- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Cafe Beaujolais
Category: Restaurants French French [Edit]
1712 Colorado BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90041
Neighborhood: Eagle Rock
(323) 255-5111
- Hours:
Tue-Thu 5 pm - 9:30 pm
Fri-Sat 5 pm - 10 pm
Sun 5 pm - 9 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Romantic, Casual, Intimate
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
500 reviews for Cafe Beaujolais
Review Highlights
"for desserts, lemon bar and creme brulee."
(in 67 reviews)
"The french onion soup deserves its own review, wow."
(in 62 reviews)
"and the Chocolate Mousse - just divine."
(in 36 reviews)
Loading...
500 reviews in English
-
Review from Steven J.
Chatsworth, CA
2/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
I really like this place. After reading all the good reviews for this place I decided to take the gf out for a nice dinner date. We were very impressed. The interior is very French like with the French music and everything. The waiters all have French accents and are very nice and helpful. Prices here are very reasonable and you'd expect for the quality and type of food for it to be a lot higher.
We started off with the escargot which was both our first time and must say was pretty amazing. It was nice and tender and not chewy and the sauce was a perfect dipping sauce for the bread. Entrees we got were the halibut and duck. Both came with a side of mash potatoes and veggies and were delicious. We both agreed that the halibut lived up to its hype and is definitely the dish to get. Duck had a sweet glaze to it and was very tender. Parmesan crusted halibut melted in your mouth and was very filling. -
Review from Tai F.
2/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
Gah. I really wanted to like this place way more than I did. But as I experienced Cafe Beaujolais (maybe it was an off night) it was definitely only a three star evening.
It started off on the right foot. They quoted us a wait and so we chilled at the bar. It was a Saturday night and the place was bulging at the seams. Packed with people. The bartender ladies were awesome. Super pleasant, efficient and they even sampled a bunch of wines to my father to help him make the best decision. Very kind. I had a white wine with cassis. It was pretty tasty.
Let me just say that the waitstaff here was mind blowingly efficient. At one point in the evening my dad pointed out that the table next to us had been cleared and prepared for the next customer before the previous occupants had even finished walking out of the restaurant. These guys are legit. And I think they literally all were from France or could at least speak French. I have a feeling being fluent is a job requirement. Word to these super impressive waiters and bus-men. For reals.
Our server was pleasant if not a little French attitude-y but that was expected. We ordered two servings of escargot and some french onion soup for the table. My brother had duck, my mom had halibut, my dad had lamb, I had steak and CP had salmon.
Escargot and french onion soup came out piping hot and in a jiffy. Both of these dishes were awesome. It was CP's first escargot and he enjoyed it (even had a second one). The garlic and butter on these babies made for some seriously awesome dipping. I ate basically twenty pieces of bread just soaked with it. ::licks lips::
Unfortunately, the meal took a steep decline from here. We waited 1.5 hours for our food. When you first enter the restaurant there's a sign that says, "We don't cook fast food. If you are in a rush Tommy's can serve you." So I get it, you really work hard on your food. And I totally respect that. But, over an hour is sort of a very long time. If we had received our food and I had felt like it was fresh this would have hardly been a problem. However, when we finally did get our food it was all barely warm anymore. Everything was just a tad above lukewarm. My fries were suspiciously soggy. Basically, it seemed like they had been sitting for a long time before they were brought to us. That was pretty disappointing.
Even more disappointing? My steak (which I ordered medium rare) was medium if not medium well. That's normally not a disaster but since it was such a thin cut to begin with it basically nullified any flavor that might have been there. Essentially I was tasting the pepper on top of the steak. I pawned most of this off on my family and left the rest of it behind. The fries were also left behind. (Which is normal for me but extremely rare for my mom, brother and boyfriend.)
CP's salmon was good. He didn't care for the olive crust on it so he scraped that off and it was more palatable at that point. The degree of doneness of the salmon was perfect. Dad really enjoyed his lamb; I thought it was okay, not amazing. Hands down, the most delectable dish on the table was my mom's halibut. It had this potato crust on it that was freaking perfect. I couldn't keep my fork out of her halibut. Gah, so goooooood. That dish made my evening. My brother's duck was also very, very delicious. He literally finished his entire plate in about five minutes (we were hungry but really, the duck was Scrumptious).
Mom's birthday creme brulee was quite tasty. Yummy crust and we all fought for the first crack.
I didn't pay but I caught a glimpse of the check and it was definitely in the triple digits and I'm pretty sure nearing the $200 mark (but don't quote me on that ). For such an expensive evening it was a let down that the food was only half awesome and mostly cooled off. I don't mind waiting if the food is really taking that long but I'm much less enthused when it's not super hot and fresh tasting.
Maybe if I had ordered differently this wouldn't just be a three star review. But as it stands with the not hot food and my major steak disappointment, I won't be coming back any time soon. (Unless it's just for escargot and halibut. YUM!) -
Review from S d.
