French restaurants in Toronto continue to grow in both number and quality, offering meals that balance tradition and creativity. Whether you are looking for a rich coq au vin or a simple steak with herb butter, the city has a place that serves it with care. This list ranks the top 25 French restaurants in Toronto that offer strong flavors, warm service, and consistent experiences.
Each restaurant in this guide has something unique to offer. Some focus on classic French cooking with recipes passed down through generations. Others add a modern touch but stay close to the heart of French cuisine.
French restaurants in Toronto range from formal dining rooms with multi-course menus to small neighborhood spots that feel personal and relaxed. Restaurants like Maison T, Le Baratin, and Café Boulud each show how French food can fit any setting. Their menus reflect skill, patience, and respect for ingredients.
This guide is made for anyone who wants to enjoy French food in the city, whether for a quiet dinner or a special night out. These French restaurants in Toronto bring out the best in both old and new cooking styles. Keep reading to find the one that matches your taste and occasion.
1. Maison T 🥐
Maison T offers an intimate escape into French cuisine near Christie Pits, making it one of the most talked-about French restaurants in Toronto. It is a small space with a relaxed setting, ideal for a quiet evening of elegant food and friendly service. Many diners appreciate the quality and care found in every dish, which reflects traditional French technique with a modern twist. This is a place where food lovers come for comfort, not formality.
Among the best dishes is the duck confit, which arrives with crisp skin and tender meat, served over creamy potatoes. Their house-made terrine is also a standout, rich in flavor and served with crusty bread. The escargot is delicate and seasoned just right, highlighting the skills of the kitchen. Maison T remains a must-try for those seeking French restaurants in Toronto that deliver quality and calm.
2. L’Avenue 🧀
L’Avenue stands out in Cabbagetown as a warm and stylish choice among French restaurants in Toronto. The restaurant has built a strong local following by offering reliable service and French food that stays true to its roots. The space is welcoming, and the kitchen brings out classic flavors that suit both casual diners and regulars. It is a trusted name for good food without the need for excess.
Guests often return for the duck magret, served with a smooth red wine sauce and seasonal vegetables. Their French onion soup is also well known, full of rich broth and topped with melted cheese and fresh croutons. A surprise favorite is their house pizza, offering a flaky crust and bold ingredients. L’Avenue shows how French restaurants in Toronto can combine elegance with ease.
3. FK 🥖
FK brings an upscale yet comfortable experience to the scene of French restaurants in Toronto. It is known for steady service, modern presentation, and a thoughtful menu that draws from French tradition. Guests enjoy the polished setting and staff who take time to explain each part of the meal. The environment suits quiet conversation as much as it suits a celebration.
Their foie gras appetizer is a must-try, offering a smooth, rich flavor that sets the tone for the meal. The beef bourguignon is another highlight, slow-cooked and layered with classic depth and tenderness. Desserts often rotate, but the dark chocolate mousse remains a customer favorite. FK continues to raise the standard for French restaurants in Toronto with consistency and care.
4. Le Baratin 🥘
Le Baratin is a cozy and respected choice for those exploring French restaurants in Toronto. Located in Brockton Village, it feels like a local bistro in Paris, complete with soft lighting and a well-balanced menu. Guests value the simplicity and honesty of each dish, created with fresh ingredients and classic methods. It is a go-to spot for those who want real French food in a calm setting.
Their coq au vin is a strong example of why people trust this restaurant, with tender chicken and deep wine flavor in every bite. The steak frites are also popular, served with crispy fries and a creamy béarnaise sauce. Even the bread and butter served at the table reflect attention to detail. Le Baratin keeps the charm alive for fans of French restaurants in Toronto.
5. Scaramouche Restaurant Pasta Bar & Grill 🍷
Scaramouche Restaurant Pasta Bar & Grill is a long-standing leader among fine French restaurants in Toronto. Located in South Hill, it offers an elegant setting with sweeping views of the city. This restaurant blends tradition and innovation, creating dishes that appeal to both new guests and loyal diners. It is often recommended for special occasions and important dinners.
The lobster bisque is rich and smooth, setting a high standard for the meal to come. The peppercorn filet mignon is a top choice, expertly cooked and served with classic French sauces. For dessert, the coconut cream pie often receives high praise for its balance and texture. Scaramouche continues to show why it remains one of the most reliable French restaurants in Toronto.
