Top Spots For French Food In South Florida

Oui, French cuisine is lauded for being among the best in the world and South Florida has welcomed a lot of French ex-pats who have launched successful restaurants and bistros -- from the famed steamed mussels to the garlic, butter sauce to dip your escargot in, here's a selection of some of the most delicious French cuisine that can be had in the area.

Sage French Cafe

2378 North Federal Highway
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305
(954) 565-2299
www.sagecafe.net

For a reasonably priced casual dining atmosphere, Sage offers a great option for those on a budget. It's also owned by an award winning Chef Laurent Tasic who has owned restaurants in Paris, Monaco and the French Antilles. His former clients have included Prince Albert of Monaco and film star Michael Caine. Top dishes include the roasted duck and the beef with mushrooms. They offer 2-for-1 deals some nights of the week.

Le Bouchon du Grove

3430 Main Highway
Coconut Grove, FL
(305) 448-6060
www.lebouchondugrove.com

In French, the word 'Bouchon' conjures up images of a quaint, French restaurant and that's exactly what this Coconut Grove establishment is. It's located in what some call the French quarter of South Florida. It offers up cuisine from the region around Lyon in the Southwest France including fresh steamed mussels and snails in garlic parsley sauce.

La Palme d'Or

The Biltmore Hotel
1200 Anastasia Ave.
Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 913-3201
www.biltmorehotel.com/dining/palme.php

Critics have twice ranked Palme d'Or as "exceptional." Its top chef Philippe Ruiz has won awards for his "French Nouvelle Cuisine" that features more than 20 dishes and a large selection of wines to go with it. The menu includes sautéed frog legs to foie gras.

Café De Paris

715 Las Olas Boulevard
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 467-2900
www.cafedeparislasolas.com

Since they opened in 1962, this long-running French restaurant in the heart of Fort Lauderdale has only grown. It now houses three indoor dining areas as well as outdoor patio seating. Its menu features traditional French fare including Duck A L'Orange and Beef Wellington. Save room for their delectable desserts especially their cherries jubilee prepared with a fine liqueur.

A La Folie

516 Espanola Way
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 538-4484
www.alafoliecafe.com

The charm of the Parisian sidewalk café makes a return with this casual bistro in the heart of South Beach. It offers authentic French food from crepes (thin pancakes) to quiche and a grog (rum and tea) to a kir royale. A La Folie also offers French magazines and newspapers diners can casually browse through as they wait for their meal.