Top Best French Restaurants in Lower West Side

"Take it as a good sign that there’s usually a line at this small neighborhood bistro. It’s because guests know the wait is worth it. Beef bourguignon dumplings, Alsace onion tart, cheesy onion soup, and a whole roasted duck for two are just a few of the highlights."

"This Michael Mina-run brasserie may be inside the luxe Waldorf Astoria hotel, but that doesn’t make it a stuffy affair. Just keep an eye out for the “Chariot de Rosé”—a roving bar cart of rosé hand-picked by the somms. Diners are a mix of done-up travelers and foodies looking for a quiet, civilized meal (though they’re as amped as twenty-somethings at a taco truck to tuck into Michael Mina's classic French preparations)."

"Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing. Visit Margeaux brasserie and experience classic, French dining at its best. Nestled on the third floor of The Waldorf Astoria Chicago, this restaurant features an exotic menu filled with exquisite food devoted to retaining the classic French vibe while the bar is filled with a dynamic cocktail menu."

"According to La Boulangerie owner Vincent Colombet, the canelé is in his blood. After all, it's one of the most celebrated traditional sweets of his home region of Bordeaux, where, he says, it's not an everyday staple, but rather a special-occasion treat. Though he believes his background gives his version (which is prepared in his central cooking facility on Elston) an edge over those of his peers, still he finds it challenging to produce an exact replica of the canelé of his youth, largely because the rum commonly used in Bordeaux is difficult to source in his adopted city."

"La Boulangerie found on W Logan Blvd boasts a whole range of baking specialties. There are usually 11 staple macaron flavors on offer, with others coming and going based on the season. Currently, flavors include mint chocolate, dark chocolate hazelnut, lemon poppy seed, raspberry, and lavender chocolate."

"The extra-light macarons served at Pierrot Gourmet can only be described as very moreish. The European-style bakery and cafe found on East Superior Street inside the Peninsula Hotel, which also boasts a terrace eatery, just like theseother great bars and restaurants with rooftops in Chicago. Pierrot Gourmet is home to a range of fabulous baked goods, including macarons, which are said to pair perfectly with a specialty coffee or a glass of wine."

"Fancy and intricate French dishes are always a pleasure but sometimes all you need is a cup of coffee, a croissant, and prime views. This all-day café inside the Peninsula offers a casual setting that’s ripe for people-watching in the heart of downtown. Though the menu includes items like tarte flambée, boeuf bourguignon, and duck cassoulet, the restaurant’s bakery is its biggest standout."

"It’s part of the Chicago Peninsula hotel and offers authentic Parisian vibes. They have both indoor seating as well as an outdoor patio, adorned with flowers, located in a prime people watching spot in the city. It is incredibly charming."

"Named for Marchesa Luisa Casati, an Italian muse and patron of the arts renowned for hosting parties teaming with interesting people, food, wine and song - this is your romantic sweet spot. The Main Salon is inspired by the Peggy Guggenheim Museum in Venice or dine in The Apartment modeled after a Parisian pied-a-terre. Start with European cheese and charcuterie, caviar service or medallions of foie gras for moments of sheer decadence."

"Restaurants Contemporary American Lincoln Square. Chicago has a few far-flung places where chefs have carved out personal enclaves for high-level fine dining. But perhaps none were born with the maturity and finesse of this 34-seat, off-the-beaten-path BYOB from husband and wife Chris and Nina Nugent."

"Goosefoot puts the pairings for its French-inspired tasting menus in your hands with its BYOB option, but you can visit Goosefoot Food & Wine nextdoor for excellent wine opions. The dining room is open and accepting reservations."

"The creative Firecakes Donuts has two locations and one food truck roaming the city that serve up La Colombe coffee alongside their donuts or donut ice cream sandwiches (yes, this exists). Firecakes uses quality ingredients, including chocolate from France and fruits from local farmers for its jellies, and often invents new flavors for different seasons or holidays. Try the Peanut Butter Cup or the beautiful Tahitian Vanilla Iced donut."

"Chicagoans really can’t be kept apart from their sandwiches. Trust us, ice cream was meant to be served in the middle of a doughnut. #SpoonTip: Firecakes will close if they run out of doughnuts, so make sure you don’t try to go too late."

"Probably the softest donut I have ever had and they have endless donut combinations!!. I could not recommend going here more !!"

"Tea is a popular choice that’s said to offer healthy options. Enter your address to see if they offer delivery to your address."