It's amazing the difference a few months can make. Four months ago, I would have given this place 5 stars. Now, I have to seriously reconsider ever going back there again. Tonight was completely shocking. I should have known that there would be a problem when the bread was hard. I'm talking that the bread seemed like it had been sitting in the cargo hold of an airplane for too long. This is completely the opposite of the bread I had here 4 months ago. In my group, all of us shared, and no one said anything until everyone had made up their minds. There was a consensus that the food was bad. The risotto was horrible. It was significantly undercooked and bland. It's a good thing that Gordon Ramsay wasn't there or else he would have thrown the stuff at the chef. The pate was okay, but this place was famous for its amazing foie gras. Why change a successful dish? The skirtsteak was also terrible. There's a difference between medium rare and rare. The dish was too rare, but it did allow us to get a better idea of the quality of the meat. The meat was too stringy (this was a comment also made by another recent reviewer). What was truly terrible was the pork chop. The spicy sauce on the side was awful. But what destroyed the dish was that the pork chop was way overcooked. I have never tasted a pork chop that dry before. It was awful. My group actually tried to order several things that we loved from four months ago. If you read the reviews from that time, you'll find that most of us agree on what was amazing. So, here is some free advice: if everyone is saying how great a dish is, DON'T TAKE IT OFF THE MENU! The risotto was terrible. It was undercooked and each of us tried I hate seeing a place that was so wonderful take such a dive. On the other hand, I did get another massage at today at New Moon Massage, and it was as good as the last time (read my review on it). The woman who works there is a great example of someone who earns money the honest way. I just wish that Petit Robert Bistro would learn some lessons from her. I don't think that it's a coincidence that three recent reviewers have also given very low scores to this restaurant. The only thing I'm trying to figure out is how they hated the food so much but still gave it 2 stars.
(1)
Barbara B.
J'adore ce restaurant! Have yet to try their main courses, but the brunch selection is delicieuse. Definitely, if you can, come right when it opens - the fresh baguettes are oh so worth it!
Several months ago I brought a drunk and (hysterically) crying/ranting relative into a restaurant to use their bathroom. Needless to say it was pretty embarrassing. Cut to last weekend when my friend decides he wants to go to Petit Robert for his bday dinner. Walking towards the door I thought, "This place looks familiar...." Much better experience this time! Such a cute place - something about below ground level makes it feel so cozy. I would say romantic, but I was with nine other people sooo not so much. As soon as we were seated our very friendly and attentive waiter (I wish I could remember his name....cute?....no French accent?) came by to take our drink orders. He helped me decide between two and I was very happy with my French Sidecar. The menu is what I personally consider "fancy" with lots of things that I wasn't 100% sure what they were. Sauce made with white wine and...bone marrow? Still, for a "fancy" place the prices are very reasonable. I did the $35 3-course special where I first choose salad with a big panko (yum!) fried goat cheese ball - the cheese also tasted great on their bread. Then came the chicken with tarragon sauce with mashed potato and a chunk of lightly cooked broccoli - a small portion, but really I didn't need any more than what I got and the chicken was cooked perfectly and DELICIOUS. The birthday boy (and to a lesser extent his gf) really talked up the profiterole to the point where I found myself ordering it even though I didn't know what a freakin' "profiterole" (or "the pro thing" as I called it) was. Yum-me! Two fried pastries with a scoop of vanilla ice cream sandwiched in the middle...oh and the whole thing is COVERED in chocolate sauce! I tried a scoop of the chocolate mouse and it was good, but VERY heavy. I probably would have needed 3 glasses of water and two extra stomachs to get through it.
(4)
Yao W.
"Meh" is right. Had a birthday dinner for a friend here, and my entree was less than memorable. And another friend's pork chops were a little dried out. Is this what passes for French cuisine in Boston?
(2)
Mairead R.
On a recent visit to Boston, three of us went to a late brunch at the Petit Robert Bistro based on yelpers' reviews. This place is perfect for an intimate dinner date, for a late brunch with a gaggle of girlfriends, or a boisterous birthday party. The wait staff were seasoned and seemed to anticipate the needs of the restaurant's diverse clientele. From a toddler playing with her French fries to an elderly couple sharing cappuccino, from a well-to-do family noshing to our brunching party of three, they were very nice. Our host remembered that our special event was for my mom's birthday; even making sure that her tarte tatin was decorated with her (correctly spelled) name in high-quality chocolate. Even though we were about ten minutes late, the table was still set for our party and they hadn't given away our seats. Crusty bread and chilled, salted butter were promptly delivered. We started with the trio of homemade pates, served with a side of cornichons and spicy mustard. While I've found that many French bistros serve a pate plate with all-too-similar pates that are graying around the edges and icy on the tongue, Petit Robert's trio of pates served up diversity and fresh flavor. Each showcased a different type of pate and each was prepared and spiced accordingly. I was impressed. Next up, lobster bisque. Plenty of fresh, sweet meat and a richly flavored base. In a town famous for lobster bisque, this bowl stands out. And, quite frankly, it kills Legal Seafoods attempt at the dish. Boo ya! The frisee salad with duck confit was a delight in the winter months. While winter greens were abundant at Boston's farmers' market during that time of year, I believe that the frisee is a tender green that is more common in early spring. Which made the lacy feel and juicy taste of the frisee all the more appreciated. And, of course, duck confit. Yay! Just the right allocation to dress up the frisee salad. Our entrees were pan seared scallops and lamb cassoulet with merguez sausage. The scallops were plainly dressed, especially compared with the other entrees, but the quality was delightful. And they were humongous, which is either good or bad depending upon your chewing preference. Some like smaller scallops so that they can pop the entire crisped piece into their mouth at one time, others like a melt-in-your mouth, buttery interior. This was the latter. Unfortunately, the lamb cassoulet didn't come together. While the ingredients were top notch, it seemed that they were layered upon one another and the flavors didn't merge seamlessly. Dense haricot beans, a couple pieces of crisp bacon, and a garnish of duck confit stood out. The desserts were spectacular - thanks pastry chef Kristen Lawson. My favorite was the ile flottante, a soft merangue floating in a bowl of caramel mousse. After a few bites of the heady sweetness, it was hard to tell where the merangue ended and my happiness began. But the other desserts were good as well. The trio of sorbet made excellent use of seasonal fall/winter fruits, cassis and apple, and the apple tarte tatin was warm from the oven. For sure going back for a holiday brunch this season.
(4)
Joel G.
We went to celebrate my GF birthday, the place was cozy the service was top notch and the price was not to bad. The young manager bestor was super helpful and gave us great food sugestions. The food was very flavorful and the portions where of good size, I would suggest this place overall it was a great night !!
(4)
Moomin T.
Puke (with attitude).
(1)
Tracy T.
I went here with my girl friends for brunch one day and wasn't particularly impressed. I had to send back my eggs benedict because the egg was overcooked. Once it was cooked correctly and the egg oozed out as I cut it, I was a bit happier. The other girls agreed that their dishes were good, but not phenomenal. However, other friends have told us that the desserts are really good, so maybe we'll have to come back later in the evening to try some of that.
(3)
Sam F.
Petit Robert is the perfect French restaurant, and I'll tell you why: 1) Everything I've had here has been phenomenal. The French onion soup was awesome, as was the sausage entree. I've also had the vegetable pate, the rabbit and the fois gras. And then there's dessert, the chocolate Eiffel tower, chocolate cake, etc. Every menu item has been delicious. 2) It's a French bistro, which means prices are affordable (~$15). 3) White table cloths, it's a fancy place. 4) Service is top notch. 5) Great wine for a very reasonable price.
(5)
Emily M.
We had a reservation for 6 for lunch today at Petit Robert. The service was great, we never felt rushed. All 6 of us ordered the french onion soup for our appetizers; it was delicious. I ordered the duck and kimchi sushi roll. I had never tried kimchi before and wanted to give it a shot. The dish was pretty good, though it was hard to eat without chop sticks and the soy sauce was super salty. It is nice to try new flavors and these were a good combination. Everyone was satisfied with their meals as well, except who ordered the scallops. The "s" at the end of scallop was unwarranted, really it was one scallop sliced into 6 pieces. We also ordered dessert, we were particularly blown away by the Eiffel tower chocolate. Overall it was relaxing meal, in an elegant setting. What I like about this place is that the dishes aren't ridiculously priced.
(4)
Cory G.
My boyfriend and I went here to celebrate our anniversary and it was clear that the staff here really cared about us having a really great experience. Our server was Gabriel and Dennis who might have been the back waiter. Gabriel was unbelievably kind and very knowledgeable. We had a drink and an appetizer outside and then moved inside for the rest of our dinner. Towards the end of the meal Gabriel politely said it was his time to go home and since my boyfriend and I are both servers we were happy he came over and told us so he could, in fact go home. Dennis then waited on us for the rest of the time insuring that we were happy with everything. The food was absolutely delicious from the lobster bisque and smoked salmon to the bluefish and chicken entrees all the way to the amazing chocolate cake with a white chocolate Eiffel Tower. Dennis brought us out, without our prior knowledge, two after dinner drinks and the chocolate cake with candles on it. It was such a sweet touch to end our anniversary dinner. We will certainly be back and will recommend this place to everyone!!!
(5)
Hana C.
Came in here with BF on last Saturday night. We tried to make reservations over the phone at around 6pm to see if we can go in at 7:30PM. The lady on the phone said the next available time will be at 9PM. Just as we were about to give up, we went on opentables.com and were still able to make reservations for 7:30PM. (Note! Don't make reservations over the phone!) Anyway, we were not impressed with the dinner itself. We were both so excited to try this place after reading some good reviews online. Our experience however was far below our expectations. We started off with the quelles with lobster sauce (pretty good/ authentically prepared) and the seared fois gras. The fois gras was pretty tasty and very sweet. The entrees were dissapointing. BF ordered the frogs legs which lacked flavor and was very very bland. He was so excited to try it because we have tried frog legs in many other French restaurants and was hoping that it would meet/exceed that expectation. Unfortunately, it didn't- he said he would never order that dish there again. I had the steak frites. The steak was cooked very nicely. But whats steak frites without the fries! the fries were horrible- really cold and stale.... We were talking about how McDonald's fries would be much better than those. Another thing, the host (I'm not sure if that is the owner or the manager) needs to smile a little. I saw him frowning the whole time I was sitting there. running around the restaurant (its a pretty small place and I had a really clear view of him from where I was sitting) looking so unhappy. Just something I noticed.. Probably wouldn't come back here, at least not by my own choice. It def was a MEH. I've experienced much better french food. (e.g. gaslight- the steak frites there is to die for and their fries are sooo goood)
(2)
Howe L.
4.5 stars. I had very high expectations for this place since a lot of people seem to deliver praise. However, I wasn't blown away. The place feels like a cafe straight out of France (a little cramped), and the food was well executed. But for 5 stars, I need something extraordinary, and the food just wasn't out of my world.
(4)
Claire W.
Five of us went for a special celebration on a Sunday night. The restaurant has excellent food, and a warm and cozy atmosphere. The waitstaff was busy, but helpful and friendly. They had a children's menu, which satisfied our 10 year old. I mentioned that we were celebrating two birthdays and the waiter figured out which two and put little Happy Birthday chocolates on the correct dessert plates. The bar was closed, but would love to go back for the fondue (served only in the bar).
(4)
Mayur K.
Nice service and great food. Visited here in a big group of ten for the weekend brunch and the egg choices were broad enough to please everyone.
(4)
Michelle W.
Food was just okay their service was not good and very slow
(3)
Austin T.
Genuinely warm service. Casually romantic atmosphere. Flavorful, wholesome food. Petit Robert Bistro doesn't give the airs of a pretentious restaurant, only catering to the snobbish and elite - on the contrary, it's simply a bistro ["a small, informal restaurant"]. They don't claim that their cuisine is the epitome of French high cuisine, but talent in technique and flavor shows in nearly every dish. I've been here 12 times [lunch and dinner] over the last three years [the location is so convenient for MIT students!] and I've only recently had minor grouses - the bread came out cold two out of the last four times I've been. :( Sure, some dishes may share the same basic sauce [a hollandaise is a hollandaise whether it's on fish or poultry], but I've yet to be disappointed with my meal. I always look forward to seeing the daily specials - rabbit is a big favorite. The appetizers [a favorite is the mussels - moules marinieres] and dessert [favorite: grand marnier souffle] always compliment the meal fabulously, and are worth trying. Petit Robert Bistro is a neighborhood gem in the Kenmore area. The food is not necessarily the very best, but it's consistently delicious; I always leave happy :)
(5)
Fan L.
Great food, my duck was the best I had in Boston. My girlfriend loved the place as well. Will go again.
(4)
Steve L.
For being a french restaurant, oh my god how the ground beef was completely overdone. I mean seriously charred, blackened, and carbon tasting ground beef in a potato dish ( think eating the blackest toast you've had). and I figured it would come out more like beef tare tare. The burger-dog my friend had was also soo overdone, yick. but, the bread was delicious, the goat cheese quiche was delicious, and the potatoes with cheese and butter was to die for, but my dish sucked. Perhaps all the extra time between the bread and main-course was used charring the hell out of my food. Get anything but beef.
(2)
Karina D.
One of favorite spots for dessert. Warning: their Profiterole is delicious but is really not a 1-person dessert, more like for 3 people!
(4)
Oriana S.
Petit Robert Bistro is one of my favorite places to eat at Kenmore. I've only been here for lunch because their express lunch specials are a great deal (dishes under $6). The restaurant feels like an authentic Parisian bistro and the food has never disappointed me. The staff is attentive and friendly. They bring out bread right out of the oven and freshly made butter (YUM!). My favorite thing to get is the Croque-Madame. I've had this dish in Paris and I can say with conviction that the Croque-Madame at Petit Robert Bistro tastes like it should--flavorful, buttery goodness! The sourdough bread melts in your mouth, the Gruyere and ham are thinly sliced and the eggs are cooked just right. Try it and you'll know what I'm talking about!
(4)
Angela A.
My husband and I have been to Petit Robert several times. The first visit was on a snowy winter night last year. Even though the storm raged outside, the restaurant was almost full. We had not had a true French meal since my husband moved here from Paris. We stepped into the front door, and were greeted in French by the hostess. Once we were seated, a minute after our drinks were ordered, they arrived. Then the bread arrived, and was gone in a minute. Now, it is not a typical baguette, but it was delicious. We went through three that night. I had the trio of pate, and my husband had the escargot. Since I took my time savoring the pate, he got another order of the escargot. Yes, it was that good! For dinner, I had the boeuf bourgignon, and to be honest, I cannot recall what he had. My dinner was superb. It was exactly what I was expecting. Dessert left a little to be desired - we got the isle flottant, and it wasn't the best (but I'm not really a dessert girl anyways). This last time I went, however, I didn't enjoy it as much. I went with a girlfriend. The atmosphere was the same (although to the woman seated behind us: PLEASE work on that laugh. Your shriek really disturbed me, and I'm still twitching.), but I didn't love my food. The trio of pate was just as good (if I like it, I like it!). The boeuf bourgignon was no longer on the menu! Sacre bleu! The charming waiter recommended the veal and the sweetbreads. I ordered the sweetbreads, my friend ordered the veal. The sweetbreads were almost chalky - I couldn't eat them. That was very disappointing. Dessert was good - it was a tarte tatin. It was ... bigger... than tarte tatins that I've seen in France, but excellent nonetheless. The creme fraiche on the side was perfect.
(3)
Eric D.
This place was exactly what I wanted. Great food, decor, and service. Little bit on the pricier side for younger patrons, but nothing that will break the bank or make you feel ripped off. You will not go home hungry or dissatisfied!
(4)
Shannon C.
Went here with a groupon and the staff was very accommodating despite the fact that we had made our reservation at the wrong location. The food was excellent and price is right. Nice bottles of wine available for a decent price as well. The service could have been better in general, but the staff was very friendly. Food took about 45 minutes to come out which we didn't mind as we were in no rush. However in other circumstances I could see this being an issue. Overall, great food and nice environment.
(4)
Bryan K.
Excellent food. Great price. i ate here with my girlfriend and another friend on Friday night. We were seated immediately on the outdoor sunken patio. It was a great meal and we ordered plenty of food and drink. Still, with aps and entrees and desert, the total was only $130. We all loved the fois gras. My girlfrend had the coc au vin (delicious). The duck was superb with plenty of meat. The only weird thing was the frites. They tasted exactly like McDonalds fries. The beer list was very short but they had some good choices. Overall, it was an excellent dining experience. I want to try to other locations as well.
(4)
Emilie P.
I've been here twice, both times for lunch. Both times I've been amazed. A delicious good portion lunch in Boston, served on white tableclothes and all under $8? Where have you been all my life! The express lunch is fantastic. I've had the burgerdog (hamburger shaped like a hit dog) and the BLT. Both were delicious and so big that I had plenty to take home for later. They also serve a warm baguette with butter beforehand, so delicious! The food is great, the atmosphere is pleasant and intimate, and the prices can't be beat for such high quality food. I'm dying to go there for dinner and try their desserts. From what I saw, the prices for the dinner entrees were reasonalble and their selection was classic French fare. Their desserts sounded amazing, and I know their cappacino is good. I also want to try their brunch menu (served late everyday). I think this is a place I will be frequenting. Note: I've never had trouble with their service. Probably they are not as good during the busy dinner hours but what small restaurant isn't!
(5)
Lindsay E.
So, I should start by saying that we went on Valentine's day. We made reservations for 5:30 and were some of the first customers to arrive. They did not have their normal setup and had a lot of two person tables (understandable). We ordered some oysters, a smoked salmon salad and a salad with a goat cheese fritter on top. My boyfriend ordered a martini of some kind and I ordered a Kir Royale. For our main meals, I ordered scallops in a crab sauce and the bf ordered haddock with a tomato parsley sauce. After we got our drinks, they tried to bring us someone else's meals. I think they were super confused by the new setup. Then, they brought us our meal before our appetizers even came. I told our waiter and he tried to rush our appetizers. Maybe that was the reason there was sand in my oyster. The flavor was pleasant, but it was completely ruined by the sand. The smoked salmon was literally to die for, it was so delicious and the salmon pretty much melted in my mouth. The goat cheese salad was also really delicious. We then waited about 30 minutes for our main meal. It was like a hidden camera show as different waiters came by with different people's meals at least 3 or 4 times. We finally got our meals and were so excited. The bf loved his fish. I thought it was really tasty despite not being the biggest parsley fan. As for my scallops, the flavors were excellent. Once again, they did not seem to clean their seafood properly. I had at least 3 pieces of crab shell, nasty. The vegetable medley they served with both dishes had way too much onion, especially for valentine's day. The waiter did bring me another Kir Royale for my troubles which was nice. He was very nice and apologetic and professional. He actually talked to one of the waiters who brought out the wrong dishes a lot and seemed genuinely upset for us. The dessert was good, some chocolately thing. Nothing to write home about. Their coffee is also excellent. I would definitely give them another try because we went on what seemed to be an off night. However, their poorly cleaned seafood gave me a bad impression. Prices were excellent for French food.
(3)
Samantha B.
