Bicyclette

Tucked below street level in the Beverlywood neighborhood, Bicyclette offers a transportive escape from the everyday. This French bistro from the team behind Republique delivers an experience that feels genuinely special without veering into stuffy territory. The subterranean space features mosaic tile floors, teal walls adorned with European art posters, and dim lighting that sets an intimate mood perfect for lingering over a leisurely meal.

The kitchen focuses on classic French home cooking, and butter is the undisputed star of the show. That sculptural mountain of Normandy butter that arrives at your table signals exactly what kind of meal awaits. The escargots, served in ceramic vessels and topped with flaky puff pastry, demand attention—flip the whole thing upside down and let those garlicky juices soak through the crust before devouring it in one bite. The beef short rib bourguignonne might be the most soul-satisfying dish on the menu, featuring impossibly tender meat glazed in a gravy so rich and dark it could pass for chocolate sauce, accompanied by potato mousseline that rivals any mashed potatoes you’ve ever had.

Meals here tend to stretch toward the two-hour mark, so choose your dining companion wisely. The crowd is a charming mix of multi-generational families and longtime friends catching up, and the service matches the pace—attentive and knowledgeable without rushing you along. At around $100 per person, it occupies a sweet spot between casual neighborhood joint and white-tablecloth splurge.

Bicyclette makes an ideal choice for celebrating a milestone, impressing visiting parents, or treating yourself to the kind of comforting, butter-laden meal that makes everything feel right with the world. Just come hungry and prepared to let the kitchen work its magic.