Best French Restaurants in Upper West Side | Top Rated French Food

30 restaurants in Best French Restaurants in Upper West Side | Top Rated French Food

• Essential by Christophe — French · rated 4.9/5: Nestled in the heart of the Central Park West Historic District, Essential by Christophe offers an exquisite French dining experience. Known for its elegant tasting menus and multiple-course prix-fixe meals, the restaurant features beloved dishes like scallops, lobster, and duck. The romantic and welcoming atmosphere makes it perfect for dates and business dinners. With stellar service and a refined ambiance, reservations are essential for this upscale culinary gem. 📞 +1 646-478-7928
• Poulet Sans Tête — French · rated 4.8/5: The air hums with the savory perfume of slow-turning rotisserie and melted butter, drawing guests into a space that captures the effortless warmth of a neighborhood Parisian bistro. Golden-brown chickens glisten under the heat, their crackling skins hiding tender, herb-infused meat that pairs perfectly with crisp, salt-dusted frites and a glass of chilled rosé.
• Poulet Sans Tete — French · rated 4.8/5: Nestled in the Central Park West Historic District, Poulet Sans Tete offers a relaxed dining experience specializing in rotisserie chicken. Great for a quick bite or a family meal, the menu features sandwiches, sides, and soft-serve ice cream. With high chairs for kids and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s a neighborhood favorite. Customers rave about the juicy chicken, crispy Brussels sprouts, and friendly staff.
• French Roast — French · rated 4.7/5: Stepping into French Roast feels like being whisked away to a bustling Parisian corner, where the warm glow of vintage lighting illuminates marble tabletops and the intoxicating aroma of buttery pastries fills the air. Here, the timeless charm of a classic brasserie comes alive as guests savor velvety wine-braised meats and crisp frites, all while the rhythmic clink of espresso cups provides a soulful soundtrack to a leisurely afternoon.
• The Consulate — French · rated 4.7/5: The Consulate invites guests into a world of refined elegance, where the soft glow of candlelight and the scent of simmering butter create an atmosphere of timeless Parisian charm. Each dish serves as a masterclass in French technique, blending rich, velvety textures with vibrant seasonal flavors to craft a dining experience that is as soulful as it is sophisticated.
• Vin Sur Vingt Wine Bar - Upper West Side — French · rated 4.6/5: Nestled in the heart of the Upper West Side, Vin Sur Vingt Wine Bar is a charming French bistro and wine bar offering an intimate and cozy ambiance. With a tapas-style menu featuring classic French dishes like escargots and steak tartare, this spot is perfect for wine lovers. The extensive wine list boasts 250 rotating options, including 50 by the glass. Enjoy the Parisian vibe, outdoor seating, and friendly service.
• Amelie Bistro & Wine Bar upper west side — French · rated 4.6/5: Nestled on 566 Amsterdam Ave in New York, Amelie Bistro & Wine Bar offers an enchanting French dining experience. Revel in classic dishes like escargot and coq au vin, complemented by a fine selection of wines and cocktails. The cozy ambiance and attentive service make it ideal for a delightful evening. Enjoy brunch, lunch, or dinner at this charming bistro, perfect for wine enthusiasts and culinary aficionados alike.
• 5 Napkin Burger — American · rated 4.5/5: Industrial-chic meets the timeless energy of a neighborhood bistro, where the sizzle of the grill and the lively hum of conversation create a quintessential American dining destination. Towering, juice-dripping burgers take center stage, featuring premium cuts of beef crowned with decadent toppings like melted Comté and caramelized onions that demand every bit of their namesake stack of napkins. From the first indulgent bite to the last sip of a thick, creamy milkshake, it’s a celebration of bold flavors and messy, soul-satisfying comfort.
• Nice Matin — French · rated 4.5/5: Nice Matin transports diners to the sun-drenched terraces of the French Riviera, where golden-hued walls and expansive windows create a bright, bustling sanctuary in the heart of the Upper West Side. The air carries the aromatic promise of garlic and saffron as guests linger over plates of tender steak frites and chilled rosé, soaking in an atmosphere that balances sophisticated Parisian flair with the warm, welcoming energy of a neighborhood classic.
• Amelie Wine Bar — French · rated 4.5/5: Bathed in the sultry glow of red-tinted lights and polished wood, this chic Parisian retreat transports diners to a bustling Saint-Germain-des-Prés bistro where the air hums with spirited conversation. Guests linger over velvety flights of French vintages and artfully composed cheese boards, savoring the rich aromas of bubbling escargot and crusty baguettes that drift from the kitchen. It is an intimate sanctuary of effortless elegance, where every clink of a glass celebrates the timeless romance of the French wine bar experience.
