I first spotted this place downtown near the tracks years ago and have been wanting to visit ever since. I finally had the opportunity at the perfect time. Holiday season...snow...charming lights decorating the exterior...perfect. Inside was understated holiday and very pretty. Service was exceptional with a perfect wine suggestion based on my hint about what I like. Complementary bread and a chicken liver yummy thing quickly arrived. We had the foie gras and it was good but memories of better...or at least different...in Paris caused it to be not "all that" for me. ...not for the price. I had a lamb special, which was fantastic. My children had steaks, which were perfect. Those came with French Fries that my son declared the BEST. FRIES. EVER!!!!! Best fries ever? Well, if that's what you're looking for then this is the place! Mousse for dessert was yummy. The chef visited our table! This is a special place. Seemed to be a favorite for birthdays and other occasions. It's expensive but the portions are larger. I can see coming here more regularly and splitting with my husband. I would love, next time, to do just that with a nice bottle of wine and watch the snow fall, the lights twinkle and he trains go by.
(5)
Jerry H.
I finally got a chance to try this place. Went there on a Thursday evening. The decor isn't anything special, but the waiter was super nice and attentive. Had to wait a while for our food, but once it arrived it was worth every minute. Mussels for appetizer were great. For main course I had the roasted rack of lamb, and my partner had the coq au vin. Both dishes were rich and exquisite in taste. Lamb was perfect at medium done, and the chicken was moist and delicious. For the dessert, creme brulee that was just a perfect balance of sweetness. At one point, Chef Michel came out and greeted every single table laughing and asking how everyone enjoyed their meals. Seemed like a very warm and gracious guy. I give this place an A+
(5)
Lori K.
I thought the atmosphere was cozy, the staff was attentive and friendly, and the authentic French food was delicious. I had the French onion soup which was wonderful followed by the salmon. It was rich with flavor and all the cuisine exceeded my expectations. Thank you to Michel for being such a great server and thank you chef for coming out and speaking with us. I would recommend this place to anyone. I can't wait to return! I thought the atmosphere was cozy, the staff was attentive and friendly, and the authentic French food was delicious. I had the French onion soup which was wonderful followed by the salmon. It was rich with flavor and all the cuisine exceeded my expectations. Thank you to Michel for being such a great server and thank you chef for coming out and speaking with us. I would recommend this place to anyone. I can't wait to return!
Wonderful place! I am actually uspet that my husband and I didn't visit Bistro Monet sooner. The food was amazing (order the short rib ravioli, it does not diappoint!) and the service was top notch. We asked about a wine that would pair well with both of our dinners and the resident expert picked a wonderful bottle. It was not an easy pairing since my husband ordered scallops but I really wanted red wine. Chef Michel was so warm and endearing. He visited our table several times during the meal. His food is cooked with love and the restaurant was a real treat. I cannot wait to go back! Also, don't let the location fool you. This place is the real deal!
(5)
Steve R.
Didn't actually eat there but they were very courteous and nice and let me use the bathroom even though I was not a customer. Decor was cute and had a good atmosphere to it.
(5)
Wylie P.
Recently I took my favorite woman in the world (besides Taylor Swift) to Bistro Monet for what I hoped to be an evening rife with gastronomic expertise. Things got off to a shaky start, but Bistro Monet rose from the almost ashes like a Phoenix with wing mounted laser guns. We arrived at our reservation time on the dot. We were told by the Bartender to round a corner to see the hostess. There was a middle aged woman at the hostess's little desk who who informed us it would be a few minutes before the hostess could be there to seat us. She took my coat and stuffed my scarf into the sleeve with adept, efficient hands and hung it with aplomb. There was a four minute gap from then to the time of seating, approximately. The hostess looked overextended, at the limit even. Perhaps it was like that movie where the bus can't go below a certain speed or it would explode, except instead it's a restaurant that can't go below a certain amount of seated patrons or she would get fired. Regardless she made it happen in reasonable time. There was one other detail (non hostess related) that rubbed me the wrong way before our server arrived, but it was a freak accident which harmed no one and could happen at any establishment. In my mind I asked myself: "what would Kanye West not do?" I took it in stride. From there on things were perfect. Selection, presentation, preparation, all was very tasteful. Our server Brian was a huge part of our positive experience. He was dealt a S#!t sandwich in regard to that one aforementioned "hiccup" that came to us before him and proceeded to slam dunk everything from there on out. Despite my knowledge of wines I played dumb, he described what I chose with the accuracy of a German chassis engineer. The Alcest region Pinot Blanc was perfect for my food selections and also expertly administered. Brian was well versed in the way of the sommelier. The scallops were the only other thing particularly noteworthy. Paired with the reduction they were served in, they were the flavor equivalent of the solo in the song "freebird" but less less drawn out as to not destroy the integrity of its parts. Truly masterful course. I'd make love to that dish. Merci Beaucoup Chef Michel.
(5)
Michelle M.
We took my in-law's here after hearing wonderful things about it and we were NOT disappointed! Everything was amazing - the staff was very friendly, the food was delicious, and Chef Michel even came out to talk to us at the end of our meal. Our food - my husband and I ordered the onion soup to split and it was great. We ordered the short rib ravioli to split among the 4 of us and it was SO good. The dish came with 3 large ravioli covered in a plethora of mushrooms and cream sauce. For our main courses, we ordered duck a l'orange, classic cassoulet, steak frites, and medallions of pork tenderloin...all were wonderful! For dessert, we ordered the Chocolate Caramel Tarte to split and it was fantastic! All in all, just a really fantastic place to eat. Give yourself plenty of time to dine here as they do move at a slower, more relaxed pace.
(5)
David K.
Michel is a world-class chef who runs a world-class restaurant. It's a quaint space and you'll feel right at home as soon as you step in the door. This place has a delightful menu and numerous events throughout the year to bring flair to one's dining experience. If you want a taste of France in the Western Suburbs, this place is a can't miss.
(5)
Cat E.
The braised short rib ravioli was crazy good. Soups are very rich, warm and full of flavor. Good atmosphere, wait staff is very friendly. If you are in a rush, this place is not for you. Located in a small shopping plaza, does not look like a lot from the outside, but worth walking in for a great dinner.
(4)
Ginny E.
Tres Magnifique!! I am in love. It's like a slice of Paris right here in the burbs. The food is wonderfully prepared with care. The service is outstanding. I can't recall our waiters name but talk about the best of European service - he's simply wonderful. This is a great place to dine with friends or to have a date night. It's also incredibly high quality at a very decent value. You must check it out!
(5)
Michael M.
For the weekly Specials at Bistro Monet , owner Michel has a inter-net mailing list michal@bistromonet.com , Mes Amis.
(4)
Judy D.
I took a client and manager to Bistro Monet last evening. The choice was great. The Wait Staff was funny, attentive. The food was so delicious. We will cetainly go back as soon as possible.
(5)
Food C.
This is a little spot in downtown glen ellyn. The first time we came was our 1st year anniversary. I loved how our waiter had this thick french accent and how the interior is slightly dimmed giving it a very comfortable and quiet atmosphere. The crab bisque we had was delicious. The wine selection is small which I have no problem with and is well chosen. Very fitting for the food. The menus is also not so big which makes selection easier and encourages us to try the specials. Chef Michael really knows how to handle the vegetable on the plates which is essential in french cuisine because it plays a vital role in each plate. I remember vividly the way he grills the asparagus'. Wonderful! The desserts are a delight also. The first time they ran out of a dessert that was highly recommended. The second time I went they werent making the Gateax Opera but I asked anyways and they made an exception for me. Now that is customer service!!! I also loved how, after every meal Chef Michael comes out and interacts with the customers. I hope he never stops doing this because it gives each and every customer that personal touch. I will return here for another special occasion. Until then, Adieu!
(4)
Malea I.
My husband and I went based off the reviews we found here at yelp, and I am glad that we did. We went on a Saturday night early. It was busy but in the same sense quiet and more on the romantic side. Our server, Bernard, was very attentive, but not hovering. He was there when needed and was gone when we did not. He was very helpful on choosing our entrees. The food was served at our pace and we did not feel the least bit rushed. My husband had the steak and I had scallops both fantastic. We both thought it odd that there was no salt and pepper on the table, but after tasting our entrees it all was clear. The chef was an expert on seasoning. There was not a thing on either plate that needed it. We had the bread pudding for dessert and it was sinfully delicious. We are both looking forward to going back and trying more of the menu.
