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Aimee's Bistro
Category: Restaurants French French [Edit]
800 S Pacific Coast HwySte 8
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Neighborhood: Redondo Beach
(310) 316-1081
- Hours:
Tue-Sun 5 pm - 10 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
75 reviews for Aimee's Bistro
Review Highlights
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"They always have the best foie gras appetizers." In 13 reviews -
"Grand Marnier souffle, was extra special." In 4 reviews -
"...little French bistro in a nondescript strip mall off PCH." In 3 reviews
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75 reviews in English
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Review from Clark A.
Gardena, CA
2/19/2012 2 photos
We were in the area, and going to another place to eat, but saw Aimee's in passing and remembered it being mentioned in Los Angeles Magazine.
We came in and between the smell of the room, noticing the place was clean, and the completely charming Aimee, we changed our plans.
Started with a bottle of wine, and our great female Russian server walked us threw the menu.
We started with the soup of the day, which was potato and artichoke. Moved on to a wonderful fresh salad with basalmic dressing.
My wife order the Veal Oso Buce on risotto, my choice was the Coqa Vin with roasted vegetables. For dessert we ordered the Chocolate Mousse.
Everything was wonderful, and perfectly executed. -
Review from Don P.
Torrance, CA
2/18/2012
French cuisine dancing in ambiance!
We dined here as a foursome with colleagues from the firm. Speaking with Aimee personally by phone to set the scene was a great touch. She greeted us herself and right away, we heard how intimate this den of delisciousness really is...
Our corner booth was exclusive, and private. Starting with French wine, we moved into appetizers. The foie gras (a specialty for the evening, not to be confused with the menu item) was velvety smooth and with a clean, distinct palette dance. The salads (any pick) are simply amazing, all presented with a distinctly original French flair.
I opted for the fish special of the evening and was not disappointed. Although a tad on the large side, it was perfectly prepared and delicate.
Sharing a desert and house cappuccinos we shared conversation until we were the last ones in the place. Aimee never made us feel rushed. She really is the perfect host!
Aimee's will definitely be on our list of "frequently adored" spots! -
Review from Samantha H.
Oakland, CA
1/10/2012
I had dinner at Aimee's for the first time on Saturday night with my husband and brother. I made a reservation via email and got a response within a couple of hours from Aimee to confirm. We had to drive over an hour to get there but in retrospect, it was worth the trip! With the exception of one other dining experience, I haven't had food this good since moving away from San Francisco! SF has such great restaurants everywhere, and since moving to the OC in May, I've had few meals that could compare to one that you would get in a random hole in the wall back home. This one does compare, so I am giving this place 4 to 4 1/2 stars. It would probably get a slightly lower rating if it were located in SF, but since it's in a random corner of L.A., it shines just a little more.
Aimee (a very sweet little lady) herself greeted us at the door with a warm smile and a handshake. Her staff was nice and attentive without being overbearing (or snarky), and they were honest. We were brought some very good warm french bread topped with a slightly cheesy crust and a pretty good green dip as well as olive oil. We had the calamari as an appetizer which came with two sauces - the garlicky tomato based sauce was excellent but I never got around to trying the other sauce which I assume was a tartar based sauce. (I hate tartar sauces) Our waiter (didn't catch his name but a cute older French gentleman) shook his head at me with a rueful smile when I ordered the Trout. He told me that it was not that good the previous night and suggested I order differently. He quipped that he may be the last honest waiter - I sort of agree there. I asked about the Turbot Pane a la Noir and was told it was very good, so I ordered it. My husband ordered the Steak Wagu New York and my brother got the Canard Forestier. All of our dishes came out in a reasonable time - not rushed but not slowly either. They were all very nicely presented and perfectly done.
My turbot (halibut) came crusted in crushed macadamia nuts over a bed of well seasoned and perfectly cooked spinach, and was surprisingly topped with mashed potatoes. At first I wondered at their choice of mashed potatoes but as soon as I took a bite, was convinced that it was a good one. The mashed potatoes went quite well with the fish and spinach. The fish was perfectly cooked, still moist and flaky. It was a very delicious dish. My husband's steak was cooked to medium rare perfection and the sauce was very good though he would have liked a little more of it. :) The haricots verts and asparagus were perfect and the fries that came with that steak were very good. The hubby also ordered a glass of red wine and asked for a recommendation from our waiter who suggested a red Bordeaux (unknown name or vintage, we didn't see the bottle) that he said he had just opened. It was earthy but still slightly fruity without being sweet, a very good accompaniment to the steak. My brother's duck was also made medium rare and was delicious with a light orange sauce that was luckily not overpowering like some I've had. It came with au gratin potatoes and some haricots verts that looked great, and I regret not having stolen a taste of those potatoes. My brother also ordered a mint julep to our waiter's astonishment - he had never heard of such a drink before though it was on the drinks menu. LOL. I think it was probably the first time anyone had ever ordered it there. The bartender was able to make it though and my brother declared that it was a good drink. For dessert, we ordered the vanilla ice cream stuffed puffs covered with warm chocolate sauce. It was pretty good though I think I might have preferred the creme brulee or the Grand Marnier Souffle that looked really good too.
