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I have two clear favorite restaurants in Austin. Chez Nous is one of them.
For the 20+ years that I have known and gone to Chez Nouz I have always left the restaurant with a satiated stomach and a longing to head back to Europe.
How can you not love this place?! The food is exceptional and the wine list perfect. I love to read reviews of Austin's other finer restaurants (actual or supposed) in comparison; especially those places where diners suffer under forced pretence and condescension as they try and have a good meal. There is none of that here.
This place was hopping! And if you know how intimate this space is you can appreciate that there is little room for mistakes of any kind. Yet everything ran as smoothly as a well oiled machine. No frantic staff. Food delivered in an appropriate amount of time. Wine recommendations, stopping by to check on things, while not doting on you. Even a little friendly banter. Basically, they rock, albeit in a way only the French can do. And the people kept coming, and coming, and coming.....
We had two stellar dishes: first we split the salade du marche: a spinach salad with verts, shaved fennel, grape tomatoes, pine nuts, and Roquefort cheese. It was dressed with a delicate vinaigrette. Very nice!
I had the halibut, which seemed to be poached and served on a delicate sauce with fennel. It was topped with shaved celery root. I never knew fish could have that texture. It was so je ne sais que!
My wife had the crispy duck leg confit that was served on a sauce accompanied with cherries. What a pairing. Total taste explosion.
The recommended wine was a Sauvignon Blanc from Bordeaux that seemed made for our dishes.
As much as we wanted to opt for a desert, we did not want to ruin the way we felt after this meal. Even though the preparation was simple, where the food is identifiable, that simplicity lends to its elegance.
I do not have enough superlatives to shower on this gem. Chez Nous - another good reason to live in Austin.
It's been said before, but I think it bears repeating - MENU DU JOUR.
Let me spell it out for you - three delicious courses for $25 is thrice as nice. I've dropped more than that on one bad entree.
The Menu du Jour consists of a starter (like soup or salad), an entree (like steak or fish), and a dessert (like crepes or creme brulee). What is genius about this deal is that it makes you want to spend your extra money on a bottle of wine or an appetizer, or both. In other words, they are still getting their money and I still go home fat and happy.
We started with a charcuterie platter (not part of the special) that included not one, but TWO, kinds of pate and all kinds of meats, along with pickles and olives. We moved on to butternut squash soup and then the main event(s) - one order of steak and an order of trout with VANILLA SAUCE that was amazing. For dessert we ordered a crepe and creme brulee. Really, what's not to love?
I simply cannot believe that I have spent all of these years in Austin, and I have never tried Chez Nous. I will definitely be back. In the mean time, I am trying to make sure that no one else waits as long as I did because, like lost sleep, I will never get that time back. Trust me, you will be glad if you go and said if you wait. Seize the day and get yourself to Chez Nous.
Roses are red, violets are blue, Chez Nous, PUT IT IN MY FACE.
Wow, that didn't go how I expected it to.
We had lamb, we had fresh bread, we had escargot, we had ribeye, we had salads with egg on it, we had french onion, we had veal, we had a bottle of wine, we had creme brulee, we had some more wine, we had chocolate mousse. What we had was a major case of stuffmyfaceitis.
We spent two hours soaking up the food and the dim lights and the french guy with the cornrows and everything that makes french food and people sexy.
Definitely go, Spend some time and actually enjoy yourself over a meal. This place fills up my senses, to quote the inimitable John Denver.
Chez Nous is my new favorite restaurant. Just thinking about them makes me a little weak in the knees.
We went for the first time last night, pre-Stubbs show, and necessarily had to break one of my biggest dining rules: a good meal should never, ever be rushed. Most of the time, the best us modern people can do is to stuff our mouths hurriedly in between tasks, just to maintain the requisite blood sugar. But a meal that's not strictly nourishment should be savored slowly and appreciated, and should be the primary focus of the hour(s) it is enjoyed. The restaurant should be church, and the food the holy word.
Last night, though, we had a show to catch downtown, and street pizza just wasn't going to cut it. So we popped into Chez Nous, it was on the way from the parking garage, and we were lured in by the handwritten chalkboard and remembered good reputation.
We were sat immediately, and were attended to in moments. We let the server know that we were on a tight schedule, and hoped to be out by 8 pm, and asked if that were possible, as it was 7 now. We felt unreasonable even making the request, but the server assured us she would see to it. "Just tell me the time you need to leave, and I will make it happen." And not a drop of annoyance in that voice, just pure confidence and thoughtfulness, she would make it her personal mission.
