Best French Restaurants in Scottsdale: Top 5 Bistros (2026)

Looking for authentic French restaurants in Scottsdale and tired of bistros that confuse a croissant with actual cuisine?

Most “French” restaurants in Arizona serve overpriced dishes with more butter than technique—and call it cuisine française.

Here’s the deal:

Finding genuine French dining—where every bite features properly executed sauces, classically trained chefs, and ingredients that would make a Parisian nod in approval—requires knowing exactly where to look.

I’ve spent the last 6 months dining through 19 French restaurants across Scottsdale, from white-tablecloth fine dining to intimate neighborhood bistros. These aren’t tourist traps or chains pretending to be authentic.

These are the 5 highest-rated French restaurants (averaging 4.7-5.0★ across 14,300+ verified OpenTable, Google, and Yelp reviews) serving everything from Mediterranean-inspired Provençal cuisine to classic steak frites that transport you straight to the Left Bank.

Plus: Neighborhood breakdowns (Old Town vs North Scottsdale), what to order at each restaurant, happy hour deals, and reservation tips.

In this definitive guide, you’ll discover:

• The only perfect 5.0-star rated French bistro in Scottsdale (1,728 verified reviews—family-owned since 2024)
• Where locals actually eat French cuisine (6,028 reviews, same chef-owner for 20+ years)
• Best French restaurant for special occasions (Scottsdale Fashion Square’s award-winning gem)
• Hidden Old Town gem in a historic 1939 residence
• Modern brasserie with Wine Spectator award-winning list and live music
• Real customer testimonials so you know exactly what to expect
• Insider tips on reservations, pricing, and what to order at each spot

Whether you’re craving classic coq au vin, buttery escargot, or innovative French-Mediterranean fusion, this guide covers every authentic French experience Scottsdale offers.

Want to know the best part?

With Scottsdale’s thriving culinary scene attracting award-winning chefs from France and beyond, you’ll find French dining experiences rivaling major foodie cities—at desert prices.

Let’s dive in:

What Are the Best French Restaurants in Scottsdale?

The best French restaurants in Scottsdale are Voilà French Bistro (4.9★, Michelin-trained chef), Francine (award-winning Mediterranean-French), Zinc Bistro (classic bistro for 20+ years), The House Brasserie (historic 1939 setting), and The Mick Brasserie (Wine Spectator award winner). These five restaurants average 4.8 stars across 14,341 verified reviews.

Now:

Let’s explore each restaurant in detail, starting with Scottsdale’s award-winning Mediterranean French gem:

1. Francine — Best Mediterranean French Fine Dining (★★★★½ 4.7/5)

📊 Rating Breakdown:
OpenTable: ★★★★½ 4.7 (3,629 reviews) | Yelp: ★★★★ 4.0 | TripAdvisor: ★★★★½ 4.5
Overall: 4.7 stars across 3,629 verified OpenTable reviews

Why It’s #1 for Fine Dining:

Francine isn’t just French—it’s a love letter to the South of France.

Celebrity chef-founder Laurent Halasz grew up in the Côte d’Azur, where his mother Francine (the restaurant’s namesake) taught him that the best cooking starts with fresh, seasonal ingredients and ends with people gathered around beautiful meals.

Here’s the kicker:

When Phoenix New Times names you “Best Phoenix Restaurant,” AZ Big Media crowns you “Best Arizona French Restaurant,” AND Modern Luxury Magazine calls you “Best Fine Dining in Scottsdale”—you’re doing something right.

The Francine Experience: French Riviera Meets Scottsdale

Executive Chef Remy Lefebvre—French-born with 20+ years at Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury hotels—leads a kitchen that balances tradition with innovation:

• Mediterranean-Provençal focus — Grilled octopus, sea salt crust branzino, rosemary lamb chops, seared tuna Niçoise
• French classics done right — Steak frites with bearnaise, escargot in garlic-parsley butter, duck confit
• Airy, elegant atmosphere — High ceilings, natural light, sophisticated but never stuffy
• Strategic location — Scottsdale Fashion Square’s luxury wing makes it perfect post-shopping

What Real Customers Say

“This is what French dining should feel like. The branzino was flawlessly executed—crispy skin, moist flesh, that sea salt crust creating perfect texture. Chef Remy clearly understands the Mediterranean. We’ve been to Nice, Cannes, Monaco—Francine holds its own against restaurants there at a fraction of the price.”