At the end of the night, we were all happily and completely stuffed (the portions were a good size). It was a very good meal in a very clean and prettily decorated (loved the orchids everywhere) restaurant with great ambiance (even with the frame dropping accordion player) and a very good staff. Overall, it was a very good experience of non-pretentious and elegant French cuisine. It leans more towards homey yet refined than super fancy. For a French restaurant the prices were pretty reasonable though it is still more of a treat place than a weekly visit type place for us middle class folks. I don't know what the final bill was since my brother treated us, but I can guess it was around $130 for the 3 of us before taxes or tip. I love my brother! BTW: I recommend making reservations if you go there on a Saturday evening as it is evident that there are many loyal repeat patrons, as Aimee knew several of them by name from different tables. Aimee's Bistro is a little gem of a place hidden in a small random strip mall on the PCH, and I recommend you drive over there for a nice meal sometime. We'll definitely be back at some point... -
Review from Min T.
This place is wonderful. The ambiance is perfect, relaxed and intimate. Our server was prompt and attentive, he spent just the right amount of time with us. The specials are all great, you can't go wrong. I had the fish special with mussels and mushrooms - all very flavorful and rich. D had the filet, which was nice and lean, but also rich. Foie gras appetizer was wonderful but only here until July 4. The food is just good, French food done correctly: rich and flavorful with wonderful ingredients and delicious sauces. You probably need reservations on Fridays and Saturdays.
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Review from Ginger Britt D.
Redondo Beach, CA
5/12/2012
Aimee's Bistro is amazing!!! Great food, great wine, out of this world soufflé, and Aimee herself greeted us at the door. Fantastic service and ambience.
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Review from christine y.
Los Angeles, CA
4/10/2012
We came on a weekend night and it was super busy - a ton of mildly inebriated folks and some guy playing the accordion in the corner. My friends got the dinner special with the soup, salad, and entree of your choice. The dinner specials are the best, and everything was really good - the gnocchi was super creamy yet with the nicest touch of al dente. The veal really tender and tasty. I got the beef bourguignon- a bit salty and overcooked. The food overall was a bit salty...But Aimee is sweet and hospitable, and it's a cute, quaint place. I'd get the dinner specials!
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Review from Joy D.
Torrance, CA
4/7/2012
We had only come for the dessert. We had the GM Souflee and Chocolate cake. The Souflee was one of the best. I defiantly plan on returning. People there seemed very satisfied. And yes, Aimee the owner walks around and she takes great pride in her food.
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Review from Deborah A.
Torrance, CA
Updated - 3/29/2012
We had the most amazing meal tonight! Aimee you deserve your five stars and your sweetbreads were fantastic, an orgasmic experience for the mouth. Thank you for making my family/friends have such a wonderful celebration. The shrimp, scallops and pate were equally Devine, help I am going in a food coma.
3/28/2012 Ok so I have eaten at Aimee's 3 out of 7 days, does this qualify as an addiction? Had the sweetbreads all 3 times! My heart broke tonight when I missed the chocolate mousse, dam I need to come back. Funny I went tonight just to get my credit card I forgot, oops I forgot it again! Funny thing the mind! Ha ha ha2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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3/24/2012
We had the most amazing meal tonight! Aimee you deserve your five stars and your sweetbreads were… Read more »
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Review from Tara H.
Redondo Beach, CA
12/31/2011
My fiance and I had driven by this place after an ice cream run at Penguins. It was a Tuesday night and Aimee's was totally packed! I knew at that point that we HAD to eat here soon. A few months later, we were browsing for a place to eat, and I remembered Aimee's.
We were caught off guard at first, thinking it was a casual neighborhood restaurant based on the outside appearance. While it's very community/neighborhood - it's much more upscale dining. Dinner was pricier than we had expected but well, well worth it!
Aimee wins most charismatic, charming French-American lady of the year! She greeted us at the door with friendliness and ease, an adorable French accent and even more adorable large framed Chanel glasses. She felt like a warm French mother wanting her children to have a pleasurable meal and a good time in a warm, comfortable place. It was very nice and an unexpected balance to the upscale appearance the interior of the restaurant has. The icing on the cake to the "French home" feel was when a guy walked in who she called "Francois". I can't imagine anything much more charming.
Our server was very pleasant, knowledgeable and professional. He was always there when we needed him, but as another reviewer noted, not overbearing.
