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Café Pastis
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11:30 am - 2:30 pm
Mon-Fri 6 pm - 9:30 pm
Sat 12 pm - 2:30 pm
Sat 6 pm - 10:30 pm
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Romantic
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
59 reviews for Café Pastis
Review Highlights
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"Also, the french onion soup is AMAZING." In 8 reviews -
"I especially love the veggie and goat cheese." In 8 reviews
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"The apple tart dessert is incredible." In 4 reviews
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59 reviews in English
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Review from Steph D.
1/29/2012
My favorite restaurant in Miami; hands down.
I have been dinning here since it opened- almost 15 years ago. The duck confit and all of the seafood dishes (Grouper, Dolphin, Salmon, Seafood Stew...) are amazing. The prices are very reasonable as well.
Two suggestions: skip the chocolate desserts (the fruit ones are delicious) and bring your wine if you want something fancy. -
Review from Monica S.
3/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
The staying power of some of the businesses along this mini refined strip mall is pretty awesome. Café Pastis is going on something like its 15th year and I still have memories from when it first opened.
My dad's bestfriend was a Frenchman and our weekly joint family outing was to Pastis. More often than not, there'd be a table ordering 8 steak frites and maybe one order of escargot for good French measure.
Today, my mom and I returned for nostalgia's sake and of course, the steak frites. The first sign of a solid experience, everyone there is still fully French and the owner continues to arrive for the night's service. For a neighborhood spot, I love the commitment he has for his diminutive eatery. Adorning the walls, you guessed it, French paraphernalia.
Service was attentive and familiar and food was completely devoured. Vive Pastis! -
Review from Cliff F.
Updated - 1/20/2012 16 Check-ins Here
Pastis is a rare breed of Miami restaurant. Understated, hearty, and oozing with personality. Admittedly, I've only experienced their lunch service--but I can't imagine that such a special place would provide anything less than a stellar experience.
The restaurant is intimate (read: small) and there are about six tables outside for parties of three or less. I prefer sitting outside, but inside is equally delightful. The kitchen is wide open for all to see and located in the middle of the dining room.
Their sandwiches are SO. GOOD.
I've tried a few, and my favorites are the homemade pate de canard sandwich or the smoked salmon and roasted red pepper pesto sandwich. Each is served with french fries (very FRENCH fries) and makes a really special lunch.
You can also order a half-sandwich with french onion soup--which is second to none.
Also, the service has never let me down. Its a small, family operation that feels as authentically French as their food.
I can hardly wait to go back--and I'm determined to go for dinner soon.Listed in: Miami Favorites., You Can Count On These
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/28/2011
went for lunch & ordered the duck pate sandwich--it was really great. perfect portion sizes, really… Read more »
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Review from Jacqueline R.
Miami Beach, FL
4/22/2012
I live rather far from this place but it is my go to French place. I take my doggie and we sit outside. They are dog friendly. The prices for authentic French food are the best in Miami. I love every dish I have tried there. Do try their house French wines. The escargot is great, their baguette delicious, loved the grouper thats my fav. The bouillabaisse is great especially for the price, other places charge much more for that dish and there is no difference. I want to go back for fries and mussels and goat cheese salad. The cafe au lait is lovely and not to be missed.
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Review from Mary W.
Miami, FL
4/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is a really great place to have any kind of lunch at. It's busy at lunch so come on the early side. I had the French Onion soup and french fries. I'm not going to lie-I wasn't as impressed with the French Onion soup as I expected to be, given the reviews raving about it. Also, the french fries looked incredible but were just "good" french fries. They were good, but not worth the calories.
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Review from Remy H.
Miami, FL
3/28/2012
The only thing I order from the menu is the mussels in onion and white wine with fries. Everything else comes off the chalkboard based on the servers recommendations. Trust the server, you will never go wrong.
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Review from Elizabeth P.
