Best French restaurant
YOUR PICKS
Coq Au Vin from Bistro Niko. Photo: Becky Stein / Special
1) Bistro Niko
You say, “The French brassiere/bistro is a dying commodity in Atlanta. Bistro Niko has rekindled my faith. I have been there multiple times and can’t get over how much I have enjoyed it each time. I have only been to France three times so I am not an expert, but to me, Bistro Niko is the closest thing….”
2) French American Brasserie (FAB)
3) Joël
4) Café Alsace
5) Violette
6) Atmosphere
OUR PICKS
FAB's skate wing with a glass of white wine. Photo: Becky Stein / Special
1) French American Brasserie (FAB)
AJC dining critic Meridith Ford Goldman says, “When FAB opened downtown, I’ll admit I missed the cozy quaintness of Brasserie Le Coze’s truly French dining room. But the first time I stepped out of the elevator and onto this restaurant’s rooftop dining area, I got over it. Breezy, with a fab view of the city’s burgeoning downtown scene, plus all the accoutrements from the kitchen, from champagne and oysters to chef Stephen Sharp’s take on the restaurant’s signature skate wing with Pantelleria capers and brown butter.”
2) Joël
3) Pastis
4) Babette’s
5) Bistro Niko
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146 comments Add your comment
Beth
February 1st, 2010
1:37 pm
Violette for sure.
FoodDude
February 1st, 2010
1:40 pm
Joel Brasserie
Ganners
February 1st, 2010
1:42 pm
Cafe le Crepe by the Marietta Square.
woody
February 1st, 2010
1:51 pm
The Annoying Froggie off of Ponce near Little 5 points also one on Howell Mill. Le Magnifique!
Go there and be yourself!
Lionel Hutz
February 1st, 2010
1:53 pm
Without hesitation, Bistro Niko is the best French restaurant in town. In fact, it is the best new restaurant to open in the last 5 years. It is beautiful inside and the menu is impeccable. A true pleasure to dine there.
Atlanta French
February 1st, 2010
1:58 pm
VG Bistro – consistently excellent.
Kara
February 1st, 2010
1:59 pm
bistro niko!
RK
February 1st, 2010
1:59 pm
Joel without a doubt.
Gary G
February 1st, 2010
2:06 pm
Violette – Good food and atmosphere .
Drew
February 1st, 2010
2:10 pm
Au Rendez Vous!!
JC
February 1st, 2010
2:10 pm
Joel’s
HotlantaHobo
February 1st, 2010
2:17 pm
Le Petite Maison on Roswell Rd in Sandy Springs. A real French bistro.
Maria Schiller
February 1st, 2010
2:18 pm
Provence when they were open…..sad to see them go….corner of Lower Roswell and Woodlawn, East Cobb.
snb
February 1st, 2010
2:18 pm
Cafe Alsace in Decatur
Darin
February 1st, 2010
2:20 pm
Social downtown. Really more of a French/North African fusion menu, but they do a great job with some French staples such as steak frites at dinner and pan bagnat at lunch. Plus, the interior and atmosphere is more like my favorite spots in Paris (L’Ebouchior, Chez Prune) than any place I’ve been.
JRC
February 1st, 2010
2:25 pm
Atmosphere on Piedmont. Excellent Steak Frite, brilliant and dedicated staff.
you knew it was gonna happen
February 1st, 2010
2:27 pm
flying bisquit
Jenny
February 1st, 2010
2:29 pm
Bistro Niko, for sure! Bustling, busy and always consistent. Awesome!
Jules
February 1st, 2010
2:33 pm
My vote would be Bistro Niko. It rivals (or maybe even surpasses!) several meals I had on a recent trip to Paris. I’m glad for the new addition on Atlanta’s landscape!
tukute
February 1st, 2010
2:37 pm
Have not tried many but Social downtown is AWESOME!!!
ATLFoodie
February 1st, 2010
2:39 pm
I love Bistro Niko – such a beautiful space!
Susan Moore
February 1st, 2010
2:39 pm
Atmosphere on Piedmont
CC
February 1st, 2010
2:50 pm
Ani’s Bistro
Egger
February 1st, 2010
2:51 pm
Cafe Alsace – not only is the food wonderful but the owner Benedicte and her staff are all so nice.
