12 Best French Restaurants in Denver, CO in 2025
Looking for the best French restaurants Denver has to offer and not sure where to start? If so, this list has everything you need! From homemade-inspired everyday dishes to elevated modern fare and beyond, the French restaurant scene in Denver has something for everyone.
Whether you’re craving a sophisticated taste of Paris or you’re simply looking to discover your next low-key French restaurant in Denver, we’ve picked out the most popular options for you to try. You’ll be impressing yourself and your fellow guests with tasty, memorable dishes in no time.
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The 12 Best Denver French Restaurants
1. Le Bilboquet
Originally based in New York before opening a second location out west, Le Bilboquet is one of the top French restaurants Denver locals boast proudly about. This historic, white-tablecloth bistro is led by original owner Philippe Delgrange and restaurateur Rick Wahlstedt.
The Vibe
This French restaurant in Denver is sure to transport you to Paris with its fine art on the walls and fresh flowers on each table. The airy dining hall is lined with plush velvet seating and there’s a classic wooden bar where you can perch on tall stools to order a glass of chilled Champagne.
What to Order
Starting with the burrata salad won't disappoint. Next, go for the Cajun chicken, a staple menu item for decades. The chicken is cooked to tender perfection, with a unique and flavorful seasoning to boot.
Le Bilboquet | 299 St. Paul St., Denver, CO 80206 | $$$
2. Bistro Vendôme
One of the top award-winning French restaurants Denver locals flock to is none other than Bistro Vendôme. Its name pays homage to a famous historic square in Paris and its atmosphere encapsulates that local charm to a tee.
The Vibe
The various themed rooms here create a world within a world. Find yourself dining on a makeshift Parisian street, under the midnight blue-painted ceilings or in a cozy yellow room by the well-stocked bar.
What to Order
Guests at this French restaurant in Denver often enjoy the beef tartare for its masterful layered garnishes of aioli, pickles, capers and more. For your main course, opt for the delicious filet de saumon which sees pan-seared salmon paired with butternut squash, beluga lentil vinaigrette and Parisian ham.
Bistro Vendôme | 2267 Kearney St., Denver, CO 80207 | $$
3. Brasserie Brixton
Head to the northern part of the city to discover Brasserie Brixton, one of the top French restaurants in Denver for hearty cuisine. Dishes here are made with local ingredients and are best enjoyed with a glass of wine from the expansive collection on offer.
The Vibe
The space is light and playful, featuring an exposed brick wall accented by a mural and crisp black and white paintwork. It’s a great spot for casual catch-ups while enjoying the best of Denver food.
What to Order
Try the infamous French onion soup, largely considered one of the best in the city. For lighter options, the summer squash is a refreshing choice.
Brasserie Brixton | 3701 N. Williams St., Denver, CO 80205 | $$
4. Chez Maggy
Inside the Thompson Hotel in the LoDo district is none other than Chez Maggy, led by Michelin star Chef Ludo Lefebvre. Here, he masterfully recreates French classics with local Colorado ingredients.
The Vibe
Enjoy a refined dining experience at this French restaurant in Denver, where you’ll be surrounded by snow-dusted forest artwork underneath airy, high ceilings. The marble tables add a sophisticated touch that, altogether, makes this restaurant’s atmosphere perfect for a celebratory occasion.
What to Order
The Belgian endive salad is a unique dish here, featuring horseradish cream and sherry vinaigrette. For mains, the trout almondine is not to be missed. Chez Maggy also has an excellent weekend brunch, complete with dishes like Denver omelettes and croque madame.
Chez Maggy | 1616 Market St., Denver, CO 80202 | $$
5. Le French
Gourmet meets laidback in the relaxing environment of Le French. Sister Chefs Aminata and Rougui Dia take inspiration from their Senegalese-French roots to create an innovative menu with local ingredients.
The Vibe
The atmosphere at Le French is modern chic, with a neutral color palette accented by gold. For casual events like catch-ups with old friends, this is one of the top French restaurants in Denver to dine at.
What to Order
For brunch, locals love the crêpe Suzette, with citrus marmalade, Grand Marnier and mascarpone chantilly, for its perfect balance of sweet and tangy. This is also a great French restaurant in Denver for an authentic Parisian omelette with Gruyère cheese.
If visiting for dinner, get the poulet rôti, which combines perfectly roasted chicken with a tarragon cream sauce, sweet peas and mushrooms.
Le French | 4901 S. Newport St., Denver, CO 80237 | $$
6. Noisette
Sometimes you need a taste of traditional family recipes and home cooking to bring comfort and nourishment. That’s when it’s time to pay a visit to Noisette, one of the rare French restaurants Denver has that specializes in “cuisine bourgeoise” — everyday dishes with an elevated touch.
The Vibe
The welcoming atmosphere begins with ornate tile floors, pastel-colored seating and sweeping chandeliers. There’s a fun retro energy, making dining here a unique addition to your list of potential date ideas in Denver to explore with your partner.
What to Order
Guests of this top French restaurant in Denver rave about the vol-au-vents, featuring veal sweetbread, Madeira cream and onion soubise in a bite-sized puff pastry case. Since the restaurant includes a bakery, freshly baked goods like classic baguettes with cultured brown butter are also a solid choice.
