We had an amazing dinner here. Enjoyed the beef tartar and absolutely loved the ricotta gnocchi. The cheese plate was good and hats off to their homemade flax seed crackers read more

Great spot for brunch. Was here last weekend with friends. Has a great feel and decor, friendly service and delicious food. Highly recommend the eggs benedict. We'll be back sometime to try out dinner too! read more

The French - Bistros Near Me - Hamilton, Ontario

I made a reservation to be at The French at 7pm on a Tuesday night. I made plans with a lovely lady and we were looking forward to dining there for the first time. I arrived at 6:45pm, and the staff were kind and friendly. They offered to let me sit at my table, but after 30 mins, I chose to sit at the bar and wait. And I ended up waiting for quite some time. At 8pm, the staff was as aware as I was that my date was clearly a no show. With no calls or texts, I was being stood up. Rather than write off the night, the staff was outgoing and pleasant and went above and beyond to make my dining experience a positive one despite the rough start. They succeeded as I was very happy with the great food and the even more amazing service. I will not hesitate to go again, and I'm hoping to show up with someone next time too. Highly recommended! read more

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Came here from the U.S. for a concert and made reservations here after seeing such great reviews. Their reputation definitely holds true to their name! The beautiful decor and ambience gives a rustic vibe. The food was amazing. I ordered the steak frites and it was to die for. The service was also fantastic and our server was very knowledgeable. Hope to stop by here again in the future! read more

The French - Steak Frites - Bistros Near Me - Hamilton, Ontario

Cosy place with an excellent wine list. Could be a good for romantic escape but actually full of people and a bit noisy as a result. Reservation is highly required. Tenderloin medium rare is my favorite. Looks overpriced but worth every cent. Love this place. read more

The French - Main menu - Bistros Near Me - Hamilton, Ontario

So, I walk in this restaurant at 10 pm, and sit down at the bar. I have a gift package and I'm a little tired. I watch two bartenders ignore me for legit ten minutes and then they come up to me and tell me that they have decided I am too drunk to serve. Without speaking to me or anything. Just, this guy is too drunk to serve. Since it is essentially impossible to argue that I am not too drunk to serve, I ask them how they could come to that conclusion --in one minute-- without even speaking to me, and they respond with their bullshit answer and I left. So, this place is run and managed by people who don't know what they are taking about. People who make insulting and offensive decisions that are based on nothing and who don't know how to run a successful business. Oh, I am writing this less than ten minutes after these two bartenders decided I was too drunk to serve. read more

Went here last Sunday for my birthday and wow was this place amazing!!! The atmosphere is warm and inviting. The service was well received. They even gave me a complimentary glass of bubbly, how sweet! I had the tostadas with beans, guacamole and an over easy egg with crispy potatoes on the side. It was delicious, fresh, flavourful and addictive. My fiancé ordered the smoke salmon toast which was also delicious! There were 6 of us and we all enjoyed our meals! Cannot wait to return! read more

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I decided to have a little get together at the French for my fiance's birthday - just with one other couple. Keeping it chill. I made reservations online - thank goodness for not having to call and talk to a human, HA! Parking is all paid around this area - so keep that in mind. There is a cheaper lot behind the building instead of the more expensive one you'll see right away out front. Anyways, the French is busy - especially on a weekend night. The decor is modern and fun (stone and brick), with a curtain at the front door which makes you feel like you are walking into a magic trick of sorts. Service was also magical, they had our table ready and our friends already arrived - so my fiance was surprised! It was really nice. It's a small place so it does feel a little crowded! I was totally ok with it when the food came. I ordered the steak and frites, and my fiance ordered the beef cheek and pork belly. Honestly this was the best steak that I have had in such a long time, and the frites - YUM! So flavourful! My steak was cooked perfectly. I usually have a hard time asking for my steak being cooked medium but they did it so well and gave me no grief at all! My fiance said the beef cheek and pork belly was interesting, not a dish you would order again and again - but still good for a new dish to try. For dessert we ordered a chocolate type pudding and a creme brûlée. Both were made really well and the portions sizes were just right for having just ate a full meal. I was stuffed at the end but all the food was really fresh. The French is a great addition to King Willian street. It's in a perfect spot among a bunch of other great restaurants - it's nice that this place is a little more upscale! I can't wait to come back to try more items. read more

