Based on local and national customer reviews and food editor picks, awards received, and chefs’ reputations, these are the top French restaurants in each state.

By Khelil Bouarrouj

In recent years, French cuisine in France itself has earned a reputation for stuffiness due to codification. Fortunately, American chefs, some of whom are French transplants, are elevating this gastronomic tradition to new heights. Since American chefs are liberated from the pressure of tradition in France, they’re free to innovate as much as they want.

American-French restaurants, for instance, are often influenced by their regional environment — whether it’s New England or the Mississippi Delta — which means French fare stateside has wonderful touches of local ingredients and traditions. The classic dishes are still second to none, and refinement continues to get more and more impressive. A focus on seasonal ingredients, for instance, has become more common. Thus, when it comes to French food, we’re getting the best of both worlds: old-school methods with contemporary style. French cuisine is so esteemed, and so many chefs are trained in its traditions, that every American state has several French restaurants. But, in each state, there’s always one that stands out among the rest. [ . . . ]

Rhode Island: Pot au Feu

The Providence Journal praises Pot au Feu as the most authentically French restaurant in the city. Ask about the Beaujolais Nouveau dinners, a November tradition marking red wine released right after harvest. Pot au Feu is the only New England restaurant to receive a shipment. Try the sampling of all three pâtés: truffled mushrooms, chicken liver, and smoked bluefish. Pair with lamb shank braised in wine.

potaufeuri.com

(401) 273-8953

44 Custom House St, Providence, RI 02903

Read the complete list, Alabama to Wyoming, at: The Best French Restaurant In Every State