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Le Petit Cafe
- Price Range:
-
$$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Romantic, Classy
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
31 reviews for Le Petit Cafe
Review Highlights
"...beets, olives, and bread with truffle butter are totally..."
(in 5 reviews)
"Chef Roy Ip is solicitous and warm."
(in 4 reviews)
"Fourth Course: Classic Creme Brulee (by this time."
(in 7 reviews)
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31 reviews in English
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Review from Rodman L.
New Haven, CT
1/30/2012
My first meal at Le Petit Cafe was probably three or four years ago at precisely 8:30 (the late seating). I remember walking into the Bistro and magically stepping into a pocket of France that could not possibly be Branford. The decor was a French meets Hogwarts, but the next surprise was a portly Cantonese man in chef's whites greeting us at the door and welcoming us in -- just the first of an evening's string of surprises.
Our two friends, who had called in the reservations, were already waiting and anxious to repeat as it was their second excursion there, while me, my fiancée, sister, and brother-in-law sat down for the first time after Chef Ip took our coats and jackets. I perused the wine menu just for curiosity: it was neither small nor incredibly extensive, but offered a well-stocked selection of primarily French and Californian wines, a few Champagnes, which would come in handy in some future day a celebration was needed.
I quickly moved on to the menu, where it has always been a place to understand a new restaurant at a glance. The menu was (and remains today) prix fixe, that is to say a fixed price, of about $50, and comprised an appetizer, salad, entreé, and dessert. Most importantly, the menu was limited to five or six well-thought out choices, indicating that the chef selectively pared down his menu to a very few items that he considered his best, whereas many inferior restaurants will bombard the guest with a cacophony of par and sub-par dishes.
Immediately, my eyes were pulled to the paté and duck "cassoulet." Even so, each item was simply yet completely described on the menu, indicating the importance with which the chef cared for each of his ingredients. I was still in for a surprise.
The night soon began with the freshly baked bread and delicious truffle butter that spread perfectly over the baguette's fluffy interior. I soon stabbed a few pickled beets onto my fork, and the slightly acidic sweetness and crunchiness soon appeased my palette. I rightly concluded that these were made here in the kitchen, as they had a freshness and flavor that perfectly complemented the saltiness of the bread and butter.
Appetizers followed; I have had superb patés and foie gras, and while this may not have the best ever, the salty, fatty flavors of the paté went well with the cornichons and other accouterment. Others had shrimp or scallop apps, but I was too busy in my own world to remember. Again, this may not be the best appetizer I had ever had, but it was a welcome surprise, and paid its respects to French tradition.
After the waitstaff politely cleared the plates denuded of salad greens (a bed of gorgeous, slightly bitter field greens, lightly dressed. No, I daresay perfectly dressed), the dinner course arrived. My senses were immediately intoxicated with the rich smells of a buttery gratin-like dish. On top, a thick cut of beautifully cooked (RARE! The way I love it) duck on a fluffy bed of beautiful white beans. Being of Chinese heritage, I have always had a love of duck, going beyond Peking duck and bao, but also to Western styles, including confits or sautéed duck breast with crispy skin. The rich, provencal-herby, buttery flavors of this dish remain so intoxicating that I can sit today and recall their incense. After a few mouthfuls of the white beans, I uncovered the duck sausage and chunks of bacon (more like chunks of pork belly), which just donkey-kicked me further beyond sensory heaven.
The cassoulet remains one of my top-ten favorite dishes of all time, even after top notch prix fixe and tasting meals in culinary hotspots such as NYC, Chicago, Los Angeles, and even Provence and Paris itself. In the years since, my fiancée and I have returned to this restaurant with our out-of-town friends and family at every chance, and we continue to visit Roy, who we -- like many others -- now consider a friend.
Our sole complaint is that our favorite duck cassoulet often switches out to a duck breast entrée in the non-winter months, though that has allowed us to taste the lamb, pork, fish, and nearly the gamut of his menu. While every dish has been quite great -- if not often wonderful -- sadly nothing quite reaches the élan of the cassoulet, which has quite matter-of-factly ruined any other cassoulet for me. -
Review from Elle N.
