Petite Maison
We really can’t say enough good things about Petite Maison. The food, the atmosphere, the service, the price point – they’re all just as they should be. And seated on the patio, partially enclosed by latticework and a multitude of wall-climbing flowers (which the hummingbirds seem to love), it’s not that hard to imagine yourself at a bistro in the French countryside. When you think of French cuisine, you may not think of burgers, but we guarantee you’ve never had one quite like this: Port-Salut cheese, tomato confiture, arugula, and tender, savory beef cooked to order, served on a lightly buttered brioche bun. The lunch and dinner menus change on a regular basis, so call ahead if you’re curious as to what will be featured, but know that the Brunch de Champagne is always, always an absolute must; Chef James Porter’s Quiche Lorraine is to die for.
Petite Maison is located at 7216 E. Shoeman Lane in Downtown Scottsdale 480.991.6887
Sophie’s Bistro
In honor of Bastille Day, Sophie’s will be decorating its dining room for the occasion, as well as redesigning its menu to prominently feature all traditional French dishes. Call ahead to reserve your table for the opportunity to celebrate this special day with Sophie’s Bistro, which will include serenading by accordian player Tony Putrino. Of the starters, the escargot here equals melt-in-your-mouth perfection, cooked in a combination of Burgundy reduction, garlic, herbs, and butter, and the house specialty is always spot-on, no matter the main ingredient. Also, be sure you sample the world-class selection of cheeses, which include goat as well as yummy camembert.
Sophie’s Bistro is located at 2320 E. Osborn Road in Phoenix 602.956.8897
Metro Brasserie
Located in Downtown Scottsdale at SouthBridge, this award-winning restaurant creates exquisite French dishes and is known for its Seafood Raw Bar, serving fresh shellfish that are flown in on a daily basis. Specialties of Executive Chef Christopher Mayo include the Moules Frites (mussels), escargot, Onion Soup Gratin, and Steak Frites, as well as a number of indulgent breakfast and brunch plates, such as a decadent Eggs Benedict and the Bananas Foster French Toast. A great dinner feature at the Brasserie are the “Dinners for 2,” available after 5 p.m. and which include wine, beignets, and an entree for two persons, such as Beef Burgundy (turnips, potatoes, carrots, celery, and red wine) or Cassoulet (duck confit, braised lamb, saucisson, tomato confit, white beans) for a fixed price of $42. Other “Dinners for 2” options change from week to week.
Metro Brasserie is located at 7114 E. Stetson Drive, Suite 115, in Downtown Scottsdale 480.994.3663
Scratch Pastries & Bistro
This little gem of a cafe and pastry shop just outside of Downtown Scottsdale may be small, but that’s entirely part of its charm. The space is cozy and a popular spot for informal business meetings and grabbing coffee with old friends or recent acquaintances. Most of their ingredients are actually imported from France, and make for delicious, authentic quiches and savory crepes. All lunch entrees are served with a spring salad and a seriously addictive house vinaigrette, and although the sandwiches are excellent, it’s the quiche with goat cheese, caramelized onions, and walnuts that has stolen our heart. Head here when you want something light and perfectly portioned yet just a tiny bit indulgent. Or a lot indulgent, depending on whether you sample any of Scratch’s dainty desserts: cupcakes, tartes, mogadors, eclairs, crepes, and more.
Scratch is located at 7620 E. Indian School Road in Scottsdale 480.947.0057
Coup des Tartes
A central Phoenix establishment with lots of personality, Coup des Tartes bistro is a great choice for a romantic dinner. A BYOB restaurant, they use as many all-natural, all-organic meats and locally grown fruits and vegetables as they can. Here you’ll find a few different slight culinary influences, such as American and Mediterranean, on the cuisine, but the fare remains predominantly French. Although maybe not perfect for a dinner date, the Three Onion Tarte starter is fantastic, as is the Brie Brulee, featuring warm Brie covered with caramelized apples and served with toast and seasonal fruits. The Poulet Chicken Salad comes with an interesting lemon-lavender vinaigrette, and the Fresh Fish Nicoise Salad, with all the traditional ingredients, is as French as if it were straight from Paris. But it doesn’t get any better than the Filet, topped with fresh herb butter and served alongside pomme frites and a pesto, mushroom, and Parmesan-stuffed tomato.
Coup des Tartes is located at 4626 N. 16th Street in Phoenix 602.212.1082