Yummy yums! I've been here tons of times and have never been disappointed. Firstly, they're great for groups. I've come here for my birthday a couple of times, and the waiters are always refilling waters, bringing more bread, and checking up on you. The bread is DELISH, by the way. My boyfriend loves the French onion soup (wish they had a veggie version!). Their vegetarian entrees change, but I've consistently loved them, especially the mushroom risotto. But the real star here has to be the desserts! I'd say they're the best I've ever had. I've gotten the ile flottante, the frangipane pear tart, and tried a bunch of other people's, and loved them all. I love it when a place has a true blue pastry chef, and doesn't buy some pre-made desserts that you find at all the chain restaurants (I'm talking to you, Bertucci's!) The prices make it a once-in-a-while place, but it's great value. A lot of care goes into the food and the atmosphere, so I definitely don't mind.
(5)
Ty H.
So my girl and I recently celebrated three years together. In short this place on the whole is fucking fantastic, all be it a bit loud. Our server (I don't remember her name, but she was a brunette female) was extremely attentive without being the least bit overbearing or annoying. I had some Tuna tartare with some form of a chilled red wine or balsamic glaze on crostinis. It was off the chain. My girlfriend had a bowl of cream of broccoli soup. I fucking hate broccoli. Given the choice of eating broccoli, and the festering taint of a dead Mexican whore after a condomless gangbang at a leper colony, I'd dine on the latter, hands down. However, this soup was rendonkulous. I would have shamelessly guzzled gallons of this sublime concoction, let it drip onto my cashmere sweater, and then promptly demanded more. I'm not too picky of an eater, but if a chef can take an ingredient I despise and craft something so sumptuous that I'd rue through a minefield of razor wire naked for another helping, that to me says s/he's got some serious fucking talent. I wasn't just impressed- I was flabbergasted, the soup was that good. This was followed by our entrees. I had cassoulet, which was pretty damned good. I would have liked a more liberal mix of pork products, but the sausage was great, the duck crispy and moist, and the beans silky and flavorful. Cudos. Coming from a guy who grew up in Maine eating Quebec soul food regularly, this stuff was high up by any French standard. My lady love chose to go with a red wine braised short rib with seasonal root vegetables. It was unbelievably delicious; tender as all get out, beefy, the sauce had not only a great flavor, but a nice syrupy mouth feel without being overtly sweet. There was this delicious understated earthy, herbed aspect to it with hints of smoke and c har that just culminated to give it a totally unrivaled depth of flavor. I was in awe. This dish was a 10. The wine list was more than reasonable price wise, and pretty deep considering it's a "bistro"; Knowing my lady's penchant for blush wine and Rose vintage Champagne, we decided upon consulting with our server to go big or go home and get the Rose- which was under $80, a real value in my opinion, because I would have paid twice that without hesitation, it was that good. The exact vint and year eludes me. However:. It was assertively tart initially, followed by a myriad of peaches, berries and almost a lychee note on the back end. It was sublime. We were so full from dinner, dessert was out of the question for us. But this place has a great thing going. It's a bit loud in the upstairs room, but for being able to walk in in a pair of jeans and a sweater and get a meal that'd give any celebrity chef in Boston a serious run for their money- that's saying something. It's delectable, unpretentious, romantic, and I think it has a very promising future. You can count me in as a regular, because I will surely be back.
This place is great for a nice dinner out or a quick lunch! One of my favorite eats in Boston. Service is always friendly and attentive, willing to answer any questions you might have throughout the meal. Bistro food and a great (and inexpensive) lunch menu. Try the escargots, served in old-fashioned cast-iron (with a wonderful butter herb sauce), the coq au vin, and steak frites are favorites (get a side of bearnaise for the fries), the fish dishes here are also well prepared (the scallops are amaze). If you're here for a nice dinner, try some dessert as well, the almond tart with ice cream was one of the best desserts I've ever had. All in all, a great place for great food. Oh, and the drinks are perfect (strong and delicious) Sidecars, especially!
(5)
Christine W.
I took my husband here for his birthday. Since I made a reservation and let them know ahead it was a special occasion they held a prime table by the window for us. Service: Excellent Food: Escargot, Foie Gras and profiteroles were excellent. I had the potato and crab cake entree which was pretty good. Drinks: Amazing wine, good value.
(4)
Sandra C.
I was inclined to give Petit Robert Bistro 3 stars instead of 4, but I am not the biggest fan of French cuisine, so I leaned towards the higher rating to account for that. We had a number of courses, so I will speak to all of them. Once we were seated, we were served a fresh mini-loaf of french bread. Piping hot, straight out of the oven, the bread was absolutely delicious. I then had a bowl of Lobster Bisque soup, which was not great. It honestly tasted like squash soup. Not much taste of lobster at all. We felt adventurous, so we had the Calf's Brains as a appetizer. It wasn't bad, but nothing to rave of. It tasted like tofu, which is to say it didn't taste like much. And it wasn't cooked in much to give it flavor either. The consistency was much creamer than tofu as well. When eaten with the accompanying salad, it wasn't bad, but needed salt. I did not account for this in my rating, as I have never had Calf's Brains before and didn't have anything to compare it to. As my entree, I had the Duck Confit. The duck was cooked quite nicely and was very flavorful. The skin was very nicly crisped and the meat extremely tender. I was quite happy with it. We ordered the Brussel Sprouts Provençale on the side, and I was sorely disappointed. Provencale is a garlic sauce, but this was really over the top, and they needed salt. For Dessert, we ordered the Pot de Crème au Chocolat, which was exquisite. The chocolate was a perfect texture with a nice, punch of darkness. Considering how much we ordered, the pricing was extremely reasonable. That definitely added to the 4th star. I also was very fond of the atmosphere. The room was nicely decorated in a brick and wood motif, and the lighting was very nice. The one consideration I would say is that the tables are extremely close together. You are very easily able to hear all of the conversations around you, and if you need to get up, you much excuse yourself to your neighbors as you move the table out of the way to get by. I was very happy with the service, but I did find it slow at times. However, the wait staff was extremely pleasant.
(4)
Vonda B.
I'm not even sure where to begin... let me preface this with the fact that I went years ago for my birthday and really enjoyed it. I was looking forward to revisiting it and seeing what new things they had in store... if only I knew... First off, it was Restaurant Week but because I had an expiring LivingSocial deal, we did not order off Restaurant Week menu. This should have already warned me that things would not go well... when two cheap events run into each other, the results are only likely to disappoint. Once we were seated, we were given water and menus and then no one came to take our order for almost 30 MINUTES. I actually had to ask for a waiter/waitress. The waitress did not discuss any specials or apologize for the lack of service or do any pleasantries. Just "Do you know what you want?" To start off with, our potato croquettes were OK, although my friend says the one he ate wasn't cooked all the way because he could still taste the raw egg they rolled the potato in before frying it. For our entrees, things were mediocre at best, if not incomplete. My friend got the beef bourguignon while I got the chicken au jus. When our meals came, his beef bourguignon was fine. However, my chicken had no au jus and it came with, wait for it, fries? Huh? Not the side I was expecting and the fries were flavorless. By the time I got my side of au jus, I was almost done with my entree of somewhat dry chicken and tasteless fries. We mistakenly ordered dessert (white chocolate bread pudding with vanilla ice cream). It was not memorable at all. We basically ordered it to get over the $50 mark. By the time we got our check, it was almost 1 hour and 45 minutes later from when we were seated. Slowest service ever! Everyone around us got up numerous times to ask either for more wine, more bread, parts missing from their meals, for their dessert, and for the check. It was a WRECK. And the worst part? Right before she returned with the bill for me to sign, THREE MICE ran out from under a closet door TOWARDS the diners. I almost shrieked. It gets better... my friend told the waitress about the mice as she was dropping off the check to sign and she replies with, "Oh, are you scared of mice?" and shrugged it off. Of course I'm afraid of mice... IT'S A HEALTH HAZARD! Right then and there, for the first time ever, I did not leave a tip. And I usually leave 20% for OK service and at least 15% for complete crap. But the mice and her response pushed me over the edge. And believe me, it takes a lot to get no tip because I live in Chinatown and the service is pretty bad and the conditions aren't exactly super clean. I am NEVER returning to Petit Robert Bistro again. Yeah, maybe they were having a bad week or something, but it honestly doesn't excuse all the crap that went down tonight. I advise you to avoid it at all costs. Seriously. No, SERIOUSLY.
(1)
Elizabeth T.
Get the Breakfast!! My boyfriend and I come here at least once a month and order the same breakfast every single time. The crispy poached eggs on frizze salad with bits of bacon and the quiche omlets are probably the best breakfast dishes we've ever had. We actually haven't even tried anything else on the menu because every time we go we can't resist getting the eggs and quiche! We went there today and were comenting on how the dishes are perfect as is, no need for salt or any extra sides, they are perfectly seasoned and delicious! The bread is always warm and delishous as well. Service has always been good, can't complain on that end. Keep in mind if you go... you won't need to eat again until dinner!
(5)
David A.
It breaks my heart to give only 3 stars, but we were the only table this novice waiter had, and we waited 90 minutes between app and entree.... NINETY MINUTES... 5400 seconds.. 1.5 hours... It blows my mind. Luckily the atmosphere from both our company and the joint itself kept us n our seats. The food was delicious, drinks (other than water) were filled at no discernible interval.. so the Food side was great, 5 stars, the service that night was just... Slow. From the table turnover around us i don't think this is par for the course, but still left a slightly sour taste in our mouth... Which by the way, was immediately resolved by the vanilla creme brulee at the close. All in all, i say roll the dice and take a shot, it may be worth it.
(3)
Tom E.
It seems almost every week that you see some prof on The Daily Show pimping out his latest book on 'The Power of Groups' or somesuch topic. You know, how groups of people can influence each others decisions and how collective opinion can rule. Well, those theories cut both ways this week for PRB. Firstly, the peer-pressure of a gang of trusted Yelpers affected my typical decision-making and had me booking here instead of my usual haunts of ethnic food or cocktail-heavy diners. Secondly, the power of the group I dragged here was able to quickly come to a consensus on practically half the whole menu, simply by totalling up the number of smiles and frowns at the end of the night. Our mob-made verdict... average. Individually, I actually had a good meal... trois pate, crusted pork loin and the dramatic Il Flotant dessert made me happy if not bowled-over. But all around the populace of our group, there were pockets of discord such as the $11 for a glass of house red, the simply rubbish version of parsnips, the lack of exciting or daring options, the almost complete disregard for vegetarian options and the unavailability of most of the specials even before 8 pm. These murmurs were subdued by fine bread, a helpful server and wonderful mash potato, but the group consensus was surely heading for a 'Meh' until the desserts arrived. Thank god for their pastry chef. But again, the peer-pressure of crowds is troubling my choice - was it really just average or did our group hit a spurious outlier? Perhaps the gear-up for the St Valentine's Day amateur night had PRB off the ball this week and we were the data-point falling off the regression line, while they prepared to woo and wow the masses and their inexplicable desire to link French food to romance.
(3)
Smooth O.
Enjoyed the wine and appetizers (escargots, trio of pates, french onion soup). Had the tripe and coq au vin for dinner. Probably wouldn't get the tripe again (maybe needed another dimension - wine or vinegar?) Coq au vin was ok. Overall, we enjoy the food here, service is good, and we would go back again.
(4)
Anais R.
I love the Petit Robert. The food is delicious. I shared the pate and escargot as an appetizer and I was pleasantly surprised by how delicious both were. They also serve you warm french bread that was amazing! For dinner I shared the frog legs, which were not great, and the duck that was amazing. Duck in general is a little greasy so it was good to share it because it might have been a bit much to try to eat it all by myself. Overall, though the food gets 5 stars. As for the service, I was super impressed. All the waiters were friendly, were willing to move us tables when we wanted to be by the window, and very attentive to our needs. The restaurant is a little small so can get a little busy at times (making a reservation ahead of time is a good idea). It still makes for a great location for a romantic date or for dinner with a small group of friends. I would definitely come back.
(5)
Jeannie H.
This used to be a great neighborhood bistro but I was less than impressed with my last visit. I got the half roast chicken and the thing was burnt....as in the skin was all black. I was then told by the waitress that it was meant to be that way. Do I have "stupid" written on my forehead? I talked them into giving me a new dish, which was the coq au vin. It was really bland and tasteless. I, unfortunately, have not been back since. I thought it was homey place that was unpretentious. It served solid bistro food without much fanfare. The menu never changes so it gets old after the 3rd stop. The place is saved by 1) good bread and 2) wonderful desserts.
(2)
Nora A.
It really doesn't get any better than this for the money. The food was simple and fantastic. Escargot & pate for appetizers (both wonderful), and scallops with mashed potatoes and spinach with crab meat sauteed in garlic, lemon juice and oil (also fantastic). Two apps, two entrees, and a bottle of wine for under $80 is unbelievable. Not to mention the delicious warm bread (which they brought two of). This place far surpasses ANY of the competition on Newbury St. I honestly can't even recall any of the meals I have eaten at any of the restaurants on Newbury. Maybe Stephanie's, but I think Petit Robert was even better than that. Stephanie's is a bit overrated in my opinion. Also, did I mention how full we were; portions were fantastic. I will definitely be coming back, and I'm sorry it took 4 years to try this place.
(5)
Nay M.
I LOVE this place. I find it to be unpretentious, a trait that is uncommon among the French bistros in Boston (ahem, Bouchee - I will not write a review for it, but please please please do yourself a favor and eat at Petit Robert instead). Not entirely uncharacteristic of French cuisine in general, the flavors are simple but bold. My favorite items on the menu are the risotto and the lobster bisque. I come to this place for those two things alone. As much as I like to sit upstairs near the window, be sure to check out the pastry bar downstairs - it gives it an authentic feel.
(5)
Deb L.
4.5 stars. A very inimate and classy spot. All courses were delicious and felt that there was a high level of precision and flavor to our meals.
(4)
April I.
I always leave Petit Robert Bistro smelling like food. I don't think that is necessarily a bad thing either. I've read the other reviews and I have to say that I've never had a bad experience. The service is timed well and unobtrusive, but not in a neglectful sort of way. The wine and cocktails are tasty and they do have a growing list of wines by the glass at reasonable prices. I also almost always get the same thing: Soupe a l'Onion Gratinee and the crispy poached eggs with bacon & frisee salad or the Moules Marinieres and the roasted half-chicken w/ natural jus. The chicken is always perfectly moist with crispy skin, perfectly whipped potatoes and just enough of a vegetable that I don't feel bad that I am eating chicken skin dipped in the delectable natural jus. The onion soup has a rich beef broth, perfectly melted cheese and is gooey and satisfying especially now that it is getting chilly. Paired with the warm, fresh baked bread...I can't get enough. I don't know how they manage to poach the eggs and fry them in a panko crust and still have a perfectly poached center, but they do and every time I order this damn salad i want more and more. It's just really good with a lot of different textures and tastes that all work well together. The hint of balsamic vinegar adds the perfect amount of zing to the salad and the crispy bacon add great flavor too....And of course the mussels are awesome. How can you go wrong with onion, garlic, wine and a cream sauce?! The best way to eat these is to use the empty shell as a 'spoon' to pick up the remaining mussels and juices then eat them. Lastly--most everyone goes for the Petit Robert Gateau or the souffle for dessert, but I prefer the simple yet perfectly made chocolate mousse with the thin biscuit (or is it a cookie...I don't know). It's SO FRIGGIN GOOD!!! For me the Kenmore location works because I can roll out of Petit Robert onto the 57 and head home, full, drunk, and happy, and I haven't spent a ton or money (nothing is over $20). What more could one want???
(4)
Kenny L.
Petit Robert is one of the very few restaurants where I am willing to spend good money for the quality of the food and service! I have been to the South End location and this one does not disappoint either. What is unique to this location is the pastry bar what will have you save your appetite for dessert! The meal starts with warm bread that is lightly crusty on the outside and soft inside with butter to accompany it. I had the fish special of pan seared Maui Maui with butter sauce, potato, carrots, and beans (delicious! $16.75). To finish off, I had the pumpkin souffle (unbelievable! $10) with coffee ($2.50). It was a bit more than what I would spend for lunch but worth every penny! Before leaving Boston, I had to have this again! The special Veal Kidney with shallot cream sauce was interesting but tasteful! And I always worry that I won't have space for dessert. The cranberry clafoutis was delicious; be sure to pair it with a cup of coffee. The total came out to be $24.
(5)
Kara S.
I have been a fan of Petit Robert's express lunch menu for some time now, sneaking off for a leisurely lunch with coworkers there every now and again. I went this past weekend for dinner for the first time, prior to seeing a performance at BU. I was very happy with the food (I had the homemade sausage with apples and mashed potatoes), but the service was questionable. We had two waiters checking on us, basically overlapping duties. We were asked for our drink orders twice, etc. And the strangest bit was when one came out with an empty (save for a little pot of butter) bread basket and declared "here is some bread for you!" We don't know if he was testing us or what, but it was bizarre. Thankfully it made the dinner more entertaining. I still would recommend the express lunch over the dinner at PRB. The prices (7.50 for most lunch meals) just can't be beat. Also, PRB posts the sources of their produce/meat/seafood on their website, which I love. That's how I discovered Russo's and Captain Marden's seafood. Very cool of them to share that info.
(4)
Sarah W.
Escargot were unbelievable!
(5)
Sarah C.
Wonderful! Nice service, nice atmosphere, but, as with many good places, cramped as hell. All was forgiven when the food came out. After reading some of the reviews here, I went with escargot to start, and calf's liver with onions as an entree. The escargot was good and garlicky. The calf's liver paired with onions was both other-worldly, and melt-in-your-mouth good. And finally, the warm apple tarte tatin was unbelievable. The prices are very reasonable, and I will definitely be back as soon as I can find any excuse to go.
(4)
Chris L.
Though it's not exactly a working class bistro, this is a nice French restaurant with classic bistro apps, salads and entrees. For me, the high points of the menu are the organ meats and offal. The grilled lamb's tongue was way more tender than I expected.
(4)
carla b.
My husband and I were so disappointed by our dinner last night. We lived in Boston several years ago and it was one of our favorite French restaurants. Looks like it's definitely gone down hill. First, our server was a bit rough around the edges. Yes, she recommended a bottle of wine that we really enjoyed, but her attitude was a bit off putting. I felt like I annoyed her when I asked her about some things on the menu and she just didn't have the manners you expect when you go to a French restaurant. Petit Robert is not a super fancy restaurant but I still think the servers should have a certain etiquette no matter where they work. This comes from a veteran server with experience in fine dining and not so fine. The food, however, was the most disappointing! For a second, I thought perhaps they had changed it to a French/Asian fusion restaurant. We ordered the tuna tartar and it was doused in soy or teriyaki sauce. The sauce was so salty and overpowering. You couldn't help but think they were trying to mask the flavor of the tuna because it wasn't fresh. The trio of pate we ordered was pretty standard so no complaints there but our entrees were again, disappointing. My husband ordered the spicy pork chop that was coated in yet again some Asian inspired sauce. I had the steak frittes. The bernaise sauce was flavorless and visually unappealing so I didn't waste the calories on eating it. Plus, the French fries were horrid! They weren't crisp and they were all broken and small which lead me to believe that they came from the bottom of some frozen bag in the freezer. Seriously, I've had better fries from McDonald's at 2 am. If you are looking for a good French restaurant, it's best to look elsewhere.
(2)
Janie W.
Love this cute little french bistro. Casual unpretentious french fare are reasonable prices. The bread and butter is one of my favorite parts, they are both just about perfect. Nice date spot. I do, however, prefer the upstairs dining room greatly to the downstairs dining room which has a basement feel to it.
