Vive La France: The Haute 5 French Restaurants in Miami

Café Boulud

South Florida’s most sophisticated palates indulge in epicurean delights from world-renowned Chef Daniel Boulud blending flavors from his four muses at Café Boulud. La Tradition offers a taste of classic French fare, La Saison highlights the seasons freshest ingredients, Le Potager incorporates vegetables found in a traditional French garden and Le Voyage adds the spice and flair of international cuisine. After becoming a perennial favorite of New Yorker’s with the highly successful Daniel NYC, Chef Boulud chose The Brazilian Court as his first venture outside of the city.

The 130-seat French-style restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and impressive Sunday brunch with an indisputable quality of ingredients, expert preparation and stunning presentation. Chef Bell’s affinity for meat shines in intensely flavored dishes such as his tartine of squab: grilled sourdough layered with wild mushroom duxelle, braised squab leg and sautéed squab liver, with roasted squab breast and an à la minute jus, finished with foie gras butter and a delicate mâche salad. Serving the freshest fish from Florida and beyond, our favorite is mahi-mahi, which is paired with a summer squash, apple and mussel stew, Colombo curry, coconut milk and cilantro.

On the dessert menu, Pastry Chef Matthew Petersen, formerly the executive pastry chef of DB Bistro Moderne, have created a myriad of decadent dishes in harmony with the Four Muses. “Traditional Favorites” include tart tatin or île flottante, “Seasonal Desserts” are inspired by the bounty of the orchard and focus on lighter offerings, such as fragrant sorbets, poached fruits and fruit tarts and sweet treats from Le Voyage are accentuated with exotic spices spanning the globe.

301 Australian Ave., Palm Beach; 561.655.7740; www.thebraziliancourt.com

Pascal’s On Ponce

The kitchen may be small, but this restaurant serves up contemporary French cuisine with larger than life flavor. With elegant presentations, delectable cuisine by Chef Pascal Oudin and superb formal service, this award-winning Nouvelle French restaurant is a friendly and delicious go-to spot for authentic French dining. While there, try the lobster bisque, veal rib-eye and blue crab cakes with avocado. They are all fantastic.

2611 Ponce De Leon Blvd., Coral Gables, (305) 444-2024; http://www.pascalmiami.com

A la Folie

Let’s hear it for champagne! Offering vintages right from the Champagne region of France on Friday’s, this relaxing and soothing neighborhood favorite is a go-to hidden gem for authentic French cuisine served in a fantastic atmosphere. Perfect for a date night, many come to A la Folie for a leisurely glass of wine on the patio, sweet crepes, or baguette sandwiches.

526 Espanola Way, Miami; (305) 538-4484

Palme d’Or at the Biltmore Hotel

Overlooking the hotel’s famous pool, the intimate Palme d’Or dazzles the eye and the palate with beguiling cuisine. Under the imaginative direction of the young, personable French-born chef, Philippe Ruiz, with a dining room staff led by head sommelier Sebastien Verrier, Palme d’Or features a unique tasting menu showcasing innovative interpretations of classic Continental cuisine, with much of the exceptional local ingredients with specialties flown in directly from France and elsewhere. The restaurant is acclaimed for combining exquisite New French cuisine with magnificent service and old-world elegance. Dynamic wine pairings, of premium vintages or outstanding discoveries by Verrier, play a vital role in creating a memorable, one-of-a-kind dining experience.

1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables; (305) 913-3201; http://www.biltmorehotel.com/

George’s In the Grove

George’s In the Grove is a quirky hotspot with unbelievable cuisine. This cool little bistro boasts an outgoing, warm, and contemporary atmosphere, and houses a menu that features local seafood from the nearby marina. If you’re craving something light, try the duck confit pizza. If you’re going for something with that screams Paris, the steak au poivre is a great pick. This delicious dish features a center cut filet mignon with a green peppercorn, brandy reduction, sauce. And if that wasn’t enough to get your mouth watering, the au poivre is accompanied by creamy potatoes au gratin and roasted veggies. And don’t just think it’s all about dinner. They serve up a fabulous weekend brunch featuring eggs benedict (made with smoked salmon or bacon), a Creole omelet, and wide variety of pancakes and french toast.

3145 Commodore Plaza, Miami; (305) 444-7878; http://www.georgesinthegrove.com/