6. Bistro Camino 🍮
Bistro Camino is a quiet and charming option among French restaurants in Toronto, located along the Danforth. The dining room is simple, but the food speaks for itself, blending traditional French recipes with careful presentation. Regular guests often mention the warm service and the pride the chef takes in every plate. This is a place that values authenticity more than trend.
The lamb shank is one of the best choices, cooked until tender and served with seasonal vegetables. Their crème brûlée also stands out, with a crisp sugar top and smooth custard below. Portions are generous, and the menu offers variety while keeping a French focus. Bistro Camino proves that some of the most rewarding French restaurants in Toronto can be found in modest spaces.
7. Alo Restaurant 🧆
Alo Restaurant sets the bar high for tasting-menu French restaurants in Toronto. Perched above Queen Street West, it offers a multi-course experience that highlights seasonal ingredients and refined technique. The setting is elegant and private, with staff who explain each course with care. It is often seen as one of the top dining spots in the city for those seeking something special.
Highlights have included Wagyu beef with a rich reduction and sea urchin custard topped with caviar. The bread service is also memorable, paired with house-made butters that show attention to detail. Each dish arrives as part of a story, balancing taste and visual appeal. Alo continues to raise the profile of French restaurants in Toronto through its bold and thoughtful approach.
8. Rasa 🥯
Rasa is not a traditional French restaurant, but it still holds a place on the list of French restaurants in Toronto thanks to its creative approach. The restaurant serves a mix of global dishes, many of which carry French influence in both preparation and flavor. The mood is casual yet focused, ideal for diners who enjoy exploring new ideas in food. It appeals to a younger crowd looking for something fresh and exciting.
A favorite dish is the French onion dumplings, which turn a classic soup into bite-sized comfort. Other standout items include duck confit tacos and rich sauces layered with flavor. The menu changes often, adding variety to repeat visits. Rasa may bend the rules, but it still shows what French restaurants in Toronto can become when they take risks.
9. Richmond Station 🍗
Richmond Station combines French tradition with Canadian ingredients, making it a strong presence among French restaurants in Toronto. Co-founded by a Top Chef Canada winner, the restaurant is located in the heart of the Downtown Core. The service is steady, and the open kitchen adds energy to the dining room. It is ideal for those who want classic dishes without formality.
Their coq au vin is a standout, featuring slow-cooked chicken in a deep, wine-based sauce. The scallops are also highly recommended, cooked to perfection with balanced seasoning. Guests enjoy the calm atmosphere and straightforward menu. Richmond Station continues to earn its spot among French restaurants in Toronto for its honest cooking and consistent quality.
10. Lucie 🥖
Lucie is a newer entry among French restaurants in Toronto, but it has already earned praise for its precision and polish. Located in the Downtown Core, the restaurant brings a calm, upscale energy to the city’s growing French dining scene. The service is careful and attentive, and the menu honors tradition while keeping a fresh feel. Lucie fills a gap in the market for refined yet welcoming French food.
Their duck à l’orange is a must-try, offering a bright citrus glaze over tender, flavorful meat. The foie gras parfait is also notable, served with house brioche and seasonal preserves. Each dish shows balance and care, inviting repeat visits. Lucie is helping raise the standard for modern French restaurants in Toronto with grace and confidence.
11. Jules Bistro 🥯
Jules Bistro is a trusted option among French restaurants in Toronto, offering a laid-back atmosphere with classic Parisian charm. Located in the heart of the city, it feels like a neighborhood bistro where regulars are greeted by name. The menu is focused and steady, built on French staples served with heart and precision. It is a reliable choice for both lunch and dinner.
Their beef tartare is fresh and flavorful, paired with a crisp baguette and house-made pickles. The moules frites are another standout, served in a light broth with golden fries. The cozy space fills up quickly, especially in the evenings. Jules Bistro brings warmth and quality to the list of French restaurants in Toronto without trying too hard.
12. La Palette 🍗
La Palette brings color and comfort to the list of French restaurants in Toronto, located in the busy Queen Street West area. Known for its artistic flair and thoughtful menu, it attracts both locals and tourists looking for a relaxed yet refined experience. The dining room is cozy, with soft lighting and art on the walls. It is a place that feels personal and expressive.
