Best French Restaurants in Midtown-Times Square
5 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Gabriel Kreuther
Modern Alsatian French cooking with two-star precision in a soaring park-view room.
Essential Picks
9.1
Two-Michelin-star Alsatian-leaning French fine dining facing Bryant Park, built around immaculate technique and luxuriant sauces. The tasting and prix-fixe menus shine with seafood, game, and pastry that feel both classic and distinctly New York.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sturgeon & sauerkraut tart, Lobster with shellfish jus, Chocolate chiboust with seasonal fruit
What Makes it Special: Modern Alsatian French cooking with two-star precision in a soaring park-view room.
Notable Picks
#2
Le Pavillon
8.9
Le Pavillon is Daniel Boulud’s garden-like, Michelin-starred French restaurant perched inside One Vanderbilt, with a seafood- and vegetable-focused menu and sweeping views over Grand Central. Diners come for precise tasting menus, polished service, and a serene, high-ceilinged room that feels built for celebrations and high-end business dining.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oysters Vanderbilt, Lobster Spaghetti, Vidalia Onion Tart
What Makes it Special: Seafood- and vegetable-forward French tasting menus in a lush, sky-high dining room.
8.7
A lively Art‑Nouveau–style brasserie blending French steakhouse traditions with bistro‑style energy; hearty cuts, rich sauces and classic dishes make it a go‑to for pre‑theater dinners or celebratory nights. Its large dining room, mezzanine and raw‑bar give it flexibility for everything from cocktails to a full meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak‑frites (prime cut), French onion soup, Duck à l’Orange
What Makes it Special: Paris‑style brasserie and steakhouse in grand Art Nouveau setting.
8.2
Vibes:
Brunch Bliss Spots
Family Friendly Favorites
Business Lunch Power Players
Girls Night Out Approved
A Times Square bistro that’s been feeding the theater set for decades, balancing Parisian staples with an all-day, crowd-friendly menu. Expect solid steak frites, crêpes, and a buzzy room that still feels warmly local.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak frites, Boeuf bourguignon, Nutella crêpe with strawberries
What Makes it Special: Classic bistro cooking in the heart of Times Square without the gimmicks.
Worthy Picks
7.8
A bright French bakery-café steps from Restaurant Row, good for a quick croissant, croque monsieur, or espresso between shows. It doubles as a casual bistro at night with wine, sandwiches, and dessert-forward comfort.
Must-Try Dishes:
Butter croissant, Croque monsieur, Crêpe Suzette
What Makes it Special: A true grab-and-go French bakery that stays open for theater hours.