Coral Gables, FL
3/30/2012
Last night we went to have the best Bouillabaisse in town. As you know this french soup is so rich and hardy, so many flavors this is a classic fisherman's stew, use at least two to three different kinds of fish with textures ranging from firm to flaky, shrimp, mussels all the wonderful seasoning's added touch of the fresh Fennel bulb sliced adds a wonderful Liquorice flavor. It with serve with the traditional bread toasts with dollops of the Rouille ( of course if you don't have your rouille it's like going to Paris and there is no tour Eiffel.
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Review from Philip B.
10/14/2011
Went here tonight for the first time because a friend recommended it to me. It really is easy to miss this place but I've been driving by for years and boy am I glad that we finally gave it a try.
We got there a little before 6pm which is when they open, but they gave us some menus and we sat outside since the weather was nice. For starters we ordered the French Onion Soup and the Charcuterie. The soup was outstanding and had the right amount of onions and a nice bubbly layer of cheese on the top. The Charcuterie came with salami, prosciutto, tapenade and duck pate. The platter was very good. I'm not a fan of tapenade but this one was okay. The salami, prosciutto and pate were all great, however.
For mains, we ordered the Roasted Duck with black currant and fig sauce and the Bouillabaise. The duck came with potatoes, zucchini and squash - all of which were excellent and cooked perfectly. The duck itself was excellent as well, as the sauce complemented it perfectly. They also put some fried onions on there which paired well with the duck. It is a great dish. The Bouillabaise came with shrimp, grouper, crawfish, lobster, and fennel with a great saffron fish soup. It also came with croutons and a nice spicy sauce to put on it which was excellent as well. It really reminded me of being in France and was an excellent dish.
Finally, we ordered desserts. We ordered the Caramelized Apple Tart and the Creme Brulee. Both were absolutely wonderful and a pleasure to eat. They give you a nice large slice of the apple tart and the homemade whipped cream is a very nice touch. The Creme Brulee was absolutely perfect as well. It had berries in it and was nice and creamy as well as having the nice burnt brown sugar crust. This really was a perfect ending to a great meal.
The prices are very reasonable and the service is wonderful. It's a nice quaint restaurant and is definitely out of the ordinary than the usual places in Miami. We will definitely be back! -
Review from Elyse W.
1/28/2011
This place is adorable. A good date place. Very European ambiance and for similar fare SO much cooler and tastier than George's right down the street (but I wouldn't want the crowd at George's finding that out).
Service is also fantastic. The place closes kind of earlish (by Miami standards, at least) on a Friday, at 10:30, and a member of my party was a bartender and was working late and didn't actually show up until 10:30ish and the peeps at Cafe Pastis actually kept the kitchen open and tended to us without a trace of resentment for making them stay open later than usual. The owner actually made jokes about it, making us feel a little less like assholes we were for pulling that kind of stunt.
Food was packed with flavor -- I had the roasted grouper with chick pea puree and pesto aioli which was very tasty. BUT I kind of wished I got the lamb shank. I took a few bites from someone else's and it was phenomenal. And it was a good size, looking pretty impressive presentation-wise.
I had the chocolate mousse for desert and it's probably the best I've ever had. Highly recommend! -
Review from Grant S.
Miami, FL
2/11/2011
French cafe seekers can find better! If average food, slow inattentive (typically French) service and high prices are on your menu, then this is your spot! I would actually give these guys 3 stars if the prices weren't so outlandish and the location wasn't completely lacking in ambience. For this meal, we sat outside in the strip center parking lot. Pretty humdrum for a fancy restaurant, or at least at those prices. Were it a date, the parking lot wouldn't have cut it.
For a French cafe, they have a stunningly poor selection of red wine by the glass, preferring to tap customers for a bottle if they can. At least the wine was average, though it arrived in the world's cheapest glasses. If you're a real connoisseur, you know that the glass counts - so watch out before you spend big bucks on vino in 50 cent glasses.
The Moules (appetizer portion) was average, and the service provided a wine holder for the shells. There was the typical sauce with the typical flavors and cooked fine enough. I ordered the Tuna Tartare for my appetizer, which was the highlight of the evening for me. The lemon flavoring was crisp and overall the dish was pleasing, if slightly short on portion size. It only arrived with 2 toast slices, and a 3rd or 4th would have been appreciated. I suppose some people would appreciate having a small salad with this dish, but I would've preferred just a little more tartare instead.