The crab cakes as the appetizer were hands down the best crab cakes of my life. The food was very, very delicious as a whole and if I were getting married locally, I would certainly choose her location for a family dinner while guests were in town. I know it would blow them away. We were already thinking of who we just HAD to tell about this place so they could try it.
Aimee's is definitely making it into our rotating list of local places to eat-out. I look forward to eating there again soon! -
Review from Krissy L.
San Diego, CA
12/17/2011
My dining experience here went well beyond my expectations...
Ate here on a Saturday night, and ordered the chefs specials..everything that came to our table was amazing! The staff were very attentive and kept the wine flowing, but my GREATEST compliments go to the chef (Michael).
Foie Gras was absolutely incredible... and the Grand Mariner souffle ended this meal with a bang.Michael's culinary excellence will not leave you disappointed, instead he'll have you coming back for more. -
Review from Agnes K.
Torrance, CA
11/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
I came here last night (Saturday) with a friend around 7:30. We had reservations, but didn't actually need them because the restaurant wasn't full. However, after we sat down, it seemed to get busier and busier.
Service
We were greeted as soon as we walked in by an adorable lady (Aimee?). She was very welcoming and friendly. Our server (can't remember name) was also very nice. She really knew her stuff and seemed to genuinely enjoy her job! Her attentiveness was just right. She was always there when we needed her, but was never overbearing. There was also a guy filling our waters. I don't think my glass was ever empty.. not even close!
Food
Appetizer: foie gras - It was my first time eating foie gras, and I really liked it. If you don't know what it is, it's liver of a duck or goose. It was just so good! And the presentation was awesome. Will post a picture. It came with a couple strawberries and raspberries. It tasted great together.
Main course: I ordered one of the dinner specials - venison with grilled veggies (with melted cheese on top). WOW, this is possibly the best meal I've ever had. I think the vegetables really did it for me. There were brussel sprouts, asparagus and potatoes, covered with creamy, melted cheese. I'm not sure what kind of cheese it was though ): I should have asked. I ordered the venison medium rare. It was cooked perfectly, so tender and juicy, YUM.
Dessert: raspberry tart. - It was good, nothing too spectacular, but still very good.
Overall impression:
It would be a great place to take a date, celebrate an anniversary, birthday, etc. Actually, I would make any excuse to go here again!!! It's not a cheap meal, but it's definitely worth the price!! I felt like I was in an authentic French restaurant... which I haven't experienced in the South Bay before! -
Review from colleen b.
Redondo Beach, CA
3/15/2012
Disappointed in our last visit. I have such great memories of being here years ago (before kids). My husband and I decided to treat our daughters to an authentic French meal. It started our perfectly with delish dirty martinis and my husband's foie gras. The dish was beautiful and had so many interesting flavors. I kept stealing bites from him. Sadly, the rest of our visit was disappointing. My starter was a stacked beet salad. When it was delivered it had completely fallen over so the visual "ahh" was lost. The flavor did not rescue the fallen stack. Bland. I then had the scallops over pasta. The scallops tasted rubbery and the pasta had an odd lemony flavor. The rest of the family ordered the expensive steaks, which were dry. We've had good meals at Aimee's years ago... Don't know if it was an off night or more usual for these days. The meal was too expensive for us to go back. Aimee, as remembered, was very sweet and charming... Wish the food had been better, it was meh for the price.
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Review from sarina a.
Hermosa Beach, CA
6/21/2011
We had a wonderful experience last weekend. Aimee welcomed us personally into her restaurant. She was amazing at explaining the dishes in great detail, and her passion for food really showed. She really is the life to this restaurant. We had a great appetizer, salad, and shared the filet mignon special. All was really good.
Our dessert. Grand Marnier souffle, was extra special! I would definitely go back just for the souffle. Yummy! -
Review from Penelope r.
Santa Barbara, CA
1/1/2012
Aimee and her staff are very nice, and so we had hoped to like this place better. The 4-star review average boded well. But I'm sad to say that the food, while not bad, was mediocre. Yelp describes its 2-star reviews as "Meh. I've experienced better," and that's the appropriate rating to describe our experience. Apparently, the other reviewers' understandings of "upscale" and "French cuisine" leave much to be desired.
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Review from Tracy B.
Hermosa Beach, CA
5/5/2011
Aimee's is one of the best restaurants that I have been to in a long time! I have been somewhat disappointed with the restaurants in the South Bay since I spent a year living in West L.A. But Aimee's is my favorite find.
First off, Aimee herself works there and greeted us at the door. Her passion for her restaurant and food was infectious. We started off with the tuna tartare, which was a wonderful combination of fresh tuna & avocado with a hint of lemon. The lamb was cooked perfectly, the serving was much more than I could eat. My bf had the filet, which also was wonderful. Because we were celebrating my bf's birthday we tried three desserts, the apple fritter (?), raspberry tart & creme brûlée. They were all wonderful.