Los Angeles, CA
This is fancy schmancy! The escargot is delicious...just don't look at it closely before you eat it haha. The sauce of it goes well with the bread they give you. I got the Duck entree and I enjoyed it very much. There were finely cut slices of meat. There were sides of potato, gratin, and veggies. The sides and meal were well portioned and perfectly cooked.
The people are so friendly and the food is exceptional..you'll want to come back here again. -
Review from Toshi J.
Los Angeles, CA
2/3/2012
Hands down this is my favorite restaurant in Los Angeles. This is our little married couple date spot. The pictures of the food on yelp do this restaurant a huge disservice as the restaurant is very dark and all photos are taken with a harsh flash. I always get the Filet of Beef, it is always delicious.
The ambiance is dark and romantic yet there is enough noise that you don't feel uncomfortable taking. The wait staff is absolutely delightful. They are almost all French and have a very friendly rapport with guests. -
Review from Barbara H.
Los Angeles, CA
2/3/2012 2 Check-ins Here
What's not hot about the whole thing? Well, it's for you to find out. So far for me, I haven't found anything to complain about Cafe Beaujolais. This place is my go-to spot for some good service, quality food and an affordable menu.
I've had my eye on this gem for quite some time. It was between an expensive place in LA or hot waiters... I mean, affordable menu. Well, that was what I assumed long before I came here and they prove to offer more than just that. On a slow day, it's a perfect place for intimate dinners. May it be a full course meal for the evening or just a good hearty plate to end the day. On a busy night, it's loud and perfect for groups. I can't even pronounce half the names on the menu, but the kind waiters know the routine and explain everything to make sure you have an idea.
On my first visit, I tried their duck with the side of carrots, herricot vert and mash. The duck itself was a little bland, but cooked perfectly with a little crispy skin on top. On my second visit, I tried the escargot. They must be fresh because there was more meat on them and they were made with just the right amount of salt with tons butter that's great for dipping the french bread they serve on the side. The french onion soup is none other. Nice chunks of caramelized onions on a slightly thick broth and a nice crispy covering of pastry and cheese on top. One of the specials was yellowtail in a bed of rice drizzled with creamy dijon sauce, pieces of sun dried tomatoes, a side of hericot vert then topped with a small croissant.
Our creme brûlée for dessert was light with a layer of delicately crisp caramel. We also ordered tarta tatin which is like an upside down apple pie paired with freshly whipped cream and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. I must admit, it was hard to put down the fork until the last bite. A great sweet and semi tarty treat that goes well with the creamy sides. Oh, and did I forget to mention that they served us each a free glass of dessert wine? ;)
You know a place is good when on you're on your way out then one can't help but think of a good excuse to come back and bring more friends to such an enjoyable experience. And so, merci Beaujolais Cafe! (lol, I hope that's right) Thank you for the great service and food that you have to offer. -
Review from Helen C.
Torrance, CA
2/1/2012
We ordered:
ESCARGOT: this was very soft, not chewy... very buttery and good. slightly salty, but great with the bread)
GREEN SALAD: had to much dressing... just ok
FILET MIGNON: this was very good. nice piece of meat
HALIBUT: this was very very delicious... very moist and flavorful.
CREME BRULEE: this was very good!
The yelpers were right.. they did take a long time.. but have a glass of wine or two and relax and have a great conversation with your party and the food will come in no time. ^_* -
Review from Abby C.
2/5/2012
Food/Cost: (3.5/5) The delicious appetizers and desserts at Cafe Beaujolais very well priced cheap, and while the entree prices are slightly high, all prices are justified for the quality of food that you get. I love the Escargot ($8.95) here -- always flavorful, tender, piping hot, and swimming in delicious garlic butter that pairs so well with the complementary bread. This past visit I tried the French Onion Soup ($7.95), which I found good and not overly salty like those I've had elsewhere; the Endive Salad ($8.95), which was okay but I grew tired of its natural bitterness so I wouldn't recommend this salad unless you're a huge fan of endive; and Noix De Saint-jacques ($8.95), which is a small dish of small shrimp and scallops baked over mashed potatoes in a bechamel sauce that was just delightful. For the entree round, I sampled my friend's Beef Spaghetti w/Mushroom Creme Sauce (16.95), which came in a huge portion and good sauce, but not a great pasta. I also had a bite of my friend's Filet Mignon ($23.95) and the Duck Breast ($20.95) -- both were juicy and well-cooked and served with asparagus and mashed potatoes, though the meat portions were on the smaller side. We also enjoyed a bottle of Pinot Gris($36), which we liked as we were looking something light and refreshing. We closed off an exceedingly satisfying meal with some fabulous desserts ($6.95/each) -- one of the best Creme Brulees I've ever had (it wasn't overly sweet), a rich Creme Caramel, and a decadent Tarte Tatin.
