French onion soup, as we know it today, is rich and savory, made with butter, beef stock, and warming aromatics like garlic, thyme, and naturally, plenty of onions. The dish, which became prevalent in Parisian restaurants in the 18th century, has roots dating back to the medieval times when onions were abundant and easily accessible. Onion soups were once considered a simple, cost-effective meal, but they have since evolved. Modern iterations of French onion soup can incorporate a mix of nutty cheeses, red wine, and fresh baked baguette, giving a bowl layers of complex flavor.
The soul-warming soup is a staple of several Houston restaurants, and ‘tis the season to partake. Here is a guide of the cheesiest, most slurp-worthy bowls in the city.
Annabelle Brasserie
This dreamy French restaurant at Autry Park transports you to the brasseries of Paris. With gold and blush accents, and a dramatic floral canopy in the main dining room, the restaurant is a true feast for the eyes. Find a substantial menu of French signatures, including French onion soup ($19) laden with caramelized onions, a combination of gruyère and emmental cheeses, and crowned with a toasted baguette. Pair with the baguette and raclette for an even more epic cheese and carb-filled moment. 811 Buffalo Pk. Dr. Ste. 100, Houston, annabellebrasserie.com
State of Grace
This neighborhood gem, located in the Lamar-River Oaks Shopping Center, recently underwent a revamp of its menu, and revealed an onion soup gratinee ($17) as one of its champion starters. Tangy, melted mahon cheese and sourdough give it a thick, fluffy texture. The piping hot bowl is available as a starter for lunch and dinner, but can easily serve as a hearty meal on its own. 3258 Westheimer Rd, Houston, stateofgracetx.com
Brasserie 19
This buzzy River Oaks Shopping Center haunt, known for its French fare and hefty wine pours, is crawling with locals day in and day out. The French onion soup ($13) remains true to its roots, with a sweet, earthy base of caramelized onions and beef consommé, served in an onion soup crock, and finished off with melted gruyère. Take your French onion obsession a step further with the French onion chicken sandwich ($20) layered with caramelized onions, gruyere, bacon, arugula and tomato, and served with frites. 1962 W Gray St, Houston, brasserie19.com
Maison Pucha Bistro
This modern French-American restaurant, helmed by chef-partners and brothers, Manuel, Cristian, and Victor Pucha, pays homage to the trio’s Latin heritage with a menu ranging from escargot to empanadas. The French onion soup ($14) leans traditional, with baguette and gruyere bestowed upon a sumptuous broth hearty with onions, and the addition of esplette peppers gives it some mild heat. 1001 Studewood St. #A, Houston, maisonpucha.com
Cafe Rabelais
Tucked among the many boutiques and restaurants in Rice Village, Cafe Rabelais is a rustic French cafe known for its relaxed atmosphere and traditional offerings. Along with dishes like foie gras ($25) and trout amandine ($30), find soupe à l’oignon ($10), a time-honored take on French onion soup. The bowl boasts a velvety broth packed with buttery onions and sealed with crispy croutons and two slices of melty gruyère cheese, before it’s broiled to bubbly perfection. Pair your soup with one of the restaurant’s 600 varieties of wine. 2442 Times Blvd., Houston, caferabelais.com
Etoile Cuisine Et Bar
This Uptown Park eatery, helmed by master chef Philippe Verpiand, delivers elegant French fare in an intimate setting. The star of the restaurant’s soupe à l’oignon ($14) is gruyère croutons that soak up the soup’s fragrant broth and add layers of texture. Take full advantage of the restaurant’s cozy environs, illuminated by the soft glow of chandeliers, and stay for a serving of coq au vin ($19) and crispy profiteroles stuffed with vanilla ice-cream and topped with hot chocolate sauce. ($12). 1101-11 Uptown Park Blvd., Houston, etoilecuisine.com
Toulouse
With its sprawling patio that spills onto the main plaza within River Oaks District, Toulouse is among the best places to enjoy a bowl of soup al fresco. Enjoy live music under the night sky on a cool day, with a glass of bubbles and spoonful after spoonful of the soupe à l’oignon ($13), layered with gruyere cheese, baguette, and dusted with chives. 4444 Westheimer Rd. Ste. E 100, Houston, toulousecafeandbar.com
