8 of the Most Delicious French Restaurants in Greenwich, CT

 

chef preparing cuisine at one of the finest french restaurants in greenwich ctOne of the most important aspects of any vacation is deciding where you’ll be dining in and around town!

 

Luckily, Greenwich is a mecca of delicious food options. That includes many alluring French restaurants.

 

Are you searching for the perfect place to enjoy a romantic date night with your sweetheart?

 

Or do you simply want to try something new?

 

Either way, we invite you to explore our top picks for the best French restaurants in Greenwich, CT.

 

Hungry for more?

 

A Brief History of French Restaurants in Greenwich, CT

Greenwich and the surrounding area has long had a history of cosmopolitanism and Francophilia.

 

In the colonial era, French Huguenots settled New Rochelle. Locals would send their children there to receive schooling in French.

 

More recently, the United Nations toyed with annexing northern Greenwich and Stamford. The plan was to build their compound there instead of in New York City.

 

Local opposition to losing half our town scuttled that idea. But our area continues to draw a lot of international visitors and residents.

 

In recent years, the most well-established and well-known French restaurant, Bistro V, is still around and still popular. One of the oldest and well-known establishments, Jean Louis, closed when the owner left to teach at a culinary school in Vermont.

 

Le Penguin occupies the former space of Jean Louis.

 

In recent years, the number of French restaurants of the area has exploded. Former employees at older restaurants are opening their own in town, adding to the culinary experience here.

Our Favorite French Restaurants in Greenwich, CT

 

With a selection of world-class restaurants, Greenwich is popular with food lovers from all over the US. The town’s annual Food and Wine Festival is a major event. Every year it attracts world-famous chefs, foodies, and culinary masters.

 

Of course, you don’t need to visit a festival to enjoy the sumptuous fare in Greenwich. The broad selection of cuisines means you’ll tuck into delicious meals and delightful drinks whenever you’re in town.

 

And, let’s face it, more than a few of the top French restaurants here also make it on the list of the most romantic restaurants in all Connecticut.

 

The French know how it’s done.

 

1) Bistro Versailles

 

One of the most popular restaurants in town is the Bistro Versailles in downtown Greenwich, CT. Versailles is known for its casual breakfast and lunch. But dinnertime is ideal for a romantic meal filled with unforgettable bistro fare. Their Sunday brunch menu is nothing to scoff at, either. Nestled among some of the best shopping along Greenwich Avenue, Bistro Versailles specializes in regional French dishes. It also offers some of the best pastries in Fairfield County.

 

2) L’Escale

 

Elegant, stylish, and sophisticated is the best way to describe L’Escale Restaurant in Greenwich, CT. This restaurant features an extensive outdoor seating area right on Greenwich harbor. It also offers a gorgeous indoor dining room. 200 year-old stone terra cotta tiles adorn the floors of this Greenwich restaurant. Meanwhile, items straight from France adorn the walls. And yet, the main focal point of the dining room is the fireplace, which crackles warmly in chillier weather. This fine dining eatery occupies a charming spot at the Delamar Greenwich Harbor Hotel, one of the best hotels in Greenwich, CT. Besides the beauty of the restaurant, the food draws quite a following. The updated cuisine gives a splendid twist to the more typical dishes one would expect in other French restaurants. Either way, it’s a great opportunity to enjoy one of the best waterfront restaurants in Greenwich CT.

 

3) Le Penguin Bistro

 

Le Penguin is one of the newer French restaurants in Greenwich CT. Another feature that makes it so unique is the fact that they serve both American and French food—all very delicious! While this downtown Greenwich restaurant is small, it is also very comfortable. Fun decor fills the inside, making it perfect for friends looking to meet in a warm and inviting location. The staff is attentive yet hands-off. Patrons luxuriate with plenty of time to catch-up, just as in a typical restaurant in France!

 

4) Le Fat Poodle

 

Le Fat Poodle offers stunning contemporary fare with a French fusion. Serving delightful dishes as:

  • Exquisite escargot de Bourgogne
  • Grilled oysters
  • Grass-fed fillet mignon

Le Fat Poodle is sure to leave you satisfied.

 

5) Meli-Melo

 

For lunch or a light bite, it’s hard to beat Meli-Melo Greenwich. French-inspired crepes, quiches and sandwiches are available all day, as are their delicious ice creams and sorbets. A much-loved fixture of the town, Meli-Melo is always worth a visit.

 

6) Chef Vous Bistro

 

Chef Vous Bistro in nearby Stamford offers another excellent option if you’re keen to explore French cuisine. Enjoy organic salmon gravlax, crispy duck confit, and local sole meuniere; all created from the finest, locally sourced ingredients. Just a 10-minute ride from Greenwich, you’ll spend the evening sampling fabulous cuisine before returning to the inviting atmosphere of the Stanton House Inn.

 

7) Appetit Bistro

 

Just over the border from Greenwich in Port Chester, New York, is Appetit Bistro. This small bistro sits in a less glamorous location (a strip mall), but the inside is cute, though not particularly French.

 

The executive chef, Edi Rivera, used to work at Le Penguin and L’Escale. Don’t miss the moules frites, or fried mussels, and escargots.

 

More great restaurants to try

You’ll find a lot of French cuisine options in town, and that’s barely the start of your culinary tour!

 

Some more dining guides you may be interested in include:

 

 

 

 

 

And be sure to download the Foodie’s Guide to Greenwich!

 

 

More Things to Do near Greenwich

There are plenty of attractions and activities in Greenwich and nearby, all close to Stanton House Inn.

 

Spend your days playing golf, hiking in Saxon Wood Park or visit the famous Bruce Museum. Try fishing at Mianus River State Park, boating at the Kensico Reservoir or simply enjoy the view from Greenwich Point.

 

As well as a rich cultural, dining and shopping environment, Greenwich offers some of the finest scenery in the States. With stunning landscapes surround you, a brisk stroll or a short drive is the ideal way to explore. Whether you’re in awe of the historical architecture, manicured gardens or leaves bursting with color, a trip to Greenwich surpasses all expectations.

 

Keep exploring more things to do in Greenwich, and download our free Greenwich, CT, Visitor’s Guide!