10 French Restaurants Across Illinois That Are Worth The Reservation
Illinois might be famous for deep-dish pizza and Chicago hot dogs, yet the state’s dining scene holds a deep appreciation for French cooking that goes far beyond casual fare.
Across Illinois, chefs channel time-honored techniques into menus built on butter, patience, and precision, where onion soup is simmered for hours and sauces are finished with exacting care.
Dining at these restaurants feels intentional, shaped by candlelit rooms, attentive service, and plates arranged with quiet confidence rather than spectacle. Classic dishes such as coq au vin and duck confit appear alongside lighter, contemporary interpretations that respect tradition without feeling dated.
Some spaces lean refined, others relaxed, but each carries the unmistakable rhythm of a French kitchen. Together, these ten restaurants offer more than a meal, they deliver a sense of occasion that lingers long after the final course is cleared.
1. La Grande Boucherie – Chicago
Right in the heart of Chicago’s River North neighborhood, La Grande Boucherie brings the grandeur of Parisian brasseries to life with stunning Belle Époque design that makes you feel like you’ve stepped through a portal to 1920s France. The soaring ceilings, ornate brass details, and vintage posters create an atmosphere so authentic you might forget you’re in the Midwest.
Every corner of this restaurant tells a story, from the marble bar to the carefully curated artwork adorning the walls.
The menu reads like a love letter to traditional French cooking, featuring everything from perfectly seared steak frites to delicate seafood towers that arrive at your table like edible sculptures. Their onion soup gratinée comes bubbling hot with a gloriously gooey cheese cap that stretches for days.
The rotisserie chicken, seasoned with herbs and roasted to golden perfection, practically falls off the bone and comes with sides that complement rather than compete.
Service here strikes that perfect balance between attentive and unobtrusive, with staff who genuinely know their menu inside and out. The energy buzzes with excitement, especially during weekend brunch when the restaurant fills with locals and tourists alike.
Located at 415 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60654, this brasserie transforms ordinary meals into memorable occasions worth planning your schedule around.
2. Chez Joël – Chicago
Tucked into Lincoln Park’s tree-lined streets, Chez Joël has been serving soul-warming French cuisine since 1995, making it one of Chicago’s most beloved neighborhood gems. Owner and chef Joël Kazouini brings recipes from his childhood in Lyon, crafting dishes that taste like they came straight from a French grandmother’s kitchen.
The intimate space seats just a handful of diners, creating an atmosphere where conversations flow easily and strangers become friends over shared plates.
Their cassoulet deserves its own fan club—a hearty stew of white beans, duck confit, and sausage that simmers for hours until every ingredient melds into pure comfort. The escargots arrive sizzling in garlic butter so divine you’ll want to soak up every last drop with the crusty bread they provide.
Seasonal specials change with what’s freshest at the market, showing Chef Joël’s commitment to quality over convenience.
What really sets this place apart is its unpretentious approach to fine dining—fancy food without the fussy attitude. Regulars rave about the chocolate mousse, which achieves that impossible lightness while still delivering deep cocoa flavor.
At 1119 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607, this bistro proves that the best French restaurants don’t need massive spaces or trendy gimmicks, just honest cooking and genuine hospitality that keeps people coming back year after year.
3. Jilly’s Cafe – Evanston
Evanston has long boasted a culinary treasure in Jilly’s Cafe, which has been delighting diners since 1986, where French technique meets Midwestern warmth in the most delightful way. Located along Green Bay Road, Jilly’s Cafe occupies a cheerful neighborhood space that feels more like visiting a friend’s home than going out to eat.
The sunny yellow walls and fresh flowers on every table set a mood that’s simultaneously elegant and completely relaxed, perfect for everything from first dates to family celebrations.
Jilly’s Cafe was founded by chef-owner Gerald “Jilly” Kuntz, whose menu blends French country cooking with approachable Midwestern warmth. Her French onion soup achieves that magical balance of sweet caramelized onions and rich broth, topped with a cheese blanket that could win awards.
The quiche changes daily based on seasonal ingredients, arriving at your table with a flaky crust that shatters at the first fork touch.
Brunch here becomes an event worth waking up early for, with crepes that fold around both sweet and savory fillings like edible origami. Their croissants, baked fresh each morning, achieve that perfect contrast of crispy exterior and buttery, layered interior that makes you understand why the French perfected this pastry.
Located at 2614 Green Bay Rd, Evanston, IL 60201, Jilly’s proves that exceptional French cooking thrives in cozy neighborhood settings where everyone feels welcome and every meal feels special.