Ambiance: (5/5) Cafe Beaujolais is a veritable hidden gem. It's situated inconspicuously on a large street, and despite the large signage, your eyes would probably slide right over the brick restaurant if you weren't really looking. Inside, the space is small and cozy, with a small bar on the right. At night, its very dimly lit by candles, making for an intimate setting despite the serious dinner crowds on weekends; I'm not so sure about weeknights. The walls are filled with an eclectic mix of cartoons, photos, and posters -- most very French vintage art deco. You definitely get that French cafe vibe, and its wonderful.
Location: (3/5) I'm not a huge fan of the immediate area. There doesn't seem to be very much going on and it isn't very well lit, though Colorado is a relatively large street. There are a few restaurants around, and the Eagle Rock Shopping Center is a tiny drive away, but other than that there isn't much activity. Free parking is found along the streets, and isn't terribly hard to come by.
Service: (4/5) Service was slow..... Still, except for its turtle speed, service here was a delight, all the staff members we had were male and all were extremely warm , friendly, and attentive. They added in gratuity (we had a party of 8) of 18% for us into the check, which was fine by us. However, they don't take reservations, so if you have a large party I'd recommend coming early (they open for dinner at 5pm).
Overall: (4/5) What a great find! This is one that you'll want to return to for intimate dinners with your friends and family. -
Review from Constance C.
Los Angeles, CA
1/30/2012
Hot French Waiters
Excellent French bistro style cuisine...my fav is the Filet Mignon ($23) in the red wine reduction served with the heavenly Au Gratin Potato. My girlfriend had the Duck ($20) in a tangy plum reduction. Both dishes were packed with lots of flavor and the meat were super tender. We also ordered the Escargot($8) as app, the garlic-butter-parsley sauce was so good that we ended up eating 2 1/2 baskets of baguettes.
There is an extensive wine selection. If I remember correctly, corkage fee is $12. We both had the Kir Royal at $8.50 per glass. The final bill averages $40 to 50 per person is you share an app, 2 entrees, glass of wine each, and a dessert to follow.
Hot French Waiters
Romantic ambiance, perfect for date night as long as the gentleman does not get intimidated by the...
Hot French Waiters
No parking lot, but plenty of street parking nearby if you get there early. Does not accept reservations on Fridays and Saturdays.....walk-in only.
Oh, did I mention the Hot French Waiters? -
Review from Shannon T.
Los Angeles, CA
2/6/2012
The restaurant is busy but the service is very good. The waiters are very attentive. I love the atmosphere.
they have the killer rack of lamb. the meat was perfectly cook to medium rare, and the sauce was superb!!
My dinner got an wonderful ending with a good cream brulee and a cop of nice coffee.
The price is fair! Definitively gonna go again!! -
Review from Amy H.
Updated - 1/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
I hosted a birthday party there last night. JC, Mathias and all of the staff were SO UNBELIEVABLY helpful. We had a large crowd, I have never had every single person who confirmed show up and then some. We originally were thinking with 15 people (and normally a few people fall off) but it ended up being 21 guests, so it was totally wild what they were able to pull off.
Overall I couldn't have imagined better service and care. Everyone was talking about how great the food was and trying each others dishes and just having a fun time.
My food was (as usual) delicious. I really want them to do a Boeuf Bourguignon, you wouldn't be able to drag me out of this place for at least a few days.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
1/12/2012
I would give Cafe Beaujolais 10 stars if I could.
The whole experience was exquisite and I will… Read more »
-
-
Review from JENNIFER I.
Orange, CA
1/23/2012
Lovely, just lovely.
Was meeting my girlfriend I haven't seen for two years for a catch up on things dinner. Running half an hour late bc of traffic on the 5 fwy, on a Sunday night! She texts me she's fine waiting because mathias is keeping her company. Ooh lala! I get there, finally, and am immediately greeted by name...they know my friend has been waiting for 45 minutes!
Long story short, food was amazing. We ordered escargots for app, the special yellowtail for my friend and duck for me. Both lovely. Mathias treats us to glasses of this amazing wine, a mix of blanc de blancs with cognac, wowza! Then a glass of chocolate mousse appears on our table...but we ordered creme brûlée?! Apparently this is another treat for us on the house. ;-) what wonderful hospitality!
Summary-
Glass of Pinot noir while my friend waited for me, corkage fee for bottle of Riesling I brought, escargot appetizer, yellowtail dish, duck dish, chocolate mousse, 2 drunkifying glasses of awesomeness, creme brûlée, 2 cappuccinos...
102 including tax.
Not bad for a 3 hour dinner of pure indulgence!
Will definitely be returning!!! -
Review from Audrey B.
La Cañada Flintridge, CA
1/5/2012
French food is on of my favorites cuisines - so when more than one person told me that I HAD to go to Beaujolais, I was excited to try it.
I took my whole family for some authentic French food.
The service is very friendly and the restaurant is very quaint. The food was... well - no more than ok.
The escargot was good but nothing else really stood out.
I really wish I could say it was better than OK but I would not return. -
Review from Kaye V.
