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Whether it’s Bastille Day or Saturday, these European-inspired bistros are a must for authentic French fare in the region.
With additional reporting by Gabrielle Beechert and Katie Cristiano
Much like the Fourth of July in the U.S., Bastille Day across the pond in France is kind of a big deal. It commemorates the storming of the Bastille (a medieval fortress where arms and prisoners were housed), kicking off the French Revolution. Celebrated annually on July 14 across France, everyone gets the day off from work, family and friends gather for food and drink, a military parade (the oldest and largest in Europe, according to most accounts) marches on the Champs-Elysees, and fireworks light up the sky at night.
The French refer to it as National Day, but in this neck of the woods, we tend to call it Bastille Day. Either way, feel free to get into the holiday spirit at one of these fine French bistros in Westchester.
Bistro de Ville
185 Summerfield St, Scarsdale; 914.574.6364
One of Scarsdale’s newest establishments, Bistro de Ville is a must for anyone who enjoys contemporary French cuisine. This eatery is the sister restaurant to Purdy’s Farmer and the Fish, a farm-to-table community favorite with locally grown food and high-quality seafood. Sample beautiful wines or cocktails, taste fresh seafood or juicy burgers, and end the night with a lovely chocolate mousse.
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Encore Bistro Francais
22 Chatsworth Ave, Larchmont; 914.833.1661
At this snug French eatery that’s been delighting diners for upwards of two decades, the secret to its staying power starts with the evocative décor — vintage posters line the walls and old-fashioned light fixtures cast the tables in a soft glow. Then there’s the food: Kick off your dinner with oven-roasted marrow bones with onion marmalade, or a salade Parisienne of smoked bacon, mushrooms, poached egg, and garlic dressing. Standout entrées include herb-crusted rack of (grass-fed) lamb and grilled tournedos of salmon with shallot, truffle oil, and a balsamic glaze. For dessert, consider Nutella crepes or red-wine-poached pear with ice cream, bathed in warm chocolate sauce. Theme nights (Monday to Wednesday) keep the offerings exciting, Sunday brunch borders on divine, and the three-course $19.50 prix-fixe lunch (Monday to Saturday) is a bargain.
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La Bastide by Andrea Calstier
721 Titicus Rd, North Salem; 914.485.1519
“We wanted the new restaurants to truly reflect who we are at our core.” La Bastide by Andrea Calstier and Cenadou Bistrot were created with a very personal vision and accent on community by the French husband-and-wife team of Chef Andrea Calstier and General Manager Elena Oliver, formerly of Papilles, the duo’s first restaurant in Manhattan. Start with moules au Provençale, followed by grilled Wagyu chuck flap with roasted bone marrow, green salad, pommes boulangère, and sauce bearnaise to share, and finish it off with the scrumptious profiterole.
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La Crémaillère
46 Bedford-Banksville Rd, Bedford; 914.234.9647
La Crémaillère en anglais: the housewarming. It’s a name that could not be more fitting. One step inside, and the restaurant’s interior — with lively murals of French citizens set against dark wood walls — evokes an authentic, albeit upscale, feel. Housed in a 1750 Bedford farmhouse, this elegant establishment offers a delectable tasting menu, an extensive wine list, and a beautiful array of classic French dishes in tune to Mother Nature’s rhythm.
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Le Jardin du Roi
95 King St, Chappaqua; 914.238.1368
This local favorite has been lauded for its award-winning barbecue and all-day breakfast, but have we mentioned the on-point French eats? Enjoy a Niçoise salad with seared tuna and fresh vegetables, or inhale a bowl of linguini carbonara, topped with a farm-fresh egg yolk. The salmon burger, with tarragon aioli and a side of fries, is another go-to at this staple Chappaqua establishment. The interior is soothing, with dark woods, tall banquettes, and rustic décor, creating the perfect cozy and casual vibe. Oh, and be on the lookout for $1 oyster nights and thank us later.
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Le Provençal Bistro
436 Mamaroneck Ave, Mamaroneck; 914.777.2324
The yellow awning and paned windows will remind you of your last trip to France (or inspire you to take your next one), but step inside, and you’ll find a relaxed yet thoughtfully appointed dining room with daffodil-colored walls and artwork by Provencal artist Gerardi Isiri, plus mirrors, iron racks, and flower-filled vases.
And le menu? Chase your escargots Bourguignonne with duck confit or steak au poivre, and finish with a chocolate pot de crème. The carefully curated wine list includes global favorites as well as French ones — the rosés from the south of France are a can’t-miss.
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Saint George Bistro
155 Southside Ave, Hastings-on-Hudson; 914.478.1671
Pressed tin ceilings, antique mirrors, and wine shelves make this eatery feel like a comfy nook right out of Paris, and the kitchen here turns out some of the most sumptuously heartwarming fare in the county. Bring friends along, and they’ll admire your good taste — especially after they’ve sampled the onion soup gratin and nibbled the tangy, crumbly Roquefort cheese or a starter of pate maison with mustard and pickles. While all the entrées, from coq au vin to gnocchi Parisienne, will warrant a second trip, it’s the steak au poivre that’s a true showstopper — a 14-ounce NY strip with black peppercorn, cognac, and frites. For weekend diners, there are plenty of delicious brunch options including brioche French toast, omelette au Champignon, and croquet monsieur.
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