We ordered the menu du jour and a wine recommendation, and a succession of amazing dishes were whisked to and from our table. Gorgeous and delicious carrot-ginger soup, tender trout and chanterelle mushrooms with a light cream reduction sauce, and a small plate of veggies on the side. Dessert was a flan-like caramel creme, suggested by the server for the speed in which it could be served. All were exquisite, simply prepared and delicious, and in perfect, human-sized quantities, with thoughtful, friendly, and attentive service throughout. An absolutely stunning dinner.
When the server took the last of our plates away, I glanced nervously at my watch. It felt like we had been there for hours, reveling in delicious foods and wine, and I was certain we were going to be late, despite the best efforts of the staff to meet our unreasonable request. 7:59 pm. I tipped well, and was off to the show, full of amazing food, and gratitude. But next time, I'll make more time to savor.
This is a go-to spot. Perfect, time and time again. Want to impress a date? Check. Want to take your wife out on a 5th year anniversary? Check. Want to take hipsters from out-of-town just in for SXSW? Check.
What an atmosphere-- rustic French in the best sense of an overused phrase. Order the prixe fixe because it is genuinely good. The fried potato balls keep me coming. The authentic French staff is key.
If you think of some wonderful meal-- bright, cheery, exuberant, not-too-fancy, hearty, then think of this place. Tons of character and joyful vibe. And it's right downtown! (PS order the profiteroles for dessert. Puff pastries, vanilla ice cream, and a legitimately dark chocolate).
Excellent, excellent food. Escargot as an appetizer. I had the lamb, cooked expertly, not terribly fatty which was a pleasant surprise. Our table also had the veal (pretty good) and the ribeye (melted in my mouth.)
And the creme brulee?
(Channeling inner Homer Simpson) Huhhhhhhhhh
Service was a little spotty, our waitress kept the drinks full but other than that seemed to come by whenever she was in the mood. Dang these "whole stars instead of half star" ratings, cause I'd definitely give this an overall 4.7. But I don't believe in rounding up.
There is only one reason why we haven't eaten here before. We always seem to manage to think of this place on Mondays. And they are always closed on Mondays.
So imagine our surprise when we came up with the bright idea of french food on a Thursday. We were planning to catch a friend's performance downtown and had to think of what was nearby. Oui, oui...Chez Nous it shall be!
As soon as we were seated, the BF declared that it reminded him of home. He's from Belgium...the Flemish side...but no matter. It was homey and cozy and old-worldish...as much as Austin can be...especially since the sign proudly declared that it was established in 1982. Not 1882...or even 1282 as some signs read in his hometown of Brugge.
Chez Nous is perfect in its simplicity. The ONLY reason I am knocking it down a star is because they don't have foie gras. I've been craving foie gras since I returned from vacation in France a month ago. When I go to a French restaurant, I want foie gras. To all you PETA-people out there I say...if you can catch me and force feed me until my liver is perfectly delectable, have at it. Until then, I am at or damn near at the top of the food chain. If I can catch, trap, shoot or farm you, I'm probably gonna eat you. This is why I stay as far away from lions, tigers and bears...and the rare tribe that may still enjoy cannibalism...they can and will catch and eat me.
We devoured the prix fixe menu ($26 pp):
Duck pate - close enough. Yummy! Served with gherkins and olives.
Salad Lyonnaise - the egg was poached to perfection and the vinaigrette was flavorful and not overwhelming
Salmon with crab meat - medium-rare and seared just right with a fabulous slight crunch. Crab was a teeny bit dry, but the beurre blanc was phenomenal
Steak - BF let me have a bite. It was a decent cut of meat, seasoned well and perfectly medium rare. I think it was still moo-ing when it got to the table.
Both entrees were served with fresh veggies and croquettes...I think they called them pommes dauphines. The fresh veggies were zucchini and squash. They were a tiny bit too squishy for my taste, but well-seasoned and buttery.
For dessert we opted for the chocolate mousse and Crepe Normande. The chocolate mousse was short on presentation. When topped with my sprig of mint from the crepe, it spruced it up for a minute. Only for a minute because the BF inhaled it shortly after I played dress-up with it. It was marvelously fluffy, chocolaty, rich and light all at the same time. The crepe was filled with cooked apples and served with caramel sauce and creme frache. I stupidly attempted to deconstruct it so that I could taste the flavors separately. Not a smart move, but when eaten the way I am sure the chef envisioned, it was perfect!
