Best French Restaurants in Long Island City (11101)
4 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Top Pick
Café Henri
All-day French bistro classics with a real neighborhood-café rhythm.
Notable Picks
#1
Café Henri
8.6
A neighborhood French café that feels equal parts bistro and all-day hangout, built around classic plates that work for both brunch and dinner. It’s at its best when you lean into traditional staples—mussels, coq au vin, escargot—and keep the meal paced with a glass of wine and a dessert finish.
Must-Try Dishes:
Moules frites, Coq au vin, Crêpes (seasonal/sweet)
What makes it special: All-day French bistro classics with a real neighborhood-café rhythm.
#2
Tournesol
8.5
A tight, classic French bistro where the food leans traditional and satisfying rather than experimental—exactly what you want when you’re craving steak-frites energy and serious sauces. Order with restraint and balance (one rich entrée, one lighter starter) and it delivers a dependable, date-friendly night out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak frites, Duck confit, French onion soup
What makes it special: Old-school French bistro cooking that rewards classic ordering.
8.4
A French bakery-café that’s as much about precision pastry as it is about savory grab-and-go, with a menu that rewards arriving early and ordering decisively. The strongest move is one standout viennoiserie plus one sandwich built on their baguette—clean, structured, and very repeatable.
Must-Try Dishes:
Almond croissant, Paris-Brest, Tuna baguette sandwich
What makes it special: French pastry craft plus a baguette program that sells out for a reason.
8.0
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Brunch Bliss Spots
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A compact neighborhood café that quietly overdelivers on croissants, coffee, and breakfast/lunch staples—more everyday French-leaning bakery energy than formal bistro. It’s best as a reliable routine stop: one pastry, one savory sandwich, and you’re out without over-ordering.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ham & cheese croissant, Egg sandwich (breakfast), Homemade chocolate chip cookie
What makes it special: Neighborhood bakery-café comfort with strong pastries and repeatable lunch options.