New Haven, CT
9/13/2011
Le Petit Cafe is a true gem. The atmosphere is that of an authentic Lyonnais bistro (casual-but-not?) and the menu is classical French peppered with occasional Asian and Latin-inspired preparations (seafood in particular). The fixed price menu costing $50 consists of a salad and choice of appetizer, entrée and dessert; considering what comparable places in the area charge, it's a great deal.
A selection of beets, olives and bread (made on premises, memorable in itself) with truffle butter comes at the start of each meal. Try the beets, even if you're not usually a fan--they have a hint of orange zest that make them wonderfully tangy.
For appetizers, the duck confit is fantastic; if you're hankering for seafood instead, the jumbo shrimp are fresh, fresh fresh. I haven't had the ceviche now on the menu; I had it in its last iteration, and it was out of this world, so I'd definitely try it again.
Though some might argue that the salad should not be the high point of a meal, I would say that it *is* an example of how first-rate everything at Petit Café is: the greens are always flavorful, crisp and perfectly dressed, the cheese (sometimes warm chevre, sometimes parmeggiano) a lovely counterpoint. Masterful preparation like this is simple, but not easy. Pay attention to the salad!
The rack of lamb is hands down the best entrée (quality and execution both top-notch) and the parsnip-apple gratinee is a beautifully understated accompaniment. I'm hoping that once winter rolls around, they'll bring back the duck cassolette, a fantastic rendition of the classic (then I really won't know which to order!)
Finally, chef-owner Roy Ip is a wonderful host who can often be seen in the front of the house taking coats and greeting guests like old friends (once you have been there, he will remember you the next time, I promise...) The genius is in the details...again, simple doesn't mean easy. And he consistently gets it right. Le Petite Café remains one of the nicest places in the area for a night out. -
Review from Dave S.
Guilford, CT
Updated - 1/29/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Second time here, and the food was still really good, etc., but the menu was almost exactly identical to the last time we were here almost a year earlier. That's a bit disappointing.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/1/2010
I was a bit skeptical at first. The reservation process was...different. The owner/chef answered… Read more »
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Review from City G.
Bridgeport, CT
1/27/2012
Amazing food, charming atmosphere, great service, friendly, down to earth. My husbands filet Mignon was out of this world! I loved the duck leg appetizer! The Chocolate grenache cake is something to remember! We are going back soon!
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Review from K D.
New Haven, CT
11/11/2011
Food is outstanding, the chef is very warm and personable. His cassoulet is out of this world, and my husband could pretty much live on the truffle butter.
Scallops are perfectly chosen and perfectly cooked, duck confit is incredible.
This restaurant is truly a lovely experience from beginning to end. -
Review from Janice M.
San Francisco, CA
5/30/2011
A wonderfully, cute french restaurant! I made reservations at Le Petite Cafe for my med school graduation dinner with my family from California, and we were all absolutely blown away! The restaurant is decorated like a cute bistro and has a very warm, cozy ambiance to it.
First Course: Duck Confit with Fresh Fruit Jam (tasted better than the duck confit I had in Paris a month ago :)
Second Course: Spring Salad with Warm Goat Cheese
Third Course: Chilean Sea Bass with a Miso Glaze (the portions of the fish were ENORMOUS)
Fourth Course: Classic Creme Brulee (by this time ... I could barely eat more than a couple spoonfuls because I was so stuffed!)
On top of all of this, we were welcomed by a friendly staff that quickly seated us as well as brought us plenty of bread with truffle butter, olives, and beets! All of us agreed that the meal and service was well worth the $55 pre-fixe price. Sad I had only learned of this place as I was leaving New Haven for good! :) -
Review from JS L.
Wallingford Center, CT
12/18/2011
Six stars.
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Review from william t.
Shelton, CT
9/27/2011
exceptional French food. Very homey decor and seems like a family operation. Tried the pre-fix menu on Saturday night, the meal was a very good value considering the quality of food you get.