For an excellent meal in an atmosphere where you are treated like family, I would highly recommend Aimee's. -
Review from Clem R.
7/1/2011
I went there a few month ago it was good (and that's a French who tells you) ;-)
They made a mistake with the starter (wrong type of foie gras) but they offered coffee and glass of wine. Staff is very friendly.
I recommend it.
There was as well an accordéon player,great.
Bon appétit ! -
Review from Tish H.
Federal Way, WA
1/10/2012
We went for the prix fix menu on New Year's Eve. The cost for 3 courses and champagne was $75 per person. This wasn't my first time at Aimees and I normally have a lovely meal there. However, on this night, we did not enjoy it. First, let me say that the food quality was very good - tasty, fresh, hot, and satisfying. But the portion size was completely random - people sitting next to each other who had the same entree had vastly different portion sizes, to the point that we were swapping plates so those with a bigger appetite got more. Not being consistent AT THE SAME TABLE is a sign of a bad chef.
Also, Aimee had overbooked the restaurant so that they literally didn't have enough seats. We had made reservations, had a large party, and when we got there, all our seats were given to us. However, then they realized they needed an additional 2 seats for another party and they made us (during the meal!) squish together and practically sit on each others laps. The hostess was RUDE, RUDE, RUDE, when we grumbled about this and even the poor bus boy apologized to us (he was really nice and worked very hard).
Then we were told that the restaurant had run out of silverware, so we had to reuse the same for each course. Really? I mean, I'm fine with reusing them, but it seemed like a bizarre thing to tell your customers. Wouldn't you just rather tell someone to wash some dishes?
The "endless" champagne was also very misleading considering that for the 3 glasses I had, we had to practically tackle the waitress and then she only filled the glasses about one-third full (so I had about one glass total). About half of our party didn't drink at all, so it's not like we were all boozing it up. Since they were SO busy, how about next time you just leave a bottle or two on the table and let us take care of pouring our own? Considering our bill was almost $1000, a couple bottles of champagne, clean silverware, and enough elbow room to actually use my silverware, doesn't seem like too much to ask. I may go back to Aimees, but not for another holiday prix fix menu. -
Review from Jenn Y.
Los Angeles, CA
3/27/2011
Review here is long overdue...
Came here a long time ago but I want to recognize local businesses that stands out.
Low Down:
Who knew you would not have to travel to LA for great french food? It's right under your nose here in the South Bay
Located in a RANDOM strip mall, you will pass by a million times and not know it was there except for the twinkling lights in the signs.
Great wait staff and the owner Aimee was very warm and welcoming.
Had a 4 course tasting menu and everything was very much to my liking. They also had a good menu
Since I've only had a prixe fix menu that was priced appropriately for what we had, I'm not at liberty to comment on the priceyness of the regular menu.
Great price for a special occassion or for a departure from the norm that you'd usually find in the South Bay... -
Review from Todd W.
9/13/2011
Aimee's is a cool place. She clearly prides herself on providing excellent service and attending to customers. I thought the food was good, but nothing spectacular. What makes this place special is the unusually friendly service you'll get from Aimee. If you visit, she'll likely be the first one to greet you as you walk in the door. The Grand Marnier souffle was the highlight for us. Delicious!
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Review from Ryan A.
Pasadena, CA
11/2/2011
Traditional French food. Use your Francais here!
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Review from Eddie C.
Updated - 8/9/2010
Their souffles are still one of the best I've had and Aimee? What can I say, Aimee still one of the sweetest proprietors around; always makes us feel so welcomed.
However, our dinners this weekend just wasn't up to par. My coquilles Saint-Jacques was bland with over cooked pasta. Of the two Bouillabaisses ordered at our table, one had a bad mussel. The service was slow and we had to follow up with our server for a number of our requests. Our server overall was ok but was either not very knowledgeable about the food or was not proper trained on how to make recommendations.
Next time? Maybe just go for the souffle.Listed in: Food Without Borders
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/15/2009
Fantastic! Fantastic!
As others have noted, Aimee is a warm cordial hostess that greets her customers… Read more »
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Review from Fiona D.
1/11/2011
I've only been to this restaurant twice but both times I had a really great time.
This is a great place for special occasions because it can be on the pricey side. It is totally worth it though for the quality of food and they offer an authentic French beer that I have never seen anywhere else!