Noisette | 3254 Navajo St., Ste. 100, Denver, CO 80211 | $$
7. Bon Ami
Plan your next show-stopping meal at Bon Ami. For those who take their dessert as seriously as the main course, this restaurant will feel like a good friend indeed; it doubles as a crêperie!
The Vibe
Rustic table settings and industrial ceilings contribute to the charming atmosphere here, making it one of the top restaurants for relaxed meals with friends or family.
What to Order
While you may associate crêpes with dessert, delicious savory versions are also served at this French restaurant in Denver. For meat lovers, the stroganoff crêpe is a great choice.
It’s laden with tender red wine-braised beef, mushrooms, bacon lardons and fragrant herbs. There are also many sweet options to choose from, including strawberry and tres leches, banana-chocolate and traditional crêpe Suzette.
Bon Ami | 295 S. Pennsylvania St., Denver, CO 80209 | $$
8. Coohills
Led by husband-wife duo Tom and Diane Coohill, Coohills is a labor of love. Since opening in 2011, this French restaurant in Denver has delighted guests with creative signature dishes made with local ingredients.
The Vibe
With a number of dining halls, elegant seating options and sweeping mountain views, this is one of the most beautiful French restaurants in Denver that can also double as a private event venue for your next milestone celebration.
What to Order
Coohills is especially well-known for its signature crab cakes, so trying this menu staple at least once can’t be missed. Indulging in dessert here is also a must as all desserts are expertly crafted in-house. A few great options include the creamy chocolate verrine and the brioche bread pudding with blueberry compôte and zesty lemon curd ice cream.
Coohills | 1400 Wewatta St., Denver, CO 80202 | $$$
9. La Forêt
It’s a cocktail bar, it’s an enchanted forest: it’s La Forêt — one of the most unique French restaurants Denver has to offer. Tucked away in the SoBo neighborhood, this whimsical gem awaits guests with a creative menu of mains, small plates and drinks.
The Vibe
Dine on a tree trunk table underneath a canopy of leaves and warm lights, all of which hang from makeshift branches. From the natural accents to exquisite plating, the magical atmosphere makes celebrating at this place a great potential Denver birthday idea.
What to Order
As one of the top French restaurants Denver has to offer, be sure to try the creamy baked brie for an authentic treat. Guests also rave about the frog legs, a rare delicacy.
La Forêt | 38 S. Broadway, Denver, CO 80209 | $$
10. Jacques
Enjoy a cozy home-away-from-home experience at Jacques. This chic French restaurant in Denver was first opened by three friends, and that energy is captured in its welcoming atmosphere and delicious sharing plates.
The Vibe
This spot is laid-back and comfortable, with intimate tables that feel just like an elevated living room. It’s one of the top French restaurants in Denver for laughter-filled dinners or late-night catch-ups over drinks.
What to Order
While the menu changes regularly, guests are impressed by the classic French onion soup. For dessert, you can’t go wrong with crème brûlée.
Jacques | 3200 Tejon St., Denver, CO 80211 | $$
11. Bistro Barbès
A more unique option on this list of the best French restaurants in Denver, Bistro Barbès is a specialist in the intersection of French, North African and Middle Eastern cuisine. Its roots as a supper club can also be seen in its rotating four-course tasting menus.
The Vibe
Dining at this bistro is an intimate affair, with white-clothed tables in a relaxed environment that encourages conversation and community. It’s a gem among the more understated fancy restaurants in Denver.
What to Order
Try the roasted beets if this dish is available — it features unique ingredients like ginger goat cheese and a light orange vinaigrette. Finish with the cappuccino pot de crème for a luxurious and rich treat.
Bistro Barbès | 5021 E. 28th Ave., Denver, CO 80207 | $$$
12. La Merise French Bistro
Head to Cherry Creek and you’ll find a classic staple when it comes to French restaurants in Denver: La Merise French Bistro. For more than a decade, this spot has offered home-style French meals along with an extensive wine menu that simply begs to be explored.
The Vibe
La Merise is one of the most spacious, rustic French restaurants that Denver locals love to visit. Its timeless charm comes from the red booth seats, dark blue ceilings and welcoming atmosphere.
What to Order
Try the house special Burger à la Merise, a hearty creation made with an all-natural beef patty, Gruyère or blue cheese, earthy mushrooms and smooth pâté. It’s the perfect balance of French-American cuisine. The savory crêpes are also excellent and a great order if you want a lighter meal.
La Merise French Bistro | 2700 E. Third Ave., Denver, CO 80206 | $$$
Other Foodie Experiences in Denver
Exploring restaurants is just the start of the many different foodie experiences you can try in this city. If you’re feeling inspired by the artfully crafted dishes you’ve enjoyed at French restaurants in Denver, taking one of many cooking classes in Denver could be the next step.
In these chef-led sessions, you’ll learn even more about the skills and techniques it takes to make gourmet food while picking up some helpful tricks of the trade.
You can also book one of the food tours in Denver, all of which are led by expert guides with tons of knowledge to share about the best restaurants in the city, their history and so much more. Food tours provide a great way to explore the local food scene and discover both trending restaurants and hidden gems.
There’s certainly no shortage of French restaurants in Denver to try during your search for your next favorite dish or eatery. With a variety of relaxed and elegant locations, plus both authentic and inventive dishes, it’ll be easy to slip into a French fairytale, all while enjoying some of the best food in the city!
For even more ways to explore Denver and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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