Best French Restaurants in River North (Chicago)

12 restaurants available nearby

A photo of La Grande Boucherie - Chicago restaurant

1. La Grande Boucherie - Chicago

4.6

Exceptional(863)

Price: Very Expensive

• French • River North (Chicago)

Booked 61 times today

Nestled in the heart of Chicago's River North, La Grande Boucherie offers a transcendent blend of traditional French cuisine and Chicago's rich culinary heritage. Housed in the stunning Belle Époque building, this restaurant provides an atmosphere that evokes the charm of a Parisian brasserie with its authentic fixtures and custom mosaic marble floors. Diners rave about the "exceptional food and outstanding service," with dishes like the creamy crème brûlée and perfectly prepared steak frites consistently earning high praise. Whether it's the indulgent ambiance, the meticulously crafted menu, or the attentive staff, La Grande Boucherie delivers an authentic French dining experience that is truly "the closest thing to a Paris bistro in Chicago."

2. Bistronomic

4.9

Exceptional(6030)

Price: Moderate

• French • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 43 times today

Bistronomic, nestled in the Gold Coast / Streeterville neighborhood of Chicago, is a true gem for aficionados of authentic French cuisine. Guests rave about the "beautiful bistro" and "superb food," with one describing the experience as "a trip to a culinary wonderland." The ambiance, mimicking a Parisian bistro, along with festive decorations during holidays, enhances the dining experience, making each visit memorable. Reviewers consistently praise the quality and authenticity of the dishes, such as the Beef Bourguignon and Coq Au Vin, and the "exceptional value" of their meals. The personal attention from the owners, Chef Martial and Lulu, adds a warm, familial touch, ensuring every dining experience is not only delicious but also genuinely French.

3. NoMI

4.7

Exceptional(3090)

Price: Expensive

• French • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 34 times today

NoMI, nestled in the heart of Chicago's Gold Coast/Streeterville neighborhood, offers a breathtaking culinary journey through French cuisine with a modern twist. With its prime location above North Michigan Avenue, diners at NoMI can savor stunning views of Water Tower Place and the vibrant cityscape. Critics and guests alike rave about the authenticity and quality of its dishes. One diner enthused, "The food is excellent!!! Our server was Amazing!!!" while another shared, "Everything is very fresh. It’s all well-prepared. Everything was delicious." From the well-crafted sushi to the delightful desserts, every dish showcases the finesse of French culinary art. Whether for a special occasion or a casual outing, NoMI promises an enchanting dining experience with its superb service, elegant ambiance, and, importantly, its exquisitely authentic French offerings.

4. La Serre

4.6

Exceptional(413)

Price: Expensive

• French • West Loop

Booked 61 times today

La Serre, nestled in the vibrant West Loop of Chicago, offers an authentic French dining experience, reminiscent of the picturesque Provence and Saint-Tropez regions. This enchanting restaurant is celebrated for its "lively ambiance and impeccable service," with a menu that masterfully blends traditional French techniques with Mediterranean flair. Diners rave about the wood and charcoal flavors that enhance dishes like the Caviar Nest Pasta and the Linguine with Clams, proclaiming them "a symphony of flavors." Each visit to La Serre promises not just a meal but a "transcendent dining experience," where the lush, floral-decorated setting and the meticulously crafted dishes such as the "best tuna crudo ever" and "outstanding" Dover Sole create a delightful escape into the essence of France. La Serre is indeed a gem in Chicago's culinary scene, making every dining experience memorable.

A photo of Venteux Brasserie, Cafe, & Oyster Bar restaurant

5. Venteux Brasserie, Cafe, & Oyster Bar

4.4

Awesome(1120)

Price: Moderate

• French • Downtown / Loop

Booked 3 times today

Nestled within the iconic Carbide & Carbon building on Michigan Avenue, Venteux Brasserie, Cafe, & Oyster Bar offers a slice of Paris right in the heart of Chicago. Celebrated for its "elegant architecture" and "fabulous staff," this modern French restaurant delights its guests with a menu that brilliantly melds classic French flavors with contemporary flair, crafted under the expert guidance of Executive Chef Marcel Heiduk. Patrons rave about the "divine oysters" and the "perfectly served escargot," highlighting the authenticity and quality of the offerings. Whether it's enjoying a leisurely brunch or savoring the happy hour specials, Venteux provides a "stellar" dining experience that keeps diners coming back. As one satisfied guest puts it, this place is truly a "neighborhood gem" in Downtown Chicago.

6. Mon Ami Gabi

4.8

Exceptional(8050)

Price: Moderate

• French • Lincoln Park

Booked 76 times today

At Mon Ami Gabi in the heart of Lincoln Park, Chicago, the seafood offerings are a testament to the restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity. Diners rave about the "spectacular" and "yummy oysters," "great mussels," and the "delicious" Trout Almondine. Each dish is crafted with a distinct French flair that elevates the dining experience. The restaurant's dedication to providing an exceptional culinary journey is evident, with visitors frequently praising the "perfectly cooked" seafood and the charming ambience. One reviewer exclaimed, "The shrimp cocktail and filet were to die for," highlighting the care put into each seafood creation. Mon Ami Gabi's seafood cuisine is a culinary delight that consistently impresses, making it a must-visit for seafood lovers in Chicago.

