French Restaurants to Visit this Summer
via Mon Ami Gabi
Well, this list of restaurants certainly raised our expectations for the ideal romantic meal! When we want to spice up a date night, girls night out or family dinner, French food is always our go-to. Read this list if you’re a foodie who loves the elegant flavors of France but wants to stay right at home to taste them. You can have your cake and eat it too!
Mon Ami Gabi [2300 North Lincoln Park West, Chicago; 773.348.8886]
Mon Ami Gabi—this classic French bistro is your new best friend. Pop in and sit in for a meal or order online to-go; no matter what you’ll be well fed.
We’ve found that this is an ideal go-to for classic French flavors with a more accessible feel. Rather than saving this spot for a special occasion, you can come here regularly for Steak Frites or your choice of Fruits de Mer. The preparation, delivery and environment is comfortable enough to make it an everyday destination.
Venteux Brasserie [224 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago; 312.777.9003]
Venteux will have you in your feels upon entry, with a modern yet gothic-style design, romantic lighting and red velvet all over. Every dish is intentionally plated with details that add a twist to every bite.
Begin your meal with fresh Oysters as an ode to the classic French cuisine you’re looking for. Their French Onion Soup is encased with a warm, crusted cheesy layer that will have you digging in right away. Just make sure to save room for a café at the end of the meal!
Psst…If you work in the service or hospitality industry, run here on Mondays for your 50% off discount.
via Taureaux Tavern
Taureaux Tavern [155 West Van Buren Street, Chicago; 312.624.8778]
Taureaux Tavern is a Loop favorite for many reasons. Their outdoor seating is perfect for summer night but the indoor dining room is also always bustling. This is the place to take your friends if they're new to French food and want options of dishes they know alongside cuisine classics.
To start, we never miss out on the Baked Goat Cheese; it’s not so easy to share if you know what we mean ;) The Steak Sandwich and Crispy Salmon are two more incredible dishes made with the decadent butter and herb flavors French cooking is known for.
Soif Wine Lounge [2456 North California Avenue, Chicago; 773.895.6558]
Ambiance is part of the meal at Soif Wine Lounge, and you’ll eat it right up. This low-ceiling space has a cozy speakeasy feel to it, making it perfect for date night soiree! Escargots and Le Frois Gras Brulee are two of the best starters you can find here, both bursting with flavor and not over-filling so you can save room for Fromage Grillé.
The wine list is easily one of the best in the city, but we can’t tell you about Soif without mentioning the decadent cocktails. The Listen Honey is our personal favorite with a wildflower honey base and hints of lemon and chamomile.
Le Bouchon [1958 North Damen Avenue, Chicago; 773.862.6600]
Le Bouchon, located in Bucktown, has the cozy feeling of a local café with an elevated menu that is sure to exceed expectations. We love this spot for an intimate night out!
First, make your way to the bar and enjoy any of their delicious wines before sitting to eat. Then, enjoy a warm and unique meal. While the flavors pull from classic French menu items, the dishes themselves all have creative twists. Their emphasis on fresh and in-season ingredients especially stands out in their seasonal menu items.
via Francois Frankie
Francois Frankie [222 West Randolph Street, Chicago; 312.600.9659]
Have you ever been to a carousel bar? If not, it’s time to visit Francois Frankie. Designed to send you (slowly) spinning with joy, this space has a unique carousel bar that makes the playful feel elegant.
We love this brasserie for its comfortable and inviting fine-dining menu. You can’t go wrong with any starter on the menu, but we happen to be partial to the Hanger Steak TarTar paired with toasted sourdough as well as the Crispy Brussel Sprouts topped with a lemon-vanilla coulis.
Without question, our go-to main is the Lobster Tail Ratatouille. Their unique spin on the traditional dish is one that adds texture and volume to the already delicious item. Everything about Francois Frankie is light and fresh, just like a summer in France.
Obelix [700 North Sedgwick Street, Chicago; 312.877.5348]
If you’re looking for French food but dinner isn’t an option, brunch surely is. And that’s because Obelix offers a dinner and brunch menu to remember.
Start your day with a fluffy and sweet Chocolate Croissant and a café. Or, head straight for the Bloody Mary and Pâté En Croute, a pastry-encased loaf of wild boar, duck, pistachio, foie gras, pate brisee, pickles and mustard.
The inviting environment makes French food approachable with staff that loves every bit of what they serve and stand for in the family-owned establishment. If you’re in the neighborhood, this place is perfect to frequent.
via Le Sud
Le Sud [2301 West Roscoe Street, Chicago; 773.857.1985]
We can’t help but love a space that lets natural light flow and gives every meal the personal touch. Le Sud has plenty of tall, French-style windows and is decorated with florals and wooden bistro chairs to transport you straight to a European vacation.
In the summer, we’re coming here for a bite of seafood and the Bucatini Pasta. While the weather permits, sit on their patio - It always makes us feel as though we’re in a French garden.
And, as if it couldn’t get any better, Tuesday through Saturday from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. you’ll find wine, cocktails and small plates for $8.
George Trois [64 Green Bay Road, Winnetka; 847.441.3100]
George Trois is an innovative tasting menu restaurant located in a beautifully decorated space that brings your focus right to the food. Chef Michael Lachowicz plates every meal with careful French technique and elevates the flavor experience altogether.
His current summer tasting menu is a "A Tribute to Le Francais Unveiled,” intentionally crafted to pay homage to the restaurant that inspired him to form the George Trois Group in the first place. This seven-course tasting menu (Friday for $145, Saturday for $185, and Sunday for $135) will include radiant dishes such as Champignon Royale, Lyon en Brioche, and Souffle Grande Marnier.
By Daisy Bolin | Special Correspondent