(5)
Jennifer B.
So, so, so good! Once you're inside you'd have no idea you were in a tiny strip mall. It's very classy. The food was amazing. I got the braised rabbit special and lobster bisque with a caramel chocolate tarte for dessert. Everything was perfect. The also have a decently priced wine list. I cannot suggest this place strongly enough. It's worth every penny.
(5)
Arin B.
This place is impeccable. From the great service to amazing food. I went here on Mother's Day and there was a fixed price menu where you got to choose an appetizer, entree, and dessert for I think $35. I had a smoked salmon appetizer which was delicious and came with a petite salade. For my entree I had the Coq au vin which was perfect. The portions were actually quite large for a French restaurant which was nice as well. The chicken was falling off the bone and the sauce was amazing. For dessert I had the trio of desserts which was good as well. I really want to come back and try stuff off the actual menu!
(5)
J K.
Went with the sweetie for a delicious Valentine's Day dinner. Prix Fixe menu was the only option for the night due to the holiday. This place has 5-star potential after a re-visit for the full menu.
(4)
Daniel U.
Michel Saragueta is the chef if you've never had the honor of meeting him. He is one of the most humble chefs I've met. When I first arrived the waiter took my jacket, and he directed me to a table where I was promptly given a wine list and toast liver pate. I had never had pate, but it wasn't bad. I decided to get the pork medallions in a sherry cream sauce with butternut squash. It was delicious. I had it with a glass of pinot noir, which made the meal. I would definitely recommend this restaurant for special occasions. Michel is a highly recognized chef, and Glen Ellyn is lucky that he decided to settle down here.
(5)
Mary A.
Chef Michel and Susan are wonderful people to work with! I would give Bistro Monet ten stars if I could!!! My husband and I decided to have a small, local wedding and invite immediate family to the ceremony and then dinner afterwards. We had been to the restaurant many years ago and really enjoyed the appetizers. My mom and I discovered the restaurant while attending the first ever Glen Ellyn Wedding Walk, and she fell in love with it too! Chef Michel took time on his day off to meet with me and my husband to discuss the menu, table set-up, wine list, and even the music that would be playing in the restaurant! He allowed us to pick a custom menu from his offerings, so that our guests would have 3 or 4 choices per course to choose from. Susan said that she would create a small menu card for each guest to choose from, and then take home as a souvenir! The "Petite Monet" dining room holds 25 so it was perfect for our party of 22. They even allowed me to bring in my own wedding cake, for a small cake-cutting fee. As a decorator myself this was, of course, very important to me! On the day of our wedding, a huge storm passed through the suburbs. Many people lost power, there were branches and debris everywhere, and we were concerned that we would have to move our outdoor ceremony indoors. One of the first things we did was call Chef Michel; he reassured us that he still had power, and also generously offered that we could have the ceremony in the restaurant!!! We ended up not needing to but it was an excellent Plan B! It turns out, Bistro Monet was one of the few places in the area with power at all! After the ceremony we arrived earlier than planned to the restaurant, but the staff and Chef were very flexible. They quickly got us seated with water and other beverages, brought out the amuse bouche, and put our wedding cake on display (which Chef was kind enough to let me drop off earlier in the day and store in his walk-in cooler)! Our server (whose name escapes me at this time) was so funny, helpful and kind. He was very patient with our large group and taught everyone the correct pronunciation of merci beaucoup! The food was amazing! Everyone got an amuse, soup/salad, appetizer, entree, and of course, wedding cake! I guess the only complaint was that the food was too rich and there was too much of it; everyone went home with some leftovers! The amuse was a traditional ratatouille on toast and a small shrimp "cup" made out of phyllo dough. Our soup/salad choices were a creamy lobster bisque, which had fresh crab meat on top; a warm asparagus salad with greens and brie cheese, which was out of this world; and a seasonal greens salad with a delicious raspberry vinaigrette. Appetizers were crab cakes, fried to crispy perfection; chicken liver pate with traditional fixings; and Chef's famous short rib ravioli, which could be a meal in itself! For the entrees, everyone in our party selected the honey basted, roasted salmon, with whipped potatoes, or the steak frites, a grilled New York strip, with choice of mushroom sauce, peppercorn sauce, or roquefort (bleu) cheese, and french fries. The steak was cooked to perfection and the fries were extra crispy! The salmon was very fresh and flavorful and the sauce was a perfect compliment! Everything was DELICIOUS! I highly recommend this restaurant for parties, or simply a nice dinner out! The food is amazing and the people are warm and accommodating! Quite the gem, hidden in downtown Glen Ellyn!
(5)
Shawn K.
Excellent French food. I had the rabbit and is was so tasty. Go there you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Sanjeev m.
On a friend's recommendation, I decided to take my wife out for a special anniversary dinner to Bistro Monet, to wow her ... and she was. We had been to this place 4 yrs ago for a Valentine's day dinner when it was called Les Deux Gros (two fat guys), now under new management and a new name since Feb 2007. We went on Sunday night, didn't need reservations... but called ahead anyway and spoke to Michel, the chef and owner who was extremely courteous and keen to host ("I'll be verry appy to cook for u...spoken w/ a beautiful french accent). Michel and Bernard (our waiter) gave us their full attention and made it a very memorable evening. We started with a glass of french Cab (little B) and ordered a couple appetizers and salads. Beet root salad and the crab cake were out of this world. 3 cheese souffle and the Lobster Bisque soup were also good but on the rich side. Then we ordered Duck Confit and Sole fish for entree, which were excellent but we were already too full to finish them. (We were surprised when they offered to "human-bag" for us to enjoy at home, we gladly accepted the offer.) Despite being satiated we didn't want to pass on dessert so we shared one Creme Brulee w/ another glass of wine. During the entire 2 hour dinner we never felt rushed but always well tended, even Chef Michel came out a couple of times to check on us and to wish us adieu. Overall it was a great experience and would love to do it again, although it is a bit pricey to splurge more than once or twice a year. Be mindful when you order, these are Americanized-French portions. Still expect to spend about $50/person for food and $20 - $40/person for wine. At those prices it is unlikely to be overflowing on usual weekends, but you will need reservations on Saturdays and special weekends. We did learn about the upcoming Valentine's Day special (Feb 14, 2009) for $55/person with a fixed 4 -course menu (not sure if it include any wine?). I am sure it would be a very special occasion as it is also their 2nd Anniversary.
(5)
Tom E.
We were looking for a nice french restaurant in the west burbs, and Bistro Monet certainly filled that bill! Everything met the expectations we had from the vast majority of Yelp reviews. The night we were there we had the specials of the carrot soup and the duck, and both were superb. After we arrived (6 PM on a Friday) it did get a bit busy and the service slowed a bit, but we were enjoying the food & ambiance so much we really didn't mind a bit! We will definately return.
(5)
Donna Y.
Exquisite! We recently had a going away party at Bistro Monet for a neighbor. We were a party of 17. EVERYONE raved about their meal. We gave Chef Michel a per person budget and he delivered well above our expectations! We had our party in a separate room which made for a more intimate atmosphere. The staff was extremely friendly and professional and made wonderful suggestions on the wine list. All of our meals arrived hot and delicious! We will definitely plan other events here as well as dinners with family and friends.
(5)
Jason K.
Food was excellent and great, prompt service... very nice, friendly place with awesome food!!
Probably the best experience I've had at a restaurant in the western suburbs, and I've been here for a long, long time. Michel is an amazing chef with incredible experience all around the country (and the world). What's more, he's an incredible host- greeted us at the door, told us a few stories as we exited. Very gracious guy. And, of course, the food was just amazing. Creative, authentic, rich, very tasty. Can't say enough about the place.
(5)
Shannon H.
