Best Upscale French Restaurants in Austin | Upscale French Food

29 restaurants in Best Upscale French Restaurants in Austin | Upscale French Food

• Ka-Prow Thai and Sushi Bistro — Thai · rated 5/5: This lively bistro pulses with a captivating energy, where the fragrant heat of stir-fried holy basil and aromatic curries mingles with the cool, minimalist elegance of a masterfully helmed sushi bar. The experience bridges two culinary worlds, offering a seamless transition from the fiery depth of wok-charred Thai classics to the delicate, artistic precision of hand-pressed nigiri and vibrant specialty rolls.
• Le Café Crêpe — French · rated 5/5: Step into a charming slice of Paris where the sweet, buttery scent of golden batter hitting a hot griddle instantly transports you to a bustling sidewalk café. Skilled hands swirl delicate crêpes to paper-thin perfection, folding them around savory layers of melted cheese and herbs or decadent drizzles of chocolate and fresh fruit. This cozy haven invites you to linger over a steaming café au lait, capturing the soulful, effortless elegance of a classic French bistro.
• Café Crème — French · rated 5/5: Sunlight dances across marble bistro tables at this chic retreat, where the air is thick with the irresistible scent of buttery puff pastry and freshly pulled espresso. Guests lose themselves in a world of velvety creams and delicate confections, finding a serene escape that captures the timeless elegance of a Parisian afternoon.
• Ronnie's Real Food — American · rated 5/5: Ronnie's Real Food serves as a rustic sanctuary where the comforting aromas of slow-simmered Beef Bourguignon and herb-infused Chicken Provencal fill the air, inviting guests to linger over steaming bowls of velvety Potage Parmentier. The kitchen celebrates wholesome, organic ingredients through vibrant field greens and soul-warming soups, creating an intimate dining experience where traditional French techniques meet a modern commitment to pure, honest flavors.
• Cafe Malta — Mediterranean · rated 4/5: This sun-drenched neighborhood gem captures the spirit of a Mediterranean bistro, where the warm glow of the dining room invites guests to slow down and savor artisanal flavors. Plates of briny P.E.I. mussels and smoky fish crème fraiche arrive alongside pillows of gnocchi bleu and crisp, golden panisses, each dish a testament to thoughtful, hand-crafted cooking. It is a place where vibrant Texas apples meet traditional country pâté, creating a soulful dining experience that feels both worldly and intimately local.
• Augustine — French · rated 4/5: Augustine unfolds as a chic, spirited retreat where the alchemy of modern mixology meets an atmosphere of effortless sophistication and glowing warmth. Guests lose themselves in a kaleidoscope of flavors, from the botanical grace of a Rainey Blossom to the tropical, sun-kissed notes of a Piña Loca, all served within a space that hums with the rhythmic shake of ice and lively conversation. It is a destination where every pour—be it a velvety espresso martini or a crisp, effervescent spritz—feels like a curated celebration of the evening’s possibilities.
• French Quarter Grille — American · rated 4/5: Step into a vibrant slice of the Big Easy where the soulful sounds of jazz and the warm glow of gas lanterns transport diners to the heart of New Orleans. The air hangs heavy with the tantalizing aroma of blackened spices and slow-simmered roux, as plates of zesty jambalaya and succulent seafood are whisked through a dining room alive with spirited Southern hospitality. It is a transportive celebration of Creole and Cajun heritage, where every bold, spice-kissed bite captures the festive essence of the French Quarter.
• Snow Pea - Sushi, Chinese & Asian Bistro — Chinese · rated 4/5: Snow Pea offers a lively fusion of flavors where the comforting warmth of traditional Chinese favorites meets the clean, fresh elegance of a modern sushi bistro. The air carries the tempting aroma of golden, salt-and-pepper seasoned specialties and savory scallion pancakes, while the kitchen turns out a parade of crispy spring rolls and delicate, hand-pleated dumplings. Whether sharing a plate of honey-glazed wings or exploring the vibrant textures of their signature rolls, guests find a welcoming retreat that celebrates the bold, diverse spirit of Asian street food and classic bistro fare.
• Mouton's Bistro & Bar — American · rated 4/5: Stepping into Mouton’s Bistro & Bar feels like entering a lively neighborhood sanctuary where the air is thick with the savory scent of dark roux and simmering Cajun spices. Guests gather around the polished bar or tuck into cozy booths to enjoy soulful, Southern-inspired plates that masterfully balance bold, peppery heat with refined bistro elegance.