The service was classically French...unobtrusive and efficient.
Inclusive of our strong enough for the European BF espressos and a glass of wine, the bill came to about $70 before tip. We've have way less impressive meals in this town for more than that. We will definitely return...for both the food and the whistling Frenchman with cornrows. à bientôt!!!
I took two years of Spanish in high school. I cannot speak a word. Coincidentally, I cannot speak a word of French either. But if I were to guess, I would think "Chez Nous" means "yummy fish" in French.
No wonder they call it the romance language...
Not much has changed here, except, sadly, there doesn't seem to be foie gras on the menu any more... how sad and strange, a French restaurant without foie gras...
Otherwise, it remains the same wonderful restaurant - a true French bistro, except with great service.
On our visit tonight we started with the cheese plate and escargot - both were delicious. For our main courses we had the baked rainbow trout with a dijonnaise sauce and lump crab meat (very good) and the coquilles St. Jacques with wild mushrooms (likewise).
We finished up with the profiterolles (OK) and bouche noir (not bad).
The food, though good, reminded me of why I don't visit this place more often... it's true French cooking, meaning it's very heavy. I felt my waistline expand with every bite. It's worthwhile to visit occasionally, but there are many other lighter cuisines out there.
Chez Nous will always hold a warm place in my heart, because it was the first place I tasted foie… Read more »
This much sexy can not, by the laws of nature, occupy such a small space. Therefore Chez Nous can not exist. Chez Nous is more like a fantasy. A place where the mind and body can be instantly transported to a rue'd chausse locale in some obscure Parisian neighborhood for a couple of hours. That is to say, Parisian without the abusive attitude! Everything inside, from the decor, to the kindly French accents to the architecture is what you need for your evening vacation.
The waitstaff is just SO DAMN FUN to look at and interact with. One of my favorite moments was when one of the waitresses (I won't say who) greeted my wife and I with: "Hello, Lovers!". I knew it was going to be a good night. But, honestly, every time I go it's like that. Men and Women alike will find themselves swooning and practically falling into their seats, knees weakened.
Now that you're seated, let's talk food. These fine folks have their formula down and they don't jack with it. Thus, the quality is high consistently. From their bread (crunchy/soft) and butter (creamy rich) to their house pates, you will start well and in comfort.
Their rotating Menu Du Jour is a highly recommended and great value. For $25.50 you get a tasty full 3 course meal. Seriously hard to beat.
I've had a lot of excellent entrees here over the years: From a buttery (I mean BUTTERY) chateau steak to sea scallops, to halibut with fennel sauce (I love that you can actually TASTE the fennel), to sweat breads (for the adventurous!). They don't get distracted or mix things up so it always comes up well. The accompanying veggies are always the same and tasty: grilled half tomato, various zucchini and their tasty pomme dauphine (look it up).
Great soup selections. They know not to serve it up too hot.
Great traditional desserts.
Price: Low end of "Spendy" depending on the quantity of wine consumed, though it's very possible to get a great meal in the "Moderate" range, especially taking the Menu Du Jour route.
The predictability may be an issue for some, but believe me, you will want to make at least 10 trips to get the whole menu sampled. And that can take you through a lot of life. I first came here for a Valentine's date 10 years ago. Then, later, for an anniversary, and most recently with a baby. All with the same girl, I might add! And it has worked beautifully for all occasions. Timeless, French Comfort, air fare included.
Went here looking specifically for beef tri tip and fries. They happened to have chateauloin on the price fix menu and were happy to make me some fries, so all was perfect. Also had tea instead of wine, and I really couldn't get enough. It was terrific and they were very accommodating. I go here often and will continue with such amazing food and service.
Simply put, this for me is the epitome of a restaurant that "gets it." They have:
* - simple, yet refined menu.... great food!
* - wait staff that are quiet yet attentive and knowledgeable
* - fair pricing (it's not cheap, but the food is worth it)
* - authenticity
I really enjoyed the prix fixe menu; it is a great value. The overall experience was great, and I hope to be back again soon. Thanks for a great evening, Chez Nous!
