3 Best French Restaurants in Durham, NC

“Vin Rouge, located in Durham, North Carolina, is a quintessential French restaurant offering an intimate and sophisticated dining experience complemented by an extensive wine selection. Decorated with captivating black and white celebrity photographs and adorned with French Art Deco design elements, the restaurant emanates a charming ambiance. Executive Chef Matt Kelly presents a culinary journey through Provencal French cuisine, featuring classics like steak Frites, escargots, and et fruit de Mer. Rue Cler, the adjoining restaurant, suggests Chef's Vegetarian Plat du Jour and Coq au Vin as notable recommendations. Emphasizing fresh seafood and carefully curated wines, Vin Rouge offers beautiful patio and garden areas for al fresco dining enthusiasts. The restaurant provides an ideal backdrop for private events, boasting two elegant private dining rooms and options for larger gatherings. They ensure meticulous planning and execution for each occasion, whether it's a birthday soirée, cocktail party, business dinner, or wedding celebration. Additionally, Vin Rouge caters to dietary preferences with vegetarian and gluten-free menu options, ensuring a delightful experience for all guests. Highly recommended for vegetarians, surprise your loved ones with their gift cards.

UNIQUE FACTS:
• Outdoor Seating
• Takeout
• Dine in
• Takeout
• Takes Reservation.”

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“Rue Cler, a charming Parisian eatery in downtown Durham, boasts a cozy ambiance, ever-evolving menus, and an extensive wine selection, including rare bottles. Housed in a historic building dating back to the early 1920s, the restaurant has become a local landmark. Founded by John Vandergrift, Rue Cler enjoys a prime location within walking distance of DPAC, Carolina Theater, and downtown hotels. Guided by Executive Chef Todd Whitney, the culinary offerings are inspired by French tradition and highlight seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant's acclaimed brunch and lunch menus feature classic French crêpes, sandwiches, and salads. With an impressive wine collection showcasing rare selections from France and the US, Rue Cler caters to wine enthusiasts. Committed to its diverse clientele, Rue Cler proudly utilizes fresh ingredients from the southeast and offers an array of delightful French recipes. Surprise your loved ones with their gift cards, and note that paid street parking options are available.

UNIQUE FACTS:
• High Chairs Available
• Dine in
• Takeout
• Takes Reservation.”

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“Bluebird transports the essence of traditional French cuisine to Chapel Hill, offering a diverse array of recipes, wines, and cocktails in the classic Gallic style. Bluebird evokes a slice of Parisian charm with its timeless decor and hospitable ambiance. Emphasizing a smoke-free environment, the restaurant provides the option for outdoor seating. Additionally, Bluebird offers convenient amenities such as reservations and both available and street parking. Among their specialties is the Daube de Boeuf aux Courges d'été, featuring slow-cooked beef cheeks, Parisienne gnocchi, and summer squash. Their Polenta Provençale Croustillante is equally delightful, boasting crispy creamy polenta, ratatouille, and Niçoise olives. Indulge in these exquisite dishes and savor the flavors of Provence at Bluebird. The restaurant's private dining room accommodates up to 24 guests and is equipped for audiovisual presentations. Highly recommended menu options include Duck Breast, Salmon Tartare, and Duck Confit, with Bluebird also receiving high praise from vegetarians. Surprise your loved ones with Bluebird's gift cards, the perfect way to share the culinary experience.

UNIQUE FACTS:
• High Chairs Available
• Dine in
• Outdoor Seating
• Takeout
• Takes Reservation
• Plastic Free Packaging
• Covered Outdoor Seating
• Waiter Service
• Provides Reusable Tableware
• Wheelchair Accessible.”

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