It goes without saying New York’s West Village is packed with so many great neighbourhood food gems it can be hard to know where to begin. So here are four cosy French restaurants to choose from, that will help your indecisive mood.
1. Buvette
You probably didn’t even know that a restaurant serving French tapas exists, did you? So if your wallet’s feeling healthy, you’re in the mood for sharing, and want a reason for a special breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner, this cosy French bistro on Grove Street is your best bet. The little plates are divine, the surroundings traditional and cosy, the atmosphere warm and vibrant. For dinner, it would be rude not to start with a good old French 75.
Be warned, like so many New York restaurants, they don’t take reservations, so you have to be willing to get there early or wait at the bar. It’s worth it though. (Having said all that about Paris at the beginning, there is actually another branch of this restaurant in the City of Light. Worth mentioning.)
42 Grove Street, New York, NY 10014
newyork.ilovebuvette.com
2. Le Gigot
Situated in a lovely spot on what I call New York’s hidden restaurant row, this tiny French bistro is one of those perfect restaurants you want to keep a secret. It’s small and cosy and a local favourite for romantic dinners, serving beautifully presented and delicious Provençale-style dishes.
In good weather, see if you can nab the amazing window seat that opens onto the street, perfect for lazy lounging (see below).
18 Cornelia Street, New York, NY 10014
www.legigotrestaurant.com
3. Cafe Cluny
Cafe Cluny is a small and cosy corner restaurant with an elegant decor and candle-lit ambience at night. It’s sophisticated yet laid back and totally unpretentious even though they do receive high-profile clientele, such as Bradley Cooper (who was SITTING NEXT TO US last time we were there). The food is upmarket, classic French-American style and the coffee the best in the West Village.
284 West 12th Street New York, NY 10014
www.cafecluny.com
4. Tartine
Ah, West 4th Street, my favourite in New York! It’s cosy inside this postage stamp-sized restaurant, but a bonus if you can get a table outside on a warm summer night, so you can hear the cello player serenading evening strollers with some of New York’s most beautiful brownstone townhouses in the background. The food is home-made style, platefuls huge, prices just right. Oh, and it’s BYO so come prepared.
253 West 11th Street (corner of West 4th Street), NY, NY 10014
tartine.nyc
