Bon appetit! You don’t have to travel all the way to France to experience the authentic flavors of the country. Right here in North Carolina, you’ll find a plethora of French restaurants serving up traditional dishes. From upscale restaurants in Raleigh to cozy Charlotte eateries, here are the best French restaurants in the state.
Saint Jacques of Raleigh is a French restaurant in support of feeding you fresh, local ingredients while offering an authentic experience. The chef personally lived and learned in Paris. Many classic French dishes on the several menus of the restaurant offer something for everyone to enjoy—individual lunch and dinner menus, vegetarian options, desserts for your sweet tooth and wine. For a filling lunch, enjoy an appetizer of snail, soup, salad, a platter of cheese or duck. The main courses of the lunch menu offer beef, salmon, French stuffed pasta, quiche or scallop selections are served warm and taste like a piece of France right in the Carolinas. Dinner for a group, two or an individual, start with one of the many appetizers including a cheese platter, duck, salad, soup, snails, frog legs, mussels, or rabbit. If you still have room after the delicious appetizers, dig into the main course menu options of fish and shellfish, or meat and poultry.
A French bistro of Durham, Vin Rouge allows you to dine like you are right in France. Recognized both locally and nationally, the New York Times has named this beautiful spot as an “excellent French bistro.” Vin Rouge is an astonishing, friendly place to enjoy your French meal. Experience seafood—oysters, shrimp, claims, lobster, crab or salads, and steak frites like you never have before. For a Sunday brunch, soup, salads, eggs, steak, omelets, French toast and more are all mouthwatering options. With amazing service and food, Vin Rouge is a comfortable restaurant with authentic French foods.
At Bouchon, Paris meets the south through comfort food made with local ingredients. Appetizers range from baguettes and French fries to soups, salads, and lobster ravioli. Entrees to sink your fork into are seafood options: mussels, salmon, trout, and cordon bleu, duck, rabbit, and beef tenderloin plates. Regardless of what dessert you pick to finish off the perfect meal, they will melt in your mouth. Open for dinner seven days a week, stop by Bouchon of Asheville to dine and wine with French wines served by the glass or the bottle.
A French restaurant and bistro located in Charlotte, it is both family friendly and with an atmosphere that will make you feel as if you really are dining in France. Serving great food with large portion sizes, you will leave full and satisfied. Fresh options made daily—crepes, pastries, quiches, salads, and sandwiches. For a sit-down evening meal, choose from the tasty salmon, trout, and beef. Home to pleasant service, and delicious foods, book a table for two, a date night with friends or a family meal at a great spot to enjoy a France ambiance and cuisine.
A unique, delightful gem to North Asheville, this family-friendly establishment provides the best foods with excellent, heartfelt service. A menu with something for everyone, Cecilia’s Kitchen has foods made with fresh, local ingredients and serves dishes for both those who need gluten free and vegetarian options. They’re open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. Stop in for crepes, homemade soup and salads.