Chicago, IL
1/26/2012
Everything was outstanding. The best steak au poivre and gratin I have ever had!! I hate LA, but I might have to go there just to visit this place. This is the kind of place I can only dream of having close to where I live, no less in Chicago. It was so good, I think I am now very sad about the state of dining options near me....
Oh yeah - and hot waiters... -
Review from Michael A.
Los Angeles, CA
1/8/2012
I have to begin by saying that I'm not one to often dine at restaurants that serve a high quality of food, but this French restaurant is as good as it gets for me. The balance of price, quality and taste of food is exactly what I look for in a good restaurant, but don't get me wrong, this place isn't all that affordable; it's reasonable for what you get.
We sat down and they brought us our table water and bread with butter. This was the only low point during the meal for me ; the bread and butter weren't anything special. Prepackaged Alta Dena butter and not the freshest of baguette. I was disappointed by this, as bread and butter is my favorite part of a meal. But I just assumed that we got unlucky here, as it was near closing time, so I didn't hold this against them. I should open a bakery next door...
I ordered a salad, prosciutto with greens and baby pickles. I don't know what was used as a dressing, but it was good, very light, not drenching and overpowering the leaves. Best thing I've eaten in years, without a doubt. I would eat that everyday if I could. My main course, the lamb, was all I could ask for in a good meal. Four lamb chops, trimmed to the bone of all excess fat, perfectly cooked medium-rare, with sliced and seasoned roasted potatoes, two carrots, and broccolini, all in a mustard sauce. This was f****** perfect. So much flavor, even in a simple thing like a carrot. I was ready to hand over my wallet at this point, I didn't care what it costed. It was good, really good.
One of my best meals in recent memory, capped off with a cappucino. Only regret was not ordering wine, but we got here late and didn't spend as much time as we would have liked. I think wine gives you a chance to slow the meal down; it gives you more time to enjoy the food more slowly, to eat it and appreciate the flavor and not just scarf it down because you're hungry.
As for the "decor" and "ambiance": loud, dim (every restaurant should be), candles on the tables (every restaurant should have), simple but classic place settings, and an attentive staff that seems to show up exactly when you want them to, and not when you don't. I give this place a 5 star because of the staff. They won't force the check on you, won't make you feel like it's time to go. Perfect service.
Next time I come here: pan fried rainbow trout with lemon and butter. :D -
Review from Guy F.
Glendale, CA
1/15/2012
Wife and i popped in on a friday night and had a great time.
Wonderful ambience, friendly and efficient service and really great food.
Will certainly be making the Cafe a regular haunt from now on. -
Review from Debra C.
12/20/2011
This lil' Eagle Rock joint kicks ass. The ambience is warm and inviting. The service is competent and friendly (lots of French dudes in black tees professing they're super French-ness). And most importantly, the food is lovely.
My recommendations:
- Escargot - The best my hubby and I have ever had... and we've had a lot. Forget the meals I've had in France. Forget the snails folks rave about at Church and State. The escargot at Cafe Beaujolais are perfectly cooked and seasoned. You won't want the server to take your little dish away because you'll be dipping and double dipping bread into the remaining sauce minutes after you've finished the actual escargot.
- Filet mignon - I ordered mine medium rare, and I could not have been happier. I was served a stuffed tomato and potato gratin on the side. All very good. I polished off the entire plate.
- Duck - Hubby opted for the quacker and he, like me, was raving about how lovely his piece of meat was. It too, was paired with the tomato and potato. And it too, disappeared from the plate quickly.
- Chocolate mousse - Neither of us are mousse lovers, but if you're a chocolate lover, this mousse should appeal to you.
A flawless meal at a reasonable price!
Tip: Beaujolais doesn't take reservations on Fridays and Saturdays, so you're not big on waiting, arrive earlier... -
Review from Gary L.
Los Angeles, CA
1/28/2012 1 photo
The very french bistro atmosphere and decor was a winner. No pretense, just plain and simple setup. Of course the star of the show is the food. Good old fashioned rustic french cuisine. It surely brings back alot of memories of my days in the french speaking world. The menu offers a wide spectrum of the talent of the chefs. I believe the whole staff is french as well. If that does not transport you to France, maybe the french music playing in the background will !
-
Review from David W.
Los Angeles, CA
1/28/2012
Excellent food... Excellent service... Good prices... Not comfortable and way too loud.
-
Review from Jaymi W.
Updated - 12/18/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Went back to this little gem...not sure why it took me nearly 3 years. Now, I want to kick myself for all the wasted time!
My ONLY complaint was that they were out of the filet that I wanted, but it was late on a Sunday night.
The rest of our food was awesome, the salads have a complicated taste profile and are perfectly dressed (I had the warm goat cheese, hubby had the endive and both are AWESOME), we had the daily soup which was a perfect lentil and we split the chicken in the puff pastry. I thought it was great, hubby wanted more cheese, but he's always wanting more cheese on everything.
We followed it up with the most divine chocolate mousse...wow, really, so perfectly prepared!