First time visiting and enjoyed thoroughly. Came here to celebrate my cousins engagement. Made reservation that weren't really needed but saw it get pretty busy for a Sunday night. Waitstaff was very friendly and helpful. Lobster bisque was delicious as were the mussels and smoked salmon. My steak bourguignon was very good. Tried the rhubarb martini and it wasn't as tart as I would have hoped so switched to some nice Scotch after that. Overall well worth a visit. Some very good French food.
(4)
a.c. b.
Loved it. Innovative French fusion menu and warm and inviting space. We had a late lunch on a Sunday and the service was polite and very attentive. Will definitely go back to try more dishes.
(4)
Mimi X.
I love it when my water glasses magically refill themselves, which happens here. A perfect place to have a weekend lunch with elegant and simple food done well at a great price. Lunch specials are under twelve dollars, and they have a good variety of soups, sandwiches, and salads which leave you feeling perfectly satiated. I got the Onion Soup which which had the perfect cheese to bread ratio. I also had a vegetable salad, which had a medley of carrots, aspargus, broccolli, and greens. All these vegetables were so flavorful! Why do they not taste that way when I make them?
After dining at Petit Robert back in June, we were anxious to return for another great dinner - unfortunately, this past week's night out wasn't the same. First and foremost, the escargot here is a must have. One of the main reasons we came back was to just indulge in their flavorful escargot and warm bread - you can't go wrong. In terms of the downgrade, there were a couple of points that I feel the need to address. First off, it was our waitress's first night on the job - although she was spotted by a veteran, her nerves got the best of her which ultimately made for a very awkward dinner. I would assume that a restaurant like Petit Robert would only hire experienced staff, but in this situation it didn't seem like that was the case. Lastly, we ordered the braised lamb shank with sausage and white beans. The sausage was very flavorful but the lamb shank was somewhat dry and less fulfilling.
(3)
Lillian W.
Conveniently located with affordable prices, PRB is a good place to get your fix of francais. It's pretty small--as in, gotta pull out the table so you can get your size 0 through to sit against the wall-small. The tightness and loudness of the restaurant made it a tad difficult for conversation and we could barely understand the lady who was asking us if we wanted water. It's also kind of fancy pants--I was under the impression that it was casual so I didn't bother getting dressed up, whoopsies. But hey, a paying customer is a paying customer--regardless of your Burlap bag or Burberry bag. The food was pretty good. I got the lobster bisque and the duck confit-- wasn't to die for but yummy for what it is. The bf got the pork loin medallions which he enjoyed--he's pretty picky so I was surprised. We split a creme brulee for dessert--nothing special. Service was standard. Waiter didn't have much personality but got the job done. I'd like to come back to eat at the pastry bar but I'm not really in a rush to come back.
(4)
Christopher R.
I took my BF here for Valentines Day. I am a total Francofile, and love all things French. I was excited to try this place after hearing great reviews. I was nervous about what I would eat being a veggie/vegan, but the menu has some great vegetarian options actually. When we arrived our table was not quite ready, so we were asked to wait at the bar. Luckily for us, that is always the dessert station. We got to watch the pastry chef put together some desserts. It was fun to watch. She made a dish that was a pan of sugar, butter and crammed in so many apples. We asked her what it was and she showed us the finishe Apple tartin it would become. The pastry chefs were very nice, and seemed to enjoy getting questions from those seated at the bar. The atmosphere of Petit Robert is nice, elegant but relaxed. I counted at least four (quarte) French speaking employees. Which really lends to the authenticness of the restaurant. I hate going to French restaurants and no one but the chef, who you never see, speaks French. It's kind of lame. So it was a nice suprise to get to listen to some of the servers speaking in French. The Vegan pate is to die for. I forget what the three layers were. I think it was spinach, mushroom and ? I had the lentil cake which was crispy and well flavored. I broke down and got the macroons for dessert. The reminded me of the ones from Laduree in Paris and I could not pass them up. They were wonderful, and I keep thinking about them. I want to pop in and just pick up some of them. Overall it was great service, a wonderful meal, and a great experience.
(5)
Charles W.
The decor was relaxing, the service was slow but good, and the food/drink was great.
(4)
Francesca R.
I have been here four times and always enjoyed it. I am no food expert, but I find the food delicious and the prices are great. The service is always friendly and respectful. But it's the ambiance that coalesces the elements of good service and good food and makes this an establishment worth returning to again and again. For example: the last time we went here was New Year's Eve, with our visiting in-laws that we had had a huge fight with two days before. What could have been a very tense and long evening was convivial and went a long way to mending fences. I credit this exclusively to the soft lighting, comfortable chairs and overall warm yet sophisticated atmosphere cultivated in Petit Robert. We were put at ease despite our inclination to be surly. Another component of atmosphere, I think, is the timing of courses. The courses are paced perfectly - you're never having one plate shoved aside for incoming food or languishing for ages picking at bread. It really is quite astonishing how this restaurant maintains fine-dining service with such affordable prices. So as you can see I'm a big fan - can't wait to go back in August for our anniversary!
(5)
Leah N.
My favorite restaurant in the city! I have never been disappointed with my meal or service here. Perfect date night spot :)
(5)
Serena H.
There are many french restaurants and PRB is nothing outstanding. Well, maybe except that the ghetto address in Kenmore is deceptively incongruous with it's charm. If you're passing by and hungry, it won't disappoint. But I dont think I would ever plan a date there.
(3)
Bryanne R.
They're 2 for 2 with me. Went once for restaurant week when we realized this place is definitely affordable sans the Rest.Wk. "deal". Second time was for my birthday. Both times, we had a great table with a very attentive and helpful waitress. The food was excellent. Here are some dishes to try: Apple Wood Smoked Salmon...Toast Points Wellfleet Oyster on Ice Grilled Skirt Steak~Frites Roasted~Half Chicken ...Natural Jus Babcock, Cabernet Sauvignon, Central Coast My favorite part is the very French romantic atmosphere. I'd come back here any time! PS - They do have some different dishes available -- like if you want to try brain. Just as a heads up, so you don't give the look I gave when I heard that.
(5)
George T.
I went in expecting good food and was sadly disappointed. I got the escargot for an appetizer and frog legs for an entree. The frog legs were coated in a delicious sauce, but inside the frog legs were extremely bland. It was so bland, I asked the waiter about it, and she said that it's hard to season frog legs. Having not had much experience with frog legs, I still find it hard to believe that's how they were supposed to taste. They were just so bland and watery, I can't see why anyone would order them knowing that. Maybe I got a bad batch, but I don't see any reason to go back.
(2)
Jason L.
I went with my boyfriend to Petit Robert Bistro for our Christmas Eve dinner and it was a spectacular meal. We started a trio of pates, followed by lamb with ratatouille for me and salmon with buerre blanc sauce for him, and finished everything off with nutella crepes with french vanilla ice cream. The decor was lovely, the ambiance was very romantic, the food was absolutely delicious . . . the only slight downside is that the place was so busy during dinner service that a lot of tables tended to demand her attention at the same time. But that was a very small price to pay for a delicious dinner. I think it says a lot about Petit Robert Bistro that the place was PACKED on Christmas Eve. It's a wonderful place to share a special moment with a loved one, a friend, or a family.
(5)
Clarice C.
I'm a BIG fan of Petit Robert on Comm Ave. I've never had a bad experience here..and i've been here a lot! I mainly come and order off their express lunch menu because it's a really good value...the food is delicious and the prices are unbeatable. I can't get enough of the the smoked salmon eggs benedict but the madame croque is always a close second choice. OH and the bread they serve in the beginning is AMAZING. it's shipped from Montreal and I dare you to just have one basket.
(5)
M K.
Love Petit Robert. It is a great go-to lunch/brunch option. They serve brunch until 3 and it is cheap and incredibly delicious. Good coffee, great bread and a helpful, quiet staff who let you enjoy your meal relatively undisturbed. Very much a fan!
(4)
Daniel P.
I've only been here, and it was with friends from out of town. We went for lunch and really enjoyed it. I had a cocktail, I don't remember exactly what it was but it was citrus-y and delicious! The service was not bad, they were friendly and helpful. The wait had not been too long, I think we were only there about 10 minutes before being seated. I must go back soon.
(4)
Cody W.
Food was average and ambiance was below average. When you spend close to $200 on a meal for 2, you expect a little more. I had the halibut special which was decent. But the appetizer, red and green pate, was below average. Even worse was the trio pate which they served us by mistake. I tried it before realizing what was up and it was awful. Seemed like some frozen mass-produced stuff they take a slice off of. Dessert was okay, because French dessert is phenomenal, but it was also mass-produced frozen fair. Also, try to avoid getting stuck in the table next to the divider, closest to the kitchen. The guy preparing silverware works just on the other side of the divider. This means there is silverware being tossed down, each second, 24 inches from you ear. The loan bright spot was the waitress. She was very friendly and accommodating. But the bus people don't give you the same unintrusive attentiveness you find at other French restaurants. Bottom line: there are plenty of better places to get a $200 meal.
(2)
Squirrel N.
Unbelievable food and astoundingly affordable. For the price of what some bars would charge you get stellar French food. They also mix fantastic drinks (I'm a big fan of the Sidecar). Can't say enough great things about this place.
(5)
Emily B.
A great little French bistro right outside of Kenmore Square. I always wanted to try this place and after returning from a semester abroad in France, I had to go to see if it compared. We arrived early, around 6 pm on a Monday night and the small restaurant was about half full. The tables ARE very close together, as other reviewers mentioned, but that is typically French, so I didn't mind. We tried the trio of pats, very reasonable at $7, and with extra bread we definitely enjoyed this hors d'oeuvre. For entres, I got the pork normandy with apples and my boyfriend got the duck confit. Both were excellent and very filling. We didn't even have room for dessert. We also had a bottle of Domaine De La Quilla Muscadet (at $22), which wasn't terrible for a good French wine in a restaurant (considering it would have cost $15+ in a liquor store). Overall, our service was satisfactory, nothing extra special, but our server was knowledgeable and attentive. By the time we left, the restaurant was full, but we didn't feel rushed to leave while we were finishing our bottle of wine. I really enjoyed my experience here and I want to go back for the dessert and pastry bar. I hear it's fantastique!
(4)
Rob J.
We got a reservation for 4 people at 7:30pm on a Saturday by calling 6 hours in advance. Every table was full during dinner but I didn't see anyone waiting. The place is small, of course, but the food (made in the equally small kitchen) is authentic, the service friendly and perfectly formal, and the prices not terrible. We had a bottle of white sauvignon blanc and a bottle of pinot, both of which were okay, but the wine list could use a little work. I suppose it IS proportional to the restaurant's size, though. And the red wines, stored along a wall in the restaurant, can get too warm when there are many people packed inside. The lamb was great. My vegetarian friend also liked his risotto, but a second friend didn't care much for the pork sausage. We decided to pass on dessert and digestifs, but they did have a decent selection of port and their pastries looked amazing.
(4)
Abbey L.
Petit Robert is easily one of my favorite restaurants in Boston. The food and service are just superb and the prices are just right. The menu has a little bit of everything so I can always find something I'm in the mood for. Highlights for me were the duck confit with sausage, crocque madame, and the mussels. I've also had the frisee salad with a crispy poached egg - divine! Everything here is just excellent. Great, affordable wine list and delicious blood marys! Every time I go here I marvel about how often I end up spending the same amount of money or more for such lower quality meals and inferior service. My go-to is the Kenmore location but I've been to the South End one as well and both are superb!
(5)
Dana M.
The service was lacking, we recieved our entre before the appetizer. The waitress ended up bringing out something we didn't order and brought out the fois gras we did order after our steaks had already come out. If the food wasn't so great I would not have given this place 3 stars. I liked the ambiance, though it was nothing spectacular. Previous reviews raved about the place so that's why I went. I'd say its not bad for Boston, but this Bistro doesn't compare well with places I've been to in SF. They do have excellent pommes frites. I believe in giving credit where credit is due. If you feel like french cuisine, this place will satisfy your craving. If you are looking for the best of Boston, look elsewhere.
(3)
P M.
Think twice before you plan a large event at this restaurant. I have never been treated more rudely by a manager in a restaurant before. I recently planned a friend's birthday here. We had a large party, and I called far in advance to make the arrangements. When we got to the restaurant, I learned that I had been misinformed by the staff I had spoken with about the restaurant's policies. The manager was incredibly patronizing in his interactions with us, suggested that I had "called the wrong restaurant," and only ended up accommodating us after arguing with me for some time and even then not without a fee. It's unfortunate that even though the food was reasonably good and the wait staff was nice, I left the restaurant feeling disappointed with the experience.
(2)
Shuan L.
I love the prices here. You can definitely have a 3-course meal for around $30 (excluding drinks). Not too bad for a dinner in a nice, upscale setting. The food is good, but not anything to write home about. I started with the red beet salad with endives and goat cheese. Liked the beets and goat cheese, but the endives were tasteless and there were also ridiculously strong onions mixed in. Do NOT get this if you're on a date. The panko-crusted cod I had for my entree was tender and well-made. It's the sides that disappointed me -- really lackluster stuff like sliced carrots, broccoli, and mashed potatoes. The veggies looked like something my school cafeteria cooked up (though they tasted a lot better). I was hoping for more creative sides from a place like this. Dessert: the giant profiterole! Lots of ice cream + lots of hot fuge = happy Yelp reviewer. Get this dessert, but make sure you have someone to share it with. "Giant" is not an exaggeration.
(3)
Kompan N.
Superb service and good food. We went for an early dinner, reservation at 8:00 and was seated promptly. The waiter was attentive and brought me a sample of Pinot Noir to try because I mentioned my likely selection for dinner. I asked about his recommendations for appetizer and entree and got the mussels for appetizer, which was split in two separate bowls one order so that my friend and I could share. The entree came out promptly after the appetizer. I got the steak with frites and my friend got the crab and potatoe cake. We were both happy with our choices. Although the dessert menu looked appetizing we didn't order. The location and service shine and the food and very good but not exceptional. For the price we had an excellent dining expereince. I would go back or recommend this Bistro to friends.
(4)
Christian P.
Fantastic. I just wrote a review about Sonsie in which I mentioned how I couldn't think of other places that felt as European in Boston. While this place doesn't necessary feel pan-European, it definitely feels French! I even had a French waiter! Anyway, atmosphere aside, this place also happens to have delicious gourmet food. The price is right, and you'll find an interesting selection across the menu. For a heightened experience, save room for dessert.
(5)
Cassandra R.
I was starving one sunday afternoon, jonesing for breakfast and i didn't want to wait for a table for one. I passed petit robert, decided to go in and was immediately saved from my hunger. The brunch menu is very reasonably priced and the service was amazing. My french toast, eggs and bacon were cooked perfectly and the coffee never stopped. The clientele were pretty waspy but the waitstaff were wonderful. It's a good choice for dining alone.
(4)
James M.
I have been to both locations. The food is excellent very reasonably priced. The wait staff is intelligent and are available when you need them. For the price this is one of the best restaurants in Boston. A true Bistro!
(4)
Jaime V.
Le Petit automatically reminded me of one of the many underrated BYOBs in Philly (prior to moving back to my HQ, Vancouver, and before moving here I lived in Philly for 7 years - but enough about me). I started off with some great escargots which were perfectly warm and sprinkled with the right amount of parsley. I am on a quest to try the best ones and so far 'La Boheme' (in Philly) tops them all. I really enjoyed my cassoulet and unlike most places it did not take 45 minutes to make; however, I do recall it missing its mandatory duck, so marks off for that. The service was decent and although it was a little small in size it did not feel too crammed. Note to yelpers: if you are ever in Seattle area and like me crave a good cassoulet, head on over to the Cafe Campagne which is the in the vicinity of the Pike Place Market. This one does take 30+ minutes to make, but you won't be disappointed. If you are looking for a Moulin Rouge try some of the many other chic establishments in the Boston area. For a no-frills dining experience I'd recommend the fairly priced and unassuming Le Petit.
(4)
Andrew T.
I am not a HUGE fan of French food, but so many friends suggested Little Bob's (as I call it), that I was more than open to check it out. Here is a bullet point review on my experience. 1) Interesting space, a bit bland, but cozy and they had an outdoor seating area which would be nice in the summer. I also liked the way that they have hundreds of wine bottles all over the place. You feel like you are eating in a French basement. Take that for what you will. 2) The tables are WAY too close together. We sat between two couples and each was no more than 6 inches from us, which I really dislike...especially when there are other tables for two open, that have a lot of room around them. 3) Prices were reasonable, wine is a bit on the pricey side, but not prohibitive. 4) Service was friendly and on point. 5) Food was tasty, simple, authentic French (or so said the couple from France sitting next to us) and overall very good. I would go back for sure.
(3)
Stephanie F.
Great place! I've been here twice (which i rare because I always like to try new restaurants), and even so, would definitely go back again. FOR THE PRICE, the food is fantastic! Last time i went with my hubby we had the trio of pate (wow! i'd go back just for that), the french onion soup (good, but not wow), the snails (sooo delicious and buttery!), and I had the rabbit (cooked to perfection!) and he had the U10 scallops (which were delicious as well). Overall I was very happy with the food, though I definitely felt that the service was poor. He didn't do anything "wrong" per se, but barely described the specials (basically told us to look at the board and read), made no attempt to check on us throughout the meal, and never refilled our bread of water unless we continuously asked. Come on guy, this place is tiny! Manage your tables! Asside from that though, the food is never disappointing, especially considering how incredibly affordable it is!
(5)
Morgan P.
Good veal
(5)
jenilee p.
Petit Robert Bistro has a great game plan. They cook fairly inexpensive cuts of meat/vegetables...perfectly. By using more affordable food items, they keep the cost of the selections down so that more people can enjoy authentic French food without making it a once per year event. Their range of choices available vary from a very tender roasted (crisped skin) cut of chicken to some very unusual specials, so basically anyone can find something they will recognize and enjoy on the menu, while still having the option to try something that you don't often find at similarly priced establishments. personally, i opted for the rabbit liver and kidneys, which was matched with a decadent cream sauce, and complimented with smooth mashed potatoes and a green bean medley. the other two people in my party opted for the baked chicken dish, and the skirt steak. Having tried each, I was equally impressed. Overall, I thought the restaurant atmosphere was very charming, and our server was knowledgeable and attentive without being obtrusive. I highly recommend coming here for just about any occasion.
(5)
Coren D.
Incredible value for traditional French continental cuisine! I always get the foie gras and escargot and am never disappointed. The menu has all the classics: Blanquette de veau, steak frites, Coq au vin, Duck confit. Even cooler: the waitstaff all speak french, so you can practice that good ol' high school knowledge. They make all their desserts in house and are available at the dessert bar downstairs. I took away one star because the tables are a bit too close together and you can hear the neighbor's conversation. Not so private.
(4)
Melissa R.
