Diners' Choice: French restaurants in Chicago / Illinois

OpenTable

Updated May 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best overall French cuisine in Chicago / Illinois? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyses more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favourites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Petite Vie

4.9

4.9 (462)

$30 and under

French

Western Springs

About the restaurant

Nestled in the heart of downtown Western Springs, Petite Vie offers a menu curated with classic French dishes infused with Chef Paul Virant's signature flair. Spending time researching in France for inspiration, Virant has crafted every dish with meticulous attention to detail and a reverence for tradition.

Seating 65 guests, Petite Vie’s intimate space exudes the warmth and comfort of a traditional French brasserie, while seamlessly blending modern design elements. A collaboration between Virant, his wife Jennifer and long-time friend and designer Jody Tate, every detail at Petite Vie tells a story of meticulous craftsmanship and thoughtful curation.

Featuring French intricacy and layering, the space is a canvas of artistic expression, with artwork curated from both local talents and treasures acquired during the team's time in Paris. Framed prints, commissioned paintings, and a round antique mirror passed down through generations, adorn the walls, adding layers of intrigue.

Top review

DavidVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Absolutely a gem in Western Springs. Great food from Paul Virant and service is excellent Go!

Mon Ami Gabi

4.9

4.9 (8351)

$30 and under

French

Lincoln Park

About the restaurant

Honoring classic French cuisine, Mon Ami Gabi is a traditional French bistro located in the heart of Lincoln Park. Our menu features simple French food including Steak Frites, fresh seafood, exquisite bites, and French rolling wine carts. Valet is located at the corner of Lincoln Park West and Belden for $20 cash or Zelle. During the holiday season, for all parties of 9 or more, we ask our guests to call the restaurant directly to book a reservation.

Did you know that you can use Lettuce gift cards for carryout and delivery? Just place your order through Lettuce website, the LettuceEats app or any Lettuce restaurant website.

Top review

Dined 3 days ago

Great food…great service…good value for the $$$. One of our favs

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Popular dish

Hanger Steak

Popular dish

Filet Mignon Au Poivre

Popular dish

Filet Mignon Bordeaux

Obelix

4.9

4.9 (147)

$50 and over

French

River North (Chicago)

About the restaurant

From the Poilevey's La Sardine and Le Bouchon, Obélix offers an elevated dining experience that celebrates the flavors of contemporary French cuisine with a subtle twist. Located in River North, the ambiance of Obélix, designed with elegance and charm, provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable meal. From the moment you step inside, you're transported into a world of culinary excellence, where artfully crafted dishes are complemented by exceptional French focused wine featuring both classic and nouveau selections. Signature dishes like the Beef Wellington, foie gras terrine, and an indulgent rotating soufflé offer a glimpse into the restaurant's commitment to quality and flavor.
Ideal for intimate dinners, celebrations, or simply an evening of indulgence, Obélix is where tradition meets innovation in every bite. With exceptional service, an inviting atmosphere, and a menu that speaks to both the heart and the palate, Obélix is a neighborhood gem in Chicago's culinary scene.

Top review

TimVIP

Dined 2 days ago

It's one of our favorite spots in Chicago. Every great thing you've heard/read about it is true.

Bistronomic

4.8

4.8 (6205)

$30 and under

French

Gold Coast / Streeterville

About the restaurant

Bistronomic brings guests together with the ambiance of an authentic Parisian bistro while exhibiting the "je ne sais quoi" and romance only found in Chicago's Sister City, the City of Lights. Three seating options are available: the Main Dining Room, the Grand Salon and the Petit Salon. Also, the bar is another offers a more casual experience. Dark wood, subdued lighting and French accents set the inviting mood. During the holidays, Bistronomic is festively adorned with garland, lights and red bows to make holiday get-togethers even more special. Whether guests seek an inviting holiday experience, social gathering or have business to conduct, Bistronomic's inviting seasonal and locally grown French food is the answer. Bistronomic is a Family Owned Business, Chef Martial & Lulu Noguier as well as the incredible Staff will welcome you with warmth a for a very French Experience!

Top review

JeffVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Bistronomic is truly a gem. everyone there is wonderful as is the food. they continue to overachieve on everything. No matter what haven't order i am always extremely happy and think that if you haven't tried it you are missing out

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Popular dish

Bistronomic Onion Soup

4.8

4.8 (2207)

$31 to $50

French

Bucktown / Wicker Park

About the restaurant

Le Bouchon has been thriving in Bucktown since 1993, serving classic French Bistro food in a dining room that will transport you to Paris. Voted one of the best French Restaurants in America by Timeout Magazine.

