Top Best French Restaurants in Massachusetts

"CambridgeCraigie Street Bistrot was one of those harrowed spots you wanted to stay shrouded in secrecy, the not-easily-found basement space where chef-owner Tony Maws worked his revelatory French magic. But the secret got out for good when Maws moved into a bigger Central Square location, and his legacy cemented when the Craigie burger graced the cover of Bon Appétit. Wondrous as it is, that burger should never overshadow the nightly wonders coming out of the Craigie kitchen, whether it’s a chicken stuffed with dates and chicken sausage or an entire roasted pig’s head for two."

"One of the original high-end burgers in the Boston area, the legendary Craigie burger still inspires lines of hungry fans. In non-COVID times, it’s sold in limited quantities at the bar right at opening, and it generally goes quickly. The burger, served on a milk-style bun, features a grass-fed beef patty that is ground in-house, Shelburne Farm cheddar, mace ketchup, and a lettuce-and-onion mixture dressed in “burger vinaigrette.” Seasonally, there’s a tomato slice."

"Mango Napoléon puff pastry, diplomat créme, milk chocolate _._._._._._ #no9park #bostonfoodies #bostoneats #dessertmonster #springdesserts. The best of both French and Italian cuisines in one restaurant is perfectly located in one of the most iconic and historic Beacon Hill of Boston. This simple yet flavorful perfectionist restaurant also is a AAA Four Diamond Rating holder from James Beard Foundation, for having an outstanding wine collection."

"Another dining destination from Chef Barbara Lynch, No 9 Park is set in a luxurious townhouse in the Beacon Hill area. The cuisine here is a mix of French and Italian with regional influences. The six-course Chef’s Tasting Menu changes every other week and includes seafood, pasta and meat dishes to savor."

"The glamorous, chandelier-lit dining room creates a special occasion-feel, but there isn’t a hint of stuffiness at this friendly, Back Bay cornerstone. Deuxave's contemporary French fare is complemented by a voluminous wine list that features more than 20 options by the glass. Chef and co-owner Chris Coombs’ talent for hospitality and sumptuous dishes translates to a sophisticated yet relaxed enviroment, where champagne and caviar, spiced duck breast and native lobster with spätzle are the norm."

"Dine in elegance and sophistication at Boston’s Deuxave, a trendy neighborhood restaurant serving upscale, contemporary French cuisine. Treat yourself to incredible delicacies, such as the Spiced Colorado Lamb Loin or the Tagliatelle Bolognaise. The restaurant has an impressive wine list and an innovative cocktail and beer program."

"Head to the Back Bay for a delightfully romantic date night at Deuxave. Owners Brian Piccini and Christopher Coombs are proud of the inspired, fine dining menu available here and t..."

"Popular French restaurant Mistral can be found in the South End, which is known for its uncomplicated French Mediterranean cuisine, made with seasonal ingredients. Menu items include Pan Roasted Halibut, Pan Roasted Prime Sirloin "Au Poive" and Roast Rack of Colorado Lamb. Mistral is run by the same group as Teatro, and they also have several other acclaimed restaurants, including L'Andana in Burlington and Ostra in the Back Bay."

"Part of the Columbus Hospitality Group (Bar Lyon, Sorellina), the decor at Mistral is sophisticated and dramatic, with artistic touches reminiscent of Southern France. Located at 223 Columbus Ave. in Back Bay, it is the highest-rated upscale French restaurant in Boston, boasting four stars out of 894 reviews on Yelp. The Mediterranean-inspired seasonal dishes represent classic French dishes and modern updates."

"Mistral Bistro in South End serves a French menu made with the finest seasonal ingredients. Enjoy the sophisticated atmosphere and Provence-style décor while you dine on exquisite dishes, like the Maine Crab Ravioli appetizer, Pan-Roasted Cornish Game Hen, or a delicious, thin crust pizza. They also offer fine wines and craft cocktails."

"Dating back to 1947, La Voile or “the sail” is an import originating from South of France. La Voile Au Vent is one of the finest restaurants coming from the home of French cuisine itself. Originating from Cannes, there is nothing less to expect from La Voile and their French brasserie."

"Old school ceiling fans and touches of red and gold, plus plenty of black and white photos speak loudly of the original La Voile in Cannes. That French spirit also runs through the..."