Again, the service was impeccable, friendly and authentically French (except for the friendly part, I guess!)....the owner is awesome and down to earth and the atmosphere was perfect for our date night/anniversary dinner.
I will be going back SOON.... but I feel completely justified in giving it a 5 now.1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
6/1/2009
I wanted to give this a 5, but I usually like to try a place a few times before I give them the… Read more »
-
-
Review from Jess R.
12/5/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Man, I love this place.
Living just up the street, we've now been here several times, and every visit has been fantastic.
Cafe Beaujolais is a legit french restaurant. The waiters are French, they have a fantastic selection of French wines, and their cuisine has yet to disappoint. Every night we've been greeted with new and delicious specials, and always a friendly waiter.
They nail the French Onion soup. I always order fish, and it never has disappointed. Main courses always come with a vegetable side that complements the dish perfectly. Also, their creme brûlée is no joke. For the win!
I've only been in for late dinners, but the interior is low lit, warm and inviting.
Great restaurant that highlights delicious French cuisine, with an incredible staff that make you feel at home. What's there NOT to love?? -
Review from Monsieur I.
Los Angeles, CA
11/20/2011
Many women are unaware that a guy's brain does not associate good French food with a romantic stroll in Paris, but instead with a painfully overpriced LV bag. When my sweetie excitedly announced that she found a restaurant for us to try that was not only French but highly-rated, my face started to twitch. I relaxed a bit after we entered Cafe Beaujolais and I realized this was a T-shirt casual place serving bistro food.
First up: escargot appetizer. Six on a plate. I'm sure these little snails came from a can, but no big deal...so is most escargot served in France. Bathed in a garlic butter sauce, they were surprisingly good and not rubbery like you'd expect. Excellent with bread. However, I could not ignore the fact that I was spending $9 for slimy creatures that I used to line up and run over with my bicycle as a kid.
For the main course, I ordered the duck breast (Magret de canard au miel et citron). What distinguished this dish from the standard "delicate" versions I've had from haughty restaurants was Cafe Beaujolais' use of a bold, tangy sauce. If you love duck like I do, eat this. My sweetie ordered their renowned Parmesan-crusted halibut (Le Fletan au Champagne) and offered me a taste. This dish may be too rich and heavy for some, especially those who opt for seafood to be healthy, but that bite of fish was one of the best I've ever had. Each of these entrees was about $22, which by the way is worth 3 haircuts for me in Alhambra or 1 grooming for my sweetie's little dog at Petco.
By the end of the night, we had gorged ourselves on French comfort food and had no room for dessert. The meal at Cafe Beaujolais was hearty, utterly delicious, and reasonably priced. Final cost was $75. As I stared at the bill in deep thought, it may have appeared to my sweetie that I was calculating the tip. However, I was actually thinking that $75 can buy 5 foot massages for me in San Gabriel or a facial for her at a fancy spa, but just for one side of her face. -
Review from Robert C.
Downtown, Los Angeles, CA
12/6/2011
Great service, food, atmosphere and price. Perfect date spot--small, dim lighting, a Parisian ambience with French music. The staff is very friendly and doesnt keep you waiting for service. I cannot name what I had, but it was delicious--it was chicken and spinach inside of a bread crust. Gf ordered rack of lamb (also good, if you like lamb). Try the appetizer with avocado and crab meat (again, I forget the name).
Our total bill for two was $61 (two entrees, one appetizer, no wine/dessert). Not a bad a price for a nice date.
However, we were so full that we did not make it to dessert, so I can't say whether the dessert is worth it. -
Review from Iheart F.
Pasadena, CA
1/19/2012
Love the escargot basted with butter and garlic sauce and the dessert wine!
-
Review from Sarah P.
South Pasadena, CA
1/22/2012
I love this restaurant and have been coming here for over ten years. All of the meals, appetizers, and desserts I've tried have been delicious. The servers are all friendly. There are very few restaurants that I find worth returning to on a regular basis, and this has remained one of them for a long time. I gave it two dollar signs, but we usually spend more because we order wine. The food itself is very reasonably priced for the quality.
-
Review from Jonathan L.
Los Angeles, CA
10/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
When it comes to fine dining, it is very difficult to find a restaurant that not only offers a five star experience but also excellent food and service for the price. Cafe Beaujolais not only manages to accomplish through their food but also through their efficient execution that I haven't seen in a restaurant for quite some time.
If you are an experienced french cuisine connoisseur or a first time trier, Cafe Beaujolais offers a wide variety of french cuisine that would satiate any appetite.
I came here on a Wednesday evening to celebrate my mother's birthday and the ambiance was quite charming, classy and romantic. I was surprised at just how busy this place was especially on a Wednesday, but after my experience here it was easy to see why.
To start off our evening, we decided to try their escargot. As a huge fan of french cuisine I was interested to see how they would cook this fine delicacy. When it arrived, it was nicely cooked and seasoned perfectly with garlic and butter. To say it simply, their escargot was delicious and we even ordered another one just because one order didn't seem enough!
