Whether you’re craving steak tartare, tomato bisque, escargot, or a madeleine cookie, you’re in luck: Austin is experiencing a boom in fare à la française right now. Since Michelin-recognized Le Calamar burst on the scene last summer, the capital city has seen a wave of other French-inspired restaurants, including Kappo Kappo at the Austin Proper and Restaurant François downtown. Here are six new and classic French spots to discover across the city. Bon appétit!
Restaurant François
Over the years, Guy + Larry Restaurants has established a strong reputation in Austin after debuting local favorites like Red Ash Italia, ATX Cocina, J. Carver’s, and Salty Sow. With its latest concept, the hospitality group forays into French-inspired cuisine with American sensibilities. Savor hearty dishes like swordfish steak au poivre, pappardelle with rabbit ragoût, and haricots verts almondine as you soak in the vibes of its gorgeous Art Deco dining room. 401 W. Third St., Ste. 100
Le Calamar
Landing on the Best New Restaurants lists of both Austin Monthly and the Austin-American Statesman last year, Michelin-recognized Le Calamar has been racking up accolades for its dynamic French-Texas menu since opening in May 2025. Helmed by Richard Hargreave and Claudia Lee (Underdog) as well as chef Casey Wall, its ever-changing menu features fresh offerings such as chicken wings à la koffman, steak tartare, beef tallow pommes frites, and a Texas riff on the classic Baked Alaska made with local olive oil, pecans, and honey. 1600 S. First St., Ste. 100
Kappo Kappo
Japanese fare with a French twist isn’t something you encounter every day. And yet, the combo works at this new omakase restaurant inside the Austin Proper. Helmed by Haru and Gohei Kishi, twin brothers who were born in Paris to Japanese parents, Kappo Kappo’s 11-course tasting menu includes highlights like caviar-topped A5 wagyu in a parmesan crust and Bourguignon-style beef cheek with red wine jus and potato foam. Featuring a cozy 25-seat interior and plenty of flourish from the chefs, this memorable dining experience was made for date night. 600 W. Second St.
Nougatine French Bakery
Satisfy your sweet tooth with petit-fours, madeleines, and almond croissants from this darling French bakery concept, which pops up at the Barton Creek Farmers Market every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Led by French trained pastry chef Aurélien Decaix and wife Tala, the bakery also specializes in custom handmade French wedding cakes. Gearing up to celebrate Mardi Gras next month? Pre-order a Galette Des Rois made with flaky puff pastry and a rich almond frangipane now through Jan. 31. Oh la la!
Austin Rôtisserie
Elevate your lunch routine with a visit to this tucked-away gem at Fareground, which includes savory offerings like a poulet roti baguette with signature rotisserie chicken, French carrot soup, and salade de chèvre with goat cheese and French vinaigrette. Of course, if you decide to cap off your meal with a freshly baked chocolate croissant, no one could blame you. 111 Congress Ave.
Justine’s Brasserie
Considered one of the most romantic restaurants in the city—and arguably the most stylish—this East Side brasserie certainly has that je nais se quois. Reservations are hard to come by, but sipping martinis at the bar while you wait for a table is half the fun. Enjoy escargots, steak frites, and the pan-seared poisson du jour as you grab a late-night bite: The restaurant is open until 11 p.m. weekdays (closed Tuesdays) and midnight on weekends. 4710 E. Fifth St.
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