As a sucker for ANYTHING French, this is one of my favorite places in Austin. For the relatively low prix-fixe price, you can step back and imagine yourself in a little local place in France for the time it takes to eat lunch or dinner, and they will let you linger. Cozy, charming, good service, wonderfully interesting wine list, food just like my host mom (in Belgium) used to make. If you don't like French people, don't go there, because I don't want to run into you or have to hear you complaining while I'm enjoying my meal.
This restaurant was my first-ever experience at a French restaurant. From the moment you step inside, you feel like you're not in America (due to the way the interior is decorated and the waiters speaking French).
It was nice to have a quiet and cozy restaurant like this in the middle of all the rowdy bars and entertainment places on Sixth Street. I really liked the restaurant decor--come see it for yourself! The interior was brightly lit from the windows facing Neches St.
The waiters and waitresses are very polite, soft-spoken, and attentive. I tend to drink water fast and they refilled my glass frequently. The service was great.
The food was also delicious. I ordered from the Menu du Jour, which was a fixed-price three-course dinner at $25.50. They also bring bread to you with European butter at the beginning of the meal. The bread is refilled if you finish it. There were many items from the menu that I was curious about and hope to order in future trips here.
Saturday evening dinner lasted about 1.5 hours. They open from 6 pm to 10:30 pm on weekends (which seemed a little strange to me). There was a small crowd of people gathered there at 6 pm on Saturday waiting for them to open.
Here are their hours from their website:
Lunch: Tuesday - Friday; 11:45am - 2:00pm
Dinner: Tuesday - Sunday 6:00pm - 10:30pm
Closed Mondays
There were a lot of two-person tables and at least one six-person table that I saw (I'm sure there was at least one more on the other side of the restaurant). The wine seemed very expensive at $17 for only two or three glasses. If I recall from the menu correctly, they don't split checks. I felt a little guilty entering this restaurant wearing sneakers because some other patrons were dressed nicely.
Chez Nous is located on the Southwest corner of 6th and Neches. It faces Neches. It is quite possibly my favorite restaurant in Austin now.
So one of the issues of working downtown is what to eat and where. Today I just walked down sixth and had no place in mind and I saw what seemed to be an out of place restaurant amongst the bars and dives well known to Austin-ites. I looked at the menu from the outside and was immediately impressed by the simple yet foreign selections. Who knew that Ham, Cheese and Egg sandwich could sound so sophisticated as grilled ham, with Grueyere, with Bechamel sauce in a crepe with an egg on top. Too divine of words for someone who typically has a slice of peperoni or a chicken burrito. In any case I didn't feel uncomfortable when I walked in and the waiter said Sava, and I responded Sava bien. He probably was more surprised, but my french ended there.
I decided on ordering that fancy ham and swiss entree and the soup dujour (Cream of Tomato and fennel). It was served at the perfect temperature and it tasted far better than any place else that claims to make it from scratch. Perfect amount of sourness, and saltiness. The best part was when I got to the bottom of the soup bowl. It was so creamy that there were little sand bars of tomato cream. Rather than scooping it all up I felt compelled to leave it at that as if I created a piece of art at the bottom of my white bowl.
The main course came out and it was like looking at a french post card with a sunny side egg on top. I cut into it and the cheese was perfectly melted so that it stretched from the plate to my chin on the way into my mouth. It was so rich in taste I felt a bit overwhelmed. I truly enjoyed the whole meal. Total cost was about $15 which I felt was fair for just the experience alone, but the food was great so it was a bonus. Definitely not a daily lunch affair, but when you feel like there's a need for a change and willing to try something different feel free to visit that little french cafe Chez Nous.
this is one of my favorite little austin restaurants. It's so cozy and comforting. The staff is so friendly and has so much knowledge on the product.
I have eaten there several times and loved everything i've ever had. I usually go for the set 3 course meal. I had excellent pate and i can't say enough about the desserts.
It can be a little pricey...but well worth it!! This city is lucky to have it!!
I took my boyfriend here for a birthday dinner, and we both had a delightful experience. Because they don't take reservations for parties under 5, we assumed the wait wouldn't take too long (we should've expected it as it was on a Saturday night). We thought we'd pass the time by enjoying a cocktail at the bar. The wait was nearly 20 minutes, and this wouldn't have bothered me if there were stools by the bar. We felt awkward standing in front of the room, and since the aisle between the bar and tables was very narrow, we felt like we were in the way of the hustle and bustle. However, when the bartender, who I believe was the owner, greeted us with thick French accent and poured us two glasses of Kir Royale (Crème de Cassis and Champagne), I found myself feeling far more relaxed.
