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Le Bistrot Francais

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An elegant French bistro in Bucharest, housed in a historic mansion, offering refined cuisine with Basque influences and a charming 'Little Paris' atm...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

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The Lounge

Le Bistrot Francais

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An elegant French bistro in Bucharest, housed in a historic mansion, offering refined cuisine with Basque influences and a charming 'Little Paris' atmosphere.

"This is one of the most elegant locations in Bucharest, not only by design, but by service also."

TIP

Book Ahead for Special Occasions

Reservations are recommended for busy times like Valentine's Day to ensure attentive service.

Opt for Weekdays for Quiet Dining

Visit during weekdays or off-peak hours for a quieter experience, avoiding potential crowds or service hiccups.

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Quick Facts

Open·Closes 10PM

Cuisine

French

Price

$$$

Phone

+40 756 018 393

Address

Strada Nicolae Golescu 18, București 010292, Romania

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Crispy-Fondant Mangalița Pork Belly

Crispy-Fondant Mangalița Pork Belly

Chef Sébastien Gravé's signature dish, a gastronomic journey with Basque influences and high-quality local ingredients.

10 Restaurants In Bucharest That Locals Love
Elegant 'Little Paris' Ambiance

Elegant 'Little Paris' Ambiance

A charming and noble atmosphere reminiscent of Bucharest's 'Little Paris' era, with elegant decor and live piano music.

Top 13 Bucharest Best RestaurantsGoogle Review
Exquisite Wine Selection

Exquisite Wine Selection

An impressive and extensive wine list, featuring Romanian wines and cognacs, curated to complement the fine French cuisine.

Google Review+1
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Brasserie cu specific frantuzesx in Bucuresti! @Brasserie a la mode #frenchfood #brasserie #brasseriealamode #foodie #ratatouille #duckbreast #crepessuzette
@tatianadiaconescu
455 likes • 11.5K views

Book Ahead for Special Occasions

Reservations are recommended for busy times like Valentine's Day to ensure attentive service.

Opt for Weekdays for Quiet Dining

Visit during weekdays or off-peak hours for a quieter experience, avoiding potential crowds or service hiccups.

Un început de 2025 cu un preparat emblematic al bistrourilor franțuzești: supa de ceapă gratinată. Brânza Gruyère și Emmentaler se îmbină perfect cu simplitatea ingredientelor de calitate, aducând gustul autentic al Franței în farfurie. #foodyouwanttoeat #bucharestfood #caleavictoriei #thelobby #onionsoup #bistro #frenchfood
@the.lobby.bucharest
106 likes • 5.7K views
📍Calea Victoriei 68-70, București | @THE LOBBY Despre felul de mâncare care făcea furori în “Micul Paris” acum un secol, astăzi cu același farmec franțuzesc și tot pe Calea Victoriei. . . . . . #SteakFrites #TheLobby #MiculParis #LittleParis #bucharest #romania #anatepus #fyp
@anatepus
2.4K likes • 54.5K views

Consider Uber for Parking

Parking can be difficult; taking an Uber is recommended, especially for those in high heels.

Explore Set Menus

Try the 6-course set menu for an exquisite and unusual culinary experience, updated every few months.

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Ahead for Special Occasions

Reservations are recommended for busy times like Valentine's Day to ensure attentive service.

Opt for Weekdays for Quiet Dining

Visit during weekdays or off-peak hours for a quieter experience, avoiding potential crowds or service hiccups.

Consider Uber for Parking

Parking can be difficult; taking an Uber is recommended, especially for those in high heels.

Explore Set Menus

Try the 6-course set menu for an exquisite and unusual culinary experience, updated every few months.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Le Bistrot Francais is celebrated for its exquisite French cuisine, elegant ambiance reminiscent of 'Little Paris,' and impeccable service. Diners rave about the gastronomic journey, particularly dishes like the 'crispy-fondant' pork belly and the impressive wine selection. While some find it expensive, the quality of ingredients and overall dining experience are considered well worth the cost, making it a top choice for fine dining in Bucharest.