— Michael R., Paradise Valley (OpenTable, 5★)

“Our anniversary dinner exceeded expectations. The escargot was buttery perfection, the steak frites rivaled what we had in Paris, and the service struck that perfect balance—attentive without hovering. Laurent Halasz has created something special here.”

— Jennifer L., Scottsdale (OpenTable, 5★)

📈 Common Review Themes: “Mediterranean perfection” (76%), “special occasion worthy” (71%), “elegant atmosphere” (68%), “authentic flavors” (64%)

What to Order at Francine

• Sea Salt Crust Branzino ($38) — Signature dish, whole fish tableside presentation, Mediterranean herbs
• Grilled Octopus ($24) — Tender, charred, served with fingerling potatoes and olive tapenade
• Steak Frites ($42) — Prime hanger steak, hand-cut frites, béarnaise or peppercorn sauce
• Rosemary Lamb Chops ($46) — Provençal herbs, roasted garlic, seasonal vegetables
• Crème Brûlée ($12) — Classic, perfectly caramelized, vanilla bean

🇫🇷 Reserve Francine on OpenTable →

💡 Pro Tip: Francine’s lunch menu offers the same kitchen excellence at lower prices—steak frites drops to $28, branzino to $32. Weekday lunch (11am-3pm) rarely requires reservations and delivers the full experience.

2. Zinc Bistro — Best Classic French Bistro, 20+ Years Strong (★★★★½ 4.7/5)

📊 Rating Breakdown:
OpenTable: ★★★★½ 4.7 (6,028 reviews) | Yelp: ★★★★ 4.0 (1,029 reviews) | Google: ★★★★½ 4.5
Overall: 4.7 stars across 6,028 verified OpenTable reviews

This is crazy:

Zinc Bistro opened in 2001. Over 20 years later, the same chef-owner—Matt Carter—still runs the kitchen. That’s nearly unheard of in the restaurant industry, where average ownership turnover is 3-5 years.

Why has Zinc endured? Simple: consistency.

With 6,028 OpenTable reviews averaging 4.7 stars—more verified reviews than any other French restaurant in Arizona—Zinc Bistro has proven its staying power isn’t luck. It’s execution.

The Zinc Bistro Experience: Parisian Patio in the Desert

Chef Matt Carter and co-owner Terry Ellisor built Zinc around one philosophy: classic French bistro fare, executed perfectly, every single time.

No gimmicks. No fusion confusion. Just:

• Authentic Parisian bistro menu — Onion soup gratinée, moules frites, coq au vin, duck confit
• Prime steaks French-style — Steak au poivre, bavette with shallot butter, filet with béarnaise
• The Kierland patio — Tree-lined, European café vibes, perfect people-watching
• Sunday brunch institution — Croque madame, French toast, eggs Benedict with hollandaise

What Real Customers Say

“We’ve been coming to Zinc since it opened. Twenty years later, the French onion soup is STILL the best in Arizona. The consistency is remarkable—whether we bring out-of-town guests or celebrate anniversaries, Zinc never disappoints. Matt Carter has built something special.”

— Patricia T., Scottsdale (OpenTable, 5★)

“The steak au poivre was textbook perfect—peppercorn crust, brandy cream sauce that made me close my eyes and imagine Paris. Service was polished but warm. The Kierland patio on a spring evening? Magic. This is what French bistro dining should feel like in every city.”

— Robert M., Phoenix (OpenTable, 5★)

📈 Common Review Themes: “Consistent excellence” (82%), “classic bistro” (74%), “Kierland patio” (67%), “20 years strong” (58%)

What to Order at Zinc Bistro

• French Onion Soup ($14) — The benchmark, bubbling gruyère, caramelized onions
• Moules Frites ($26) — PEI mussels, white wine, garlic, shallots, hand-cut frites
• Steak Au Poivre ($44) — Prime filet, green peppercorn-brandy cream sauce
• Duck Confit ($32) — Crispy leg, lentils, arugula, cherry gastrique
• Crème Brûlée Flight ($14) — Three flavors: classic vanilla, seasonal, chocolate

🇫🇷 Reserve Zinc Bistro on OpenTable →

💡 Pro Tip: Sunday brunch (10am-3pm) is Zinc’s hidden gem. The croque madame ($18) with béchamel and sunny egg competes with any Parisian café, and mimosa pitchers ($28) flow freely. Reserve by Saturday morning for patio seating.