I visited Bistro Monet last night with the "girls" and was VERY impressed. I have to admit, I dont usually like French food, its usually too rich for my taste but everything we had, was incredible! From the crabcakes to the cream of mushroom soup, portebella salad and then to the main entree: Coq Au Van was equisite. For dessert we split up the apple torte & Chocolate mousse. The food was fabulous as was the waiter and even the chef came out to make sure we were enjoying the fabulous food. I cant wait to go back!
(5)
Chris S.
We dined at Bistro Monet a few days back and I feel it's certainly worth praise. Service: Solid all around, but I had a sneaking suspicious our waiter was playing up his accent - which is to say, I think he was French and had an accent, but if you met him on the street it would be far more subtle. This gave the wife and I something to discuss. That being said, he was fantastic - attentive, but not hovering, our water and wine glasses were always full, in fact I may just say it was among the best service I've had in some time. The chef came out a couple times to talk to us which is always nice. Decor: Cozy, quiet, inviting, somewhat dimly lit - I liked the room a lot. Wine list: Small, but appropriate - heavy on French wine and I'm not sure any bottle was over $100 (maybe one bottle of Champagne hit crossed that threshold). Markups are basically what you'd expect. Food: The menu is standard bistro faire - everything you'd expect, but there's a rotating set of specials - rabbit, for example - that looked very interesting. The food, cuts of meat, and sauces were excellent, with one very large exception which is why I knocked this place down to four stars - I had a steak (which was cooked just about to perfection) that tasted exactly like an Omaha Steak (not good at all). The appetizers (crabcake and sweetbreads) were fantastic and my wife enjoyed her special (some fish, I don't recall). I would say the sweetbreads were well above average, the only place I think I've had better were at Blackbird. Location: This place is literally across the street from the Glen Ellyn train station and there's plenty of parking in the area. Price: Two apps, two entrees, one dessert, and a $60 bottle of wine got us right around $200 with tax and tip. If you're on a budget, it would not be at all difficult for two people to get out for under $100. Highly recommended.
(4)
Jen S.
The food at Bistro Monet is French at it's finest. The service was attentive, but not annoying. I had the Coq au Vin. The chicken was tender & the sauce was flavorful & not too overwhelming. The chocolate bread pudding for dessert was a perfect cap to a great meal. I can't wait to come back.
(5)
J d.
I love fish dishes and I've never had anything short of extraordinary at this restaurant. You will not be disappointed - trust me. Michele (sp) is a true French chef and makes everything from scratch.
(5)
Mary B.
We had visited Bistro Monet in February of this year and I was not impressed. However, I am always willing to give a restaurant a second chance. This is the kind of place we would love to adopt as a regular hang out, given the location and the cozy bar atmosphere. Sadly, I cannot report that my previous visit was an anomaly. On this occasion we had a prix fixe menu of starter, main and dessert. The starter was the same pate I had been served before as an amuse bouche. I am particularly fond of rustic french food so ordered the coq au vin. It was so salty that it was literally inedible. My lemon tart dessert was passable, but clearly not "house made". The chef (not the first fake french guy, but another fake french guy) was cruising around the dining room and noticed my entree untouched. I told him it was far too salty. "Oh, zat is zee wine you are tasting! Zee wine makes it seem that way." Dude, don't serve bad food and then compound it by insulting my intelligence. No offer was made to compensate me for being served an inedible meal, nor did I ask for one. Oh, and when you try to pass yourself off as a fine dining restaurant, YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE PLASTIC TABLECLOTHS on the tables. Seriously.
(1)
Jack S.
We had a reservation for 6 for 7pm on a Saturday night. The restaurant is very cosy, not a lot of space to move around. I had to move my chair closer to the table on several occasions so that the bus boy can move carts with dishes and food behind me. The good part - the food was very tasty (salmon, asparagus salad and beet salad - excellent). The bad parts - service was veeeery slow. We sat down at 7pm, our appetizers arrived at 8.30pm! I understand they want to make it cosy, but this was too cosy and the tables are very close together. Pay attention regarding the wine list - they have listed several less expensive "half-bottle" wines (325ml) together with the regular big bottles. You order a less expensive wine, the waiter does not tell you that it is half-bottle, then he brings you a full bottle and you notice the "misunderstanding" on your bill when you end up paying double of what you thought the wine costs...very clever but sneaky tactic ... next time we will make sure we pay closer attention. Also, 20% gratuity is automatically added for a table of 6 or more.
(3)
Sandra D.
BIG THUMBS UP for the food and service. Pleasant and attentive servers. The food was DIVINE! My husband brought me today for a Mother's Day lunch and the experience was like never before. Compliments to the chef! I highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)
Michele S.
WOW!!! I don't think I have ever dined at a restaurant before where I just said, "yum" and "OMG" after every bite. This place is it. My husband has not stopped raving about it since we pulled out of the parking lot. The service is slow, but so worth the wait. The chef is supposedly a top rated celebrity chef that comes from Beverly Hills. This place is fine dining without the stuffy atmosphere. Our liver pate appetizer was heaven on a plate and our lobster soup was heaven in a bowl. Start to finish everything was top notch and delicious. The decor is a little tacky and the restaurant is literally ten feet from the railroad tracks, but after you taste the food it won't matter. The restaurant could have been on fire and I still would have stayed to finsh my meal. Great experience that I will tell everyone about.
(5)
Lesli K.
5 star dinner service, 5 star food. Attentive dining staff, delicious food, very leisurely dining; lengthy yet without the feeling that you're sitting around waiting too long for the next course. Make sure you don't have somewhere you need to be...our dinner took over 2 1/2 hours from start to finish (and does each time we're there.) It's lovely! The missing star is only due to the fact that my husband had prearranged a couple of special requests (flowers, dessert) when he made the reservation (for his parents' 50th anniversary) and these special requests didn't happen. Had we mentioned what was missing earlier then we did, I bet Bistro Monet would've tried to rectify the oversights. We'll return (this wasn't our first visit), and definitely recommend! Just make sure you double-check on any special requests upon arrival vs. waiting for them to happen, otherwise you'll be buried in good food and goodwill and won't remember until it's too late. ;)
(4)
Mike M.
Stopped by to celebrate 43rd anniversary. Food, wine and service superb , in a western suburb hidden dining gem.
(5)
Lochin S.
First time here. I made the reso, and you can only call it in. wish you can do that all on line, it took forever because i always forgot to call during hours they were open. we are a party of six, everything we ordered was serious good stuff. starting with the short rib ravioli with mushrooms. I think everyone needs to try this. its a MUST. so good. then all of our entrees were stunning. from lamb chops, steaks, frites, cassoulet, we were all trying each others entrees! Brian, our server had to have professional training, he was so good. when he described the dishes, and specials, we wanted them all. Now we cant wait to go back to try some of the other items on the menu. Chef came by too, to say hello. its a cute little place, I had no idea was there. OH, hubby says he wanted some icecream with his frites.... Brian drops a bowl of vanilla icecream off before we get the dessert menu! thats amazing. Corkage was $20, wine service was good.
(5)
Mike M.
This was our first time here and we are fairly new to French cuisine. Service was great and the food was even better. We'll certainly be back. I'll add the time to get food was a tad slow so if you're rushing dinner, or looking for it quick that might be a problem, but the quality and friendly staff more than make up for it.
(5)
Jack N.
Stopped in for appetizers and drinks and was treated to great food and very poor service. The night started with a member of our party having to flag down a bus girl to get a waiter to stop and service our table. Once he was there, the waiter made a point to clarify that this was a "fine dining" experience and that they don't serve "burger and fries". The waiter clearly did not feel that we were old / sophisticated enough to eat at the restaurant. We ordered the mussles, escargot, and a variety of drinks and desserts. Before the visit was over, we had a few more negative interactions with the waiter, who continually acted like we were unworthy of his presence or his food. All the food was delicious but it's impossible to have an enjoyable experience when you feel unwanted. After living in France, I have looked for an authentic French dining experience nearby. It seems that I have found it, but I can't say that the delectable food is worth the ridicule.
(2)
Maria P.