Very cosy and professional atmosphere that nicely delivered highly executed fine food. Our first course of the foigras and chicken liver pate was creamy and very tasty on delicious grilled sour dough bread. The assortment of pickled vegetables would have been nice with the pate. My girlfriend had the lamb burger and was cooked to perfection with a very nice home made bun. My duck confit as my main was done to perfection ...moist on the inside and crispy on the outside. The tangy cabbage and potato sides were a great accompaniant with the duck. Little disappointed on our dessert the Opera Cake. Could have been more moist and more chocolate flavour. Service was very attentive and professional. Overall, great ambiance and highly recommend the place. Steve read more

Restaurant looks amazing but when we wanted to dinne there , the staff was extremely racist were told a place was "reserved " so we couldn't sit inside but when our friends joined our table needless to say our "white friends" and asked for the same table all over sudden the place was free, obviously we had to leave and move to another restaurant there's a bunch of them on the same road. read more

We went to The French for brunch and had a delightful time! Server was friendly, the atmosphere was trendy, and I enjoyed my Duck Waffles. Would recommend! read more

The French - Bistros Near Me - Hamilton, Ontario

Went here last weekend with a few girlfriends. Great selection for the Brunch Prix Fixe menu. The Duck Waffles were amazing. The Beat Salad was good- it could have used more beats. Good nonetheless. I was very happy when my friend left her leftover duck waffles in my fridge when she went home! read more

The French - Duck Waffles - Bistros Near Me - Hamilton, Ontario

Came here with my sister and brother-in-law for lunch. Food was absolutely delicious!! Had the Salmon Rillette and French Onion Soup to start - soup was amazing - not salty at all which is hard to do. For main course Fresh Gnocci, Steak Sandwich and Trout Almondine - the gnocci is some of the best I've ever had. Desert - creme brûlée - fantastic. Coming back from Toronto to eat here again read more

The French - Trout Almondine - Bistros Near Me - Hamilton, Ontario

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I only came here once, but the food was fantastic. I ordered the gnocchi and the cauliflower steak, and it was delicious. I really enjoyed the flavour and quality of the gnocchi in particular. The portions of the food is a fairly small, but the menu items I had were also a bit heavy. The prices of the food was pretty expensive for the amount they provided. I came on a weekday afternoon, so the atmosphere was nice and quiet. The service was also good. read more

The French - Bistros Near Me - Hamilton, Ontario

atmosphere is great service is great food is good, but little pricey for the quality. read more

Looking for French Cuisine in the heart of Hammer Town? The French offers flavorful dishes and a nice quiet atmosphere. You'd be hard pressed to find a better French bistro Downtown Hamilton. Seriously, there is almost no choice when it comes to French cuisine in the heart of Hamilton. Tucked away among night clubs, cafes specializing in fusions of fusions and a steakhouse that is nearly 60 years old (and looks it), The French offers old world cuisine in a fresh and new manner. I didn't have time to fully sample the menu, as I had only paid for an hour of parking and my guest only had time for a quick bite. We decided to start straight on the mains. Now, I realize we were dining at supper hours at a bistro and an anemic supper menu was to be expected, but I was pleasantly surprised to be presented with a full dinner menu with great variety. I settled on the duck confit and my guest had the streak frites. Though the steak frites looked good from where I sat, my duck confit deserved most of my attention. Moist, with a great variety of vegetables and lentils, the meal was more food than what I could finish at a single meal. A rare treat for me, I was quickly reminded of how sinfully flavorful duck fat is. Unfortunately, under a tight schedule, we had to skip dessert as well, but this proved to be a testament to the service my guest and I received. From being seated, to paying the very modest check, I was able to return to my car with five minutes left on my parking voucher. Swift and friendly, The French served us well. This is more than what can be said about the surrounding location and its parking. As I mentioned, I was only paid up for an hour of parking and I was parked there because the curbside parking was completely full. Downtown Hamilton parking is real hit or miss and this isn't more apparent than when one tries to dine in Hammer Town. This worked out, as my guest could only join me for an hour and I promised to be her chauffeur until the end of the evening, but if I had the opportunity for three courses, I'd have to concede to spending close to $13 for parking. Since I was driving and my guest doesn't drink, there was very little opportunity to sample the wine list. Though from what I had seen, it seemed as though The French offered a fine variety of French imports as well as local Niagara vintages. Despite the parking situation, the dining experience was pleasant and one I will return to as soon as I am able so I can fully experience this little bistro on King William. Caveat: Since I couldn't fully sample the courses offered, this review may change after I return. read more