Would most definitely go back again.
Food 4.5 stars
Decor 4.5 stars
Service 4.5 stars
Overall experience 5 stars
On the weekend, they only do pre-fix menu with 2 seatings (6pm and 8;30pm). -
Review from Brian C.
Bay Area
2/19/2011
Le Petit Cafe is an authentic French restaurant. I disagree with the reviewer who found it americanized. To me, it has that feeling of the French countryside.
I went to Le Petit Cafe several times. I always end up picking the pork plate. The pork is quite amazing. It is perfectly cooked. Not dry and so tender. I have never managed to cook pork that well.
Be prepared to eat! Food fills up your plate. You'll be stuffed by the desert. I like that! It is not one of these uptight French restaurants where food volume is inversely proportional to the price (which by the way is an american interpretation of French restaurants).
The selection of wine could be better. I think they miss a good Cote du Rhone to accompany the pork plate.
The menu is charged $50/person and I consider it justified. Wine is overpriced (glass ~$9), as anywhere else.
Overall, this is an outstanding restaurant. -
Review from Sean C.
10/8/2009
I had the pleasure of trying this delicious little restaurant for my birthday last night. Living in Branford, it was always on my "to do" list, but I never seemed to find the right time to try it.
I would have to put the meal we had alongside more expensive offerings at Zinc and much more expensive offerings at Dish. If you haven't been, please try. Despite the pricey nature of the place, it's actually a sound value.
From the warm rustic bread and truffle butter on the table to the warm chocolate hazelnut fondant for desert, I could not stop eating all night. I started with a duck leg confit. Caramelized skin, silky fat, and fall off the bone tender meat. Simple done right. We moved on to a salad of fresh baby arugula tossed in a sherry vinaigrette and topped with shaved parmesan. The peppery arugula was perfectly paired with the slightly sweet sherry and the salty parmesan. It was a simple but delicious bite.
For mains, my girlfriend enjoyed a generous black angus NY strip au poivre served alongside shoestring frites. The steak was well seasoned, tender, perfectly cooked and was perhaps a 12-oz portion. The sauce made you go back for another bite when you thought you couldn't bear another.
I sampled the rack of lamb provencal. It was well seasoned, perfectly cooked, and extremely tasty. It was served with a red wine reduction alongside sugar snap peas and parsnip.
Just when we thought we could not eat another thing, we cleaned our plates when the chocolate hazelnut fondant arrived. It was all things a great dessert should be: creamy, warm, gooey, and chocolate. it was complemented by a raspberry sauce and creme anglaise. And when spoon hit dessert, there was nothing but plate left.
A few remaining thoughts:
1. I can see how patrons expecting an upscale French bistro may seem a little disappointed. They, however, are totally missing the point. Le Petit Cafe, to me, is all about simple food done well. It's not about pretense.
2. It's a little zany in there. The decor is a hodge podge of magazine and pop art. The chef/owner may greet you personally and will interact with you at some point. You neighbors are going to be within arms reach. If you just want to be left alone, this is not the place for you. Still, I found something charming and intimate about this. Not in the back corner table, candlelight sense, but in the a dozen of us are all in the know kind of way. It was if we diners shared a little secret.
3. The fixed-price menu can be a little intimidating to those looking to pop in and order a less expensive meal a la carte, but the $48.50/pp was actually a value considering what we would have paid for starter, salad, main, and dessert at any restaurant worth its salt.
4. The chef knew our names when we arrived at the door. Not because the restaurant was empty or the business was slow, but because he had personally interacted with my girlfriend answering her questions about the restaurant before she made the reservation. It was really nice to have someone make you feel comfortable right off of the bat, and it was a welcome change to our experience at Union League where we were treated like kids (I'm 28 she's 24) crashing the adults' party. -
Review from Sara P.
New Haven, CT
6/4/2009
I am being generous, here, but, as I said in other reviews, I do think that random factors count in any review: in this, it counts that I had no expectations and my boyfriend brought me there as a surprise dinner. Therefore, it was a perfect night out.