I finally went into this restaurant with a friend last night after seeing a play downtown. We didn't feel like dealing with the city crowds and overpriced hype. So happy we chose Bistrot Monet instead. First, it is valentines weekend and we had no reservations but they gladly sat us at the bar. The service was outstanding throughout the visit! Second, the meal was prix fixe special vday but I think many items are on the regular menu. The food was amazing-I had a beef ravioli in a mushroom sauce followed by duck confit in pastry with green beans and au gratin potatoes. The assorted pastries were all fabulous. Third. Outstanding wine for very reasonable prices! The overall cost is higher than a chain restaurant but comparing it to downtown restaurants of like caliber, bistro Monet is a value. I would say this was the best dinner and wine I have had in years. I live nearby so I will definitely return but I will tell anyone that, if you like French food and want a truly great dining experience, this place is worth the drive, even from Chicago.
(5)
Bill R.
We only stopped in at the bar and had drinks and appetizers. BUT I will tell you that the ambiance, food and drinks were amazingly good. Short rib ravioli and craw fish crepes were out of this world.
(4)
Junho P.
Overpriced. Poor presentation. Of all the items that my wife & I ordered, about the only things that tasted mediocrely o.k. were their french onion soup & their apple tart + ice cream dessert. Those items were still overpriced, though. We would've gotten significantly better tasting food at a place like, say, Olive Garden for a third of the money we spent. That's pretty sad. Service was good, though.
(2)
Krissy S.
Went here last year with my hubby for our anniversary date. I was not too pleased with the food. It seemed so American and not French due to the very big portion and the grease (I had the Steak Frites) The service was okay, the server was a litte "fresh" but he was nice. I loved the cozy atmosphere of the restaurant. The place is a bit small, divided into four sections I believe. So it's very intimate if you and your date had the whole section for yourselves, but in our case we could hear the conversation of the other couple in the next table.
(3)
Miranda B.
Good French food, slow service. I ate here in mid-September, and waited more than 25 minutes to even get bread and a drink in a restaurant that was barely 1/2 full. The food was good enough so I returned last week. Given that i arrived at 8:10pm on a Wednesday night, with maybe 3 other tables full, I expected and got faster service. I DO think that they mix up the ideas of a leisurely pace and being ignored. Leisurely can be fine if someone is keeping your water filled and bringing bread and asking if you need more wine. Knocking off a star for how inattentive it felt. The food features well prepared French specialties. Escargot was the classic 6 pieces drenched in garlic and parsley butter. An amuse-bouche of chicken liver on a slice of baguette is a nice teaser. Cassoulet is mild but filling, loaded with duck and sausage and good on a chilly evening. A recent lamb special brought 3 tender chops atop a yummy olive polenta, the sweet corn complementing the earthy olive bits. A salad of apple and Brie was well done. Bittersweet chocolate mousse in a martini glass, topped with whipped cream, is just decadent enough. A nice part of the western 'burb dining scene, but give yourself lots of time for the meal.
(3)
Erica G.
One word....amazing!! I love French food and this is about as good as it gets, very comparable to an upscale restaurant in Paris. I started with the short rib ravioli which was to die for. The meat was so tender and I could have just eaten the sauce plain. My brother had the crawfish crepes and he said he's never had crawfish taste so good before. The coq a vin was very rich but melted in your mouth and the seafood linguine (on special) was really fresh. If I had to name a downside it was that the assorted dessert plate wasn't amazing but it was still quite tasty. The bread pudding was very dense and solid which I wasn't a big fan or but then again I'm not a big fan of bread puddings. Overall the service was as expected and the food was phenomenal. I would highly recommend this to restaurant to everyone!!
(5)
Anne M.
Stopped in just to try the deserts I've heard so much about. The staff was very welcoming and humorous, the bartender had everyone try desert wines/ports to go with our deserts and the desert itself; all very different and delicious. Not heavy and smaller portions so you feel like you get enough without over doing it. I look forward to returning to enjoy a full meal!
(4)
Kevin O.
We went there for Bastille Day and were disappointed. They had a beginner server, who knew nothing about the menu. The lead server would sometimes come over to help her but he just made it more confusing. I believe the price was too high for the food we received. I would not go there again.
(2)
N E O.
Great Thanksgiving dinner! We went here a few years ago and it was fantastic. We had a large group so we sat in the back which made it feel very private.
(4)
Joseph H.
Took my mother here with G-bone for her birthday. G wore a blazer and I wore a hoodie. G won't let me live it down. I was definitely under dressed, but it's GE. That's my official response anyway. Probably the best service I've ever had. The waiter was actually french (surprising for suburbs) and extremely funny/entertaining. We basically had an entire room to ourselves when we arrived which was a bit worrisome, but the experience turned out great. Food was superb... tried liver pate for the first time. Probably the best meal I've had out in GE in a really long time other than Los B's which shouldn't really count since I'm usually under the influence. Glad to see a new place doing well downtown.
(5)
Victrix V.
Delicious, and worth the splurge to try and indulge. The beet salad is truly heaven. Everything eaten was good or great. More details to come.
(4)
Angel O.
True French Flair! C'est magnifique! Love Chef Michel. Make sure to save room for desert, the chocolate mousse is amazing. It was worth cheating on my sugar-free diet.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Dressy Ambience : Intimate Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes
Stefanie W.
I first spotted this place downtown near the tracks years ago and have been wanting to visit ever since. I finally had the opportunity at the perfect time. Holiday season...snow...charming lights decorating the exterior...perfect. Inside was understated holiday and very pretty. Service was exceptional with a perfect wine suggestion based on my hint about what I like. Complementary bread and a chicken liver yummy thing quickly arrived. We had the foie gras and it was good but memories of better...or at least different...in Paris caused it to be not "all that" for me. ...not for the price. I had a lamb special, which was fantastic. My children had steaks, which were perfect. Those came with French Fries that my son declared the BEST. FRIES. EVER!!!!! Best fries ever? Well, if that's what you're looking for then this is the place! Mousse for dessert was yummy. The chef visited our table! This is a special place. Seemed to be a favorite for birthdays and other occasions. It's expensive but the portions are larger. I can see coming here more regularly and splitting with my husband. I would love, next time, to do just that with a nice bottle of wine and watch the snow fall, the lights twinkle and he trains go by.
(5)Jerry H.
I finally got a chance to try this place. Went there on a Thursday evening. The decor isn't anything special, but the waiter was super nice and attentive. Had to wait a while for our food, but once it arrived it was worth every minute. Mussels for appetizer were great. For main course I had the roasted rack of lamb, and my partner had the coq au vin. Both dishes were rich and exquisite in taste. Lamb was perfect at medium done, and the chicken was moist and delicious. For the dessert, creme brulee that was just a perfect balance of sweetness. At one point, Chef Michel came out and greeted every single table laughing and asking how everyone enjoyed their meals. Seemed like a very warm and gracious guy. I give this place an A+
(5)Lori K.
I thought the atmosphere was cozy, the staff was attentive and friendly, and the authentic French food was delicious. I had the French onion soup which was wonderful followed by the salmon. It was rich with flavor and all the cuisine exceeded my expectations. Thank you to Michel for being such a great server and thank you chef for coming out and speaking with us. I would recommend this place to anyone. I can't wait to return! I thought the atmosphere was cozy, the staff was attentive and friendly, and the authentic French food was delicious. I had the French onion soup which was wonderful followed by the salmon. It was rich with flavor and all the cuisine exceeded my expectations. Thank you to Michel for being such a great server and thank you chef for coming out and speaking with us. I would recommend this place to anyone. I can't wait to return!
(5)Jennifer G.
We went here last night for our five year wedding anniversary. The food was exquisite. Everything was out of this world: lobster bisque, short rib ravioli, beet salad, cassoulet, crime brûlée, etc.! It felt so indulgent, and worthy of a special occasion. The pace is leisurely, and the restaurant quiet. You can actually dine and have a conversation! The dining room is a bit outdated though. I bet they'd do more business if the place looked as good as the food tasted.
(5)Cristie F.
