Sifting through the number of French restaurants in Toronto can feel like a culinary quest, with so many tempting options vying for attention. But what’s the big deal about French cuisine anyway?
Well, let’s just say the French know their way around the kitchen. With techniques like flambeing, braising, poaching, and sautéing up their sleeve, they’re like culinary wizards conjuring up flavor explosions left and right.
Now, onto the main question: which French restos snagged a spot on our coveted list?
Batifole
Business Address: 744 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1Y3, Canada
Website: https://batifole.ca/
Business Hours:
- Closed from Sunday to Monday
- Tuesday to Saturday: 5 PM–9:30 PM
Batifole is your French dining experience that’s like a cozy hug with a modern twist. Pascal Geffroy is the chef and brain behind the magic.
He’s been mastering the art of cooking since he was knee-high to a croissant. From Lyon to Rhone and now rocking Toronto since 2013, this guy knows his stuff.
It’s right in Riverdale, and their little bistro boasts a wine list longer than your shopping list! Plus, the dishes there just make your taste buds do the can-can.
We love digging into their Cassoulet Royal. It’s a stew fit for royalty!
You should think about sinking your teeth into Cuisse de Canard Confite, where duck gets a luxurious slow-cook treatment.
And don’t forget the snails! Their Cassolette d’Escargots will have you yelling “oui, oui” in no time.
Pro Tip:
When the sun’s out, the patio’s the place to be. Here, you’ll find people sipping favorites such as Nectar Impérial Rosé — like you should too!
Le Baratin
Business Address: 1600 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6K 1T8, Canada
Website: https://www.lebaratin.ca/
Business Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 5:30 PM–10 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 10 AM–10 PM
At Le Baratin, they’re all about French food with a modern twist, served up in a cozy spot that’s as charming as it is snug. Their small plates and charcuterie are sourced locally and pack a punch of both modern and rustic flavors.
They don’t mess around when it comes to cooking. Everything, and we mean everything, is whipped up right here in our kitchen, including those lip-smacking sauces made with veal-based stock.
Just picture braised lamb shank swimming in tomato soup or Escargots Forestière served up with their signature sauces. And don’t forget to wash it down with a glass of French wine from their killer selection.
Pro Tip:
Weekends are special here. That’s when they roll out the brunch menu, loaded with French classics, omelets, and Eggs Benedict!
La Palette
Business Address: 492 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2B2, Canada
Website: https://www.lapalettequeenwest.ca/
Phone Number: +1 416-929-4900
Business Hours:
- Closed on Tuesday
- Wednesday to Sunday: 12 PM–2 AM
- Monday: 5 PM–12 AM
La Palette is the ultimate French hangout on Queen West, where time stands still and the wine flows freely for over 20 years. It’s cozy, it’s French — it’s fabulous!
Now, let’s talk about the dynamic duo behind the scenes: Shamez Amlani and Maria. Shamez, with roots reaching all the way from Kenya to India, and Maria, straight out of a Polish-Australian fairytale.
Shamez got a taste of Paris in ’89 and thought, “Why not bring a slice of that magic to Toronto?” Thus, La Palette was born in 2000, serving up classic French delights like Steak Tartare and Paté with a twist of wild boar.
But hold onto your berets, because they’re not stopping there. How about Surf and Turf with a side of roasted bone marrow?
Or, brace yourself: horse meat tartare or frites! It’s a true rarity in the concrete jungle of Toronto.
Pro Tip:
They’ve the cheese which you can either nibble by the gram — or go all out and buy the whole wheel. Why settle for a slice when you can have the whole darn thing, right?
Le Swan
Business Address: 892 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1G3, Canada
Website: https://leswan.ca/
Phone Number: +1 416-536-4440
Business Hours:
- Open daily from 5 PM–11 PM
Jen Agg just dropped the mic on the Toronto food scene by shutting down her old haunt, the Black Hoof, and bringing the whole gang over to the swanky new joint, Le Swan.
Now, let’s meet the dream team: James Santon is whipping up culinary magic as the head chef, Jake Skakun is the wine wizard, and David Greig is the master of mixology.
Hungry? Well, get ready for a culinary rollercoaster because their menu is split into two: French flair on the left and good old American diner classics on the right.
Fancy some Steak Tartare or Beef Bourguignon? They’ve got you covered.
Or maybe you’re feeling more like a Sloppy Joe or a hearty Meatloaf and Mash? They’ve got that too!
Pro Tip:
Let’s not forget the booze – they’ve got a stash of wines from France and beyond to tickle your fancy.
Maison Selby
Business Address: 592 Sherbourne St, Toronto, ON M4X 1L4, Canada
Website: https://www.maisonselby.com/
Phone Number: +1 647-943-1676
Business Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 11:30 AM–9:30 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 11 AM–9:30 PM
We often go to Maison Selby for a taste of fancy French food and swanky cocktails in a century-old gem of a building. Beneath this posh joint lies Sous Sol, a secret speakeasy serving up killer cocktails.
And guess what? It’s all run by the same crew who’ve mastered the art of fine dining — Oliver & Bonacini Hospitality.
Now, onto the good stuff. You’ll want to sink your teeth into some Steak Frites or indulge in smooth Duck Liver Parfait with fancy toast or crackers at Maison Selby.
But if brunch is more your style, they’ve got you covered. Two great examples are French Onion Beef Chuck Burgers and Eggs Hemingway.
Pro Tip:
For those who want the VIP treatment, check out their 5-course Chef’s tasting menu. It’s a feast fit for royalty!
