Best Contemporary French Restaurants in Governors Island

17 restaurants available nearby

1. Lafayette

4.6

Exceptional(3125)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary french • NoHo

Booked 25 times today

Nestled in the vibrant NoHo neighborhood of Manhattan, Lafayette redefines the essence of French dining with its exceptional offerings and ambiance. Celebrated for its "absolute perfection" croissants, Lafayette delivers a culinary experience that resonates with the authenticity of French bistro cooking, thanks to Chef Andrew Carmellini's market-driven approach. Patrons rave about the "crispy, flaky exterior and the warm, soft, buttery inside" of the croissants, dubbing them "UNREAL" and worth every cent. With its grand café setting, complete with soaring arched windows and a lively rotisserie bar, Lafayette is not just a dining destination but a cornerstone of French culinary excellence in New York. Whether it's the praised "pistachio Supreme croissant" or the romantic, dimly lit dinners, every visit is a testament to Lafayette's commitment to quality and service, making it a must-visit for anyone craving authentic French cuisine.

2. Koloman

4.6

Exceptional(372)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary french • NoMad

Booked 41 times today

At Koloman, located in the vibrant NoMad neighborhood of New York, the essence of Austrian cuisine is celebrated with a unique twist of French flair. This restaurant is acclaimed for its authentic Austrian dishes, where traditional flavors meet contemporary innovation. A standout, according to a delighted patron, is the "exceptional apple strudel," a true testament to its Austrian roots. Diners consistently praise the "technical excellence" of dishes such as the salmon en croute and the savory soufflés. Another review highlights the genuine Austrian taste, noting that the "combinations and dishes are true Austrian flavor meals," making Koloman a must-visit for an authentic and exquisite dining experience.

3. Levant on Smith

4.7

Exceptional(227)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary french • Carroll Gardens

Booked 5 times today

Located in the vibrant Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, **Levant on Smith** stands out as a beacon of Mediterranean cuisine. Despite being renowned for its French culinary approach, many guests find the Mediterranean flavors deeply authentic and satisfying. Patrons rave about the quality, with one stating, "every dish we ordered were cooked to perfection and tasted like home ✨. Will be back." The restaurant's atmosphere is described as "cozy yet elegant," providing an ideal setting for indulging in Mediterranean classics. From perfectly cooked meats to delicately prepared seafood like Niçoise salad with fresh tuna and grilled Portuguese octopus, the meticulous attention to Mediterranean culinary traditions is evident. The glowing reviews highlight not only the exceptional food but also the engaging service and inviting ambiance, making Levant on Smith a must-visit for those seeking a true taste of the Mediterranean in Brooklyn.

4. Gabriel Kreuther

4.9

Exceptional(1594)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary french • Midtown West

Booked 2 times today

Gabriel Kreuther is a Relais & Chateaux and Two Star Michelin restaurant looking out onto beautiful Bryant Park in Midtown Manhattan. We offer a luxurious, upscale Contemporary-French-American & Alsatian-inspired dining experience with a distinct New York Spirit. Also known for its stunning decor, Gabriel Kreuther looks out onto NYC's vibrant Bryant Park on 42nd street & offers fine-dining in the upscale dining room (reserve here) or elevated casual dining at the bar and lounge (call) offering "some of the absolute best bar food in NYC" (Grub Street). Gabriel Kreuther accepts reservations for the main dining room 6-weeks in advance & you can also book our In-Kitchen Table offering a fully immersive, special dining experience for up to 8 guests by contacting us at office@gknyc.com.

5. La Ripaille

4.9

Exceptional(1013)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary french • Greenwich Village

Booked 5 times today

La Ripaille, nestled in the heart of Greenwich Village, New York, is a treasure trove of French cuisine that has been delighting patrons since 1980. Awarded the Best Restaurant in March 2018, its charm and authenticity shine through in every dish. Owner Alain Laurent's dedication to freshness and quality, sourcing daily from local markets, ensures a menu of seasonal and unique specials that keep regulars coming back for more. Diners rave about the "delicious, well-priced" meals and the "charming, intimate atmosphere" that make every visit memorable. Whether it’s the "exceptional Broccoli Mousse" or the "perfectly cooked Filet Mignon," La Ripaille offers a genuine slice of France in NYC. As one reviewer puts it, "Great food, great wine, great calvados. Service was very attentive and a pleasure to be around. The Dijon chicken special was very special." La Ripaille is indeed a must-visit for an authentic French dining experience.

