{"id":371798,"date":"2026-07-13T23:32:10","date_gmt":"2026-07-13T23:32:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/371798\/"},"modified":"2026-07-13T23:32:10","modified_gmt":"2026-07-13T23:32:10","slug":"french-food-and-flair-is-everywhere-in-austin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/371798\/","title":{"rendered":"French Food (And Flair) Is Everywhere in Austin"},"content":{"rendered":"

Just in time for Bastille Day on July 14\u2014and France\u2019s bid to become 2026 World Cup champions next week\u2014the capital city is experiencing a boom in all things French this year. While we initially reported on the trend within the local culinary scene<\/a> 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\u2014or are arriving tout suite!<\/p>\n

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Restaurant Fran\u00e7ois<\/a><\/p>\n

Over the years, Guy + Larry Restaurants<\/a> has established a strong reputation in Austin after debuting local favorites like Red Ash Italia, ATX Cocina, J. Carver\u2019s, 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 rago\u00fbt, and haricots verts almondine as you soak in the vibes of its gorgeous Art Deco dining room.\u00a0401 W. Third St., Ste. 100<\/p>\n

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\"\"With sophisticated decor and French fare, Restaurant Fran\u00e7ois is the latest smash hit by Guy + Larry Restaurants. Photo by Ronny Gald\u00e1mez.<\/p>\n

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Austin Rotisserie<\/a><\/p>\n

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 ch\u00e8vre with goat cheese and French vinaigrette. The popular concept also debuted a second location, called Austin Rotisserie Takeaway<\/a>, in North Austin this summer. Don\u2019t miss new and expanded offerings such as porchetta, housemade p\u00e2t\u00e9 and rillettes, and mouse au chocolat. 111 Congress Ave.; 510 E. Anderson Lane<\/p>\n

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\"\"French carrot soup at Austin Rotisserie.<\/p>\n

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Nougatine<\/a><\/p>\n

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.<\/a> Led by French trained pastry chef Aur\u00e9lien Decaix and wife Tala, the bakery also specializes in custom handmade French wedding cakes. 440 E. St Elmo Rd, Ste. A1<\/p>\n

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Kappo Kappo<\/a><\/p>\n

Japanese fare with a French twist isn\u2019t something you encounter every day. And yet, the combo works at this new omakase restaurant<\/a> inside the Austin Proper. Helmed by Haru and Gohei Kishi, twin brothers who were born in Paris to Japanese parents, Kappo Kappo\u2019s 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.\u00a0600 W. Second St.<\/p>\n

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\"\"Kappo Kappo.<\/p>\n

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Le Calamar<\/a><\/p>\n

Landing on the Best New Restaurants lists of both\u00a0Austin Monthly<\/a>\u00a0and the\u00a0Austin-American Statesman<\/a>\u00a0last year, Michelin-recognized\u00a0Le Calamar<\/a>\u00a0has 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 \u00e0 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.\u00a01600 S. First St., Ste. 100<\/p>\n

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\"\"The bar at Le Calamar. Photos by Clay Grier.<\/p>\n

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Texas French Bread<\/a><\/p>\n

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<\/a>. 2900 Rio Grande St.<\/p>\n

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Alice Poulain Bakery<\/a><\/p>\n

Head to South First Street to nosh at this authentic Parisian-style caf\u00e9 and p\u00e2tisserie. 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.<\/p>\n

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\"\"Alice Poulain Bakery.<\/p>\n

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Coming This Fall: Caf\u00e9 Fleur de Nuit<\/a><\/p>\n

Oui, oui! The Blanton Museum is debuting a new Parisian-inspired collaboration with Austin institution Justine\u2019s that channels the bohemian spirit of a 1900s Paris caf\u00e9 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 caf\u00e9\u2019s opening date announcement at @cafefleursdenuit<\/a> on Instagram.<\/p>\n

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\"\"Photo courtesy Blanton Museum of Art, The University of Texas at Austin.<\/p>\n

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Coming Next Summer: Delta\u2019s Direct Flight to Paris<\/a> <\/p>\n

It\u2019s 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!<\/p>\n

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