While French gastronomy may have a reputation of being refined and formal, its origins stem from the hearty, peasant dishes of the countryside, and in the fresh produce of France’s southern regions. In Houston, there are various cafes, bistros, and brasseries in which to find a cross-sampling of France’s culinary delights. Add in a bottle of Bordeaux and some rustic bistro decor, and you have a remarkable dining experience that feels like a true escape.
For gourmands in search of creamy French cheeses, garlicky escargot, and heavenly pot de creme, here is a list of restaurants serving the finest French food in Houston.
Annabelle’s Brasserie
Located in Autry Park, this well-appointed restaurant from Berg Hospitality offers a menu of elegant French traditions for lunch and dinner daily. Start strong with foie gras torchon ($35) or French onion soup ($19). If you feel like splurging, consider the raw bar options and classic presentation of caviar, before moving on to entrees like Parisienne steak frites ($46) and seared branzino ($35). Weekend bruch service is just as indulgent, with stocked pastry baskets, and dishes like croque monsieur ($21), quiche Lorraine ($19), and pain perdu ($19). 811 Buffalo Park Dr. annabellebrasserie.com
Cafe Rabelais
This Rice Village stalwart has been a favorite for French food for more than two decades. The success of the restaurant can be attributed to its casual charm, and owner Christophe Paul’s mission to provide French cuisine without any pretense. The ambiance is that of a Lyonnaise bouchon with chalkboard menus and racks of wine bottles, and the primarily French wine list showcases vintages by the glass and bottle. On the menu, French classics rule. Expect escargot, French onion soup, and foie gras, along with belly-busting entrees like boeuf a la Bourguignonne ($28) and roasted rack of lamb ($55). 2442 Times Blvd., Houston, caferabelais.com
Artisans
This French restaurant from chef Jacques Fox opened in Midtown in 2010, but has since moved to a fashionable new location in the Galleria-area. The new space features a moody dining room, dedicated bar, and covered outdoor terrace, plus an exclusive chef’s table with views of the kitchen, with seating for 24. Traditional French fare abounds with dishes like le filet de boeuf au poivre ($59), la bouillabaisse Marseillaise ($45), and veal chop ($69). Keep up with Artisans on social media for news on monthly wine dinners. 5745 Westheimer Rd. artisansrestaurant.com
Brasserie du Parc
Situated steps from Discovery Green, on the street level of a luxury residential tower in Downtown, this industrial-chic French restaurant is in the hands of chef-owner Jose Hernandez. The menu leans into classic comfort eats, like French onion soup ($10), escargot ($14), sole meuniere ($26), and coq au vin ($26). Save room for something sweet. Hernandez’s experience as a pastry chef is well-reflected in desserts like pistachio panna cotta ($10), crepe souffle ($11), and apple tart ($10). 1440 Lamar St., Houston, brasserieduparc.net
Brasserie 19
This buzzy River Oaks hangout combines the best of French cuisine with New American flavors, and a bit of Gulf Coast flair. A large bar, with seating offered on either side, is the main attraction of the light-filled dining room, and cozy banquettes that line the walls offer prime people watching views. The lunch crowd is lively with bottles of bubbles being popped, a common occurrence. Start with raw oysters before digging into the grilled ribeye ($65) or trout almondine ($34). On nice weather days, take to the front patio and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the surrounding River Oaks Shopping Center. 1962 W. Gray St., Houston, brasserie19.com
Chez Nous
Houstonians have been making the drive north to Humble for more than 40 years to dine at this gem. Housed in a 1940s-era building, Chez Nous delivers fine dining in a homey environment with toile accents. For the past two decades, the restaurant has been under the direction of chef-owner Stacy Crowe-Simonson and her husband Scott. Chef Simonson’s menu combines French country cooking with Parisian finesse in dishes like Normandy duck mousse ($12) and Gulf shrimp Provencale ($36). True Gallic flavors shine in the charcuterie platter ($21) with duck mousse, pork rillette, smoked duck, and a meat-heavy terrine. For date night, consider the Chateaubriand ($115), which is large enough for two, and the trio of souffles ($21). 217 S. Ave. G, Humble, cheznoushumble.com
Etoile
This Uptown Park restaurant, helmed by Master Chef Philipe Verpiand, feels like a rustic French escape in the heart of the city. Some of the oh-so-French dishes include Etoile cassoulet ($36); filet de boeuf au poivre ($46); coq au vin ($26); and bisque de homard ($15), made with Maine lobster, creme fraiche, and tarragon. Along with a vast selection of global wines, Etoile’s cocktail list is worth exploring, with interesting choices like the Provence Blue ($16), crafted with gin infused with butterfly pea flowers. Visit during Sunday brunch when morning traditions like a gruyere omelet ($17) and eggs benedict ($18) are offered alongside the regular menu. 1101-11 Uptown Park Blvd., Houston, etoilecuisine.com
Maison Pucha
The Pucha brothers are a culinary version of Alexandre Dumas’ “The Three Musketeers” and their journey from Ecuador to New York, and then to Houston, is a riveting story in itself. Manuel Pucha serves as executive chef, while Victor Hugo Pucha leads the pastry program, and Cristian Pucha assumes the role of general manager and beverage director. The menu varies by the season, with French dishes showcased alongside Latin and Mediterranean-inspired fare.Think plates like Spanish octopus ($36), steak frites ($36), coq au vin ($29), and Ecuadorian pork stew ($29). A selection of seafood ceviches is usually available year-round. 1001 Studewood St., Ste. A, Houston, maisonpucha.com
Le Jardinier
This stylish restaurant inside the Kinder Building at the Museum of Fine Arts opened under the direction of chef Alain Verzeroli of the Bastion Collection, and also has locations in Miami and New York. The restaurant’s artsy tone is set by the mid-century-style furniture in vibrant hues and an outdoor seating area with views of the Cullen Sculpture Garden. Like its sister restaurants, the Houston location recently earned a Michelin Star. With Michelin-star cred comes luxe fare like royal kaluga caviar service ($130-$230), filet mignon in mornay sauce ($78) and tagliatelle with black truffles ($85). Here, you’ll want to finish off a meal with dessert. Le Jardinier’s pastry chefs create some of the most innovative desserts in town, often inspired by the museum’s current exhibits. 5500 Main St., Ste.122, Houston, lejardinier-houston.com
Toulouse Cafe and Bar
Toulouse is located in the heart of River Oaks District, a sprawling mixed-use development with high-end shops and boutiques. From the Lombardi Family Concepts, which operates two other Toulouse locations in Dallas and Plano, this French restaurant offers style and substance. Start with shareables like gruyere cheese puffs ($11), truffled deviled eggs ($15), and warm brie ($19). Belgian inspiration shows up in mussels mariniere, available as an appetizer ($22) or entree ($29) — the latter served with fries. There are indulgent pasta dishes, like ricotta and truffle agnolotti ($42), plus hearty entrees like lamb shank navarin ($38). The dining room is sleek and modern, but the outdoor patio is the place to be when the weather is nice. 4444 Westheimer Rd., Ste. E. 100, Houston, toulousecafeandbar.com