My real beef with this restaurant was their entree and the service alongside it. I am VERY reluctant to send a dish back to the kitchen - and in most cases, assuming it's edible, will just scarf it down and chalk it up to human error. Unfortunately, lazy service is one thing, but thoughtless service is entirely another. My dining companion and I both ordered a Strip Steak with peppercorn sauce and potato fries. Mine was ordered rare, his medium rare.
The kitchen, or server failed to note which order was which led to the orders being switched. I tried a few bites, figuring that the small end of the cut was possibly overcooked, but as I got further in, would find a nice pink center. Instead, the meat kept getting drier as I went (not too far) and I looked in on my friend who was eagerly devouring my rare steak well beyond the point where a trade was in order. In honesty, it looked pretty good... I asked the server (this took a while) to please replace it, who of course was followed by the manager attempting to salvage my sadly overcooked piece of meat. As someone who's not a return to sender guy, having my request checked, THEN double checked was not much appreciated. Anyone could see that my meal was medium (yes, they botched my friends' order too) and not even close to rare.
Then, they performed what I consider the ultimate sin in these circumstances. They undercooked the re-ordered rare steak. At that point I was fairly ravenous, and glad to have a seared steak rather than the previously provided Goodyear tire. I ate it, I was hungry, it was not very enjoyable, just some protein in the gut.
The steak peppercorn sauce was 1000% unexciting, lacking distinct flavor. I've had this same sauce at numerous similar restaurants, and this seemed a deliberate attempt at thinning and bland-ing a sauce which could be exciting and spicy. The steak cut itself was fairly cheap for the price, the original being a tiny sliver which could not have been over 8 ounces and not very finely marbled. Overall, the steak was an FF for eFFort and execution.
The fries they served with it were slightly overcooked and tiny. I mean, how can a French restaurant really butcher French Fries - one of the simplest items on the menu. I ate a few of the larger fries and left the rest on the plate. Their "aioli" mayonaise was also disappointing and tasted like a flat imitation of Helman's mayo, lacking any kick or excitement at all. Again, a simple dish prepared poorly and without thought of flair or distinction.
The meal finished with a tasty home made Chocolate Mousse for me and a Cheese Platter for my friend which I could not even look at after eating a virtually uncooked steak. After the meal finished and we corralled the server for a check, I felt full in a sick, overfed kind of way - even though my portions were not huge - probably due to the undercooked steak.
Overall, this restaurant would rate a C- minus were it not for the pricing, since you've got to expect some service sluggishness in a French cafe setting. I will never ever eat at this Cafe ever again, and suggest you do the same unless your car breaks down in front of it and you're too lazy to walk down the street to George's. -
Review from Lourdes W.
Miami, FL
2/22/2011
This is a no-fuss authentic French cuisine restaurant in your neighborhood. The service is friendly and it's set up like, well..a cafe (hence the name) with small tables inside and out. It's in a strip mall, but I don't discriminate especially when the food is good.
You must have the mussels. I've dined here a couple of times and I always order this dish. You can have a half order ($12) or a full order ($24). The half order seems like a full order. I don't even want to know what the full order entails. The white wine sauce that these mussels are cooked in is "to--die-for" and the mussels are hassel-free...they peel right off the shell.
They also have one of the best duck pate's I've ever tried. It's part of the Charcuterie dish that also comes with prosciutto and french salami as well. It was amazing! I never have room for anything else. This is a solid french affair! -
Review from Sergio F.
11/19/2010 1 photo
After my unimpressive lunch, I had to salvage my one hour of Sergio time in my Nine-to-Five. For some people, me time is retail therapy. For me, it's dessert! Since that's all I had here, this review will be short and SWEET!
The name on the menu for the dish I had is called "Yummy Yummy" and that, my friends, is truth in advertising. The nutella was deliciously lathererd across the crepe bread (a little thicker and darker - whole wheat, perhaps - than the ones I had in San Francisco), and stuffed with pieces of fresh strawberries and bananas. Add a garnishing sprinkle of sugar, and my lunchtime palate was soothed.