For the main entree we ordered their famous halibut, filet mignon, seafood pasta and their new york strip steak with peppercorn. Everything was incredible! For starters the filet mignon and new york strip steak was perfect. Personally I like my steaks cooked medium well and I was surprised at just how tender and flavorful their steaks were. The seafood pasta was delicious as well but the star of the evening would have to be their famous halibut. Words cannot even begin to express just how amazing it tasted! The halibut was cooked to perfection and every bite I took seemed to melt in my mouth. If you ever had the opportunity to come here, their halibut is definitely a must try!
For dessert I highly suggest trying their creme' brulee! It was a perfect way to end our dining experience!
Another thing that I would like to acknowledge is their service! All the waiters that served us that evening were very attentive, personable, and polite. They were very efficient at what they did and it was the first time for awhile that we didn't have to ask for anything that we needed. It seemed like they knew what we wanted before we could even mention it (e.g. refilling our glasses, providing us with more bread and butter, taking our plates away etc.) and that is what made the evening that much more enjoyable for my family as it gave us more time to celebrate my mother's birthday without the hassle of trying to get the waiters attention for a refill.
Overall Cafe Beaujolais is a charming little restaurant. I would most definitely recommend this place to anyone who wants to experience authentic french cuisine with excellent service and affordable prices. Cafe Beaujolais definitely deserves the high praises that it gets here on Yelp and I will be most certainly coming back, hungry and yearning for more!Listed in: Best Food for the Price!
-
Review from Richard T.
Los Angeles, CA
11/14/2011
This is a neighborhood restaurant. Might be a little more expensive than your typical neighborhood restaurant, but omg, it's so worth it.
When it's busy, it's loud in there. I mean, super loud, so prepare yourself for that. There are little places throughout the restaurant where it's a little bit quieter. Because of the noise, may not be idea for a first date, but good for a place for couples or just friends who just want to eat good food.
The food we ordered was phenomenal. It was cooked perfectly with the most interesting flavors perfectly blended into something your mouth will love for days. --- I ordered the halibut with some kind of orange zest on it. I have never had fish prepared this way and it was wonderful. the potatoes and vegetables were perfect too. The portion size was also all that I needed. Not too much, not too little. My date ordered the Filet Mignon and it was spiced and cooked wonderfully.
The server was definitely french and made great suggestions. Service overall is quick and to the point. Just what I like.
I suggest you make a reservation so that you can reduce your wait time when it's busy. Be patient for your food as it does take a little time for it to come out, and the corkage fee is $15, just fyi.
Bon apetit! -
Review from Keven W.
San Jose, CA
12/25/2011
I went here with my aunt wendy and got a snails, duck and she got the new york steak and salad. Overally the experience was good and the french waiters were cool and not rude hehehehe. It was busy that night and our food came out within an hour, but definitely worth the wait. Even though it did not look like a lot of food, it certainly was rich so it filled you up very quickly.
-
Review from Pheel W.
Los Angeles, CA
11/19/2011
This place is a nice neighborhood restaurant. the ambiance is relaxing, their service is great. their waiters are attentive and knowledgeable.
however i ordered something recommended on yelp but it was not as impressive as i thought it would be. their onion soup was a bit too sweet and bread was not very crunchy, which supposed to bring the contrast to the cooked onion and melting cheese.
the lemon pie was way to sour and the crust was a bit hard. we had to use our fork and cut really hard in order to get a bite.
but their champagne fish fillet was amazingly prepared. the sauce was creamy and rich. the fish melted in my mouth right away. they used some citrus peel to flavor the dish, which was very interesting.
i will go back again to try out other dishes. hopefully they will give me a five star impression next time. -
Review from Marissa B.
Marina del Rey, CA
10/11/2011
Quiant, charming, romantic, classy, and perfect hole in the wall!
These are just a few words to describe CB. Easily walked in here last Saturday night for dinner without any reservations around the 7pm time.
We were hungry and service was quick to get our drinks and food order. With SO many choices, it was difficult to narrow it down, however, I feel we chose the best dishes.
For appetizer, we had the escargot. Split amongst 3 people, we were supposed to get 2 each, but I got the extra 3rd. It was nicely cooked, served very hot with garlic and butter. While waiting for our entrees, we enjoyed the bread & butter.
My brother who is visiting from New York got the lamb, my mom got the fish, and I got the filet mignon. I liked their dishes better than mine even though mine was excellent medium rare!
For dessert, we shared the chocolate cake which was light and had coffee and hot tea.
It was really a happening place for a Saturday night! Lots of gorgeous locals here. I can't wait to return soon.....I want to try the other fish....
Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a intimate date......I wanted to go here tonight for dinner, but my friends are partying in LA.....pretty soon CB!!!
I am going to be a regular here.....Waiters were friendly and definitely charming with their French accents!
BON APPETIT! ;-) -
Review from George U.