7. Bandol

4.1

Excellent(254)

Price: Moderate

• French • Downtown / Loop

Booked 10 times today

Bandol, nestled in the vibrant Downtown Loop of Chicago, is a gem for those seeking exceptional Contemporary French/American cuisine. This lively French-inspired restaurant is praised for its use of premium ingredients and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. Diners rave about the "delicious and light" Caesar Salad, the "crispiest most delicious" salmon skin, and the "perfectly cooked" scallops with risotto. The restaurant also offers a delightful selection of cocktails and desserts, with guests recommending the "flourless chocolate cake." The combination of great service, generous portions, and an upbeat vibe makes Bandol a must-visit for an authentic and enjoyable dining experience.

8. North Pond

4.8

Exceptional(4766)

Price: Very Expensive

• French • Lincoln Park

Booked 6 times today

North Pond, nestled in the scenic Lincoln Park of Chicago, offers a pristine French dining experience that is both authentic and innovative. Chef César Murillo's meticulous attention to seasonal ingredients is reflected in a menu that dazzles with complexity and elegance. The restaurant's four-course tasting menu, lauded for its "exceptional cuisine" and "impeccable meal" experiences, showcases a perfect blend of traditional French techniques with creative flair. Diners often remark on the "spectacular" food and service, with one guest noting it as "the best combination of culinary experiences, idyllic setting, and extraordinary hospitality." This beloved spot is a top recommendation for anyone seeking an exceptional French meal in a magical setting, making every dining occasion memorable.

9. Les Nomades

4.8

Exceptional(2241)

Price: Very Expensive

• French • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 3 times today

Nestled in the elegant Streeterville neighborhood of Chicago, Les Nomades offers an unparalleled French dining experience that has captivated the palates of discerning diners since 1978. Known for its refined ambiance and exquisite culinary masterpieces, this gem exemplifies French gastronomy at its best. Dishes like sautéed foie gras and lobster ravioli with seared scallops are crafted to perfection, showcasing the sophisticated harmony of flavors. Patrons describe it as "truly the best restaurant in Chicago," praising its "impeccable service" and "sublime" artisan cheeses and pastries. Celebrating special occasions here becomes a memorable affair, surrounded by stunning art and elegant décor, making every visit to Les Nomades a celebration of French culinary excellence.

A photo of Taureaux Tavern, Bar and Brasserie restaurant

10. Taureaux Tavern, Bar and Brasserie

4.5

Awesome(179)

Price: Moderate

• French • Downtown / Loop

Booked 1 time today

Taureaux Tavern, nestled in the bustling Loop neighborhood of Chicago, is a gem for those seeking authentic French cuisine with a contemporary twist. Executive Chef Eric Tiglao's meticulously crafted menu brings the essence of France to the heart of the city, offering dishes that are both innovative and steeped in tradition. Patrons rave about the "delicious and filling" mix green salad and the "out of this world" Gougères, highlighting the quality and authenticity of the offerings. The ambiance, described as "very high class and sophisticated," complements the dining experience, making Taureaux Tavern a must-visit for anyone craving a true taste of French excellence. As one enthusiast puts it, "If you haven't tried this place out, please do so! You won't be disappointed."

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

C
Colettevip
Chicago / Illinois •53 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We had a lovely thanksgiving dinner and especially enjoyed the Sushi platter. The turkey dinner was good but not as good as homemade. Our service was amazing.
More info
NoMIPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Gold Coast / Streeterville
•
4.7
M
Michaelvip
Chicago / Illinois •70 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Thanksgiving was good. Squash soup was excellent. Cheese platter was ok. Bread was excellent. Turkey was moist but overall the plate was just ok. I would have liked to have sweet potatoes of some kind and cranberry dressing on the side as I hate them and it was all over everything. Great cocktails and service as usual.
More info
BistronomicPrice: Moderate• French• Gold Coast / Streeterville
•
4.9
K
Katherine
Chicago / Illinois •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Beautiful dinner with my daughters. Service was excellent.
More info
La SerrePrice: Expensive• French• West Loop
•
4.6
J
Jennifer
Detroit / Eastern Michigan •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
What a true and absolute delight! My daughters and I loved La Grande Boucherie! It was one of the highlights of our recent Chicago visit. The food was wonderful, as were the wine selections (and mocktails!) and the beautiful holiday decor. We had oysters, the fromage board, a beautiful salmon, French Onion soup, salads and more. I had a lovely Sancerre, and we topped everything off with profiteroles. But the best part of the experience was the impeccable service. From the moment we left our coats at the front hosted stand to the last moments after dessert and a quick personal tour of the gorgeous second level, we were enchanted. A special thank you to Rachid from Paris for his terrific recommendations, allowing us to practice French and being a bright spot of our entire trip. Attentive, funny, kind! A server can make or break a restaurant experience, and in this case, the service shined bright! We would love to come back when we’re in the city again! Highly enjoyed!
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La Grande Boucherie - ChicagoPrice: Very Expensive• French• River North (Chicago)
•
4.6
C
Claudia Dvip
Miami - Dade •187 reviews
4.0
Dined 5 days ago
The place is nice but underwhelming in ambience & decor. I wish the tables had been dressed with white linens and more elegant touches. Our server, Glendy, was very sweet and polite. It was nice to enjoy rose champagne by the glass. The burger and steak were good. Do not miss the carrot cake because it was absolutely delicious.
More info
Venteux Brasserie, Cafe, & Oyster BarPrice: Moderate• French• Downtown / Loop
•
4.4

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River North (Chicago)

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Best French Restaurants in River North (Chicago)

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12 restaurants available nearby

1. La Grande Boucherie - Chicago

2. Bistronomic

3. NoMI

4. La Serre

5. Venteux Brasserie, Cafe, & Oyster Bar

6. Mon Ami Gabi

7. Bandol

8. North Pond

9. Les Nomades

10. Taureaux Tavern, Bar and Brasserie

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