Bistro Monet owner, Chef Michel Saragueta is a world-class chef who has worked in many of the finest restaurants across the globe, and cooked for Hollywood's finest ((i.e., Frank Sinatra, Bill Cosby)), and now resides in downtown Glen Ellyn running the quaint, Bistro Monet. A real, authentic taste of France in the western 'burbs? Who knew!? I didn't...until last night. On a Saturday night we were able to walk in without a reservation at 7pm and immediately get seated. I'm grateful the Taste of Glen Ellyn was going on, or otherwise that may not have been the case. ((Apparently reservations are highly recommended)). We were greeted in the most enthusiastic manner and were told we wouldn't be disappointed in our meal. We weren't. Food: :: Complimentary Amuse Bouche - Chicken Liver Pate :: Mussels Provençal in Tomato, Garlic & White Wine Broth :: Short Rib Ravioli with Sautéed Mushrooms in a White Wine & Light Cream Sauce :: Lobster Bisque Garnished with Crab Meat :: Duo Onion Soup Three Cheese Au Gratin :: Carrot & Ginger Soup (soupe du jour) :: Grilled Asparagus & Brie Cheese on Garden Greens, Julienne Apples, Herbs Vinaigrette :: Salad of Roasted Beets with Goat Cheese & Toasted Walnuts with Balsamic Reduction :: Linguine with Blackened Chicken Strips and Grilled Vegetables in a Pesto Parmesan Infusion The food was phenomenal. Our group of 4 loved each and every dish. The highlights for me were the Short Rib Ravioli and the Salad of Roasted Beets. The Short Rib Ravioli was crazy delish. The mushrooms were fresh, the meat was tender, and the wine and cream sauce was light and full of flavor. The beet salad was unlike any beet salad I've had in the past. The goat cheese and walnuts were mixed in with the tiny chopped up beets, and plated beautifully next to a bed of fresh greens. On my next visit, I'll be sure to have that again. The amuse bouche was also amazing. Typically I'm not a liver kind of girl, but the pate was creamy, savory, and paired perfectly on top of the toasted crouton. The soups were another highlight. But I recommend sharing them. They are extremely rich and the portions are hearty. Atmosphere: Quaint. Quiet. Romantic. Bistro Monet has a country bistro feel. The walls are panelled with oak and decorated with French art and beautiful sconces that give the restaurant an intimate, romantic, and elegant feel. French music played very softly in the background to round out the restaurant's French bistro feel. It's the perfect location for a romantic date, girls night out, or intimate gathering. Service: Friendly. Enthusiastic. Attentive. Our server was extremely knowledgeable about the menu and wasn't shy when it came to admitting he ate there nearly every day. He shared what the customer favorites were, which dishes were featured in the "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous Cookbook", and which dishes won awards across Chicago. ((So many were listed, I couldn't keep track)). Chef Michel himself came out to see how we were enjoying our dishes and say hello. There's something to be said about a chef who cooks solely for pure enjoyment and satisfying his customers. Sadly, there was one instance that rubbed me the wrong way. When our bill arrived, we were charged $5 for 2 of the guests to split an entree, without any mention of it. Our party of 4 spent nearly $200 in drinks and food, so adding on the 5 bucks seemed slightly tacky and somewhat insulting. It wasn't the money that was bothersome, but the principal. Clearly we weren't going cheap, and shouldn't be penalized for ordering multiple dishes and eating "family style". We overlooked it, and moved on. But overall, the service was great. The portions were large and the prices were fair. This isn't the type of French restaurant to charge you $25 a plate and serve you three bites. You will leave full and satisfied. I had no idea such an adorable and delicious little French restaurant existed in my neck of the woods. Chef Michel Saragueta has got it going on in his très délicieux bistro. It's a rarity to find world-class chefs outside of Chicago and out in the 'burbs.
(4)Kelli Z.
Wonderful place! I am actually uspet that my husband and I didn't visit Bistro Monet sooner. The food was amazing (order the short rib ravioli, it does not diappoint!) and the service was top notch. We asked about a wine that would pair well with both of our dinners and the resident expert picked a wonderful bottle. It was not an easy pairing since my husband ordered scallops but I really wanted red wine. Chef Michel was so warm and endearing. He visited our table several times during the meal. His food is cooked with love and the restaurant was a real treat. I cannot wait to go back! Also, don't let the location fool you. This place is the real deal!
(5)Steve R.
Didn't actually eat there but they were very courteous and nice and let me use the bathroom even though I was not a customer. Decor was cute and had a good atmosphere to it.
(5)Wylie P.
Recently I took my favorite woman in the world (besides Taylor Swift) to Bistro Monet for what I hoped to be an evening rife with gastronomic expertise. Things got off to a shaky start, but Bistro Monet rose from the almost ashes like a Phoenix with wing mounted laser guns. We arrived at our reservation time on the dot. We were told by the Bartender to round a corner to see the hostess. There was a middle aged woman at the hostess's little desk who who informed us it would be a few minutes before the hostess could be there to seat us. She took my coat and stuffed my scarf into the sleeve with adept, efficient hands and hung it with aplomb. There was a four minute gap from then to the time of seating, approximately. The hostess looked overextended, at the limit even. Perhaps it was like that movie where the bus can't go below a certain speed or it would explode, except instead it's a restaurant that can't go below a certain amount of seated patrons or she would get fired. Regardless she made it happen in reasonable time. There was one other detail (non hostess related) that rubbed me the wrong way before our server arrived, but it was a freak accident which harmed no one and could happen at any establishment. In my mind I asked myself: "what would Kanye West not do?" I took it in stride. From there on things were perfect. Selection, presentation, preparation, all was very tasteful. Our server Brian was a huge part of our positive experience. He was dealt a S#!t sandwich in regard to that one aforementioned "hiccup" that came to us before him and proceeded to slam dunk everything from there on out. Despite my knowledge of wines I played dumb, he described what I chose with the accuracy of a German chassis engineer. The Alcest region Pinot Blanc was perfect for my food selections and also expertly administered. Brian was well versed in the way of the sommelier. The scallops were the only other thing particularly noteworthy. Paired with the reduction they were served in, they were the flavor equivalent of the solo in the song "freebird" but less less drawn out as to not destroy the integrity of its parts. Truly masterful course. I'd make love to that dish. Merci Beaucoup Chef Michel.
(5)Michelle M.
We took my in-law's here after hearing wonderful things about it and we were NOT disappointed! Everything was amazing - the staff was very friendly, the food was delicious, and Chef Michel even came out to talk to us at the end of our meal. Our food - my husband and I ordered the onion soup to split and it was great. We ordered the short rib ravioli to split among the 4 of us and it was SO good. The dish came with 3 large ravioli covered in a plethora of mushrooms and cream sauce. For our main courses, we ordered duck a l'orange, classic cassoulet, steak frites, and medallions of pork tenderloin...all were wonderful! For dessert, we ordered the Chocolate Caramel Tarte to split and it was fantastic! All in all, just a really fantastic place to eat. Give yourself plenty of time to dine here as they do move at a slower, more relaxed pace.
(5)David K.
Michel is a world-class chef who runs a world-class restaurant. It's a quaint space and you'll feel right at home as soon as you step in the door. This place has a delightful menu and numerous events throughout the year to bring flair to one's dining experience. If you want a taste of France in the Western Suburbs, this place is a can't miss.
(5)Cat E.
The braised short rib ravioli was crazy good. Soups are very rich, warm and full of flavor. Good atmosphere, wait staff is very friendly. If you are in a rush, this place is not for you. Located in a small shopping plaza, does not look like a lot from the outside, but worth walking in for a great dinner.
(4)Ginny E.
Tres Magnifique!! I am in love. It's like a slice of Paris right here in the burbs. The food is wonderfully prepared with care. The service is outstanding. I can't recall our waiters name but talk about the best of European service - he's simply wonderful. This is a great place to dine with friends or to have a date night. It's also incredibly high quality at a very decent value. You must check it out!
(5)Michael M.
For the weekly Specials at Bistro Monet , owner Michel has a inter-net mailing list michal@bistromonet.com , Mes Amis.
(4)Judy D.
I took a client and manager to Bistro Monet last evening. The choice was great. The Wait Staff was funny, attentive. The food was so delicious. We will cetainly go back as soon as possible.
(5)Food C.
