French restaurants in Boston
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L’Espalier
Fans were forlorn when this elegant French affair moved out of its intimate Back Bay town house and into a fancy new locale in the Mandarin Oriental. But L’Espalier has managed the transition with much aplomb. The tried and true favorite remains the crème de la crème of Boston’s culinary scene, thanks to impeccable service and a variety of prix-fixe and tasting menus. The menus change daily, but usually include a degustation of caviar, a degustation of seasonal vegetables and recommended wine pairings.
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Navy Yard Bistro & Wine Bar
Dark and romantic, this hideaway is tucked into an unlikely spot behind the Store 24, opposite the Navy Yard. It does not sound like an ideal location, but it faces a pedestrian walkway, allowing for comfortable outdoor seating in summer months. Otherwise, the cozy, carved-wood interior is an ideal date destination – perfect for tuna tartare, duck confit or braised shortrib. The Thursday night wine pairing is an excellent deal if you are hungry (four courses, four wines, $40).
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Sel de la Terre
Local produce and seafood – as well as freshly-baked bread from the attached boulangerie – are the focus of the country French menu at this gem of a bistro on the waterfront. With très-francais items such as Brioche French toast and Croque Madame, the weekend brunch is fantastique ! If you are hungry during off-hours, the boulangerie is open early for breakfast, while the bar offers a late-night menu.
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Paris Creperie
The 'Paris' part is a misnomer, as the crêpes at this little café are more inventive than authentic. Savory entrées include Asian stir-fry, chicken burritos and many vegetarian options, all disguised as a French pastry. Dessert options range from traditionally French (with butter and sugar) to modern American ('smores' with marshmallow and Nutella). The place feels comfortable, with mismatched furniture and well-read magazines scattered about.
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Clio
Art deco posters and leopard-print rugs lend a funky feel to this ultrachic boutique restaurant. It is an appropriate setting for one of Boston’s most innovative chefs: Ken Oringer is masterful when it comes to creative cuisine and pleasing presentation. Look for a French- and Asian-influenced menu that changes frequently according to what’s fresh and in season. The on-site sashimi bar, Uni, also gets rave reviews.
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Petit Robert Bistro
Once upon a time the legendary Maison Robert represented the finest dining in Boston. The ultrachic institution has now closed, but chef Jacky Robert has reapplied his talents to this welcoming, working-class bistro. The French fare is straightforward and hearty, with daily specials posted on the blackboard. The surroundings are casual-chic, including a tiny patio. There is also a South End outlet.
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Chez Henri
This French-Cuban blend is a dark, romantic bistro offering saffron-soaked mussels, smoked salmon frisée and blanquette de veau (veal stew). It may sound all French, but the undeniable favorite is the Cubano, a pressed sandwich with succulent, slow-roasted pork. The dining room has a fancy feel, but the lively bar serves up lime daiquiris, mojitos and other rum cocktails to a casual crowd.
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Les Zygomates
This late-night Parisian bistro serves up live jazz music alongside classic but contemporary French cuisine. Daily prix-fixe menus and Tuesday-night wine tastings ($30; 7pm) attract a clientele that is sophisticated but not stuffy. Dinner is definitely pricey, but the tempting selection of starters and cocktails make it a perfect pre- or post-theater spot.
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Brasserie Jo
Both classy and convivial, this French brasserie is a prime place to catch a bite before the symphony. The kitchen stays open late, so you can also stop by afterwards, when you might see the Maestro himself feasting on classic French fare such as steak frites, mussels marinière and croques monsieur. Regulars crow about the coq au vin.
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Aquitaine
Let this chic French bistro whisk you away to Paris. Sip fine wines at the super-cool wine bar up front; then settle into the lively dining room for classics like onion soup, steak frite and filet au poivre. Sunday brunch is a highlight, featuring omelets and eggs benedict from different regions, not to mention an excellent prix fixe for around US$10.
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K
Craigie on Main
French foodies absolutely adore Tony Maws’ rustic fare and intimate atmosphere at Craigie. Now in new, more spacious digs on Main St, there is even more to love. The new space also features an excellent bar with a creative selection of cocktails and interesting bar food to go along with it. Roasted organic bone marrow, anyone?
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La Boniche
This little bistro inspires patrons to rave about the delectable food, even if service is sometimes spotty. The two dining rooms in this restored storefront nook fill with scents of French nouvelle cuisine, attracting an upscale crowd for lunch and dinner. The excellent selection of paté gets top reviews.
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Gaslight, Brasserie du Coin
Gaslight is the friendly and affordable ‘brasserie on the corner’ that we all wish we had in our own neighborhood. Mosaic tiles, wood-beam ceilings and comfy cozy booths set up the comfortable, convivial atmosphere, which is enhanced by classic French fare and an excellent selection of wines by the glass.
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Central Kitchen
Central Kitchen serves rustic Mediterranean fare in a gritty urban setting. Look for bistro classics such as mussels marinière, pan-seared foie gras and cassoulet. It’s a relatively casual, comfortable setting, but the food is on par with some of the best restaurants in the city.
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Petit Robert Bistro, South End
Chef Jacky Robert has applied his talents to this welcoming, working-class bistro. The French fare is straightforward and hearty, with daily specials posted on the blackboard. The surroundings are casual-chic at this South End outlet.
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Bouchée
Casual but classy, this ‘urban brasserie’ in the heart of Newbury St offers a perfect pit stop after a day of shopping and strolling. While the dining room is lovely and the plats principaux are delish, we prefer to stay downstairs in the cozy, comfortable wine bar, where the bartender is quick to recommend a full-bodied red to complement our hors d’oeuvres of choice.
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