Gaby Brasserie Francaise

Set in Midtown’s luxurious Sofitel New York hotel, Gaby Brasserie Francaise takes its name from an 18-year-old Parisian model who rose to prominence in New York during the 1920s, working for the likes of famed couturier Paul Poiret in Europe and the legendary Henri Bendel stateside. The restaurant is, likewise, both French and beautiful, with elevated brasserie fare by French-born executive chef Sylvain Harribey (Food Network’s Chopped) served across a beautiful dining room trimmed with leather banquettes, a green-marble–topped mahogany bar and a glass-door façade reminiscent of brasseries along Paris' iconic boulevards. Dinner starts with a complimentary breadbasket (French baguette, olive bread), followed by plucky appetizers (grilled shrimp with tomato-fennel marmalade, escargot with garlic butter) and hearty entrees—including a standout pan-seared bronzini, bedded atop Italian couscous with Parmesan, spring relish and green jus.