SusieQue
February 1st, 2010
2:53 pm
Dourceur De France, in Marietta
Katy
February 1st, 2010
2:54 pm
Bistro Niko, hands down.
Arielle
February 1st, 2010
2:58 pm
i love love love bistro niko! the tarts are amazing
M. Johnson
February 1st, 2010
2:59 pm
FAB Atlanta. When I walk into that restaurant, I feel like Audrey Hepburn in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” The decor is simply beautiful, the menu is truly French and so is the owner.
If you haven’t been here, you are missing a wonderfully French dining experience.
donkey200
February 1st, 2010
3:05 pm
Au Rendez Vous!!
Emily
February 1st, 2010
3:10 pm
Bistro Niko! Chic and great for lunch or dinner.
Intowner
February 1st, 2010
3:15 pm
1) FAB
2) Atmosphere
2) Anis
4) Bistro Niko
Stew Kliteneaque
February 1st, 2010
3:21 pm
Crappy le Crepe in Bogart
Yum
February 1st, 2010
3:24 pm
Douceur de France in Marietta. Breakfast and lunch, great soups, baguettes, and killer desserts. Very authentic French cafe cuisine.
JDJ
February 1st, 2010
3:27 pm
Violette’s . . . their chicken in puff pastry is oooo la la!!
CrossFit
February 1st, 2010
3:27 pm
Cafe Alsace!
Joel is nice but horrible service IMO.
Don KeBallz
February 1st, 2010
3:33 pm
McDonald’s …The BEST French Fries !!!
mama
February 1st, 2010
3:33 pm
The croissant at Burger King is to die for.
SMB
February 1st, 2010
3:47 pm
Bistro Niko
Marie C
February 1st, 2010
3:52 pm
Bistro Niko is amazing! I especially love the skate wing.
Brittany
February 1st, 2010
4:08 pm
I’m with Emily. Bistro Niko is the best french bistro to hit Atlanta. LOVE it.
jeremy smith
February 1st, 2010
6:13 pm
Atmosphere
Rich
February 1st, 2010
7:08 pm
Petite Auberge in Toco Hills. The service is outstanding and the food is excellent.
janet
February 1st, 2010
11:01 pm
Douceur de France in Roswell ( opened Christmas week) Beautiful pastries and lovely cafe for breakfast and lunch.
La Petite Maison in Sandy Springs for fresh, straight forward French bistro food. Can’t beat their Fromage Blanc with Raspberry Coulis. They make the Fromage Blanc.
MarrG
February 1st, 2010
11:58 pm
Babette’s in Poncey-Highland
Le Cafe Crepe on Marietta Square
cookie
February 2nd, 2010
6:23 am
joel’s
David
February 2nd, 2010
7:44 am
Cafe Alsace in Decatur
Juliet
February 2nd, 2010
9:45 am
Bistro Niko, hand’s down. LOVE it…
joejoe
February 2nd, 2010
10:04 am
Petite Auberge in Toco Hills is a local fav with excellent service and great food. Another one is FAB in Downtown Atlanta. Great Service, wonderful Niçoise Olive Tapenade and Croque Monsieur.
Betty
February 2nd, 2010
11:08 am
Bistro Niko – definitely worth making a drive from ANYWHERE in metro Atlanta. It’s phenominal. So authentic and fun.
Mere
February 2nd, 2010
11:28 am
Bistro Niko has a truly, warm, welcoming and authentically French feel! I love it!
mrouz
February 2nd, 2010
11:42 am
Bistro Niko has a beautiful interior, not to mention an extensive French wine list and to die for oysters. Ooh la la!
Alice
February 2nd, 2010
4:45 pm
THE BEST IN TOWN IS FAB (French American Brasserie). If you want a cheap imitation, go to Bistro Niko. They took all the original recipes from the former Brasserie Lecoze (now FAB).
Emmy
February 2nd, 2010
4:49 pm
Definately FAB…the atmosphere is amazing!!! You will be blown away by the food and service!!!