The chef is actually very friendly, but I didn't find him intrusive or overbearing at all. The waiter was very professional and nice in a simple, no-fuss way.
The decor is really pleasant, although I would probably find it slightly tacky if I were French, but since I am not I really enjoyed it: it's warm and full of nice details (a bit too full). In any case, the atmosphere is really enjoyable, given that there are not too many tables and there is a lot of light during the day.
The food is really good and tasty. Not mind-blowing in terms of creativity, granted, but it is a really good deal, given the quality and... the portions. Being an upscale restaurant, portions are almost too generous. But of course they are not too much, given that people can always bring stuff home-- alas, we were too gluttonous and ate everything, and still got a small complimentary doggy-bag with a slice of apple tart! Nice way of making everyone happy and at the same time keeping the policy of doing everything fresh from scratch!
As appetizers, we had a delicious duck leg confit, very tasty and yet delicate, probably the best one I had, also considering the small sides that come with it.
(speaking of sides, it's nice to have those small, complimentary plates at the beginning, I never thought I could like beets! And the truffle butter is awesome).
And we had the pork pate, which I though was very nice, although it was my first one, so I can't really compare. It does taste different from foie gras, but, hey, it's a different animal, so why shouldn't it taste of pork?!
I really appreciated the simple salad, because it was very fresh, and hence a good refreshing in-between dish, and the goat cheese coming on it was really outstanding.
The main courses were an Angus steak au poivre, which was maybe the least interesting dish, although very well done, and lamb provencal style, which was really really good.
Desserts were fabulous, I think. We had a passion fruit creme brulee and a sort of chocolate cake with a liquid filling of hazelnut cream that was incredibly good.
Wine-wise, we didn't want to spend too much, so we had a modest Côtes du Rhône, which was not great, but their carte seems decent.
Overall, I ate very well and went home very happy. Given that they change menu every week (a lot of other upscale restaurants do not do so!), I am looking forward to coming back! -
Review from Jordan Y.
San Francisco, CA
8/20/2007 1 photo
What a little gem to have found... the prix fixe menu changes on each visit... and contains amazing dishes appropriate to the season, which are at once classic dishes as well as adaptations... and more importantly, delicious.
Reservations are a must for the cafe, which can be made with the chef himself (or his gracious wife) when you call into the restaurant. The atmosphere is decidedly casual, and comfortable... even cozy, without being overly casual dining.
The menu consists of four courses, from which you choose an appetizer, entree and later in the meal a dessert, while every guest is served a salad between the appetizer and entree (usually very simple, such as arugula with a red wine vinaigrette and an artisanal cheese).
When seated at the table (commonly by Chef Roy Ip or his wife), you are met with some fresh baked bread, olives, marinated beets, and truffle butter... oh the truffle butter... how I could eat a meal of this with bread alone.
Go for a special occasion once, and you will find yourself making any given night of the week "special" just to enjoy this fantastic cuisine.
Easily, this is the best restaurant in Connecticut.Listed in: Why I am going to miss New…
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Review from Zoe P.
Arlington, MA
8/1/2007
All kinds of pleasurable. French classics done well.
Nice, unpretentious atmosphere - you can dress up jeans and fit right in. At least on a weekday night, I think. But special enough for any occasion.
The only thing that disappointed was some sort of potato and apple side. Oh yeah, and I resent the drive to Branford. On a more recent trip, the escargot pastry thing and the pate also disappointed. Did the menu say "country pate?" Because it was. Not that that's bad, but my aunt makes a fine one and next time I'll choose something else.
I had scallops over lentils, which, the minute I bit into it I realized I've had elsewhere . . . but I'd forgotten all about that meal and I don't think I'll forget this one.
Because the whole deal is still pretty charming, especially if you're sitting by the windows, and it snows and . . .
The apple tart is really amazing and, seriously, outshines the more decadent sounding things. Basic wine by the glass was outstanding.Listed in: Nicer Nights in New Haven
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Review from Kelly D.