Everything that followed can only be described as a blur from which I emerged fulfilled in all dimensions--physical, emotional, and spiritual. My only disappointment was the Escargot which, to my surprise, already shelled when it reached our table. Some may actually prefer this, but as a seafood purist and an adventurous eater, half of the fun is removing the shells yourself and sucking the juices out. Oh well.
While I complained about the wait earlier, I did very much appreciate the longer than usual wait between courses. There is an endless supply of bread and butter to fuel the conversation, which naturally happens when there is enough time between courses for you to process and discuss the experience with your dinner companion.
If you are going for the first time, try the pre-fixed menu (3 courses for just $25) for a sample of their creativity and quality.
Hubby & I chose Chez Nous to celebrate our 24th Anniversary. Arrived on Saturday evening, just before 6pm opening, so no wait.
From the moment you enter, you are welcomed by just about all the staff. Everyone is friendly and polite. Pricing is fair for the quality & presentation of the food. We got the "daily special", where you get 3 courses for @ $25. Everything was well prepared. The sauce with the salmon was amazing!!
We will definitely be back! Thanks for a memorable anniversary dinner!
One of my favorite resturants.. it is like leaving the country..!!
Always a great place to go. Located between 5th and 6th streets, Chez Nous is in the middle of the college kid nightlife nightmare zone which is an unusual place to find a nice restaurant. Chez Nous has been around for a long time and I still remember when they allowed smoking in there which was kind of funny because it made pretty much the entire restaurant a smoking zone... that's gone now, of course. Hey, and even in France and other places in Europe it's more standard now to have smoke free restaurants.
The interior of the restaurant is French Bistro style and Chez Nous is run by actual French people, including the Paris St. Germain (a French football team) flag on the bar. The staff is very friendly in a relaxed and casual way and the atmosphere in Chez Nous is very cozy.
The food is simple but very good. Chez Nous offers a fixed price menu consisting of a starter (soup, pate), a main course and dessert. Their fish and meat is very well done and a good example of how you can make very tasty food in a simple way. Escargot are nice for a starter and if you like pate, I highly recommend it as well.
I also like the wine selection which contains a lot of interesting wines, not just the standard selection of the average chain restaurant.
I just wish there was a German restaurant in Austin that is as close to real German food as Chez Nous makes authentic French food ;)
Even I don't quite understand why I'm so enamored with the French lifestyle and culture, but I am. Here in Austin, just South of the frat daddies and miniskirts on 6th Street lies Chez Nous, a whimsical little French bistro with a heart of gold. For now, my Francophile urges have been sated.
The minute I stepped inside, I was greeted by smiling staff and quickly ushered to the standing-room bar where I sipped my first Kir Royale in years (why isn't this concoction more popular in a town infested with wine lovers?). As soon as a table opened up, the mister and I were swept to candlelight and pork pate, and escargot. I had the prix fixe menu ($25.50) with a luscious Lyonnaise salad, lamb tenderloin in mint sauce, and finally a chocolate mousse that I finished in a lightning speed.
Throughout the meal we were tended to by no less than three staff members, but each blended with the other, and there were no mix-ups when the check arrived.
Plain and simple, Chez Nous is an exceedingly romantic little place with authenticity to spare.
Despite it's less than desirable location in the heart of the 6th. Street entertainment district, Chez Nous never disappoints.
This is not the heavy French cuisine that many are familiar with - this is more French country bistro style. It's also more affordable too!
Go for the three course prix fixe menu for $25.00. This includes a salad or nightly pate + an entree (they differ nightly but a trout dish is pretty standard) + Creme Caramel or Mousse.
Lunch is great as well and they have some very nice crepes and salads to choose from beyond the entree selections.
Best restaurant in Austin.
I said it. I love this place. I've been maybe about ten times now and the service and the food are consistently great. Chez nous has been around since the year I was born with good reason, Among my favorites are the salmon pate, the trout, and the steak, all of which are normally on the menu du jour. Also, the profiteroles are quite possibly one of the best desserts I've ever had.
Great for dates, people you love, people you want to love you, people who like good food, and people with taste.
Chez Nous' cozy atmosphere and French cuisine takes you to a place far from the neon lights of Austin's 6th St. to a bustling French bistro.
