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Welcome to French Crust Café and Bistro

At French Crust Café and Bistro, we invite you to savor the essence of French cuisine through our breakfast and brunch offerings. Nestled in the vibrant Over-the-Rhine neighborhood of Cincinnati, our café blends a classy yet casual atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed gathering or a quick bite. Guests rave about our artisanal croissant sandwiches, decadent eggs Benedict, and flavorful quiches that embody the heart of French cooking. With friendly service and a robust brunch menu, we aim to create memorable culinary experiences. Join us to relish our delicious dishes and unwind in a bustling yet welcoming ambiance.

French Crust Café and Bistro: Reviews & Ratings

Roe P.
Roe P.

Pretty cafe for a relaxing brunch and the food was really good. Easy to find meals you don't typically see at a good price.

Summi A.
Summi A.

My friends and I absolutely loved French Crust! The service was friendly and welcoming. The atmosphere was upbeat, energetic, and the whole place was buzzing. Our server, Carissa, was lovely. We started with French press coffee. Perfect. Initially just two of us were drinking it and quickly two more cups were poured. Coffee perfection. Everything we ordered was fabulous: eggs Benedict, Skinny Benedict, FCC Tomato goat cheese, Goat quiche, and the omelette du jour. everything loved their order! We'll be back.

Cathryn L.
Cathryn L.

Another perfect lunch tray. Cod with ratatouille. Carrot soup. Salad. Cream Puffs. Thank you, French Crust.

Jeff M.
Jeff M.

What a cool place in OTR adjacent to Findlay Market. French inspired brunch menu. I had the French onion soup and a salad, while my wife had the special BLT omelette . We both were craving an espresso martini aside from our usual Bloody Mary. The food and drinks were absolutely delicious. They have a full bar with many mixed drink options and decent beer lists. The server was super friendly and attentive. French Crust is usually busy on the weekends so make a reservation or get there early.

Morgan W.
Morgan W.

Busy crowd on weekends, but wonderful to pop in on a trip to Findlay Market. Was able to walk in on a Sunday and enjoy the fresh croissants, coffee, omelette with fruit and the eggs Benedict. Prices are a little expensive but is great food and service. One of my favorite places to bring friends from out of town.

Devena S.
Devena S.

Saturday brunch reservations for 2 with one of my good friends. She had the Caesar salad and I had the flat croissant with Swiss and mushrooms, side of Caesar salad and a bowl of French onion soup. We both had the French artisanal lemonade which was tart and delicious! My only sad note was the French onion soup- it was nice and fresh.... A little too fresh without the onions caramelizing down into that sweet onion thick brown goodness. It was an onion soup with bread and cheese instead. So watery thin I thought at first the broth was oil floating to the top. Otherwise the service was excellent without the staff getting pushy when we stayed and chatted after the 3pm close time. Everyone was super gracious about it. And the atmosphere and ambiance was definitely supportive of girls brunch, date brunch or solo brunch.

Jack B.
Jack B.

Located in the Findlay Market, the French Crust Cafe and Bistro is a great place for breakfast and brunch. Popular by many, there was a wait at the 10 am opening. Standard breakfast fare with foods like goetta, omelets, french toast & good coffee. Recommend taking a break from the market where delicious food and drinks are served.

Amy D.
Amy D.

My friend and I were shopping at Findlay Market on a Wednesday in early October and popped in to see what they were serving for their Lunch Tray Special. I only knew about these lunches from following them on social media. Each week they serve a different lunch Weds.-Fri. at the bar for $19. It's enough food that we both took a bit home. The ambiance is bright, and you can't miss seeing all the of the salt and pepper shakers in the display case - what a hoot! We had chicken breast over rich mashed potatoes, a yummy quinoa salad, homeade tomato soup, and a frozen strawberry puff pastry item. Everything was delicious (although the dessert was a bit odd), and for the price, it was steal for lunch. We will be back to try more! As a bonus, while we were there, Molly Wellman was consulting with the bartender. We tried her Cincinnati Gin and she explained the history of how she chose the recipe and went into a deep dive of the history of distilling in Cincinnati. So we had a very educational lunch! Thanks Molly!

Si Siew T.
Si Siew T.

Came here for brunch, and boy, I was not disappointed. Order their duo salmon with cream of chicken soup, pistachio croissant and their croque madame. Was never really a fan of cream of chicken as they usually tasted like the can ones. But was craving for a soup that day, and I was glad I ordered it! Their cream of chicken has real chicken in there! There shredded chicken meat in there and you can find soft bones in there too. So they pretty much threw the whole chicken in there shimmer it till the meat fall off the bones before removing the bones. Love it! They also added barley in it, giving it that grainy texture. Never knew I'm actually a fan of barley! Their duo salmon... it's definitely a must have! Croissant sandwich with salmon, tomato and egg mayo?! What more can you ask for?! Egg mayo in Croissant!

Location

Welcome to the French Crust Café and Bistro, an exquisite culinary gem located at 1801 Elm St, Cincinnati, OH 45202. This charming establishment effortlessly marries the classic elegance of French cuisine with a welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for breakfast, brunch, or lunch. Here, you can indulge in mouthwatering dishes while basking in an ambiance that is both classy and casual.

  • Kitchen Highlights: The star of the menu is undoubtedly the croissant—freshly baked and buttery, these flaky pastries can be enjoyed plain or with a decadent chocolate twist. Try the chocolate almond croissant or the pistachio croissant for a delightful treat that will transport your taste buds to Paris.
  • Brunch Standouts: Guests rave about the eggs Benedict, while the Skinny Benedict offers a lighter twist on the classic. The quiche and omelettes are crowd favorites, accompanied by fragrant French press coffee that is nothing short of perfection.
  • Charming Atmosphere: With a vibrant, upbeat setting and friendly service, the cafe buzzes with a delightful energy that will make your visit memorable. Many patrons have expressed their appreciation for the welcoming staff, particularly during busy weekend hours.

French Crust Café and Bistro does not only shine with its delectable food but also stands out for its thoughtful amenities. The establishment is wheelchair accessible and provides outdoor seating for those who wish to enjoy their meals al fresco. With options for reservations, takeout, and even delivery, French Crust is determined to cater to your every need, whether you're dining solo, with family, or in a lively group setting.

Feeling adventurous? Make sure to explore their happy hour specials and full bar selection, where you can sip on refreshing cocktails like the espresso martini or a classic Bloody Mary, enhancing your brunch experience. And do not miss out on the canele or pistachio macarons for dessert, satisfying your sweet tooth with a touch of French luxury.

In a bustling neighborhood, close to Findlay Market, the French Crust Café and Bistro is a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic French flavors and a cozy atmosphere. The combination of great food, a vibrant ambiance, and attentive service makes this café a local favorite and a perfect spot for sharing moments with friends and loved ones.

 

So, whether you are looking for a delightful breakfast platter, a sumptuous brunch with friends, or a satisfying lunch with family, French Crust has you covered. Experience the essence of French comfort, and come enjoy a meal that is crafted with heart and passion.