6. Perry St

4.8

Exceptional(3693)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary french • West Village

Booked 4 times today

Perry St in the West Village, under the culinary direction of Cedric Vongerichten, showcases the epitome of Contemporary American cuisine, expertly blending French, American, and Asian influences. Awarded three stars by the New York Times, the restaurant is celebrated for its seasonal menu inspired by Union Square's local market. Guests consistently rave about their experiences, with one noting, "Perfection! Absolute perfection from start to finish!" and another praising the "symphony of flavors" in dishes like the pea soup and grilled cauliflower. The exceptional service complements the superb dining, making Perry St a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts seeking a memorable meal in New York.

7. LENA

4.6

Exceptional(153)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary french • Lower East Side

Booked 3 times today

Lena Eldridge, located in the Lower East Side is the second location of the family restaurant. Opened in June 2017 as a neighborhood Cocktail bar with a curated French wine selection that compliments our French cuisine. The menu is a mix between traditional and contemporary French classics, offering a variety of small plates and specialities. The energy and atmosphere of understated elegance with exposed brick and local artist art on the walls, complete the French experience.From Sunday till Thursday KItchen closes at 9.45pm.Friday,Saturday kitchen closes 10.30pm.

A photo of Gaby Brasserie Française restaurant

8. Gaby Brasserie Française

4.3

Awesome(755)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary french • Midtown West

Booked 5 times today

Enjoy a taste of France at the Gaby Brasserie, Sofitel New York's Art Deco-inspired restaurant featuring contemporary French cuisine and classic cocktails.

9. Barnea Bistro

4.9

Exceptional(789)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary french • Midtown East

Booked 41 times today

Nestled in the vibrant Midtown East, New York, Barnea Bistro is a gem for contemporary French cuisine enthusiasts. With an open kitchen that showcases the art of cooking, Chef Joshua Kessler and his team offer an unparalleled kosher dining experience that marries seasonal ingredients with impeccable service. The restaurant's commitment to quality and creativity is evident in each dish, making every meal a culinary delight. Patrons rave about the exceptional cuisine, noting it as "different and tasty, a real culinary experience" and "as close to perfect as I can imagine." Whether it’s the fork-tender short ribs, the delectable French onion soup, or the innovative noisette dessert, Barnea Bistro consistently impresses, proving it’s a must-visit for those seeking the best in contemporary French fare.

10. Caviar Russe

4.9

Exceptional(893)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary french • Midtown East

Booked 11 times today

At Caviar Russe in the heart of Midtown East, New York, seafood enthusiasts are treated to an unparalleled dining experience that combines luxury with the fresh bounty of the sea. This Michelin-starred establishment is renowned for its exquisite selection of caviar, seamlessly blending quality with culinary innovation. Guests rave about the "impeccable caviar and 3-course menu" and highlight dishes like the "Parmesan egg with caviar" and "lobster rolls with caviar" as standout experiences. Praised for its "first-class caviar offering and presentation," Caviar Russe provides a sophisticated yet inviting ambiance where every dish is "meticulously presented, bursting with exquisite flavors." Whether it's for a special occasion or a lavish treat, Caviar Russe promises a memorable seafood adventure that's "worth every penny."

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

Explore OpenTable

Governors Island

Contemporary french

Best Contemporary French Restaurants in Governors Island

Price

Regions

Neighborhoods

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Award-winning

Accessibility

17 restaurants available nearby

1. Lafayette

2. Koloman

3. Levant on Smith

4. Gabriel Kreuther

5. La Ripaille

6. Perry St

7. LENA

8. Gaby Brasserie Française

9. Barnea Bistro

10. Caviar Russe

Explore OpenTable