Le Sélect Bistro
Business Address: 432 Wellington St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1E3, Canada
Website: https://www.leselectbistro.com/
Phone Number: +1 416-626-6262
Business Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11:30 AM–10 PM
- Friday: 11:30 AM–10:30 PM
- Saturday: 10:30 AM–10:30 PM
- Sunday: 10:30 AM–9:30 PM
Le Sélect Bistro is a Parisian paradise right in the heart of Toronto’s Fashion District! They’ve battled through multiple tax hikes, condo chaos, and more lockdowns than you can shake a baguette at, but they’re still standing tall.
Chefs Ted Corrado and Zachary Barnes are pros at cooking up some French magic with their own twist. But you’ve got to give them chops — the classics like beef tartare and duck a l’orange are still stealing the show.
Yes, they serve up all the French classics with a wine list longer than your weekend to-do list. We’re talking over 1,000 bottles, mon ami!
Pro Tip:
We’re in love with their Duck Confit, Escargots Bourguignons, and Mille Feuille that’ll make you do the chef’s kiss! And when the sun’s out, you bet they’ve got a sweet patio to soak it all in.
Aloette
Business Address: 163 Spadina Ave. 1st Floor, Toronto, ON M5V 2A5, Canada
Website: https://aloetterestaurant.com/
Phone Number: +1 416-260-3444
Business Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 5 PM–10:30 PM
- Friday to Sunday: 11 AM–3 PM, 5–10:30 PM
Aloette is the cool younger sibling of the super trendy Alo Restaurant, conveniently located by Queen and Spadina.
Housed in what used to be a nail salon, the interior is sleek and futuristic, with a nod to old-school train dining cars. This is where Kubrick meets Lynch, with swanky wood and leather accents, cool penny-tile floors, and cozy booths made for lingering.
Here, you’ll dig into mouthwatering French-inspired grub, including their famous Lemon Meringue Pie. Sharing is caring, so grab your pals and dive into dishes like Prawn Ceviche, ‘Nduja Stuffed Olives, and Beef Tartare.
Oh, and did we mention how gorgeous the place looks? It’s like stepping into Instagram heaven!
If you’re on the go, swing by Aloette Go in Liberty Village for tasty takeout sandwiches and salads.
Pro Tip:
No reservations needed! Just show up and chow down in this 38-seat spot that’s part bistro, part diner, and all awesome.
Jules Bistro
Business Address: 924 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1G6, Canada
Website: https://bistro-jules.com/
Phone Number: +1 416-533-5454
Business Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday, Sunday: 5–10:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 5 PM–11:30 PM
Jules is the uber-adorable French bistro hangout in Trinity Bellwoods and Leslieville. Just one step inside, and suddenly you’re whisked away from the hustle and bustle of the city to a cozy spot that feels like home.
Chef Strippoli, a Lyon transplant, brings a hefty dose of authentic French flair to the table. With years of experience under his belt, it’s no wonder the menu screams “bon appétit!”
Oh, and did we mention the place is named after his son?
Pro Tip:
If you’re feeling fancy, try one of their three delectable tartare options: steak, salmon, or vegan mushroom! Their Spécialités for two are tailor-made for date night, featuring mouthwatering choices like Côte de Boeuf, Magret de Canard, or Rack of Lamb.
Café Boulud
Business Address: 60 Yorkville Ave, Toronto, ON M4W 0A4, Canada
Website: https://www.cafeboulud.com/toronto/
Phone Number: +1 416-963-6000
Business Hours:
- Sunday: 7AM–11 AM, 11:30 AM–2:30 PM
- Monday to Saturday: 7 AM–11 AM, 11:45 AM–2:30 PM, 5:30 PM–10 PM
Café Boulud is by the legendary Michelin Star Chef Daniel Boulud, found within the swanky Four Seasons Hotel in Yorkville. After a facelift, it’s emerged from its chrysalis as a hipper, more laid-back French brasserie.
We’re talking fine French dining but with a subtle wink and a nod to casual chic. Once inside, you’ll be greeted by Martin Brudnizki’s mid-century magic, blending elegance with a dash of informality.
That means leather and tweed banquettes, herringbone Hermes wallpaper, and brass accents. Très chic, yet oh-so-casual!
The menu? It’s had a makeover too, catering to a more relaxed dining vibe.
Sure, Boulud’s famous charcuterie is still on the menu, but now there’s a tantalizing array of chilled seafood, tartare, steaks, and grillades to tempt your taste buds.
Pro Tip:
We love the Lobster Bagna Cauda with squid ink tagliatelle. Not your bet? Get the Octopus Coconut in red Thai curry sauce for a bit of French fusion.
Cluny Bistro & Boulangerie
Business Address: 35 Tank House Lane, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4, Canada
Website: https://clunybistro.com/
Phone Number: +1 416-203-2632
Business Hours:
- Closed from Monday to Tuesday
- Wednesday to Thursday: 12 PM–9 PM
- Friday: 12 PM–10 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM–10 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM–9 PM
Cluny Bistro is hands down one of the coolest joints in Toronto’s Distillery District. Their Parisian-inspired digs are just the bee’s knees, with a jaw-dropping interior and a cozy outdoor patio perfect for those warm summer nights.
Chef Paul Benallick (you might know him from Canoe or Auberge du Pommier) is the mastermind behind the menu, which is packed with everything from small bites to decadent desserts.
Your eyes (and your stomach!) will thank you for feasting on classic French favorites like their famous Cluny French Onion Soup or a hearty serving of Steak Frites, available in your pick of flat iron, tenderloin, or rib eye.
Pro Tip:
If you’re feeling a bit more laid-back, they’ve even got a café and bakery attached where you can grab a cup of joe and some fresh pastries!