Want the best deal in the house? Order from the Menu du Jour and choose a soup/salad, an entree, and a dessert for $25.50.
At a French restaurant, you expect one thing to be foolproof: the bread. With such wonderful food, how did Chez Nous overlook a key element of French cuisine and substitute an unexciting soft loaf in its place? Where was the iconic, crunchy-on-the-outside and doughy-on-the-inside French baguette that can be found in every Paris bakery? Herein lies the reason for the 4 out of 5 stars that I have given Chez Nous.
Chez Nous, I am going to forget about that detail. If anyone asks me where I would like to eat for dinner, I'll say, "Chez Nous, s'il vou plait."
Oh, Chez Nous. I will give you a couple of stars because you have a really good house red on the menu. Malbec = yum.
But, I have had a better steak at a non-profit event held at a chain hotel. And how can you mess up Brie? I realize that cheap cheese tastes better room temp - but this cheese was left out so long that it was rubbery.
I do like this restaurant. It just needs to stop taking its patrons for granted and put more effort into the food and presentation.
I had the prix fixe menu; it seemed to be a good value. The cold soups were amazing.
I was not blown away by the wine selection. We will return.
I love this restaurant. This is one of the best in Austin. if you love French food, this is the place to go. Quality wine, food is guaranteed. The ambiance is a like a small, quaint restaurant in Paris.
Visiting Chez Nous is like a trip to France, without the airfare or the annoying waiting around in airports. Not France like the Champs Elysees, or the Eiffel Tower, but the real France. Chez Nous would fit perfectly as a local bistro in any French neighborhood, except the food is probably better than almost all of them.
This was the best meal we've had in more than two years, since moving from San Francisco. We had the Entrecôte béarnaise, and the Côtes d'agneau Manon. My wife, who is a big fan of Bearnaise sauce, called this the best she's ever tasted. The steak was tender, juicy, cooked to absolute perfection. The lamb chops were perfectly done also, and half the chefs of Provence would kill for the secret of their seasoning. The accompanying vegetables were worth a special mention, delightfully seasoned and cooked.
We recommend the pâtés. We tried a couple of different ones, and they were wonderful. A perfect starter for the meal.
The space is a little crowded, and the atmosphere is casual, comfortable, and noisy. Again, think neighborhood bistro. I can totally see myself here, whiling the evening away with some good friends and a glass of wine.
Chez Nous doesn't need my recommendation here. But they get it. This is a place well worth visiting.
Went almost two weeks ago, and I'm still thinking about their steak. It was so tender and juicy and the sauce was absolutely perfect with it. The creme caramel was also pretty freaking amazing - creamy and just the right amount of sweet...I almost just drooled at the thought.
The fish was only okay; too buttery for my taste. And the chocolate mousse was really enjoyable, although the serving is HUGE. I think if they're going to give that much mousse, a glass of milk should be complimentary to help it go down.
Atmosphere was cute, a lot smaller than I expected, but the waiter was very French and very nice, and I liked that the music wasn't some cheesy business - just instrumental stuff that made you feel like you were actually in a cafe in Paris.
Also, I really liked the bathroom. It was just really adorable.
Walk in to this place and you feel like you're somewhere in France. It gets pretty crowded, so I'd recommend getting there early (don't think they take reservations), but other than that this is one of my favorite spots in Austin.
The 3-course $25 fixed price menu is probably your best bet. Good food and good value. Try the escargot- snails with butter can be suprisingly good. The dessert is really excellent as well. Try the chocolate mousse or mini puffs with ice cream!
This intimate, casual restaurant just off 6th Street is about as close to a French bistro as you will find in Austin. When you walk in, if you squint a little, you could be in Paris. (Not that I've ever actually been to France - but I have seen Ratatouille, and it looked a lot like that.)
Food is excellent - simple in execution, high in flavor (and fat, but what do you want - it's French). The complimentary bread is excellent - fresh plain baguette with just a bit of chewiness. A small but sufficient selection of wines by the glass. The "menu du jour" is an excellent bargain for the price - $25.50 for an appetizer, main course (usually something grilled plain with a lovely side sauce), and dessert. If you add two glasses of wine, coffee and tip, you will still stay under $100. A very good deal for such good food.
