviews; Try a standard such as Steak Frites and you’ll be pleased; $35 3 course prix fixe available; Menu truly is wide and varied and I enjoy this place; Chez Josephine: French. 414 W 42nd @ 9-10th; 20/21/$52; 594-1925; Tribute to Josephine Baker; Fine French food; Elegant and welcoming. Fun decorations reminding one of her day; Large menu; Live piano on occasion; 25+ years in existence; Brunch available; Menu tends towards the New-American end of the spectrum; Fabulous soups. Gascogne: French. 158 8th Av @ 17-18th; 21/19/$48; 675-6564; French hideaway; Garden in back; Date spot; Bistro style fare. Honey glazed duck; $27 pre-theatre prix-fixe; Rack of Lamb with Thyme. They serve lunch, brunch (suggested) and have a decent dinner menu; Not a huge choice of selections but reliable all-round; They also have a great selection of Armagnac which I love. Paradou: French. 8 Little W 12th @ Greenwich-Wash; 21/18/$46; 463-8345; Known for their brunch which features unlimited Champagne and breakfast for $29; True French bistro fare; Small-ish menu for dinner though it does feature my favorites: Oxtail Stew, Lamb Spare Ribs, and a Shell Steak with Potatos au Gratin; Also have an outside garden; Go for brunch! Pastis: French. 9 9th Av @ 12th; 21/21/$47; 929-4844; Known as a top scale brunch spot; Celebs, models and Eurotrash; Bistro feel in tradition of Balthazar; Keith McNally owned; Open all the time; Essentially an upscale French diner. Parisian fix. Least crowded for breakfast and very loud at dinner; Best thing on the menu is the perfect French Onion Soup; Mixed service. Bouley: French. 163 Duane @ Hudson; 27/27/$100; 964-2525; Might bankrupt you but Michelin 1-star rated and NY Times 3-star rated food will always impress; Owned by master chef David Bouley; Country cooking at its finest; Ever-changing menu- see website; $36 prix-fixe lunch the way to go- or the tasting menu for dinner; Gorgeous setting and impeccable service; Go on- try it! Dungeness Crab appetizer. Corton: French. 239 W B-Way @ Walker; 27/23/$115; 219-2777; Chef Paul Liebrandt and owner Drew Nieporent bring us this Michelin 2-star rated, NY Times 3-star rated masterpiece; 65-seat dining room with vaulted ceilings and vine and leaf embossed walls; Chef’s tasting menu ($155) or 3-course prix fixe ($85); Cocktails are in the $15 range so expect to sign over a paycheck; Seasonal menu – see website. Capsouto Freres: French. 451 Washington @ Watts; 24/23/$59; 966-4900; Renowned for their soufflé for dessert; Charming bistro worth the trip; Wonderful wines, beautiful décor and attentive service; Standard French fare including steaks frites; Welcoming bar scene; Been around since 1980; Just a solid, reliable option in TriBeCa that locals flock to. Tartine: French. 253 W 11th St @ W 4th St; 22/14/$30; 229-2611; Dirt Cheap French Bistro; BYOB policy & no Rez; Saucy chicken in garlic white wine; Packed always; Simple classics. Le Gigot: French. 18 Cornelia @ Bleecker- W 4th; 24/19/$54; Small place, only 11 tables, but cozy location; Incredible food; Not a huge menu but contains classics – duck, escargots etc; Parisian experience. Great staff. Very romantic environment; Lobster always on the menu; Lunch and Brunch menus available as well. CamaJe: French. 85 MacDougal @ Bleecker-Houston; 22/16/$37; 673-8184; American twists to the food; Bistro feel and setting; Walls adorned with artists’ works; Romantic, like a Paris street. Lamb stew amazing. Menu is very eclectic with tons of varieties and categories of food including Mac N Cheese; Paninis; Cheese and meat plates; and seafood; The chef offers cooking classes; Small location and cheap. Minetta Tavern: French. 113 MacDougal @ Bleecker-W 3rd; 25/21/$65; Michelin 1 star rated, NY Times 3 stars; Keith McNally’s best restaurant; Ultra cool & trendy Village environment; The $26 Black Label Burger is amazing; This place keeps getting better; Known for Bone Marrow as well; Braised Short Ribs; Basically, the place is like a French steakhouse meets a NYC tavern. Beer $8, cocktails $15. Jean Claude: French. 137 Sullivan @ Houston-Prince; 22/16/$41; 475-9232; A romantic bistro that will make you think you are in Paris; Ideal date spot- though slightly crampt; Solid food- cash only. Affordable, rustic fare with big portions & tastes. Hanger steak; Steak au poivre; Crème Brulee and the grilled seafood salad are excellent. Not a huge menu. I think an ideal early Sunday dinner or lunch spot. Raoul’s: French. 