Ok, so I was really excited to go to Petit Robert, and have been meaning to do so for years. Finally got the opportunity to go with three friends, and I was ready for a drop-dead yummy experience. My reaction? Eh. I probably should have known the experience was going to be a poster-child for mediocrity when I ordered a glass of pinor noir and was promptly (and extremely rudely) told by the waiter "the other one is better". No, I didn't ask for his opinion. Yeah, dude, and it's also $3.00 more expensive. I was totally annoyed by the comment and the fact that it was obvious he was going to be just as much of an ass the rest of the night. He was. Grabbed things out of our hands, completely and totally unfriendly, kept trying to take my friend's food away from her even (and I am not kidding here) when she was in mid-bite. To top it all off, he put our order in wrong and one of my friends had to wait 20 minutes for his coq au vin. The waiter never even apologized--a bus boy took care of it and apologized profusely. Ridiculous. Now the food--it was absolutely mediocre. I ordered the roast chicken which was not hot and not meaty. The mashed potatoes were cold, the vegetables were limp. PS: my glass of pinot noir was just fine. PPS: i am never eating here again.
(1)
Vicki T.
We loved Petit Robert. We had our best meal in Boston here. The appetizer of herring and potato reminded me of what I used to be able to get in Paris. Delicious! My daughter told me that her steak was so tender, she did not need a knife. My rack of lamb was excellent. My son-in-law liked the tripe, and my husband enjoyed his chicken. The service was also polished and professional. Will definitely return on our next trip to Boston.
(4)
Allison S.
I've never been to France, but I imagine it to be lined with places like this. Small and intimate, with a slight view of the kitchen and some great food. And yeah, they have escargots (only my favorite dish ever). The wait staff was very friendly, even though I think that some of their "french" accents were fake. The host was nice enough to pull the table out so I could squeeze into the bench seat (the tables are THAT close together). For starters, I ordered the escargot plate on the "specials" menu - baked in puffed pastry and it was absolutely delicious. My main dish was the salmon - which may or may not have been a little undercooked - but was still completely delectable. The bread was also delicious. Yum! We were too full for dessert, but we were allowed to order the gateaux chocolat to go, which was really nice. Once we actually ate it about an hour later, it still tasted as good as if it was still on the plate, I'm sure. I'm heading back there the next time that I've got some extra cash hanging around and feel the need to eat some French food.
(4)
Dave F.
Petit Robert's Bistro offers French bistro fare in a cozy, comfortable environment. The steak tartare could use a bit more flavor -- it's bland without using the sauce. My calf's liver, however, was delicious and affordable. The bread is predictably excellent, and the bistro boasts an extensive but reasonably priced wine list. The experience was satisfying, and we'll definitely return in the future.
(3)
Diana L.
The price is right, but more often than not, I'm not particularly impressed. First time we came here, we rolled in with a group of 8, ready to chow down. My escargot was bland, but my beet salad was decent. When my peach bellini arrived, it had become a passion fruit bellini. I didn't send it back; I'm nice like that. And when my passionfruit souffle arrived, the chef had forgotten to add sugar to the dish (I learned the true meaning of sour that night). The desserts around the table were pretty decent, but nothing spectacular. The second time around, we came in for weekday brunch. The french toast got pretty good reviews. The "burgerdog" had mixed results. My croque monsieur was fabulous, however. It came with a nice little salad and a small side of french fries. I dipped my fries into the horseradish mayonnaise that came my buddy's "burgerdog" and then washed it all down with a cup of coffee. My meal was great-- I can't say the same about everyone else's. The prices being decent, I still wouldn't give Petit Robert anymore than 3 stars. Too many low-energy dishes with bored flavors. But the croque monsieur's not bad. There's always that.
(3)
Ina C.
This was the perfect place to accommodate our last-minute double date, all of whom are one or more of the following: has high standards for food, is still in school (read: in deep debt), was wearing jeans. Thanks to my brother's recommendation, we came here without a reservation around 6:30pm on a Sunday evening, and they were able to seat us immediately, and with a smile. We took a look at the menu and were pleasantly surprised to see that this restaurant with long white table cloths and servers that spoke with hushed voices had entrees that were all under $20. Like Diana R. said, the price is definitely right. To start, we ordered the avocado salad (lightly seasoned greens with a generous portion of avocados, drizzled in balsamic dressing) and the smoked salmon (with toasted bread and capers). Both were delicious. For our entrees, the steak-frites with bearnaise sauce was very tasty and the fries were perfectly crispy and light; the blue fish with creamed corn sauce was refreshing and clean; the Normandy-style sausages were robust in taste; the lambshank, which was one of the specials, was probably one of the weaker dishes. The sauce that came with the lambshank was awkwardly tomatoey and didn't quite match the meat, though the lamb itself was fall-off-the-bone tender. Most of our entrees came with the mashed potatoes which were perfect little clouds of heaven! Among the entrees, my favorites were the blue fish and the steak frites. For dessert -- OH DESSERT -- we had the hardest time deciding on which ones to order because, aside from the ubiquitous creme brulee and sorbet assortment, there were just too many interesting and unique desserts to choose from! We finally decided on the white peach souffle, chocolate gateau and the ile flottante. The souffle was light and airy, and the sauce it came with was the perfect contrast - bold, robust and tangy. The chocolate gateau came alongside a chocolate Eiffel Tower, whose novelty really struck the curiosity of the guys in our group. :) The ile flottante was a puff of meringue in the center of a soup of creme anglais, also delicious. Aside from the parking, as others have mentioned, there is little to complain about at PRB. I will most certainly be back, hopefully with a seat on the beautiful outdoor patio. I eagerly await Tina C.'s review of PRB as well... :)
(5)
Daniel R.
Just moved here from Southern California. Had a reservation, 40 min wait + very busy night (day before Valentines). Food was fab, perfect dirty martini, seating was a bit crammed, waiting lobby a bit small, but great service. I would come back!
(4)
Kreshnik Z.
I think Petit Robert is so worth going to even if it is for their complimentary bread rolls...Yum yum yum how do you make the bread so deliciouso? What i find incredibly appealing about Petit Robert is their prices. You will rarely find entrees priced more than $20 here, even though I think they can get away with charging much much more for them (Don't you dare changing the prices on me now, owners of Petit Robert). i went recently there for lunch and their lunch prices on sandwiches are solid for the amount of food you get (usually less than $10 for sandwich, salad and fries). The staff is usually very attentive but every single one of them has an unbelievable french accent which I find very odd - do they only hire french-speaking waitstaff or is it that they ask their waitstaff to put on a french accent? Regardless, it is a worthwhile visit if you like food.
(4)
Mike S.
I have been here many times. The price and quality of food is consistent and very good! I think it is one of the better deals in this city. The service is good; however, some occasions spotty. The reason why I don't give it five stars is because they really don't have any healthy options. A salad is about as good as it gets here. The bread is great and so is the food. I highly recommend this restaurant.
(4)
Chi N.
There's one thing totally wrong about this place. Food? No, that's really, really good. Well, then you're thinking Service? Well, nope, because for a French restaurant, it's about as good as you'll get. Must be the atmosphere then, eh? Nope, it's actually quite pleasant inside. Then, you ask, what possibly could be wrong with Petit Robert? Parking. Yes, the fact that you have to plug a meter for every 15 minutes of the best affordable French meal you'll have this side of Atlantic is the only thing wrong with this restaurant. Hell, last time I was there they even supplied quarters for me to plug the meter as I didn't have any myself. Petit just is that good. The coffee potato soup is superb, if you you're the sort of chap who likes coffee thick and creamy like a fat cow swimming in her own milk. Like me. The lunch entres are all amazing, and the dinner even much more. And the dessert... ..oh, the dessert. Say it with me: White chocolate bread pudding. Yes, I know, you don't like bread pudding. Who does. But if they have it, try it. It's like kissing Heidi Klum while Keira Knightley and Scarlett Johansson massage you with their bare bodies greased up with only the oil from the virginest of olive plants. Delic- So now you want to go but the only problem is you're worried that you'll blow through a month's worth of your gradschool stipend. But take a breath. Go for lunch and you'll be able to enjoy a nice chilled beer, a sandwich, and maybe even a soup if you please for just a nice crisp yuppie foodstamp ($20). You really can't go wrong.
(5)
Heather C.
The ambiance was very romantic with dimmed lights and candle lit tables. The prices were high but if you're celebrating an occasion or want a sweet romantic night out, I would recommend this place. The seating is tight, so on a busy night expect to have people within 3 feet of your table...
(5)
Chelsea B.
This is a great french restaurant! I came here to celebrate my parent's birthdays along with my brother and my boyfriend. All of us are very adventurous eaters so it was perfect! With things such as brains, snails and sweetbreads on the menu it might not be the best place for finicky eaters and especially not children. It is also down in a basement and very small which is another reason it may not be good for children or groups. Very romantic for a date-spot if you and your date are down to try new and different things. However if there is the occasional finicky eater in the group, there are some french staples like French Onion Soup and croques-monsieur which are always great. Great wine list and actual French server were a fun plus!
(4)
DeeJay H.
I used to love this place....and now it was only ok. $150 and just ok. It used to be $150 and something to remember. $150 lunch for two- ok?Just ok. I went recently because I love their pan seared foie gras and was having sleepless nights thinking about it in my mouth (note to self-you may need to discuss that with your analyst)...Upon arriving, I noticed it was not on their menu. The rather snotty hard to understand waitress scoffed at me that it hasn't been on the menu in over 6 months. 6 WHOLE MONTHS. In the good words of Steve Martin 'WELL EXCUSE ME'....Are there Petit Robert regulars that keep track of such things? Please tell me if so, so I can avoid such mistakes in the future. We settled for the foie terrain which was just ok. Had escagot which again were just ok. The pistou was a high point....and our entree split of Coq au vin was generous and tasty. The attitude along with the price of food that was 'just ok' overshadowed the food. Next time we go with our original plan and hit India Quality up the street.
(2)
Natasha A.
Mmm feed me. Probably my favorite restaurant as of late. Standard French fare without the Acquitaine prices. Your escargot, fois gras, duck confit, beef bearnaise...its all here, and since every entree is under $20, you might as well splurge on a bottle of wine. Do not be surprised if more than one waitor serves you. The staff are all very knowledgable and the atmosphere is cozy...although sometimes too cozy as the tables are cramped into the small room.
(5)
Hussam B.
I have been to this restaurant a couple of times and never was impressed. The food is ok and so are the prices. But you can get much better french food elsewhere in the area. I had the vegetable soup which is served cold. It had a boring dull taste to it. Then I had the smoked salmon as an appetizer which was below average too. Had the salmon as main course. It was cooked medium rare just as I requested and the sauce that accompanies it was delicious. I ended my meal with a chocolate cake for dessert which was ok but nothing special. I am glad they are not overpriced otherwise I would have given it 2 stars. The service was very good and the waiter was attentive.
(3)
Julie R.
I loved dining here. The whole restaurant is adorable. My boyfriend took me here for a romantic meal and we sat downstairs at the pastry bar. I loved watching the pastry chefs prepare their beautiful creations. It was also nice to take in the aroma's of fresh baked confections while enjoying a great French meal! We started with the trio of pates. Very good and all were flavorful. For my entree I had the Chicken Coq au Vin with Buttered Noodles. Yummy! The chicken was so tender and the noodles were amazing. For dessert we split the creme brulee. We got to watch it being made right in front of us. Very cool! I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a romantic dinner. I was surprised the prices were so reasonable. I've been to more expensive French restaurants and this one was better at half the price. I would also go back for dessert and sit at the dessert bar downstairs again. The restaurant has 2 floors and its in a historic brownstone. Everything was wonderful. 5 stars!
(5)
Cat S.
Beautiful and delicious Frog Legs Provencale! Lovely waitressing. Ate dinner outside, which was a nice relief from the mugginess of the day, if a bit noisy from the passing car traffic. Inside is beautiful and lowlit. The best souffle of my life! Grand Marnier that night, but it changes. Friendly patrons and staff. Also, the chef and waitress didn't skip a beat when I requested no butter on my food. At a French restaurant, that impresses me.
Petit Robert Bistro is great, the food is totally a great deliciousness per dollar value, and the venison in blueberry port sauce is a mindfrig. Can I say "frig" on yelp? The waitstaff was a little impersonal, but whatever.
(5)
Frankie P.
I was looking forward to my meal at Petit Robert as I am a fan of French food. I was so disappointed in every plate with exception of the desert which was all that I can say I enjoyed. The steak tartar was simply cold ground beef which I felt I could have gotten easily at the deli counter at Shaws and the Froie Gras was served with four triangles of toasted wonder bread.Last I got the Veal that had all the tenderness of a running shoe. Luckily my date loved his calf liver but I think if I am to go again I will not be making the same dining selection as I did the first visit.
(2)
Susan D.
We stopped here for a very late lunch on a blustery New Year's Day and had a lovely cozy meal. First, they serve a very well-priced lunch until late into the afternoon. This is a good practice and unusual for a non-chain restaurant around here, I think. 2. They have a nice range of lunch choices, from good sandwiches (including Croque Monsieur and Madame), soups, and salads to a handful of real entrees such as a nice whitefish with lemon sauce. You may also order from the dinner menu. 3. The entrees were excellent. I couldn't resist the calves liver and onions -- perfect liver, seared on the outside, creamy and pink inside, with onions nicely caramelized and several slices of crisp, flavorful bacon. It came with a side of julienned vegetables and in addition we ordered sides of ratatouille and potatoes dauphines which were swimming in butter and cream. Great! The servings were large, the liver so much so that I had to wonder if this was really a calf or actually a very tender larger animal. It was a pretty big piece of meat for a calf.... 4. The dessert I had was not on the menu, but from the chalkboard of specials, and I'm not sure of the name. It was an intensely delicious flourless chocolate slice of goodness with a nice scoop of vanilla ice cream, raspberry sauce, and bit of sweet flaky pastry. Husband said the coffee was excellent too, good and strong. 5. Service was professional, pleasant, and helpful. All seemed to speak French fluently, but there was no hint of Parisian attitude. 6. The space was lovely. We were seated in the downstairs room, with a great view out onto a snowy Comm Ave, the pretty part toward Boston from Kenmore, mostly residential with some ground-floor local shops. It's a pleasant area. We'll be returning often to P.R. Great food at reasonable prices.
(4)
Claudia H.
I'll just say this up front - it's very French. In the stereotypical rude, pretentious, anti-American sense of the word. We reserved a table on February 13th for 9pm that night, as it was impossible to score reservations for Valentines day itself at that point. We got to the restaurant on time and our table wasn't ready yet so we went downstairs to wait at the bar. The bartender took our order and then promptly ducked out from behind the bar and disappeared. We didn't actually get the cocktails until we were seated upstairs, and that's not because we saw our table any time soon. Then the true delights of the evening began. I'm not a fan of French Onion Soup, but I was excited that there was a cream of tomato on the specials. When asked about how the tomato soup was, our bona fide French waitress replied with the ever so helpful, "hot." She then went on about how fabulous the French Onion soup was even after I explained that I was not interested. They were out of the first two dishes that I ordered, so I then had to scramble to find a third choice as the waitress tapped her foot impatiently (and for someone like me, who usually struggles to choose between dishes, not having a 3rd choice lined up speaks pretty poorly to their menu). When we ordered a side of ratatouille, the waitress asked us if we would like it with or without cheese. I thought for a second about the other cream laden dishes we had ordered and answered, "without," to which the waitress felt the need to reply, "It is the same price madam." In the end, my cream of tomato soup was "hot" as promised (and incredibly rich), my steak was tough as steak frittes always seems to be, and my drink was so strong that I do not remember many details of the evening after its arrival. If only it had arrived a little earlier...
(2)
Bianca G.
I heart Petit Robert Bistro. My girlfriends and I go here a lot for Girls Night, and I think it's also a prime place for Date Night. Yes, it's a little cramped, but isn't that always better for cozying up? I highly recommend the escargot, foie gras, pate plate, the risotto, the scallops, whatever seafood special they have, in short I highly recommend everything. And don't forget the desserts! (my mouth is seriously watering just thinking about those) The macaroons, creme brulee, and the super-cute chocolate Eiffel Tower cake.... Mmmm And as the icing on the cake, PRB offers great prices too. Out of all the French restaurants I've tried, this is hands-down my favorite :)
(5)
Robby T.
Like many have said, the food was good, but not great. Their foie gras app was not the buttery high quality stuff. The braised lamb shank was good, but was missing a hint of something. And the night's special of sea bass was something a good home cook could've mustered up. BUT, the service was excellent. Attentive; some authentically French; and made us feel like we were welcome. Prices were affordable and our California Zin was wonderful. Great for a dinner where you wanna step it up, but don't feel like being snotty.
(4)
Nicole B.
We took out of town guests to dinner here on a Saturday before a concert at the House of Blues. The decor was nice, but as cute or intimate as I was expecting. The kitchen was open to the dining room and the furniture was large and bulky. The menu was nice, but there is no cocktail menu, so the only options are beer, wine or cordials. 3 out of 4 of us got the steak frites and 1 person got thre coq au vin. The steak frites were okay - the meet wasn't very flavorful and fries very average. The coq au vin was very tasty. Overall, a decent experience though we will not be running back.
(2)
Tammy H.
The bf and I came here 'cause I kept hearing about some "really affordable French place" ... and yes, it was pretty affordable. For $80 total, we ordered four appetizer/soup/salad dishes to start and two entrees. (We like to go overboard with the appetizers.) Appetizers we ordered: - raw oysters - escargot "Bourguignons" (6 pc) - french onion soup - hearts of palm salad (special) Entrees we ordered: - seared sweetbreads in leek-mustard sauce - poached salmon w/ hollandaise Raw oysters weren't particularly special, but they were good. Escargot wasn't the smoothest/softest I've had, but for the price ... sure. The onion soup was perfect and oh-so-cheesy. I loved the hearts of palm; however, there was way too much dressing, such that the rest of the salad wasn't enjoyable. Not only that, but the waiter never pointed out what the dressing was, so I asked to add blue cheese to it. Baddddd bad choice. Even if I didn't get the roquefort, it still would've been too much dressing. DRENCHED, it was. The rest of the meal is on a good note. The salmon was fresh and perfectly poached, and the sweetbreads? They use the heart thymus glands, which is the good kind of sweetbreads (vs throat thymus glands and pancreas). That's good. They also gave TWO, which actually was more than I could eat. Doubly good. Service wasn't bad, though I didn't really like our waiter. Something of his French and "service skills" seemed too contrived. Also, I sat on the booth with that metal bar?? I hit my head on that. So did the girl next to me. Please put something softer there. It's super awkward when you're on a date and you hit your head on it.
(4)
Jesse R.
I've only been to PRB twice, but both times (once for lunch, once for dinner) have been really great experiences. I would recommend this as a dinner place, it has a totally different vibe than lunch - it is much more romantic and the service is much more at ease. My lunch was good, but you could tell the servers just want to flip tables and some of the dishes were not available. Prices are very affordable for the quality and authentic French dishes which are exquisitely prepared. For dessert try the Chocolate Gateau, its famous for its chocolate replica of the Tour Eiffel. Food and ambiance are excellent, service can be spotty, but this is definitely a place for a great French meal!
(4)
Brendan M.
6 Stars? 7 Stars? This place is amazing. Every entree I have gotten has made my tummy veeeeery happy. They have a reasonable wine list and some very interesting cocktails. I got a Peartini. Not surprisingly, it tasted like Pear Juice. VERY good. Reason enough to go back right there, before you factor in the food, service, and atmosphere. Get a Peartini, you'll see what I mean.
(5)
Sammi N.
