French cuisine may not be one of Austin’s strong suits, but you can find great roasted chicken, escargot, duck confit and more at several restaurants around town, a few of which have been around for more than a decade.
And, if it’s pastries you seek, there are plenty of bakeries turning out delicate macarons, croissants and other French pastries.
So, if you can’t make it to Paris for the XXXIII Olympiad but still crave a taste of France, head to one of the restaurants, bakeries and cafes listed below. Bon appétit.
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Baguette et Chocolat
Bánh mì at Baguette et Chocolat.
MATTHEW ODAM/AMERICAN-STATESMAN
France meets Vietnam at chef Chi Minh Pham Ding’s Bee Cave café and bakery that serves some of the best crepes, croissants and bánh mì in town. 12101 RM 2244. 512-263-8388, baguetteetchocolat.com.
Bakery Lorraine
Bakery Lorraine does savory and sweet equally well.
MATTHEW ODAM
Some of the best macarons and croissant sandwiches in the city come from this San Antonio-based bakery that has a location at Domain Northside. 11600 Rock Rose Ave. #100. bakerylorraine.com.
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Bureau de Poste
“Top Chef” alumnus Jo Chan’s French bistro commandeers the corner space and patio of Tiny Grocer in Hyde Park, serving classics like pomme dauphine, duck leg cassoulet and, as to be expected of a Jonathan Waxman protege, a half roasted chicken. 4300 Speedway, Suite 100. 512-375-3320, bureaudeposteatx.com.
Crepe Crazy
Rainbow trout crudo with creme fraiche and smoked honey Dijon at Épicerie.
MATTHEW ODAM/AMERICAN-STATESMAN
Head to Crepe Crazy for a savory Norwegian crepe filled with lox and scrambled eggs, or if you prefer the sweet variety, you can opt for the whipped cream cheese, strawberry jam, powdered sugar and caramel sauce of the Jammin’ Jam. 3103 S. Lamar Blvd. 512-387-2442, crepecrazy.com.
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Épicerie
Rainbow trout crudo with creme fraiche and smoked honey Dijon at Épicerie.
MATTHEW ODAM/AMERICAN-STATESMAN
Chef Sarah McIntosh blends the flavors of her native Louisiana and France for a menu that includes beignets, fried shrimp po’boy and chicken liver mousse. The chef also oversees one of the best pastry cases at any restaurant in town. 2307 Hancock Drive. 512-371-6840, epicerieaustin.com.
Heaven’s Bistro Bakery
Croque monsieur and pesto chicken sandwiches at Heaven’s Bistro Bakery.
MATTHEW ODAM/AMERICAN-STATESMAN
Chef Ghufrana Mahrukh’s large pastry case includes macarons and Paris brest, and she makes sandwiches like an open-faced croque monsieur on the baguettes she sells at the bakery she opened in 2019. Check out the back patio for a surprisingly tranquil setting on bustling Parmer Lane. 2205 W. Parmer Lane. 512-351-8044, heavenbistrobakery.com.
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Hopfields
This campus-area gastropub features an impressive tap wall and smart wine selection, along with a menu ranging from a French ham and cheese sandwich to dinner specials like escargot dumplings. 3110 Guadalupe St. #400. 512-537-0467, hopfieldsaustin.com.
Julie Myrtille Bakery and Rose Bakery
Quiche Lorraine at the Rose Bakery by Julie Myrtille.
MATTHEW ODAM/AMERICAN-STATESMAN
Pastry chef Julie Myrtille operates a bakery at Springdale General and one in the Arboretum. Both serve croissants, quiches, tarts, danishes, sandwiches and much more. You can also find her baked goods at farmers markets around town. 1023 Springdale Road, Building 1D; 10000 Research Blvd. Unit 123, juliemyrtille.us.
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Justine’s
Steak frites at Justine’s.
AMERICAN-STATESMAN FILE
Austin’s most celebrated French restaurant and one of its best parties, this French-owned brasserie caters to the late-night crowd with escargot, beef tartare, steak frites and a chalkboard with rotating seasonal specials. 4710 E. Fifth St. 512-385-2900, justines1937.com.
La Patisserie
Macarons at La Patisserie.
AMERICAN-STATESMAN FILE
Two locations of this classic French bakery owned by engineer-turned-pastry chef Soraiya Nagree specialize in macarons, eclairs and other French pastries. 602 W. Annie St. 512-912-0033; 7301 Burnet Road, #102. 512-770-6442, lpaustin.com.
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Statesman food critic Matthew Odam tried dishes at these 8 Austin restaurants. Here are some of his best picks.
Matthew Odam, Austin American-Statesman
Péché
Rob Pate’s bar and restaurant has been serving up craft cocktails, absinthe and intimate New Orelansy vibes in the Warehouse District since 2008. Accompanying all that booze are French dishes like bouillabaisse, chicken liver pâté, foie gras and grilled lamb. 208 W. Fourth St. 512-379-8249, pecheaustin.com.
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Rocheli Patisserie
In a sign of a changing Austin, sisters Nelly and Linda Garcia and their mother, Rosa Nelly Caballero, brought Old World elegance, along with macarons, almond croissants and eclairs, to East 12th Street. 1212 Chicon St. #102. 512-220-4107, rocheli.com.
Dining and Cooking