This city is a Francophile’s paradise—provided you know where to look for the best French restaurant in Miami. And while there are many options to choose from, we’ve narrowed it down to superb picks that run the gamut from celebrity-owned hot spots to casual Parisian bistros. Keep up the life of a bon vivant with an after-dinner digestif at one of the best wine bars in Miami, a café au lait at a Miami coffee shop or an éclair from a bakery in Miami. Bon appétit!
What is it? This charming French diner is run by equally adorable husband-and-wife duo Shannon and Gabriel Castrec. She cooks while he mans the front of house, serving up chilled glasses of bubbly as needed.
Why go? The abridged chalkboard menu changes daily, so everything you’re getting is fresh and made to order. Keep an eye out for staples like moules frites, steak tartare and Lyonnaise salad.
What is it? The Biltmore’s ritzy French restaurant is one of only a handful garnered with the prestigious AAA Five Diamond Award®, which translates to elegant as well as expensive.
Why go? Luxuriate over the chef’s tasting menu and be wowed from start to finish with modern interpretations of classic French fare. Both the seared foie gras and delicate quail are decidedly remarkable.
What is it? An adorable French bistro in the heart of Cubancentric Hialeah that’s equal parts Paris and Havana. The Spanglish menu adds to the charm.
Why go? Coowners Benoît Rablat and Sandy Sanchez blend both cuisines to create truly delicious fusion dishes. Don’t miss the pastelito-inspired guava crepe or the French-style Cubano with gruyere on artisanal bread.
What is it? Sure, it’s scene-y, but this chic South Beach restaurant serves excellent French food with a side of party vibes.
Why go? Everyone should experience the epic brunch party at Bagatelle at least once in their lives, if not more. For a few hours on Sunday, the restaurant turns into a full-on club with a smoke machine, DJs and girls dancing on tables.
What is it? Stephen’s Starr’s haute French brasserie fits right in with the bougie Bal Harbour Shops crowd. It might seem casual, but this is the place to kick up your Manolos.
Why go? Don’t let the beautifully dressed crowds intimidate you. At its core, Le Zoo is a quaint bistro serving stellar French classics in a picturesque setting. Plus, its steak frites are second to none.
What is it? Another French bistro in an upscale Miami mall—but we’re not complaining. Plus, the outdoor seating overlooking Merrick Park’s gorgeous garden beats a standard dining room any day.
Why go? Brasserie has quite the extensive menu, making it the perfect choice for picky eaters. Brunch here is one of the best deals in town, featuring a three-course menu with unlimited mimosas for just $42.
What is it? A cozy French café that was seemingly plucked from the streets of Paris and set on charming Española Way. Be sure to grab a seat outdoors to people watch.
Why go? Quintessentially French, with the attitude to prove it, A La Folie serves solid crepes and croques at all hours of the day. It’s the ideal place to soothe a hangover (the soup-bowl sized lattes will bring you back to life) or wile away the hours with a glass or two of chilled rosé.
What is it? This cozy bistro in the heart of Coconut Grove feels très Parisian, down to its less-than-warm service. Its menu of house-made foie gras and decadent onion soup more than makes up for the potential snub.
Why go? Brunch is cheap and festive, with tables spilling out onto the sidewalk and waiters buzzing about dispensing mimosas to thirsty patrons. The first one is always on the house.
What is it? This French-Riviera-inspired spot is as jetsetting as the actual destination, attracting Miami’s Euro crowd with its chic, Belle Époque vibes.
Why go? It’s generally a social atmosphere at Villa Azur, but for a fun, club-like experience, head to the restaurant on Thursday and Friday nights for its long-running dinner parties. Think flowing champagne, live entertainment and rotating DJs, plus yummy French food.
What is it? A hidden away French restaurant in a winsome boutique hotel on South Beach.
Why go? Tired of the same scene-y, SoBe experiences? Pied a Terre is a charming alternative to the area’s buzzy restaurants. It’s cozy and comprised of mostly two-person tables, making it the ideal setting for a secret rendezvous.
What is it? A wonderfully elaborate French brasserie on a delightful, tree-lined street in Coconut Grove.
Why go? La Rue belongs to a local restaurant group that prides itself on creating authentic culinary experiences, and that's what you're in for here. Tuck into plates of stinky cheese, butter-soaked entrees and chocolate-y desserts that are très délicieux.
What is it? This long-running Coral Gables bistro serves modern French fare in sophisticated, cozy environs.
Why go? This is a lovely restaurant to celebrate a special occasion, especially if you consider yourself a foodie or an oenophile. The wine list is extensive, comprising mostly small-batch producers, and the menu features elevated French classics. The crispy duck and mussels mariniere are not to be missed.
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