"Maybe it was the plush red banquettes and gold ceiling fans that sold us on this subterranean Newbury Street bistro. Or maybe it was the [...] read more». 2014 Best French Restaurant"

"Website –Visit NowType – New England – FrenchPrice range – $68 – $208District – Back BayAddress – 774 Boylston Street Boston MA. Opened in 1978 in the hip and trendy Back Bay neighborhood, L’Espalier is the creation of author, proprietor, now farmer and life-long chef Frank McClelland. With a focus on a New England take on traditional French cuisine, L’Espalier was the first restaurant to bring haute cuisine to Boston."

"Conveniently close for guests of the Mandarin Oriental, L’Espalier captures modern New England-French cuisine in a simple yet chic atmosphere. Chef McClelland’s menus allow guests to mix and match from what’s available for a custom dining experience. The seasonal Chef’s Tasting Journey menu explores courses including caviar and truffles, enjoyed at the Chef’s Table in the L’Espalier kitchen."

"Next up is Back Bay’s L’Espalier, situated next to the Mandarin Oriental Hotel at 774 Boylston St. The focus is on French cuisine inspired by New England ingredients. Chef Frank McClelland offers a daily tasting menu, or order a la carte. Starters include yellow fin tuna with mushroom-stuffed cannelloni, and mussels with new potatoes, mustard seeds, lime gel, radishes and spicy bone marrow."

"Timid diners will like the go-to Chinese chicken wings and fried rice; the more adventurous will come for a round of dumplings and well-honed family recipes."

"Johnny's Luncheonette has a 50's diner feel and serves breakfast all day as well as lunch and dinner. Their seriously sensational homestyle food evokes the essence of an era when meals were made from scratch and cooked with love in your kitchen. Loyal customers come to this Newton Center food shop more than once a week to get a taste of their favorites."

"When you’re faced with the daunting three-page breakfast menu at Johnny’s Luncheonette in Newton Center, just seek out the signature crunchy French toast — thick challah bread covered in granola, cornflakes and almonds, and served with butter and hot maple syrup on the side."

"Juliet makes this list because - even though there’s a prose poem on the menu - it’s somehow the least pretentious fine-dining restaurant we’ve ever experienced. This tiny Union Square spot feels less like a fancy French restaurant and more like a casual get-together in your friend’s endearingly messy apartment. Your friend’s probably not capable of serving up a five-course tasting menu with hyper-local ingredients, though, let alone one that changes up every few weeks and is put together with a unified theme."

"An ambitious new addition to Cambridge's competitive scene, Juliet-run by Joshua Lewin and Katrina Jazayeri-is our favorite new spot for brunch. The couple's first brick-and-mortar restaurant in Somerville serves soft-cooked omelets with wild mushrooms and fresh herbs and toast with cured salmon topped with tamarind and yogurt."

"The Liquid Art House (L.A.H.) is a beautiful dining experience. Reviewers across the board have raved that it is unlike any other restaurant they have seen, and that it feels like they are dining in the center of a museum or art gallery. Funky pieces of art adorn the walls, and every style choice down to the chairs serves an artistic purpose."

"CambridgeVegan cuisine can be hit-or-miss, but it’s safe to say that Veggie Galaxy is consistently batting 1000. Well-versed in the realm of comfort food, this vintage diner is living proof that you can, in fact, compose a fully indulgent, extravagant, and obscenely flavorful meal without using a single molecule of animal protein. From fiery seitan-based chick’n sandwiches to crispy plant-based mozzarella sticks to creamy peanut butter chocolate frappes, Veggie Galaxy will make meat feel like nothing more than a distant memory.How to book: Stop by for first-come, first-serve seating or order take-out and delivery online."

"Boston Public Garden and Boston Common happen to be a pair of public parks, with the former being at the centre of the city and the latter being the first public park of the United States. While the two are excellent for simply taking a stroll, admiring the wildlife, monuments and fountains or riding the Swan boat, the former is also a botanical garden which showcases a variety of flora. The Victorian touch of the parks provides a romantic feel, which is why they are preferred locations for weddings."

"Adjoining Boston Common, the Public Garden is a 24-acre botanical oasis of Victorian flower beds, verdant grass and weeping willow trees shading a tranquil lagoon. The old-fashioned pedal-powered Swan Boats have been delighting children for generations. The most endearing spot in the Public Garden is the Make Way for Ducklings Statue, depicting Mrs Mallard and her eight ducklings, the main characters in the beloved book by Robert McCloskey."

"Wander around to the Public Gardens, or sit by the Frog Pond. It is a great way to enjoy the city without spending a penny."