Do you dream of savoring authentic French cuisine in the heart of Charlotte, NC? Then buckle up and join us on a mouth-watering journey as we unveil the top 10 best French restaurants in Charlotte, NC, that will transport you straight to the charming streets of Paris! Prepare to indulge in classic French delicacies, innovative creations, and savory pastries that will leave you wanting more.
Whether you’re searching for a cozy French café or the best French restaurant in Charlotte, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to immerse yourself in rich flavors, decadent desserts, and exquisite wines as we uncover the crème de la crème of French dining in Charlotte, North Carolina. Are you ready to embark on a gourmet exploration? Bienvenue!
List of Best French Restaurants in Charlotte
Here is a list of the best French restaurants in Charlotte nearby.
- La Belle Helene
- Amélie’s French Bakery & Café
- The Fig Tree Restaurant
- Coquette
- Cafe Monte French Bakery And Bistro
- Bentley’s Restaurant
- Renaissance Pâtissserie
- McNinch House Restaurant
- Crepe Bistro
- Midwood Smokehouse
La Belle Helene
La Belle Helene is a lovely French restaurant in Charlotte, NC, known for its elegant decor, warm ambiance, and exceptional service. Whether for a romantic dinner or celebratory gathering, it’s an ideal destination. A signature dish is the Coq au Vin, a classic French chicken braised in red wine, bacon, mushrooms, and onions, served with creamy mashed potatoes.
The menu also offers other French classics like Escargots de Bourgogne, Beef Bourguignon, and Ratatouille, complemented by a well-curated wine list. With a smart casual dress code, relaxed atmosphere, and convenient location, La Belle Helene provides an authentic French dining experience that’s cherished by both locals and tourists alike.
Location: Barings
Service options: Dine-in · Takeaway · No delivery
Address: 300 S Tryon St Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28202, United States
Amélie’s French Bakery & Café
Amélie’s French Bakery & Café is a renowned culinary gem, offering an exquisite selection of French-inspired pastries, savory delights, and coffee. A must-try is the Salted Caramel Brownie, a luscious creation with a rich chocolate brownie base layered with salted caramel and adorned with a sprinkle of sea salt. Their range of croissants, including classic, chocolate, almond, and ham and cheese, are freshly baked and utterly delectable.
The delicate macarons, available in flavors such as raspberry, pistachio, and salted caramel, along with the delightful eclair choices, further elevate the culinary experience. Amélie’s provides a warm and relaxed ambiance, serving a diverse menu including sandwiches, salads, and coffee, making it a welcoming destination.
Areas: Charlotte
Service options: Dine-in · Takeaway · Delivery
Address: 136 E 36th St, Charlotte, NC 28205, United States
The Fig Tree Restaurant
The Fig Tree Restaurant, located in Charlotte, North Carolina, is an upscale French establishment housed in the historic Lucas House. Renowned since 2005, it offers an exceptional fine dining experience with a seasonal French and Italian-inspired menu, an award-winning wine list, and impeccable service.
A signature dish is the Beef Wellington, crafted with beef tenderloin, mushroom duxelles, and foie gras, encased in puff pastry and served with roasted vegetables and a red wine reduction. The menu also features classics like Escargots de Bourgogne, Coq au Vin, and Bouillabaisse, complemented by a carefully curated wine list. The restaurant’s smart-casual dress code and elegant atmosphere make it a top choice for French cuisine enthusiasts and visitors alike.
Neighborhood: Elizabeth
Service options: Dine-in · Kerbside pickup · No delivery
Address: 1601 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28204, United States
Coquette
Coquette is a fancy French restaurant in uptown Charlotte, North Carolina. It offers a cozy and relaxed environment with a French-inspired menu that changes according to the season. The restaurant is famous for its mouth-watering Steak fries dish, which features crispy fries and garlic aioli and is made with the Creekstone NY Strip.
The menu also includes classic French dishes such as Coq au Vin, Beef Bourguignon, and Bouillabaisse, and a selection of wines that are carefully curated. Coquette is a popular spot among locals and tourists, thanks to its elegant atmosphere and exceptional service.
Neighborhood: Uptown
Service options: Delivery and pickup
Address: 400 S Tryon St. Ste 10x, Charlotte, NC 28285, United States
Cafe Monte French Bakery And Bistro
Café Monte French Bakery and Bistro in South Park, Charlotte, has been a beloved establishment since 2007, offering a unique blend of French and American cuisine. They provide a combination of quick counter service and full dining with an emphasis on fresh ingredients. Their menu includes a variety of French-inspired dishes such as beignets, escargot, omelets, quiches, crepes, soups, salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and desserts.
