In the 1960s, American chef Julia Child changed the landscape of culinary culture forever through her iconic television show The French Chef and best-selling book Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Almost overnight, diners nationwide were clamoring for the richness and sophistication that comes with French ingredients, its recipes, and of course the artful technique. Today, it is easier than ever to transport one’s palate to downtown Paris, the French Riviera, or the region’s epic wine country, thanks to these bistros, brasseries, and bakeries around Arizona that we dub the best French restaurants in Phoenix. Bon appétit!
Our List of the Best French Restaurants in Phoenix:
Francine in Scottsdale, Arizona
Francine, which is tucked into the same luxury wing at Scottsdale Fashion Square as Zinqué, is a fine dining experience from French native and acclaimed restaurateur Laurent Halasz. The venue itself is named for Halasz’ own mother and is inspired by dinner parties she threw in the South of France when he was growing up and is undoubtedly one of the best French restaurants in Phoenix. Open both for lunch and dinner as well as brunch on the weekends, the dishes are rich in flavor but do not weigh one down, given Halasz preference for olive oil over butter and the Mediterranean Diet approach to cooking and seasoning food.
4710 N Goldwater Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion in Phoenix, Arizona
While the world lost Child in 2004, we still have her students and colleagues, including Christopher Gross. The James Beard Award winner both trained in France and worked with Child herself, including appearing with her on Cooking with Master Chefs in the 1990s. Like Child, Gross does not take himself too seriously but is seriously talented when it comes to both homages to French classics and innovating new ways to experience them. His current home is Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion. A master at getting diners’ five senses involved, dinner at Christopher’s is a nearly religious experience and is one of the best French and fine-dining restaurants to visit in Phoenix. If said religion was the church of Child, that is.
2501 E Telawa Trail, Phoenix, AZ 85016
The Mick Brasserie in Scottsdale, Arizona
Once upon a time, Arizona native Brent Menke worked on a super yacht, eventually as its chef. A fun fact, it was on a super yacht that Menke met the love of his life, who happened to be French. It was also while on a super yacht that he sailed across the Mediterranean, sampling the best of its cuisine between charters. The Mick Brasserie is Menke’s love letter to the flavors he discovered on his adventures and modern twists on dishes he enjoyed while falling in love. Paying it forward, everything on the menu is made to make others fall in love, too.
9719 N Hayden Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Zinc Bistro in Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale native and French-trained chef Matt Carter opened Zinc Bistro at Kierland Commons in 2001. Consistently named among the top French restaurants in Arizona, the contemporary and romantic Scottsdale staple features a 25-foot seafood bar with fresh oysters, clams, mussels, and lobster daily, as well as indulgent classics including seared foie gras, Provencal bouillabaisse, chateaubriand, and soufflé. Insider tip: on the lunch menu, opt for the Zinc burger which is served on a buttermilk bun with bacon blue cheese or trued gruyere, beefsteak tomatoes, and well-dressed arugula.
15034 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Sapiens Paleo Kitchen in Scottsdale, Arizona
The name seems like a typo, right? After all, it is impossible to capture all of the creamy, dreamy ingredients of France while remaining paleo. Or is it? Led by French-born Aurore de Beauduy, who graduated from both the Cordon Bleu Culinary School and Ferrandi Culinary School and worked at Potel et Chabot, Veuve Clicquot Champagne House, Latour-d’Argent, and Les Ambassadeurs, Paleo is the culmination of her life’s work. Somehow, she developed a menu of sumptuous French cuisine without using creams, sugars, or gluten. She even developed a recipe for exquisite paleo bread. This menu is meant to treat one’s body with respect without sacrificing on flavor. Both those living with conditions ranging from diabetes to celiac disease as well as those who simply want to eat well are welcome.
10411 E McDowell Mountain Ranch Rd Ste 120, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Zinqué in Scottsdale, Arizona
Zinqué, which made its debut in the new luxury wing at Scottsdale Fashion Square in 2019, is a Parisian-inspired bistro, café, and wine bar designed in homage to European escapes often found in the South of France. The property imports its bread from Poilâne Bakery in Paris, craft coffee from world-renowned La Colombe, and Époisses cheese from Burgundy, and the menu is a fusion of traditional and modern French cuisine with everything from croissants, charcuterie, and tartines to steak frites, ratatouille, and quiche.
4712 N Goldwater Blvd Suite 110, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Vincent’s on Camelback in Phoenix, Arizona
And then there is Vincent’s. Opened in 1986 by French-born chef Vincent Guerithault, the restaurant seamlessly blends classic French cooking with Southwestern ingredients. The result? In his more than 35 years dishing up delicacies daily, he has helped put Phoenix dining on the map, earning a Citation of Excellence from the International Food & Wine Society and a James Beard award (not to mention countless nominations) while being spotlighted by the likes of Zagat, Bon Appetit magazine, Conde Nast Traveler, Esquire, the New York Times, GQ Magazine, Travel & Leisure, and many more.
3930 E Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018
Written by Alison Bailin Batz
Photography by Luke Irvin