Really cute place! The menu is quite limited though so if you're very picky this might not be the place for you. The avocado toast was meh but the crispy potatoes and cocktails are definitely worth a shot! Service is fast enough and friendly and the prices aren't too bad either! read more

The French - Bistros Near Me - Hamilton, Ontario

Great service and great shrimp avocado dish. Get the gnocchi! Weird area as I found some homeless people loitering but overall I would come back and sit at the bar where food is being prepped. read more

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My friend and I enjoyed a stunning meal at the French. The fois gras and Duck Confit we're particular stand outs in what was an unforgettable delicious meal. The cocktails were delicious, and it was an absolute blast. Can't recommend this place strongly enough. read more

Nice decor. Comfortable atmosphere. Service not so good. Food okay. Went for brunch, avocado good, on burnt toast bad. Waited 45 minutes for simple breakfast sandwich, again burnt bread(croissant) . When it came to checlub didn't wait longer than 3 minutes to get their money. I know there is inflation,but these prices are crazy. Heard goo things, but didn't live up to expectations. read more

Honestly amazing food and amazing service, highly recommend the ricotta gnocchi and foie gras

Love this place! Staff is great and a fun place to visit for brunch. Quite a bit of variety on the menu and I'm looking forward to returning for dinner sometime read more

You probably want ti try this place if you're living in or visiting Hamilton...I like atmosphere and food is great. read more

The French - Duck- dinner menu - Bistros Near Me - Hamilton, Ontario

4 of us had dinner on a Sunday evening (busy, reservations a good idea). The menu has a bit of everything ... beef, fish, pasta, chicken, duck. The trout and steaks were good. Excellent fries. From the starters the onion soup was quite good and the charcuterie platter ample for 3 to share (the foie gras & chicken liver parfait was superb). They charge for bread which is still not that common in Canada. Lemon tart is very large and quite good, gateau opera was good as well. Service was attentive. Entree prices ranged from $19 to $42 (beef tenderloin). There's a good wine selection. read more

Our first venture out into the Hamilton food scene. After the busy lineups for Toronto brunches, this place was a welcome change. Food was great and the service was attentive. We had the duck waffles and the tostadas. No complaints there. Would definitely go back to try some of the other items. read more

My fav brunch spot in Hamilton. Lovely menu, great atmosphere. Try not to drive here as their drinks are excellent

I am pretty generous with my reviews usually, however the service and staff at this establishment are poorly managed. Food has always been excellent, oysters, steak frites, gnocchi, brunch, steak.. Staff have been quite rude especially hostesses, not so much the bar staff. Once I went close to Christmas to meet a friend and I carried my gift for her to the restaurant and hung up my coat. The waiters/hostesses kept giving me snobby judgemental looks as if me carrying a (beautifully wrapped) gift was tacky. I was also appropriately dressed, FYI. Another time we hadn't made previous arrangements and there plenty of empty tables and the hostess said they were all reserved, I asked if they could take our names down and they said they were all reserved for the rest of the night and they couldn't take my name. I find that hard to believe.On several occasions I have noticed the staff being rude/and acting like they are too good to serve the customers (or for this establishment). I understand this is subjective but I don't think the rest of the people reviewing this place have been blind to this either. read more