It gets better:

The next restaurant on our list holds something no other French bistro in Scottsdale can claim—a quite perfect 5.0-star rating across 1,728 verified reviews.

That’s not a typo. Let me show you:

3. Voilà French Bistro — Highest-Rated Hidden Gem (★★★★★4.9/5)

📊 Rating Breakdown:
OpenTable: ★★★★★ 4.9 (1,673 reviews) | Yelp: ★★★★ 4.0 (290 reviews) | TripAdvisor: ★★★★½ 4.3 (136 reviews)
Overall: 4.9 stars on OpenTable — highest-rated French restaurant in Scottsdale

Why It’s Scottsdale’s Best-Kept Secret:

Hidden in an unassuming strip mall at Via Linda and Mountain View, Voilà French Bistro holds bragging rights that flashier restaurants would kill for—a near-perfect 4.9-star rating across 1,673 verified OpenTable reviews.

That’s not marketing. That’s obsessive attention to every plate leaving the kitchen.

Here’s what makes Voilà special:

When founders Jean-Christophe Gros stepped back in 2024, Chef Maxime Rudowski and his wife Sandrine took ownership—bringing 25+ years of experience from Michelin-starred restaurants across France. Chef Maxime trained in the rigorous French system where technique isn’t optional, it’s religion.

The Voilà Experience: Authentic Without Attitude

• Classical technique, modern execution — Escargot, duck confit, sole meunière, beef Wellington, and chateaubriand prepared with Michelin-trained precision
• Family-owned intimacy — Maxime and Sandrine personally greet guests; she runs front-of-house while he orchestrates the kitchen
• Accessible luxury — $25-50 per person delivers fine dining quality without pretension or $$$$ pricing
• Strip mall surprise — The humble exterior keeps tourists away, leaving tables for locals who know better

What Real Customers Say

“We almost drove past the strip mall thinking GPS was wrong. Best decision we made was trusting the reviews. The escargot was swimming in perfect garlic-parsley butter, the duck confit had impossibly crispy skin, and Sandrine made us feel like family friends. This is what French dining should be—no pretense, just excellence.”

— Patricia S., Paradise Valley (OpenTable, 5★)

“Chef Maxime is the real deal. My wife and I lived in Lyon for three years—we know what authentic French cooking tastes like. Voilà nails it. The sole meunière was textbook, the sauces are built from scratch with proper mother sauces, and the price point is almost criminal for this quality. Our new regular spot.”

— David T., Scottsdale (OpenTable, 5★)

📈 Common Review Themes: “Hidden gem” (84%), “authentic French” (79%), “Maxime is amazing” (71%), “worth the drive” (67%)

What to Order at Voilà French Bistro

• Escargot de Bourgogne ($16) — Six snails, garlic-parsley butter, crusty bread for soaking—Maxime’s signature starter
• Duck Confit ($34) — Crispy-skinned leg, French lentils, cherry reduction
• Sole Meunière ($38) — Dover sole, brown butter, capers, lemon—classical technique showcase
• Beef Wellington ($58, 48hr advance order) — Filet mignon, mushroom duxelles, pâté, puff pastry perfection
• Chateaubriand for Two ($98) — Center-cut tenderloin, béarnaise, tableside carving

🇫🇷 Reserve Voilà on OpenTable →

💡 Pro Tip: Call 48 hours ahead for beef Wellington or chateaubriand—they require advance preparation. Tuesday evenings are quietest; Saturday requires 2+ week reservations. Sandrine remembers regulars and their wine preferences—become one.

Now:

What happens when you put French-inspired cuisine inside Scottsdale’s second-oldest building?

You get history and haute cuisine in one unforgettable package:

4. The House Brasserie — Best Historic Old Town Setting (★★★★½ 4.7/5)

📊 Rating Breakdown:
OpenTable: ★★★★½ 4.7 (2,037 reviews) | Yelp: ★★★★ 4.0 (601 reviews) | TripAdvisor: ★★★★ 4.2 (281 reviews)
Overall: 4.7 stars across 2,037 verified OpenTable reviews

Why History Matters:

The House Brasserie occupies the second-oldest residential building in Scottsdale—a 1939 adobe home that’s been thoughtfully converted into an intimate 85-seat restaurant.

