Restaurants

15 Elegant French Restaurants In Chicago to Try

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Chicago is a melting pot of culinary delights from around the world, making it the food lover's paradise. From informal bistros to elegant luxury establishments, there's something for everyone in the city.

If you are searching for a French restaurant in Chicago for a perfect date night or a casual dinner, the city restaurant caters to all. So, let's gear up with a curated list of 15 French restaurants in Chicago town, worth a visit.

1. Le Bouchon

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If you casually ask the locals for the top-notch French restaurants in Chicago, they might point to Le Bouchon. This small yet classically decorated hub has something for every diner.

Located just minutes from Wicker Park restaurants, Le Bouchon has been in operation in Bucktown since 1993. A single bite will transport you to Paris.

Where: 1958 N Damen Avenue

2. Mon Ami Gabi

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Mon Ami Gabi isn't just a restaurant; it's a Parisian escape in the heart of Chicago's charming Lincoln Park neighborhood. But, why should you choose this place among all those French restaurants in Chicago?

First, the menu features all the French classics you'd expect like steak fries and onion soup gratin, but with a modern twist. Second, they have a great selection of wines, beers, and cocktails.

Where: 2300 N Lincoln Park W

3. Bistronomic

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Bistronomic is a French restaurant in Chicago, Downtown to look out for if you crave classic comfort. Go deeper into a perfectly cooked roast chicken, the succulent juices mingling with the aroma of thyme-scented gravy.

Step inside, and the warm glow of subdued lighting welcomes you like a Parisian embrace. Murmurs of conversation weave through the air, punctuated by the rhythmic clinking of cutlery.

Where: 840 N Wabash Avenue

4. Les Nomades

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Nestled within a turn-of-the-century brownstone on Chicago's chic East Ontario Street, it's as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate. Its true magic lies in the artistry on the plate.

Chef Roland Liccioni, a maestro of French gastronomy, wields his culinary brush with the precision of a pointillist painter. Each dish is meticulously crafted, where seasonal ingredients sing in perfect harmony.

Where: 222 E Ontario Street

5. Brindille

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This French restaurant in Chicago is owned by Chef Carrie Nahabedian, bringing the flavors from the heart of France to the plates.

Nahbedian serves traditional appetizers, main courses, and a dessert-style menu. They also serve butter-poaches lobster and foie grass. Not just the food recipes, even the utensils they use are around 100 years old.

Where: 534 N Clark Street

6. LeTour

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Chef Debbie Gold's contemporary French-Moroccan fare at LeTour will serve you until full if you enter empty belly. One of the newest French restaurants in Chicago is all about wanting more.

Picture perfectly blistered heirloom tomatoes dancing with creamy burrata and basil pesto. Imagine juicy steak frites, the fries crisp and golden, the steak cooked to melt-in-your-mouth perfection, all bathed in a rich, peppery sauce.

Where: 625 Davis Street

7. Coquette

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Looking for a spot to treat your crush or loved one? Located in Chi-town's Fulton Market, Coquette, the cute eatery and bar can be the best option.

Coquette has a charming mid-century aesthetic with warm lighting, soft music, and intimate booths. It's the place that sets the mood for a romantic evening. 

Where: 165 N Ogden Avenue

8. Bistro Monadnock

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If you ever find yourself in Chicago's Loop, climb to the first floor of the building and stop by Bistro Monadnock for a delicious lunch.

Bistro boasts a stylish and inviting atmosphere, and executive chef Johny Besch leads the kitchen. He offers a casual yet refined dining experience, perfect for a weekday lunch break or a weekend treat. 

Where: 325 S Federal Street

9. Cafe Touche

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Cafe Touche offers a charming French bistro experience with delicious food and attentive service, like fine dining in Chicago. You can also book this space for private parties.

Their brunch menu is trendy, featuring decadent dishes like eggs benedict, New Orleans eggs, and chorizo skillet. With its diverse menu, Cafe Touche caters to different palates, from those seeking classic fare to casual dishes.

Where: 6731 N Northwest Hwy

10. Marchesa

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Every night at Marchesa is a party. You can relish ample wine and champagne in an upscale European establishment with an art deco atmosphere.

Hand-blown Murano glass vases add a touch of Venetian flair. Whether you're a die-hard foodie or simply seeking a luxurious escape, this place promises an extraordinary experience that's nothing short.

Where: 535 N Wells Street

11. Jack's Bistro and Bar

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In the heart of Wicker Park, Jack's Bistro and Bar welcomes you to indulge in luscious French fare with some American-inspired dishes. They are open from 4 to 11 pm and remain closed on Mondays.

Forget stuffy fine dining; Jack's is where friends gather, laughter spills like spilled wine, and the aroma is like a promise of delicious things to come.

Where: 2056 W Division Street

12. Obelix

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Obelix in Chicago sounds like a potential recipe for a date night that's both romantic and memorable. It takes classic French fare and mixes it with a playful, modern twist.

The vibe at Obelix is all about setting the mood. Dim lighting, exposed brick walls adorned with French-inspired artwork, and soft music that floats through the air like a whispered secret.

Where: 700 N Sedgwick Street

13. Aboyer

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Aboyer is a must-visit French-American establishment, with no boundaries of classic cuisine. Chefs are always on point to try innovation using their creativity. 

And let's not forget the bar, a liquid playground where bartenders craft artisanal cocktails that are as much fun to say as they are to drink. If you ever step in, try their Potato and Truffle Soup.

Where: 64 Green Bay Road

14. Soif

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One of the popular Logan Square restaurants and bars has to be the Soif. From the moment you step in, you are transported to Paris, taking inspiration from classic Parisian wine bars.

The room is cozy and adorned with candles and vintage settings. Chef Michale Lanzerotte prepares finger-licking good small bites to complement those 50+ Frechn wines and cocktails.

Where: 2456 N California Avenue

15. Venteux

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Venteux is a trendsetter rather than a follower. Whatever they serve on the plate becomes a trend in the Chi-town. For instance, the perfectly-fried duk is out of this world.

You can't go wrong with anything you point at the menu list. It celebrates the market bounty, changing its menu with the seasons. Expect lively music, animated conversations, and a touch of urban sophistication.

Where: 224 N Michigan Avenue