I LOVE PRB! The food is simple, classic, and delicious. The service is attentive, warm, and charming. Some things to consider when dining here: 1. Make a reservation! If for a weekend evening, then well in advance! 2. SAVE ROOM FOR THE GIANT PROFITEROLE! It's my all-time favorite dessert - no joke, and that says a LOT! Nothing bad to say about this place - except bring back the lentil cake!
(5)
Jocelyn C.
I had the most amazing birthday dinner here a few days ago! Everything was perfect, down to the smallest detail. My boyfriend and I indulged ourselves, ordering lots of different things to try. We started with some oysters, which came with a really good red onion remoulade. Then, we moved to the escargots that were garlicky buttery goodness. After, we got the pan-seared foie gras, which was fantastic. Even the complimentary hot bread and butter they gave us was amazing! My bf could not get over how good that butter was, and he was right in going crazy over it. For our entrees, he ordered the lamb and duck confit cassoulet, and I got the bouillebaisse with 1/2 lobster tail. All I can say is: HEAVEN. Afterward, we shared the warm apple tarte tatin with the creme fraiche... I'm not sure where we found the room for it, but down the hatch it went. Our server was very polite and attentive, coming over every so often to refill our wine glasses and ask how everything was. Although I was a bit skeptical about sitting down in the basement area at first, it was actually quite cozy and warm, and it enabled us to pretend we were in Paris for the couple of hours we were there. I know I said before that Neptune Oyster was my perfect restaurant, but this is either a very close second, or there is a dead heat tie going on right now. Must eat more and see which one ultimately prevails!
(5)
Ting Ting L.
I'm lucky enough to live across the street to this fine bistro and it is definitely a great place to eat (and to order take out from). To start, the bread at Petit is AMAZING. Crusty and soft and warm in the center - it's the perfect way to whet your appetite. The brunch menu (served daily 11-5) is full of great options at a reasonable price (anywhere from $6 to $13). I get the eggs benedict with salmon frequently. The eggs are always poached perfectly and come with a side of crispy fries and delicious salad. Of the items from the dinner menu, my favorites are the lobster bisque and the skirt steak. The lobster bisque is very rich and goes perfectly with the aforementioned bread. The skirt steak comes with a choice of 1 of 3 different sauces. I recommend the bearnaise. The fish dishes have been okay but I wasn't amazed. Now the best part: DESSERT! Petit has one of the most extensive dessert menus I've seen, not to mention EVERY ONE that I have tried have been amazing! I highly recommend the Ile Flottante (on the sweet side) and the Chocolate Gateau Petit Robert (if youre into cool looking desserts - this is a chocolate Eiffel Tower, no kidding). Great place. Great service. Bon appetit!
(5)
Beth F.
I went there for lunch today and I won't rush back (or probably even stroll back). I asked the waiter what the "French Shepherd's Pie" was. He answered "mashed potatoes over ground beef." "Yes, I know that is what Shepherd's Pie is, but what makes it French?" "Well, I guess that it is because it is served here." So, I figured I'd order the Quiche Lorraine as at least it really is a French dish. I was a bit speechless when it was served to me. My DC also had ordered it & his was better but my piece had no more than 1/4 inch of egg mixture on top of the pie crust and the top was not golden brown but very dark, on the edge of burnt and the little bit of egg was really overcooked. I was really surprised that the chef (or cook) would send it out to a customer (I've waitressed for more years than I would want to mention but there is no way that I would have served it). I was a bit speechless when our waiter dropped if off, and so I called over another server and told her that it really wasn't acceptable. They did serve me another piece, and it was much better, but it never should have happened. The salad was also poorly dressed and the french fries weren't made in house, which I think is pretty disappointing. We had also asked for the souffle for dessert, but were told that we probably couldn't have it because the pastry chef wasn't there. They figured it out & it was pretty tasty, but with Eastern Standard just down the street, I don't see any reason to go back to a restaurant that doesn't care enough (either in the kitchen or in the front-of-house) to stop food from being served that is obviously poorly made. Two glasses of wine, 2 pieces of quiche (which is really just some eggs) and 2 souffles was $65 before tip. No thanks.
(2)
Brian Z.
Great little place. Good lobster bisque. Definitely make a reservation if you are going.
(4)
Vera S.
I don't understand why everyone is so crazy about this place. I thought it was average at best. I don't mind spending $20 for an entree, but I DO mind it if the entree is bad. I got the chicken "au jus" and it was average at best. My friend got the special, and her fish tasted like it had come out of the freezer. I started with the Soup du jour, and it was completely flavorless. We won't be going back. Yuck.
(2)
Jenny H.
My husband and I went to PRB on Christmas Eve and enjoyed the opportunity to enjoy this restaurant without it being crowded. We got the Pate and Escargot to start and they were exactly what I was looking forward to. Our entrees and the carafe of white wine we got were delicious as well. I can't wait to go back and try something new. Everything looked so good!
(4)
Kyle H.
In from out of town and this was a hole in the wall that shouldn't be missed. We did a Sunday brunch there! Amazing. On Commonwealth. Don't miss.
(4)
Greg B.
the food was great..............................but............Â..................................................Â..................................................Â...................................the............Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..............................service.............Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â...........was....................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â....................................so............Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Âslow. i'm sure it was because everyone was redeeming their groupon, but the waiter should have at least acknowledged and apologized that the place was understaffed for the night. we arrived at 7pm and left a little after 10pm. they also forgot to bring us a drink but tried to charge us for it. he offered to bring it out after we had paid the check, but we decided we weren't able to invest another hour.
(3)
Maria R.
What a pity. We went last night to use our Groupon and we pretty disappointed in the food. Lobster bisque was good, romaine salad had delicious roquefort cheese (but $11 for a salad? that was literally cut up romaine & chunks of cheese??) And then dinner: scallops & salmon- good but not great. The tired vegetables were over steamed and both the veg & potatoes were stone cold. 2 redeeming things: wine list was very reasonable (what? is this Boston??) and the desserts were out of this world. Chocolate mouse was the best I've ever had (even in Paris) Overall, shocked at the food prices for the quality and the service was just ok. Probably won't make it back to this one. :/
(2)
Rebecca Y.
1. Yum! 2. Cheap! For a grand daddy total of $60 for two people we had the following: 2 $7 glasses of wine the trio pate app (excellent, but save your bread or ask for more) 2 entrees (grilled bluefish & duck confit) dessert (Ile Flottante) OK, so the service didn't blow my hair back, but it wasn't as terrible as it has been for some other yelpers. I wouldn't say our waiter was friendly or helpful, but he was efficient and polite. If for no other reason than the price, this place definitely deserves a further investigation by everyone.
(4)
Kirs P.
When I miss Paris I want to come here. Although more expensive than a traditional Parisian diner, it's cheap by American-Boston standards. The Escargots Bourguignon is spot on and absolutely scrumptious. The Mussels Marinires are average, but they don't screw them up (honestly, I haven't had good mussels since coming back to the states). The lobster bisque is not as good as Legal's but still damn passable (and, if I remember correctly, cheaper). I don't eat meat, but my dining partners have raved, raved, raved about the Beef Bourguignon, the Skirt Steak, and the Duck Confit. I'll stick with the risotto, please (and it is yummy). I was also impressed with the wine list- lots of options in all price ranges. And it's the only place in town where I've had a decent Kir. Actually... I don't think I've ever found Kir on another menu. And, when you have filled your belly with escargot and tripe and calves make sure you leave room for the piece de resistance- the Gateau Petit Robert. Oh my god. So decadent.
(5)
Christian S.
Very good, genuine French Food.
(4)
Stephanie S.
One of my go to places when I have guests in town. I am half French and can say for certain that this place is authentic, even down to the French waiters/waitresses. It is also reasonably priced which is rare for a French restaurant in Boston. I've never had anything here I did not love. Snagging one of the few outdoor tables is always a treat
(5)
R E.
What a value! The food here is delicious, and while the service used to be unbearably slow, they have certainly improved over time. This place is a true gem.
(5)
Erik D.
good food. good service. good atmosphere. i would definelty recommend it. i got seared scallops with crab cream sauce, escargo, and lobster bisque. the girl got the pork loin. it was all very delicious, and the waitress was attentive.
(4)
JP F.
I have spent two stints in France, once as a student and the second time as an english teacher. So far, this is best and most authentic french food I've seen in Boston. First a lesson in French culture. Bistros in France are supposed to be ratty places where blue-collar joes gather to eat cheap, drink, smoke, watch soccer, or just hang out. Americans for some reason, always assume if it's french, it has to be chic and upscale. PRB tries to explain this on their website, that they are attempting to be a true bistro, but I think we're still victims of our tendency to generalize entire cultures. With that said, the food is authentic and as it is authentic french food, it is delicious (I know I'm generalizing...). The past few visits I've had the duck confit, calf's liver, and specials of anduoillette, and sweet breads (thymus glands of the calf I believe). They were all cooked to perfection and seasoned properly (bistro food isn't hard to screw up and the chef has a pedigree that leads me to believe these dishes are a bit easier than what was used to doing before PRB). Other than that, I would recommend the escargot if you want to get something stereotypically french for an appetizer. My favorite dessert, this is just a personal favorite but they do it well, is the Tarte Tatin, a caramelized apple tart from the Loire Valley. The first time I went, they sold out, so I settled for the les-Flottantes (meringues with a creme anglaise), which were also really good. Not only were they as big as any I've had in France, they had some type of filling that I couldn't figure out. Nevertheless, it was delicious. The first time I went, I met the co-owner, Loic, he's from Bretagne and a very nice guy. They definitely ensure you have a pleasurable dining experience in the true French fashion.
(4)
Brendan M.
*UPDATE*: I returned to Petit Robert and had no service issue this time. Also, I've realised that the best way to navigate the menu is to go for really traditional stuff (by French bistro standards, that is) and avoid anything that appears creative. I've also added an extra star simply based on the calf's liver. Superb. *ORIGINAL REVIEW: I *want* to give Petit Robert four stars. It has many things going for it. Unfortunately, flawed execution lets down what is really a very good concept. That concept is to bring real bistro fare to Boston: simple, unpretensious dishes, but well prepared and at a moderate price-tag. The menu is certainly authentic enough, with many dishes that would be common back home but that one rarely sees over here, such as Tripes a la Provencale or rabbit in mustard sauce. However, the food turned out to be a bit of a mixed bag: the trio of homemade pates was nice (and easily enough to feed two people), but the smoked salmon was merely OK. Similarly, the duck confit was reportedly good, but my cassoulet was disappointing, with none of the intense richness that this dish should have. On a happier note, desserts were very good, and an excellent 2002 Cotes de Blaye was very reasonably priced. My main bone of contention, though, is with the service. Although the restaurant was not particularly busy, we felt rushed through the meal. Particularly aggrieving was the fact that the main course arrived before we had finished our starters - this ought to be an impardonable offense in any French restaurant worthy of the name.
(4)
Jessica R.
I recently went to Petit Robert for dinner with a small group of friends. I had to change the reservation three times in a 24 hour period and they were very kind about it each time, even though I still felt like an apologetic jerk. This pleasantry from the staff was countered by our waiter, a total snot. Whatever though. I had no problem brushing off his bad attitude. I was too busy enjoying the wine, the company, and food I loved so much I considered licking the plate clean. Just thinking about the sausage with apples and cream sauce as I write this - I might have to go back sometime this week.
(4)
Ashley R.
It's amazing that I lived in Kenmore for 2 years and never tried this place! Anyway, I definitely recommend Petit Robert! The first time I went here I got the steak frites while the bf got coq au vin. Two very typical French dishes to get but hey it was one of my first times eating French food. Much more of a spicy and less creamy food fan but still loved this place. Both dishes were very good and for dessert we got the profiteroles. The dessert was good but personally I think it would've been better in a dark chocolate sauce rather than fudge but hey to each their own. In a nutshell the service and food were awesome. The prices aren't too expensive either.
(4)
Elisa C.
There are very few places that can transport you across the Atlantic over the course of a meal. Le Petit Robert is one of those places. The food is always flavorful and cooked perfectly, the service is delightful, and the wine selection fantastic. I have plans to go back soon and I can't wait!
(5)
Chase W.
Petit Robert's Rocks; It is currently my #1 favorite bang for buck restaurant. It's perfect for a second or third date, as it's romantic, but not so pretentious and expensive to make you look like you're tryin too hard. Keep in mind that you ABSOLUTELY have to have a reservation at the Fenway location (the only location I've tried). I've read some reviews that the staff is a pain or can be rude. I've found the complete opposite. The 3 different servers I've had have all been wonderful, personality wise, and in attentiveness as well as informative. I really don't have a bad thing to say about this place- In fact I just changed my rating from 4 to 5 stars because of the excellent value and memories of the delicious Pinot Noir (can't remember the vinyard, but from the Willmette Valley). You have to check this place out, but be careful on your menu selections as it is pretty authentic French food which, isn't for everybody!
(5)
Byron M.
Humble yet delicious french food. This is a great bistro, it is a place you can take your date or your family. The prices are reasonable and the food is excellent. I have been a customer since their beginning and love to dine there. Bon Appetite!
(5)
Sarah A.
Everyone I know loves this place, but I was not impressed. The French onion soup was pretty good, but I found the entrees to be unimpressive. The atmosphere is nice if you can manage to get a good table, but otherwise you are crammed in way too close to other people. I found the service to be rather rude too. I also don't find it to be the bargain people proclaim it to be. Maybe if you're comparing it to Maison Robert, but there are other places with much better bistro fare: Les Zygomates, for example or Brasserie Jo's.
(3)
Steve S.
I really wanted to like this restaurant, but sadly I just do not like French food. Petit Robert Bistro is on Columbus Street in what used to be Rouge. The restaurant is smallish with two rooms, one with a bar and 6 tables and a main dining room. First, the wine was excellent, a nice bottle of Merlot. The bread, as you would expect, was very good(as it would be my primary sustenance for the evening)...The smoked salmon ap was good as well The main course, which was salmon legs, was disappointing through no fault of their own. French food requires tons of butter and cream, which is not my preferred cuisine to say the least. To be fair, everyone else seemed to be really enjoying their meals. Then again, they were all Francophiles. And I did not see Freedom Fries anywhere!!!
(3)
Chin C.
Great food with reasonable prices. The onion soup was very good, and also the roasted rabbit and lamb. Hmm, yummy, I will manage to go back again.
(3)
Sophia L.
Two words; ile flottante. The floating island has long been my favorite dessert. Thank GOD for Petit Robert Bistro. I've been very dissatisfied with Boston cuisine until I found this restaurant. Dinner has been the only time I've been here but with a group of 6 we were all more then satisfied with our meals. I can recommend many things; the soup (lobster bisque and french onion), escargot, rabbit, the lamb, beef bourguignon, half chicken, steak, duck, and the liver. ALL are amazing. Don't forget dessert. the ile flottante is amazing! if they have fresh baked clefoutis you should also try one. update: still amazing.
(5)
Mick T.
Just great! Just had brunch there, good food, good discrete service, crispy poached eggs on salad with big chucks of bacon just rock. And their deserts are so good, best apple tart I've had in ages. Now just gotta find a quiet night to go there for dinner. Hey, I forgot about the soups! Just get it, sometimes they sound weird like Cream of Cabbage or something, but they're really, really good, and usually very rich.
(5)
David X.
Very charming restaurant in the South End. I got the risotto which was delicious, and for a restaurant of this quality the price was very reasonable.
(4)
Annie P.
Time of Day: Early still sunlight dinnertime. Server: Clearly French. Recommended a good simple bottle of red. What I recommend: Chicken "Coq au Vin" with Buttered Noodles (easy pick) This is the best French cuisine I've had in Boston so far (haven;t been to Salts yet) because it tasted home cooked and hearty. The richness and creaminess mixed with that tender chew in each bite. When everything on your not so complicated dish falls apart gently ..good sign. Meal wasn't a drag and totally casual in there. I was with a postman for godsakes..
(4)
Nancy L.
I ate lunch here a few months ago but recently came back for dinner, which was delicious. We started with escarot, their pate plate, and oysters. The oysters were perfect as were the escargot. There were three kinds of pate and all of them were delicious. The variety offered differences in texture and flavors. The hot bread basket was also hard to resist. For the main course, I had the sweetbreads, which I am currently craving and it is also the reason I was prompted to write this review. DELICIOUS. I wish I could go eat some right now! My friends had the pork chop and salmon. The pork was good but the salmon really blew us away. Cooked perfectly with a creamy just barely cooked center and crispy skin, the salmon was delicious even without anything else. It was a friday night and one friend was running late so our server was nervously checking on us the whole time, which made us uncomfortable. Other tables that sat there before us and left after us were not made to feel this way, which bothers me.
(4)
Brittany C.
This was my first time eating at a French restaurant, and I suppose I was expecting a little more, considering the reviews I've read about Petit Robert. The meals around the table were very touch and go--while my goat cheese and leek quiche was very tasty, it was nothing to write home about, admittedly, the potato gratin was amazing (behold, the power of butter), but both beef dishes at my table were very overdone and not very appetizing. Service was quite slow as well, given that the restaurant was not busy for Sunday brunch. I don't know if it's worth coming back or just worth learning to make buttery potato gratin on my own. The bread was delicious--I wish we were given more of it, considering it was gone in 5 minutes! I would probably go back here--I'm giving Petit Robert the benefit of the doubt that at least one of their chefs knows how to cook beef properly.
My husband and I love this place for special date nights. Great food, lovely French bistro atmosphere.
(4)
John K.
I don't give many five-star reviews, but the food here is excellent, and the service is superb. And for the reasonable prices, the place cannot be beat. I've been twice (once for dinner, once for brunch) and they did a good job accommodating my food allergies both times.
(5)
Huan z.
Make sure to make reservation before come to this restaurant. Small Portions but delicious. Very happy with my meal. Will come again.
(4)
Jonathan L.
Funny place to go if you're chugging beer at Lower Depths next door and you're just jonesing for a shot of Jameson. (They don't serve shots at Lower Depths). Even though we stormed the place rather drunkenly and interrupted many first dates and quiet politician-mistress-meetups, we were poured very generous shots - more like doubles. The food smelled very good, and paired delightfully with our Jameson.
(5)
Morgan W.
I had a wonderful meal here, but what was really special was the service. I'd strongly recommend this place, if you have even a single Gallic bone in your body.
(4)
Amy K.
We had a nice, very affordable lunch at Petit Robert, but I wasn't blown away by anything I tried. I had the salade nicoise, and BF had a brie sandwich with french fries (or should I say pommes frites?) The salad was tasty, but nothing I couldn't make myself at home. I didn't understand why there was a large piece of broccoli in it, but maybe they were out of green beans that day. I tried the french fries, and they were a little on the soggy side, and not very hot. Service was good, and I liked the atmosphere, but the food was really nothing special.
(3)
Jessica L.
Came here last night with a friend. We both got the soup du jour, a pumpkin soup, which had pieces of tender chicken. I really loved the flavoring and light broth; my friend thought it was just okay. It came steaming, burning hot, though, enough to hurt the tongue. For a main, I had the "Roasted Leg of Rabbit, Mustard and Mushroom Sauce," which came with sides of buttery mashed potatoes, three slices of boiled carrots, and two sprigs of broccoli. They definitely weren't generous with the vegetables there. But the rabbit was tender and the mushroom sauce was delicious. After spending all of January in rural southern France, I'd say this dish was close to (though a step below) the country food I had -- straightforward but still tasty. My friend had the Beef Bourguignon, which she said was really good beef. She's a big foodie too, so I trust her on this. As others have mentioned, it was comforting to hear French spoken both by the staff and other diners in the restaurant.