The food is great, their soup du jour is ALWAYS amazing, and everything is cooked perfectly. The presentation is also just as wonderful as the food, *almost* too beautiful that you don't want to ruin it. But once you taste it, you don't mind the destruction :)
This is one of the only places I have been in the U.S. that can make a truly delicious foie gras dish. They also make the best scallops I have ever had; perfectly seared with the most wonderful assortment of fruits to complement them. Delicieuse!!
The hostess, Aimee, is also one of the sweetest ladies you will ever meet. She always comes to your table to make sure your are enjoying everything and treats everyone with great affection (I love how she always calls us "sweetie" or "babies" with her beautiful French accent)
If you love French food, this is definitely a wonderful little gem that is sort of hiding in a Redondo shopping center. I can't wait to come back here again and again! -
Review from Roo M.
7/28/2008
An excellent little French bistro in a nondescript strip mall off PCH.
Inconsistency has not been an issue. The food and service were excellent each and every time that we have visited.
So far we have tried
- Seafood Boulliabaise - Excellent broth, very fresh seafood, but the Halibut was a little dry to me, but still good
- Veal Osso Bucco on a bed of Risotto - This is my absolute favorite dish so far. Tender, fall-off-the bone veal (a huge freakin shank's worth) and the risotto sauteed in the veal stock was eyes-to-the-back-of-head rich and delicious. My inner carnivore is starting to stir, just remembering how great this dish was
- Souffle with gran marnier - so light, yet soo rich and a little too sweet for me, but I have a very low tolerance for sweets, so I would go with Eimi's call on this one
- Aimee's signature appetizer dish - Scallops and Foie Gras. Scallops on a plum reduction and Foie Gras on an Apricot reduction. I would seriously order 6 of these if a stroke or an aneurysm from all the cholesterol were not a concern.
The prices are definitely reasonable and even on the low side for the quality and excellent service.
Good food and great service aside though, Aimee's will always hold a special place in my heart. You see, our anniversary happened to fall on mother's day weekend this year, we tried to make reservations at the last minute - Completely our fault, and we had absolutely no hope of acquiring reservations, or so we thought. Once Aimee found out that we wanted to visit her for our 6th wedding anniversary, she seemed so honored that we would choose to spend such a special day with her that she promised that she would make room for us. It was as if we were doing her the favor and not the other way around! Aimee is incredible and we will always appreciate what she has done for us.
A trip to Aimee's is like a trip to a beloved aunt's home, a beloved French aunt who can make some kickass gourmet dishes, but will pinch and kiss your cheeks nonetheless -
Review from ted k.
Burbank, CA
2/7/2012
Good customer service but the food is awful and WAY overpriced. It was nearly $100 for two with dessert. The foie gras had a gamey taste and was undercooked.
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Review from Heather R.
Redondo Beach, CA
2/15/2007
On the corner of a strip center, next to the UPS Store and a donut shop (with excellent sandwiches, BTW), is the unlikely location of Aimee's, an adorable French bistro. Aimee herself is the greeter, and it is Aimee who really makes this dining experience extraordinary. Aimee visits the tables throughout the meal and welcomes each diner as if she has known them for years. Plus the enthusiasm she has for the food makes you want to try everything on the menu!
I've eaten at this restaurant a number of times throughout the years. While the food is always good, it can be inconsistent. Case in point, my pistachio crusted halibut the other night was severely overcooked. It still tasted good, though! The chocolate lava cake, however, was phenomenal! I also enjoyed our wine snob of a waiter. I've come to expect that in a French restaurant. Aimee's doesn't disappoint! -
Review from Michael B.
Redondo Beach, CA
8/23/2008
Aimee's is a place to play games, cultural games. As we took our friends, the down to earth midwesterners, the game we played was "order a Bud Light from the snobby French waiter". He was not amused, but he did have a curl of a smile on his smirk.
Since I was going to play the other game, "show how nonchalantly you can whip out some highschool French", I played it both ways. That put me in the uncomfortable situation of actually playing along with the waiter's game. So when I ordered the Boulliabasse and he said, 'bad idea', I changed to the duck. Which is just as well because the duck was absolutely fabulous.
We had a $40 bottle of Merlot, which was pretty damned good,. Even though I don't give a hoot about wine and don't often pretend to know as much as I know, I do know when I get a good wine.
Anyway, service was obnoxiously polite, the menu was delightfullly varied and, as I said, the duck was the bomb.
Get reservations, put on a beret and play games. They take themselves just seriously enough for the game to be real. Unfortunately it's not all about the food. I'd prefer a bit less drama in my dinner service, but for the taste of the food, it's worth it. -
Review from Victoria M.
Los Angeles, CA
3/18/2011
I just went here with my mum tonight for the first time because we saw so many positive Yelp reviews - thanks guys!