Clientele is almost exclusively older couples and silver-haired groups of friends. This is exactly the kind of place where you would expect to run across your former UT sociology professor in sensible pumps and her retired lawyer husband dressed in a sweater vest. This is by no means a criticism - I enjoy the company of older folks very much - just want to set the right expectation on atmosphere. This is not a good place to go if you and a bunch of rowdy friends want to get loaded and loud.
Waiters are brisk, slightly haughty but cordial, just like you'd expect in France, except that they were cordial. Again, note caveat that I've never been to France, but from what I've heard from other people, cordial is not a characteristic you can expect from waiters there.
Business on a Sunday night was good, but never a full house. A good night to go if you don't want to wait.
A very nice place indeed.
We went here on a whim with some friends - though it's more of an 'occasion' kind of place for the dollars. We all got the fixed Menu De Jour and were all thrilled with our food.
The place is quite cozy and romantic with a relaxed vibe. Great service.
Outside of UCHI or sushi restaurants, this is the best meal I have had in 15 years of living in the ATX.... granted I eat at a lot of cheapy asian places.
(-5 points for the wine bottle lamp... LOL, but +5 for the most perfect looking waitress to be working in a French restaurant!)
I was disappointed with the staff, and don't know if I can get over it.
My boyfriend called them the day before we went to see if he needed to make a reservation, and was told that they do not take reservations for parties of less than 6 people.
So the next day (Friday), we went in at 6:47pm (47 minutes after they had opened for dinner). The hostess told us it would be 45 minutes which we did not have a problem with because the restaurant was small and busy. The hostess took my boyfriend's cell number and said she would call us when our table was ready. All good up to this point.
We took a 40 minute walk around downtown, and it is from here that I have decided that I will not return to this restaurant. Upon our return, we went to the bar which was missing a bartender to serve anyone, and noticed that everyone was still early in their main courses. Once we reached the 50 minutes waiting point, I sent the bf up to ask the hostess how it was looking. He worked as a soux chef through college, and has a better appreciation of how restaurants work, hence why he is my ambassador! The hostess said probably only 15 more minutes, however they had to sit a party of 12 that had a reservation first.
Disappointments:
Hostess knew she had a party of 12 with reservations coming in at 8pm, and was being unrealistic in her "wait time" estimate.
Everyone in the restaurant were still working on and enjoying their main courses.
After 50 minutes, the two couples who were on the list before us were still on the list and, like us, waiting for tables despite the hostess ever optimistic hope of only 15 more minutes.
We and one couple before us and two couples behind us on the list left and went elsewhere that night.
MMM mmm.. If I had to use one word to describe this restaurant, it would be: CUTE.
It's small and homey, and more casual than I expected. It's true, they have bout 3 to 4 different people that serve as your waiter/waitress instead of one single person as your waiter the entire time. I came on a Sunday evening around 7PM and waited about 5 minutes for a table. My date and I ordered the "Menu du Jour" which is an excellent deal for a simple 3-course for 25.50.
He had the soup of the day and I the Salad Lyonnaise. Both were enjoyable. Then came the entrees: my date ordered the steak and I had the salmon with crab meat on top in a blackerry type sauce. The sauce was awesome for both; and both also came with a little side of 3 perfectly boiled carrots, a tomatoe with a garlicky concoction on top, and 2 pommes dauphines (balls stuffed with potato in an interesting texture).
After that we STILL had one course left to go and we were both getting pretty full. Unfortunately they were out of creme caramel so I went for the blackberry bread pudding and my date got the profiterolles. Both desserts were okay..we should have probably went with previous yelpers and tried the chocolate mousse..damnit. The bread pudding wasn't what I expected; it was a cakey like mold of barely flavored blackberrieness, until I reached an actual blackberry that was in the pudding.
For around 80 bucks, we were stuffed and happy.
The only bad thing about the place was that it got pretty loud at times, but I think that's in part due to it's small size. At times, it got so loud that I was yelling at my date in order to talk to him, which is why I had to knock off a star off the rating.
Overall, the restaurant was very enjoyable and I see myself coming back here a lot.
Oh. my. god. My favorite restaurant I have ever Yelped. Every plate was so, so delicious. I can't even find the right words to express how utterly amazing my dinner was. My head literally ached as if I were drunk afterward, just high off of the sheer deliciousness.
Appetizer: Duck liver/cranberry pate
- This was my first time having pate. I felt really bad for the duck liver part, but it was honestly so delicious beyond belief. My friend had the cold gazpacho which was very flavorful and tasty, but not as delicious as my pate.