Tres bien Cafe Pastis!Listed in: My Just Desserts
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Review from Michael C.
Tampa, FL
5/5/2011
French food has never been my favorite choice when going out. Granted I'm more familiar with it than British, but for some reason, for European cuisines I prefer Italian or German to French. Why this doesn't make sense is the rich tastes you get with simply superb French cuisine. I think my hesitation is based on also the rich cost. Ultimately you get what you pay for at Cafe Pastis, and you'll be paying a lot (and probably bringing something home, so bonus!).
My family and I went to celebrate both my parents' birthdays. They used to be big fans for Bistro Bisou, which unfortunately has closed. However there was positive feedback on the only remaining French Bistro in Miami (yet oddly not the only French store in that block of shops) and as it has been around for 10 years, we all figured it couldn't be that bad.
The place was packed when we arrived. We had a reservation, but still had to wait a few moments. Within 5 minutes, we were all seated within the tiny restaurant. The main room is both kitchen and dining area. And while you wouldn't expect it, those two chefs and the serving staff are able to accomplish delicious acts.
After ordering we were quickly given a fresh baguette. Warm and delicious, I joked "If the bread is this good, how will the meal be?" We were then given our appetizer of the raviolis with goat cheese. It was great and we put that bread to good use sopping up the sauce. Then our meals arrived.
The best was the duck my mother ordered. Such flavor and the meat was so tender. My father and I went with the bouillabaisse, joking that Flint would be able to tell the region. The soup was full of shrimp, craw fish, mussels and at least 3 different fish. It was filling and huge, with both my father and I should have been able to split one.
Then came the dessert: the apple tart was sold out, so we went with the raspberry tart and the chocolate mousse.
Everything was flavorful, filling and prompt. I had a wonderful experience, although the place is small, so only go on a date, and see if you can eat outside to enjoy more room. -
Review from Antuan D.
Broward, FL
11/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
I was in Cafe Pastis a long time ago. The place is small and the service is not too quick. This will most likely bring your business down. Well, it was full of guests and they were all enjoying their meals. It is a classic French Bistro where the owner is one of the servers-cooks-host-andanythingelseyouneedhimfor. Food was good and I will comeback if I am in the area, I don't think it is my first choice, but definitely worst the try.
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Review from George G.
Miami, FL
8/10/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I only eat lunches here and there good! I love the french onion soup, and you can do a soup and salad for lunch. But don't stop at that or you'll miss out! Small spot & tight parking. It's worth it, this is real French food the way I like it! Great food not to pretentious!
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Review from Eddy D.
Miami, FL
12/2/2008 ROTD 12/16/2008
When I was there, it took me back to the cafes of Paris. It's tight quarters in there, but the food is tasty and service is quick, though it might be in French. Even my Dad liked it and he hates most restaurants!
Try the grouper! -
Review from Jeff J.
Miami, FL
10/29/2011
Went on a Friday night with my in-laws to celebrate a birthday. We had the best time. The service and ambiance was excellent. The food surpassed all expectations. Highly recommend.
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Review from Danny F.
7/28/2009
Now, I won't sit here and write to you explicitly indicating that i'm some sort of french food expert. I'd rather have Gordon Ramsay berate me until I prefer eating dog food and consider THAT good eating. But I do know jive, and this place has some. I came here for a creme brulee, and a glass of 1664. These frenchies could have been pretentious. They could have been lewd. But instead, they served me a nice creme brulee, and my glass of 1664, and left me to myself outside. After all was tasted and drank, they came back to me and asked me "Do you feel better?"
You're damn certain I did. -
Review from Andy D.
6/14/2010 1 Check-in Here
I remember Cafe Pastis from years back. The food was to die for. Now the years have come and gone, and Cafe Pastis is still there. A very good sign. But, I sure wouldn't die for the food.
The staff sat me all the way in the back, I was hoping that it was the best seat in the house or because it was busy, they had to sit me there. I had a little trepidation about eating at that table, as the station picked up all the negative odors. I guess today's odor was fish and bathroom smell. I'm hoping they cleaned the kitchen, at least once in a while.