Simsbury, CT
7/30/2007
French Culinary Institute trained Chef Roy Ip is owner, host and chef. This is perhaps the best restaurant in CT. The multi-course prix-fixe menu offers spectacular choices of beef, seafood, and poultry. Fantastic deserts are not to be missed. Chef Ip also hand selects the house wines, so whether you select a nice bottle from their selection or let him choose, you'll be pleased.
It is a small place, so reservations are a must. (Roy will probably answer the phone when you call!) -
Review from Eliza T.
Metairie, LA
2/28/2010
BF brought me here to celebrate my becoming a board certified surgeon last month. It was a wonderful experience from the point he called for a reservation until the point the chef walked us out to our car! Both service and food were amazing! The chef personally greeted us at the door. The crusty bread straight from the oven with the truffle butter, marinaded beets and olives provencal were a very pleasant start.
I had the duck confit appetizer...which really was a huge entree sized portion! And my BF had the escargot. We both loved our choices. These were followed by the salad my BF described as "very French"...meaning it was fresh organic greens dressed lightly in an herb vinaigrette. Then I had the rack of lamb and he the steak. Again, our meats were both cooked and seasoned perfectly. The wine that I picked out (with the help of the waiter) complemented both our entrees so amazingly well!
The desserts were probably the biggest let down of the meal taste-wise. I ordered the espresso creme brulee and can't remember what my BF had. It came out inside a huge gorgeous birdcage made of caramelized sugar (Roy did this special for me because he heard we were celebrating a special day). Sadly, the creme brulee just didn't taste right. The custard was way to soft and darkly flavored with real espresso that it some how ended up tasting a little tart and weird. But after such a tasty meal parade of large portions (esp for a French restaurant) we didn't mind not liking or finishing all or desserts.
Overall still a very enjoyable gastronomique experience. Price was very reasonable for both the quantity and quality of food. -
Review from Maria R.
CT
12/7/2009
I've eaten here a half a dozen times or more, and have never been disappointed. The atmosphere is very cozy and romantic. The service is friendly and efficient. Most importantly the food is excellent. They have some typical French bistro dishes (cassoulet, escargot, etc) use a lot of high quality meats and vegetables. The free beets, olives, and bread with truffle butter are totally addictive.
The chef/owner seems to really care about his customers as well as the quality of the food. This place deserves its well-earned good reputation.
On our last visit (this past weekend) I overheard a woman telling the owner that the food was delicious as usual, but that they needed to do something about lowering the prices. I'm not sure what planet she was from, but $48.50 for a 4-course gourmet meal seems like a bargain to me. Especially when you can spend that at crapholes like Outback Steakhouse. -
Review from Gavin R.
Branford, CT
7/17/2010
It is very very good (but a bit stuffy), and It had better be for $50/per person, prix fix menu. I'd put it in the top 2 or 3 places in the area (20 mile radius)
Further, I would have to say that it is an American rendition of a classic French Bristo, but you know that already, don't you? -
Review from Geroge L.
New Haven, CT
2/16/2009
Perhaps I was just unlucky, but this restaurant reminds me of the story, "The Emperor's New Clothes." There is a lot of hype surrounding this place- a good older review from the NY Times, great reviews on Yelp, and a high rating in The Menu. Thus, I went expecting something good (or great), and I was left thinking that this place is barely average... at best.
As for my actual meal at Le Petit Cafe- I did not find the owner to be friendly or helpful. He was a bit overbearing and rushed our order. The soup was fine but nothing to write home about. The salad was boring- it seemed that they had opened a Shaw's bag of pre-washed lettuce, dribbled some red wine vinaigrette on top, and topped it with a few pieces of sliced Parmesan. I ordered fish, Halibut, and it was dry and as bland as cardboard. I'm no chef, and I've made Halibut that blows this one out of the water by following a simple recipe from the website, Epicurious. The only redeeming aspect of the entire meal was the dessert.