Their duck confit is a customer favorite, served over lentils with a hint of citrus. They also serve horse tenderloin, a unique option handled with care and respect. Desserts like tarte Tatin round out the menu with sweetness and tradition. La Palette adds variety and personality to French restaurants in Toronto in a way that is both respectful and bold.
13. Café Boulud 🥩
Café Boulud offers a polished experience inside the Four Seasons Hotel, standing tall among French restaurants in Toronto. Led by a world-class team, the restaurant serves refined dishes with attention to detail from start to finish. The space is elegant but not stiff, making it ideal for business meals and celebrations alike. Every course is delivered with professionalism and pride.
Their rotisserie chicken is a standout, crispy on the outside and juicy within, served with seasonal sides. The tuna niçoise is another high point, balancing freshness and flavor. The dessert cart brings classic French sweets, including madeleines and soufflés. Café Boulud proves that high-end French restaurants in Toronto can still feel inviting.
14. Cluny Bistro & Boulangerie 🥐
Cluny Bistro & Boulangerie sits in the Distillery District and offers one of the most beautifully designed spaces among French restaurants in Toronto. The interior is bright and detailed, with tiled floors and high ceilings that mirror old-world charm. The menu is broad but well-executed, combining bistro favorites with a modern edge. It is popular for brunch, lunch, and dinner alike.
Their steak frites is a top pick, served with herb butter and hand-cut fries. The French onion soup also draws praise, made with a slow-cooked broth and topped with bubbling cheese. The attached bakery adds freshness to every plate. Cluny blends visual appeal with consistent cooking, earning its place among French restaurants in Toronto.
15. Le Sélect Bistro 🥖
Le Sélect Bistro has long been considered a staple among French restaurants in Toronto. With a deep wine list and an outdoor terrace, it captures the spirit of French dining better than most. The setting feels timeless, from the tiled floors to the handwritten specials on the wall. Guests return for the reliable food and the easy pace of the meal.
The cassoulet is rich and hearty, filled with slow-cooked meat and beans in a flavorful sauce. Their quiche Lorraine is light but satisfying, served with a fresh green salad. The staff is well-trained and familiar with the menu. Le Sélect continues to set the tone for what French restaurants in Toronto can deliver with tradition and grace.
16. Batifole Gourmand 🍷
Batifole Gourmand is a hidden gem among French restaurants in Toronto, offering classic flavors in a casual setting. Located away from the downtown core, it rewards those willing to explore. The space is small and charming, and the food is made with a clear respect for tradition. It appeals to locals who value substance over flash.
The duck confit is fall-off-the-bone tender and paired with seasonal vegetables. Their tarte flambée, a thin flatbread with bacon and onions, is also worth ordering. The wine list is compact but well-curated. Batifole Gourmand offers an honest and dependable experience that speaks to the heart of French restaurants in Toronto.
17. Auberge du Pommier 🧆
Auberge du Pommier brings fine dining to the northern edge of the city, standing out among upscale French restaurants in Toronto. The setting includes stone walls, fireplaces, and a refined patio that suits both winter and summer dining. The menu is focused on seasonal French cooking, with strong technique and presentation. It is well-suited for special occasions and private dinners.
The venison is expertly prepared, often served with root vegetables and a wine reduction. Their foie gras is also popular, delicately seared and matched with fruit preserves. Service is quiet but attentive throughout the meal. Auberge du Pommier offers the elegance expected of French restaurants in Toronto without losing its warmth.
18. Midi Bistro 🥘
Midi Bistro is a downtown favorite among casual French restaurants in Toronto, offering quality dishes at a reasonable price. Located near the University of Toronto, it welcomes a mix of students, professionals, and travelers. The dining room is small but friendly, with a staff that works efficiently and with care. It is a comfortable space for a mid-week lunch or relaxed dinner.
Their boeuf bourguignon is a best-seller, slow-cooked and served with mashed potatoes. The mussels are also worth trying, cooked in white wine and herbs. Guests enjoy the balance between flavor and portion size. Midi Bistro provides a strong reminder that French restaurants in Toronto do not always need to be formal to impress.
