3 Best French Restaurants in Birmingham, AL

“Chez Fonfon is a quintessential French restaurant adorned with vintage decor that offers a court for the traditional game of boules. Established by Frank Stitt and his wife, Pardis, who serves as the executive chef, the restaurant ensures an authentic taste of French cuisine. Situated in the lively Five Points South neighborhood, this bustling eatery effortlessly evokes the ambiance of Paris, Lyon, or Nice. Explore a variety of French delights such as moules et frites, steak tartare, escargots, sautéed trout, and house-made charcuterie. Pair your meal with an exceptional selection of French wines, and conclude with delectable desserts like coconut cake or strawberries with cream. Serving lunch and dinner Tuesday through Friday, with dinner on Saturdays, Chez Fonfon also offers the opportunity to enjoy a game of boules in the courtyard, enhancing your experience. Catering to various dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, the restaurant also provides gift certificates and complimentary street parking. Chez Fonfon comes highly recommended, particularly for vegetarians.

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

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“Bistro Two Eighteen brings French-inspired bistro cuisine, including specialties like duck confit, within a cozy brick-walled setting, exuding warmth and intimacy. Situated in the heart of Downtown Birmingham's Financial and Theater District, Tom conceived Bistro Two Eighteen with a vision that melds French culinary traditions with the contemporary American bistro concept. Embracing the historical essence of the building, the restaurant showcases an elegant, minimalist interior design. Their menu boasts a range of delectable options, from roasted chicken and stuffed crepes to salad entrees, gumbo, steak with fries, and bread pudding. Providing a refined dining experience in a laid-back ambiance, Bistro Two Eighteen offers a comprehensive bar menu and invites patrons to enter the main dining room through French doors, where they can savor French classics paired with locally sourced craft beers and wines that vary with the seasons. Guests can unwind with a glass of wine or craft cocktail in the upscale, casual bar area. With convenient parking, reservation availability, and wheelchair accessibility, Bistro Two Eighteen caters to diverse dietary preferences, priding itself on its vegetarian-friendly options and a range of vegan and gluten-free offerings. Standout dishes like the Pork Belly Appetizer, Crab Cake, and Duck Confit come highly recommended.

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

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“Chez Lulu offers a charming and diverse French café experience, specializing in authentic French bread, tarts, soups, salads, and sandwiches. Their menu showcases simple yet flavorful dishes crafted from fresh ingredients, including standout offerings like Caramel Bourbon Cheesecake, Mediterranean Sampler, Goat in The Orchard, and House Side Salad. A must-try is their Butterflake Rolls, a beloved southern classic introduced by Robert Pickens, a baker from the old Waite's Bakery. This versatile yeast roll dough also forms the basis for their Hot Dog Buns, Hamburger Buns, and Hoagie Rolls. Their 100% whole wheat sandwich bread also promises a hearty and satisfying taste, ideal for toasting. To taste North African cuisine, delve into the exquisite flavors of bulled lamb rolled in soft flatbread, accompanied by a flavorful ratatouille and spicy harissa. Outdoor seating is also available at Chez Lulu, enhancing the delightful dining experience.

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

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