RML
February 2nd, 2010
4:57 pm
Joel and FAB are my favorites – and I’ve tried them all!
joseph linder
February 2nd, 2010
5:02 pm
French American Brasserie definitly, ambiance, food and sertvice, no contest.
jtorr
February 2nd, 2010
5:13 pm
FAB FAB FAB…and totally agree with alice on this one.
lonewt
February 2nd, 2010
5:18 pm
I lived in Paris my junior year of college and while I didn’t pick up much of the language, I definitely learned a lot about the food and I have to say that French American Brasserie truly captures the esssence of a French Brasserie from the expanded menu to the comfortable yet stylish atmosphere to the impeccable service. Bottom line, you can tell the owner is actually French.
jessica
February 2nd, 2010
5:20 pm
I would have to say FAB. Not only because of the great food, but I love their rooftop and ambiance.
Debbie
February 2nd, 2010
5:31 pm
FAB wins hands down. Not only is the food delicious, but the ambience has the others beat by a mile. Just head to the roof top for drinks and mussels. Everything I have ordered has been delicious. Reasonable wine prices, also.
rmartin
February 2nd, 2010
5:47 pm
French American Brasserie (FAB) for sure! The mussels are the best in the city
Martica
February 2nd, 2010
5:50 pm
Violette- very authentic
tkaczuk
February 2nd, 2010
5:53 pm
I hate to sound unoriginal at this point, but I have to agree with the majority of people here and say FAB. Food, ambience and service are all spot on and the setting is spectacular. I hate that it gets a bad rap for being hard to get it. It’s right off the freeway and easier to get to than most of the restaurants in buckhead and midtown.
britt
February 2nd, 2010
6:10 pm
Gotta go with FAB. It’s a no brainer. Has it all…everything Niko is trying to accomplish, but they did it first and they do it better!
Bronni
February 2nd, 2010
7:26 pm
Bistro Niko,
Love it, love it, love it – authentic, fun, hip & a great price point!
BAM
February 2nd, 2010
7:32 pm
Bistro Niko is to die for, the best mussels in town!! Awesome menu, incredible wine & beer list and an incredible decor – if you haven’t been, it’s so worth the visit – I garantee you’ll be back! Bon appetit:)
Jennifer
February 2nd, 2010
7:37 pm
Bistro Niko! Gorgeous atmosphere, the food is divine, and the staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and professional.
Pat
February 2nd, 2010
7:43 pm
A welcome addition for lunch or happy hour in the Buckhead/ Lenox district.
foodie5
February 2nd, 2010
7:47 pm
Hands down, in Atlanta, FAB. Gorgeous restaurant, amazing rooftop view, excellent food, and a French owner who makes you feel like you are eating on the Champs-Elysees. They also have an excellent wait staff. As for the Niko fans, truth be told, it is a pale imitation. All industry insiders know they took FAB’s recipes and menu and passed it off as their own. On principal, I couldn’t ever support an owner who would do that. Also, I enjoy Cafe Alsace in Decatur. Like having a home cooked French meal. And Violette’s for French comfort food. Haven’t been to Joel’s since some snarly, uppity service, but hear it is back on track.
francois hugon
February 2nd, 2010
7:51 pm
F.A.B. Being french myself this is the only restaurant in Atlanta that truly recapture the essence of the food and atmosphere, plus the service is better.
Thomas
February 2nd, 2010
9:18 pm
Bistro Niko is upscale, delectable cuisine at a great price. Will return again and again.
carlst
February 2nd, 2010
9:29 pm
French American Brasserie. Love it!!!!
Carmartin
February 2nd, 2010
9:32 pm
FAB/Brasserie Le Coze. Been a patron for 6 years and have tried all the other restaurants on this list including the newer Niko, and there is truly no comparison. FAB is a brasserie in the truest since of the word. No one else holds a candle to them.
SusAd
February 2nd, 2010
9:32 pm
French American Brasserie…no other comments necessary.
Carson22
February 2nd, 2010
9:36 pm
FAB…duh
moons
February 2nd, 2010
10:18 pm
Cafe Alsace
RML
February 3rd, 2010
12:02 am
French American Brasserie is my first pick, Atmosphere is my second.