4. Oceanique – Evanston
When you’re craving French cuisine with a serious focus on the ocean’s bounty, Oceanique delivers an experience that rivals coastal restaurants anywhere in the country. Chef Mark Grosz has built a reputation for transforming the freshest seafood into artful plates that respect both French tradition and modern innovation.
The dining room exudes understated sophistication with its clean lines and ocean-inspired color palette that lets the food remain the star of the show.
Their Dover sole, prepared tableside with theatrical flair, melts on your tongue with a delicacy that justifies its premium price tag. The bouillabaisse arrives as a masterclass in layering flavors, with multiple types of fish and shellfish swimming in a saffron-scented broth that tastes like the Mediterranean in a bowl.
Even non-seafood dishes shine here, like the duck breast that arrives perfectly pink and tender, paired with seasonal accompaniments that change with the chef’s inspiration.
The tasting menu option lets Chef Grosz show off his full range, taking diners on a multi-course journey that builds in complexity and excitement.
At 505 Main St, Evanston, IL 60202, Oceanique has earned its place among Illinois’s finest French restaurants, proving that exceptional seafood preparation requires both technical skill and artistic vision that this team delivers consistently.
5. Aboyer – Winnetka
Winnetka’s dining scene got a serious upgrade when Aboyer opened its doors, bringing sophisticated French cuisine to the North Shore with a modern twist that feels fresh and exciting. The name itself comes from the French kitchen term for the person who calls out orders, setting the tone for a restaurant that respects culinary tradition while embracing contemporary presentation.
Exposed brick walls contrast beautifully with sleek modern furnishings, creating a space that feels both welcoming and special-occasion-worthy.
Chef Michael Lachowicz’s menu reads like poetry, with dishes that sound almost too beautiful to eat—until they arrive and you realize they taste even better than they look. The foie gras preparation changes seasonally but always showcases this controversial delicacy with the respect it deserves, balanced by fruits or preserves that cut through the richness.
Their short rib bourguignon takes the classic beef stew and refines it into something elegant without losing the soul-warming comfort that makes this dish beloved.
Small plates encourage sharing and exploration, letting diners sample multiple flavor profiles throughout the evening. The cheese selection, sourced from both French and American artisans, provides the perfect bridge between courses or a satisfying conclusion to your meal.
Located at 64 Green Bay Rd, Winnetka, IL 60093, Aboyer demonstrates that suburban restaurants can absolutely compete with their urban counterparts when passion, skill, and quality ingredients come together in harmony.
6. Paris Bistro – Naperville
In Naperville, Paris Bistro Café & Creperie offers a slice of Paris with a relaxed, café-style atmosphere. Paris Bistro doesn’t try to reinvent French cuisine, instead, it perfects the classics with the kind of consistency that builds a loyal following.
The interior channels authentic bistro vibes with its black and white checkered floor, bentwood chairs, and vintage French posters that transport you across the Atlantic without leaving the western suburbs.
Their steak au poivre delivers exactly what you hope for: a perfectly cooked steak with a peppercorn crust that provides just enough heat, finished with a cognac cream sauce that ties everything together. The moules frites arrive in a enormous pot, with plump mussels swimming in white garlic broth alongside a mountain of crispy fries that you’ll keep reaching for even when you’re full.
Crepes, both sweet and savory, showcase the versatility of this simple French staple, folded around fillings that range from ham and gruyere to Nutella and banana.
Weekend brunch draws crowds who know that their eggs Benedict reaches new heights when topped with perfectly poached eggs and hollandaise that’s rich without being heavy. The outdoor patio, when weather permits, becomes one of Naperville’s most coveted dining spots for people-watching and soaking up sunshine.
At 2656 Showplace Dr, Naperville, IL 60564, Paris Bistro proves that authentic French cooking thrives when restaurants focus on doing familiar dishes exceptionally well rather than chasing trends.
7. Petite Vie Brasserie – Western Springs
Western Springs residents hit the jackpot when Petite Vie Brasserie brought authentic French cooking to their charming suburb, creating a destination that draws diners from across the region. The name translates to “small life,” perfectly capturing the philosophy of finding joy in everyday moments—especially those spent around a table sharing excellent food.
Warm lighting, exposed brick, and thoughtfully curated vintage touches create an atmosphere that feels both special and approachable, where jeans are just as welcome as dress clothes.
Their French onion soup requires patience as you navigate through the cheese cap, but the reward is a deeply flavored broth that tastes like hours of careful caramelization went into every spoonful.