Main dish: Trout with crab.
- SO FUCKING DELICIOUS. Perfectly cooked fish, the most amazing, delicate, light cream sauce, and some delicious side dishes (something like a deep fried ball of mashed potatoes... mmm, looked like a cream puff and a roasted tomato and endive that literally tasted like heaven) I hit euphoria at this point.
Dessert: Chocolate mousse. UN-BE-LIEVABLE..
Service was great, especially when I asked about the pate which I had never had before. Our glasses were never empty.
This is the most amazing deal, too. $25 ($35 with tax and tip) for just amazing food. AMAZING AMAZING FOOD. I ate every damn last bite.
This place definitely goes on the list of "treat yourself" digs. Made the mistake of going on a Friday night at 8:00 o'clock without calling first, but no worries with a nice glass of wine and general chattery at the bar with attentive and knowledgeable barstaff- only complaint, don't wear heels ladies- standing room only. Or you can wait on the street and amuse yourself watching the crowd across the way at Coyote Ugly...strange juxtaposition there.
Sat down to a heavenly combo of the best pate I've ever tasted -duck liver with cranberries, the salade verte with delicious champagne/dijon vinaigrette and the Soul ;) ...I mean Sole Veronique- melts in your mouth literally. So good.
Can't wait to try it again!
We stumbled upon this place because the wait is not as long as other restaurants on the 6th street.
The atmosphere was very French (the owner speaks French and so were several customers). The portions were small. Some dishes were good (Salmon) while most dishes are average (Steak, Pate, Salad, Trout and cream caramel).
They got my bill wrong but pretty nice about fixing it right away. Unfortunately, the final amount on my credit card bill is still incorrect ($1 more than I gave them).
It's incredibly refreshing to visit a French bistro whose cup does not runneth over with pretension. Very quaint (I say this in a purely objective sense, it's provincial, like diner-in-a-small-town-in-Virgina provincial), very cute, and super friendly waitstaff . **
We both got the steak prix fixe with salmon pate and soup appetizers, both were pretty standard. The steak itself was pretty mediocre, think: Wedding banquet steak. Satisfying, but with a weird texture and generic flavor.
I definitely will go back to try some of the regular entrees, but I will also expect a lot more flavor-wise.
Overall though, 27 bucks that cover app, entree, and dessert is not a bad deal.
** I love an attentive waitstaff! Rare find!
I went recently there on a Sunday night & I just waltzed right in. If you want to go on a weekend then call ahead and make a reservation.
As soon as you sit down, a loaf of tasty French bread and butter arrives. I got the 3 course Prix Fixe special - choice of soup or salad, or paté maison, choice of salmon or beef or and finally a choice of 3 different deserts for $25.. If you would prefer to order a different dessert then you can & they only charge a couple of bucks extra. My entire meal was excellent - the salmon was very tasty. I got the crepes with berries. Yumm.
The wait staff are all very friendly. You don't really have one person that waits on you but all the wait staff waits on you. Since the staff is attentive, it works out well (or at least it did for me).
I really love this place. The service, food, wine selection,unpretentious atmosphere are all wonderful. I'll be back soon.
Came here to celebrate my bf's mom's birthday. We had watched Julie and Julia the night before, so in maintaining the tradition came here. Alas there was no boeuf bourginone. Whatever: we had fun anyway. Some of us got the set menu, while I tried the duck pate and duck confit. The pate was delicious, the confit with cranberries and walnuts a bit too-Thanksgiving-esque for me. At home, my mom would have had the confit fried to a crisp and shredded, over rice and plum sauce: a Chinese take on it. Moving on. Bf's scallops with a cream sauce were amazing, and his dad's rack of lamb with mint jelly was amazing, too. For dessert, take note that creme de caramel is FLAN. Profiteroles were amazing--speaking as a non-profiterole lover; chocolate mousse was too intense for this chocoholic, actually just boring as there was no contrast! Bf's dessert of the apple crepe with Calvados was SCRUMPTIOUS; his sister also liked my creme brulee, although I found it lackluster. Ah well. This restaurant I can take or leave.
Neighborhood: Downtown
Category: French
Neighborhood: Downtown
Category: French
Austin, TX
Category: Seafood
Neighborhood: Downtown
Category: American (New)
Austin, TX
Category: American (New)
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