I had a seriously hard time deciding what I wanted because EVERYTHING sounded amazing, and every dish I saw when I looked around looked delicious. We ordered the Foie Gras with the baguette as an appetizer and I managed to polish it off by myself - it was delicious! We also ordered the Osso Buco and the Coq Au Vin. The Osso Buco was seriously rich with an overwhelming scent of parmesan cheese - so much that I felt nauseated, but the actual veal shanks were very tender and flavorful, and came with more than enough mushroom risotto. The Coq Au Vin was nice, not very wine-flavored and the vegetables were cooked really well.
Aimee loves to greet all her diners at the door - and even leaves in the middle of conversation to go greet them! I loved the personal service, and she made personal recommendations and remembered our names.
I will definitely come back here to try more things from the menu! Thanks Aimee -
Review from Jason L.
San Francisco, CA
10/24/2006
My girlfriend and I were down in Redondo Beach for a wedding and went out in search of a nice spot for dinner. So we drove past the Cheesecake Factory...then the Charthouse...then PF Changs...and then we spotted Aimee's. We stopped in, thankful that we weren't gonna be stuck with a chain restaurant...and were very pleasantly surprised.
When you walk in, Aimee herself is right there to greet you. She was so friendly (but not annoyingly so)...she stopped by to talk later during our meal...you can tell she really cares about her restaurant and about keeping her customers happy. Anyways, on to the food...
Our meal was fantastic--we had the ahi appetizer (who doesn't serve ahi these days!?!?!), a beet salad (yum), escargot (cooked to succulent perfection), a prosciutto-wrapped pork entree, and a scallops dish. All wonderful. For dessert we had their apple tart--OHMYGAWD was that good. The wine list was okay...
So this place was great. In San Francisco it'd just be an above average but not particuarly noteworthy joint (everything's relative, right? In SF you could eat at a different place every night and not ever have to settle for "average") but given the dearth of good eating in the SoCal beach cities, and the delightful surprise this turned out to be, I'm gonna give it 4 stars. -
Review from Raphael C.
Harbor City, CA
2/22/2009
First and formost, compliments to Aimee. The beautiful, charming, and most welcoming owner of this French Bistro. Upon arrival you are greeted like an old friend with much hospitality and unexpected warmth by Aimee herself. A kick back to times when restaurant owners were more concerned with quality of experience rather than turning a quick profit. Things such as these are nowadays hard to come by.
So, with that being stated, let us begin.
This fine establshment is located in a strip mall next to a Penguins Yogurt Store (WTF? mate), and can be described as a "Pearl in a trash can" becuase of the location. But forget the strip mall and the frozen yogurt for a moment and let us focus on the important things, THE FOOD...
The Food here is not revolutionary nor is it anything new. But rather technically sound and mostly traditional, serving very solid french fare. Went here for Valentines Day with my girlfriend. A simple romantic setting for a pleasant dinner. My only valid complaint is the proximity of the tables next to you. Tables are so close you can clearly hear the entirety of your neighbor's conversation. Fun and not so fun.
This particular characteristic validates the Authenticity of this French Bistro in more ways than one. With its traditional French Fare. And with the American "tourist like" people butchering the French language. The old lady next to me had a nice champagne drunk going and was attempting to speak french to the grimacing french waiters. "Garcon!! Mare-See Booh-Koo!! See-Vu-Play!!" Ridiculous...But so innocent and amusing.
Moving on, the Prix Fixe Menu:
(Wine is a Must)
Amuse Bouche:
Duck Liver Pate in between small crustinis topped with a single raspberry.
Pretty Good/Not Bad, flavors were simple and direct.
Appetizer:
Scallops topped with fresh herbs,creme fraiche, and salmon roe.
Cooked to perfection, nicely seared exterior with a unbelievably moist interior that played well against the sauce. Most Excellent way to begin a meal.
Salad:
Greens, Candied Pecans, grapfruit slices, strong cheese, perfect dressing.
Simply put, Resfreshing and Beautiful..
Main Entree:
Filet Mignon cooked RARE in a ragout sauce with golden roasted potatoes and green beans.
The meat was unbelievable and flawlessly cooked. An almost even red color from the center to exterior and the vegetables were absolutely fantastique.
PERFECT DISH
Dessert:
Trio of DARK CHOCOLATE confections.
Good but nothing to write home about.
Overall the experience was great. A romantic setting, service was on point, and most importantly the FOOD was excellent. I recommend Aimee's for a casual lunch or a romantic dinner date.
Checklist:
-Beret. Check.
-Black and white striped shirt. Check.
-Red handkerchief arond the neck. Check.
-Lit cigarette. Check.
-Existentialist/Nihilistic Literature. (Sartre/Camus) Check.
Ready,Set, Go!!
Strongly Recommended Ooh La La....Listed in: Fine Dining
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Review from Lawrence F.