Seasonal ingredients drive menu changes, ensuring that what arrives on your plate reflects the best of what’s currently available rather than relying on out-of-season imports. The drinks list, carefully curated to complement the menu, includes both French classics and interesting selections from other regions that share similar characteristics.
Located at 4355 Wolf Rd, Western Springs, IL 60558, Petite Vie Brasserie demonstrates that exceptional French restaurants can thrive in unexpected places when the commitment to quality never wavers.
8. Miramar Bistro – Highwood
Highwood’s culinary reputation got a major boost from Miramar Bistro, where French technique meets Mediterranean influences in dishes that celebrate both traditions beautifully. The North Shore location attracts a sophisticated crowd who appreciate Chef John Hogan’s commitment to sourcing premium ingredients and treating them with the respect they deserve.
Soft lighting and elegant table settings create an atmosphere perfect for celebrations, though the welcoming staff makes even casual Tuesday dinners feel special.
Their beef Wellington arrives as a showstopper, with flaky puff pastry encasing tender filet and mushroom duxelles in a presentation that looks almost too pretty to cut into. The bouillabaisse showcases the chef’s ability to balance multiple seafood varieties in a saffron-infused broth that captures the essence of the French Riviera.
Even seemingly simple preparations, like their roasted chicken, reveal layers of flavor that come from proper technique and quality starting ingredients.
The restaurant’s commitment to seasonal menus means that repeat visitors always find something new to try, keeping the experience fresh and exciting. Desserts receive the same careful attention as savory courses, with classics like crème brûlée achieving that perfect contrast between crackling caramelized sugar and silky smooth custard underneath.
At 410 Waukegan Ave, Highwood, IL 60040, Miramar Bistro has earned its reputation as a North Shore destination where French culinary excellence meets warm Midwestern hospitality in the most delicious way possible.
9. LeTour – Evanston
Evanston’s Davis Street welcomes diners to LeTour, where French cafe culture gets a modern American interpretation that works brilliantly for everything from quick coffee breaks to leisurely multi-course dinners. The space itself reflects this versatility, with a casual cafe area perfect for grabbing pastries and a more formal dining room where tablecloths and thoughtful service elevate the experience.
Large windows flood the interior with natural light, creating an airy atmosphere that feels energizing rather than stuffy.
Their crepe selection spans both sweet and savory territory, with fillings that change seasonally but always deliver on flavor and presentation. The croque monsieur achieves that perfect balance of crispy grilled bread, melted cheese, and quality ham that makes this simple sandwich a French cafe staple.
Salads here aren’t afterthoughts—they’re carefully composed plates where every ingredient contributes something meaningful, from the perfectly ripe tomatoes to the house-made vinaigrettes that tie everything together.
The bakery case tempts with daily selections of croissants, tarts, and pastries that showcase proper French baking techniques, with layers that shatter and fillings that don’t skimp on quality ingredients. Coffee drinks receive the same attention, whether you’re ordering a simple espresso or a more elaborate preparation.
Located at 625 Davis St in Evanston, LeTour proves that French dining doesn’t always require reservations weeks in advance—sometimes the best experiences come from spontaneous stops at places that consistently deliver quality regardless of whether you’re staying for five minutes or two hours.
10. 2 Chez Restaurant – Peoria
Peoria diners discovered a French treasure when 2 Chez Restaurant opened, bringing sophisticated European cuisine to central Illinois with style and substance. The elegant dining room features classic white tablecloths and subdued lighting that creates an atmosphere perfect for romantic dinners, business meetings, or any occasion deserving something beyond the ordinary.
Chef-owner Jeff Hilt brings decades of culinary experience in fine dining and European cuisine.
The menu rotates seasonally, but certain signatures remain constant by popular demand—like their rack of lamb, perfectly roasted with a herb crust that adds texture and flavor without overwhelming the quality meat underneath. Their approach to sauces demonstrates classical French training, with reductions and emulsions that enhance rather than mask the main ingredients.
The attention to plating shows respect for diners, presenting food that looks as impressive as it tastes.
The cheese course option provides a sophisticated conclusion to your meal, featuring selections that span mild to pungent, giving diners a tour through different regions and styles.
At 7815 N Knoxville Ave, Suite 5, Peoria, IL 61614, 2 Chez Restaurant stands as proof that exceptional French dining experiences exist throughout Illinois, not just in Chicago, rewarding diners willing to venture beyond the usual suspects with memorable meals that justify every mile traveled.