Open from 11am-10pm Monday - Saturday.

Top review

AnnVIP

Dined 2 days ago

We had a lovely lunch today with their classic French onion soup and a salad! Our waitress was very attentive and friendly.

Chez Joel

4.8

4.8 (2703)

$30 and under

French

Little Italy / University Village

About the restaurant

In the midst of Little Italy, Chez Joel creates the tastes and aromas of France for. Featuring traditional favorites, Chef Joel Kazouini offers his straightforward, expertly prepared Southern French cuisine. Chez Joel’s atmosphere is reminiscent of a true French bistro; its walls adorned with French posters and tables covered with butcher paper. The cozy environment makes Chez Joel the perfect spot for any romantic meal, and when weather permits, garden tables offer an open-air experience where you’ll find one of the most divine al fresco dining settings in the city.
Chez Joel Since 1999

Top review

Stephanie

Dined 6 days ago

Great experience at Chez Joel’s patio. Been coming here for a few years. They are always consistent with excellent service and food!

Suzette's Creperie

4.8

4.8 (2299)

$31 to $50

French

Wheaton

About the restaurant

Suzette's is a cozy French Bistro specializing in both sweet and savory crepes and hearty bistro fare. Our wine list features all French wine. Attached to the restaurant is a French-inspired boulangerie and patisserie. Everyday Afternoon Tea is served. Suzette's pleasure is to provide excellent food and wine in a comfortable atmosphere that encourages our clientele to have a relaxing dining experience. In the summer the dining room extends to an outdoor patio filled with plants, flowers and fountain. Live Jazz Friday nights is reminiscent of the Hot Jazz Clubs of Paris. Located close to Wheaton College and in the heart of Historic Downtown Wheaton , Suzette's is a destination for dining.

Top review

Donna

Dined on May 14, 2025

Now that Egg Harbor has closed, it was time to rediscover Suzette's, always a lovely dining experience.

La Serre

4.6

4.6 (606)

$31 to $50

French

West Loop

About the restaurant

Inspired by the coastal regions of Provence and Saint-Tropez, La Serre, located in Fulton Market, invites guests into a lush and colorful greenhouse setting. The culinary approach highlights the light and vibrant cuisine of Provence, with a focus on native techniques and ingredients, offering lighter takes on the dishes of the French-Mediterranean landscape. Fresh vegetables, seafood, and all-natural Black Angus beef are expertly prepared on the kitchen’s hardwood charcoal hearth, infusing each dish with incredible wood and charcoal flavors, elevating the ingredients without heavy sauces or seasonings.

Whether you're enjoying steak, seafood, or Mediterranean-inspired dishes, La Serre is the perfect destination for romantic dinners, dates, birthdays, or fine dining. The bar offers expertly crafted cocktails and drinks, providing the ideal atmosphere for any occasion, from a casual night out to an elegant celebration.

Top review

Shaunagh

Dined 3 days ago

The food was delicious - will definitely eat here again.

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4.7

4.7 (1785)

$30 and under

French

Highwood

About the restaurant

Miramar Bistro is a traditional French bistro and the menu is always fresh and seasonal. Service is friendly and thorough and the ambiance is exceptional. The French doors open to the sidewalk patio and lend to al fresco dining both for lunch and dinner. Miramar also books parties and banquets up to 300 people.

Top review

LarryVIP

Dined on May 10, 2025

Food was excellent and staff is friendly. Desserts were excellent.

Froggy's

4.8

4.8 (1063)

$31 to $50

French

Highwood

About the restaurant

Froggy’s French Café has been serving Chicago’s North Shore award winning French cuisine for almost 40 years. Known for our ambiance, friendly knowledgeable service and presentation we serve the freshest seafood and vegetables and steaks.

We recommend starting with a glass of wine, a bowl of French Onion Soup or escargot appetizer, and then move on to our seasonal seafood mains, fresh pastas or our classic steak and frits. Froggy’s diverse menu is geared to satisfy seafood aficionados, vegetarians and all omnivores alike. Always fresh, always French and always a fantastic dining experience.

Located in Highwood, IL nestled in between Highland Park and Lake Forest, come dine with us to see why Froggy’s is known as North Shore’s hidden gem.

Top review

Carol

Dined on May 9, 2025

Love this place! Always exceptional! Service and food fabulous

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