This is a little spot in downtown glen ellyn. The first time we came was our 1st year anniversary. I loved how our waiter had this thick french accent and how the interior is slightly dimmed giving it a very comfortable and quiet atmosphere. The crab bisque we had was delicious. The wine selection is small which I have no problem with and is well chosen. Very fitting for the food. The menus is also not so big which makes selection easier and encourages us to try the specials. Chef Michael really knows how to handle the vegetable on the plates which is essential in french cuisine because it plays a vital role in each plate. I remember vividly the way he grills the asparagus'. Wonderful! The desserts are a delight also. The first time they ran out of a dessert that was highly recommended. The second time I went they werent making the Gateax Opera but I asked anyways and they made an exception for me. Now that is customer service!!! I also loved how, after every meal Chef Michael comes out and interacts with the customers. I hope he never stops doing this because it gives each and every customer that personal touch. I will return here for another special occasion. Until then, Adieu!
(4)Malea I.
My husband and I went based off the reviews we found here at yelp, and I am glad that we did. We went on a Saturday night early. It was busy but in the same sense quiet and more on the romantic side. Our server, Bernard, was very attentive, but not hovering. He was there when needed and was gone when we did not. He was very helpful on choosing our entrees. The food was served at our pace and we did not feel the least bit rushed. My husband had the steak and I had scallops both fantastic. We both thought it odd that there was no salt and pepper on the table, but after tasting our entrees it all was clear. The chef was an expert on seasoning. There was not a thing on either plate that needed it. We had the bread pudding for dessert and it was sinfully delicious. We are both looking forward to going back and trying more of the menu.
(5)Jennifer B.
So, so, so good! Once you're inside you'd have no idea you were in a tiny strip mall. It's very classy. The food was amazing. I got the braised rabbit special and lobster bisque with a caramel chocolate tarte for dessert. Everything was perfect. The also have a decently priced wine list. I cannot suggest this place strongly enough. It's worth every penny.
(5)Arin B.
This place is impeccable. From the great service to amazing food. I went here on Mother's Day and there was a fixed price menu where you got to choose an appetizer, entree, and dessert for I think $35. I had a smoked salmon appetizer which was delicious and came with a petite salade. For my entree I had the Coq au vin which was perfect. The portions were actually quite large for a French restaurant which was nice as well. The chicken was falling off the bone and the sauce was amazing. For dessert I had the trio of desserts which was good as well. I really want to come back and try stuff off the actual menu!
(5)J K.
Went with the sweetie for a delicious Valentine's Day dinner. Prix Fixe menu was the only option for the night due to the holiday. This place has 5-star potential after a re-visit for the full menu.
(4)Daniel U.
Michel Saragueta is the chef if you've never had the honor of meeting him. He is one of the most humble chefs I've met. When I first arrived the waiter took my jacket, and he directed me to a table where I was promptly given a wine list and toast liver pate. I had never had pate, but it wasn't bad. I decided to get the pork medallions in a sherry cream sauce with butternut squash. It was delicious. I had it with a glass of pinot noir, which made the meal. I would definitely recommend this restaurant for special occasions. Michel is a highly recognized chef, and Glen Ellyn is lucky that he decided to settle down here.
(5)Mary A.
Chef Michel and Susan are wonderful people to work with! I would give Bistro Monet ten stars if I could!!! My husband and I decided to have a small, local wedding and invite immediate family to the ceremony and then dinner afterwards. We had been to the restaurant many years ago and really enjoyed the appetizers. My mom and I discovered the restaurant while attending the first ever Glen Ellyn Wedding Walk, and she fell in love with it too! Chef Michel took time on his day off to meet with me and my husband to discuss the menu, table set-up, wine list, and even the music that would be playing in the restaurant! He allowed us to pick a custom menu from his offerings, so that our guests would have 3 or 4 choices per course to choose from. Susan said that she would create a small menu card for each guest to choose from, and then take home as a souvenir! The "Petite Monet" dining room holds 25 so it was perfect for our party of 22. They even allowed me to bring in my own wedding cake, for a small cake-cutting fee. As a decorator myself this was, of course, very important to me! On the day of our wedding, a huge storm passed through the suburbs. Many people lost power, there were branches and debris everywhere, and we were concerned that we would have to move our outdoor ceremony indoors. One of the first things we did was call Chef Michel; he reassured us that he still had power, and also generously offered that we could have the ceremony in the restaurant!!! We ended up not needing to but it was an excellent Plan B! It turns out, Bistro Monet was one of the few places in the area with power at all! After the ceremony we arrived earlier than planned to the restaurant, but the staff and Chef were very flexible. They quickly got us seated with water and other beverages, brought out the amuse bouche, and put our wedding cake on display (which Chef was kind enough to let me drop off earlier in the day and store in his walk-in cooler)! Our server (whose name escapes me at this time) was so funny, helpful and kind. He was very patient with our large group and taught everyone the correct pronunciation of merci beaucoup! The food was amazing! Everyone got an amuse, soup/salad, appetizer, entree, and of course, wedding cake! I guess the only complaint was that the food was too rich and there was too much of it; everyone went home with some leftovers! The amuse was a traditional ratatouille on toast and a small shrimp "cup" made out of phyllo dough. Our soup/salad choices were a creamy lobster bisque, which had fresh crab meat on top; a warm asparagus salad with greens and brie cheese, which was out of this world; and a seasonal greens salad with a delicious raspberry vinaigrette. Appetizers were crab cakes, fried to crispy perfection; chicken liver pate with traditional fixings; and Chef's famous short rib ravioli, which could be a meal in itself! For the entrees, everyone in our party selected the honey basted, roasted salmon, with whipped potatoes, or the steak frites, a grilled New York strip, with choice of mushroom sauce, peppercorn sauce, or roquefort (bleu) cheese, and french fries. The steak was cooked to perfection and the fries were extra crispy! The salmon was very fresh and flavorful and the sauce was a perfect compliment! Everything was DELICIOUS! I highly recommend this restaurant for parties, or simply a nice dinner out! The food is amazing and the people are warm and accommodating! Quite the gem, hidden in downtown Glen Ellyn!
(5)Shawn K.
Excellent French food. I had the rabbit and is was so tasty. Go there you won't be disappointed.
(5)Sanjeev m.
On a friend's recommendation, I decided to take my wife out for a special anniversary dinner to Bistro Monet, to wow her ... and she was. We had been to this place 4 yrs ago for a Valentine's day dinner when it was called Les Deux Gros (two fat guys), now under new management and a new name since Feb 2007. We went on Sunday night, didn't need reservations... but called ahead anyway and spoke to Michel, the chef and owner who was extremely courteous and keen to host ("I'll be verry appy to cook for u...spoken w/ a beautiful french accent). Michel and Bernard (our waiter) gave us their full attention and made it a very memorable evening. We started with a glass of french Cab (little B) and ordered a couple appetizers and salads. Beet root salad and the crab cake were out of this world. 3 cheese souffle and the Lobster Bisque soup were also good but on the rich side. Then we ordered Duck Confit and Sole fish for entree, which were excellent but we were already too full to finish them. (We were surprised when they offered to "human-bag" for us to enjoy at home, we gladly accepted the offer.) Despite being satiated we didn't want to pass on dessert so we shared one Creme Brulee w/ another glass of wine. During the entire 2 hour dinner we never felt rushed but always well tended, even Chef Michel came out a couple of times to check on us and to wish us adieu. Overall it was a great experience and would love to do it again, although it is a bit pricey to splurge more than once or twice a year. Be mindful when you order, these are Americanized-French portions. Still expect to spend about $50/person for food and $20 - $40/person for wine. At those prices it is unlikely to be overflowing on usual weekends, but you will need reservations on Saturdays and special weekends. We did learn about the upcoming Valentine's Day special (Feb 14, 2009) for $55/person with a fixed 4 -course menu (not sure if it include any wine?). I am sure it would be a very special occasion as it is also their 2nd Anniversary.
(5)Tom E.
We were looking for a nice french restaurant in the west burbs, and Bistro Monet certainly filled that bill! Everything met the expectations we had from the vast majority of Yelp reviews. The night we were there we had the specials of the carrot soup and the duck, and both were superb. After we arrived (6 PM on a Friday) it did get a bit busy and the service slowed a bit, but we were enjoying the food & ambiance so much we really didn't mind a bit! We will definately return.
(5)Donna Y.
