Best Upscale French Restaurants in Chelsea | Upscale French Food

30 restaurants in Best Upscale French Restaurants in Chelsea | Upscale French Food

• Paradou — French · rated 4.9/5: Paradou captures the rustic elegance of a hidden Provencal garden, where the warm glow of candlelight illuminates tables laden with crusty baguettes and rich, herb-infused sauces. This intimate sanctuary invites diners to lose themselves in the timeless allure of French bistro culture, savoring every bite of expertly prepared classics amidst an atmosphere of effortless, old-world charm.
• LOULOU — French · rated 4.7/5: LOULOU transports guests to a chic, sun-dappled corner of Paris where the air is perfumed with the scent of fresh herbs and the irresistible allure of sizzling butter. Within this lush, velvet-clad sanctuary, classic French soul meets modern elegance through velvety sauces, crisp artisanal breads, and a curated wine list that sparkles under the soft glow of flickering candlelight.
• Bonsignour — French · rated 4.7/5: Nestled in Greenwich Village, Bonsignour serves up health-conscious comfort food in a casual, trendy atmosphere. Popular for solo dining and family-friendly, their made-to-order menu includes sandwiches, salads, and egg wraps. With offerings like coffee, tea, and hot chocolate, and prices in the $10-20 range, this spot is perfect for a quick, delicious bite any time of day.
• Pastis — French · rated 4.6/5: Pastis captures the soul of a bustling Parisian bistro, where the warm glow of vintage lighting bounces off white subway tiles and plush red banquettes. Guests are swept into a whirlwind of sensory delights, from the rich, savory aroma of onion soup gratinée to the rhythmic clatter of silver against plates of perfectly seared steak frites. It is a vibrant sanctuary where the spirit of the Left Bank comes alive, inviting diners to linger over carafes of wine and crusty baguettes long into the evening.
• Steak Frites Bistro — French · rated 4.6/5: Nestled in Midtown West's Garment District, Steak Frites Bistro transports you to a charming Parisian side street with its cozy atmosphere and intricate woodwork. The menu features French classics like steak frites, escargot, and a prix fixe lunch, complemented by a notable wine list and cocktails. Renowned for its welcoming staff, this bistro offers a delightful escape with standout dishes like French onion soup and chocolate soufflé. Open daily, reservations recommended. 🌟📞 (929) 614-5070
• Patis Bakery — French · rated 4.5/5: Nestled in Lawrence, NY, Patis Bakery is a charming spot offering French pastries, kosher sandwiches, and artisanal coffee drinks. Rated 4.5 stars by over 120 patrons, this cozy eatery is known for its delectable sourdough pizza and friendly service. Patrons enjoy free parking and a variety of payment options. Open daily, except Saturdays, Patis Bakery ensures a delightful culinary experience whether dining in, taking out, or enjoying delivery.
• Nats on Bank — Italian · rated 4.5/5: Nestled in Greenwich Village, Nats on Bank serves up elevated New American fare with vegetarian options, alongside a lively bar, brunch, and happy hour. Highlights include the seafood tower, scallop aquachile, and house-made French fries. With cozy, art-filled interiors and a dedicated kids’ menu, it's perfect for a family outing. The service receives high marks for being friendly and accommodating. Don't miss this charming spot on your next city adventure.
• St Tropez West Village — French · rated 4.5/5: Welcome to St Tropez West Village, a vibrant Americanized French restaurant nestled in Greenwich Village. Enjoy classic Provencal dishes like ratatouille and daube Provençale alongside cheese boards, salads, and oysters. The cozy atmosphere, extensive wine list, and enticing happy hour make it the perfect spot for dates and gatherings. Find us at 304 West 4th Street, New York, and enjoy outdoor seating under the trees.
• Cafe Cluny — French · rated 4.4/5: Nestled on a sun-dappled corner in the West Village, this quintessential bistro transports diners to a charming Parisian neighborhood with its warm amber lighting, vintage botanical prints, and bustling marble-topped tables. The air hums with the convivial energy of a local favorite, where the scent of buttery pastries and perfectly seared steak frites mingles with the rhythmic clink of wine glasses. It is a timeless sanctuary of French soul, offering an intimate escape that feels both effortlessly chic and deeply welcoming from the first morning espresso to the final evening digestif.
• Patis Bakery — French · rated 4.4/5: Nestled inside the Arthouse Hotel in New York City, Patis Bakery offers a delightful blend of European and American pastries, alongside a rich selection of espresso drinks like lattes. Highly praised for its almond croissants and chocolate hazelnut kouign amann, this kosher establishment is a popular spot for breakfast. With a cozy atmosphere and a welcoming staff, it's a perfect place to enjoy coffee and conversation.
