Best french restaurants in Toronto

The top French eateries in Toronto show off a wide variety of approaches to the cuisine that is iconic. Whether you intend to celebrate with champagne in one of the most upscale dining rooms in this city or have an appetite for moules et frites in a casual bistro setting, these eateries can accommodate your desires.

Jacques Bistro du Parc

This hidden jewel in Yorkville continues to be going strong since 1978 serving up phenomenal all-day omelettes alongside peppery steaks and roasted racks of lamb. Costs are expectedly high, but the service is careful enough to make diners feel special.

La Societe

Charles Khabouth's Yorkville bistro boasts a splendor that's unmatched in the city. The menu continues to entice with indulgent entrees like duck confit and slow roasted bunny and opens with selections from the raw bar. The weekend brunch menu is equally as opulent.

Batifole

The menu of Batifole might be fairly priced, but not in the expense of well-executed dishes and sourced wines. Commonly regarded as the most genuine of the French restaurants in Toronto, the unpretentious dining room takes a backseat to classic dishes like cassoulet and fish stews, which would be the primary draw for east side lovers of Gallic cuisine.

Le Select Bistro

This bistro on Wellington remains the go-to destination for many Toronto diners seeking to satiate their internal Francophile. Chef Albert Ponzo has all the usual suspects covered - steak frites, bouillabaisse, boudin noir, etc. - but presents them with an atmosphere of sophistication that justifies the not-so-bistro-like prices.


Best brunch Toronto

Auberge du Pommier

Though immaculately prepared bistro favourites exuding undeniable French cottage appeal, this uptown eatery serves high-priced. Steak tartare cuts before continuing on to pan seared duck breast. The wine list is as showy and expensive as you'd expect.

Bonjour Brioche

This east side breakfast area triumphs the art of French baking and serves up a menu featuring sandwiches assembled on fresh baguettes, tarts, and quiches. As brunch crowds from near and far flock here to fill through to the delicious croque madam featuring ham and gruyere on brioche crowned with a fried egg be prepared to queue through to weekends.

Colette

Found at the base of the Thompson Hotel, this restaurant is a bastion for classic French fare with a substantial focus on seafood. The menu is rich with opportunities to drink champagne revelling in bowls of lobster bouillabaisse and while knocking back oysters.

Alo

This third floor eatery at Queen and Spadina is scrupulous service, but also a temple to fine dining where the complex decor matchs not only haute cuisine. The tasting menu offers several collections for each of five classes along with complimentary surprises from the kitchen on the way.

L'Avenue Bistro

This Leaside bistro brings locals outside for French onion soup, moules frites, and beef bourguignon, amongst other French classics. The setting is intimate (35 seats), the waiters know their wine, as well as the owners realize how exactly to craft a prototypical French dining experience. Bonus points given for the brunch choices.

La Palette

Once a staple in Kensington Market, La Palette seems right in the home in its pitch-perfect bistro setting on Queen West. Horse tartare is again a fixture on the menu, as well as prized French fare like escargot and foie gras. An extensive variety of wine is eschewed in favour of a beer list that's huge on both local and international selections.