16 Best French Restaurants in Boston, MA for 2025
One of the happiest phenomena in the world of East Coast dining is finding out how many incredible French restaurants Boston is home to. With access to fresh local seafood and sustainably grown produce from nearby farms, the best French restaurants in Boston bring together some of the region’s finest ingredients. From succulent steaks to sumptuous desserts, there's no shortage of delicious dishes on offer.
With cafés, bistros and brasseries filling the list, the French restaurants Boston specializes in also bestow a variety of atmospheres as well as prices that fit any budget. Spread across the city's most accessible neighborhoods, these 16 French restaurants in Boston serve up some of the most desirable dining in town.
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The 16 Best Boston French Restaurants
1. Aquitaine
Of the many French restaurants Boston provides for your dining pleasure, Aquitaine may be the most elegant. Over two decades of award-winning service and exquisite bistro fare combine to give diners an enchanting experience.
The Vibe
Paneled walls and leather booths create a casual salon-like atmosphere.
What to Order
Steak Frites Aquitaine is a signature dish that sets the tone for other Boston French restaurants, with a hanger steak plated with Périgord truffle and authentic crispy fries.
Aquitaine | 569 Tremont St., Boston, MA 02118 | $$$
2. Ma Maison
With Ma Maison among the collection of French restaurants in Boston, foodies with an appetite for budget-friendly bistro dining are in their element. Celebrity French chef and owner Jacky Robert throws fun twists into classic recipes to keep his fans gastronomically amused.
The Vibe
Brick walls boasting built-in wine racks immerse visitors in a cozy, French setting in the heart of Boston.
What to Order
Plant-based gourmets can enjoy a vegan lentil cake, featuring power grains quinoa and faro ramping up the whole-food finery. If you rather try a French classic, get the escargots.
Ma Maison | 272 Cambridge St., Beacon Hill, Boston, MA 02114 | $$
3. The Elephant Walk
Take a stroll to The Elephant Walk and discover how charming fusion French restaurants in Boston can be. Offering a combination of Cambodian and French dishes, selective eaters can find vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free possibilities waiting on the menu, a dining direction presented by this unique restaurant for over 30 years.
The Vibe
Exposed brick walls displaying tasteful modern art and the neighboring Cathedral of the Holy Cross ramp up the European drama at this French restaurant in Boston.
What to Order
From the Cambodian side of the menu, the Trey Tuk Peng Pah, featuring fried catfish with a tangy plum tomato sauce, is a must-try. On the French side, the boeuf bourguignon is a classic order, presenting succulent beef short ribs cooked until tender in Burgundy wine.
The Elephant Walk | 1415 Washington St., Boston, MA 02118 | $$
4. Frenchie
For a laid-back atmosphere and relatable bites, Frenchie is one of the most casual French restaurants Boston has in its portfolio. This wine bar capitalizes on the chic flair of the French beverage scene, bringing luxe bistro energy to the city's buzzy South End.
The Vibe
Greenhouse walls and wrought-iron sidewalk tables give a distinctive Parisian feel.
What to Order
Order a few plates from the French Comfort menu and enjoy intriguing creations like escargot toast, baked octopus and lamb ribs.
Frenchie | 560 Tremont St., Boston, MA 02118 | $$
5. Bistro du Midi
Get a dose of supreme dining at Bistro du Midi and explore one of the most modern French restaurants Boston has to entertain the contemporary gourmand. At the helm is Executive Chef/Partner Robert Sisca, whose menu showcases artfully crafted dishes that place farm-fresh, locally sourced ingredients at the forefront.
The Vibe
Lush yet restrained décor calls to mind a pristine take on the French countryside. Spanning two floors, this inviting space boasts intimate fireplaces and refined dining areas — a standout among birthday restaurants in Boston.
What to Order
Try Chef Robert's seasonal tasting menu to get a greater sense of how this culinary artist paints with taste and texture throughout the year. Make sure to end your meal on a sweet note with the chocolate soufflé.
Bistro du Midi | 272 Boylston St., Back Bay, Boston, MA 02116 | $$$
6. Blue Ribbon Brasserie
For the steak-and-potatoes side of the French restaurants in Boston, Blue Ribbon Brasserie is a true first-place possibility. In addition to year-round French fare, you can party at Oktoberfest and savor beers and German dishes that expand the menu for the occasion.
