French cuisine is usually hard to come by, but here in Greater Raleigh you’ll find a few wonderful restaurants that serve up delicious dishes you would likely dine on in France. On an evening when you feel like venturing outside the usual American, Italian or Mexican fare, try one of these French restaurants for a whole new take on food.

Saint Jacques Restaurant in North Raleigh is truly French, being owned and operated by French native Lil Lacassagne from Provence. In both 2009 and 2010, Saint Jacques was named one of the Top 50 Best Overall Restaurants in the U.S. by OpenTable diners.  Its menu boasts delicacies such as escargots, braised veal, lamb and duck.  Given its many accolades, Saint Jacques truly has some of the most spectacular cuisine in the country.

At Coquette, top-notch food is prepared with French flair and served in a hip and fun environment. They offer only the best French wines and cocktails to keep your dining experience as authentic as possible.  With entrees such as Parisian gnocchi, trout meuniere, and crawfish and tasso crepe, you are sure to find a wildly delicious dish to please your taste buds.

Other French-inspired dining venues include Bloomsbury Bistro in downtown Raleigh.  Break out of the dining box and explore new flavors at one of these French restaurants.