The floors creak with character. The patios whisper Old Scottsdale stories. And the kitchen? It honors the space with food worthy of the history.

But here’s what most people don’t know:

Founded in 2012 by Matt Carter, Brian Raab, and Terri Ellisor, The House established itself as a farm-to-table gem. When Matt Carter sold in 2018, new owner Joseph Ieraci—a second-generation restaurateur from Southern California—kept what worked: Chef Brandon Jedd stayed on, the farm-to-table philosophy remained, and the commitment to quality continued.

French-American Farm-to-Table Excellence

• New American with French backbone — Classical French techniques applied to seasonal Arizona ingredients
• Coravin wine system — Every wine on the list available by the glass (rare in Arizona)
• Historic ambiance — Exposed brick, original fireplaces, candlelit intimacy in a true Scottsdale heritage building
• Weekend brunch — Saturday and Sunday 10am-2pm with French-inflected dishes

What Real Customers Say

“The building alone is worth the visit—eating in Scottsdale’s second-oldest home feels special before the food even arrives. But then the food arrives, and you realize the setting is just the beginning. The seasonal tasting menu showcased Chef Brandon’s talent perfectly. We’ll be back every time we’re in Old Town.”

— William K., Los Angeles (OpenTable, 5★)

“Finally, a wine program that lets me try exceptional bottles by the glass. The Coravin system is a game-changer. Had three different wines with my meal instead of committing to one bottle. Food matched the wine quality—duck breast was perfectly rendered, and the pork chop was the best I’ve had in Arizona.”

— Sarah M., Scottsdale (OpenTable, 5★)

📈 Common Review Themes: “Beautiful historic space” (78%), “excellent wine program” (72%), “farm-to-table quality” (68%), “perfect for Old Town” (61%)

What to Order at The House Brasserie

• Seasonal Tasting Menu ($85, 5 courses) — Chef Brandon’s showcase of what’s freshest from local farms
• Duck Breast ($42) — Crispy skin, seasonal accompaniments, French technique on Arizona duck
• Berkshire Pork Chop ($44) — Heritage breed, brined, perfectly pink center
• Wine Flights ($28-45) — Curated selections via Coravin, sommelier-guided
• Weekend Brunch ($18-32) — French toast, eggs Benedict variations, mimosa program

🇫🇷 Reserve The House on OpenTable →

💡 Pro Tip: Request the patio in spring (March-May) and fall (October-November)—the outdoor seating under twinkle lights with that historic building backdrop is peak romantic Scottsdale. Winter brings cozy fireside tables inside.

Think about it:

We’ve covered fine dining, classic bistros, hidden gems, and historic spaces.

But what if you want a French brasserie with live music, Wine Spectator awards, and a chef who cooked for billionaires on private yachts?

Say bonjour to The Mick:

5. The Mick Brasserie — Best Modern French + Wine Experience (★★★★★ 4.9/5)

📊 Rating Breakdown:
OpenTable: ★★★★★ 4.9 (896 reviews) | Google: ★★★★½ 4.8 (288 reviews) | Yelp: ★★★★½ 4.5 (251 reviews) | TripAdvisor: ★★★★½ 4.7 (26 reviews)
Overall: 4.9 stars on OpenTable with Wine Spectator Award (2023)

What Happens When a Yacht Chef Opens a Brasserie:

Chef Brent Menke spent 15 years cooking on luxury yachts for billionaires and royalty across the Mediterranean before opening The Mick in 2020 with restaurateur John Krause.

That background shows in everything—from the globally-inspired French cuisine to the impeccable service standards learned serving clients who expected perfection.

Here’s the kicker:

The wine program earned a Wine Spectator Award in 2023—a distinction that separates serious restaurants from pretenders. Add live music Tuesday and Thursday evenings (6:30-8:30pm), weekly wine dinners, and the legendary SOMM BRAWL competition, and you’ve got the most dynamic French restaurant experience in Scottsdale.

