Just in time for Bastille Day on July 14—and France’s bid to become 2026 World Cup champions next week—the capital city is experiencing a boom in all things French this year. While we initially reported on the trend within the local culinary scene this January, the movement has only grown since then, with more restaurant expansions and re-openings, artful new concepts, and even a direct flight from Austin to the City of Love in the works. Here are 9 French-centric happenings that have already debuted in the capital city—or are arriving tout suite!
Over the years, Guy + Larry Restaurants has established a strong reputation in Austin after debuting local favorites like Red Ash Italia, ATX Cocina, J. Carver’s, and Salty Sow. With its latest concept, the hospitality group forays into French-inspired cuisine with American sensibilities. Savor hearty dishes like swordfish steak au poivre, pappardelle with rabbit ragoût, and haricots verts almondine as you soak in the vibes of its gorgeous Art Deco dining room. 401 W. Third St., Ste. 100
With sophisticated decor and French fare, Restaurant François is the latest smash hit by Guy + Larry Restaurants. Photo by Ronny Galdámez.
Elevate your culinary routine with a visit to this tucked-away gem at Fareground, which includes savory offerings like a poulet roti baguette with signature rotisserie chicken, French carrot soup, and salade de chèvre with goat cheese and French vinaigrette. The popular concept also debuted a second location, called Austin Rotisserie Takeaway, in North Austin this summer. Don’t miss new and expanded offerings such as porchetta, housemade pâté and rillettes, and mouse au chocolat. 111 Congress Ave.; 510 E. Anderson Lane
French carrot soup at Austin Rotisserie.
Satisfy your sweet tooth with petit-fours, madeleines, and almond croissants from this darling French bakery concept, which pops up at the Barton Creek Farmers Market every Saturday and recently debuted a new location at the Austin Winery. Led by French trained pastry chef Aurélien Decaix and wife Tala, the bakery also specializes in custom handmade French wedding cakes. 440 E. St Elmo Rd, Ste. A1
Japanese fare with a French twist isn’t something you encounter every day. And yet, the combo works at this new omakase restaurant inside the Austin Proper. Helmed by Haru and Gohei Kishi, twin brothers who were born in Paris to Japanese parents, Kappo Kappo’s 11-course tasting menu includes highlights like caviar-topped A5 wagyu in a parmesan crust and Bourguignon-style beef cheek with red wine jus and potato foam. Featuring a cozy 25-seat interior and plenty of flourish from the chefs, this memorable dining experience was made for date night. 600 W. Second St.
Kappo Kappo.
Landing on the Best New Restaurants lists of both Austin Monthly and the Austin-American Statesman last year, Michelin-recognized Le Calamar has been racking up accolades for its dynamic French-Texas menu since opening in May 2025. Helmed by Richard Hargreave and Claudia Lee (Underdog) as well as chef Casey Wall, its ever-changing menu features fresh offerings such as chicken wings à la koffman, steak tartare, beef tallow pommes frites, and a Texas riff on the classic Baked Alaska made with local olive oil, pecans, and honey. 1600 S. First St., Ste. 100
The bar at Le Calamar. Photos by Clay Grier.
Good things come to those who wait. At long last, Texas French Bread re-opened its doors this summer after suffering a devastating fire in January 2022. Head to the campus-area farm-to-table bistro for a French-inspired breakfast, lunch, or dinner with its seasonally rotating menu, or just pop in for gorgeous pastries and espresso to start your day. Read more about the reopened concept here. 2900 Rio Grande St.
Head to South First Street to nosh at this authentic Parisian-style café and pâtisserie. Opened this spring in a charming bungalow, the memorable spot is owned by founders Julian Buscicchio and Sebastian Menard. Sample handmade sponge cakes, madeleines, and quiches, plus France-imported cheeses and wines. 2214 South First St.
Alice Poulain Bakery.
Coming This Fall: Café Fleur de Nuit
Oui, oui! The Blanton Museum is debuting a new Parisian-inspired collaboration with Austin institution Justine’s that channels the bohemian spirit of a 1900s Paris café society. Expect tasty French fusion dishes along with a counter bakery and even a late-night Saturday dinner service lasting until 10 p.m. Watch for the café’s opening date announcement at @cafefleursdenuit on Instagram.
Photo courtesy Blanton Museum of Art, The University of Texas at Austin.
Coming Next Summer: Delta’s Direct Flight to Paris
It’s time to book a trip with your besties or plan a romantic sojourn with your better half for 2027: Starting next summer, Delta Air Lines will offer a direct flight with nonstop service from Austin to Paris. Bon voyage!