French
Brasserie LA GOULUE — 9700 Collins Ave., Bal Harbour, 305.865.2181; lagouluebalharbour.com. French bistro serving authentic French fare in an intimate European atmosphere, from bites like a classic Croque Monsieur to prixe fixe dinners and lunches.
Gourmet Diner — 13951 Biscayne Blvd, North Miami Beach, 305.947.2255. Serving everything from escargot in garlic butter sauce to cheeseburgers with fries, this is a great place for dinner partners whose tastes differ. The menu features duck, mussels in white wine sauce, and more than 10 kinds of fresh fish. They’re open for lunch and dinner daily, with a weekend brunch. The daily blackboard specials are usually a good bet.
PAUL BAKERY — 19575 Biscayne Boulevard, Aventura Mall, 305.682.8012, 450 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, 305.531.1200 and 1800 Sawgrass Mills Circle, Sunrise, 954.846.0344; paulusa.com. Paul was founded in France back in the 19th century and today maintains the tradition of serving topnotch French style savory and sweet pastries, salads, soups and sandwiches all prepared fresh on the premises.
RENDEZ-VOUS BAKERY & BISTRO — 17851 Biscayne Blvd., Sunny Isles Beach; 305.936.1440. Baked goods, sandwiches and salads served in an indoor/outdoor French-style cafe.
Sage French CAFÉ & Oyster Bar — 2000 Harrison St, Hollywood, 954.391.9466; sagecafe.net. French-born Chef Patrick Kirchner serves up French-fusion cuisine using only topnotch organic meats and three kinds of oysters. Soups, tartares, salads, and traditional specialties like escargot start you off, followed by elegant entrees such as crepes, pastas, seafood and beef. Happy Hour is Monday-Friday 5 pm-7 pm with free tapas; check also the weekly dinner specials.