"If you want to feel royal, you must visit this location.We love coming back every time, it is one of the most elegant locations in Bucharest, not only by design, but by service also.
Attention to detail is what makes a client come back and i must say , Le Bistrot Francais has it.
To begin with, the interior design was re-done, transforming this gem into a place worthy of attending kings and queens.
The wine list is absolutely precious, the food is delicious and the service impeccable. They change the menu every few months and every time is a pleasure trying the new dishes.
The atmosphere is quiet, cosy, peaceful, with good music in the background.
You can sit inside or outside at the terrace, you can enjoy a digestif at the bar after eating, or enjoy a private dinner upstairs where you can also smoke a cigar.
The place is flawless and words cannot honor it enough.Every menu we tried had delicious dishes but i think this one they have now, was the best by far...just with a few small specifications : the lamb needs to be cooked just a minute more.And the desserts, sometimes less is actually more.The desire of giving the client more flavours to taste is very much appreciated , but sometimes it gets right the opposite result.Too many flavours and too many textures alltogether cancel the taste.
We liked the desserts but despite of the exquisite presentation, we couldn't identify a special flavour to look up to. Overall, everything is fantastic and the welcoming feeling the staff gives us every time is priceless.
For people coming here for the first time or for those saying it's expensive, yes, it is not a cheap old centre pub and that's why you will find here fresh ingredients, quality ingredients, quality clients who are discreet and quiet and minding their own business, and last but not least quality service.
As for reservation, it's recommended but not needed, and parking is difficult, it's best to take uber.There is possibility of street parking but there aren't many spots, or private parking but it's a few streets away and if you are wearing high heels it's too much to walk.
In the end,
Thank you Le Bistrot Français for offering us a wonderful experience every time and looking forward to visiting you again!"

Queen Rennee

"Beautiful location, the food was cooked as desired. The waiters were attentive, they came with the whole variety of cognac and armagnac, recommending us what was best for us and our budget. We also received complimentary snacks (bread and butter and at the end some pistachio dessert).
The downside is that I specified when making the reservation that I wanted a warmer place to stay, because I feel cold all the time and I'm sensitive about this aspect. Also it was my birthday. We received a table at which I felt cold.
When we entered there, it was total silence because they had problems with the sound system, so for almost half an hour it felt awkward. I could hear myself too well and I felt like whispering not to be heard by others. Also, there weren't a lot of people and I prefer crowded places.
We paid 800+ RON for two persons. For this amount I was expecting a little bit more care towards my specifications for the reservation and also for the atmosphere."

Ivona Octavia Laiu

"A very nice and highly recommended restaurant. Very knowledgeable and friendly staff. We had the warm goat cheese salad and the tona salad for starters... amazing. The main course didn't fall behind.
The atmosphere is very relaxed and the food is very tasty. We definitely come back again. Thank you for a wonderful evening"

G. 1

What People Like

Gastronomic journey with Basque influences
Elegant and nostalgic 'Little Paris' ambiance
Attentive service and extensive wine list

What People Dislike

Can be expensive
Occasional minor critiques on specific dishes or seating comfort

Frequently Asked Questions

The 'crispy-fondant' Mangalița pork belly, created by Chef Sébastien Gravé, is a highly recommended signature dish.

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Yes, the restaurant boasts an impressive and extensive wine list, complemented by knowledgeable sommeliers.

Google Review+1

Absolutely, its elegant ambiance and refined cuisine make it ideal for romantic dinners and celebrations.

Top 13 Bucharest Best RestaurantsGoogle Review

While not explicitly stated, the upscale nature of the restaurant suggests smart casual or elegant attire is appropriate.

Parking can be difficult in the area; taking an Uber is often recommended.

Google Review+1

Yes, the menu is updated every few months, offering new and exciting dishes to try.

Google Review+1

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Hosted by the residence of the late French architect Albert Galleron (the man who designed the Romanian Atheneum), Le Bistrot Francais is a landmark for refined taste. Serving French dishes with Basque influences and a Romanian touch, it has managed to seamlessly integrate high-quality local ingredients, such as black truffles foraged from the woods of Transylvania and Mangaliţa pork, into local tradition. A favorite dish is the “crispy-fondant” Mangaliţa pork belly created by Chef Sébastien Gravé, who spent his childhood in Basque country.

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Le Bistrot Francais is a gourmet restaurant located in the heart of Bucharest not far away from the Romanian Athenaeum. In addition to the French cuisine, here you’ll find a selection of over 400 wines. A special treat that you have to try is Foie gras in Graham’s Porto jelly, with multicolored beetroot salad available at the price of 65 lei.

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Over at Strada Nicolae Golescu 18 in Bucharest, there's a cool place called Le Bistrot Français. It's like a quick trip to Paris without leaving town. This spot has all the charm of a cozy French café, making you feel welcome right when you walk in.

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