The Storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789 was a major event in the French Revolution. Celebrate Bastille Day (le 14 juillet, France's National Day) at one of these eight French restaurants in NYC.
Benoit
Sip the festive Frenchy Frozen Mauresque cocktail— a blue, white, and red mix of Orgeat syrup and Ricard, a pastis—along with prime rib and lobster as part of Benoit's 14th July menu. The regular menu of Chef Laëtitia Rouabah’s classical French cooking will also be available, featuring the likes of leeks vinaigrette or foie de veau, while snacking on fresh gougères. Traditional desserts are a highlight, especially the crème caramel, flecked with vanilla beans and served in a generous pool of sauce. US$30-95
Buvette
Charming and proudly French, this self-proclaimed gastrothèque serves delicious Gallic plates to a svelte set. While carb addicts can barely fit into these wee seats, it’s worth the squeeze for Chef Jody Williams’ famously rustic cooking. Inside, everything comes alive with jazz and chatter. Dishes may feature crusty olive oil-drizzled country bread slathered with fluffy scrambled eggs, salty prosciutto and nutty parmesan. Then await croissants—fresh, buttery and flaky—served with sweet fruit preserves for a typically French and very decadent treat. US$25-50Frenchette
Zinc bar, marble floors, burgundy leather banquettes—it’s textbook brasserie with a smattering of art deco finesse. This place is so much more than good looks, though. Begin with brouillade, a plate filled with scrambled eggs framing a pool of Peconic snails and—you guessed it—garlic butter. Traditional sweetbreads sport a crisp shell masking the smooth interior and are served in a savory jus studded with poached crayfish and spring peas. Savor a flaky mille feuille before bidding this delightful kitchen adieu. US$50-95
Buvette's chocolate mousse. Photo by Michelin North America
L’Antagoniste
From the razor-sharp service staff and its charming décor (think elegantly set wood tables and banquettes), to the killer but notably traditional French menu, everything about this buzzing hangout in burgeoning Bed-Stuy is bang-on. Owner Amadeus Broger is the master of operations here and appears to have just one, single formula in mind—and that is to churn out serious food in a fun and convivial setting. Don’t miss the soufflé au fromage, rendered light and frothy with nutty Comté; the tournedos Rossini, tender filet mignon over a potato pancake, topped with foie gras medallions and finished with Madeira; or the perfectly executed duck a l’orange. US$30-75Maison Yaki
This small and slender space boasts a bright brasserie vibe, thanks to primary colors, lively beats and vintage globe lights.Over in the kitchen, izakaya staples are spun with the chef's classically trained French technique. With every dish offered for under $15, there’s a lot to sample, and sample you should. Skewers rule the roost, alongside classical sauces and heavenly baguettes with yuzu kosho butter. Dinner might unveil pickled veggies—even legumes—followed by rich duck rilletes with wasabi foam, wasabi hollandaise, and pickled ginger; or escargot topped with crispy panko. A slice of Japanese cheesecake is the cherry on top. US$40-50Pastis
In case the decor here didn't tip you off, the menu is classic French. It's open all day, so pop in for a croissant and coffee in the morning, then swing by to satiate that late-night frites craving. Everything from moules to steak is better with frites, but don't overlook the vegetables—asparagus in béarnaise sauce is dreamy. Traditional desserts, such as crème brûlée and baba au rhum, round out the meal perfectly. US$30-75
Pastis's steak frites. Photo by Michelin North America
Racines NY
Big names have taken up residence at Arnaud Tronche's lovely bistro-a-vin, which cuts an elegant figure with a cool marble bar and striking floral arrangements. Throw in low lighting, intriguing artwork, well-heeled patrons, and a tony address—and you have quite the magic formula. The kitchen may host a roster of chefs, most recently Diego Moya, but the restaurant's affordable wine list is impressive and bears discussion. As for the food, you’ll pay for all that sexy ambience. Yet, the sea scallop special, topped with pickled wild strawberries, makes for a delightful bite; and filet mignon, set with heirloom beets and pickled leaves, is elevated with sauce barigoule. A chocolate confection with sesame tuile is a deal sealed. US$50-85Raoul's
In a city that changes faster than you can go from uptown to down, Raoul’s (open since the 1970s) is a stalwart. This is a place where diners return for consistently well-prepared French-American cooking. The kitchen has a delicate touch, lifting standards like a rack of lamb with oyster mushrooms or octopus with chickpea purée above the everyday. Chilled corn soup with tender chunks of lobster and creamy avocado is a perfect summer opener, while plats principaux unites seared halibut with zucchini and wild garlic risotto with freshly shelled fava beans for a simple and delicious dish. US$40-75
Raoul's frisée with lardons, pistachios and poached egg. Photo @raoulsrestaurantnyc/Instagram
Hero image: Delpixart/iStock
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