A beloved hole-in-the-wall French bistro w/ classic dishes like steak frites & amazing onion soup.
This charming French bistro in Long Island City is a beloved neighborhood gem, often recommended for its authentic Parisian ambiance and consistently high-quality traditional dishes. It's a place that evokes a sense of nostalgia for classic French dining, offering a warm and unpretentious experience that keeps patrons returning for years.
This French restaurant is highly recommended for its classic dishes, particularly its steak frites, which are described as the best deal in NYC. Other praised items include steak au poivre, salads, bread, soups, fish, coq au vin, homemade tartes, and French onion soup. Cassoulet is also a weekend special. Some users noted it's cash-only or accepts only Amex/cash.
"Standout dishes include the steak frites, which are lauded as the best steak deal in NYC, and the French onion soup. Other highly recommended items are steak au poivre, salads, bread, soups, fish, coq au vin, and homemade tartes."
Customers express strong affection for this restaurant, consistently praising its excellent quality, authentic French ambiance, and unpretentious atmosphere over many years.
Important Note
The restaurant may be cash only or only accept American Express and cash.
"Tournesol in Long Island City serves steak frites."
Positive"Tournesol in LIC is described as a good restaurant with reasonable prices, though perhaps with a more limited menu than desired."
Positive"The original poster expresses gratitude for the recommendation of Tournesol and its affordable price for French onion soup."
Positive"Tournesol is recommended for French onion soup, noted as being around $8.50."
Positive"The user has been going to Tournesol in Long Island City for over a decade and consistently finds their quality to be excellent and unwavering."
Positive"Tournesol is the commenter's favorite restaurant in LIC, offering very good French food."
Positive"Tournesol in LIC is described as an amazing, homey French restaurant that feels like Paris, though it's unsure if they serve offal dishes."
Positive"Tournesol in LIC was recommended."
Neutral"The commenter noted that Tournesol, a French restaurant in Long Island City, still accepts only Amex or cash as of September 2025 and questioned why this is common among French restaurants."
Neutral"The user states that the best steak deal in NYC is the steak frites at Tournesol in LIC."
Positive"This user jokingly comments on having pancakes at Tournesol."
Positive"This user reports having pancakes there recently and notes that the restaurant accepts American Express and cash."
Positive"This commenter states Tournesol is great and reminds others that it is cash only."
Positive"This commenter enjoyed Tournesol when they worked in LIC from 2000-2011 and was happy to hear it is still open."
Positive"This commenter praised Tournesol as a lovely little gem that is not mentioned enough."
Positive"This commenter expressed fondness for Tournesol and wondered why they hadn't been in a decade."
Positive"This commenter suggested Tournesol in LIC as a place that captures the old Les Halles vibe."
Neutral"Tournesol is mentioned as a French restaurant."
Positive"Tournesol is recommended for French cuisine."
Positive"This commenter recommended Tournesol in LIC, noting that the staff is actually French."
Positive
