Bonjour mes amis! It has been quite sometime since I have updated this blog, but I am back! Travel has been limited with COVID, so I have been looking for ways to feel inspired in my own city. In June, I moved to Back Bay, which has always been a dream of mine. I love living in the heart of the city with so many new bars and restaurants within walking distance from my apartment.

This week, while recuperating from Christmas festivities, I started watching Emily in Paris Season 2. While it inspired me to redownload Duolingo, it also got me thinking about all the delicious French restaurants that Boston has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a no-fuss meal in a cozy bistro or a decadent multi-course extravaganza, Beantown can cater to your needs.

So, grab your berets and your s’il vous plaîts. Here are five great French restaurants in Boston that are totally *chefs kiss*

Colette Wine Bistro

Colette Wine Bistro is an adorable French restaurant located in the Porter Square Hotel in Cambridge. The ambiance of this restaurant alone makes it well worth the trip across the Charles (think ornamental chandeliers and swanky red booths). I absolutely love Colette – and it’s not just because we essentially share a name. Every dish is well prepared, and the staff is incredibly attentive. Their French Onion Soup is spectacular – beefy broth and gooey Gruyere slightly browned to perfection. Oh, and don’t forget to order dessert. Their Nutella Chocolate Mousse is heavenly.

Frenchie

If the name didn’t convince you, the menu certainly will. Located in Boston’s South End is the most adorable Parisian-inspired bistro and wine bar complete with a fantastique French menu. Come for brunch and order crepes or a croque madame. In the evening, consider a creamy onion soup or the steak frites. While the dining room is lined with beautiful floral wallpaper, the real treat is snagging a seat in their glass-enclosed conservatory lit by twinkling bistro lights. The restaurant’s dreamy setting is perfect for date night or a chic GNO.

La Voile

This Cannes-inspired bistro has been a Newbury Street staple for years. Reserving a table on their outdoor patio will make you feel like you are dining along the Champs Elysées. Several of the waiters are French expats, making the experience even more authentic. Some noteworthy menu options include the Dover Sole or L’Entrecôte. In 2019, the team at La Voile opened 1855 Bar à Vin (located directly above the restaurant). Pop into 1855 after dinner to explore their wine list which boasts over 250 different varieties of French wine.

Petit Robert Bistro

If you are looking for an intimate bistro with no-nonsense French cuisine, Petit Robert is the place to go. This local gem has a series of classic French appetizers and high-quality main courses. Their steak frites is tender and juicy and accompanied by a stunning béarnaise sauce. If you are a fan of cheese, their charcuterie plate is also worth ordering. Come for brunch on a warm Summer’s Sunday and sit outside on their charming outdoor patio right on Columbus Avenue. Or make a reservation for dinner in their indoor dining room, which has a beautiful, cozy ambiance as well. Either way, you will not be disappointed.

Rochambeau

From their French-inspired music to their art nouveau inspired décor, Rochambeau is a whole vibe. Located next door to Eataly at the Prudential Center, this multi-level restaurant delivers excellent French-inspired food at a reasonable price. One of my favorite items on their menu is their mussels soaked in a bouillabaisse broth with chorizo. Order it with a warm baguette, and it is the perfect dish to pair with a glass of bubbly. This restaurant is great to bring a group to share some hors d’oeuvres and indulge in French wine. Or snap a selfie sitting in their plush, pink-colored chairs.

What are your favorite French restaurants in Boston?