Chicago French Restaurant Guide 2025

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Introduction

Chicago’s French dining scene has evolved from its humble beginnings to become one of the most refined and diverse in the United States. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic French bistro experience or seeking something with a more modern twist, the city offers a variety of French restaurants that can satisfy every craving. From decadent pastries and croissants to rich, flavorful sauces, Chicago’s French restaurants blend the traditional with the contemporary to offer diners a delightful taste of France. In this Chicago French restaurant guide, we’ll explore five of the city’s top French restaurants to try in 2025.

1. Les Nomades

• Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
• Address: 222 E. Ontario St., Chicago, IL
• Menu Highlights:
• Duck Breast with Foie Gras
• Lobster Bisque
• Crêpes Suzette

A gem in the River North neighborhood, Les Nomades is the epitome of fine dining with an elegant French twist. Known for its sophisticated atmosphere and impeccable service, this restaurant offers a prix fixe menu that changes seasonally to ensure the freshest ingredients. The Duck Breast with Foie Gras is a rich and luxurious dish, while the Lobster Bisque offers a delicate balance of flavors with a hint of creaminess. For dessert, the Crêpes Suzette—flambéed tableside—is a dramatic and unforgettable finish to your meal. The restaurant’s intimate, upscale ambiance makes it a perfect choice for special occasions.

Book your table via OpenTable for a guaranteed spot at this Michelin-starred restaurant.

2. Bistronomic

• Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
• Address: 840 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago, IL
• Menu Highlights:
• Steak Frites
• French Onion Soup
• Crème Brûlée

A casual yet chic bistro, Bistronomic offers a modern twist on classic French fare. Located in the Lincoln Park area, this cozy restaurant provides a relaxed yet sophisticated setting. The Steak Frites is a signature dish, perfectly cooked and served with crispy fries. Their French Onion Soup is a fan favorite, rich in flavor with a crispy, cheesy topping. And for dessert, the Crème Brûlée is the ideal sweet ending to a satisfying meal, with a perfectly caramelized sugar crust and smooth custard inside. Bistronomic’s contemporary take on French classics makes it a perfect spot for a casual yet refined meal.

Reserve your table on OpenTable for an unforgettable bistro experience.

3. Café des Architectes

• Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
• Address: 1 W. Goethe St., Chicago, IL
• Menu Highlights:
• Escargots de Bourgogne
• Roasted Chicken with Root Vegetables
• Chocolate Mousse

Located inside the charming Hotel Talbott, Café des Architectes offers a stylish, modern French dining experience in the Gold Coast. The restaurant’s contemporary setting is complemented by its elegant French menu. The Escargots de Bourgogne are a must-try—tender snails bathed in garlic butter, a classic French dish. The Roasted Chicken with Root Vegetables is juicy and flavorful, embodying the comforting essence of French home cooking. To end your meal on a sweet note, try their rich Chocolate Mousse, a velvety and indulgent treat. The upscale atmosphere makes it perfect for both intimate dinners and business meetings.

4. Le Colonial

• Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
• Address: 937 N. Rush St., Chicago, IL
• Menu Highlights:
• Vietnamese Spring Rolls (French-Vietnamese fusion)
• Braised Short Ribs
• Banana Foster Spring Rolls

Le Colonial is a blend of French and Vietnamese influences, offering diners a unique fusion of flavors. Situated in the heart of Chicago’s Gold Coast, this restaurant transports you to the French colonial era with its beautiful décor and romantic ambiance. The Vietnamese Spring Rolls, while not strictly French, showcase the fusion of French and Southeast Asian flavors beautifully. The Braised Short Ribs are melt-in-your-mouth tender, and for dessert, the Banana Foster Spring Rolls are a must-try—a delicious twist on the classic dessert. This restaurant is ideal for those looking to try something a bit different while still enjoying French-inspired cooking.

Make reservations via OpenTable for a beautifully memorable dining experience.

5. La Sardine

• Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
• Address: 800 W. Randolph St., Chicago, IL
• Menu Highlights:
• Mussels with White Wine Sauce
• Ratatouille
• Tarte Tatin

La Sardine offers a charming French bistro experience, serving rustic French cuisine with a casual, neighborhood feel. Located in Chicago’s West Loop, the restaurant specializes in seafood dishes, with the Mussels in White Wine Sauce being a standout. The Ratatouille is a flavorful vegetable medley that’s perfectly seasoned and complements the seafood. For dessert, the Tarte Tatin is a traditional French upside-down caramelized apple tart that’s always a crowd-pleaser. The warm, inviting atmosphere makes La Sardine a great spot for a relaxed yet satisfying meal.