They also serve all-day breakfast and lunch, and their signature items include the Benedict Monte, Crab Cake Benedict, and the Hamburger Royale. Café Monte caters to vegetarians and vegans and accepts online reservations. The restaurant consistently receives high ratings for its food, service, and atmosphere, making it a top choice for those seeking the best French Bistro experience in Charlotte.
Location: Phillips Place
Service options: Dine-in · Takeaway · Delivery
Address: 6700 Fairview Rd #108, Charlotte, NC 28210, United States
Bentley’s Restaurant
Bentley’s Restaurant French Bakery and Bistro in South Park, Charlotte, NC, offers an exceptional American-French dining experience in an upscale setting. Their menu showcases a harmonious fusion of traditional French influences with innovative twists, featuring prime steaks, chops, and fresh Hawaiian seafood.
Notably, Bentley’s is known for its captivating French tableside service, adding a unique touch to the dining experience. With glowing reviews on TripAdvisor and Yelp, it’s the perfect destination for a romantic dinner or special occasion. For those seeking a taste of France in Charlotte, Bentley’s delivers high-end culinary delights in an elegant atmosphere.
Location: Piedmont Town Center
Service options: Dine-in · Takeaway
Address: 4620 Piedmont Row Dr #110, Charlotte, NC 28210, United States
Renaissance Pâtissserie
Renaissance Pâtisserie French Bakery and Bistro, an award-winning, authentic French bakery in Southpark, Charlotte, NC, has gained a devoted following of foodies who appreciate their traditional French pastries, viennoiserie, bread, and bistro café fare. Led by classically-trained French chef Sylvain Rivet, the bakery is renowned for its high-quality, buttery croissants and other delectable pastries, including macarons, éclairs, tarts, and cakes.
With excellent reviews on TripAdvisor and Yelp, this establishment offers a great wine selection to complement your meal. If you want an authentic French bakery experience in Charlotte, Renaissance Pâtisserie is the ideal destination to savor delicious pastries and bistro delights made with the finest ingredients.
Location: Specialty Shops SouthPark
Service options: Dine-in · Takeaway · Delivery
Address: 6401 Carnegie Blvd #4a, Charlotte, NC 28211, United States
McNinch House Restaurant
The McNinch House Restaurant is a historic haven in Charlotte, North Carolina. Once the residence of Victorian-era Mayor Sam McNinch since 1892, this Queen Anne-style gem has gracefully transformed into a timeless fine dining experience since 1989. Celebrated for its exceptional cuisine blending continental, European, French, and American influences, this upscale establishment is more than a dining venue – it’s a journey through flavors and time adorned with a rich history of awards.
Tailored for intimate gatherings, the restaurant offers private party accommodations for up to 35 guests, making it an ideal setting for weddings, rehearsals, corporate events, and medical education dinners. Every visit to The McNinch House promises a unique and unforgettable dining experience, where each moment becomes a cherished memory.
Neighborhood: Fourth Ward
Service options: Dine-in · No delivery
Address: 511 N Church St, Charlotte, NC 28202, United States
Crepe Bistro
In Charlotte, North Carolina, Crepe Bistro offers deliciously crafted savory and sweet crepes crafted with high-quality ingredients. The restaurant also has a diverse menu featuring premium meats, fresh vegetables, and tasty toppings. Besides crepes, enjoy sandwiches, paninis, wraps, salads, omelets, waffles, and more, all made with 100% fresh ingredients. A wide selection of wine and beer is also available for coffee lovers.
Celebrating its fifth-year anniversary, Crepe Bistro consistently delivers excellence in food, drinks, and service, making it the ideal destination for engagements, birthdays, anniversaries, private events, and memorable dining experiences. Crepe Bistro was honored with the “TASTE OF THE EXPO” award at the Matthews Chamber Business Expo in 2019.
Neighborhood: East Forest
Service options: Dine-in · Takeaway · No-contact delivery
Address: 1605 Galleria Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28270, United States
Midwood Smokehouse
Midwood Smokehouse French Bakery and Bistro is a popular Charlotte restaurant renowned for its distinctive blend of BBQ and French-inspired cuisine, making it a must-visit for locals and tourists alike. Their standout dish, the Croque Madame, is a classic French sandwich featuring ham, gruyere cheese, béchamel sauce, and a fried egg. With multiple convenient locations in Charlotte, including Ballantyne, Birkdale Village, Cross Hill Market, Park Road, Plaza Midwood, and Smoky Hollow, the restaurant offers accessible dining options. It provides moderate pricing for families and groups, with easy reservation options through OpenTable or phone. Midwood Smokehouse French Bakery and Bistro offers a unique fusion of BBQ and French cuisine for a distinctive dining experience in Charlotte.
Location: Plaza 25
Service options: Dine-in · Kerbside pickup · Delivery
Address: 1401 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205, United States
