Best French Food In New York: A Culinary Journey

From Crepes to Croissants, Discover The Best French Food In The Big Apple!

When it comes to finding the best French food in New York, the options are plentiful. With a rich history of French cuisine, the city offers a diverse selection of restaurants and bakeries serving up some of the most delectable French dishes in the world.

Whether you’re looking to indulge in some classic French dishes or try something new, New York has something for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best French food in New York and where you can find it.

1. 🍽️ Bouillabaisse

Looking for a seafood dish with a bit of French flair? Look no further than bouillabaisse. This traditional Provençal fish stew is served at many French restaurants throughout New York City.

Try it at Le Bernardin, a Michelin-starred seafood restaurant in Midtown Manhattan.

What is bouillabaisse?

Bouillabaisse is a traditional fish stew that originated in the French port city of Marseille. It typically includes a variety of seafood including fish, shellfish, and mollusks, as well as tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs.

2. 🥐 Croissants

When it comes to French pastries, croissants are a classic. These buttery, flaky pastries are perfect for breakfast or a midday snack.

For some of the best croissants in the city, head to Balthazar Bakery in SoHo. Their croissants are made fresh daily and are the perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee.

What makes a good croissant?

A good croissant should be flaky on the outside and soft on the inside. The dough should be made with high-quality butter and allowed to rest for several hours to develop flavor. The croissant should also have visible layers of pastry and a golden-brown color.

3. 🍷 Coq Au Vin

This classic French dish features chicken braised in red wine with bacon, mushrooms, and onions. It’s a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cold winter’s night.

For some of the best coq au vin in the city, check out Bistro Les Amis in Chelsea. Their version of the dish is cooked to perfection and is served with a side of mashed potatoes.

What wine should I use for coq au vin?

Traditionally, coq au vin is made with a red Burgundy wine. However, any dry red wine can be used. The key is to choose a wine that you enjoy drinking, as the flavor will be present in the finished dish.

4. 🍦 Profiteroles

These decadent French pastries are made with cream puffs filled with vanilla ice cream and topped with warm chocolate sauce. They’re the perfect way to end a meal.

For some of the best profiteroles in the city, head to Le Coucou in SoHo. Their version of the dessert is a must-try.

What is the difference between a cream puff and a profiterole?

A cream puff is a pastry made from choux pastry dough that is filled with whipped cream or pastry cream. A profiterole is a cream puff that is filled with ice cream and topped with chocolate sauce.

5. 🥩 Steak Frites

This classic French dish features a juicy steak served with a side of crispy fries. It’s a simple yet delicious meal that’s perfect for meat lovers.

For some of the best steak frites in the city, check out Raoul’s in Greenwich Village. Their version of the dish is cooked to perfection and is served with a side of garlic butter.

What cut of steak is best for steak frites?

The best cut of steak for steak frites is a strip steak or a ribeye. These cuts are tender and flavorful and pair well with the crispy fries.

6. 🍊 Crepes

Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or savory, crepes are the perfect meal. These thin, delicate pancakes can be filled with anything from Nutella and bananas to ham and cheese.

For some of the best crepes in the city, head to Creperie in the East Village. Their menu features a wide variety of sweet and savory crepes, as well as other French specialties.

What is the difference between a crepe and a pancake?

A crepe is a thin, delicate pancake that is made with a batter of flour, eggs, milk, and butter. Pancakes are thicker and fluffier and are usually made with a leavening agent like baking powder or baking soda.

7. 🥩 Beef Bourguignon

This classic French dish features beef braised in red wine with bacon, onions, and mushrooms. It’s a hearty and flavorful meal that’s perfect for a cold winter’s night.

For some of the best beef bourguignon in the city, check out Boucherie in the West Village. Their version of the dish is cooked to perfection and is served with a side of mashed potatoes.

What is the best wine to use for beef bourguignon?

The best wine to use for beef bourguignon is a red Burgundy wine. This wine is the traditional choice for the dish and pairs well with the flavors of the beef and vegetables.

8. 🧀 Cheese Plate

Cheese lovers will delight in a French cheese plate. These plates typically feature a variety of cheese, from brie and camembert to roquefort and comte.

For some of the best cheese plates in the city, check out Raclette in the East Village. Their menu features a wide variety of cheese plates, as well as other French specialties.

What is the proper way to serve a cheese plate?

A cheese plate should be served at room temperature to allow the flavors and aromas of the cheese to come through. The cheese should be arranged from mildest to strongest, and each cheese should be served with its own knife.

9. 🥖 Baguette

A French meal isn’t complete without a fresh baguette. This long, thin loaf of bread is a staple of French cuisine and is perfect for dipping in soups and sauces or used as a sandwich bread.

For some of the best baguettes in the city, head to Maison Kayser in Midtown Manhattan. Their baguettes are made fresh daily and are the perfect accompaniment to any meal.

What makes a good baguette?

A good baguette should have a crispy crust and a soft, chewy interior. The dough should be made with high-quality flour and allowed to rise for several hours to develop flavor. The baguette should also have visible air pockets and a golden-brown color.

10. 🍫 Chocolate Mousse

This light and airy dessert is made with whipped cream, egg yolks, and melted chocolate. It’s the perfect way to end a meal.

For some of the best chocolate mousse in the city, head to Le Diplomate in SoHo. Their version of the dessert is a must-try.

What is the difference between chocolate mousse and chocolate pudding?

Chocolate mousse is a lighter, airier dessert that is made with whipped cream and egg yolks. Chocolate pudding is thicker and creamier and is made with milk, sugar, and cornstarch.

11. 🍓 Tart Tatin

This classic French dessert features caramelized apples baked in a buttery pastry crust. It’s a delicious and indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

For some of the best tart tatin in the city, check out Buvette in the West Village. Their version of the dessert is cooked to perfection and is served with a dollop of whipped cream.

What is the history of tart tatin?

Tart tatin was created in the late 19th century by two sisters in the French town of Lamotte-Beuvron. Legend has it that the sisters accidentally dropped an apple tart, and in an effort to salvage it, they placed the apples on top of the pastry and baked it upside down. The result was a delicious and unique dessert that became a French classic.

12. 🍷 French Wine

When it comes to French cuisine, wine is a staple. Whether you’re in the mood for a crisp white or a bold red, French wine is the perfect accompaniment to any meal.

For some of the best French wine in the city, head to Racines NY in TriBeCa. Their menu features a wide variety of French wines, as well as other French specialties.