• Enjoy a meal at a famous French restaurant in New York City.french gastronomy image by A74.FR Ben Fontaine from Fotolia.com
  
  New York City is known for culture and art and for being home to some of the world's most famous and popular restaurants. To some critics, French cuisine is thought to have gone through a low point in the 1990s in New York, but many French restaurants stayed focused and are now seeing more success and fame than ever.
  
  

Le Bernardin

• Le Bernardin is owned by celebrity chef Eric Ripert and is one of New York's most popular French dining destinations based on the coverage that it has received in publications such as Gourmet magazine, Wine Spectator magazine and on television programs on the Travel Channel and the Food Network. This restaurant is known for creative meat-based dishes and for its fish-based dishes which are often accompanied by complex sauces. Pan-Asian influence may also be evident in your meal. The atmosphere at Le Bernardin is upscale and romantic with dining rooms decorated in rich woods, crisp linens and fresh flowers. Reservations are highly recommended.
  
  Le Bernardin
  
  155 W. 51st St.
  
  New York, NY 10019
  
  212-554-1515
  
  le-bernardin.com
  
  

Daniel

• Chef Daniel Boulud's Upper East Side restaurant was redecorated in 2009 but its focus on contemporary French cuisine remained true to its original goal. A multi-course, prix fixe menu changes several times per years, but some staples and favorites are served year-round. They include dishes such as braised Angus beef short ribs, partridge consomme and sea bass. Daniel is known to utilize organic ingredients and offers a menu specifically for vegetarians. Choices for vegetarian diners include polenta with Sicilian olive tapenade and chestnut potato gnocchi. The prix fixe dinner cost more than $100 per person as of August 2010, and that price was based on a three-course meal. Six- and eight-course meals are also available. Reservations are highly recommended several weeks in advance.
  
  Daniel
  
  60 E. 65th St.
  
  New York, NY 10065
  
  212-288-0033
  
  danielnyc.com
  
  

L'Absinthe

• L'Absinthe is a famed bistro known for its art collection and decor set in a cozy space. The restaurant is owned and operated by French chef Jean-Michel Bergougnoux, who is often featured on the Food Network. The menu here is diverse and features both old-style French cuisine and modern interpretations on French cooking. Meal options include a poached free-range chicken simmered in a black truffle broth, beef tartare and a variety of organ-based meat dishes. Gourmet seafood-based dishes are also available. A long wine list offers a choice of over 350 wines and a knowledgeable staff can help you choose the best compliment to your meal. Reservations are highly recommended.
  
  L'Absinthe
  
  227 E. 67th St.
  
  New York, NY 10021
  
  212-794-4950
  
  labsinthe.com