From opulent seafood towers to savory eggplant crêpes, the city’s French restaurant scene is thriving and experiencing a renaissance. Similar to the recent uptick in Italian restaurants throughout the city, French cuisine in Chicago has become more affordable, vegetarian-friendly and innovative than ever. You have cozy, traditional Parisian bistros, swanky wine bars and casual brasseries to choose from as you sip tea, absinthe or a full-bodied and refined Cabernet Sauvignon. While French food is known for its buttery palate, heavy meats and pungent cheeses, the pastries at these bakeries and restaurants will be the perfect sweet night cap to your meal as you ponder de Beauvoir’s existentialism. Check out our list of Chicago’s best French restaurants so you can dive into gooey French onion soup or tap your spoon on some crispy crème brulée.
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