(4)
Melanie P.
Great meal and ambiance. All tastes were exquisite. Hubby had snails and calf's liver. He said he never had better. I had duck confit with sausage and it was wonderful. The waiter suggested a wonderful wine. For dessert we had sorbet with almond cookie and husband had a wonderful chocolate dessert. The wait staff could have been more attentive with water, but otherwise an excellent experience. We would definitely go back!
(4)
Countess O.
Yelp really should have half-point systems, because I would totally give Petit Robert a 3.5. We went on a Monday night, weren't preparing to have a big meal. The service was very courteous and attentive, and valet parking was free which is always a plus. We were seated right away, in the back of the restaurant near the windows, and the view was great. There was a stretch of clean, semi-boutique looking apartments lining the other side of the street, while the Green Line ran across the middle of the street once in a short while like a trolley or street car, together with the small stripe of lawn in the middle of the street lined by a row of iron-gated fence, created a rather European air.The restaurant was rather packed even on a Monday night, and unfortunately people were talking very loudly, and the ambiance was perhaps not that conducive to a romantic evening with a happy ending, but great for friends and family. The bread was wonderful --- steaming, hot freshly baked baguette that was just the right combo of hard surface and soft inside, and tasted like heaven together with actually spreadable, REAL butter. It was so good that i finished my roll, despite all the dietary warnings of not filling oneself up with carbs before your meal. Trust me, you will want to finish your baguette, and perhaps ask for more. We ordered the onion soup and escargot for starters. I love escargot and have always ordered it at every French restaurant that I've been to, and I must say while it is solid, it's not stellar. As always, the pesto is very overwhelming, all a bit too strong and greasy. For my entree I ordered the hors d'oeuvre "Pan Seared Semi-Boneless Quail, Port Wine and Orange Sauce," and that was quite a let-down, I must say honestly. The quail came on a huge leaf of butternut lettuce sprinkled with a few pieces of grape, drizzled with a dark sauce which tasted nothing of --- as the title enticed --- port wine and orange sauce. The quail itself was tender enough, yet was waaaaay too salty. It was so salty that I actually only ate two bites, and I have never actually done this before at a restaurant, i.e. leave a dish almost untouched because it didn't taste good. The quail itself already tasted like the chef had a seizure while salting (seriously!) and I could only dare to imagine what it would have tasted like with the sauce. Needless to say, that was quite a disappointment. When the waiter came to clear tables, he asked me if I wanted it boxed to go. I gave him a polite yet slightly annoyed "no," and told him to relay to the chef that the dish was way too salty. Hopefully that message got through. I felt bad giving this place a 3.5 because, overall, it was a semi-pleasant dining experience. While the escargot was not bad, the quail was just unacceptable. I sincerely hope the chef did have an accident. P.S. If they have Maudite on tap, DO get that. If you think Maudite tastes great in a cork bottle, try it fresh. It will make a hard day's work go all away with just one sip.
(3)
Kimberly W.
In a word? impeccable. Petit Robert Bistro serves the French classics, using delicious fresh ingredients and cooking in the true French style. I know French food, and I thoroughly enjoyed my meal here. The French have a philosophy of eating as being an experience; you will receive that here, with a romantic atmosphere, professional wait staff, and delicious food. A bit pricey, but it's worth it for the quality of the food served here. My spouse and I had the escargot, duck confit, poulet coq au vin, and the gâteau au chocolat. All delicious. And of course, the bread is excellent! All in all, I recommend this place to anyone looking to try out the French classics and have a true culinary experience.
(5)
Eddie W.
Since the chef Jacky Robert was the executive chef of Maison Robert from '96-'01 you are getting the same dishes you would get at M.R. for a much better price. The escargot are outstanding. The frog legs are out of this world. Cooked to perfection so they fall right off the bone. Don't forget to order the souffle in advance though since it takes about 20 minutes to get that little piece of heaven on your table. The only reason I'm giving P.R.B. 4-stars instead of 5-stars is the 40 minute wait between apps and entrees the last time I was there. It was the night of a Red Sox-Yankees game though so I understand if there were some issues that night. I still made the game on time however. That was the 1st time I ever had to wait like that. If you enjoy 5 star french food at a 1 star price then make sure to hit up P.R.B.
(4)
Bridget B.
The Eiffel tower made out of chocolate is cute. I had a really good croque monsieur with french fries there (I'm ashamed to admit I went to a French restaurant and had french fries, but they came with the damn sandwich!) I also really liked the onion soup as well. The main dining hall seems like it can get very crowded, and the tables are all right next to each other. I went there for lunch on a hot day, so most people were sitting outside, so we actually had the whole dining room to ourselves which was pretty neat. Very light, airy, sparsely decorated. I liked it a lot. I wish I had more to work with in regards to this review, but I have not had time to go back. I was very impressed with the prices for lunch, I'm not sure if dinner gets a bit more steep or not.
(4)
Natalya M.
What a wonderful little bistro!! It is a little piece of French heaven in Boston! I have been here twice and have not been disappointed. The French Onion soup is perfectly spiced and has the perfect bread filling while the melted cheese accompanies all the flavors and decadently drips over the pot edges. The foie gras, which I have had in numerous places, really defined that this little bistro really knows French dining! I especially loved the Eiffel Tower dessert, which was so sweet and moist...it really made me quiver (and I hate hate hate cake! but this was just right!). Overall a wonderful spot to go to with friends for a not so heavy a price tag.
(5)
Vijay R.
I have not been to many French restaurants, but I was told that Boston has some of the best French restaurants in the North Eastern region. I went with two other friends, and all of our dishes were delicious. We got the duck confit, salmon, and tilapia. I got the tilapia and it had a creamy garlic and rosemary flavor pan seared to perfection. The mash potatoes had a creamy texture to complement the tilapia. Unlike many places I have been in Boston, the service was fabulous, so it is almost an automatic star. I guess I can not give 5 stars since I do not have a comparison for French food.
(4)
Brett W.
This place is some major YUM. A considerable group (8 in total) of us went here for a friend's birthday on a Saturday night and had an amazing time. My friend and I split the garden salad, which is what it sounds like, but still flavorful without being boring. A good appe-teaser for sure. But it was the entree that really sealed the deal. Petit Robert is the type of restaurant where your only worry is WHAT to choose. I went with the Chicken "Coq au Vin" with Buttered Noodles and my stomach practically leaped from my body with excitement. My friend's pork loin was also very tender, and I heard someone rave about the veal (if you're into veal). Even the side of spinach was delicious. I also had a gin cocktail, which I BELIEVE was called something along the lines of "Sidecar," or at least had "car" in its name. Maybe. I could be making this up. I can't find it online, but it was THE ONE. Petit Robert really knows how to wine and dine you and send you home with a full belly and smile on your face!
(4)
johnny r.
This is by far the best value for your fine dining $ in boston!! If you want a great gourmet meal with service, quality, and decor, this is THE PLACE! And, there are 3 of them in greater boston to boot! Flank steak is near perfection. We split the bibb salad, and they make it more than enough for 2. Must try the crepes only made on saturday! Can't wait to go back!!!
(5)
Alex S.
I was a little nervous that I would be walking into a Walt Disney World French restaurant given the lighten up Eiffel tower outside and the famous desert served with a chocolate Eiffel Tower. To my relief the positive Yelp reviews had not led me astray. Instead of a cheesy tacky experience, this restaurant had a great atmosphere. It was well decorated and you could see and smell right into the kitchen from the dinning area. The delicious buttery French cuisine had my ole factory bulbs going crazy from the moment I sat down. They candlelit tables enhanced the atmosphere while not being too dark to read the menu. The Cabernet we had was great. The all stars from our appetizers had to be the carrot and ginger soup special and the applewood smoked salmon. The salmon was definitely smoked in the restaurant as it had a deep smoky flavor that was distinct from the out of the package smoked salmon. I had the duck confit for my main which was very good and not too greasy but the vegetables that came with it were kind of limp and plain. The salmon entree enclosed in a pastry was ok but too rich and buttery for my taste. You could take a bit or too but then it was too much. The desert was phenomenal even though I am not usually a desert guy. The best was the chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream and strawberry sauce. The cake was still warm when served. The Profiterole, however, was the MVP. The chocolate sauce was incredibly dark and fudgy. Really superb. A great French place to go for flavor ambiance and not ridiculous prices.
(4)
Allison B.
For the longest time, I wanted to try Petit Robert, but the bf refused. Why, you ask? Because their website has blinking text. You know, like 1996 Geocities-style blinking text. "But that says nothing about the quality of the food!" I'd exclaim - "you're oversimplifying." But he was adamant that the website is a reflection of the business as a whole. Finally, he relented. The outcome? Good, but really nothing special. And yes, we went all out: gratinee, wine, - even frog legs - but nothing really blew us away. RE: Frog legs - the +1's only comment was "I've had better." RE: Gratinee - Specifically, I like the one at Bon Savor in JP better. The service and ambience, on the other hand, were great. Prompt, friendly, and all that jazz. Love the outdoor seating area w/ Parisienne mural (though I think it could do with some plants). But for the price and hoop-la, I'd rather go somewhere else.
(3)
Boston D.
I was very impressed by the food here. I wasn't expecting to be. I was expecting "ok", but everything we had was delicious, from the seared foie gras, to the trout amandine, to the scallops...delicious wine too, although I felt a little sacrilegious ordering a California Zinfandel (Deerfield Red Rex for $45) in a classic French bistro. The ambiance is a little boring...the building is a classic brick townhouse outside of Kenmore....we were seats in the basement...feeling is a little claustrophobic, but also cute. Probably not a good place to go on a diet, as recipes are classic French.
(4)
Michelle S.
Just had AMAZING pate! I've never tried it before and the trio-appetizer platter was scrumptious. We had it with the french baguette and Dijon mustard and I scarfed it down. Next, I had scallops and crab over spinach! VIOLA, best scallops I've ever eaten, which is saying a lot since I grew up on the ocean with access to delicious and fresh seafood. Lightly seared, almost raw, which was melting in my mouth. Even the veggies were to die for! My boss (who took me out to lunch) got tripe, although she is a little more adventurous than me. It wasn't terrible, not that I'd order it again, but that's because I'm not a huge fan of tripe ever! She seemed to think it was one of the best she's ever had though for what it's worth. We had lattes afterward, which were better than Starbucks!!! DEFINITELY go here...
(5)
Jacqueline Z.
Went here last night (Monday) with my family. Overall, very good experience. Food: very good! Excellent bread to start. **Recommended appetizers/soups/salads: Onion Soup, Lobster Bisque (soup), Salad Nicoise, Beet and goat cheese salad (special; my fave!) **Recommended entrees: Lamb Cassoulet (with sausage--so good) - was a special, Pan Seared Scallops **Recommended desserts: White Chocolate Bread Pudding, Apple Tart Tatin, Profiterole (my fave) Wine: lots of good selections in the $25-45/bottle range. Corkage fee here is $25, fyi. Service: A-. Waitress was very accommodating; slightly pushy but not too bad. Atmosphere: 3 different seating areas (a handful of 2-4 person tables outside, inside ground floor---2-6 person tables, inside downstairs--larger parties and bar area). Could probably get a bit loud on busy nights but was fine for us on a Monday night. Would love to go back here again soon. Great value for your dollar.
(4)
Jenny L.
I never thought such a classy but affordable restaurant would be on my campus! I've walked many times by it, smitten by the lit up Eiffel tower, always afraid to look at the prices to discover that I can't eat at such a wonderful place. But my friend had eaten there before and wanted to take me out. This place is affordable for what it offers!!! I wanted to try their french onion soup. It was better than the ones I've tried in France. The cheese was gooey. The bread had just the right amount of moisture. And I can't say anything but rapturous praise of its soup. I just wish I had taken more time to enjoy every sip and bite of this wonderful concoction.
(5)
Rebecca B.
I have nothing but wonderful things to say about Petit Robert Bistro. I took my best friend tonight before her flight back home. We were short on time and mentioned that to our server. We had the Julia Child special, which included lobster bisque, coq au vin with buttered noodles, and mousse au chocolat... all for $29. Everything was delicious. The lobster bisque was perfectly spiced, a little kick and not too salty. The coq au vin was amazing -- HUGE portion. The chicken fell right off the bone, the sauce was perfect, and the noodles were cooked just right. Even though I was full, I couldn't stop eating the mousse au chocolat. If possible, the service may have been even better than the food. Our server brought out each course as soon as we were finished, allowing us to eat a three course meal in an hour (which makes us sound completely gluttonous, yes) and get to the airport on time. Parfait!
(5)
Michelle L.
Took my family here for a nice night out in Boston. And oh, did I make the right choice. We made reservations beforehand, which I strongly recommend. Space is limited and the place is always busy. I will say the lighting was too dim for my tastes. Candlelight is romantic, perhaps, but I like being able to see. Decor was classy, very French, very sophisticated. It's a higher class of restaurant than I'm used to. Onto the food, the important part: We all agonized over the menu. Everything looked good. Except maybe the tripe and the calf's brains. We're not offal people. After some time deliberating over each item, my aunt and my cousin decided on the salmon en croute, my uncle ordered the coq au vin, and I had the cod bouillabaisse. The bread was excellent, fresh and piping hot when it came to our table. We also received a second basket when our server noticed how quickly the first one disappeared-- now that earns bonus points with me. We were all exclaiming over our entrees; I think we were all perfectly satisfied. I thought I'd had excellent seafood before, but I've never tasted mussels with so buttery-smooth a texture as the ones that came in my bouillabaisse; the cod was also excellent, though I had to be careful of the bones in the fillet. We couldn't resist dessert, either. And at a French bistro it seems obligatory: if you want the decadence that is French food, you need to commit yourself fully. My aunt and uncle shared the apple-raisin bread pudding; my cousin and I split the chocolate mousse. Both desserts were as indulgent as could be hoped for. The mousse was sinfully chocolate; dark and creamy at the same time. My words don't do our meal justice. Maybe I'm just tired. But this place comes highly recommended. I'll be back to try the obligatory french onion soup, and find out about that chocolate Eiffel Tower.
(5)
S S.
I love this restaurant! My husband and I come here frequently when we crave good French food. This is one of my favorite places for brunch on a relaxing Saturday. Their french toast is delicious, and they serve a good, solid eggs benedict. I've also had their coffee and potato soup, which I wasn't a big fan of, but it was my mistake. I misread the menu and expected a cup of coffee and a bowl of potato soup, but it's actually coffee inside potato soup. My husband, on the other hand, thought it was delicious. Their crispy egg salad is also pretty good. I wasn't a big fan of the crispy eggs, as they're basically breaded and deep fried eggs, but the salad was delicious! Dinners are great here too. I highly recommend the coq au vin and beef bourguignon. Prices are reasonable and the portions are big. The service here is fantastic and it really is a gem in the Kenmore/Fenway area!
(5)
Emily O.
So-so French food and snail slow service. I was here with my boyfriend's boss and work colleagues; although conversation was great, the food was iffy. I would steer clear of the profiteroles. They were nasty and stale biscuits that had clearly been made at the start of the week and piped with unsweetened whipped cream, then coated with a huge layer of chocolate to mask their staleness. Ick. Won't be making a return visit.
(3)
Kelly G.
Super fab date spot-- quiet and dim-- grottoesque really. The ambiance gets the mood going and the food will get you home. I ordered iconic french food/drink right down the menu -- kir royale framboise, the Onion Gratinee Soup (which in other non-french restaurants would be French Onion Soup), Coque Au Vin for dinner, and then Chocolate Mouse for dessert. Now I love (French) onion soup, but I usually just eat the top layer (you know the cheese, bread, and a little broth part) but I got straight to the bottom of this and considered licking the bowl-- but before I could ponder that too long, the waitress came with the next course. Coque au Vin is a rustic dish consisting of chicken, pasta, and some wine brothyness. I'm a doggy bag sort of girl, generally portions are way too big for me-- but I ate the whole thing and didn't once regret it. And then I ordered dessert. Strike me down for saying so, but the mousse was almost too rich. I ate about half of it and then relinquished it to FW to polish it off. Also the kir royale framboise (like a regular kir royale but with raspbery stoli in it) would have knocked me on my ass if I'd had it without food. I'm a lightweight, I admit-- but champagne, vodka, and chambord had me tipped even with a full stomach. Well done!
(5)
Linda Z.
The food at Petit Robert would be adequate for a lower-priced restaurant but for the price point, I struggle to give it more than two stars. The lobster bisque is nice, though every time I have ordered it, I receive it lukewarm even when the restaurant is not busy. The entrees are mediocre for the price. I had the scallops and they were quite overcooked and rubbery, while the risotto underneath was acceptable. The wait staff is kind enough, though I have not complained there before - based on the customer feedback, providing the Chef with feedback would be a waste of everyone's time. If you are looking for a place last-minute and do not mind paying more for food that is of lower quality, you can often get a table here without a wait.
(2)
Roger A.
Any real Parisian bistro would put this place to shame, and that's a real pity. You walk in feeling like you should've shown a passport at the door. Chalkboard specials, French waitstaff, Eiffel Towers everywhere, all make you think you've been transported from Comm Ave to Paris in an instance. It all falls apart after that... We did a quartet of appetizers and were disappointed with all of them. 1) We got what the waiter described as a "shrimp dumpling in a lobster sauce" special. It was a golfball sized blob made of finely minced shrimp wrapped in some type of dough. Ever had minced shrimp packed into a ball before? It was disgusting. Not a single piece of lobster in the lobster sauce. 2) Bayonne Ham and melon. Meh. The "ham" is really a prosciutto and the melon tasted like something you'd buy at Stop&Shop. The dish was garnished with sesame oil. Interesting combination that didn't work well. 3) Bib Salad with Panko crusted Goat Cheese. How can you mess up a salad? Easy, the dressing was sparse and boring (could've used Ken's French Dressing and gotten a better review). The goat cheese was a blob of deep fried cheese. Not what I pictured, at all. 4) Heirloom tomatoes and goat cheese salad. More like Plum tomatoes and goat cheese salad. What's exciting about plum tomatoes? Nothing, especially when you're expecting a delicious heirloom. Garnished in the same sesame oil as above and therefore lost points for lack of creativity. Lastly: Service was slooooow once the restaurant got a little busy. Wine was hit or miss. My Cab was very good, my wife's Pinot would've made a good salad dressing. All in all, a nice (albeit smokey due to the open kitchen) environment catering to an everyday crowd at slightly more than everyday prices. In the neighborhood and need a sit-down meal? Hop in. Looking for a place to spend a nice evening with memorable food? Look elsewhere...
(2)
Angie S.
Purchased a groupon for this restaurant and finally when my schedule cleared up a little I was able to get around to going. I'm not generally a fan of French food however I figured I would give it a try. The desserts were good, very rich in flavor. The food I did not like at all especially for the price listed on the menu. The reason I gave this four stars is because the service was AMAZING!!! They were all so extremely pleasant and always made sure you had everything you needed. The food was a 2, the dessert was a 4 and the service was a 5 so I figured a 4 would be justifiable. When i was there I had the half chicken, mashed potatoes and veggies. All of the food had ALOT of butter. I would go back there maybe for dessert but that's about it.
