South Florida Savoir-Faire: Miami’s Top 5 French Restaurants

When it comes to the French, there’s one thing we know for sure: there’s nothing they’re more passionate about than good food and good company. And while our dear Ocean Drive is thousands of miles from Le Tour Eiffel, here in the Magic City, we’ve got some hot French spots of our own — and we’re passionate enough about their charm and authenticity to make sure everyone stops by for a bite.

Next time you’re craving a taste of Paris, head to one of our top five picks for Miami’s best French fare and experience that classic je ne sais quoi:

Brasserie Central

Located in Miami’s chic Shops at Merrick Park, Brasserie Central is one of the Magic City’s hot new places for french fare. Helmed by the award-winning Chef and Restaurateur, Pascal Oudin, of Pascal’s on Ponce, this authentic Parisian-style bistro boasts intelligent menus of hand-crafted Old World cocktails, in-house afternoon Glacerie, hors d’oeuvres, cheese and charcuterie plates, and classic French main dishes and “patisseries.” Its casual and rustic ambiance is the perfect setting for breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert — and its dark woods, red accents and large indoor-outdoor bar give it an air of sophistication that only the French could accomplish. Brasserie Central is located at 320 San Lorenzo Avenue.

Bistro Cassis

As one of Miami’s go-to French dining destinations, Bistro Cassis is a cozy café known for its timeless French favorites. Decked in vintage French decor — complete with candid photos of French street corners and a full-service bar that once belonged to a real Parisian street cafe — this trendy locale is as authentic as it is delicious. Open for lunch, dinner, happy hour and a “magnifique” bottomless Sunday brunch,  Bistro Cassis boasts a creative menu of classic French fare like the Alsatian-inspired Poulet Alsacienne, Carré D’Agneau aux Champignons, Pied de Cochon, Duck A L’Orange and more. Pair it with a glass of champagne or a sumptuous Bordeaux, and you’ll be feeling like a Parisian in no time. Bistro Cassis is located at 118 Buena Vista Boulevard.

L’echon Brasserie

Part of the Pubbelly restaurant Group family, L’echon Brasserie is South Beach’s modern take on classic Lyonnaise, Parisian and Provençal dishes — and all with that whimsical Pubbelly twist. Overlooking Miami’s idyllic Atlantic coast, this French staple keeps serving Rosè, seafood, oysters, handcrafted Cognac-inspired cocktails, brunch and more for as long as French-loving Miamians will order them. And with Josh Elliott, from db Bistro Moderne and The Viceroy, helming the kitchen, trust us: the orders don’t stop coming. L’echon Brasserie is located at 6261 Collins Avenue.

db Bistro Moderne

The meeting point of traditional French cooking and modern American trends, db Bistro Moderne is famed Chef Daniel Boulud’s contemporary interpretation of a chic, Parisian bistro. Located on the ground floor of Downtown Miami’s hip and trendy JW Marriott Marquis, this haute, laid-back locale serves seasonal dishes made with only the finest ingredients — from creative cocktails, poussin, cheese plates and frog legs, to coq au vin, steak frites, bourbon chocolate fondant and more. Stop by for their daily, late-night happy hour, “Charcuterie Mondays” or “Cigar Bar Wednesdays” for a trendy treat fit for a delectable Daniel Boulud masterpiece. db Bistro Moderne is located at 255 Biscayne Boulevard Way.

Otentic Fresh Food Restaurant

Located in the bustling South of Fifth neighborhood, Otentic Fresh Food Restaurant is a romantic French cafe housed in a 1930’s Art Deco haunt. With a mouthwatering menu of authentic, daily-prepared French dishes — like country duck terine, escargots de Bourgogne, nutella crepes, croque madame, quiche Lorraine, foie gras and more — it’s hard to believe this tantalizing bistro was once the former Union Bus Station. Either way, it promises a Sofi-French experience you never thought possible in the Magic City. Otentic Fresh Food Restaurant is located at  538 Washington Avenue.