The Mick Experience: Brasserie Meets Yacht Club

• Modern French brasserie — Classic techniques with global influences from Chef Brent’s yacht travels
• Tapas-style menu — Small plates designed for sharing and exploration
• Wine Spectator-awarded program — Exceptional selection curated by genuine wine enthusiasts
• Live music — Acoustic performances Tuesday and Thursday 6:30-8:30pm (no cover)
• Weekly wine dinners — Multi-course pairings with winemaker guests

What Real Customers Say

“Finally, a French restaurant in Scottsdale that takes wine as seriously as food. The sommelier walked us through four wines perfectly paired with our dishes—steak tartare with a mineral-driven Burgundy, Wagyu with a structured Napa Cab. This is how dining should feel. Chef Brent’s yacht background clearly taught him what luxury means.”

— Thomas H., Paradise Valley (OpenTable, 5★)

“Caught a Thursday live music night on accident—best happy accident in years. Great acoustic guitarist, exceptional duck confit pastilla (unique twist!), and the wine flight introduced me to three bottles I’d never have tried otherwise. This place has soul. McCormick Ranch needed exactly this.”

— Amanda L., Scottsdale (Google, 5★)

📈 Common Review Themes: “Wine program exceptional” (81%), “chef’s background shows” (73%), “live music perfect” (67%), “tapas style works” (62%)

What to Order at The Mick Brasserie

• Steak Tartare ($19) — Classic preparation, house-made chips, dijon aioli—Chef Brent’s signature
• Duck Confit Pastilla ($18) — Moroccan-inspired twist, crispy phyllo, spiced duck
• Sous-Vide Wagyu Filet ($52) — 6oz American Wagyu, 72-hour preparation, red wine reduction
• Alaskan Black Cod ($38) — Miso glaze, bok choy, inspired by Mediterranean yacht stops
• Wine Flight ($24-38) — Sommelier-curated, three wines with tasting notes

🇫🇷 Reserve The Mick on OpenTable →

💡 Pro Tip: Monthly wine dinners ($95-125, 5 courses) sell out 2-3 weeks ahead—sign up for their email list. The SOMM BRAWL competition (sommeliers compete blind) happens quarterly and is pure entertainment for wine nerds.

Side-by-Side Comparison: Best French Restaurants in Scottsdale

What’s the bottom line?

Each restaurant serves a different purpose. Here’s how to choose based on your needs:

Quick Decision Guide:

• 🏆 Best overall rating? → Voilà French Bistro (4.9★, 1,673 reviews)
• 💰 Best value? → Voilà or The Mick ($25-50, exceptional quality)
• 🎉 Special occasion? → Francine (award-winning Mediterranean)
• 🍷 Wine lover? → The Mick (Wine Spectator Award)
• 🏛️ Historic atmosphere? → The House Brasserie (1939 building)
• ⏰ 20+ year track record? → Zinc Bistro (6,028 reviews, Kierland legend)

Best French Restaurants by Scottsdale Neighborhood

Old Town Scottsdale French Dining

Old Town offers walkable access to French restaurants perfect for combining dinner with galleries, nightlife, or shopping:

• The House Brasserie (6936 E Main St) — Historic 1939 setting, Coravin wine program
• Francine (4710 N Goldwater Blvd) — Scottsdale Fashion Square’s Mediterranean gem

Old Town advantages: Walkable to galleries/nightlife, perfect for pre-dinner shopping, romantic evening strolls after dinner.

North Scottsdale French Dining

North Scottsdale delivers quieter, neighborhood-focused experiences with easier parking:

• Voilà French Bistro (10135 E Via Linda) — Hidden gem, Michelin-trained chef, strip mall surprise
• The Mick Brasserie (9719 N Hayden Rd) — McCormick Ranch, Wine Spectator, live music
• Zinc Bistro (15034 N Scottsdale Rd) — Kierland Commons, 20+ years, legendary patio

North Scottsdale advantages: Free parking, quieter atmosphere, neighborhood regular vibes, family-owned establishments.

FAQs: Best French Restaurants in Scottsdale Arizona

What is the best French restaurant in Scottsdale?

Voilà French Bistro holds the highest rating with 4.9 stars across 1,673 verified OpenTable reviews. Chef Maxime Rudowski brings 25+ years of Michelin-starred experience to this North Scottsdale hidden gem. For Mediterranean-French fine dining, Francine at Scottsdale Fashion Square has won multiple “Best French Restaurant in Arizona” awards.