But, my nose finally got used to the smell. The wait staff was quick to take my order, the menu made everything look good. From pate, to smoked salmon salad. The menu was very French, and that brings me to what I fear the most (next to snakes, clowns and vomiting in public). ordering something that's no good.
Well that kinda happened today, the soup incredible, the sandwich not! I knew I should have gotten something different!
I ordered the roasted chicken and Harissa sandwich on a French beget, with a bowl of onion soup. All for a whopping $10.00. That for what I got was a decent price (if everything was good).
So why the three stars, well Pastis' onion soup was excellent, I wanted more and more, but the roasted chicken sandwich was totally devoid of flavor, there wasn't even a slathering of my much anticipated Harissa sauce. Now I saw others being served remarkable entree's like the Pate I mentioned before, it was spectacularly plated, looked. Like art work. The salads looked fresh and bold with colors. I was so unlucky today. My soup was great, but the sandwich was flat.
I'd go again, but I'd order way different. -
Review from Stephanie G.
Miami, FL
6/18/2011
Had heard rave recommendations about this place from a colleague and decided to check it out with my boyfriend for our anniversary. Found it where he had described...located in a non-descript shopping center across from Ace Hardware, it seemed like your average hole-in-the-wall. They have a tiny parking lot, but I wasn't too impressed.
Then, we went inside and it was bright and cozy! We had reservations so seating was not a problem, although the tables were a bit close. Decided to share some wine and started with the french onion soup and the mussels. The soup was delicious! Cheesy, gooey top, with crusty bread, piping hot broth and yummy soft onions inside. Just the right amount of spices and flavors! The mussels too were extra fresh and came in a wonderful sauce.
For the entree I went with the bouillabaisse and the boyfriend went with the lamb. Mine was huge (I ended up having some for lunch the next day), and was filled with an assortment of fresh fish in a delectable, savory broth. The boyfriend's choice of lamb was flavorful, well-seasoned and very tender. Neither of us were big lentil fans, but we tried those that came with it and were pleasantly surprised to discover how delicious lentils could be!
For dessert we split the berry tart, which was the perfect ending to the meal. Light and creamy custard with fresh, bright berries it left us with a great taste in our mouth. I took French in high school and college, and I enjoyed getting the chance to use it with the waiters, whom I found to be helpful and friendly. All-in-all it was a charming restaurant and I'm sure I'll be back to get my French fix!Listed in: Head Over Heels
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Review from Mario J.
Coral Gables, FL
8/5/2008
This restaurant proves that you can't judge a restaurant by it's location or outside appearance; In this case a strip mall in South Miami.
Awesome food, great service and reasonably priced.
Enough said! -
Review from Rob C.
3/12/2008
French bistro, seems like a lot of regulars come here
french speaking staff and patrons :)
small outdoor seating along a strip mall
great menu choices, nice toasted baguette
Steamed Mussels in White Wine and Shallots appetizer portion: excellent, nice light sauce with ~30 mussels of decent size, soft, flavorful (I could have stopped there)
also had Grilled Tune Brushed with Maghreb Spices, Orange Harissa Sauce and Raisins: cooked appropriately, sweet but tangy sauce
unfortunately, the service was poor -- they did not have enough waiters to cover the indoors and outdoors (got busy later at night), but they are quite friendly. -
Review from Christie A.
Miami, FL
9/29/2009
I love this little local hole in the wall for lunch. Savory French onion soup, great sandwiches and salads, and fantastic mussels can all be found on their lunch menu. I know there are also other dishes available, but I usually stick to the "lighter" fare for lunch so I am not too familiar with those items.
Be careful at what time you show up if you do come for your lunch break because right around noon this place gets packed since it is small. Be there around 11:45 or after 1PM and you should be okay. The service is always quick and attentive, and the prices are decent.
Try any of their baguette sandwiches...they are fantastic. Word to the wise, ask for a side of pesto and smear it on any sandwich...talk about delicious condiment/addition to your lunch! The pesto is also awesome for dipping your basket of frites in to! Yum-o!