The meal was unimaginative. It wasn't terrible. It was just boring and very, very, very average.
In short, I'd certainly not recommend this place. The prices are no better than any "good" restaurant but the food here is considerably worse. As I said at the beginning of my review, perhaps I was unlucky... but I write this review so you won't be unlucky, too. So save your money and stay home. Or, if you are interested in a French restaurant is this part of CT, go to Union League in New Haven. -
Review from Solomon W.
Austin, TX
5/24/2009
So, you really can't go TOO wrong with french food, but I am really tempted to give this place a 1. Alas, I was satisified, but it was still highly overpriced for the quality presented. Going with my family and a friend, I was able to sample many of this quaint little restaurant's offerings, but with most of them I was displeased for the haute pricing.
The reason this home-feel kind of restaurant gets so much hype is probably because (I'm assuming) this area of Connecticut doesn't really have that great of a culinary scene. On top of that, the chef/owner is really down to earth, and he likes interacting with his customers. Because this may be the only fine dining worth eating nearby, it gets some major praise from the critics. I, on the other hand, wasn't too too blown away.
For starters, most of the food on the prix-fixe is not anything particularly "fancy" or "french." Rather, the menu is an array of items that seem to be some contemporary/unique take on french offerings. That being said, I will just kind of touch on some of the items that I tasted.
Appetizers: Carrot/ginger puree was delicious, but nothing you couldn't get at any sandwich shop. Pork pate was surprisingly very ordinary and porky. Duck confit was.. just duck confit. Shrimp and soba noodles were very plain as well. The appetizers serve as a good example of how the food really needs to be taken to an "upscale" level to justify the high price.
Entrees: Duck breast was pretty darn unflavored, though it did have tenderness and gaminess. Swordfish with lemon caper butter was ridiculously tart with lemon segments and juice, something I don't particularly enjoy, especially with something as light as seafood.
Dessert: Broad range, but nothing particularly intriguing. Creme brulee, flourless chocolate cake, bread pudding, poached pear, apple tart... All of these don't really tie in together as a theme, and they could all use some tweaking, but they are definitely tasty.
So, in conclusion, I think with the great chef here, if they menu sort of buckled down and found an identity, and it perfected, this little perky joint could be something delicious. As of right now, I didn't find it too special because of its wide assortment of different cuisines thrown into a hodgepodge. Definitely tasty though, just doesn't come up to the pricing standards. -
Review from Sara B.
North Haven, CT
9/12/2009
This is my absolute favorite restaurant! We go every year for my birthday. The food is excellent, the service is excellent, everything is excellent! The menu is price-fixe, around $50 for four courses (appetizer, salad, entree, dessert). You also get delicious fresh French bread and TRUFFLE BUTTER which is my favorite part.
The chef/owner is very personable and walks through the dining room greeting guests. The setting is cozy and intimate but very comfortable and not at all intimidating like many "fancy" restaurants. Last time the waitress overheard that it was my birthday (we never tell them or ask for anything special) and when dessert came they had put a beautiful sugar web over my chocolate cake. It was a beautiful and unexpected touch.
I ranked the price as "over $60" because adding bottle of wine for two will put it up into this category. It's well worth it.
I highly recommend Le Petit Cafe! -
Review from Barbara S.
Branford, CT
9/17/2008
I had dinner here to celebrate a special occasion. The Chef met us at the door and took us to the table. ( nice touch)
The woman who waited on us had very little personality, and being such
intimate space, this made a difference in our dining experience.
The bread and food made up for everything that the cafe lacked, such as decor, service and ambience.
The price $49.50 per person prefix menu, certainly was worth going.
I would come back and hope for a different waitress.
Living in California for a few years, has trained my eye for detail & service. -
Review from Robert J.
New Haven, CT
12/30/2009
Excuse me for the "Rave Review".
