Le Gigot is a charming French bistro tucked away on Cornelia Street in the West Village that feels like it was plucked straight from a Parisian side street. This intimate spot has been serving up authentic French cuisine for over two decades, and there’s a reason it’s stood the test of time in NYC’s competitive restaurant scene.

The restaurant’s cozy, rustic atmosphere immediately transports you across the Atlantic. Warm lighting, classic bistro chairs, and walls adorned with French art create an ambiance that’s both romantic and convivial – perfect for date nights or catching up with friends over wine.

What makes Le Gigot truly special is their commitment to traditional French cooking techniques. Their signature dish, the namesake le gigot d’agneau (roasted leg of lamb), is fall-off-the-bone tender and perfectly seasoned. The steak au poivre with cognac cream sauce delivers that peppery punch that makes you close your eyes with each bite. And don’t even think about skipping their ethereally light chocolate soufflé – it’s worth the wait.

The service strikes that perfect note of attentiveness without hovering, and the well-curated wine list features some excellent French bottles at surprisingly reasonable prices. Between the soul-warming food, charming atmosphere, and that je ne sais quoi that makes you linger over your last glass of wine, Le Gigot offers a little piece of Paris in the heart of New York.