I've heard dinner here is also very good, but I have yet to find that out for myself.Listed in: Places I love to stuff my face…, I Heart Sangwiches
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Review from Lindsay G.
Miami, FL
10/5/2010
I just spent 20 minutes searching for the name of this place so that I can someday return to it... and all I had was a salad. If that doesn't tell you something about the chef here, I don't know what does.
The meal was rounded out with bread and red wine - both of which were delicious. But this salad reminded me of lunches I had in Paris and haven't had recreated since I've been back. Warm, tangy goat cheese, and sweet honey matched with a spicy vinaigrette - such a perfect combination, the lettuce is hardly necessary.
The ambiance was lovely and unexpected in South Miami. Simple, authentic French food I can't wait to go back to! -
Review from Claudia J.
Miami, FL
Small french little place that transports you to the French Riviera!! The menu is always good, we always have the escargots (they are the BEST with that oil and some french bread... yumi!) don't think you are eating snails... you are having a delicacy!!!
Their Bouillabaisse is great, has lots of seafood, good to share with someone else! The NY Steak with french fries always a winner too!!
Their seafood is super fresh, either be fish or shells - steamed mussells are the BEST (but be carefull for those that are sensitive to alcohol - the sauce has tons of white wine) also, good dish with bread!!! everything goes with bread in this place!! I always tend to see what other people are eating, it always a good indication that the food LOOKS, SMELLS and TASTE good.
It's ambience is so cozy, decor great, owned and operated by french people. They actually have another place in the same shopping mall, they sell bread, desserts and sweet stuff - another place to stop by for afternoon bite! -
Review from Ravi B.
Miami-Dade, FL
5/28/2009
If this place suffers from the trappings of the stereotypical pretentious French restaurant replete with snooty waiters, like some reviewers have voiced, I guess I am too stupid of an American to notice (and I always thought they were laughing with me - not at me!).
This is a charming, intimate (very intimate - expect to be banging elbows with the patrons sitting next to you) cafe that serves absolutely delicious food without overdoing the cuisine's indulgences (butter, oil, more butter).
Start with the snails (or call it escargot, if that will help you to not think you're eating a snail), soaked in enough garlic-y oil to distract your mind that you're eating a....well, you know.
This is a great place to try some duck - they have a duck sausage special that is not too strong, but a little oily; duck legs with a nice fig sauce. For fish, trout is the way to go. Their (Moroccan style) chicken dishes are tasty as well.
For dessert, there can only be one choice - apple tart! Incredible and, again, not too heavy on another French cuisine indulgence - sugar.
If you go during peak lunch and dinner periods, expect to wait a long time and expect the place be loud - with a lot of conversations in French going on.
After you eat, make sure you move your car from the small strip mall Pastis is located or the security Nazis will be very unhappy.Listed in: Great South Miami Lunch Spots, Duck You
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Review from Adam W.
Manhattan, NY
1/8/2009
Love this place. Very cozy (read small) with excellent food and staff.
There really isn't much to the decor (it is a tiny little place next door to a tennis shop in a strip mall after all) but who needs decor when all you want is some delicious, authentic French cuisine for lunch?
The steamed mussels are truly a delight - and the French fries! Oye! i recommend them highly. My girlfriend had the bouillabaisse which was also heavenly. Will definitely return. -
Review from Michael S.
Coral Gables, FL
3/3/2009 4 Check-ins Here
Pastis is a cute little hole in the wall cafe with acceptable food. I don't mean to seem too harsh because it is heads and shoulders better than Town, right around the corner. It is just that it could be so much better.
The owner was originally a waiter at Buchon du Grove when it was owned by George-Eric. He ignored me in the way that only French waiters can, every time that I ate there, which was fairly often back then. He is much more personable now that he has his own place.
I go quite often because the alternatives are just so bad, Carrabas? Dan Marinos? Tratoria Sole? Casa Larios? Origin Asian Bistro? It is amazing that there is such a great concentration of mediocre restaurants in the center of one of the wealthiest areas of Dade County. Just goes to show you that money cant buy taste.