• La Sirène — French · rated 4.5/5: La Sirène transports diners to a sun-drenched corner of the South of France, where the intimate, candlelit dining room hums with the convivial energy of a classic Parisian bistro. The air is thick with the intoxicating scent of garlic-infused butter and slow-simmered sauces, setting the stage for a meal where rustic soulfulness meets culinary elegance in every decadent bite.
• The Consulate UWS — French · rated 4.5/5: The Consulate UWS, located at 519 Columbus Ave, New York, offers a welcoming ambiance with a rotating monthly menu inspired by global cuisines and inventive cocktails. Ideal for brunch, lunch, or dinner, it boasts a 4.5 rating from 854 reviews. The cozy interior, highlighted by happy hours and delightful desserts, makes it a delightful choice for an intimate meal or a casual gathering with friends. Call +1 646-781-9288 for reservations!
• Cafe Luxembourg — French · rated 4.4/5: Step into a timeless slice of Paris on the Upper West Side, where warm amber lighting glows against red leather banquettes and the lively hum of conversation fills the Art Deco-inspired space. The air carries the irresistible aroma of buttery escargot and sizzling steak frites, inviting guests to linger over chilled carafes of wine in a setting that feels both effortlessly chic and deeply soulful. This neighborhood sanctuary seamlessly blends classic French elegance with the vibrant pulse of New York, offering an enduringly romantic escape for any hour of the day.
• Effy's Cafe — Middle Eastern · rated 4.4/5: Effy's Cafe is a charming neighborhood gem located at 104 W 96th St, New York. Known for its health-conscious, Middle Eastern bites, this cozy spot offers a delightful menu featuring omelettes, shakshuka, and challah French toast for breakfast, alongside hummus, falafel, and a variety of vegetarian and vegan options. With quick service, kind staff, and good prices, Effy's is the perfect place for a casual meal any time of day.
• Vive La Crepe! — French · rated 4.2/5: The air hums with the rhythmic scrape of wooden spreaders over hot cast-iron griddles, releasing the intoxicating aroma of golden butter and toasted buckwheat into a space brimming with Parisian charm. Paper-thin layers are expertly swirled and folded into delicate, lace-edged triangles, cradling a vibrant symphony of fillings that range from savory, melted Gruyère to luscious ribbons of dark chocolate and fresh fruit. Each bite offers a transportive experience, capturing the soulful artistry of French street food in a setting that feels both effortlessly chic and warmly inviting.
• Au Jus — French · rated 4.2/5: Nestled in the heart of Bloomingdale, Au Jus offers a delightful BBQ experience with a wide range of comfort foods such as brisket, ribs, and pulled pork. The informal setting is perfect for families, complete with high chairs for the little ones. Guests rave about the fast and friendly service, as well as the delicious offerings from mac and cheese to banana pudding. With options for dine-in, takeout, and delivery, Au Jus ensures a great meal for any occasion. Enjoy their selection of beer, wine, and cocktails while soaking in the casual atmosphere.
• Barachou — French · rated 4/5: This charming French patisserie transports guests to the streets of Paris with its jewel-like display of artisanal cream puffs, each meticulously filled with velvety crèmes and topped with vibrant, crackling glazes. The airy, light-filled boutique invites a moment of pure indulgence, where the delicate crunch of a perfectly baked choux shell gives way to a burst of sophisticated flavor, paired beautifully with a steaming café au lait.
• Patis — French · rated 4/5: Sunlight dances across marble counters in this chic boutique cafe, where the intoxicating aroma of golden, buttery croissants and freshly roasted coffee creates an immediate sense of warmth. Artisanal pastries are displayed with jewel-like precision, offering a symphony of flaky textures and vibrant flavors that elevate the simple pleasure of a morning treat into a refined culinary escape.
• 94 Corner Cafe — American · rated 4/5: Nestled in the Upper West Side, 94 Corner Cafe is a cozy spot offering a delicious variety of pizza, pasta, and comfort foods for all meals, including late-night cravings. With options for vegetarians and popular dishes like French toast and roasted chicken, this cafe is perfect for families and solo diners alike. Enjoy takeout, delivery, or dine-in in a casual atmosphere at 2518 Broadway, New York.
• French Roast — French: Stepping into French Roast feels like being transported to a bustling corner of Saint-Germain, where the air is thick with the comforting aroma of dark-roasted espresso and golden, buttery pastries. Sunlight streams through large windows onto cozy leather banquettes as guests linger over steaming bowls of onion soup and perfectly seared steak frites, capturing the effortless charm of a timeless Parisian brasserie. It is a warm neighborhood sanctuary that invites you to slow down, whether for a quiet morning croissant or a lively midnight feast under the soft glow of vintage-inspired lamps.
