Oh la la! These are 7 of our favorite French restaurants in the Triangle
Well, color me surprised. When I introduced this column in August, I said I hoped to make it a two-way conversation, and I invited you to share your suggestions for topics. I fully expected requests for articles about trendy subjects like noodle bars, the barbecue revival and vegan options.
I got plenty of those, but to my surprise, so far I’ve gotten more requests for a roundup of my favorite French restaurants than any other category. Guess that makes French cuisine a hot topic again.
That’s a standing invitation, by the way. Just email me at ggcox55@gmail.com with any suggestions, comments or peeves you’d like me to address.
Coquette
4351 The Circle at North Hills, Raleigh
919-789-0606 or coquetteraleigh.com
L’ambience: Classic French brasserie — cafe chairs at marble top tables, graceful bent arm globe chandeliers, old school black and white tile floors
C’est si bon (or my recommendations): Quiche Lorraine (lunch/brunch), potato croquettes, frisée salad, coq au vin, steak frites, profiteroles
Jolie
620 N. Person St., Raleigh
919-803-7221 or restaurantjolie.com
L’ambience: Urbane, contemporary and tightly spaced; covered (and heated) rooftop patio
C’est si bon: You won’t go wrong with anything on the menu at award-winning chef Scott Crawford’s latest venture, which I gave 4 1/2 stars in my review last month. But by all means get an order of gougères to munch on while you’re deciding.
Provence
203 W. Weaver St., Carrboro
919-967-5008 or provenceofcarrboro.com
L’ambience: Converted bungalow oozes auberge charm inside and out
C’est si bon: Smoked salmon eggs Benedict (lunch/brunch), onion soup gratinée, moules frites, any seafood entree
Royale
200 E. Martin St., Raleigh
919-977-3043 or royaleraleigh.com
L’ambience: Rustic bistro with chipped paint walls, cozy bar, cafe chairs, button-back banquettes and a sidewalk patio
C’est si bon: Oysters, fried Brussels sprouts, Royale burger, desserts
Rue Cler
401 E. Chapel Hill St., Durham
919-682-8844 or ruecler-durham.com
L’ambience: Urban rustic in muted earth tones
C’est si bon: Three-course prix fixe is a bargain at $39; winning à la carte options include salads (verte or frisée), house-made sausage, coq au vin, and beignets
Saint Jacques
6112 Falls of Neuse Road, Raleigh
919-862-2770 or saintjacquesfrenchcuisine.com
L’ambience: Romantic hideaway tucked into a North Raleigh strip mall
C’est si bon: Rabbit and pork paté, sweetbreads, scallops vol au vent, rack of lamb, tarte Tatin
Vin Rouge
2010 Hillsborough Road, Durham
919-416-0466 or vinrougerestaurant.com
L’ambience: Classic French bistro, from the ceramic pig chef near the entrance to the basket of baguettes on a side table (fair weather bonus: secret garden of a courtyard patio in back)
C’est si bon: Seafood platter, sweetbreads, moules frites, bouillabaisse, sautéed calf’s liver, tournedos, gratin de macaroni, lemon tart
This story was originally published December 10, 2019 at 9:15 AM with the headline "Oh la la! These are 7 of our favorite French restaurants in the Triangle."