Le French Diner
French restaurant · Lower East Side ·
French bistro classics like escargot, octopus, and steak
French bistro classics like escargot, octopus, and steak
"Le French Diner feels like an underground dining club that you wish was a lot more exclusive (as long as you got to be one of the lucky members). This tiny bistro only seats about 20, mostly on black leather bar stools. The short, constantly changing menu has a lot of bistro classics like tender duck confit, garlicky escargots, and spicy grilled octopus, all of which are pretty close to perfect. If we had to cut this list down to five places, Le French Diner would still be on it." - bryan kim, neha talreja, will hartman, willa moore, molly fitzpatrick
"Le French Diner is secretly one of the best restaurants on the Lower East Side, and it's the sort of place you should casually mention in conversation if you want to be able to say, "Oh, you've never heard of it before?" The space is tiny, with about ten bar seats and three tables, and it feels like a bistro that only you know about. The French food is simple but excellent, and this is a great option for a last-minute dinner with a friend or date." - team infatuation
"This tiny 270-foot restaurant with tons of heart is an industry favorite. Saddle up to its bar stools for a changing menu of classics like socca, beef tartare, or beef Bourguignon. Enjoy the French wine list, the convivial scene, and keep your cameras off." - Melissa McCart
"A narrow space with a pressed-tin ceiling, exposed brick, and a patchwork of Polaroid photos, Le French Diner has been open since 2005, but still feels like a well-guarded Lower East Side secret, even when there’s a wait to get in. Sit on a diner stool at the counter and sip a glass of wine while watching the chef deftly prepare things like grilled octopus, or hanger steak with perfect dauphinoise potatoes from a short daily menu. The food is restrained but flavorful, and has a personal touch—as if you’d lucked into a homestay run by a retired cook on your exchange semester in France." - bryan kim, willa moore, neha talreja, sonal shah, will hartman, molly fitzpatrick
"An intimate and trendy walk-in restaurant with a seat bar around an open kitchen, offering delectable French bites like socca and hanger steak."