Exquisite! We recently had a going away party at Bistro Monet for a neighbor. We were a party of 17. EVERYONE raved about their meal. We gave Chef Michel a per person budget and he delivered well above our expectations! We had our party in a separate room which made for a more intimate atmosphere. The staff was extremely friendly and professional and made wonderful suggestions on the wine list. All of our meals arrived hot and delicious! We will definitely plan other events here as well as dinners with family and friends.
(5)Jason K.
Food was excellent and great, prompt service... very nice, friendly place with awesome food!!
(5)Tracy S.
I was planning a dinner with my Dad and Uncle as a belated graduation present and I was looking for a nice restaurant in the suburbs with City appeal. I stumbled across Bistro Monet which is very close to my parent's home, and I was pleasantly surprised when this fit the bill perfectly. I made my reservation earlier in the week for Friday night at 6pm, and I spoke with Chef Michel and he was so nice on the phone I felt like I was back in Paris making reservations for my evening meal. When we arrived on Friday we were walked right to a table by the windows with a view of the prairie path, which I know all too well. Our server swiftly took our drink order which was convenient because it turns out he was the bartender. We ordered a bottle of a wonderful white wine and my father & uncle both had pre-dinner cocktails. Food: Appetizers: mussels & escargot Entrées: Duck a l'orange ala Julia with grilled asparagus; Crusted Tilapia & crawfish with scalloped potatoes; Salmon & linguini with asparagus, Desserts: crème brulee; chocolate mousse & peach tart with ice cream. Everything was delicious; the duck was the best with the salmon linguini up second. The Mussels and crawfish were a little overdone but still very good and full of flavor. The desserts were great, my crème brulee was a little blah (not very sweet) but the chocolate mousse and peach tart were wonderful. The food was hot and flavorful when it came to our table so, all in all great food. Service: Our server was great and super friendly, my family is a bit of a handful and he navigated them perfectly. There was a little delay with the menu's and the service was a little slower than I am used to but this is a French Bistro, and in true French fashion they don't rush you through the meal. When you make a reservation in Paris you make it for the evening and you can take as long as you like because you have the table for the night. So it is a very relaxed occasion and that's exactly what this was. Atmosphere: Bistro Monte is a very clean, quaint & cozy restaurant and has a great little art wall full of Monet when you walk in, all patrons seemed to be having a great time. I know we were eying others food and asking our server what that entree was, and others were doing the same. It was a very friendly atmosphere despite the older decor. Chef Michel came out at the end of our meal and greeted all of his guests; he is so friendly and fun and makes you feel so welcome. I will definitely be back. This is definitely a special occasion place or if you are watching your budget I suggest sharing an appetizer or a dessert this will make it a little more cost effective.
(4)Tim K.
Probably the best experience I've had at a restaurant in the western suburbs, and I've been here for a long, long time. Michel is an amazing chef with incredible experience all around the country (and the world). What's more, he's an incredible host- greeted us at the door, told us a few stories as we exited. Very gracious guy. And, of course, the food was just amazing. Creative, authentic, rich, very tasty. Can't say enough about the place.
(5)Shannon H.
I visited Bistro Monet last night with the "girls" and was VERY impressed. I have to admit, I dont usually like French food, its usually too rich for my taste but everything we had, was incredible! From the crabcakes to the cream of mushroom soup, portebella salad and then to the main entree: Coq Au Van was equisite. For dessert we split up the apple torte & Chocolate mousse. The food was fabulous as was the waiter and even the chef came out to make sure we were enjoying the fabulous food. I cant wait to go back!
(5)Chris S.
We dined at Bistro Monet a few days back and I feel it's certainly worth praise. Service: Solid all around, but I had a sneaking suspicious our waiter was playing up his accent - which is to say, I think he was French and had an accent, but if you met him on the street it would be far more subtle. This gave the wife and I something to discuss. That being said, he was fantastic - attentive, but not hovering, our water and wine glasses were always full, in fact I may just say it was among the best service I've had in some time. The chef came out a couple times to talk to us which is always nice. Decor: Cozy, quiet, inviting, somewhat dimly lit - I liked the room a lot. Wine list: Small, but appropriate - heavy on French wine and I'm not sure any bottle was over $100 (maybe one bottle of Champagne hit crossed that threshold). Markups are basically what you'd expect. Food: The menu is standard bistro faire - everything you'd expect, but there's a rotating set of specials - rabbit, for example - that looked very interesting. The food, cuts of meat, and sauces were excellent, with one very large exception which is why I knocked this place down to four stars - I had a steak (which was cooked just about to perfection) that tasted exactly like an Omaha Steak (not good at all). The appetizers (crabcake and sweetbreads) were fantastic and my wife enjoyed her special (some fish, I don't recall). I would say the sweetbreads were well above average, the only place I think I've had better were at Blackbird. Location: This place is literally across the street from the Glen Ellyn train station and there's plenty of parking in the area. Price: Two apps, two entrees, one dessert, and a $60 bottle of wine got us right around $200 with tax and tip. If you're on a budget, it would not be at all difficult for two people to get out for under $100. Highly recommended.
(4)Jen S.
The food at Bistro Monet is French at it's finest. The service was attentive, but not annoying. I had the Coq au Vin. The chicken was tender & the sauce was flavorful & not too overwhelming. The chocolate bread pudding for dessert was a perfect cap to a great meal. I can't wait to come back.
(5)J d.
I love fish dishes and I've never had anything short of extraordinary at this restaurant. You will not be disappointed - trust me. Michele (sp) is a true French chef and makes everything from scratch.
(5)Mary B.
We had visited Bistro Monet in February of this year and I was not impressed. However, I am always willing to give a restaurant a second chance. This is the kind of place we would love to adopt as a regular hang out, given the location and the cozy bar atmosphere. Sadly, I cannot report that my previous visit was an anomaly. On this occasion we had a prix fixe menu of starter, main and dessert. The starter was the same pate I had been served before as an amuse bouche. I am particularly fond of rustic french food so ordered the coq au vin. It was so salty that it was literally inedible. My lemon tart dessert was passable, but clearly not "house made". The chef (not the first fake french guy, but another fake french guy) was cruising around the dining room and noticed my entree untouched. I told him it was far too salty. "Oh, zat is zee wine you are tasting! Zee wine makes it seem that way." Dude, don't serve bad food and then compound it by insulting my intelligence. No offer was made to compensate me for being served an inedible meal, nor did I ask for one. Oh, and when you try to pass yourself off as a fine dining restaurant, YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE PLASTIC TABLECLOTHS on the tables. Seriously.
(1)Jack S.
We had a reservation for 6 for 7pm on a Saturday night. The restaurant is very cosy, not a lot of space to move around. I had to move my chair closer to the table on several occasions so that the bus boy can move carts with dishes and food behind me. The good part - the food was very tasty (salmon, asparagus salad and beet salad - excellent). The bad parts - service was veeeery slow. We sat down at 7pm, our appetizers arrived at 8.30pm! I understand they want to make it cosy, but this was too cosy and the tables are very close together. Pay attention regarding the wine list - they have listed several less expensive "half-bottle" wines (325ml) together with the regular big bottles. You order a less expensive wine, the waiter does not tell you that it is half-bottle, then he brings you a full bottle and you notice the "misunderstanding" on your bill when you end up paying double of what you thought the wine costs...very clever but sneaky tactic ... next time we will make sure we pay closer attention. Also, 20% gratuity is automatically added for a table of 6 or more.
(3)Sandra D.
BIG THUMBS UP for the food and service. Pleasant and attentive servers. The food was DIVINE! My husband brought me today for a Mother's Day lunch and the experience was like never before. Compliments to the chef! I highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)Michele S.
WOW!!! I don't think I have ever dined at a restaurant before where I just said, "yum" and "OMG" after every bite. This place is it. My husband has not stopped raving about it since we pulled out of the parking lot. The service is slow, but so worth the wait. The chef is supposedly a top rated celebrity chef that comes from Beverly Hills. This place is fine dining without the stuffy atmosphere. Our liver pate appetizer was heaven on a plate and our lobster soup was heaven in a bowl. Start to finish everything was top notch and delicious. The decor is a little tacky and the restaurant is literally ten feet from the railroad tracks, but after you taste the food it won't matter. The restaurant could have been on fire and I still would have stayed to finsh my meal. Great experience that I will tell everyone about.