Carson, CA
3/27/2008 1 Check-in Here
Such a great place in the South Bay, I'm surprised I had never been here before. Aimee greets you at the door in such a warm and welcoming manner, you become a regular before you're handed a menu. The service was excellent, very attentive, and the food was delicious. My family had the foie gras appetizer, crusted alaskan halibut, filet migon, osso bucco, and coq au vin. We're normally a talkative bunch, but when the entree's hit the table, not a peep could be heard as we enjoyed our meals. The grand marnier souffle and creme brulee deserts served as excellent punctuations to the meal.
I'll definitely be back for more. -
Review from mommmom m.
Long Beach, CA
6/7/2008
Cozy neighborhood French restaurant in a strip mall nearish with friendly service from Aimee herself. My neighboring diner had a plate of beautiful, pink-in-the-center duck slices, and I was so distracted at the sight I could hardly enjoy my salmon (good, but not that innovative) after that.
The only thing I didn't like was the tables are put really close together and you can hear everything the diners to your left and right are saying. Not good for children either.Listed in: Go shorty, it's my birthday
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Review from Mo Y.
Redondo Beach, CA
4/5/2009
Other reviewers have noted the odd location of this gem in a strip mall off of PCH, and indeed it does seem odd. But once you step inside, you forget all about that. Aimee's is warm, cozy, charming, and tastefully decorated.
And then Aimee herself greets you as if you were family! She is such a lovely woman who seems to genuinely love her job and her customers. She asked us our names, and every time she would come to our table she would address us by our names - what a memory! I have never experienced such a friendly welcome at any restaurant ever before, and in this distant and cold world, Aimee's greeting is like a warm hug.
We had the menu prix fixe which is really quite inexpensive given all you get! I had the pumpkin ravioli (which was delicious but not the best choice given that it is rather simple but I have a loving place in my heart for pumpkin ravioli and had to try it). My friend had the pork - and lucky for me I was able to steal bites of his too. IT WAS DELICIOUS! My friend had the house salad which looked amazing, and I had the French onion soup which was perfect. Then for dessert we had the creme brulee... Let's just say that I ate at Aimee's last night and today I'm sitting here craving it and wishing I could go back for lunch right now!!
This is my new favorite place and I will be back again and again. -
Review from Jodie D.
Los Angeles, CA
2/21/2010
One of my Top 5 and a shameless, gluttonous pleasure. Expensive, yes, so it's my special occasion restaurant. Dinner for 2 with 2 glasses of wine, 2 entrees, and 2 desserts for $110 total but worth every penny. The foie gras and escargot are very popular and done well. anything in melted butter and garlic tastes good. The scallops were seared to perfection, crisped on the outside, almost a little raw on the inside, and soft, tasty throughout.
they have a couple mid-week promos right now: $19.95 for a 4-course meal or $29.95 for a 3-course filet mignon. aimee promised to make me my own special grand marnier souffle if i call her 24-hours before; they're usually only served on weekends and shouldn't be missed. i love her and want to adopt her as my french grandmama. -
Review from Dinh T.
Brea, CA
2/15/2008
In a small intersection in Redono Beach, lies Aimee's Restaurant. Known for it's french cuisine and hospitality, I make an effort to come here with every opportunity I get. The atmosphere has a casual ambiance with an elegant flair and the owner, Aimee makes an effort to get to know you and makes you feel welcome once you walk in the door.
The food itself speaks volumes for her and her staff. I enjoy the duck and lamb that they serve there after I have started my meal with the escargot in butter and garlic. The flavors are rich and the texture is tender with all her entrees. In my last trip, I ordered a bottle of pinot along with my meal and every bit was delectable as it was savory. As for the dessert, try to make an effort to go on the weekend and try their souffles. Given the variety of desserts available, the souffle is always a good way to end the evening.
If you are ever in the Redondo area, stop by Aimee's and she'll welcome you with a warm heart and you will leave with a satisfied stomach.Listed in: My Faves
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Review from Mike N.
Hermosa Beach, CA
9/21/2011
Aimee has been running this fantastic French restaurant for 16 years and she hasn't slowed down. Aside from personally creating the menu and baking the desserts she greets every patron that walks through her door with colorful charm. The food is excellent and her delightful detail to making the customer feel comfortable is alone reason to go back.
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Review from Margaret Y.
Torrance, CA
11/14/2010
I celebrated a milestone birthday here. Aimee greeted my family at the door and she took a great family pix of us standing next to the lit mini Eiffel tower by the entrance. It was our 1st visit and we had a party of 6 including my 7 mo. old grandson. I had made reservations and informed her there would be a baby. She accommodated us graciously.