(4)
Tamas S.
Staff = Great. Food = Yummy! Atmosphere = very comfortable. I will definitely be back here.
(5)
Anastasia R.
The Fiancee loves rural French dishes which was something I discovered when we went out on our latest date. The food was very good and our waitress was almost fluent in French, was able to answer my questions very well since I wasn't familiar with the cuisine, plus she was super approachable. It was an overall 5 star experience. From cocktails to dessert we had a wonderful time. Note: Frog's legs don't taste like chicken. They taste like chicken cooked in fish. Not bad, just different. Don't let the man lie to you.
(5)
Garth S.
Last Sunday evening, C---- and I decided to stop by Petit Robert for an early dinner. It was around six-thirty and already the dining room was full. We did not have a reservation. I didn't think it would be so crowded so early on a Sunday evening but C---- reminded me that although the college kids abandon Boston for February vacation, there were still a few grownups kicking around who might want to enjoy a Presidents' Day or St. Valentine's Day dinner out. The hostess suggested we sit at the downstairs bar where we could order immediately or we could wait about a half-hour for a table. C----- wanted to eat quickly so she could get home in time for "The Amazing Race" but I preferred a table so we compromised and ordered drinks at the bar while we studied the menu. I grew up watching "The French Chef" (I was a strange child) and as I read the menu, I imagined I heard Julia reciting the menu with her eminently imitable speech impediment: coq au vin . . . pot-au-feu . . . boeuf bourguignon . . . saumon en croute . . . PBS just doesn't produce shows like that anymore. The hostess interrupted my memories of food cooked with pounds of butter and drowning in buckets of heavy cream to announce that our table was ready. We'd waited only about fifteen minutes. She also thoughtfully had our bar bill transferred to our table. In retrospect, I think we screwed the bartender out of a tip. I ordered the coq au vin and C---- settled on the tomato-carrot soup and ratatouille. We split one of the special hors d'oeuvres, a lobster macaroni and cheese. It was very rich and quite tasty with nice chunks of lobster but I could have done without it. My coq au vin, however, served with buttered noodles, was perfect. C---- clearly enjoyed her soup and ratatouille and for a moment I was afraid her tongue would collide with her plate. We did not order wine and C----- cheated me out of dessert so she could make it home in time for her program. (Honestly, can you believe she'd choose a television show over dinner with me?) The service was great, the food enjoyable, and our bill, which included hors d'oeuvres, two beers, one cocktail, one entree, soup, and a side, came to just over sixty bucks including the tip. It's great to find a French restaurant that's neither super-fancy nor break-the-bank expensive. Petit Robert is not haute cuisine. It's just a neighborhood bistro serving French comfort food in a simple, cozy environment. Best of all, Petit Robert is versatile: you can take a date, bring your parents, or even try dining by yourself on a quiet night. Whatever you do, though, save time and room for dessert. Also, try to stay away from the frog legs. Like Kermit, I submit that there's nothing sadder than the sight of millions of frogs with tiny crutches.
(4)
Wayne D.
"Bonjour"!!! Screams a wonderful-yet-all-over-the-place French woman. She promptly greets my party of two, slightly underdressed for this beautiful restaurant, and offers us a bottle of water. "Sparkling Perrier will do" I kindly asked, and sparkling it was..... I went on a limb here and ordered a few flavors that would not compliment many others. I started with a cream of mushroom soup because it was cold outside and my only purpose was to heat up. It certainly did the trick. I ended up eating the entire bowl (and the serving was bountiful). I became more and more daring so I ordered Tripes Provençal, not a traditional Wayne experience. Knowing I was getting a dish with incredible flavor (so I hoped as the flavors in a Provencal dish usually compliment each other very well) I ordered a glass of rose wine. Sophie would have been so proud! For dessert, a cafe latte and a bluberry shortcake. The flavors in the shortcake were a bit weak but considering the personalities of the staff it did not matter. I was full by that point anyway. If you haven't been, you haven't lived.
(4)
Cookie D.
Five of us had lunch at Petit Robert Bistro last Friday afternoon. So much was wrong, I'm not sure where to start. The restaurant only had a few tables filled, but we waited at least 45 minutes for our food. The fresh tuna in the nicoise salad was gray when it was served, and horribly overcooked. The most unappetizing piece of fish I've ever seen. My chicken crepe was sub par - the "cream sauce" was under flavored and glutenous. It had the consistency of campbell's chicken soup but without the flavor ( how sad is that - when Campbell's chicken soup is tastier than your chicken crepe!) The overhead fans were on so high that my hair was blowing in the wind! Not all our food was delivered, and we had to ask for the rest of it. The side order I was told came with my meal was different than what I got. Very disappointing. Maybe they were having an off day.
(1)
Heather R.
Cozy bistro. But the duck confit was a bit dry.
(3)
Chris R.
I don't even know how many times I have been here, probably 6 or 7. I LOVE this place. They change their menu often enough that you can go a few times a year and get something completely new every time. I look forward to the fall when they will (hopefully) have the Normandy sausages again (one of the best dishes I have ever had). Although the food and service are wonderful, the best thing about this place is the price. Under $20 for everything on the menu for a place of this quality is a very rare find. If they moved 6 blocks down Comm Ave towards the city they could easily charge $10 more for every dish on the menu and they would still get people coming in. I love Petite Robert and always look forward to going back.
(5)
Anita B.
We went to Petit Robert Bistro for lunch while staying down the street at the Commonwealth. The escargot was absolutely fantastic. Very garlic-y and delicious. Duck was excellent and fell apart in my mouth. So tender. The only reason I gave Petit Robert 4 stars instead of 5 was because of the waiter. I have never met a more snobby, arrogant person. He didn't talk to me, but rather talked directly to my husband. That didn't sit well with me! I can order for myself, thanks... All in all, I'd come back. I've heard good things and I doubt that the entire waitstaff is like the waiter we had. A solid French restaurant.
(4)
Hilary C.
Wow, they weren't kidding when they said french bistro. I forgot where I was for a moment there. Good food, good wine, good service. I would definitely come back for a touch of France.
(3)
Liz B.
Wow. I was shocked. I expected so much more from our meal. We went for my husband's birthday. I called the restaurant ahead of time and mentioned this. We were given a pretty cramped table (nothing special). We ordered champagne, the panko goat cheese salad, and pate plate to start. That part of the meal was very good. Then the service started to slow down and the room became so hot that we were both dripping in sweat - and I am not a big "sweater." We ordered the duck confit which was very dry and overcooked, and I had the short ribs which were good, but served with steamed broccoli which was a very odd vegetable to serve - it took away from the meal. The water never came back for a wine order, and we were so uncomfortable with the heat in the room, we skipped dessert. Service was terrible and never once was my husband's birthday acknowledged. (Perhaps had we been able to stay for dessert, they might have mentioned it, but we were soaking wet in sweat.) For the price the food was average to good. I would not go back.
(2)
Nicole F.
The food was OK. Actually, the Risotto was really good and the lamb and potatos was average. The service, however, was terrible. We waited an hour for our food and the waitstaff in general was very inattentive. Someone came by and dropped off complimentary pate while we waited. Unfortunately he didn't stick around long enough to learn that no one at the table likes pate. My dog loved it though!
i am still trying to recover from the desert orgasm my mouth has had the pleasure of enjoying! i went here for desert after a show and all i can say is OH MY GAWD! the passionfruit souffle is probably the most decadent desert ever created. i sampled everyone else's deserts as well, and while the were nowhere near the equisiteness that was my passionfruit souffle, the were still pretty amazing. i can't wait to come back here for dinner! i checked out the dinner menu while i was here and it looked amazing! no entree was over $20 and they all looked fantastic! after i try dinner, i'll get back to y'all. i'm expecting great things! EDITED on July 30, 2008: I've been here for dinner several times and every time I love it more and more! I've had the scallops (full of flavor and garlic-y goodness), the bluefish (the most moist piece of fish I have ever had, huge piece too!) and the duck confit (delicious!). This is fast becoming my favorite place in boston for good, not expensive food. Not one person I know who has come here has said anything less than fabulous!
(5)
Xin S.
Good French bistro food. I tried escargots for the first time--they were tasty little morsels in a garlic & parsley butter. We also got the duck confit kimchee roll, which while absolutely delicious, came with a meager THREE pieces. We were very disappointed at how little we got, especially since it was a $10 app. Both entrees were solid (haddock and pork loin) and came with the same veggies (carrots and broccoli) and starch (half a potato). All the food was tasty and well done. We were there for an early dinner so it was pretty empty, but the place was very cute and cozy.
(4)
Jemima T.
I love it... I'd never order chicken in a restaurant, but the roast chicken is to die for. And it's a great place for adventurous eaters (go on- try the calf's liver) and for your regular old steak-and-potatoes type (steak frites anyone?) I love the atmosphere, and the food is amazing.
(5)
Winnie W.
I wanted to love this place, I really do, but I don't. :( It looks like it'd be the kind of place I'd adore - nice and attentive French servers and very intimate setting. However, the food just doesn't live up to expectations. I ordered Traditional Bouillabaisse with Lobster ($27.50) and the lobster was half of a very very small lobster, maybe half the size of my palm. The soup was nothing to write home about. However, my appetizer trio of pate was fantastic and such a great deal at $7. It went really good with the bread they provided.
(3)
david m.
Food is good and reasonably priced, but had a horrible experience there once. My wife ordered a salad, which turned out to have a cockroach-looking bug in it. The waiter was aghast, and brought us lots of free food. But the manager-- of all people -- came over and said "It's really not out fault because we don't make our own salads. All we do is take the produce out of the bag." Exactly what he said. I know there prices aren't exorbitant or anything, but is this what i should expect from them? Why shouldn't i go to Shaw's and get their bags of produce instead and save $5, and where i don't get any denials of responsibility when they serve up a bug? I would still go back to the restaurant, b/c the food is good and reasonably priced. I would politely ask that they hold the insects though.
Excellent escargot and a great romantic feel. Been there for our anniversary and have always had a good time.
(4)
Rave M.
I do love that little patio, despite there being no people-watching view. It's nice to go to a bistro that actually has decent prices. I also love that lunch, and its accompanying lunch pricing, is served till very late in the afternoon -- 4 pm I think. Great spot for dinner with a friend or for a date that oozes charm but won't break the bank.
(4)
Elizabeth M.
Quelle joie! Now that I've partaken, I can appreciate the Xmas-lit Eiffel Tower for what it is; a wink and a nod that not all French restaurants have to take themselves so very seriously. Our adorable garcon/server was charming and witty (and we were a mixed crowd so it wasn't just for the ladies). "Bistro" is a word adopted by the French and is the Russian word for "fast food"--a fun way of saying casual delicious food. Petit Robert Bistro nails it. I made a reservation the same day, and got an 8:30 table on a Friday night. The ambiance is warm, not affected. Started with the moules--this is definitely the season and they were prepared simply, lightly. Also had the foie gras as our Chicago friend noted that the delectable but evil dish is illegal in her town. Served simply, with a fig reduction underneath and pan-seared, it was perfect, and we left 1/2 so as not to spoil our appetites. Breaded cod special was cooked just right, moist and fresh--I'm a stickler about over-sauce'ing and I have to say each item from the menu was prepared the way it should be, with sauce as a hint at complimentary flavor, not as a smothering agent. The chef is paying attention. I give only 4 stars because the entrees were a tad boring after the excitement of the apps and bread (crispy baguette!) and service--yummy but not write-home-about. But then again, that's what a bistro is for. Go to l'Espalier if you want your socks knocked off and wallet emptied! We also enjoyed a chablis, the special of the evening, and it went perfectly with the moules and cod. Ended the meal with carrot cake. Beautifully presented, with layers of light (physically, not calorie-wise) cream, and a rockin' orange reduction swizzled on the plate. My taste buds were already happy so I can't say the dessert added to the meal, but it pleased my companions. Price is right, loved it.
(4)
Japhia L.
get the scallops... they are delish!
(4)
Henry P.
I don't generally bother writing negative reviews, so read between the lines: We had friends visiting from Manhattan with whom we traveled France twenty years ago, so I chose to dine with the Roberts. We arrived at 7:45 for our 8:00 reservation. ALL FIVE STARS are for 1) the Aubry NV we thoroughly enjoyed at Island Creek Oyster Bar while we waited for our Petit Robert table, and much later 2) a Petit Robert staffer (I asked - her name is Tara) whose athleticism and attitude remains in memory in pleasing contrast to the grim tension, defensiveness and ineptitude surrounding her. She slipped through the unseatable crowd clogging the passageways, sailed up and down the stairs balancing multiple hot plates with feline grace and an unforgettable smile. As for the rest, the excuses, the 9:05 seating, the wine past its prime, the overportioned, oversalted food, the harried server, I've already said too much.
(5)
Stephen G.
I went here with a group of about 13 people, and we had a fabulous time. The food is good; perhaps not what you'd find in paris, but where woud you find that . . . the wine list is good but damn overpriced. And their corkage is $30!!!!! ridiculous. Despite the overpriced alcohol, we had a fabulous time. Would easily reccomend this place.
(2)
Stephanie L.
ok, so i really wanted to like this place because it's affordable and cozy, and i want to believe that there are places that are affordable and cozy and delicious. but i guess it's affordable for a reason. i ordered a pretty elaborate dish-- a magret de canard and lobster salad, but dude, ONE dry-ish obviously reheated slice of duck, and a dry-ish quarter of a lobster tail over a bed of arugula? COME ON! maybe they would do better to just stick to simpler entrees or something. still, i had a good time here-- the restaurant was sort of empty-ish so the waitress let us have a little wine tasting and try all the reds on the menu before we settled on a bottle. so that was pretty fun. oh and there were cool cheeses. cheese is always fun.
(3)
E.N. Z.
It is one of the most authentic French restaurants in Boston! It is also reasonably priced compare to other outrageously expensive French foods. I am giving it four stars because the only negative thing of this restaurant is that it can be very slow. The first time I went there, I waited more than one hour to get my entree. But if you just overlook this flaw, the food is definitely worth the wait. And leave some room for dessert! Their Souffle is to die for. But in general, they have fantastic desserts. For appetizer, the escargots is delicious. The Foie Gras is from local region and tastes great. This is another great feature of this restaurant, they order from local farms and organic stores for ducks, rabbits and foie gras. For entree, the rabbit is a must. Everything I've tried so far is great. You can't go wrong there.
(4)
Liz H.
The four stars is because it has been over a year since I have been to Petit Robert - ah, but the memories linger and I must get a refresher tour de france this winter. Have only visited the Kenmore Sq location and it goes without saying that if the Sox are at home and you aren't looking to attend or watch the game then head to the South End location. I'll be honest - I kind of blew through the main meal to get to dessert and the delicately crafted mini chocolate Eiffel tower (I know - how cheesy is that?!). However our group of four enjoyed every aspect of the meal and the atmosphere was incredibly inviting and relaxed that we were the last to leave. I could tell the waistaff were getting a little antsy, but I can empathize - have been in several jobs where people come in and stay, and stay and stay . . . Update coming this winter . . . .
(4)
Christine P.
This place is uber-cute. The upstairs dining section is small and cozy. It's a great place to go with a small group of friends and is also a great date spot. The food is very typical French cuisine. The portions are a bit more than what is filling and the prices are great. The risotto wasn't a hit for me as it was too bland and creamy but otherwise, I've always enjoyed what I eat here. It's a great brunch, lunch and dinner restaurant.
(4)
Marilynn L.
Completely mediocre. After reading & hearing a lot of good buzz about this 'Parisian' treasure at Kenmore Square, my husband & I met friends there tonight for dinner. Everything was insipid; tasteless, watery, under seasoned, disappointing. The minestrone was downright bizarre, Pot au Feu limp and uninspired. Salad greens dry, shallot vinaigrette with no snap, zip or interest. Good service & a pretty place but we will not be back.
(2)
Steven M.
Decent, but not incredible food. The service is good and the location is cute. It's not ridiculously expensive, but you could probably get better bang for your buck.
(4)
K W.
We had the foie gras, duck confit ,and the burger dog. Eh, not that great. The foie gras was mushy and inconsistent in texture. The duck confit was dry and lacked taste. The burger dog was burnt and the burnt parts overpowered the cheese. Service was ok. We went based on Yelp reviews and it didn't turn out as we had hoped. Not a place that I would visit again.
(2)
Jim M.
The owner remembers my name five months after meeting me, and hadn't seen me since. Food's great, dessert's better, and such ambience. Go for it!
(4)
Annie D.
Just had a birthday dinner there this weekend and this is probably due to the fact that I am not a huge fan of french restaurants but the food here was ok. I keep questioning myself if I should have ordered the moles though because that's what I originally came there for. Instead I opted for the calf brain and I don't think that was such a good idea. It tasted very fishy and the texture was too soft for my liking - maybe its just an acquire taste type of thing. Anyhow the service here was great and that is one thing that would probably have me coming back there another time, the wine selection was decent and they managed to find me a California wine that I actually like in Boston - so I was impressed Edna Valley Chardonnay, from Sanoma is what we opted for. For entrees we me and my friend ordered steak with pepper sauce and half baked chicken respectively. I loved the steak and especially the pepper sauce it was excellent! My friends chicken looked a little undercooked and she didn't finish half of it so I am not sure if it was cooked to perfection. Over all this place was pretty cute- has a small Eiffel Tower in front of it and a very cosy atmosphere inside. I liked it and actually I would give it 3.5 stars but such rating is not availabale?
(3)
Mischa I.
Very disappointing. Bad service and average food. We had finished our bottle of wine before we got our soups - at which point we already had 3 loafs of bread ... the food was overcooked and we could not get a hold of a manager. After waiting for the manager for over 20 mins, we decided to get up and leave. The manager finally ran over only to offer us dessert when we had been meaning to rectify the situation from the beginning. It's a shame considering we tried to work it out and we've heard such great things about this place. Poor service, average food, cute place but too many tables.
(1)
Jay and Jenn O.
The best bread in Boston. Not only for the taste, but how much they bring you. As soon as you are done, they bring you more without asking. I know its bad how they make Pate, but its delicious. Great service with great food.
(4)
S S.
I went here last for dinner and ordered the special dinner-Chicken dish that was offered. I do not reccommend because it was dry and tasteless.
(3)
Shirley Y.
i love this casual, yet elegant, restaurant for its authentic french dining, it's wonderful service and its unpretentiousness. there is not often a wait and it is easy to get to in the kenmore square area. i have been there twice, once on a date, and it makes me want to go back again and again with both friends and my boyfriend. the menu changes daily with specials and the food and wine is impeccable. the staff is always on hand to assist you with pairing the wine with the delicous and decadent french food. the space is intimate with two levels of dining...get there early for the top floor where the open kitchen creates a comfortable bustle in the cozy space and there is a bay window with a view of comm ave.
(5)
Gary F.