(5)Lesli K.
5 star dinner service, 5 star food. Attentive dining staff, delicious food, very leisurely dining; lengthy yet without the feeling that you're sitting around waiting too long for the next course. Make sure you don't have somewhere you need to be...our dinner took over 2 1/2 hours from start to finish (and does each time we're there.) It's lovely! The missing star is only due to the fact that my husband had prearranged a couple of special requests (flowers, dessert) when he made the reservation (for his parents' 50th anniversary) and these special requests didn't happen. Had we mentioned what was missing earlier then we did, I bet Bistro Monet would've tried to rectify the oversights. We'll return (this wasn't our first visit), and definitely recommend! Just make sure you double-check on any special requests upon arrival vs. waiting for them to happen, otherwise you'll be buried in good food and goodwill and won't remember until it's too late. ;)
(4)Mike M.
Stopped by to celebrate 43rd anniversary. Food, wine and service superb , in a western suburb hidden dining gem.
(5)Lochin S.
First time here. I made the reso, and you can only call it in. wish you can do that all on line, it took forever because i always forgot to call during hours they were open. we are a party of six, everything we ordered was serious good stuff. starting with the short rib ravioli with mushrooms. I think everyone needs to try this. its a MUST. so good. then all of our entrees were stunning. from lamb chops, steaks, frites, cassoulet, we were all trying each others entrees! Brian, our server had to have professional training, he was so good. when he described the dishes, and specials, we wanted them all. Now we cant wait to go back to try some of the other items on the menu. Chef came by too, to say hello. its a cute little place, I had no idea was there. OH, hubby says he wanted some icecream with his frites.... Brian drops a bowl of vanilla icecream off before we get the dessert menu! thats amazing. Corkage was $20, wine service was good.
(5)Mike M.
This was our first time here and we are fairly new to French cuisine. Service was great and the food was even better. We'll certainly be back. I'll add the time to get food was a tad slow so if you're rushing dinner, or looking for it quick that might be a problem, but the quality and friendly staff more than make up for it.
(5)Jack N.
Stopped in for appetizers and drinks and was treated to great food and very poor service. The night started with a member of our party having to flag down a bus girl to get a waiter to stop and service our table. Once he was there, the waiter made a point to clarify that this was a "fine dining" experience and that they don't serve "burger and fries". The waiter clearly did not feel that we were old / sophisticated enough to eat at the restaurant. We ordered the mussles, escargot, and a variety of drinks and desserts. Before the visit was over, we had a few more negative interactions with the waiter, who continually acted like we were unworthy of his presence or his food. All the food was delicious but it's impossible to have an enjoyable experience when you feel unwanted. After living in France, I have looked for an authentic French dining experience nearby. It seems that I have found it, but I can't say that the delectable food is worth the ridicule.
(2)Maria P.
I finally went into this restaurant with a friend last night after seeing a play downtown. We didn't feel like dealing with the city crowds and overpriced hype. So happy we chose Bistrot Monet instead. First, it is valentines weekend and we had no reservations but they gladly sat us at the bar. The service was outstanding throughout the visit! Second, the meal was prix fixe special vday but I think many items are on the regular menu. The food was amazing-I had a beef ravioli in a mushroom sauce followed by duck confit in pastry with green beans and au gratin potatoes. The assorted pastries were all fabulous. Third. Outstanding wine for very reasonable prices! The overall cost is higher than a chain restaurant but comparing it to downtown restaurants of like caliber, bistro Monet is a value. I would say this was the best dinner and wine I have had in years. I live nearby so I will definitely return but I will tell anyone that, if you like French food and want a truly great dining experience, this place is worth the drive, even from Chicago.
(5)Bill R.
We only stopped in at the bar and had drinks and appetizers. BUT I will tell you that the ambiance, food and drinks were amazingly good. Short rib ravioli and craw fish crepes were out of this world.
(4)Junho P.
Overpriced. Poor presentation. Of all the items that my wife & I ordered, about the only things that tasted mediocrely o.k. were their french onion soup & their apple tart + ice cream dessert. Those items were still overpriced, though. We would've gotten significantly better tasting food at a place like, say, Olive Garden for a third of the money we spent. That's pretty sad. Service was good, though.
(2)Krissy S.
Went here last year with my hubby for our anniversary date. I was not too pleased with the food. It seemed so American and not French due to the very big portion and the grease (I had the Steak Frites) The service was okay, the server was a litte "fresh" but he was nice. I loved the cozy atmosphere of the restaurant. The place is a bit small, divided into four sections I believe. So it's very intimate if you and your date had the whole section for yourselves, but in our case we could hear the conversation of the other couple in the next table.
(3)Miranda B.
Good French food, slow service. I ate here in mid-September, and waited more than 25 minutes to even get bread and a drink in a restaurant that was barely 1/2 full. The food was good enough so I returned last week. Given that i arrived at 8:10pm on a Wednesday night, with maybe 3 other tables full, I expected and got faster service. I DO think that they mix up the ideas of a leisurely pace and being ignored. Leisurely can be fine if someone is keeping your water filled and bringing bread and asking if you need more wine. Knocking off a star for how inattentive it felt. The food features well prepared French specialties. Escargot was the classic 6 pieces drenched in garlic and parsley butter. An amuse-bouche of chicken liver on a slice of baguette is a nice teaser. Cassoulet is mild but filling, loaded with duck and sausage and good on a chilly evening. A recent lamb special brought 3 tender chops atop a yummy olive polenta, the sweet corn complementing the earthy olive bits. A salad of apple and Brie was well done. Bittersweet chocolate mousse in a martini glass, topped with whipped cream, is just decadent enough. A nice part of the western 'burb dining scene, but give yourself lots of time for the meal.
(3)Erica G.
One word....amazing!! I love French food and this is about as good as it gets, very comparable to an upscale restaurant in Paris. I started with the short rib ravioli which was to die for. The meat was so tender and I could have just eaten the sauce plain. My brother had the crawfish crepes and he said he's never had crawfish taste so good before. The coq a vin was very rich but melted in your mouth and the seafood linguine (on special) was really fresh. If I had to name a downside it was that the assorted dessert plate wasn't amazing but it was still quite tasty. The bread pudding was very dense and solid which I wasn't a big fan or but then again I'm not a big fan of bread puddings. Overall the service was as expected and the food was phenomenal. I would highly recommend this to restaurant to everyone!!
(5)Anne M.
Stopped in just to try the deserts I've heard so much about. The staff was very welcoming and humorous, the bartender had everyone try desert wines/ports to go with our deserts and the desert itself; all very different and delicious. Not heavy and smaller portions so you feel like you get enough without over doing it. I look forward to returning to enjoy a full meal!
(4)Kevin O.
We went there for Bastille Day and were disappointed. They had a beginner server, who knew nothing about the menu. The lead server would sometimes come over to help her but he just made it more confusing. I believe the price was too high for the food we received. I would not go there again.
(2)N E O.
Great Thanksgiving dinner! We went here a few years ago and it was fantastic. We had a large group so we sat in the back which made it feel very private.
(4)Joseph H.
Took my mother here with G-bone for her birthday. G wore a blazer and I wore a hoodie. G won't let me live it down. I was definitely under dressed, but it's GE. That's my official response anyway. Probably the best service I've ever had. The waiter was actually french (surprising for suburbs) and extremely funny/entertaining. We basically had an entire room to ourselves when we arrived which was a bit worrisome, but the experience turned out great. Food was superb... tried liver pate for the first time. Probably the best meal I've had out in GE in a really long time other than Los B's which shouldn't really count since I'm usually under the influence. Glad to see a new place doing well downtown.
(5)Victrix V.
Delicious, and worth the splurge to try and indulge. The beet salad is truly heaven. Everything eaten was good or great. More details to come.
(4)Angel O.
True French Flair! C'est magnifique! Love Chef Michel. Make sure to save room for desert, the chocolate mousse is amazing. It was worth cheating on my sugar-free diet.
(5)