Whether you’re after a positively French experience, show stopping French-inspired eats, or the perfect bistro setting for an afternoon rendez-vous, here’s our list of the best French restaurants in Vancouver.
Jules French Casual Bistro
Crème caramel (Jess Fleming / Vancity Buzz)
One of Vancouver’s most beloved restaurants, Jules Casual French Bistro, is owned and run by Chef Emmanuel Joinville. This charming little Gastown restaurant (perfect for an intimate rendez-vous) offers lunch, dinner and weekend brunch menus inspired by the fare found in France. Enjoy authentic French dishes like escargot, homemade country style pâté, mussels steamed in white wine and garlic, duck leg confit, and more enticing options.
Address: 216 Abbott Street
Phone: 604-669-0033
Twitter: @JulesBistro
Tableau Bar Bistro
Photo courtesy of Tableau Bar Bistro
Located in Coal Harbour, Tableau Bar Bistro offers an contemporary take on traditional French bistro fare, prepared by Executive Chef Marc-André Choquette and his team. Visiting patrons will find a welcoming interior that combines old world classic bistro décor with modern accents and a French-inspired menu that blends classic culinary flavours of Paris with the use of fresh, west coast ingredients.
Address: 1181 Melville Street
Phone: 604-639-8692
Twitter: @TableauBistro
Au Comptoir
Inside Au Comptoir (Jess Fleming / Vancity Buzz)
Au Comptoir offers diners a little slice of Paris. In addition to French-speaking servers and food, which nods to France (think artisanal cheeses, cured meats, fresh oysters, a steamed fish of the day, and red wine braised venison stew), the dining area is simply très chic. The walls are charmingly adorned with hanging mirrors; the timber furniture is rustic; the concrete flooring is polished, and the authentic tin-topped bar is inviting. With such elegant and noticeably French features, visiting patrons will feel as though they’ve miraculously been transported to a Parisian side-street café.
Address: 2278 West 4th Avenue
Phone: 604-569-2278
Twitter: @au_comptoir
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L’Abattoir
L’Abattoir’s bar area (Jess Fleming / Vancity Buzz)
Gastown’s L’Abattoir has a strong following, thanks to the eatery’s stylish setting, creative cocktails, and enticing French influenced West Coast fare. Open nightly, the restaurant offers diners the choice between Elk pâté, Yellowtail tartare, Roasted Mushrooms with truffled egg, Pan Fried Veal Sweetbreads, Baked Pacific Oysters with whipped garlic butter, and more. For those on the brunch beat, you’ll be happy to note the restaurant is open both Saturday and Sunday mornings, and serves up some truly stellar nosh.
Address: 217 Carrall Street
Phone: 604-568-1701
Twitter: @LABATTOIR_VAN
Bistro Wagon Rouge
Affiliated with the wildly popular Red Wagon, Bistro Wagon Rouge owned by Brad Miller, prides itself on being a ‘blue collar’ French Bistro. The restaurant, which is home to a funky interior and a casual vibe delivers a solid list of edible offerings. Although the menu changes regularly, diners can expect to discover French hits like cassoulet, terrine, pâté, duck confit, pork belly, french onion soup and steak frites.
Address: 1869 Powell Street
Phone: 604-251-4070
Twitter: @WagonRouge
Bistro Pastis
Jess Fleming / Vancity Buzz
Among the sporting goods stores on West 4th, this smart little bistro serves exquisite French cuisine. Owned and operated by veteran Vancouver restaurateur John Blakeley, Bistro Pastis has been treating patrons to its classic French bistro fare for over 15 years. Naturally, the menu at this Kitsilano eatery reflects the restaurant’s French roots and is comprised of a variety of appetizing small and large plates, including Salade Niçoise, bouillabaisse, ratatouille Provençale, a duck confit cassoulet, and more.
Address: 2153 West 4th Ave, Kitsilano
Phone: 604-731-5020
Twitter: @BistroPastisVan
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La Brasserie
Savour a range of French-inspired hor d’oeuvres, entrees, and sides at La Brasserie, a 35 seat Franco-German restaurant located in the city’s West End. Decked out with simple furnishings, this neighbouhood gem is a reliable spot for a feed. Look out for the restaurant’s chicken rillettes, steak tartare, bouillabaisse, and steak frites.
Address: 1091 Davie Street
Phone: 778-379-5400
Twitter: @La_Brasserie
Le Crocodile
Diners who frequent, the longstanding French restaurant, Le Crocodile can treat themselves to a variety of French-inspired temptations. Situated in an obscure little nook on Burrard Street, Le Crocodile has been in operation for 30 years, and continues to deliver fine French food. The menu includes a Chef’s Tasting Menu, in addition to regular lunch and dinner offerings.
Address: 100–909 Burrard Street
Phone:604-669-4298
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