The Resy Guide to the Best French Dining in Miami and Palm Beach

New York City’s famed Dirty French has brought its version of a steakhouse with arguably Major Food Group’s splashiest Miami venture. Chophouse favorites like prime aged steaks dripping in savory sauces share the menu with French-inspired dishes like the dover sole meunière, duck l’orange, and the ever-delicate mushroom millefeuille (imported from its NYC location). To end the meal, opt for the soufflé or tableside flambé experience. The sultry space’s glitzy tropical aesthetic is complete with a gold-leaf ceiling, whimsical animal prints, gold banana leaf pendants, and plush velvet banquettes. The sophisticated white tablecloth service is infused with a Miami twist with service captains trading in classic formal wear for custom pink tuxedos. 

The legendary chef Daniel Boulud brings his French flair to his Palm Beach namesake outpost. Located inside the historic Brazilian Court Hotel, the space exudes a casual elegance that’s heightened by the talented team’s presentation and execution of Boulud’s dishes. French classics like foie gras terrine and filet au poivre share the menu with global fare like hamachi, Peking duck, and risotto. The restaurant also hosts wine pairing dinners throughout the year, inviting patrons to explore new wines and pairing them with specially curated coursed meals. Don’t miss its weekend brunch where you’ll find its famous smoked brisket sandwich and black truffle scrambled eggs on the menu.

A block off the humming Brickell Avenue you’ll find this swanky French bistro. Servers in black bow ties zoom around the packed dining room and you can feel the energy emanating from the open kitchen. With international outposts in London, Dubai, and Hong Kong, this place knows how to deliver quality French food in a contemporary setting. Start with a niçoise salad or beef carpaccio and pair it with the duck a l’orange or the salt backed red fish. Whatever you pick, don’t forget a side of the garlic rosemary French fries.

Call 305.403.9133 for reservations.

This Worth Avenue gem instantly makes you feel chic. Once you find it, tucked into a lush courtyard, you’re rewarded with stellar service and a menu that embraces indulgent French favorites with a seasonal twist. Start with a foie gras terrine served with buttery brioche or the always-refreshing Le Crab Avocado.  Whether you dine for lunch or dinner, the entrées are varied and include a steamy bouillabaisse, a classic beef tartare, and steak frites. Don’t’ forget L’Assiette de Fromage, a selection of cheeses to share, and a scoop of the seasonal housemade sorbet to cleanse your palette and end your meal on a sweet note. The restaurant recently started serving breakfast with a sundry of pastries and healthy bowls, like the coconut yogurt parfait. 

For a refined evening of pure decadence, head upstairs from the also spectacular Le Jardinier to this sultry dining room veiled in dim red lighting. Carrying on Robuchon’s celebrated torch, protégée chef Alain Verzeroli and his team allow their mentor’s vision of modern French food to shine.  The interactive sushi-like counter takes center stage, well at least until the food comes out. You can choose from a la carte appetizers, like the foie gras with mango compote or the scallops in a cilantro broth. Everything is exceptionally presented and tastes even better. But if you just want to sit back, relax and sip on your wine then choose the eight-course tasting menu. 

While the exterior might not scream Parisian café, once you step inside you’ll almost forget where you are. The patrons oohing and ahhing in Spanish bring you right back to Hialeah.  The husband and wife team pays tribute to France from décor right down to the plates chef Benoit Rabiat is dishing out of the kitchen. This is the place to go to indulge in all your French fare obsessions like escargot with sliced baguette and French onion soup alongside more inventive dishes that offer a sense of place like the seared foie gras that shares the plate with a sweet pastelito de guava. 

For an off-the-beaten-path experience, visit the Gold Dust Motel’s signature restaurant. Dubbed more of a European bistro than specifically French, its menu has a slew of French classics for you to enjoy.  Hors d’oeuvres include options like the frog legs in a barbecue honey sriracha sauce or a extra-cheesy French onion soup.  For your main you can keep is casual with a croque monsieur sandwich or go big with the coq au vin, steak fries or Café Kush mussels in white wine Cajun broth and plenty of bread for dipping. Vintage décor adds to the retro vibes of this two-story spot. 

Call 305.985.4764 for reservations.

This Coconut Grove institution has been in business for decades. The intimate space is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The daytime menu features an array of omelets alongside appetizers (like garlic escargots), salads (like the warm goat cheese salad), sandwiches (like the Provencal open-face tartine with black olive tapenade, prosciutto, ratatouille, and ham), and entrées (like steamed mussels or duck leg). Dinner options are similar in style with a few additions like the boeuf bourguignon, steak tartare, and rack of lamb with herbs de Provence. 

Call 305.448.6060 for reservations.

If you’re looking for a party scene, make a late dinner reservation. It’s located on a quiet side street on South Beach, but once inside the beautiful décor transports you to a dashing villa on the French Riviera with a lush central courtyard and DJ spinning trendy tunes. There’s nothing basic about this menu with options like the soaring seafood tower, full caviar service, tomahawk steak, Chateaubriand au poivre, and a whole branzino. 

Call 305.763.8688 for reservations.