Irvine, CA
10/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
Cafe Beaujolais est incroyables. I totally love this place. I wasn't sure what to expect because I asked my friend for any French place within the area, so she picked Cafe Beaujolais.
We approached the door, where a gentleman in a black shirt and pants was sitting outside, staring wistfully into the sky. I'm thinking, this place has a bouncer and he's day dreaming? The man, realizes we're coming into the restaurant and sits us while telling us he's reminiscing of France in a thick Parisian accent.
He brings us out the wine list, the menu and recommends what we should get. We order a few things and off we go. Appetizers, bingo. Entrees, delicious. Their house wine, nice for a house wine!
The waiter kept checking in on us, telling us funny stories and being great. We ordered dessert from another person as they were super busy. After 30 minutes of waiting, the original server asked if we wanted anything else. We said we're still waiting for dessert. He goes to the gentleman who took our order and starts yelling at him. Our dessert comes out and our server, who may or may not be the owner at this point, tells us that our dessert is free. He then pours us more wine to drink, which was on the house.
I'm thinking, this guy is awesome and I'm coming back to this fantastic place. I had to yelp my experience. It appears I'm not alone in thinking this restaurant is awesome. -
Review from forzaroma f.
Los Angeles, CA
1/11/2012
Had a nice experience!
Good ambience and really good food!
I'll definitely go again! -
Review from Anne L.
Monterey Park, CA
12/22/2011
Love the authentic French atmosphere (they love their dim lighting + candle light). The service was great. They had a $15 corkage fee, so we brought 3 bottles of wine in celebration of xmas and our friend's bday. I had the garlic butter escargot to start and the parmesan crusted halibut. The escargot was delicious and actually tender--the last time I had some at another place, it was pretty chewy =/. The halibut was a little bit on the heavier side, but it was cooked perfectly is definitely worth ordering again. My boyfriend had the steak frites which was covered in garlic herb butter. It was decent, but he said he much preferred the halibut. Wish I could've tried the dessert, but I guess I'll have to make another trip some day and try the duck too. :)
-
Review from Yvette P.
Los Angeles, CA
11/15/2011
I found this place on yelp. I was looking for a romantic place to go with the boyfriend and I have to say that we are BOTH fans now. By looking at the outside of this restaurant you would not think the food would be good, but don't judge a book by it's cover.
I want to start by saying that the service was phenomenal. One of the owners was our waiter and he was constantly checking on the quality of our food and our experience. I read that most of the women stated that the waiters were good looking and . . .they weren't lying!! I was there with my boyfriend, but a girl can still look =)
Anyhow, the food was beyond amazing. I had the filet mignon and my boyfriend had a fish and shrimp plate. We both licked our plates clean. We also ordered a garden salad and the lentil soup. I would return once a week just to have that salad. The dressing was phenomenal and I am not a salad eating type of girl.
Needless to say, this is NOW one of my FAVORITE restaurants and I brag and brag about this place to all of my friends. If you get the chance, stop by for a romantic dinner. =) -
Review from Rob P.
10/13/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Cafe Beaujolais is my kinda restaurant... amazing food and not pretentious in the least. The food is amazing and on par with some of the best French restaurants I've been to yet at a reasonable price.... which goes to show you, if you love good you don't have to pay an arm and a leg.
LOCATION
The restaurant is tucked away in eagle rock and is, admittedly, a little hard to find. Once you get in the door, you are welcomed into a quaint restaurant decorated well with some french pop artwork and some gentle french music playing in the background. I'm the kind of person to say off the bat that's kinda cheesy.... but for some reason it worked. The restaurant is dimly lit and is a great date spot
FOOD
I went with a big group of people and we all had various dishes. I was only able to try mine but it was delicious. I ordered a rack of lamb in a mustard sauce (sorry I can't remember the long french name). The lamb was tender, juicy and flavorful. The mustard sauce was out of this world. It was creamy with a nice kick. On the side were some potatoes and carrots. There was no weak link on the dish at all.
SERVICE
Everyone who works there is french, which really helps sell the ambiance. The waiters are very nice and attentive, the exact opposite of the snooty french waiter stereotype.
Overall, I had an amazing experience and I can't wait to go back -
Review from r h.
Los Angeles, CA
1/3/2012
Highly authentic french restaurant. The atmosphere is so over-the-top french bistro (the decor, the dim lighting, waiters with french accents, Edith Piaf playing in the background, etc...) it reminds me of Epcot Center.
Hubby and I had a lovely meal, but service was slooooow. The waiter was quite attentive, but it took a long time to order, get food, get dessert menus, etc... Probably because the place was packed.
Overall, the quality of food was excellent, and the prices were very reasonable. I would definitely come back here, just not on a weekend evening. -
Review from Big E.
Redding, CA
10/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
Attentive staff, sumptuous meal and good
friends made for a delightful evening. The Duck was outstanding along with the escargot. Wish we has room for the dessert. We'll definitely be back! -
Review from Daniel F.
