Can you recommend a good French Restaurant in NYC?

Question

I have never eaten French Food and know little about it. Can anyone recommend a great French restaurant in Manhattan for a novice gourmand? Cheers!

Answer 1

les halles

Answer 2

My friends all rave about Rene Pujol

Answer 3

Jo-Jo  (owned by Jean Georges)

Answer 4

Le Gigot

Answer 5

rue 57

balthazar

Answer 6

The best French Restaurant I've ever been to is in Philadelphia (believe it or not), but Le Bernardin in NYC is not far behind.  I wouldn't say this is a 'novice' French restaurant, but you will experience the gourmet meal of a lifetime.  Actually, it's far beyond just a 'meal'.  It is expensive, but worth every penny, and is located in midtown at 155 West 51st Street.  Here's a review:

http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/le_...

I've also heard Jean Georges is magnificent, tho I've not yet been there.  See here:

http://events.nytimes.com/2006/04/19/din...

And the newest French star in town is L'atelier de Joel Robuchon.  Again, I've not tried it, but one can't go wrong with Robuchon's food.  As for the staff, this particular reviewer wasn't impressed, but even for him, the food was a hit:

http://events.nytimes.com/2006/10/04/din...

Finally, if you ever manage to get to Philly, and you're looking for something special, you must try Le Bec Fin, which has been called 'the finest French restaurant outside Paris'.  And I've been to some wonderful places in Paris: I'm not sure one needs 'outside Paris' in that phrase:

http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_upd...

Hope that all helps!  Bon appetit!

Answer 7

I feel I have to respond to the above commenter....a while back a woman found part of a finger in her salad at Rue 57.  One of the workers cut it off doing prep work and it ended up on her plate!  I would never go back there!

There are so many great French restaurants here, from high end to low end - here are some to try:

Daniel

Le Bernadin

Jean George

Chanterelle

L'Atelier du Joel Robuchon

Per Se

Brasserie 8 1/2

Baltazar

Pastis

DB Bistro Moderne

Raouls

Bouley

Orsay

L'Absinthe

You can find menus for all of these at:

www.menupages.com

I think the trick with French food is to be very open minded and try things that you might not normally order.  Or try a restaurant with a fixed tasting menu like Per Se to get smaller samples of multiple dishes so you don't end up with one super expensive entree that you don't like.l

Answer 8

Rue 57 on the corner of 57th St & 7th Ave.  

They have a very eclectic menu, and while I'm at it, I have to recommend you try the mussel appetizer.

edit:  Marie, I question the validity of that statement.  It almost sounds like urban legend.  I have eaten there countless times and have no complaints.  The service, food, and atmosphere are fantastic, and they have the crustiest homemade bread ever!

Answer 9

These are the top 10 in NYC (which means in the country!)

1.) Daniel

2.) Jean Georges Restaurant

3.) Le Cirque Restaurant

4.) La Grenouille Restaurant

5.) Cafe Luxembourg

6.) Ouest Restaurant

7.) 360

8.) Cafe Loup

9.) Bouillabaisse 126

10.) La Luncheonette-Jean Francois