I love escargot and was not disappointed. There was ample fresh french bread to dip in the residual butter and garlic sauce. We also had a foie gras terrine. It was everyone's 1st taste of this delicacy and it was very good. There was an accompaniment of grapes and onion marmalade with the crisp crouton crackers upon which we spread the foie gras.
Our party ordered:
Osso buco-deliciously prepared with a buttery marrow and served with risotto and porcini mushrooms
Skirt steak- ample serving, not overcooked and served with mashed potatoes
Trout Almondine-trout fillets sauteed in butter and coated w/ almond slices and also served with mashed potatoes
Rack of Lamb-6 lamb ribs cooked just right and very tender
Lamb shank-braised in a savory wine sauce and served with couscous.
Aimee has an accordion player playing on Sat. nites, her busiest. She brought out a creme brulee with lit candles to celebrate my birthday, had the accordion player follow her out playing happy birthday and had the whole restaurant join in to sing to me!! We also ordered the chocolate lava cake which takes some time to prepare. It was well worth the wait.
We had made reservations for 5PM because we had a baby. The dining chairs accommodated a portable infant feeding tray/booster seat that we brought and strapped to the seat of the chair. They also have many booth tables. The restaurant started filling up fast at 7PM so reservations are recommended. She had a table set up w/ red rose petals scattered about for a romantic date. The bar was well stocked w/ wine and champagne.
In the tradition of French restaurants, we were not rushed thru our meal and could have stayed the whole nite at our table. What a gem of a restaurant and such a convenient location in the SoBay on PCH.
Aimee's bubbly personality and deliteful french accent made me feel as if I was being greeted and served by Julia Childs?:)
Bon appetit -
Review from Maniac W.
South Bay, CA
2/26/2010
Was here with some friends.
This is more of a Americanize French food, portion wise, not typical French portion.
They have a few on going fixed price special. (on selected day of the week)
I had their filet mignon special, 29.99, comes with a decent size salad, a filet mignon, and a creme burlee. Nicely plated and delicious.
Other Entree range from $15-27, which I think is still worth the price.
Pretty good selection of wine and full bar, at a reasonable price.
Aimee, the owner is extremely friendly.
Will for sure return to try their other stuff.
Suggest to make reservation, I was there in mid-week and it is almost full, and seems like they only plans to serve 1 sitting per table per night. -
Review from Ana L.
Corona del Mar, CA
9/20/2010
I am in love with this charming little French Bistro. Not only is Aimee, the owner, present and personally waits on guests, but she is a gracious host who personally thanks her customers for coming in. Wow, that is what I call customer service.
Moving on to the food. My boyfriend and I started with the escargots which were good, we mainly ordered them because we were at an authentic French Restaurant. After that I had the Trout Almandine, which was very good. The fish needed a little more salt but the potatoes and the vegetables were cooked to perfection. My boyfriend ordered the Duck Confit. It was UNBELIEVABLE. Sooo delicious. We topped it off with a glass of french white sime for me and a very strong Jack and ginger for him.
We can't wait to go back on a Sunday night for their 4-course dinner for $19.95 -
Review from Jeff H.
6/21/2007
Due to the authentic French service (sorry but this IS America) and high cost, this place gets a lowly one star. I've sworn off this place. I go here once a year (costs) and it's really not that great for the money (better off going to Fogo de Chao, or Chinois on Main, or similar) $80 for two dinners + 1 appetizer including tip (without drinks)
If you're going to spend that kind of coin, a place can't be this inconsistent. Sorry but if this is the best French in the South Bay, I'd hate to try something worse. -
Review from Lois M.
3/31/2011
What a wonderful discovery. We left an early wedding (skipped the reception...won't go into it, other than to say that one can pick one's nose but you can't pick your relatives!) and drove around, and by serendipity, found this. Once again, the little strip malls are a source of constant amazement.
Very unassuming from the outside, but once you step in, the staff and owner make you feel like you are at home. One can believe they are truly sitting in a small bistro in France. There is such an attention to detail and flavoring in the dishes. We started with the shared appetizer of mussels and the foie-gras mousse. Both were excellent and set the tone for the meal to follow. Since I wanted to be able to enjoy my main course, I skipped on the salad, but hubby ordered the house special. The greens were crisp, fresh - and the vinaigrette was just perfect.
Hubby ordered the trout and I went for my standard duck confit. Both dishes were superb. Trout can often be drowned in sauce, but not here. What little I could snag from hubby's dish was so good. But, my duck was even better. Dare I say...even better than the duck at Les Halles (see my review when we were in NY). Sorry Tony, but Aimee adds more seasonal veggies that contrasted nicely with the duck.
Dessert - we had the cheese tray. How tres-European!
We are definite fans, and when we are in the area, will make it a point to come in and sample the rest of the menu.
Oh, forgot the mention: The staff made the dinner even better! More than happy to over-tip this group of professionals!