Gillian Horsley
February 3rd, 2010
7:55 am
Bistro Niko — authentic French cuisine in a gorgeous setting
Foodie
February 3rd, 2010
7:59 am
We LOVE the new French Restaurant BISTRO NIKO – a terrific combination of flavors and a superb wine list
Jim
February 3rd, 2010
8:41 am
Bistro Niko by Far. I couldn’t be happier that Atlanta has such a fine French Retaurant. Whats with all the FAB postings saying they copied the recepies. Thats like an Italian restaurant claiming they invented Lasagna or veal parmagiana. Brasserie Le Coze used to be my favorite before the original owners pulled out and the FAB guy ruined it. Bistro Niko has it back and BETTER.
E Risgalla
February 3rd, 2010
9:42 am
White Bean Soup at FAB
zeets
February 3rd, 2010
11:21 am
FAB is always my go to spot when I want to have a special evening. Reminds me of my days in Paris. Authentic food, authentic owners. LOVE FAB!!!
Susan Muscari
February 3rd, 2010
12:11 pm
Bistro Niko of course! The food is absolutely incredible and the setting is stunning!
meg
February 3rd, 2010
12:39 pm
Bistro Niko. Alain is a huge plus and tres mignon!
DG
February 3rd, 2010
3:25 pm
French American Bistro
Robyn Fujimoto
February 3rd, 2010
3:56 pm
Hands Down, Bistro Niko is my favorite place to go. Amazing Food, Drinks, and Service.
G Money
February 3rd, 2010
4:10 pm
French American Brasserie
LadyLuck
February 3rd, 2010
4:22 pm
I used to work at fab and now I work at Bistro Niko and i hate to say it but all of the old FAB regulars now eat at Bistro Niko, except they come in even more often. It’s so obvious Bistro Niko is the winner.
Pierre
February 3rd, 2010
4:44 pm
French Brassiere/Bistro is a dying commodity in Atlanta. Bistro Niko has rekindled my faith. I have been there multiple times and can’t get over how much I have enjoyed it each time. I have only been to France three times so I am not an expert but to me Bistro Niko is the closest thing….
Kevin G
February 3rd, 2010
4:45 pm
Bistro Niko
Ava
February 3rd, 2010
5:12 pm
FAB is by far the best in town. I had dinner with my fiance there a few weeks ago and we absolutely loved it. We were given such great service and the food was absolutely AMAZING! We will definately be back
Judith
February 3rd, 2010
5:20 pm
Simple put, I just love FAB
. The Food is great and the Ambiance is second to none.
Lauren
February 3rd, 2010
5:21 pm
OMG….CAN WE PLEASE STOP WITH THE BATTLE OF THE RESTAURANTS (FAB vs. BISTRO NIKO???). THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE ABOUT THE FOOD AND AMBIANCE AND NOT WAR!!!
Francophile
February 3rd, 2010
5:25 pm
Bistro Niko is bien sur the best French restaurant in Atlanta
ATLFoodie
February 3rd, 2010
6:01 pm
Joel Brasserie – The food is amazing as are the staff. The executive chef, pastry chef, sommelier and several other staff are from France – and it really shows in the delicious food and amazing wine list!
hhaahh
February 3rd, 2010
6:11 pm
JOEL! The staff is straight from France – and their wine list is amazing!!
mememe
February 3rd, 2010
6:12 pm
i agree, joel is the best. one look at john kessler’s ‘30 restaurants in 30 days’ blog post is proof enough.
Rosina
February 3rd, 2010
6:15 pm
FAB ~ White Bean Soup ~ I dream about it !
Amy Stevens
February 3rd, 2010
6:34 pm
For those of whom who dont know, FAB is the BEST. And yes the White Bean Soup is amazing… not salty like some place i know….Bistro ****. Oh and their Duck Confit – NASTY. Waste of time! Thank God for FAB where it all started and where the food is and always has been DELICIOUS.
Claude
February 3rd, 2010
10:26 pm
I agree that Joel and French American Brasserie are the best of the best!
JD
February 4th, 2010
9:28 am
FAB on a summer evening on the rooftop is as good as it gets!