I was brought to Le Petite Café for the first time on my birthday in November, 2003. Waiting for my date to get out of work made us almost an hour late for our 8:30 seating. I was sure we would be rushed through our meal, but just as Roy sat us down and I braced for lecture, he says "Both you and I know you're very late. But, please, relax, take your time and enjoy your dinner." We were the last table to leave the restaurant, and were made to feel at home the whole time. I've been remembered by name, every time I walk in or make a reservation, since.
The décor is homey and fun. I see new things I've missed before every time I'm there. The seating is close, but I'll say that I've never sat near somebody that I thought was bad company. It's a cozy café, after all.
The food is the #1 reason to go. I'm normally at a table of four and we all taste everyone else's app and entrée. The artisan bread and truffle butter never go to waste, along with the candied beets and olives.
My favorite first courses are the duck confit, with its pan sauce. And, the country pork pate is a perfect match to the bread for the table, if there's any left.
The salad isn't overwhelming, which is the best thing about it. It's light, balanced and always fresh. Far better than an empty table while waiting for entrees.
The seared duck breast, Provencal rack of lamb, and the Chilean sea bass are of gold standard. My mouth starts watering just thinking about any of these dishes. I'm not a swordfish fan, but my mother loved hers for her birthday last year. And, I feel the steak au poive is the least exciting dish, but comes in handy when "that guy" only orders steak. The steak's sauce is great, just the fries on the side seem plain. The wines by the glass are well selected to compliment the dishes at a reasonable price.
The crème brulee has my heart when it comes to dessert. The only "miss" I've ever had at Le Petite Café was the flourless chocolate cake. I've had it as a "hit" plenty of other times.
Overall, the food is very well-executed and cooked to perfect order every time I've been there. Everyone I've brought there has been impressed, and many of my friends consider it their favorite restaurant. You won't be pampered with waiters in tuxedos, but you also won't have to halt your conversation when someone comes to refill your water glass. If the price went up, I'd still keep going.
Call for reservations, and enjoy! -
Review from Mojo J.
Wallingford Center, CT
10/7/2010
It is really, really hard to dislike Le Petit Cafe. The owner, Roy, is just about the most affable guy you could meet, and his food only makes you like him more. I do not think you will find any restaurant in the area doing what he does better than he does it.
Last night a friend and I ordered pork pate and butternut squash soup as the appetizer course, sea bass and duck cassoulet for entrees, and chocolate hazelnut molten cake and poached pear for dessert. Course two is a field green salad, warm goat cheese, and dijon vinaigrette. House-made bread, truffle butter, olives, and wonderful roasted marinated beets greet you prior to the first course. I had a glass of the house Bordeaux (a Medoc wine on this night) with dinner.
The butternut squash soup was not so sweet or spiced that it became cloying, so by the end of the bowl I still wanted more. The pork country pate, served with cornichons, dijon mustard, mache (a little green), and Roy's fruit preserves is almost refreshing, a nice mix of very clean flavors. The duck cassoulet, in two parts - seared duck breast on top of a traditional cassoulet - was nicely balanced and flavorful. The chocolate hazelnut molten cake was absolute perfection. The poached pear was, well, a poached pear, spiced very subtly with clove or allspice, perhaps. Not great, but I have only very limited poached pear experience (I once poached seckel pears in champagne with sugar and vanilla bean; that was to die for). Had we ordered the vanilla bean creme brulee instead I would be carving a sixth star into my computer monitor.
Although not suitable for vegans, if you buddy up to Roy I bet he would cook up something delicious. -
Review from Derek C.
New Haven, CT
7/17/2010
Great food, ambiance a little blah, though an odd story. We made reservations one eve and had a family emergency. Admittedly we forgot to call and cancel. We were harassed all night with a barrage of txt messages and phone calls. Txts said NO SHOW! At 11:00 pm. At first I was amused but then realized this is weird. None the less food is good, just don't miss your reservations.
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Review from John R.
Orange, CT
6/22/2011
Now THAT'S how creme brûlée should be done- perfect! And the whole meal: really excellent start to finish. Will definitely return.
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Review from Jeanne-Marie J.
