Given what a Francophile I am, I’m grateful to live in New York City where there’s a handful of excellent spots that can give me my French fix when I want one. I generally find that a lot of French food in the states – and especially in New York City – is overpriced and too pretentious. I don’t understand why this is but I am often disappointed when eating French food stateside. So today’s post is designed to share spots that I think are actually worth it.
But first up, let’s talk about this outfit!
There’s a good reason why the ballet flat has stood the test of time in women’s wardrobes – the practical yet chic shoe makes looking and feeling put together pretty simple.
Ballet flats were of course inspired by the dance slippers worn by ballerinas in France in the mid-18th century but similar styles were worn before they reached mass appeal. The shoe has a fun past and this timeless style remains its je ne sais quoi appeal to this day.
As I am always wearing ballet flats, I was excited to add Sarah Flint’s newest style to my rotation. Meet the Sacchetto Ballet Flat.
What I love about this style is the vintage feel. The square cap toe and covered button detail were inspired by the heritage of the shoe style but true to form, Sarah updated them with modern fabrics to make them feel of the moment yet remain timeless.
Like other Sarah Flint styles, the Sacchetto features 3mm of extra padding in the footbed so you can feel confident trotting in these flats all day. They’re a great style for the office, for travel when you’ll be logging lots of steps and thanks to the patent detailing, I think they could be easily dressed up to wear with dresses, too. The construction of the shoe stitched the lining and the insole together so the shoe is flexible and lightweight which also adds to its comfort and wearability, too.
I have ballet flats that are pointy and of course those that are traditionally round but I think the squared cap toe on the Sacchetto Ballet Flat makes them really standout. The Sacchetto is made out of beautiful Nappa leather that’ll ensure the shoe holds up to consistent wear.
The shoes come in four colors and are already getting rave reviews (scroll to the bottom of the product page to read them!)
Use code SARAHFLINT-MEGHAN50 at checkout and you’ll get $50 off your first pair of Sarah Flint shoes!
See more Sarah Flint shoes styled by me here.
Favorite French Spots in NYC + What to Order
La Mercerie
Enjoy croissants and an excellent coffee in gorgeous settings at this beautiful Soho cafe with a French chef and a beautiful store attached. The pain au chocolat are my croissant of choice at this spot for breakfast and if you go for dinner don’t miss the roast chicken and the butter and sugar crepes for dessert. This is French cooking done right.
Jean Georges
For upscale dining with some French includes, I like Jean Georges’ namesake restaurant on Manhattan’s West Side. This Michelin Star restaurant blends French, American and Asian influences and the menu is driven by what is in season. It is a great spot for a special occasion.
L’Appartement4f
A new bakery that was originally born out of a Brooklyn apartment. You’ll find this spot in Brooklyn Heights. All of the croissants they make are to die for but really do not miss the Everything Croissant (croissant a tout!) and I also can highly recommend the baguettes and cookies as well.
There’s often a line – and a very long one at that on weekends – so my advice is to go early on a weekday morning instead.
Maman
Decadent croissants abound here but they also serve some of the best brunch in the city. The egg sandwich is not to be missed. I suggest an almond croissant for dessert!
Buvette
One of my very favorite French restaurants in NYC – specifically for breakfast. It serves up delicious waffles, croque monsieurs, croissants and fluffy eggs with prosciutto. They have plenty of outdoor dining right now and you’ll be able to enjoy an idyllic walk around the West Village following your breakfast.
I’d skip this place for dinner though. Instead opt for breakfast, brunch or a dessert/drink at the bar.
Raoul’s
A burger with creamy Saint-Andre cheese? Oui, please! That’s what to order at this Soho institution.
Lafayette
Head to Lafayette’s gorgeous interiors for the lemon ricotta pancakes or skip sitting down and instead grab one of their viral croissants that are pretty delicious and unique.
Cafe Luluc
Expect a brunch line at this Brooklyn spot known for its divine pancakes. Go early if you’d prefer to skip a long wait!
Jadis Bar a Vin
If you’re looking for a cozy wine bar that has a lot of French wines, this Lower East Side spot has been a favorite of mine for nearly fifteen years.
Bar Tabac
Another bustling Brooklyn spot serving up traditional French fare. I like the Goat Cheese salad and the Steak Frites.
Frenchette
For the best duck in New York City, head to this chic Tribeca restaurant that gives good French bistro vibes. They also often have other favorite classics like Steak au Poivre and Steak Tartare.
Balthazar
I really only go to Balthazar when it is convenient and I think their dinner is superior to their brunch personally. It’s a beautiful dining room to get cozy in on a cold day and you can enjoy classic French fare. But I do think Keith McNally’s spot is over priced for what it is.
Little Prince
Little Prince has French bistro vibes in a casual, cozy atmosphere in Soho. They do a good burger and some other dishes that blend French and American fare.
. . .
One spot I think really misses the mark? Le Coucou. This fine dining restaurant in Soho was such a disappointment when I went. I would love to hear what you thought if you have been!
Do you have a French spot you love in NYC? Drop it below! I’d love to hear about it! La Grenouille, Le Bernardin (the tasting menu!) and Deux Chats are next on my list to try.
Shop the Post
Sarah Flint Sacchetto Ballet Flat // Blazer // Sweater // Jeans // Bag
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This post is in collaboration with Sarah Flint. Thank you so much for supporting the brands I love to work with! You can see our last collaboration here.
Thank you for sharing this super useful post!
Miki x
https://www.littletasteofbeauty.com/
I’m in love with this shoe. And want to try several of these places come February!!!
Best croissants in Brooklyn (IMO) are from French Tart Deli on Court! The moment I bit into a warm pain au chocolate was lifechanging
I didn’t like what I got there! Maybe it was a miss day but very unmemorable so I’ve never gone back!
Ooh, I love Buvette! I’m pinning this article for my next trip to NYC!
Do you think the Sarah Flint shoes are true to size?
I’m usually a size 8.5-9 US size or 39 European size but recently I’ve tried some brands where the sizing was so off!
Also, does the discount code have an expiration date? Thinking of going to their pop-up next week if I can.
Great guide – has a lot of my favorites.
Yes! They do. I’m a classic 37 in each of the styles.