The Vibe
With a light-soaked solarium and private niche-like wrap-around booths, this restaurant wears its romantic heart on its sleeve.
What to Order
Start with a steak tartare with gaufrette potatoes, then order the Paella Basquez for the table and taste the enticing blend of French and Spanish essences that inform the Basque culture between the two countries.
Blue Ribbon Brasserie | 528 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02115 | $$$
7. Rochambeau
If you’re searching for fancy French restaurants in Boston, Rochambeau is a top pick. It's a premium brunch spot and the perfect European setting in a prime New England locale that invites friends to gather for a bistro menu par excellence. It's also one of the most romantic restaurants in Boston for couples searching for a special spot for exceptional dining.
The Vibe
Moody lighting behind the glowing blue awning guarantees diners a magical time.
What to Order
Visit The Steak Room and order the prix fixe menu to enjoy New York strip steak with salad, baguette and bottomless fries.
Rochambeau | 560 Tremont St., Boston, MA 02118 | $$$
8. Troquet on South
Although it's one of the most contemporary French restaurants in Boston, Troquet on South delivers a continental spirit culled from generations of culinary heritage. Classic French dishes paired with top-rate cocktails and vintage wines create a winning blend in an environment where casual diners are sure to feel comfortable.
The Vibe
Simple style reigns supreme thanks to a room-length bar, unadorned brick walls and umbrella-covered sidewalk tables.
What to Order
A five- or seven-course chef's tasting menu will regale the table with selections specially created for end-to-end fine French dining. From the regular menu, give the pan-seared scallops a try.
Troquet on South | 107 South St., Boston, MA 02111 | $$$$
9. Petit Bistro Robert
Treat yourself to a classic European meal at Petit Bistro Robert to best learn how French restaurants in Boston bring authentic flavor to the table. Calling Boston's South End home gives this entrancing eatery a prime location for luring city fans with a taste for upscale dining.
The Vibe
Though warm and cozy inside, the excitement often spills out onto the leafy sidewalks for al fresco dining fun.
What to Order
The weekend brunch menu is a festival of sweet and savory specialties, including classic pain au chocolat and croissants for pastry fans, crêpes for lighter eaters and hearty croque-monsieur for guests with a sweet spot for sandwiches. If you’re visiting for dinner, don’t miss the pumpkin ravioli — it’s a flavorful and satisfying choice.
Petit Bistro Robert | 480 Columbus Ave., Boston, MA 02118 | $$
10. Deuxave
The lush French restaurants Boston offers come to a luxurious pinnacle at Deuxave. Merging French and New American themes in dishes with definite haute-cuisine ambitions, it’s a stroke of culinary genius that elevates an already impressive menu.
The Vibe
Posh surroundings inspire visitors to dress their best while enjoying the comforting interiors and Paris-like exterior seating.
What to Order
With a bowl of 9-Hour French Onion Soup, rich with bone marrow and comté cheese, you can discover what the most supreme version of this comfort favorite tastes like.
Deuxave | 371 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02115 | $$$
11. Eastern Standard
A cornerstone of Kenmore Square since 2005, Eastern Standard closed its original location in 2020 but has returned to the area with its October 2023 reopening. This beloved French restaurant in Boston offers an inviting, any-occasion atmosphere where guests can savor seasonally-focused New England interpretations of classic brasserie fare.
The Vibe
A cozy blend of vintage accents and modern design creates a laid-back yet stylish mood, perfect for everyday dining or special celebrations. Warm lighting and thoughtful details invite guests to linger, reflecting a commitment to comfort and timeless charm.
What to Order
Indulge in the signature plats du jour, with options like veal schnitzel on Monday and swordfish au poivre on Thursday. Alternatively, revisit nostalgic classics that showcase the best of Boston food like a decadent seafood tower. End your meal on a sweet note with the Valrhona chocolate cake.
Eastern Standard | 775 Beacon St., Boston, MA 02215 | $$$
12. Café Sauvage
One of the most unique French restaurants Boston has in store, Café Sauvage is a cool Back Bay staple that brings youthful energy to the French dining concept. Exciting and contemporary, this brightly-lit diner is an inviting spot for catching up with friends who share your taste for rich French flavor.
