Visit France without the jet-lag by reserving a seat at one of these chic NYC restaurants serving traditional dishes and stylish ambiance. Bon appétit!
Ladurée
For a pretty indoor and outdoor cafe experience that will give you an excuse to dress up, go to Ladurée in Soho. The 162 year old brand is famous for their macaroon pyramids and Parisian pastries. The Soho location has a stunning garden with cherry trees, which absolutely burst with pink and white petals in the springtime. The French brand imports their macaroons and they are among the best in the city.
Laduree serves breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch. The menu offerings include all the classics, Eggs Benedict, French and Avocado Toasts, and even Omelets. If you crave a quick pick me up, stop by to grab a tea or coffee. Ordering a classic pain au chocolat or an exquisite looking pastry is also a must. For something a little different, opt for the rose croissant or an ice cream sundae. No matter what you choose, it will be indulgent and very photogenic. Come here with someone who can appreciate delicious pastries, coffee and tea. Laduree certainly has that feeling of joie de vivre!
Ladurée, 398 W Broadway (betw Spring/Broome St) Soho
Le Tout Va Bien
We reserve the term ‘hidden gem’ for special places, and the newly reopened Le Tout Va Bien certainly lives up to it. This historic restaurant in the theater district sits on a quiet street, drawing in theater goers and locals alike. If for no other reason, you should visit Le Tout Va Bien because it is the second oldest French restaurant in the city and they are committed to making NYC’s Froncofiles happy. Besides its historic significance, the small bistro-style restaurant is a beloved neighborhood gem run by familiar faces. The charming bistro was first opened in 1949 by French expats, who lived above the restaurant. After its closing during the pandemic, it was reopened this summer by a French Chef, Vincent Caro, who worked at the restaurant for six years and knows the business well. Caro is from Brittany and is behind other well-known French spots – Côté Soleil, Chez Olivia, and Bistro Eloise. Today you can find him at Le Tout Va Bien, playing the role of a charming host.
Le Tout Va Bien’s (French for “everything is fine”) interior resembles its past, with red leather banquettes, brassiere chairs and french ad posters included. Even the staff is French. The cozy space helps guests feel like they discovered a secret spot, one with excellent hospitality and authentic comfort food. The menu includes classics like Escargots, Boeuf Bourguignon, and a Signature Soufflé, which rotates between blueberry, chocolate, coffee, and Grand Marnier.
We ordered the sizzling Escargots Persillés, which were buttery and bursting with flavor. In fact, we could not resist dipping bread in the leftover sauce – an indication of a dish adored. We also had to try the Baked Brie dish, which was wrapped in a puff pastry and topped with honey and truffled glaze. Needless to say, it was delicious, and very filling. We should have ended the meal there, but a second course is a must. Next we tried the Filet Mignon and Steak Frites, both of which were juicy and satisfactory. Lasty, we had to make room for their Crème brûlée, which was lovely and had us bursting at the seams. It is easy to see how regulars continue to stay loyal to Le Tout Va Bien, as French comfort food and friendly hospitality has a way of evoking nostalgia.
Lastly, the beverage program at Le Tout Va Bien consists of a well-curated list of French wines and classic cocktails – we always stay true to a well-made martini at the start of a dinner and red wine with steak. Come here with someone who looks to get away from the downtown scene, bring a date, or come for the traditional French cuisine without the air of pretense. While we have not tried the brunch, we hear they serve crepes on the weekends, and that is certainly a good enough reason to come back for more.
Le Tout Va Bien, 311 West 51st St (betw 8/9th Ave,) Theatre District
La Grande Boucherie
Boucherie has a number of locations in the city, but the most exquisite location has to be La Grande Boucherie. Located on a hidden half avenue in Midtown, La Grande Boucherie feels like a secret spot, one that exudes French elegance. We attended the opening of La Grande Boucherie in 2020 and continue to come back for their hospitality, undeniably delicious dishes, and jaw-dropping ambiance. At 12,000 square feet the restaurant acts as a French town square in the middle of Manhattan. While here, make sure to look up and notice the 150 year-old decorative glass ceiling, which was imported from France. This is exactly the kind of spot where you can re-enact an Emily moment, and snap glamorous shots for your social media feed.
While La Grande Boucherie has plenty of seating, both indoors and outdoors, the most coveted seat is on second floor. This secret spot should be reserved by romantics.
Staples like steak, cheese and sauces are taken very seriously at La Grande Boucherie. The Boucherie brand is known for their meat program, and for keeping the aging process in-house. In fact, the first Boucherie locations in New York were odes to the proud lineage of French butcher shops. Besides their tender and flavorful steak options, our go-to dish is the Boucherie Burger. Pair it with a signature cocktail – our favorites are the Boucherie Old Fashioned and La Vie En Rose. For the adventurous types, try a special absinthe cocktail.
Come here with someone who can appreciate the ornamental Art Nouveau style, French food, and is willing to take photos of you for the gram.
La Grande Boucherie, 145 W 53rd St between 6 1/2 Ave (from 53/54th St) Midtown
Le Veau d’Or
The re-opening of Le Veau d’Or (“the Golden Calf”) proved that old-fashioned can be new again. The throwback style restaurant has created quite the buzz, and with the creators of Frenchette and Le Rock behind this new spot, you can be sure it will be worth your trip. Opened in 1937, this is the city’s oldest French bistro. The fresh re-model includes stylish glossy banquettes, red and white checkered tablecloths, and recognizable art from the restaurant’s past. As one of the hottest restaurants in the city right now, you can be sure there will be a lively atmosphere. Expect waiters in pink coats, vibrant and vintage decor and a pre-fixe menu. Telling you what to eat and how to eat it is certainly very French.
Photography by Gentl + Hyers.
The iconic bistro is serving the usual French favorites, like Frogs Legs and Paté en croute, and for something a little different try the lobster, which is served in its shell. The meal will cost you $125 per person. One of the most updated features is the wine list, which now includes natural wines. For dessert try Julia Child’s favorite, the Ile flottante.
Getting a reservation might be tough, but worth it. Come here for the throwback style, and the see-and-be-seen atmosphere. This is the closest you might get to being in Paris.
Le Veau d’Or ,129 E 60th St (betw Park/Lex Ave) Midtown
Main photo via Laduree.