New Haven, CT
3/30/2009
I have chosen Le Petit Cafe as the perennial host for my birthday dinner, and I take my birthday *very* seriously.
But, for those of you who remain unconvinced by this revelation alone, I'll go ahead and embellish a bit.
As numerous Yelpers before me have noted, Chef Roy puts a personal touch on everything, including the meeting and greeting of his patrons. (Never before have I been so graciously handed my coat by an esteemed chef at an upscale restaurant.) I love the ambiance of Le Petit Cafe so much that I would probably overlook small misgivings about the food; luckily, I don't have to. The assorted olives, crusty fresh bread and truffle butter that greet you upon being seated in this small, intimate space adorned with mostly French realia could alone sustain me for many a date.
The first course fortunately lives up to the hype: my fiance typically orders the escargot in a flaky puff pastry, while I opted last time for a surprisingly creamy potato leek soup. And, though it won't sound very exciting in the telling, you'll have to take me at my word that the salad is always a highlight of the meal. A dark, leafy mesclun mix topped with a chevre so fresh it seems fluffy is a wonderfully simple follow-up to its more decadent precursor. At risk of doing it an unwarranted disservice, I will say that the main course is one of the less interesting parts of a Le Petit Cafe meal. The charm of this restaurant is so much in its small touches that even a perfectly cooked sea bass doesn't linger in my mind for as long as the roasted parsnip puree that accompanies it. And dessert, be it a basic creme brulee or a warm apple torte, rounds off the night in straightforward, meticulously executed French tradition.
So stop bitching about how New Haven doesn't have a varied enough restaurant scene, and make the trip to far-off Branford for cosmopolitan fare at a suburban price. Chef Roy will take your coat. -
Review from Tae K.
New Haven, CT
7/26/2010
Best French restaurant in CT.
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Review from John B.
1/6/2009
Le Petit Cafe is at least one of the top 5 restaurants in the state. Chef Roy Ip is solicitous and warm. More important, he's gifted in the kitchen. Traditional French food can be heavy and cloying, but Ip cooks with a light touch. Ingredients are fresh, seasonal and appropriate. And prices are kept low. Whether because of (literally) low overhead, or just a sense of decent propriety, it is refreshing to find a restaurant of such superlative quality that does not charge NYC prices because it can.
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Review from Edward O.
9/17/2009
Charmiing, small Bistro, very well done and lives up to the reviews. Exclusively prix fixe and only two seatings for dinner service so be sure and call ahead.
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Review from Chris I.
Brooklyn, NY
5/16/2011
My girlfriend and I decided to pick a somewhat random destination to spend a weekend which wasn't too far from New York but far enough just to get away for a bit. We decided on Branford, CT. Once the destination was chosen, then the search for a restaurant commenced. With only marginal research, it became evident within minutes that there was one sure choice in Branford and that it was Le Petit Cafe. The menu items taste as mouth-wateringly awesome as they sound. Upon reading the menu I had high expectations for the food. The pate, the duck, the pork, the scallops, the creme brulee were all amazing. I think a sub-$50 four course price fixe is extremely reasonable. Others claimed that there weren't many wine choices below $50 per bottle. I disagree. There were numerous $30something bottles of wine. Roy, the owner was extremely friendly, funny and knowledgeable. He made a point to personally say goodbye/goodnight to literally every single customer upon leaving. He even graciously gave us some pate and fresh bread to take home with us. I knew he was legit before even visiting the restaurant because when I called to make the reservations, I asked what time they closed and his response was "Don't worry, we close when you're finished." If you are in or around Branford, CT, Le Petit Cafe is a no-brainer! The food is excellent, the wait-staff is extremely friendly and accommodating, the prices are reasonable, the decor is cozy and authentic, and you will leave stuffed and extremely satisfied. Thanks again Roy!!
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Review from Nikki R.
Guilford Center, CT
10/17/2010
Amazing, charming, great food in a quaint setting. Excellent service every time I have been there. Arrive hungry. The duck cassoulet is simple yet elegant, it is a must try