Tara
February 4th, 2010
9:28 am
FAB – truly an authentic French restaurant! The food is fantastic, the ambiance sensational, and the owner and chef make you feel like you are the most important guest in the restaurant.
Kerri
February 4th, 2010
9:29 am
FAB is FABulous!!! Love the food,ambiance and service.
Allison
February 4th, 2010
10:03 am
FAB is by far the best French restaurant in Atlanta. No comparisons!!!!!
Rob
February 4th, 2010
10:33 am
FAB is best. BTW, the Chef is really HOT!
EC
February 4th, 2010
10:41 am
FAB
Jason L. Greene
February 4th, 2010
10:44 am
Bistro Niko this week!:) But Joel is probably the best overall.
Michael
February 4th, 2010
11:15 am
The food at the Bistro Niko is good but the portions are very small for the prices charged. I went with a party of six and almost everyone commented on portion size and the poor value for price.
Prudy
February 4th, 2010
11:24 am
Fab is by far the BEST! And the chef isn’t bad either.
Denise Johnson
February 4th, 2010
11:40 am
Atmosphere is the most authentic French restaurant in Atlanta.
Melissa
February 4th, 2010
1:58 pm
Bistro Niko!
Hiroki
February 4th, 2010
2:25 pm
Bistro Niko gets my vote!
Morgan
February 4th, 2010
4:09 pm
French American Brasserie for sure!
Chris
February 4th, 2010
4:27 pm
Ihave to say this to all of those who say Niko…. SNAP out of it! It is so sad that they had to copy FAB (Brasserie Le Coze). Can they not be original and come up with their own menu? FAB is the place to be no matter where you dine in the restaurant. They have so much to offer. AMAZING food, BEAUTIFUL decore, GREAT service, etc. FAB is the BEST.
Broha
February 4th, 2010
5:43 pm
FAB downtown. Stellar interior, fantastic patio for the sunny weather, excellent staff, and incredible food!
RK
February 4th, 2010
5:50 pm
I’m surprised that a restaurant that has been open for 3 months can get this many nominations…
Cate
February 4th, 2010
6:59 pm
Bistro Niko gets my vote for best French Restaurant. Wonderful. Loved it !
Kat
February 4th, 2010
7:24 pm
Alsace in Decatur. Onion Tart is to die for!
Kat
February 4th, 2010
7:25 pm
Enter your comments here
Claudine
February 4th, 2010
8:56 pm
FAB … of course!
SPEAK-So-EASILY
February 4th, 2010
11:19 pm
the fabulass americone brazzier!!!!
charlie 1966
February 5th, 2010
12:00 am
bistro niko NOT FRENCH and not good,joel brasserie is the best food in town not the service ,but the dessert are the best
BB Jackson
February 5th, 2010
9:26 am
FAB without a doubt is the most fabulous!!!!!!
BB Jackson
February 5th, 2010
9:27 am
Handsdown it is FAB.
John
February 5th, 2010
12:09 pm
Bistro Niko in Buckhead is fantastic
Sally
February 5th, 2010
1:27 pm
Cafe Alsace
Paul
February 5th, 2010
1:32 pm
Cafe Alsace- best food, best service and best atmosphere.
Ned
February 5th, 2010
1:34 pm
Cafe Alsace
Alex
February 5th, 2010
1:35 pm
Cafe Alsace.
Anita
February 5th, 2010
2:01 pm
Cafe Alsace
Jen
February 5th, 2010
2:18 pm
Bistro Niko is the flavor of the month but they will not sustain their rise to the top of the foodie chain. FAB and Joel (now Joel Brasserie) are the legitimate owners of “The Best French Restaurant” in Atlanta. Although, as previously stated, this should not be a “war” the facts are that both FAB and Joel have proven themselves time and time again. Joel’s menu exudes luscious “mediterranean” influenced french fare and is “unlawfully” reasonable and the portions are more than sufficient for even the heartiest of appetites. I will say this, sorry FAB but Joel’s desserts are the stuff of legend and can not be equaled in this city. Just my two cents (or francs).
Lacie
February 5th, 2010
2:51 pm
Joel’s! The tastiest chicken burger ever – and the macaroon dessert is incredible, too.
