French Restaurants

Forget crisp, white tablecloths and predictable three-course meals. Life is too short to be spent adhering to dining norms, and no one understands this concept better than legendary Philadelphia restaurateur Stephen Starr. His Old City gem, Tangerine, throws tradition out the window, aggressively pursuing a more creative culinary angle. While the menu is filled with traditional Mediterranean dishes, Executive Chef Todd Fuller’s preparations offer a unique take on classic favorites, keeping customers coming back for more. From grilled octopus salad to Merguez kabobs, fresh flavors and worldly spices abound at this trendy local favorite.

Still the flagship of Walnut Street's Restaurant Row, Le Bec-Fin oozes elegance and sophistication, welcoming Philadelphians as well as legions of visitors from around the globe. Crystal chandeliers suspended from 20-foot high ceilings shed grace upon an urbane space framed in muted beige, micro-suede walls. Elegance reigns. Black-garbed servers proud to carry on a cultivated, renowned tradition are attentive and ubiquitous. Cuisine at Le Bec-Fin remains the touchstone for gauging the city's culinary vibrancy. Peppering an exquisite, classic French menu are the Chef's latest creations each underscoring his gastronomic savvy as well as the eatery's global pantry.

Not only is the Kimmel Center home of the Philadelphia Orchestra, it is also the home of Cadence restaurant. Voted “Best Roof Deck” in Philadelphia by Philadelphia Weekly, Cadence offers a spectacular view of Broad St. and the Avenue of the Arts from two-tiers up. Serving Contemporary French cuisine in a retro-chic atmosphere, this restaurant is open for lunch or dinner on days when the Verizon Hall hosts performances. Cadence’s menu changes seasonally, ensuring that guest’s receive the freshest, in-season ingredients.

This French-American restaurant is held in high regard in the not-so-small town of Newton. The 19th century farmhouse that is home to Rouget is one of the many reasons this restaurant feels so charming and elegant, but it is the high quality cuisine that gives Rouget its reputation. The 60-seat dining room comes complete with bay-window nooks, black and white photographs of famous chefs and attached is a spacious glassed-in-porch. Chef Held prepares thoughtful and intelligent cuisine, which is presented by a perceptive and gracious staff. Rouget offers a weekly tasting menu that has quickly become the talk of the …

As the only cash-only BYOB restaurant in the city, Bibou is a simple French restaurant with both comfort and class. This café-sized eatery packs a good, clean punch of extravagant yet modest French food, serving up exotic and high-end dishes at a reasonable price. Looking for foie gras, marrow, escargot, and pheasant isn’t such a challenge to find anymore, as Bibou plates each dish with architectural flair and taste. Chef Pierre Calmels, formerly a chef at Le Bec Fin, has perfected his skills and showcases then with sophistication and charm. They also feature tasting menu, fit for foodie fans as …

Ultra hip Patou is truly a place to see and be seen. Located on Market Street amidst Old City’s most popular restaurants, Patou stands out for serving gourmet French food with chic style. Acclaimed Head Chef and owner Patrice Rames (creator of the successful Bistro St. Tropez) styles his fare after his hometown in the French Riviera and serves it in an atmosphere that exudes trend and style. French food that lacks pretentiousness while thriving in flavor, an extensive list of fine French wines and fruity cocktails, complete with innovative interior design and attentive service, Patou has given Rames—and Philadelphia—another …

Named for Chef Perrier’s hometown of Lyon, France, a city world-renowned for its cuisine and legion of culinary masters, this cozy nook has the ambiance of an intimate French bistro and the reputation of being one of Philadelphia's "best kept secrets." Located in the downstairs of Le Bec-Fin, Le Bar Lyonnais is the ideal spot for a happy hour cocktail, a glass of champagne prior to dining upstairs, or to enjoy its own signature menu for lunch or dinner any day of the week.

This venue is no longer open.

This venue is no longer open.