• Blue Dahlia Bistro — French · rated 3/5: Stepping into Blue Dahlia Bistro feels like entering a sun-drenched European cottage, where the scent of freshly baked bread and aromatic herbs lingers in the air. Guests gather around rustic communal tables to enjoy vibrant, farm-to-table plates that celebrate simple, honest flavors in a space that feels both intimately cozy and effortlessly chic.
• la Madeleine Country French Cafe — French · rated 3/5: Stepping into this charming escape feels like wandering into a rustic cottage in the heart of the French countryside, where the scent of buttery croissants and savory onion soup drifts from the open bakery. Guests gather near the crackling fireplace to enjoy flaky pastries and slow-simmered classics, finding a sun-drenched sanctuary that celebrates the simple, soulful joys of a traditional village café.
• St. Genevieve — French · rated 3/5: Bathed in soft light and adorned with elegant marble and gold, this refined Parisian-style bistro captures the effortless charm of a neighborhood brasserie. The air hums with the sound of popping corks and spirited chatter as guests indulge in chilled oysters, delicate tartines, and artfully composed plates that celebrate the bright, sophisticated flavors of French cuisine. It is a luminous haven where the champagne flows freely and every meal feels like a timeless, sun-dappled escape.
• Bo Asian Bistro — Chinese · rated 3/5: Bo Asian Bistro pulses with a modern energy, where the rhythmic sizzle of the open kitchen and the fragrance of toasted sesame and star anise create an immediate sense of culinary adventure. The kitchen weaves together a vibrant tapestry of Pan-Asian flavors, offering plates that range from delicate, hand-crafted dim sum to bold, wok-fired specialties that celebrate the aromatic depth of the East. It is a stylish sanctuary where traditional techniques meet a sophisticated bistro atmosphere, inviting guests to linger over a meal that is as visually stunning as it is delicious.
• Bureau de Poste — French: Stepping into this sun-drenched bistro feels like a nostalgic escape to a bustling Parisian corner, where the aroma of sizzling garlic butter and rich red wine drifts through an airy, historic space. Guests linger over marble-topped tables to enjoy soul-warming French classics and crisp carafes of rosé, capturing an effortless elegance that turns a simple meal into a spirited celebration of the senses.
• Bistro Vonish — American: This elevated outdoor sanctuary reimagines plant-based dining as a sophisticated art form, where the rustic charm of alfresco seating meets the precision of a fine-dining kitchen. Guests are treated to a sensory journey through inventive creations like the savory, golden-crusted Aviator and the fragrant, tea-kissed notes of the London, each dish celebrating the vibrant complexity of seasonal, earth-grown ingredients.
• La Madeleine — French: Sunlight streams through the windows of this charming French country retreat, where the irresistible aroma of freshly baked baguettes and simmering tomato basil soup creates an instant sense of warmth. Guests gather around rustic wooden tables and flickering fireplaces to savor buttery quiches and delicate fruit tarts, finding a peaceful escape that brings the soul of a Parisian café to the heart of the neighborhood.
• June's All Day — American: Bathed in natural light, this chic neighborhood haunt transitions seamlessly from a sun-drenched morning retreat to a lively evening bistro. The air is thick with the scent of freshly pulled espresso and buttery pastries, while the clink of sparkling wine glasses signals a shift toward sophisticated plates and curated bottles shared over intimate conversations.
• Bombay Bistro — Indian: A vibrant sanctuary where the intoxicating aroma of toasted cumin and warming cardamom fills the air, transporting guests to the heart of a bustling Indian marketplace. Golden-hued curries simmer with complex spices alongside charred, tender meats pulled straight from the tandoor, each plate a colorful celebration of regional flavors. This lively bistro marries time-honored culinary traditions with a contemporary energy, offering a sensory journey that lingers long after the last bite of buttery naan.
• Tandoori Bistro — Indian: The air at Tandoori Bistro is thick with the intoxicating scent of toasted spices and the smoky char of the traditional clay oven, drawing guests into a vibrant space where modern bistro flair meets ancient culinary tradition. Succulent meats emerge from the glowing embers with a perfect sear, served alongside pillowy, butter-brushed naans and rich curries that dance with complex layers of heat and aromatics. This lively neighborhood gem offers a sensory journey that celebrates the bold, soulful heart of the tandoor in every fragrant, spice-kissed bite.