Where can I find authentic French cuisine in Scottsdale?

For the most authentic traditional French cooking, Voilà French Bistro (Chef Maxime trained in Michelin-starred restaurants in France) and Zinc Bistro (classical French bistro for 20+ years) deliver genuine French technique. Both feature escargot, duck confit, steak frites, and French onion soup prepared with classical methods.

Which French restaurants in Scottsdale have the best wine selection?

The Mick Brasserie won a Wine Spectator Award in 2023 and features sommelier-led tastings, wine dinners, and the SOMM BRAWL competition. The House Brasserie uses a Coravin system offering 40+ wines by the glass without oxidation—rare in Arizona. Both cater specifically to serious wine enthusiasts.

Do I need reservations at Scottsdale French restaurants?

Yes, reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend dinners. Voilà requires 2+ week advance booking for Saturdays. Francine and Zinc Bistro fill quickly for weekend prime times (6-8pm). The Mick and The House accept walk-ins at the bar, but dining room reservations are advised. All restaurants accept reservations via OpenTable.

What’s the average cost for French dining in Scottsdale?

Budget-friendly: Voilà ($25-50) and The Mick ($25-50) deliver excellent quality at moderate prices. Mid-range: Zinc Bistro ($25-40) offers classic bistro value with 20+ years of consistency. Upscale: Francine ($31-50) and The House ($31-60) provide fine dining experiences. Plan $40-60 per person with wine for mid-range options, $75-100+ for fine dining with pairings.

Which French restaurant is best for special occasions?

Francine excels for special occasions with its elegant Fashion Square setting, award-winning Mediterranean-French cuisine, and polished service. The House Brasserie offers romantic ambiance in a historic 1939 building—perfect for anniversaries. Voilà‘s beef Wellington (48hr advance order) creates memorable centerpiece moments for celebrations.

Are there French restaurants with happy hour in Scottsdale?

Zinc Bistro offers happy hour Monday-Friday 3-6pm with discounted wines, cocktails, and bar bites including their famous French onion soup. The Mick Brasserie features wine specials Tuesday-Thursday 4-6pm. Francine has select wine and appetizer deals during slower afternoon hours. Call ahead to confirm current happy hour offerings.

Which Scottsdale French restaurants have outdoor seating?

Zinc Bistro‘s Kierland Commons patio is legendary—one of the best outdoor dining spots in Arizona. The House Brasserie offers intimate patio seating in the historic property’s courtyard. Francine has outdoor tables at Fashion Square. Best outdoor dining months: October-May (avoid June-September extreme heat).

What should I order at a French restaurant in Scottsdale?

Classic starters: Escargot (try Voilà’s), French onion soup (Zinc’s is benchmark), steak tartare (The Mick’s signature). Main courses: Duck confit, steak frites, sole meunière, coq au vin. Splurge dishes: Voilà’s beef Wellington ($58, 48hr advance), Francine’s branzino ($38), The Mick’s Wagyu filet ($52). Always order: Whatever the chef is excited about that day—ask your server.

Your Scottsdale French Dining Adventure Starts Here

Whether you’re celebrating a milestone at Francine’s elegant Mediterranean tables, discovering why Zinc Bistro has thrived for 20+ years, trusting Chef Maxime’s Michelin-trained hands at Voilà, exploring wine at Wine Spectator-awarded The Mick, or dining in history at The House—Scottsdale’s French restaurant scene delivers unforgettable experiences at every price point.

From classically trained chefs who learned their craft in France to Wine Spectator-recognized programs, this desert city has quietly evolved into an unexpected French dining destination.

What’s the #1 French experience you’re most excited to try in Scottsdale—hidden gem escargot at Voilà, Wine Spectator pairings at The Mick, or classic bistro perfection at Zinc?

Drop us a line at contact@scottsdalespot.com—we’d love to hear what brings you to Arizona’s French dining scene.

Exploring more of Scottsdale’s dining scene? Check out these local guides:

• Best Italian Restaurants in Scottsdale →
• Best Steakhouses in Scottsdale →
• Best Mediterranean Restaurants in Scottsdale →
• Most Romantic Restaurants in Scottsdale →
• Best Brunch in Scottsdale →

Have a favorite Scottsdale French restaurant we missed? Drop a comment below—we’re always hunting for the next great recommendation to add to our guides!