Best French Restaurants in Central Southwest

12 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Le Colonial - Houston restaurant

1. Le Colonial - Houston

4.7

Exceptional(3727)

Price: Expensive

• French • Galleria / Uptown

Booked 75 times today

Le Colonial in Houston's bustling Galleria / Uptown area offers an exquisite plunge into the world of Contemporary Asian cuisine, echoing the vibrant flavors and ambiance of 1920s Saigon. Diners consistently praise its "magnificent" menu and the "creative and delicious" cocktails, highlighting the authenticity and quality of each dish. The restaurant's atmosphere, adorned with period photography and plush seating, enhances the dining experience, making every visit memorable. Notable reviews rave about the freshness of the ingredients and the meticulous care in preparation, with patrons saying they "always feel special" and the experience is "extraordinary." Whether it's the spicy chicken stir-fry or the praised shaking beef, Le Colonial delivers a culinary journey that's both authentic and innovative, making it a must-visit destination for lovers of Contemporary Asian cuisine.

2. The Marigold Club

4.6

Exceptional(163)

Price: Very Expensive

• French • Montrose

Booked 23 times today

At The Marigold Club in Montrose, Houston, the seafood offerings are unparalleled, capturing the essence of fine dining with a distinct touch of local charm. Patrons rave about the "outstanding" seafood dishes, with the scallop crudo, raw oysters, and mussel escabeche toast frequently highlighted as must-try items. One reviewer enthused about the "scallop crudo" and "raw oysters," describing them as "top dishes," while another was captivated by the "mussel toast," calling it "super unique and tons of flavor." This venue not only promises a feast for the palate but also an immersive experience where every detail, from the food to the ambiance, is meticulously crafted to ensure a memorable dining adventure. The Marigold Club truly stands as a jewel in Houston’s culinary scene, making it a must-visit for seafood lovers.

A photo of Le Jardinier - Houston restaurant

3. Le Jardinier - Houston

4.7

Exceptional(157)

Price: Very Expensive

• French • Heights / Washington

Booked 40 times today

Michelin-starred Le Jardinier is a unique and refined restaurant from Michelin-starred Chef Alain Verzeroli located in The Museum of Fine Arts Houston.Rooted in timeless French approach, Chef Verzeroli has created a menu where plants play a prominent role: seasonal fruits and vegetables, fresh herbs, and greens are complemented by wild and sustainable fish with local Texas meats. All our breads are gluten-free and baked in house.Le Jardinier's light-filled space will evoke a feeling of relaxed-luxury and incorporate custom art pieces with outdoor dining set within an Isamu Noguchi-designed sculpture garden. In 2024, Le Jardinier was awarded one Michelin Star at Texas' Inaugural Michelin Guide.

A photo of Sophie Cocktail and Terrace Bar restaurant

4. Sophie Cocktail and Terrace Bar

3.7

Very Good(131)

Price: Expensive

• French • Montrose

Booked 53 times today

Sophie Cocktail and Terrace Bar in Montrose, Houston, brings a slice of the South of France right to your doorstep. Celebrated for its authentic French flair, the restaurant has quickly become a beloved spot for those seeking both sophistication and delightful cuisine. Guests rave about the "best burger in Houston" and the "flavorful and beautifully presented" dishes that exceed expectations for a cocktail bar. The atmosphere is described as being "like you are in Paris downstairs," enhancing the French dining experience. With its chic decor and exemplary service, Sophie promises an unforgettable dining experience where the essence of French cuisine shines through in every bite.

A photo of Toulouse - Houston restaurant

5. Toulouse - Houston

4.7

Exceptional(2506)

Price: Expensive

• French • River Oaks

Booked 105 times today

Toulouse Café and Bar recalls a Fin de Siecle Parisian Café where you are likely to bump into friends and find yourself in conversations with neighboring tables. At first glance you will notice the bustling activity that characterizes Toulouse: wait staff with wine openers and hot plates of food, people chatting and laughing, the clink of wine glasses… the atmosphere is sophisticated and good moods are contagious.In the tradition of all fine bistros, Toulouse has imaginative and seasonal menus that provide exactly what its patrons long for: cozy tables open to the street, mouth-watering specialties a la Française, delicious desserts made from scratch and an extensive wine list. Enjoy the tastes of France with our exciting yet comforting dishes such as our famous quiches, an expertly cooked trout almondine or the best mussels in the city.Dine with us and be transported to Paris, if only for a moment.

6. a'Bouzy

4.7

Exceptional(2669)

Price: Moderate

• French • River Oaks

Booked 57 times today

At a'Bouzy in the upscale River Oaks neighborhood of Houston, contemporary French and American cuisines are elevated to an art form, delighting diners with its chic, bubbly atmosphere and exceptional dishes. This restaurant, fueled by an impressive selection of underpriced champagne, offers a menu that balances innovation with classic sophistication. Guests rave about the seafood pot pie, describing it as "to die for," and the brunch experience as "spectacular" with a "high energy, bustling" vibe perfect for people watching. Whether it's the meticulously crafted cocktails or the fresh, seasonal ingredients in each dish, a'Bouzy provides a memorable dining adventure. As one enthusiastic diner noted, "the food and drinks and ambiance could not have been better." This spot is a beacon for those seeking a fusion of French flair and American creativity, all wrapped in a lively, stylish setting.