There is a rhythm to fine dining and the beat is solely played by the guest. I say this with experience in serving, at the Elmwood in Toronto a ways back. The food at French was OK, fresh oysters, the duck, medium-rare, exceptional, but the monkfish had the salt content of the Dead Sea. The service, however, was a mess, they had no sense of what service is and continually tried to rush us through our meal, instead of watching the tables and noticing when guests are ready to order or ask a question. So, good food and service from Boston Pizza. For $300.00+ I expect to be able to look at the whole menu, read the wine list for pairings, ask a question or two and enjoy the establishment. That was not the case at The French and I won't be returning. read more

Loved the decor, the mood, and the service was fantastic and attentive. All four people at the table ordered different meals (the turkey on a croissant, the tostados rancheros, the lamb burger, and the duck waffles) and we all agreed there wasn't one thing we wouldn't reorder. A great brunch spot thats a must-visit in Hamilton! read more

Beer selection was very good: I had a delicious lagered ale on tap. And I loved the beet salad. Refreshing and makes me want to go home and try to copy it. For my main I had steak-frites. Fries were good...BUT... the centre piece of dinner...the steak, was a problem: Grilled properly, it was over-seasoned. According to my waitress it was flavoured with a blend of twenty five herbs and spices in butter that dominated the steak to the extent that, eyes closed, I couldn't tell what I was eating. I disliked the spice blend though that's an individual thing; you might like it. But I happen to love the taste of a good steak. That was missing. Hg read more

I booked a table here for our anniversary and we were not disappointed. The French is part of a string of upper-scale looking restaurants on King William - being new to the area, I had no idea this street existed. We had oysters and lamb meatballs to start - which were solid. My wife had gnocchi for a main; they were light and tasty. I decided on the lamb shank which came highly recommended by the server. It was TOP NOTCH! I typically associate lamb shank with cold weather and Sundays but what a treat! We finished off with white chocolate cheese cake, which was very good too. All in all, we had a great meat, awesome service, and all at a reasonable price. read more

Great experience. Sat at the bar. Didn't have to wait very long at all, and the food was really good. Staff were really friendly too! read more

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The restaurant is stunning inside and has a very nice aesthetic touch to it. There are limited options for the brunch menu, but are good options to choose from! The smoked salmon toast and avocado toast were presented beautifully and tasted very good. The food is priced accurately considering the portion sizes are large and the food tastes fresh. read more

The French - Avocado Toast & Smoked Salmon Toast - Bistros Near Me - Hamilton, Ontario

Went two night in a row because it was simply so good. A little wait between appetizers and main. Amazing food and very very good quality. The duck and the hazelnut bar is to die for read more

Great atmosphere, great food, especially the foie gras, good service, it is not cheap however.

Really good! Got really busy when we went so the service was slow but the food was amazing! read more

The French - Sunny side up eggs with sausage and bacon - Bistros Near Me - Hamilton, Ontario

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Oh Hamilton, never change from your adorable sense of what you think good French food is. I'm shocked at how much people love this place. Either they have never spent much time in France, or even nyc or the kitchen was having an off might when my friends and I were there. I think it's the former. This place is to French food, as Taco bell, aka taco hell, is to Mexican food. Truly, mediocre and laughable. There were 4 of us and we tried a good range of stuff, from the awful foie gras to the disappointing Charcuterie Plate. The Gnocchi was actually ok - but strange that the best dish here was Italian, I guess no one told the chef that. The rest of the options were pretty disappointing but nothing was as terrible as their duck confit. If you've been to borrow market in London, you know you can get this amazing duck confit sandwich for 6 bucks. It is probably a billion times better than this atrocity they serve there. If you've never been to a French restaurant, then this might surprise you. Otherwise please run away and go try some German at the black Forest inn or elsewhere. Ghastly!! read more

Out of the park. The duck was amazing. And what the chef did with the cauliflower was genius. Excellent wine selection. And my bartender was a perfect hostess. Highly recommended. read more

Very nice. Food a plenty. Finer dining establishment. Friendly staff. Highly Recommended.

Finally made it for brunch here! French onion soup, smoked salmon toast and steak & frites were delicious. With everything made to order, I was able to request no cheese or milk in my dishes. Lovely way to spend a Friday brunch, watching the snow fall outside, eating a yummy meal with friends and wonderful service. read more