The Vibe
An airy, modern dining room allows visitors to relax as they gorge on gourmet wonders.
What to Order
For starters, try the artichoke dip or the burrata with roasted red peppers, charred tomatoes, garlic and basil pesto. For your main, the swordfish with spicy green beans, oyster mushrooms and a miso-glazed reduction is a wonderful option.
Café Sauvage | 25 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, MA 02115 | $$
13. Mistral
Key among the French restaurants in Boston's South End is Mistral, a posh example demonstrating that fine dining hasn't gone out of style. The artistry of the culinary experts in the dining room is matched by the stellar service provided front-of-house.
The Vibe
High ceilings with wrap-around windows and a colonnade of pillars give this space a regal air, perfect for dress-up dining at one of the most expensive restaurants in Boston.
What to Order
Prime sirloin, served au poivre-style is skillet-roasted and served with a cognac and peppercorn sauce, is the perfect dish for those wanting to indulge in authentic recipes. For dessert at this French restaurant in Boston, indulge in the warm apple tart, served with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and topped with a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Mistral | 223 Columbus Ave., South End, Boston, MA 02116 | $$$$
14. Coquette
Whimsical spirit marks Coquette as one of the most flirtatious French restaurants Boston has to share. A mix of French and Mediterranean flavors arises in an Omni Hotel dining room infused with floral décor that feels approachable and timeless simultaneously. As one of the best restaurants in Boston Seaport, it delivers an enchanting dining experience with its vibrant atmosphere and unique dishes.
The Vibe
Floor-to-ceiling brickwork and plush floral wallpaper fill the space with a fairytale energy that sets it apart from other French restaurants in Boston.
What to Order
Start with the tuna crudo with grapefruit, cucumber and basil salsa verde, Sicilian olive oil and topped with crispy lentils. Then, order the merda dé can to taste soothing spinach dumplings in tomato and brown butter sauce, prepared Provençal-style.
Coquette | 450 Summer St., Boston, MA 02210 | $$$
15. Café Bonjour
Light and lively in both fare and atmosphere, Café Bonjour presents one of the most winsome French restaurants Boston diners could hope for. Here, you'll find ethically sourced ingredients transformed into fun French dishes suitable for vegans, vegetarians and paleo followers, among other specialty diners.
The Vibe
Wooden fixtures and penny tiles give this cozy spot a buzzy electricity unique among the French restaurants Boston holds.
What to Order
The Bonjour Classic from the breakfast menu provides an order of classic crêpes topped with Nutella and your choice of bananas, strawberries or a blend to make the scenario extra delicious.
Café Bonjour | 55 Temple Place, Boston, MA 02111 | $$
16. La Voile
For culinary diversions to make your date night even more special, La Voile offers the height of gourmet romance. The name is a reference to the sails that give sailing in Cannes its definitive French spirit, and the legendary status acquired since its founding in 1947 bestows this bayside bistro a singular sheen among the French restaurants Boston puts on display.
The Vibe
Nautical charm greets you as soon as you arrive in the form of coastal décor accents and authentic ship memorabilia. Along with the nautical vibe, this spot is quite romantic thanks to soft lighting and an intimate seating plan.
If you’re looking for laid-back yet charming date night ideas in Boston, planning a dinner here is an excellent choice due to the inviting atmosphere perfect for a cozy evening out.
What to Order
The moules frites features tasty P.E.I mussels in a spicy saffron, cream of curry or traditional marinière sauce paired with crispy fries.
La Voile | 261 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116 | $$$
Other Foodie Experiences in Boston
By firing up cooking classes in Boston, you can learn to whip up an authentic spread similar to that served by the fine French restaurants Boston diners hold dear. With first-rate instruction courtesy of the city's best chefs, these sessions allow you to spread your wings in the kitchen.
And if you're still in the mood for dining out, food tours in Boston see local experts lead you to French restaurants around Boston for the best food in town. It's the simplest way to find your way to eateries, bars and boutiques that suit your tastes perfectly.
As you can see, there’s no shortage of amazing French restaurants in Boston. From high-end eateries to charming Parisian-style bistros and cafés, diners can find the perfect spot to indulge in authentic French dishes and exciting fusion creations. With this guide to French restaurants in Boston in hand, all you have to do now is get out and start exploring the many options available to you!
For even more ways to explore Boston and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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