A photo of Costa Brava Bistro restaurant

7. Costa Brava Bistro

5.0

Exceptional(1901)

Price: Very Expensive

• French • Bellaire

Booked 11 times today

At Costa Brava Bistro in Bellaire, the seafood cuisine is not just a meal but a celebration of Spanish and French culinary excellence. Praised for its quality and authenticity, Costa Brava has earned a spot on Open Table's 2016 list of "100 Best Restaurants for Foodies in America." Guests consistently rave about dishes like the "delicious" Seafood Black Rice and "excellent" grilled octopus, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to exceptional seafood. The soft shelled crab and Sea Scallops with Gulf Shrimp are other standout choices, frequently recommended by diners for their freshness and flavorful preparation. As one diner put it, "the food is supreme!" making Costa Brava Bistro a must-visit for seafood lovers in Houston.

A photo of Etoile Cuisine Et Bar restaurant

8. Etoile Cuisine Et Bar

4.8

Exceptional(3822)

Price: Expensive

• French • Galleria / Uptown

Booked 29 times today

Nestled in the vibrant Galleria / Uptown area of Houston, Étoile Cuisine et Bar stands as a beacon of French culinary excellence. Chefs Philippe Verpiand and Monica Bui have masterfully created a space where "the food is consistently spectacular" and the ambiance echoes a charming French bistro. Celebrated for its authenticity, Étoile shines with dishes that speak of meticulous French technique and seasonal flair. Guests rave about the "exceptional Au Poivre sauce" and the "best foie gras starters." Whether it's a casual brunch featuring "perfectly prepared eggs Benedict" or a special anniversary dinner with "impeccably paired wines," Étoile promises a delightful dining experience that makes every visit memorable. As one patron puts it, "Food, service, and ambiance are first class," making Étoile the go-to destination for genuine French cuisine in Houston.

9. Brasserie 19

new

4.8

Exceptional(2669)

Price: Very Expensive

• French • River Oaks

Booked 59 times today

Brasserie 19, located in Houston’s 77019 neighborhood, offers a modern amalgamation of French brasserie fare and well-known American influences. The menu utilizes the freshest seasonal ingredients in thoughtfully prepared dishes. Brasserie 19 boasts an expansive, carefully developed wine list. Brasserie 19's sophisticated yet unpretentious interiors are bathed in deep blues, cool greys, and whites, with antiqued woods and white marble used throughout. Blue velvet banquettes are paired with woven chairs and complemented by white linen-covered tables to create a casually elegant setting for lunch, dinner or weekend brunch. Brasserie 19 serves lunch and dinner 7 days a week, as well as brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.

10. Cafe Rabelais

4.8

Exceptional(961)

Price: Expensive

• French • Rice Village

Booked 12 times today

Café Rabelais in Houston's vibrant Rice Village is a treasure trove for dessert aficionados seeking the authentic taste of French patisserie. The restaurant offers a delightful end to every meal with its exceptional desserts, including the decadent "fondant au chocolate sur croute de noix" and the refreshing "sorbet du jour." Patrons have raved about the quality, with one guest exclaiming the profiteroles were "out of this world." Whether you're finishing a sumptuous French meal or just popping in for a sweet treat, Café Rabelais promises an unforgettable dessert experience that consistently earns top marks for both taste and presentation.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

G
Gillesvip
Houston •17 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Just a thanks to Bria that served us so well with attention. Food was good as usual . On a not that bad note , we order a second bottle of wine that was on the special of the day . They didn’t have it saying we had only one . They offered us 2 other selections , we choose one . Was supposedly to get a discount or have it at same price than first one as per that assistant manager . Well we paid it full price and never received the promise discount . That assistant manager just disappear 🤷‍♂️
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Toulouse - HoustonPrice: Expensive• French• River Oaks
•
4.7
A
Armi
Houston •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Came for serotonin boast...Christmas decors were up and beautiful. I wanted a lite simple lunch but had 3course meal w my sister. We'll definitely come back. The staff were nice and understanding that we wanted to take pictures too.
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Annabelle BrasseriePrice: Expensive• French• Montrose
•
4.6
R
Robin
Houston •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Overall we enjoyed our evening! Service was excellent as was the ambiance
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Le Colonial - HoustonPrice: Expensive• Vietnamese• Galleria / Uptown
•
4.7
N
nicole
Austin •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
The food and service were perfection. Beautiful interior. Every detail was immaculate.
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The Marigold ClubPrice: Very Expensive• French• Montrose
•
4.6
DL
DebraL
Austin •17 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 14, 2024
I love that the menu is seasonal. I had an appetizer (garden salad with caramelized anchovy dressing, pickled cauliflower and wafer-thin croutons) and the parisian gnocchi lardons with squash veloute with a lovely sparkling wine. The service was impeccable, and it was surprisingly quiet, given that the restaurant was mostly full for lunch. Beautiful decor and ambiance, would be perfect for entertaining out of town guests or for a special occasion. I hope to go back to enjoy other seasonal menu creations.
More info
Le Jardinier - HoustonPrice: Very Expensive• French• Heights / Washington
•
4.7

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Best French Restaurants in Central Southwest

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12 restaurants available nearby

1. Le Colonial - Houston

2. The Marigold Club

3. Le Jardinier - Houston

4. Sophie Cocktail and Terrace Bar

5. Toulouse - Houston

6. a'Bouzy

7. Costa Brava Bistro

8. Etoile Cuisine Et Bar

9. Brasserie 19

10. Cafe Rabelais

See what locals rave about

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