• Raku Sushi & Asian Bistro — Japanese: Raku Sushi & Asian Bistro invites diners into a sleek, modern sanctuary where the rhythmic pulse of the sushi bar meets the aromatic energy of a bustling kitchen. Artfully plated rolls showcase the ocean's freshest catch alongside vibrant pan-Asian creations that balance bold spices with delicate textures, all served under the glow of soft, ambient lighting. This vibrant space brings together the precision of traditional craftsmanship and the warmth of a neighborhood bistro, creating an experience that is both sophisticated and welcoming.
• Restaurant François — French: Stepping into Restaurant François feels like a journey to a refined Parisian corner, where soft candlelight dances across polished brass and the gentle hum of intimate conversation fills the air. The kitchen honors the soul of French gastronomy, transforming seasonal ingredients into elegant plates that balance rich, velvety sauces with delicate textures. Whether lingering over a crisp glass of Chablis or savoring a decadent dessert, guests are treated to a timeless experience where every detail celebrates the art of the meal.
• Lonesome Dove Bistro — Steakhouse: This sophisticated urban outpost reimagines the spirit of the American West, wrapping guests in a warm embrace of dark wood, supple leather, and flickering candlelight. The kitchen masterfully balances rugged adventure with culinary refinement, turning wood-fired wild game and prime cuts into bold, smoky compositions that celebrate the untamed flavors of the frontier. Every plate serves as a bridge between rustic tradition and modern elegance, creating a dining experience that is as daring as it is polished.
• Arlo Grey — Italian: Arlo Grey unfolds as a sophisticated culinary sanctuary where the elegance of French and Italian traditions meets the vibrant, sun-kissed spirit of Veracruz coastal flavors. The space transitions seamlessly from the morning hum of artisanal Alfred Coffee to an evening of whispered conversations over botanical Cantero cocktails at the chic, glowing lobby bar. Every plate and pour reflects a masterful blend of global artistry, creating an atmosphere that is as effortlessly stylish as it is soulfully inviting.
• Fabrik Austin — French: This intimate, minimalist sanctuary invites diners into a world where plant-based cuisine is elevated to high art through a meticulously paced multi-course tasting journey. Each plate showcases the transformative power of fermentation and seasonal harvests, blending complex umami depths with vibrant textures that challenge the boundaries of traditional fine dining. With only a handful of seats and a focus on sustainable elegance, the experience feels like a private invitation into a creative laboratory where every bite celebrates the raw beauty of the earth.
• Péché — French: Steeped in an atmosphere of sultry sophistication, Péché serves as a sanctuary for those seeking the rich, indulgent flavors of a modern French brasserie. The kitchen transforms classic ingredients into decadent experiences, from the buttery depth of roasted bone marrow and crispy pomme frites to the delicate, salt-kissed elegance of Oysters Rockefeller. Every visit feels like a celebrated escape, where the clinking of glasses and the aroma of braised pork cheeks invite guests to linger long into the evening.
• Justine's — French: Bathed in the glow of flickering candlelight and the soulful hum of vinyl records, this bohemian French brasserie transports diners to a timeless Parisian haunt tucked away within a lush, art-filled garden. The air is thick with the aroma of buttery escargot and seared steak frites, inviting guests to lose track of time over chilled bottles of wine and spirited conversation in an atmosphere of effortless, late-night elegance.
• Bamboo Bistro North — Vietnamese: Sunlight filters through bamboo accents into a serene, modern space where the air is thick with the fragrant steam of aromatic broths and sizzling woks. Each plate arrives as a vibrant tapestry of fresh herbs and bold spices, balancing the delicate crunch of garden-fresh vegetables with the deep, savory warmth of traditional Asian-inspired soul food. It is a tranquil neighborhood retreat where the rhythmic clatter of the kitchen and the glow of warm lanterns invite guests to linger over artfully prepared dishes that celebrate bright, clean flavors.
• Bamboo Bistro South — Vietnamese: Bamboo Bistro South invites diners into a breezy, light-filled space where the aromatic steam of savory broths and the rhythmic sizzle of woks create an inviting neighborhood hum. Each plate is a vibrant tapestry of color and texture, blending zesty citrus notes with deep umami flavors to offer a refreshing, modern take on classic Asian comfort food.
• Me Con Bistro — Vietnamese: This vibrant bistro hums with energy, drawing guests in with the irresistible aroma of glazed char sui ribs and the satisfying crunch of golden-fried rangoons. The experience centers on a playful parade of shared plates, where soft bao sliders and zesty kimchi fries bring a modern, spirited twist to traditional Asian-inspired comfort food.