French restaurants in Canada
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A
Le Paris
It’s the quintessential neighborhood bistro and, refreshingly, there’s nothing particularly trendy about this place. The old-fashioned decor and core of loyal customers give it a casual, family, community feel. The menu showcases no-frills French food, with classics like duck confit and flétan menieur (halibut dusted in flour and cooked in butter).
reviewed
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Le Baccara
How do you say 'shmancy' in French? The answer is 'Baccara.' This world-class dining experience in the Casino du Lac Leamy features an open-concept dining room where patrons can watch the master chefs prepare their meal. Tours are available of the cavernous wine cellar, which contains over 13,000 bottles of wine. All customers must be at least 18 years of age.
reviewed
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Restaurant Globe
This stylish see-and-be-seen place features an imaginative menu combining high- and low-brow ingredients to create a decadent kind of comfort food. Recent standouts include lobster mac’n’cheese, calamari stuffed with goat cheese and chorizo, and mashed potatoes alongside slow-cooked rabbit with crispy fried pancetta. Reservations are essential.
reviewed
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C
Bistro 990
Ground zero for Toronto International Film Festival starlets bunking down at the Sutton Place Hotel, Bistro 990 feels a bit lost on a blustery reach of Bay St, but continues to serve fine French standards like duck in blackberry jus and rabbit fricassee. The wine selection is excellent, but unless you're Sean Penn, service can be surly.
reviewed
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D
O’thym
O’Thym is a delightful new addition to the neighborhood, with an elegant but understated dining room (exposed brick walls, floodlit windows, oversized mirrors), and beautifully presented plates of fresh seafood and grilled game. A well-heeled neighborhood crowd frequents the spot. Bring your own wine.
reviewed
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E
La Gargote des Antiquaires
In the heart of Montréal’s antique district, this warm and inviting bistro prepares tasty galettes, chalkboard specials and flavorful desserts (sweet crepes). In addition to the antique-filled dining room, there’s a plant-filled outdoor terrace for soaking up this peaceful little stretch of Rue Notre-Dame.
reviewed
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F
Global Cheese
WOW, have you ever seen such an amazing cheese shop? Crowds elbow for a spot near the counter where staff, hidden behind teetering stacks of cheese, distribute slivers of Greek feta, Canadian gouda, Argentine parmesan and Swiss emmenthal. Taste a few, order a wedge then hit the streets.
reviewed
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G
Le Beaujolais
Stick the word 'French' in the marketing lingo and out come the ironed napkins, waiters in ties, snails (billed as 'escargot' because it makes them sound so much more palatable) and elevated prices. Beaujolais might not be everybody's post-hiking cup of tea, but if you just came here to gaze romantically at the mountains, why not do it over wild boar, bison and foie gras.
reviewed
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H
Bloor Street Diner
Humbly named but actually pretty swanky, the recently updated Bloor Street Diner impresses with a Parisian-style patio, a distinguished wine list and a massive weekend brunch buffet (with live music). Hit the cafe section out the front in the mall for speedy take-out sandwiches.
reviewed
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I
Crepe Montagne
This small, authentic creperie – hence the French accents percolating among the staff – offers a bewildering array of sweet and savory buckwheat crepes with fillings including ham, brie, asparagus, banana, strawberries and more. Good breakfast spot: go the waffle route and you'll be perfectly set up for a day on the slopes.
reviewed
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Restaurant Hélène de Champlain
Right by the Biosphère, with a relaxed, old-fashioned ambience, this place is a wonderful place to take a relaxing break from exploring the park. Service is warm and friendly and there's a range of 'just-right' French dishes like scallop and shrimp brochette or duck confit.
reviewed
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K
Le Frolic Bistro Bar
Toujours Français. This Euro-style bistro feels more like a traditional pub until the food arrives: escargots, creative salads, a memorable artichoke dip and excellent (expensive) desserts.
reviewed
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L
Chabichau
The selection of cheeses and pâté (try the duck and pistachio) grab your eyes, but don't miss the sandwiches on homemade bread or daily specials such as pork-apple stew. Simple, hearty, awesome.
reviewed
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Chez Lucien
Exposed burgundy brick, Sting playing on the free jukebox, butter-soaked escargot – somehow it all makes wonderful sense at Chez Lucien, one of Ottawa's favorite places to kick back in style.
reviewed
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Brasserie L'Ecole
This country-style French bistro has a warm, casual atmosphere and a delectable menu. Locally sourced produce is de rigueur, so the dishes constantly change to reflect seasonal highlights like figs, salmonberries and heirloom tomatoes. We recommend the lamb shank, served with mustard-creamed root vegetables and braised chard. Beer fans will also love the bottled French, Belgian and Quebec brews.
reviewed
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Chez Antoine
Long considered the best in town, it maintains its tradition. Specialties include Atlantic salmon, shellfish and filet mignon, served in an old white house with a classy dining room enrobed in wood paneling.
reviewed
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Bijou
Classy and delightful, this French joint has a different set menu written on the chalkboard each evening. The locally sourced meals might include quail, heirloom tomato salad or Lake Huron Whitefish ceviche. Creaky wooden floorboards and children's artwork on the walls add a personal touch.
reviewed
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Auberge du Gargantua
Signposted off Rte 132, at the top of a road being reclaimed by the bush, it feels like time has passed this hilltop cabin by. The rustic restaurant serves French specialties and panoramic views, and there are nearby walking trails for an after-dinner stroll. Reservations are advised.
reviewed
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O
Oui
In a high-ceilinged, high-profile corner space in a 1907 warehouse, Oui has a classic French bistro menu that includes steak and frites, fruits de mer (seafood) and many other solid meaty mains. Salads are oh-so-fresh (tres bon!). Tables wrap around the sidewalk and you can lounge about with one of the many creative cocktails.
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L'Orange Bistro
This central, colorful restaurant's terrace overlooks the main road into town, but it's easy to forget the cars when the food's this good. Local produce on offer includes organic chicken, pork chops, veal, venison and mussels, while fresh herbs and organic vegetables edge the menu closer to perfection.
reviewed
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Le Mouton Noir
Since 1978, the rustic-looking Black Sheep has been home to fine French cuisine. Fish, including walleye, the freshwater queen, is on offer when available, as are buffalo, caribou and steak, all enlivened by a deft touch incorporating wild mushrooms and local produce. The outdoor terrace overlooks the Gouffre. Reservations advised.
reviewed
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La Gargote
An Old Montréal standard, this bistro pumps along with quality bistro fare served in a cozy dining room with stone walls and beamed ceilings. There’s nothing particularly inventive about the menu, but the fresh salads, grilled meats and crème brûlée are hard to fault. Good people-watching from the outdoor tables in summer.
reviewed