Ryan F.
Whether you live in Philadelphia or just visit occasionally, everyone knows this city is perfect for trying new foods and flavors. When you’re looking for an elegant spot to enjoy a meal, I recommend trying a French restaurant. These spots are usually more sophisticated and upscale, making them perfect for a special occasion or whenever you want to indulge a bit.
I’ve put together a list of my favorite French cuisine spots in town so you don’t have to guess about where to go. This list has it all, from spots with full bars to restaurants with BYOB policies, you’ll have the perfect bistro in mind for your next night out. Keep reading to learn a little bit about each spot!
Best French Restaurants in Philadelphia
- Bistro Perrier
- Bistrot La Minette
- Parc
- June BYOB
- Forsythia
- Bibou
- Caribou Cafe
- Cafe Gabi
- Laurel Restaurant
- Royal Boucherie
Bistro Perrier
4207 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone: (215) 222-4200
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Located on the campus of Walnut Hill College, Bistro Perrier is a French restaurant you can’t miss. With a 4.9 star rating, it’s clear locals really love this spot. Specifically, reviews love the service, prices, and portions here.
Serving a straightforward menu, Bistro Perrier makes it easy to find something delicious. Be sure to try the polenta, lapin braise, steak frites, or linguine aux palourdes. Don’t forget to sip on a cocktail or even a wine flight!
Bistrot La Minette
623 S 6th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone: (215) 925-8000
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Looking for a charming spot to grab some French cuisine? Check out Bistrot La Minette in Philadelphia. This local bistro opened in 2004 and has been pleasing its patrons ever since. Using fresh and seasonal ingredients, you can count on this food being high quality.
Bistrot La Minette serves a modest menu of traditional French dishes to choose from. We recommend the blanquette de veau, quenelle natures, coq au vin, lapin roti a la moutarde. Be sure to grab some dessert or a glass of wine while you’re there!
Parc
227 S 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (215) 545-2262
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Another classic bistro spot is Parc. Serving French cuisine in a quaint spot, this is the perfect place for a nice meal with friends or family. The traditional bistro layout will make you feel like you’ve flown to Paris.
Offering brunch, lunch, and dinner, Parc is great for any meal of the day. Try out the roasted salmon, steak au poivre, pasta jardiniere, or lobster frites. Make sure to sip on some wine, a beer, or a cocktail while you eat!
June BYOB
1911 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
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When you’re hoping to try a spot that’s BYOB, head over to June BYOB. This local restaurant serves French cuisine in an upscale setting perfect for date night or a special occasion. This spot is operated by a chef with a French culinary background and a level 3 sommelier.
June BYOB offers a regular menu as well as a Sunday tasting menu with four courses. We recommend the veal blanquette, wild mushroom fricassee, trio of duck, or cod. Be sure to bring a bottle of your favorite wine!
Forsythia
233 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19105
Phone: (215) 644-9395
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An additional charming spot serving delicious French food is Forsythia. With a 4.6 star rating, it’s obvious people love this spot. Reviewers especially appreciate the efficient service here as well as the chic decor.
Forsythia has small plates as well as larger ones so you can share with your company or keep it all to yourself. Be sure to try the mahi mahi, rack of lamb, burger royale, escargot, or foie gras mousse. Don’t forget to take a look at the cocktail list!
Bibou
1009 S 8th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone: (215) 965-8290
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If tasting menus are more your thing, be sure to try Bibou. This family-owned restaurant serves French cuisine with a modern twist. With a BYOB policy, you’ll also save a bit of money at this spot.
Bibou offers a tasting menu with seven courses, so you’ll be able to try plenty of flavors. The menu changes weekly, so you’ll never get tired of visiting this spot either. Make sure to bring a bottle or two if you’re hoping to drink!
Caribou Cafe
1126 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: (215) 625-9535
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Taking inspiration from 15 regions across France, Caribou Cafe is the perfect spot to really get a taste for this country. With hundreds of reviews praising the food and excellent service, it’s no wonder this place is so popular.
With a fairly extensive menu full of three-course meals, a la carte dishes, and even several vegetarian options. We recommend the quiche du jour, double pork chop, chicken pesto on ciabatta, pappardelle. Be sure to try brunch on the weekend on happy hour from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Thursday!
Cafe Gabi
339 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: (215) 377-9407
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When all you want to do is grab a bite a little cafe, there’s no better spot than Cafe Gabi. This local restaurant serves French cuisine in cafe-like setting. With an emphasis on classic dishes, you’re sure to find whatever it is you’re craving here.
Cafe Gabi’s menu is complete with numerous tasty dishes. Be sure to try the roasted trout, spring tarte, duck leg confit, or Gabi “la grande” burger. Don’t forget to check out happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday!
Laurel Restaurant
1617 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Phone: (215) 271-8299
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Another BYOB spot you have to try is Laurel Restaurant. This locally-owned spot serves American cuisine with a French twist. With a focus on local and seasonal ingredients as well as sustainability, you can feel good about spending your money here.
For $125 per person, Laurel Restaurant offers a six-course tasting menu. With a seasonally changing menu, we suggest taking a look online before you visit. Make sure you bring some wine or champagne to complete your meal!
Royal Boucherie
52 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (267) 606-6313
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Completing our list of French restaurants is Royal Boucherie. This restaurant is arguably one of the most beautiful spots to eat in town. With two floors and a hidden garden, you’ll be able to enjoy company and scenery while you eat.
With shareable plates to larger entrees, Royal Boucherie is perfect for any occasion or hunger level. We recommend the prosciutto cotto, charcuterie board, chicken cassolet, or steak frites. Be sure to try a cocktail or beer while you eat!
Final Thoughts
If one thing is for sure, it’s that Philadelphia’s French cuisine options are endless. Though there are many places to choose from, these ten are the best of the best. You may even have to try all of these spots.
Looking to try out more European dishes? We recommend you try Italian cuisine. It also happens that Philadelphia has a lot of incredible Italian restaurants. If you’re planning on visiting one, you should check out our list of the best Italian restaurants in Philadelphia.
Which restaurant will you visit first? Let us know! Did we leave a restaurant out of this list? Make sure you tell us about it and we’ll check it out!
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