• La Bergamote (Chelsea) — French · rated 4.4/5: Nestled in the heart of Chelsea, La Bergamote is a cozy French patisserie known for its inviting atmosphere and delightful menu. Offering brunch, dessert, and a superb tea selection, diners can enjoy dishes like eggs Benedict, avocado toast with chipotle mayo, and French onion soup. With generous portions, well-prepared coffees, and both indoor and outdoor seating, it’s the perfect spot for a relaxed meal.
• 15 EAST @ Tocqueville — Japanese · rated 4.4/5: 15 EAST @ Tocqueville offers a refined culinary experience, seamlessly blending American-French cuisine with Japanese sushi and omakase menus. With a stellar rating of 4.4 from over 600 reviews, this elegant establishment provides a sophisticated atmosphere perfect for a special evening. Located at 1 E 15th St, New York, the restaurant is open Tuesday to Saturday from 5 PM to 10 PM. Reservations are recommended.
• La Bonbonniere — American · rated 4.4/5: Located at 28 8th Ave in the heart of New York's West Village, La Bonbonniere is a charming diner offering a delightful array of American comfort food. Known for its cozy, lively atmosphere, this cash-only spot serves up breakfast delights like omelettes, pancakes, and their renowned French toast, alongside hearty lunch and dinner options. The heated patio and fast, friendly service make it a local favorite. Ideal for families and anyone seeking a classic NYC diner experience.
• Café Chelsea — French · rated 4.2/5: Nestled in the iconic Hotel Chelsea, Café Chelsea offers enchanting all-day dining with a French and American flair. From classic steak frites and escargot to delightful brunch options like eggs Benedict, this bistro ensures a memorable culinary experience. Enjoy the upscale, romantic ambiance enhanced by hotel artwork, and savor highly praised dishes like chocolate soufflé and ravioli. Perfect for groups and families, it's a bustling spot with reservations recommended for dinner.
• Patis Bakery — French · rated 4.2/5: Nestled in the heart of Midwood, Patis Bakery offers a delightful array of kosher French-American pastries, sandwiches, and salads. Popular items include croissants, avocado toast, and the wild mushroom panini. The cozy ambiance and excellent service make it a local favorite. Open daily from 7:00 AM, except Saturdays, it's a perfect spot for breakfast or a casual meal.
• Bar Suzette — French · rated 4.2/5: Nestled inside Chelsea Market, Bar Suzette is an all-day French café offering a delightful escape with its coffee, crepes, macarons, cocktails, and small plates. Enjoy Parisian vibes with sweet and savory crepes, wine, and desserts, in a child-friendly setting. Boasting a 4.2-star rating from 160 reviews, it's a perfect spot for a quick, satisfying bite. Open daily, Bar Suzette welcomes you to savor a slice of Paris in NYC.
• The Chef's Table at Brooklyn Fare — Japanese · rated 4.1/5: Nestled in the heart of New York at 431 W 37th St, The Chef's Table at Brooklyn Fare presents an exquisite 14-course tasting menu that artfully blends French and Japanese culinary traditions. With its focus on fresh seafood and an award-winning wine program, this upscale destination promises a memorable gastronomic adventure. Reservations are essential for experiencing the elegant flavors and impeccable service that define this unique dining experience.
• Bouley at Home — French · rated 4/5: This immersive culinary atelier blurs the line between a world-class restaurant and a private home kitchen, inviting guests into a warm, copper-accented sanctuary where the air is rich with the aroma of simmering stocks and garden-fresh herbs. Diners gather around elegant counters to witness the rhythmic artistry of refined French technique, savoring a sequence of vibrant, seasonal dishes that celebrate the pure essence of flavor in a soulful exploration of gastronomic wellness.
• Jack Doyle's — American · rated 4/5: Jack Doyle's pulses with the convivial energy of a beloved neighborhood haunt, where the comforting aroma of bubbling French onion soup and spice-kissed wings invites guests to settle in and stay a while. The kitchen crafts a vibrant mosaic of flavors, from zest-filled shrimp tacos and golden Louisiana tenders to nourishing vegan bowls that celebrate fresh, bold ingredients. It is a spirited destination where casual dining feels like a celebration, perfect for sharing a mountain of chili-topped nachos among friends in a warm, unpretentious atmosphere.
• La Bergamote — French: This charming enclave transports diners to a bustling Parisian bistro, where the air is thick with the aroma of buttery pastries and the gentle clink of espresso cups. Savory classics like the velvety Quiche Lorraine and golden, cheese-laden Croque Monsieur share the table with indulgent French toast topped with vibrant fruits rouges, creating a symphony of traditional flavors. It is a sanctuary of Gallic elegance, where every plate—from the delicate smoked salmon to the earthy wild mushroom eggs—celebrates the art of the perfect morning meal.
