Timeless French Restaurants for Chicago Diners
Dear Margaret
If Pixar’s Ratatouille is to believed… Anyone can cook! But, in our opinion, no one can cook quite like the French 😉 So many classic recipes, favorite ingredients and timeless dining experiences come when you’re enjoying French cuisine. That is true no matter where in the world you’re enjoying it! So this summer, dig in to classic French cuisine at some of Chicago’s most loved and respected culinary institutions 🇫🇷
Dear Margaret {2965 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago; 773.360.8213}
Dear Margaret brings French-Canadian cuisine that focuses on in-season foods right to the heart of Lakeview. If you’re looking for a quaint and relaxed space with a cute patio and great food, you have to try this neighborhood favorite. Start the evening with the Smoked Salmon Charcuterie and Cheese Board with whipped cream cheese, dill, caraway, red onion jam and chives. For your main dish, try the Porcelette Belly with green tea and orange blossom honey cure, roasted fennel purée, polenta cake, pork jus, fennel and chamomile salad.
Bistronomic {840 North Wabash Avenue, Chicago; 312.944.8400}
This family-owned French spot located in the heart of downtown is a favorite for many for obvious reasons. With authentic French dishes made with fresh ingredients from Midwest farms, this will be your new spot for solo diners and anniversary celebrations. Stop in and try the Roasted Amish Chicken Breast and Glazed Thigh for two with caramelized onion puree and seasonal mushrooms in a Chardonnay wine reduction as part of their three course menu.
Robert et Fils {4229 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago; 773.687.9179}
If you want a dining experience that will transport you out of the Windy City and straight into the heart of France, try Robert et Fils. Self-declared as “intimate in scale and quaint in detail,” the space is infused with the elegance of classic French cuisine. Grab your besties and share the Cheese Board, a chef-curated selection of cheeses! But save room for Chai Opera Cake made with chocolate, espresso, Rare Tea Cellar Bourbon Vanilla Chai, toasted coconut ice cream and passion fruit.
Marchesa {535 North Wells Street, Chicago; 312.527.9535}
Nothing is better than being able to get both French and Italian food in one dining experience. If you can’t decide between one or the other, stop by this River North eatery! While you’re here, try the Bistro Salad made of greens, peaches, spiced nuts, gorgonzola, with red wine vinaigrette while you wait for the Risotto al Tartufo made with black truffle, mushrooms and parmigiano.
Le Sud {2301 West Roscoe Street, Chicago; 773.857.1985}
If words like “Mediterranean French cuisine,” or “roof top deck” or “full bar” get you as excited as they get us, you have to try Le Sud. Our favorite menu items include Whipped Feta served with apples, cashews and honey, as well as the Bucatini Pasta with artichoke hearts, tomato, peas, lemon, herbs and pecorino.
La Terrace at Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile {20 East Chestnut Street, Chicago; 312.324.4063}
To say the Sofitel knows how to throw an event is an understatement. In the heart of downtown Chicago enjoy an outdoor dining and lounge setting. Try the Braised Eggplant & Chickpeas with baby kale, turmeric rice, harissa yogurt, pine nuts and finish your meal with the Sticky Date Pudding with Maker’s Mark “Très Bien” tofee sauce with vanilla ice cream.
Le Bouchon {1958 North Damen Avenue, Chicago; 773.862.6600}
Le Bouchon has been one of the top French restaurants in Chicago since they opened in 1993. Open for both lunch and dinner, you can find classics like Steak Frites made with grilled top-sirloin and pommes frites, or the rich Garlic-y Escargot and Gnocchi Parisienne made with green garlic soubise, asparagus,sautéed wild mushrooms and spring pistachio gremolata.
Mon Ami Gabi Chicago
Mon Ami Gabi {2300 North Lincoln Park West, Chicago; 773.348.8886}
A long-time Lincoln Park favorite, Mon Ami Gabi is known for its delicious food and historic location inside the Belden Stratford. Stop in prior to taking a stroll through one of Lincoln Park's many green spaces and try the Baked Goat Cheese with house-made tomato sauce and herb-garlic bread. The Roast Chicken with thick-cut bacon, mushrooms and pommes purée is another must-try.
Pierrot Gourmet at The Peninsula {108 East Superior Street, Chicago; 312.337.2888}
A fan favorite, Pierrot Gourmet is coming back to The Peninsula this coming fall. The European-style cafe and bistro is the perfect place to people watch and and take a rest after a day full of shopping. Menu items include hearty home-made soups and a selection of French-style flatbreads with a variety of toppings to choose from.
By Madison Freeman | Special Correspondent