Perhaps we’re covetous of the “French” aesthetic because in the past, it has scorned us. In particular, the American notion of the French makes it seem like our perpetually well-dressed, beautiful older untouchable cousin, and we’re perpetually clomping behind her like a disheveled untucked donkey. France isn’t necessarily like that, and of all places, American French restaurants shouldn’t leave you at the table feeling like you’re profoundly out of place (ahem, Le Bec Fin?). To counter this sentiment, we found three authentic, charming, truly French restaurants in Philadelphia that you can be proud to take a date to, and will also satisfy you when you find yourself avoir une faim de loup.
1) Bistrot La Minette. We showed up early for the prix-fixe meal when a man wearing thick glasses and a chef’s coat came out of the kitchen and embraced an old man who had just sat a few tables down from us with a warm, “Hi Grandpa!” We later found out he was the chef, Peter Woolsey. That would have been enough to win us over, but the food proved to be even more amazing: A tangy Salade Lyonaise with lardons (it’s like French bacon), followed by a Confit de Canard, which after one bite, was enough for us to put our forks down and just look at each other from opposing ends of the table. Everything in the restaurant, from the music to the art to the pronunciation table discreetly written on a small hanging chalkboard was a perfectly considered touch.
623 S 6th St, (215) 925-8000.
2) Cafe Lutecia. Only open for breakfast and lunch, Lutecia is another incredibly charming spot. Come here for sandwiches, a legendary tomato bisque, their cappuccinos, and the stacks of French magazines.
2301 Lombard St (215) 790-9557.
3) Creperie Beaumonde. We can’t really recommend French restaurants without emphasizing Beaumonde. For those of you who have only experienced crepes slathered in nutella and strawberries, you need to experience the Coq au Vin here. The atmosphere of the restaurant (the lighting, the woodwork) is dark and beautiful. L’Etage (the bar/club upstairs, sister to Beaumonde) is a lovely place to get a drink on a weeknight.
NW Corner of 6th and Bainbridge, (215) 592-0656..
Thank you for this article and in particular thank you for singing the praises of Bistrot La Minette, which has won the hearts of every member of my family, my NY, DC, and Philly friends, our neighbors, in short anyone we have ever taken through the front doors! We go sometimes just for the lift the place gives us and have wine at the Belgian bar or a gorgeous appetizer at the front cafe tables. The plats, though, are not to be missed. My partner and I have had a few moments of stunned awe over how extraordinary the tastes are ourselves. Cheers!
i love cafe lutecia
Alright, as the French girl here, I’m going to have to comment… I heard great reviews on Bistrot La Minette and I personally won’t try it since I was offended once by the owner, and between you and I, I’d rather give my money to someone else. Cafe Lutecia is on my list, never been, always heard good. Creperie BeauMonde is NOT a French bistrot. Their crepes are so-so (way to heavy and complicated) and the rest of their menu does not make for the title of “Bistrot”. Cool place, but, really, not so French.
Now, a great French Bistrot to add to your list: Zinc. Wholesome menu, real French bistrot atmosphere (although I would definitely kill the white linen).
Oh… and many many thanks for not mentioning Parc
I think calling a chef out for something that has nothing at all to do with his food/restau is a pretty crappy thing. I will add that Chef Woolsey has been NOTHING short of pleasant to me, I’ve never been offended by him, and I have been there numerous times (I was a wee bit offended at the burn on the bacon wrapped haricots verts at one dinner). I would LOVE to be offended by his flammekueche more often! Oh and PS: he did a family style dinner for a private party and we were handled with care and the food (spring lamb stew and another chicken stew) were awesome.
I’ve never been to Creperie Beaumonde or Bistro La Minette so I’m not sure if it falls into the category of this discussion, but I’ve always thought that Cafe L’Aube (between 15th and 16th on South) deserves more love that it gets. The owner makes everything himself and his crepes are great.
Audrey,
I apologize if I ever offended you. I assure you it was not my intention. Accept my apology and come visit us at Bistrot la Minette.
Peter Woolsey.
Beaumonde is off the beaten path??
I recommend Fond on East Passyunk.
seriously…if you think beau monde has good crepes, you MUST IMMEDIATELY go to cafe l’aube and try a crepe there.
smaller, yes…but so good.
yeah, off the beaten path is a little bit of a misnomer here. if there was a good french place in fishtown, that would certainly qualify, but beau monde and bistro la minette are across the street from each other. cafe lutecia is definitely a good mention though.
as for the prissy la minette chef comment, well, people get annoyed at all sorts of things, rational or not so much, so let the girl have her opinion.