• Chef's Table at Brooklyn Fare — French: Perched at a polished stainless steel counter, guests are treated to a front-row seat where the boundary between kitchen and dining room dissolves into a choreographed dance of culinary precision. The experience unfolds through a meticulously paced tasting journey that marries the elegance of French technique with the pristine purity of Japanese ingredients, highlighting treasures from the sea in breathtakingly delicate compositions. Every plate is a masterclass in balance and artistry, served in an intimate, high-energy space where the quiet focus of the chefs provides the soundtrack to an unforgettable evening of discovery.
• Saint Tropez Wine Bar — French: This chic escape captures the sun-drenched allure of the French Riviera, where golden light spills over marble tables and the gentle clink of glasses sets a rhythmic, coastal pace. Crisp rosés and curated vintages flow alongside vibrant Mediterranean-inspired plates, creating a sophisticated haven where the spirit of a South of France summer lingers long into the evening.
• Willow Vegan Bistro — American: Sunlight filters through leafy accents in this airy, plant-based sanctuary, where the gentle charm of a neighborhood bistro meets a sophisticated, earth-conscious philosophy. Artfully composed plates celebrate the vibrant bounty of the seasons, transforming garden-fresh ingredients into bold, textural masterpieces that nourish both the body and the spirit. It is a tranquil escape where mindful dining feels like a celebration, inviting guests to linger over inventive fare in a space that radiates natural elegance.
• LOULOU — French: Stepping into LOULOU feels like being whisked away to a sun-drenched Parisian garden, where floral-draped ceilings and plush velvet banquettes create an atmosphere of effortless bohemian chic. The air hums with the clinking of crystal and the savory scent of truffle-infused delights, as guests linger over artfully plated French-Mediterranean classics and crisp glasses of rosé that capture the very essence of a Côte d'Azur afternoon.
• Le Pain Quotidien — French: Sunlight streams through the windows of this rustic bakery-cafe, where the scent of freshly baked organic sourdough and rich espresso draws guests to gather around the signature communal wooden table. It is a peaceful sanctuary that celebrates the simple beauty of breaking bread, offering a wholesome escape where colorful tartines and steaming bowls of cafe au lait invite a slower pace of life.
• Paradou — French: Stepping into this romantic sanctuary feels like a sudden escape to the French countryside, where ivy-draped walls and soft candlelight create an intimate backdrop for lingering over glasses of crisp rosé. The air carries the enticing scent of herbes de Provence and slow-simmered sauces, inviting guests to savor a menu of rustic Mediterranean classics that celebrate the art of the leisurely, sun-drenched meal.
• Bagatelle — French: Bagatelle captures the sun-drenched spirit of the French Riviera, where crisp white linens and crystal chandeliers set the stage for a high-octane celebration of Mediterranean flavors. The air hums with vibrant music and the clinking of champagne flutes as guests indulge in decadent classics like truffle-infused pastas and signature roasted chicken, all served with an unmistakable Parisian flair. It is a glamorous sanctuary of joie de vivre where the elegance of a fine bistro seamlessly evolves into a spirited, late-night revelry.
• Cafe Cluny — French: Nestled on a leafy West Village corner, this sun-drenched bistro captures the effortless charm of a Parisian neighborhood haunt with its eclectic decor and intimate, bustling energy. The air hums with lively conversation as guests tuck into perfectly seared steak frites and vibrant seasonal plates served amidst a whimsical backdrop of vintage botanical prints and warm wood accents. It is a timeless sanctuary where classic French-American flavors meet the soulful spirit of the city, offering an inviting escape for a leisurely brunch or a spirited candlelit dinner.
• Bouley at Home — French: Step into a refined, light-filled sanctuary where the boundaries between a master chef’s kitchen and an elegant home dissolve into an immersive culinary journey. Guests gather for curated moments of indulgence, from the delicate, golden crunch of a tempura pop-up to the effervescent luxury of chilled champagne paired with briny oysters. Whether lingering over a fragrant winter tea lunch or exploring artisanal pairings during a festive wine and cheese celebration, every visit feels like an invitation to a private, sophisticated feast.
• Pastis — French: Sunlight streams through the windows of this vibrant brasserie, where the intoxicating aroma of buttery Kouign-Amann and golden, flaky croissants fills the air. Guests linger over overflowing pastry baskets and delicate éclairs before transitioning into a sophisticated afternoon of chilled oysters and citrus-bright scallop crudo. It is a spirited destination that captures the effortless charm of a Parisian corner, blending the indulgence of a master bakery with the refined elegance of a coastal raw bar.