• The Consulate — French: Step into a sophisticated, worldly sanctuary where vintage maps and plush velvet accents set the stage for a culinary journey that spans the globe. The kitchen masterfully navigates international borders with a rotating menu of bold, adventurous plates, inviting guests to discover a symphony of exotic spices and refined techniques within an atmosphere that feels like a glamorous, well-traveled private club.
• Salumeria Rosi — Italian: Sunlight dances across marble counters laden with crusty artisanal breads and fragrant croissants, while the air hums with the rich aroma of espresso and the savory perfume of aged prosciutto. This intimate Italian gem invites guests to linger over plates of silken handmade pasta and refined coastal dishes, seamlessly blending the rustic charm of a traditional salumeria with the sophisticated elegance of a modern bistro.
• Cafe Luxembourg — French: Bathed in the warm, honeyed glow of parchment lamps, this iconic Upper West Side bistro transports diners to a golden-age Parisian cafe with its polished Art Deco accents and plush red leather banquettes. The air hums with the lively clatter of a neighborhood institution where the aroma of buttery steak frites and chilled seafood platters invites long, spirited conversations over carafes of wine. It remains a timeless sanctuary of effortless sophistication, where every meal feels like a celebrated ritual of the city's vibrant dining scene.
• La Sirène — French: This intimate French bistro transports guests to the heart of Paris, where the warm glow of candlelight illuminates tables laden with bubbling escargots and rich, velvet-smooth foie gras. The kitchen celebrates the soul of traditional Gallic cooking, balancing the rustic comfort of a hearty Toulouse-style cassoulet with the decadent indulgence of tournedos Rossini. Every meal feels like a timeless celebration of flavor, where the clink of wine glasses and the aroma of slow-braised rabbit create a sanctuary of classic culinary artistry.
• Amelie Wine Bar — French: Step into a slice of Parisian charm where the warm glow of candlelight reflects off floor-to-ceiling wine racks and a bustling zinc bar. The air hums with lively conversation and the rhythmic pop of corks as guests linger over artisanal cheese boards and soul-warming French bistro classics. It is a sophisticated yet soulful retreat that captures the effortless elegance of a neighborhood haunt, inviting you to lose track of time one glass at a time.
• Chanson — French: This chic sanctuary invites guests into a world of refined elegance, where the air is sweet with the scent of golden, buttery pastries and the shimmer of polished marble sets a sophisticated stage. Masterful craftsmanship transforms seasonal ingredients into edible art, offering everything from delicate, jewel-toned confections to spirited cocktails that capture the timeless allure of a modern Parisian salon.
• Mille-Feuille Bakery Cafe — French: Step into a sun-drenched sanctuary where the air is thick with the scent of toasted flour and melting butter, evoking the timeless charm of a Parisian street corner. Shatteringly crisp layers of golden pastry give way to velvety creams and vibrant fruit, inviting guests to linger over a perfectly frothed café au lait amidst an atmosphere of effortless elegance.
• Nice Matin — French: This sun-drenched neighborhood sanctuary hums with the effortless charm of a classic Parisian brasserie, where the morning air is perfumed by the scent of toasted breads and lemon-poppy seed scones. As the day unfolds, the atmosphere shifts toward a refined elegance, inviting guests to linger over golden chickpea fries, silken tuna tartare, and bowls of rich, cheese-crusted French onion soup. It is a sophisticated retreat that seamlessly blends the comfort of a continental breakfast with the timeless artistry of traditional bistro fare.
• Poulet Sans Tête — French: The air at Poulet Sans Tête is thick with the mouthwatering scent of slow-roasting rotisserie chicken, where golden-skinned birds spin to succulent perfection in a warm, inviting atmosphere. Whether you are tearing into a family-style feast or savoring a crusty baguette dipped in savory jus, the kitchen balances rustic comfort with vibrant, nourishing bowls that celebrate simple and honest flavors. This neighborhood gem transforms the humble roast chicken into a soulful dining experience, offering a fragrant sanctuary for those seeking a hearty, home-cooked meal.
• Le Pain Quotidien — French: Sunlight dances across rustic communal tables in this charming bakery-café, where the comforting aroma of warm pain au chocolat and golden, flaky croissants invites a slower pace of life. The kitchen transforms wholesome ingredients into artful morning spreads, from vibrant avocado-topped bowls and silky smoked salmon omelettes to stacks of airy Dutch mini-pancakes dusted with sweetness. It is a soulful retreat where the crackle of a fresh crust and the simple elegance of a soft-boiled egg create a timeless dining experience centered around the beauty of breaking bread together.