180 Prince @ Sullivan-Thompson; 24/20/$55; 966-3518; Truly authentic first-rate French fare in an authentic bistro setting; Been around since 1975; Always popular and just like dining in Paris; Romantic ambiance; Back garden; Can’t go wrong here; Steak au poivre; Duck breast are amazing. Bistro Les Amis: French. 180 Spring @ Thompson; 22/17/$42; 226-8645; Charming Soho French bistro with the usual classics plus some special preparations; Romantic, smallish place; Fair pricing & great service; Steak Frites with herb butter. Excellent, huge brunch menu; Gravlax, French Onion Soup, Mozz & Tomato salad appetizers stand out; Coq au vin, healthy dinner salads, Lamb shank, Duck & Steak frites. L’Ecole: French. 462 Broadway @ Grand; 24/20/$52; 219-3300; Students trying hard to impress at the French Culinary Institute; Overall inexpensive for the service & quality; Breeding ground for chefs. Best way to go is the price fixe to sample all the food; It is $47, served 5:30-7pm Mon-Sat; Brunch, lunch and a bar menu offered; Great wine list; Balthazar: French; 80 Spring @ B-Way-Crosby; 23/23/$54; 965-1414; Insanely popular; Brunch specialist; Dinner date spot; Epic good; Keith McNally owned; Absolute spot-on Paris brasserie; Models, celebs, and tourists in crowd. Eggs Benedict & steak frites stand out; Large portions for French; Only downside is noise levels and tourists. Apps $12-$15, Entrees $22-$30; Can come anytime – lunch, late night too. DBGB: French. 299 Bowery @ 1st Av – Houston; 22/23/$50; 933-5300; Semi-open kitchen; More of a gastropub with a beer sommelier; Décor is the restaurants supplies stocked on shelves all around you – cool look; Meat-centric menu featuring an incredible burger; Try the ‘whole hog’ dinner for multiple guests; Lots of sausage entrees; Great menu as a whole & affordable for “Daniel”. Degustation: French. 239 E 5th @ 2nd-3rd Av; 27/21/$71; 979-1012; Small 16 seat tasting bar; Spanish-infused small plates, French style; 12-15 items on the menu – all epic in quality; Like sitting at a sushi bar. Five course tasting menu ($50); Ten course as well ($75); Not for groups; You leave yourselves in the hands of the chefs when you come here (and eat in front of them too). Bourgeois Pig: French. 111 E 7th St @ 1st Av – Av A; 23/21/$48; 475-2246; Café feel yet sexy and enticing; Mimics the bourgeois lifestyle in décor; Top drawer Cheese Fondues; Cheese plates; Basically a cheese specialist. Known for excellent wines and cocktails- especially the champagne punch; Giant list of specialty drinks – amazing; Brushettas & Cheese & wine or cocktails! Tree: French. 190 1st Av @ 11-12th; 21/18/$40; 358-7171; Very popular Bistro in the Village. Romantic back garden; Excellent French selections at great prices. Not a sizable place; Delicious homey cuisine. Eleven Madison: French. 11 Madison @ 24th; 27/27/$160; 889-0905; Highest level of service and gorgeous décor at Danny Merer’s flagship 1-star Michelin rated and 3 star NY Times rated masterpiece; Seasonal menus- with dishes listed only by the 1 main ingredient; 4 course dinner $125; 3 course lunch $56; The wait staff will work with you to construct your meal; Anniversary central. Les Halles: French. 411 Park @ 28-9th; 20/17/$44; 679-4111; French Bistro setting; Great Steak Frites; Down home fare; Cool look and decent date option; Trendy location; Sausages, Crepes suzette; Been around a long time and perfect for those new to French cuisine; Don’t expect the best service or the most stylish décor; 50% off wines on Mondays; Steak-centric menu; Lunch, Brunch, and Breakfast available. Resto: Belgian. 111 E 29th @ Lex-Park; 22/15/$45; 685-5585; Very popular, well reviewed scene; Energetic, with great bar; Belgian beers- one of the best collections; Lamb dishes are excellent; Trendy and often crowded. Artisanal: French. 2 Park @ 32nd; 23/20/$54; 725-8585; Brasserie; Brunch friendly; Cheese-focused; Great wine list; Celestial fromage with signature Cheese Fondue & cheese flights; Good looking space with surprisingly good service. Standard French selections as well. Small portions though. Try the Mac n Cheese served in copper gratin dish. Very spacious and comfortable. Grilled cheese on dinner menu Mondays. DB Bistro Moderne: French. 