If you are in South Miami, go to Pastis to eat your meal or to Fox's to drink your meal. -
Review from Bill A.
Miami, FL
8/13/2009
I have been eating here for over 8 years, and I can say it is one of my favorite French places to eat. Why?: 1) Food is consistent over all of those years, really, no lie; 2) staff is always kind, always, and I am not a french speaker; 3) food is good, wither it's the endive salad I love, or the moul with pomme frite, or the duck, etc... 4) prices are fair, in fact more than fair.
So, honestly, this really is one of the first place have been going to for so long, but for the food to stay that good and consistent - that truly is incredible.
The place is small and cozy, get a reservation, and you will have a good time. Also, they have alsace wines, which I love. -
Review from Freddy G.
Miami, FL
12/6/2009
I honestly have to give this place a second try since everyone seems to love it so much.
The reason I'm giving it 3 stars is simple. The food was not very good and Tania R. and I had to wait outside for over 40 minutes before we were seated. My steak was not tender and the sauce with which it came, I did not like.
I must say, the service was good and the spot is cozy.
When I go again I will update my review. Hopefuly second time is the charm.
3 stars! -
Review from William B.
Miami, FL
12/29/2011
I remember when I loved this place! Great food and service never went without a reservation. well things have changed for the worse. I always enjoyed the seafood bisque which was 28 dollar"s a person which was worth it. well we went and I noticed something different in all including the menu. the price for my favorite went down 3 or 4 bucks and no longer on the menu said lobster, I asked the rude waitress and she said no no there is lobster in it not to worry. well when I got it there was no lobster or fish like before and a lot of veggies to fill it in. the chef was looking at me and knew I was not happy but was with with two friends that was there for the first time and kept my mouth closed. when I went to the nasty restrooms as you know you walk thru part f the kitchen and it was super nasty! The waitress was rude and acted like she was doing us a favor until it came to tip time and then it was so honey anything else? Before they had super nice waiters and waitress, now it was all over hi lighted bitter waitress with a bad attitude. I find it funny when I talk to my French clients they said they would never go there and I should know better then to there! Wow that says it all! my French clients told me to go to a place on US1 by Dadeland south station which was very busy but closed. I think this place has a new owner or something and I will never will go back. This place went down hill big time!
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Review from cristina o.
Miami, FL
7/1/2009
I love this place. Other reviewers hit the nail on the head by calling this place unpretentious.(although the waiters can be snooty - hence 4 stars there is never ANY need for consistent bad service)
the food is simple, straigh tfoward, and consistently good.
the desserts are always stellar. -
Review from Sebastian E.
Miami, FL
8/31/2009
Café Pastis...the best! Well, every French restaurant will claim they are the best. Pastis is definitely up there. This is not your parisienne type French place. If you have gone, you will have noticed the links to Marseille... it is a fishing village and this a bit of a different side of France from the other, more Paris type places, like Buchon, Nisou, Bisou or Les Halles... Here seafood reigns and you must try their muscles! They really are the best. Of course the previously noted crème brulee is exquisite as are the escargots... also try their daily specials.
The owner is almost always there...at least when I go and the staff is always friends and remembers you. Prices are good and since they have been here as long I can remember, they must be doing something right... a chantee!Listed in: Miami finds
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Review from Krupa P.
Miami, FL
1/28/2010
I came here with my family and totally felt like I was in sidestreet cafe in Europe by the ambiance. I started out with the French Onion soup and the Gruyere cheese was oooey and gooey good. I had the cheese ravioli for dinner and surprisingly there wasn't much filling inside, but I think it was goat cheese on the side that you dip it in and it was soooooooo good. And of course you have to have dessert; so we had the chocolate mousse and the raspberry torte. They were both good, but not knock your socks of good. The raspberries were very fresh, so I would go for that or try something different the next time I go.
My other family members raved about what they got which was the salmon and the braised ribs (the special).
The only negative thing I have to say was that the service was a little slow at times, but the restaurant was packed and their outdoor seating was full as well.
I am definitely going back for more. -
Review from danielle b.