Ann
February 5th, 2010
2:54 pm
I still love Anis….in Buckhead.
Alexa
February 5th, 2010
2:59 pm
Ha. This is funny to see people compare a restaurant who orders there products from Sysco vs. a restaurant that orders their ingredients fresh from all over the country! Theres really no comparison- Joel Brasserie for sure! And, isn’t the chef at Bistro Niko American? – real authentic!
Kris 10
February 5th, 2010
4:07 pm
Bistro VG in Roswell.
Pat 22
February 5th, 2010
7:29 pm
Joel Brasserie serves the best French food in town and I agree with Jen, the desserts are the stuff of legend!
Jennifer Rahm
February 5th, 2010
8:20 pm
Excellent restautant, the cook is marvelous!
RJG
February 6th, 2010
9:04 am
FAB for sure
GR
February 6th, 2010
1:13 pm
Atlantans have a “Six Flags over Georgia” mentality when it comes to rating restaurants. Most of them, including some of the so-called “food critics” wouldn’t know great “Coq-Au Vin” from home fried chicken livers. There are no restaurants or world class chefs in this city. They all came and left! Face it Atlanta, your should stick with Paula Dean as your “Chef de Excellence” forget about the others! You support restaurants because of where they are, who they are owned by or because they have a staff that speaks something other than English. You all should practice the old adage “It’s better to be thought a fool than to open your mouth and let it be known.” Show me one “Michelin Rated” restaurant in this city, come on I dare you!
Derek
February 6th, 2010
3:45 pm
I’m appaled by all the people accusing Bistro Niko, which is by far the finest French restaurant in Atlanta, of “stealing” FAB’s menu!!!!!! Who in their right mind would even attempt to open a new French venture without “Hachis parmentier de veau”, Coq A Vin, boeuf bourguignon, or a crouqe madame??? Come on people, stop playing politics and fess as to the establishment with the best food, atmosphere & service…..Bistro Niko is the undisputed champ!! I dare you to taste their Cod Brandade or White Bean soup and tell me otherwise……..
GR
February 6th, 2010
7:52 pm
Derek,
Tell me are you one of BN’s managers or just one of its inept waiters? The service and the fare leave much to be desired. Bistro Niko is exactly what I mean by “Six Flags Over Georgia” mentality. It is a nice looking restaurant in a “vaudevillian” way but the fare is far from authentic. Julia Child would never endorse it, if she were still with us. Oh and by the way, I think you should learn the correct spellings of french dishes if you’re going to push them out of your brain. Your spelling and Bistro Niko’s reputed “authenticity” leave alot to be desired.
Derek
February 6th, 2010
9:49 pm
GR,
I am niether of the above, but since you point it out you must be one for one of the other dismal refrenced restaurants. Thank you for pointing out my mistake, Coq- Au Vin. If I were to wager, I’d bet you own a “I have a Culinary Boner” t-shirt. Perhaps the reason you dislike The Bistro so much is because you feel so inadequate surrounded by the pleasantry it envokes into the masses that cause the Bistro’s biggest complaint to be “Too loud”
Sarah
February 6th, 2010
10:03 pm
FAB is by far the best French restaurant in Atlanta!!!
Jimbo
February 6th, 2010
11:30 pm
Atmosphere, excellent food, divine brunch, and the best wait staff in Atlanta.
Betty
February 7th, 2010
10:32 am
Peasant bistro Downtown
GR
February 7th, 2010
2:21 pm
Derek,
If I were, I surely wouldn’t lower myself to the level of thinking I had to “toot my own horn”. When you have had the privelege of tasting true french cooking from the kitchens of chefs like Paul Bocuse or Alain Ducasse then you may have the “knowledgeable right” to boast as to what is fine french cuisine. Atlanta has nothing, I repeat nothing like that. I recommend no establishments here, but I had to say something because it is always a joke to read these blogs and I just get tired of seeing so many useless comments that are indeed put forth by these restaurants ownership and staff, Who really cares where the “Finest French Restaurant” in Atlanta is, there isn’t one!
Linda Compton
February 7th, 2010
6:01 pm
Violette will take you through a wonderful French experience without the attitude. Too, it won’t take 3 months to pay off the credit charge.