Conclusion

Whether you’re craving traditional French cuisine, contemporary bistro fare, or French-Vietnamese fusion, Chicago’s French restaurant scene offers something for everyone. From the luxurious ambiance of Les Nomades to the casual charm of La Sardine, these five top restaurants provide a diverse range of dining experiences, each delivering unique flavors and impeccable service.

Don’t forget to book your table via OpenTable to ensure you get a spot at these popular spots. And if you’re looking to recreate the magic of French cooking at home, check out some essential French cookware via Amazon, from skillets to soufflé dishes.

For more restaurant recommendations and delicious meal ideas, be sure to check out our Restaurant Picks and City Food Guides for more inspiration.

Paris Bakery Guide: Top 5 for 2025

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Introduction

Paris is the heart of pastry perfection, with its iconic bakeries serving up freshly baked delights that have stood the test of time. Whether you’re indulging in buttery croissants, flaky pain au chocolat, or a perfectly crafted baguette, Paris’s bakery culture is like no other. Each bakery offers a unique experience, combining rich history, artisanal craftsmanship, and a dash of French flair. If you’re planning a trip to Paris in 2025, our Paris bakery guide will lead you straight to the best spots to savor these iconic treats. Get ready to explore the finest bakeries the City of Lights has to offer!

1. Maison Pichard

• Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
• Menu Highlights:
• Croissant au Beurre
• Pain au Chocolat
• Bâtard de Campagne (Country Bread)

Maison Pichard, located in the 15th arrondissement, is a true gem for pastry lovers. Known for its melt-in-your-mouth croissants and buttery pain au chocolat, this bakery is a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience Parisian pastry at its finest. The bakery has been around since 2004 and has earned a well-deserved reputation for excellence. The ambiance is warm and inviting, with a French elegance that makes every visit feel special.

2. Le Grenier à Pain

• Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
• Menu Highlights:
• Baguette de Tradition
• Éclair au Café
• Tarte au Citron

Le Grenier à Pain is one of the most renowned bakeries in Paris, winning the prestigious “Best Baguette in Paris” title multiple times. The bakery’s baguette de tradition is known for its perfect crunch and light, airy interior. Aside from the bread, their éclairs and lemon tarts are customer favorites. With a friendly atmosphere and expert bakers, Le Grenier à Pain offers a quintessential Parisian bakery experience.

3. Pierre Hermé

• Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
• Menu Highlights:
• Macarons (especially Ispahan)
• Tarte Infiniment Vanille
• Croissant au Beurre

Pierre Hermé is a name synonymous with luxury pastry, and his Paris locations are always a treat to visit. Famous for his exquisite macarons, especially the Ispahan flavor (rose, lychee, and raspberry), Hermé’s creations are a work of art. The shop itself is elegant and modern, a true reflection of the creativity and innovation behind his pastries. Don’t miss out on his legendary croissants and tarts that will leave you craving more.

4. Boulangerie Poilâne

• Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
• Menu Highlights:
• Pain Poilâne (Sourdough)
• Pain de Mie
• Bâtard

Poilâne is one of Paris’s oldest and most revered bakeries. Established in 1932, Poilâne has remained a fixture in Paris’s bakery scene for nearly 90 years. Known for its rustic sourdough bread, or pain Poilâne, this bakery offers hearty, satisfying loaves perfect for any meal. The ambiance feels nostalgic, transporting you back in time, while the delicious smells of freshly baked bread fill the air.

5. Du Pain et des Idées

• Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
• Menu Highlights:
• Pain des Amis
• Escargot Pistache-Chocolat
• Flûte de Tradition

Located in the 10th arrondissement, Du Pain et des Idées is an artisanal bakery offering exceptional breads and pastries. The pain des amis (a hearty, flavorful bread) is a favorite, but the escargots (pastry rolls filled with pistachio and chocolate) are a must-try. The bakery is charming, with an artisanal vibe that reflects its commitment to traditional French baking methods. It’s a great place to pick up a delicious breakfast or afternoon snack.

Conclusion

A trip to Paris isn’t complete without indulging in the finest pastries the city has to offer. From buttery croissants at Maison Pichard to the luxurious macarons at Pierre Hermé, these bakeries are a true taste of Parisian indulgence. Whether you’re enjoying a baguette de tradition at Le Grenier à Pain or savoring a pistachio-chocolate escargot at Du Pain et des Idées, each stop on this Paris bakery guide is an experience you’ll never forget. Don’t forget to visit and share your Paris pastry adventure on Instagram with #EasyYumFood for a chance to be featured!

Planning your visit? You can easily book reservations at some of these bakeries via OpenTable or check out the best baking tools on Amazon to bring a taste of Paris to your home.

For more culinary recommendations, explore our City Food Guides and Restaurant Picks for delicious finds around the world.