Arcadia, CA
10/6/2011
I was pleasantly surprised by this little French restaurant. Based on other Yelper reviews, I decided to try it out.
It is true that you wouldn't expect very much when you first walk in into the dining room, but the quality of the dishes and the excellence of the service sure makes up for the lack of atmosphere.
I ordered the escargots, a French classic, which I have previously enjoyed in many restaurants in France. They were very good indeed and very reminiscent of what I expected this dish to taste like.
I then ordered the Fillet Mignon and requested for it to be cooked rare. It was cooked to perfection and tasted delicious.
Definitely, a great little French restaurant with pretty authentic cuisine at a price that will not cause you to go into cardiac arrest. -
Review from Vladimir T.
Alhambra, CA
9/27/2011
When we first drove up to Cafe Beaujolais we considered leaving - it isn't much to look at from the outside. When we walked in the door we weren't sure we wanted to stay, as the interior atmosphere isn't much to speak of either. But since Café Bianca (just up the street) was really packed with a crowd waiting for tables, we decided to give Café Beaujolais a try.
RESERVATIONS: They don't take reservations on Friday or Saturday night. Cool. I hate waiting at a restaurant with empty tables, only to be told that they're "reserved." We arrived at 7:00pm on Saturday and the place was rather open. But by 8pm it had a near capacity house.
SERVICE: Wonderful. Of course we arrived early so there was a lot of wait staff, but I liked the fact that it was a personal greeting, the waiter knew a lot about the specials of the day as well as the house wines, and was able to guide us through the ordering process with enthusiasm.
FOOD: A really good meal surprises you, and should exceed your lofty expectations. Cafe Beaujolais delivered. I had the Filet Mignon that was cooked medium rare properly, and presented in a port reduction with Roquefort cheese. I thought the port and cheese flavors might be too varied and extreme for a good piece of meat, but was surprised at how well they meshed. It had an appeal I can only describe as "comfort food," although this was a meal that exceeds my ability to duplicate at home. For desert the flourless chocolate cake was very good, although not the "wow" that the main course provided.
Fantastic food in a marginal setting gets four stars. But this food and service more than make up for the atmosphere shortcomings. It's a five. -
Review from Josh P.
Monterey Park, CA
9/30/2011
French Food worthy of Rodeo Drive at down to earth prices. Is this really possible? Actually, this is perhaps the best French food I can remember having, including a few meals I had in France so many years ago.
I had gotten into a pattern of disappointment every time I would try out a new "French" restaurant in LA because it never quite hit the standards of what true French cuisine is supposed to accomplish: uncompromising excellence in everything that food is meant to be. From detail to detail, if it claims to be French Food, it must be very near perfection. So I inevitably tired of the sea of forgettable quasi-French restaurants out there.
Cafe Beaujolais was the most refreshing surprise. The waiters speak actual French. Their accents aren't fake in case anyone is wondering. The food and sauces are masterfully prepared and blended with a level of skill attained only by well-trained master chefs.
I ate the gratinee d'oignon (French onion soup) and le carre d'agneau (rack of lamb) and had bites of my friends' fish dishes. While this wasn't a perfect French onion soup, it is probably as close to ideal as I've had around here with wonderfully fragrant cheese and a satisfying onion broth. The lamb was what really knocked my socks off. They prepared it a medium rare and served it with a mild-mannered mustard sauce. I was concerned that a strong moutarde Dijon would interfere with the taste of the lamb and almost didn't order it for that reason. Ah, my worries were erased after my first bite of mustard coated lamb as I realized that they had achieved the ideal strength to complement and not decimate the wonderfully delicious lamb medallions which had just the right amount of semi-crispy herbs encrusting them with zing and texture.
The garlic scalloped potatoes on the side of the lamb were astonishingly strong and superb. This instantly became one of the best potato dishes I've ever eaten. It was better than the best sliced cheesy potatoes that I've had in tuber-loving Germany and was good enough to lure even an Irishman into exclaiming: "C'est Si Bon!"
The bad?: OK, the bread (Qu'est-ce-que c'est? French dishing out bad French bread?) and the dessert weren't very impressive so clearly they need a new pastry chef, but everything else was delicious and bargain priced.
I give this small unassuming authentic French bistro, two big thumbs up!
-The Beef Baron -
Review from Edward H.
Diamond Bar, CA
12/24/2011
This place is pretty damn good. The food is great for a pretty good price. I took my girlfriend here on a date and we shared this appetizer which was half an avacado topped with crab meat. It was absolutely delicious. Then for our entrees my girlfriend had this salmon special and I had the rack of lambs. My rack of lambs was great albeit not the best I've ever had. My girlfriend however, only thought her dish was decent. It was apparently great at first but the flavor got too rich after a while. We then had Creme Brulee for dessert which was also delicious. Finally a downfall was the environment and ambience was not to my liking. It was not the most romantic environment, and it had a kind of funky smell. But overall a solid french place in my book.