55 W 44th @ 5th-6th Av; 25/22/$67; 391-2400; Chef Daniel Boulud’s attempt to go hip and cool which mostly succeeds; Signature $32 burger; $45 pre-theatre prix-fixe is the best deal;Contemporary setting and great wine bar as well; Breakfast, Brunch and lunch also served; Menu is actually very mouthwatering and affordable overall (barely). Le Perigord: French. 405 E 52nd @ 1st Av-FDR; 24/22/$68; 755-6244; Old school classic French – catering to an older crowd; Huge place, like a banquet hall; Amazing baguettes and bread; Escargot to die for; Try the Lobster – prepared wonderfully with Coriander broth; Sea Scallops with Risotto; $65 set price for 3-course meal; Tons to choose from; Ideal family dining setting; Brunch & Lunch served. Jubilee: French. 347 E 54th @ 1-2nd; 23/16/$48; 888-3569; Exactly the menu you want to look at in a French Bistro; Mussels are the best here; Ultra French feel. Older crowd; Brunch and dinner available; Affordable menu; Fish soup with side of Swiss cheese; Crab cake; Escargot; Yellowfin Tuna tartare; There are a dozen varieties of mussels to choose from; Poached salmon; Soft Shell crabs. Brunch (sat, sun 12-3) for $23 includes unlimited Bloody Mary or Mimosa and 2 courses. Adour: French. St Regis Hotel; 2 E 55th @ 5th Av-Mad; 26/27/$120; Alain Ducasse’s masterpiece. NY Times gives it its top 3 stars; Michelin- 1 star. Wine-lovers haven; Flawless service in an opulent room at the stunning St. Regis Hotel; Pre-Drink at the King Cole bar; Sublime food featuring a seasonal menu; Insane prices scare off many; Apps: ~$25; Entrees: ~$45. Tasting menu: $115. Brasserie 8 1/2: French. 9 W 57th @ 5th – 6th Av; 22/23/$59; 829-0812; New French in an amazing atmosphere; Has both intimate dining available and a happening bar scene in the spacious setting; Huge place with a spiral staircase- impress your friends; Insane $29 Brunch Buffet- GO. Incredible dinner appetizers, Mac n Cheese side; Seafood Plateau and Oysters bar options. Delicious. Le Cirque: French. 151 E 58th St @ Lex-3rd; 24/26/$89; 644-0202; Nearly 40 years old – an institution at this point; Gorgeous décor featuring tons of celebrity photos with famed owner Sirio Maccioni; $28 lunch prix fixe to save; Jackets required in main dining room; There is a more casual café- MUCH cheaper; Most of the dishes have a seafood element to them; Daily specials – see website; $95 prix fixe; JoJo: French. 160 E 64th @ Lex-3rd Av; 25/23/$67; 223-5656; From uber chef Jean-George Vongerichten; Classy bistro feel with nearly loving service; Duplex setting; $28 3-course lunch and brunch prix fixe; $68 dinner tasting menu; Tuna, Red Snapper, Rack of Lamb all stand out; Salmon, duck and veal also on the menu- which is seasonal. Not terribly expensive. Sel et Poivre: French. 853 Lexington @ 64-65th; 20/18/$41; 517-5780; What a lovely, unpretentious bistro; Even serves pasta besides excellent, not overly spiced French cuisine; Brunch as well; Been around forever- reliable. B. Café: Belgian. 240 E 75th @ 2nd-3rd Av; 249-3300; 22/18/$39; Belgian bistro with amazing beer selection; Intimate setting for Belgian fare; Moules frites is specialty; When you want a refreshing twist of classic Gaullic grub. Honestly – if you want mussels, you have to come here; There is an Upper West Side location; Brunch menu; Great looking Seafood Gratin; Cafe Boulud: French. 20 E 76th @ 5th – Mad; 27/24/$82; 772-2600; Daniel Boulud at his best; NY Times 3-stars and Michelin 1-star rated masterwork in the Surrey Hotel; Unforgettable French cuisine amidst a sophisticated, mature setting; Impeccable service; $35 prix fixe lunch; Adjoins a cocktail lounge called Bar Pleiades; There is an off-menu tasting menu; Seasonal & changing limited menu- see website. Café d’Alsace: French. 1695 2nd Av @ 88th; 21/18/$44; 722-5133; Feels like you are in Paris at this energetic brasserie; 500 types of Beer- including a beer sommelier; Outdoor seating; Tradition French cuisine. Large portions. Fun time in this laid back establishment; Best known for their epic Brunch which is 9am-4pm Sat/Sun; Weekday lunch menu amazing; Certainly worth a try – beer and apps for a light dinner.
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