You don’t have to fly overseas to enjoy fine French cuisine. Arizona has some truly impressive French restaurants right in its backyard. These local eateries have you covered whether you’re seeking a casual French bistro or an upscale fine dining establishment. Here are some of the best places to enjoy French food in Arizona.
“Le Sans Souci” roughly translates to “The Carefree.” It’s an accurate title for a French restaurant that is as much about the atmosphere as it is the food. It’s a both sophisticated and relaxed. You can enjoy fine French fare and wine all while listening to soothing live piano music. Le Sans Souci’s menu includes the finest of French cuisine including escargot, lobster, scallops, soup du jour, and petit filets.
Vincent’s on Camelback is known for their French cuisine with a southwest flare. Over its 30-year history, Vincent’s has brought forth some truly unique combinations of French and local ingredients. Chef and owner Vincent Guerithault wanted to integrate his French roots and local flavors in his menu. As a result, he’s won numerous awards including becoming the first recipient of the Citation of Excellence from the International Food & Wine Society. Favorite menu items include the duck confit, wild boar loin with habanero sauce, and the Maine lobster with house made basil pasta.
Le Rendez-vous is a tale of two restaurants. On one side of the restaurant is a casual bistro with small-plates and a relaxed atmosphere. On the other is a more sophisticated, romantic dining areas with upscale French cuisine. Le Rendez-vous offers a great dining experience no matter your preference. Entrees include crab stuffed shrimp, escargot and beef Wellington while their small plates and hors d’Oeuvres pair will with their $5 featured wines.
Sedona is already known as for its romantic atmosphere. Rene at Tlaquepaque takes the romance to another level. This French restaurant has the ambiance to set the mood for any date night. Gardens, fountains, and picture perfect views surround the courtyard. The delicious food is just the icing on the cake. You can find standard French fare in addition to unique items on their menu. Top plates include antelope with juniper sauce and mushroom streudel.
Vogue Bistro checks all the boxes of a great French restaurant. For one, their menu is infused with crowd-pleasing options for all types of taste buds. You can find traditional French fare in addition to lasagnas, pastas, and steaks. They also have a top-notch patio with transcendent views of the White Tank Mountains. Their extensive wine and martini list is one of the Valley’s best. Don’t skimp on dessert. Their made from scratch crème brulee is a great way to cap off a meal.
It doesn’t get more authentic than Voila French Bistro. That’s because it’s the brainchild of renowned French chef Jean-Christoph, who spent 30 years in the industry before moving to Arizona in 2015. This small, quaint restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale. It shines as one of the best restaurants in the area for having a comprehensive menu that covers the spectrum of French cuisine. It’s also one of the few places to offer croque madame in Arizona.
Looking for a new kind of brunch experience? Ghini’s French Caffe has you covered. This café serves French-inspired breakfast foods all day. They are known for dishing up delicious items like crepes, croquet madame, and eggs provencale. Ghini’s is also attached to La Baguette, a full-service French bakery where you can order fresh pastries to go with your meal. They also have a pet-friendly patio that’s the perfect place to sip your morning mimosa.