Miami, FL
11/8/2009
Came here the other night for a quick dinner, and had been here once before. The first time I had the shrimp and chickpea salad, this time I had the Moroccan chicken dish. First time I had the creme brule for dessert, this time I had the chocolate mousse.
My criticisms: Essentially none except that the Moroccan chicken advertised a spicy couscous which was not spicy...good in flavor but not spicy, which is somewhat why I got it. Also I felt like the fruitiness of the apricot somewhat overwhelmed the spices for me. But again, Im big on spices, not big on fruit tastes in my protein.
With that said here are my praises: Great service...Im the most annoying person to wait on ever because I ask a gazillion questions, ask for opinions and then pick the opposite, take forever, etc. However, the staff was really polite, really helpful, and one of the servers bought my boyfriend and I a glass of wine. Super nice. Food wise: Crab cake is phenomenal, chickpea salad was divine, boyfriends scallops were cooked to perfection and both times the desserts were amazing. We went with the mousse because they were out of the brule, glad we did.
Only took off a star because of the couscous and fruitiness thing. I wish I had the option of doing a half star. -
Review from Rachel M.
Miami, FL
10/24/2009
I went to Cafe Pastis for lunch and was blown away by a number of things right off the bat: 1. Our incredibly helpful and friendly server 2. The sparkling lemonade. When the food came, it just kept getting better.
My friend and I ordered: 1. Melted Goat Cheese and Honey on Crispy Olive Bread, Mesclun Salad, Rosemary Scented Oil$11.50, with Grilled Chicken $14.50. The flavors were superb. 2. Pesto Prosciutto and Baked Brie$10.50 I ordered this with a side of frites, and was in pure heaven. It was a large, and I was able to take some home with me. I will definitely be back, and I can't wait to come back to this place for dinner. The menu looked amazing, and the wine list is very tempting. We were told that reservations are recommended for the evenings because the seating is limited. (It is a small space, which makes it even more quaint.) -
Review from Anais G.
South Miami, FL
4/22/2010
Maybe it's because I'm french, but I ADORE this place. Great authentic food, well priced, and French ambiance. Fries are too die for!
Expect to wait if you're heading over for lunch, they are usually busy, but will seat pretty quickly. Haven't been there for dinner, but definitely recommend for lunch.
Sandwiches are great, fries are phenomenal (make sure you ask for the aioli), and quiches are usually tops as well. -
Review from Jenaia F.
Miami, FL
1/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Cafe Pastis has quickly become one my favorite neighborhood restaurants. You can set your watch to their food and service which always aims to please and is one of the main reasons why my husband and I always return. Have tasted many things off of their menu... their mussels, goat cheese and honey appetizer, the lamb shank, the duck, the trout... etc. All are GREAT, but my absolute favorite thing on the menu is their scallop entree and tuna tar-tar appetizer. Both are prepared perfectly and never disappoint. This is a great little restaurant for a date night or even double date. However, make sure that you call ahead for reservations if you want to sit inside.
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Review from Craig J.
Miami, FL
5/13/2010
Cafe Pastis is another of Miami's mediocre neighborhood French restaurants that fail to deliver in the food department.
It's located in a strip mall near the Sunset complex with parking out front. The decor is appropriate for a small French place. Seating is very limited and tight - let's call it intimate - indoors as well. Service was solid, and the menu has a fair amount of variety. The wine list has some good variety and is pretty reasonably priced. I'd think about a reservation, or at least a call ahead, as it can fill up during peak times.
The food is really unremarkable. It approximates the bistro classics you've come to know and love, but fails to really nail any of them. The cheese plate was another disappointment. It consists of random cheeses laying around in the kitchen used for other dishes - a soft goat's cheese used in the salads, blue cheese *crumbles* used elsewhere, etc. - arranged haphazardly on a plate. I'm not fooled.
Some diners will enjoy the ambiance, and the location/parking is convenient depending on your location in town; however, there are ultimately better culinary options elsewhere. -
Review from Jorge J.
Miami, FL
12/3/2011
Good place to go to for a nice relaxing lunch. A bit overpriced, but still worth a try.