19. Le Notre Bistro 🐟
Le Notre Bistro brings a quiet and cozy option to the list of French restaurants in Toronto. It is a small, family-run spot with a short menu and plenty of heart. The atmosphere is peaceful, making it ideal for diners who value simple food in a stress-free space. The kitchen focuses on getting each plate right rather than doing too much.
The trout almondine is a house specialty, cooked gently and finished with brown butter and lemon. The duck breast also receives praise for its rich flavor and crispy skin. Service is thoughtful, with helpful wine suggestions to match the meal. Le Notre Bistro proves that small French restaurants in Toronto can leave a lasting impression.
20. La Banane 🍌
La Banane takes a creative approach to French cuisine, earning it a modern spot among French restaurants in Toronto. The decor is bold and playful, with gold accents and striking artwork. The menu is inventive but rooted in French technique, offering new spins on familiar dishes. It attracts a younger crowd looking for something lively and stylish.
Their Eurobass en Croûte is a signature dish, baked in a golden crust and sliced tableside. The Ziggy Stardust Disco Egg is a dessert highlight, filled with rich chocolate and caramel. Portions are generous and well-plated. La Banane brings energy and flair to the landscape of French restaurants in Toronto.
21. Chabrol 🧈
Chabrol offers a quiet and refined experience among French restaurants in Toronto, tucked behind a laneway near Yorkville. The dining room is compact, with a focus on detail in both the food and the atmosphere. It is known for its high standards, drawing guests who appreciate clean presentation and traditional French flavors. Meals here feel private and thoughtful, from start to finish.
The standout dish is the duck breast, served with a red wine sauce and seasonal sides. Another favorite is their French onion soup, slow-cooked and deeply savory with a crisp cheese crust. Wine pairings are carefully selected and complement each course well. Chabrol is a quiet leader among French restaurants in Toronto, offering an intimate setting for serious diners.
22. Biff’s Bistro 🍮
Biff’s Bistro has been a familiar name among French restaurants in Toronto for many years, offering classic bistro fare in a polished downtown setting. The interior is spacious, with red leather booths and vintage decor that recall mid-century Paris. The menu is broad and comforting, with a focus on hearty French standards. It is a popular spot for business lunches and pre-theatre dinners.
Guests often order the steak frites, which come with crisp fries and house-made aioli. Their duck confit is also well received, paired with lentils and mustard dressing. The dessert menu includes lemon tarts and crème brûlée, both reliable and satisfying. Biff’s Bistro remains a cornerstone of accessible French restaurants in Toronto with charm and consistency.
23. Loire Casual Gourmet 🥗
Loire Casual Gourmet brings a relaxed tone to the growing scene of French restaurants in Toronto. The restaurant is small and welcoming, with warm lighting and wood accents that add to its charm. The menu is simple but focused, using fresh ingredients to deliver classic French comfort. It is a fitting choice for those who want strong flavors without the formality.
The braised short ribs are a favorite, served with mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables. The salmon tartare also receives attention for its light texture and balanced seasoning. Diners appreciate the personal service and cozy environment. Loire Casual Gourmet is proof that small-scale French restaurants in Toronto can offer both value and quality.
24. Paris Paris 🧇
Paris Paris brings a modern twist to French dining, placing itself firmly among trend-forward French restaurants in Toronto. Located on Ossington Avenue, it combines casual decor with a lively atmosphere and a wine list built for conversation. The menu leans into French technique while leaving room for global flavors. It suits groups and solo diners equally well.
Try the rotisserie chicken, served with herbed butter and crispy potatoes. Their seasonal vegetable dishes are also well-executed, offering bright flavors and interesting textures. Wines are served by the glass, allowing for flexible pairings. Paris Paris reflects the evolution of French restaurants in Toronto by blending tradition with youth and energy.
25. Bar Isabel 🍤
Bar Isabel is often celebrated for its Spanish roots, but its commitment to French technique places it on the edge of French restaurants in Toronto. The space is dimly lit and warm, with a bar that serves as the focal point. The kitchen focuses on bold flavors and shared plates, many of which trace back to classic French preparations. It is ideal for adventurous eaters and late-night meals.
The octopus dish is a favorite, charred and tender with a smoky richness that lingers. They also serve pâtés and terrines that highlight French charcuterie skill. Guests leave impressed by the balance of flavor and presentation. Bar Isabel shows how French restaurants in Toronto can take risks while staying rooted in craft.