Mon Petit Robert, Date night. Tight girl. Little Bobby. However, your food left me kind of uninspired. I find myself drained of my tight reviewing skills. Instead, my blood sugar is sky-rocketing and I'm dreaming of the perfect duck confit. Unfortunately, that is not to be found with you, Bobby. However, in an effort to write my tight reviews, I'll try. Blame it on Bobby if it's not quite tight. That's what I'm doing, anyway. Met outside by lawn ornament-style Eiffel Tower. And trecherous stairs which almost ended a lifetime of tight reviews from Gary. Sexy host and hostess (Gary cannot spell maitre'd. Or maybe he can?) ushered us to our seats. Lttle Bobby felt a iittle cramped and a little sterile. The beautiful space, in Gary's opinion, could have been better utilized by Bobby. Bread. Gary will really have to focus his efforts on the bread because Little Bobby (who apparently has the bread delivered from Canada, seriously. Why Canada? The waiter volunteered this info as if it were a great feat for bread. Perhaps Gary isn't in the know on Canadian bread tightness. He is now.) The bread was tight. Tight bread. And tight butter. We ate about 4 loaves. That may be because the food was good...but...Bobby. When you erect an Eiffel Tower in front of your bistro, you're setting the bar a little high, non? For all of that (plus faux-French speaking hosts), your escargot needed more attention, non? Onion soup gratinee was fine, but it's a little hard to mess up the tightest soup on earth, non? Main courses were also a bit of a let down, Bobby. Duck confit was tight, but there's tigher. And pairing duck confit with dry sausage? Hmmmm. Salmon legs? The jury is still out on the anatomical location of legs on salmon. Again, could have been tighter. For dessert, try the macaroons. They look like cookies Barbie would eat. They didn't look real and the taste was pretty unreal, too. However, white chocolate bread pudding tasted like cheese and was served at room temperature. Gary likes his bread puddings served warm, Bobby. Fin.
(3)
R W.
Decent place that won't wow you, but is worth a trip for many different types of occasions. your average, decent French bistro that is appropriate for anything from an informal lunch to formal occasions. many different menus at this open-all-day place. come in for a nice baguette sandwich and coffee during the middle of the day.. or come in for a romantic during on a cold night and enjoy nice ambiance. whenever i pass the place, it also seems like a good idea.
(3)
Seth M.
Fantastic food, especially dessert. the stories about the delays and waitstaff are mostly true. However, if you want a great steak frites and a mind-blowing Ile flotante, you are in for a treat. one time I had to wait for a table for 45 minutes (with a reservation, mind you), which was a bummer - but we sat in front of the pasty chef waiting, and that was torture. I nearly leapt over the counter to attack the gateau, cookies, and all the other delights that were being created. great place, just be prepared for a wait.
(4)
Chance X.
Good service, food is only ok though. Didn't think it was anything special. I had the french national dish - hot pot. It tastes ok.... I actually the high light of our brunch was the free bread.
(3)
S R.
Went here recently for a friend's birthday. The staff was excellent and had a lot of patience, which was great since we were such a large party. I started with a mango mojito, which sounds better than it tasted. It certainly wasn't the worst I've had, but it was mediocre at best. Not enough mango. The fresh bread was very good. I ordered the scallops for my main dish and they were just OK. Not nearly the quality I was expecting, that's for sure. Overall I would say the whole visit was just OK and nothing to write home about. I am definitely not in a hurry to visit again.
(2)
Merri H.
great restaurant in kenmore square ( I hear they have another one in the south end which we have never tried) great food, great waitstaff,,,it can be a little loud if you go with a group, but is very cozy and fun if you go with just one other person. We tried the pate & snails (really garlick & Yummy) and the chicken & salmon and then shared a fabulous chocolate dessert! It's worth the trip
(5)
Nicole M.
totally affordable and cozy. food was great. we had two apps, two entrees, dessert, and a bottle of wine and got out of there for just over $100. I wasn't too keen on the lobster mac n cheese, but the bisque was great. My steak was ok, not the world's greatest, but about what I expected. Chocolate mousse was fab. I'm going back for sure.
(4)
Khanh D.
The food was spectacular! Some of the best French food I've had, and I just came back from a week in Paris. Would definitely recommend the escargots and pate, bluefish and duck confit, and almost any of the desserts. Service was very friendly and helpful in explaining the dishes to a group not that used to fine dining. Restaurant was occasionally a bit on the loud side for a date, but if your date enjoys great food he/she would probably appreciate it. Price was quite reasonable, under $40/person for 3 courses (not including wine).
(5)
Eli G.
I'd been meaning to check out petit robert since it opened and finally had a chance chance last weekend. I love bistro style french foo so clearly I had high expectations and they were definitely met. My escarogot app and rabbit entree were both exceptional and rich. The wait staff was also very pleasant and helpful. The one reason it's not getting 5 stars is because the food at les zygomates is just as good, but costs less.
(4)
N Z.
I've only sampled breakfast here but everything I have ordered (from their small breakfast menu) was great. Warm freshly baked french bread is served with every meal.
(5)
Anna B.
The service is not fast but I think that's intentional - relax and enjoy more wine. This is a good date restaurant - it feels small and tucked away even if it is in Kenmore Square. The night I went we couldn't get a table so we sat at the pasty bar which turned out to be fabulous - we watched the pastry chef make desserts all night! I'd say try the white chocolate bread pudding (my pick) but they all looked pretty awesome.
(4)
Kevin M.
I have a new favorite restaurant in Boston! This has been on Columbus Ave for about 2 1/2 weeks so far. Just went to dinner last night....sat outside. Service was great. Bartender was quite knowledgeable, (a bit strange, but that's OK)... Waitstaff/hostess very polite. Food was incredible!!! For a first course, try the salad with the crusted goat cheese! Great wine selection to boot!!
(5)
Gazelle T.
Ehh. The prices were reasonable, the food was good not great. My pork tenderloin was more of a pork chop, and on the dry and tough side. My mom loved her swordfish, and she's a picky eater. I wouldn't go back here. There are just too many great restaurants in Boston to waste time on the mediocre ones.
(3)
Lala L.
I threw a bridal shower here this past weekend for one of my good friends. The management and staff were extremely nice and accomodating. The dessert were really good, and the pastry chef is awesome. My all time fav is the french macaroons and the custom made pistachio&lemon cake that the pastry chef made for us! Thank you Kristen!
(4)
Ellen K.
The food wasn't bad, but the service sucked. When we asked them not to take away our unfinished plate of appetizer pate, one of our servers rolled his eyes at us. rude! we had the rabbit special and scallops for main course. decent food, but i'd rather take my business elsewhere.
(2)
James W.
excellent service. chicks with french accents can do pretty much whatever they want with me. good wine recommendation for the three varied dinners at my table - blue fish, lamb chops and veggie polenta of some kind. i thought the food was very good and the portions reasonable. the last time i went to a french restaurant it was like a t.v. commercial. ordered the game hen and got something covering less than 2% of the plate. literally went out for hamburgers after, but that's another matter. liked the setting right off comm ave, but below street level so you didn't have to deal with gawkers. small place without being too loud. reservations recommended. i saw some people without and the wait was substantial. i ordered the chocolate eiffel tower for dessert and actually got a chocolate eiffel tower. really cool. i almost didn't want to eat it, but . . . . they had a full bar when i was there, so i'm not sure why the 17 "none" votes. tasted like scotch to me.
(4)
Anita C.
They serve an Eiffel tower made out of chocolate. I went there because the person who was doing their PR invited me to have a glass of wine with her. This place had potential and I can tell it is doing great!!
(3)
Sarah S.
An out of town friend, in Boston for a conference, took my broke-ass student self out to dinner here and it was HEAVEN. I'm not a huge French cuisine pro but I do know that our food - half a chicken, cheesy delicious potatoes au gratin, hot cheesy soup, great wine, etc etc - was Great, it was a classy atmosphere (which we did not help at all), and all in all, a Great dining experience. I stumbled out full, tipsy, and Quite satisfied! ITs a GREAT friend who takes to you Petit Robert!
(5)
Valerie W.
Petit Robert Bistro offers delicious French food at very reasonable prices. The pate and fois gras apps are to die for, and if you're in the mood for a little adventure, you must try the calf's liver entree--it melts in your mouth! There's also an extensive wine list at totally do--able prices. My experience with the waitstaff has been nothing but good, and the decor is pretty easy on the eyes as well. Petit Robert is definately a great place for a date...or maybe just a special dinner with friends!
(4)
camilo a.
okay not really into french food but a friend a mine said hey lets go in and have a beer which first of all how would of know that french beer is actually good but any way i just could not resist trying the deserts that my friends said were delicious and man am i glad i did this will be forever bee one of the best little shops in the Kenmore area
(4)
Laura M.
I was so impressed with Petit Robert. I went on a Friday night with my boyfriend and another couple. We were able to get same-day reservations for a table at 6:30, which was nice. It's conveniently located, easy to find, really cute atmosphere, lots of places to hang coats!, and overall made for a nice, hassle-free dining occasion. The service I found to be quite good. We were seated immediately, and our waiter asked us if we needed anything while waiting for a slightly late member of the party to show up. When he arrived, we all ordered a bottle of wine for the table ($22 -- not bad!), the vegan pate, and our entrees in one fell swoop. Our waiter was courteous, friendly, and attentive without seeming snooty. He answered our questions and responded well to a little goofing around. Some of the clientele I was less impressed with, like a guy who came in during our appetizer and started complaining that the table they'd given him wasn't good enough, and couldn't they rearrange the dining room furniture for him? What a prick. Either specify where you'd like to be seated with a reservation, or shut up. The other people in the restaurant seemed like they were pretty laid-back, though, and while it's a nice place, I felt comfortable in jeans. Then the food came. First of all, the cheapest Bordeaux on the wine list was still quite tasty. The bread was a still-warm delicious baguette. I got the duck confit entree and was SO HAPPY. Piping hot delicious duck fat, meat, braised cabbage, all in a subdued but yummy sauce. Also, a tasty sausage. I was a little amused by the token spear of broccoli on my plate, but I ate it and it was fine. Other folks got the steak frites, salmon legs, and lamb cassoulet. They were out of beef bourguignon when we went, which was a shame -- gotta try it next time. Everyone was too full for dessert, but I will have to try it next time because it all sounded fabulous. All told, we fed everyone for $115 (including tax and tip), which ain't bad.
(5)
Kristen F.
I'm shocked at all these great reviews. I went with a party of 6 and the service was horrible, and the food not much better. We sit down, and after seeing the ridiculously over priced menu, we decide to order 2 bottles of wine. With no waiter insight, we finally flagged one down. Luckily, he was ours and we asked for a certain bottle. His response was "All out" and made a throat slitting gesture across his neck, and then walked away. Excuse me? We should have left right then. I was appalled that he just walked away, instead of making another suggestion... hello! We're here to spend money you idiot!! He finally came back and we ordered the wine. When he came to take our dinner order, one person asked if he could get a vegetable with his steak instead of fries. The rude waiters response: "Nope!" Finally when the bill came the waiter started being nice, whatever buddy... too late. We left barely 10%. The manager approached us asking why, and we explained the above 2 situations. He was very apologetic. This made some of the people I was with feel bad and want to leave more. After fighting for 5 minutes one the guys left an additional $20 on the table which is still pissing me off!!! This waiter deserves to be fired and if he was, I probably still wouldn't go back because like I said, the food was not great and way too expensive for what you get.
(1)
Anuj S.
I went here for Brunch for several friends. The inside of the restaurant is really nice. Casual, yet sophisticated. Very cozy. The breakfast food we had was declicious. I have yet to try the lunch or dinner menu's, but I'll definitely be coming back at some point. The only reason I'm taking off one star is because the service we received wasn't friendly at all. The waiter wasn't helpful, wasn't friendly, quick to rush us to order (even though there were only 2 parties in the restaurant at the time including us), and he looked a little bit like the villain from the Charlie's Angels movie. Okay, that last part didn't change my review, but I swear its him. Either way, probably not the best French restaurant in town, but worth a try (at least for breakfast or brunch).
(4)
Raphael F.
Awesome spot. Probably one of the best date restaurant in Boston. You wont set yourself back too much so its a great safety net for a bad date, and the setting makes it a winner if you actually wind up liking the girl. We got 2 appetizers and two entrees for 54 bucks not including tip. The coq au vin is amazing and the venison in blueberry and pepper sauce is solid. The pate appaetizer was what you'd expect, but the roast beet and goat cheese salad was a little bland and uninspired, really the only disappointing part of the meal. The bread is also awesome. I'll definitely be going back.
(4)
Margarita M.
I have been here for brunch to Sundays and dinner. During brunch, there was a jazz band playing and really set the mood for a laid back Sunday. The eggs benedict was to die for. Very savory and filling. The brunch menu is pretty cheap too! Ive been to Paris before, but the only time I have had escargot is here. It was buttery and delicious. The environment at night is pretty lively, but romantic and classy as well. There was even a blind date happening at the table next to me :) The dinner is a bit pricey, but worth it.
(5)
Andrea G.
One of my favorite restaurants in Boston. Kenmore Square was really lacking a nice, sit-down, non-chain restaurant and Petit Robert is far better than Il Bico, which used to be in this location. The food is spectacular, and the waitstaff is prompt and courteous, and can answer any question you have about the menu. I highly recommend the broccoli-corn soup and the duck confit, which is among the best I've had. Be sure to save room for dessert too, which is all extremely fresh and made in their on-site bakery.
(5)
Crystal K.
The food is good but be prepared for a long wait and a very condescending waitstaff. We waited 75 minutes for our appetizers and by the time food arrived the wine was gone and our mood entirely ruined. While the cook really knows his stuff, the rest of the experience was one of the worst I've ever had in Boston. We'll never go back.
(1)
Joanne L.
My husband has never really been to a French restaurant so we decided to check this out since the last time we tried to eat here, we were told that they were booked for the night. So it has to be good right? RIGHT! This time, we made reservations, and we were very pleased. We ordered the foie gras pate which was a tiny bit too much, but it tasted like butter. They give you toast with it, so you can spread it. It was so good. I ordered the steak frittes with bordelaise sauce and he ordered the venison with blueberries. We requested medium rare and got exactly what we wanted. I honestly liked my husband's dish more, but both dishes were very good. For dessert, we had the profiterole which was made up of yummy fried, chocolate, ice cream goodness. During dinner, we even started talking about what we'll order the next time we eat here again (We saw a lot of people ordering the escargot and french onion soup.). I highly recommend this restaurant, and make sure you make reservations before you go!
(4)
Baker M.
Great steak frites...great variety of beautiful deserts...love the chocolate eifell tower. Very unique...staff all kind and cheerfull
(5)
Jesse N.
The Petit Robert Bistro is a spin-off to the famous Maison Robert that was once located in Boston's old city-hall. Much of what used to be there can be found in this new French hotspot that is probably the only place in Boston where you can get high quality French food for under $20. That's right, under $20. The lobster bisque, escargot, pate, it's all authentic French. Some of the entrees taste better than ones I had in Paris! I highly recommend the duck confit. This place is perfect for a date, or for taking the parents out. The Petit Robert Bistro is quite possibly the best deal in Boston.
(5)
Michael G.
The food here is really good considering the prices you pay. Everything is less than twenty bucks for dinner, which is just fantastic for what really ought to be a seriously expensive French restaurant. I'm guessing that if you show up without reservations, it could be a painfully long wait, as the place was very crowded and without many tables. I thought that the waitstaff was really helpful. They even gave us pointers about parking due to there being a Sox game the evening we went.
(5)
Andre D.
This place serves up some phenomenal french-american cuisine. Waitstaff is attentive and knowledgeable. Good atmosphere, slightly more than casual. Desserts here are fantastic. Revolving list of specials can keep you interested.
(4)
Emily C.
this is a really cute restaurant... and it was surprisingly cheap for french bistro food! especially for lunch, i think they have killer specials and deals. it's very quaint and dainty and has the cozy feeling of a french restaurant despite it's location on the bustling boston commonwealth ave. i ordered the salmon and it was probably one of the best cooked salmons i've ever had... up there with Navyyard Bistro... it was very yummy! i feel like the chef or one of the chefs there like to do a fusion of french and asian food sometimes for the specials.. for example one of the courses was duck wrapped in sushi (sans fish) and it was interesting. very yummy and the service is homey and friendly!
(4)
Kelly H.
When I ate here I thought it was ok. Prices were good, but food was boring (granted I work in the industry, for a French place so my standards are high). Two days later I realized that they had double charge my credit card, so I called the restaurant. Spent 30 minutes on the phone with the manager, while he tried to find my credit card receipt. He told me that the charge would be reversed within 24 hours. 4 days later I had to call the company and filed a claim. I called the restaurant again to notify them of the claim, at which point the manager stammered for awhile about how he thought he had reversed the charge and didn't know what went wrong. Of course the credit he gave me eventually came through, but for the wrong amount, which meant I had to call the credit card company again. I spent nearly $200 here and am still annoyed at the incompetence of their managers and their cavalier attitude towards such a significant mistake. Would definitely not eat here again.
(2)
steve p.
Great French bistro fit for Paris, but right in Boston. The food is very good and extremely reasonably priced. We had my girlfriend's birthday party dinner in their cozy basement dining area. We had a great time and the staff were amazing.
(5)
Justin D.
the food was absolutely amazing, the server was incredibly but the management was awful! I went with a group of 7 friends to Petit Robert on Comm Ave, we ate downstairs and for the most part enjoyed our meal. after we finished dinner and before desert all of the ceiling lights above our table began leaking water from the upstairs bathrooms, a lot of water, probably 4-5 buckets worth. after it stopped raining we were not offered any sort of compensation or dry cleaner refund from the management. we were all in our mid twenties and believe we were treated this way because of our age. the management staff said "you ate your dinner, we cannot do anything" and "its the business 2 floors up fault, not the bathroom" (which was directly above our table. all we were looking for was our one friend who's shirt was soaked to get her meal comped. absolutely disgraceful...i highly recommend hammersley's, bouchee, gaslight or any other french restaurant in the city.
(1)
Rob H.
MY gf and I had dinner at the Kenmore location of PRB last night. Overall, we were pleased with the experience. Here's a quick breakdown... Food: I started with a cream of beet soup which was very tasty and rustic. Also this was possibly the soup with the brightest color that I've ever eaten. My gf got the smoked salmon with big capers and that was not bad. My gf got liver and onions. She loved it and I thought it was probably the best liver I've tasted. I had the grilled pork loin for dinner. The loin was wonderfully moist and the accompanying mushroom and cheese would probably make anything taste better. That said, the topping was not too overpowering. The sides were plain-looking vegetables. The potatoes were super creamy and the broccoli and carrots were buttery. We finished up by splitting the apple tart. First of all, the tart was bigger than the largest slice of apple pie I've ever eaten. The apples were large and sweet and the crust was buttery, crisp, and doughy at the same time. Probably a bit too much for some, but bursting with apple and sweet flavors. Service: The service was prompt. We were seated at a nice table just before their dinner rush, and the food and drink was all served in a timely manner. Ambiance: The place looks decent. There is nothing particularly noteworthy about the interior. The table are close together, but nothing out of the ordinary for in town dining. The servers all wear clean white. Price: Very reasonable for French food. I don't think there was a dinner plate over $20.
(4)
M C.
I've read numerous reviews about the terrible service here, and while it wasn't spectacular, it wasn't terrible. Our waiter was alright, pretty average. The food though was enough to ignore the shortcomings of the average service. The bread was hot and crunchy, with a soft interior. The mussels were tender and wonderfully cooked in a delicious broth. The french onion soup was light with a thick layer of gruyere cheese and just enough crouton. And the steak...so good. The fries were pretty average, actually, I didn't even touch them, but it was okay, since I was pretty full by the time I got to the main entree. But the steak was so delicious on its own, I barely even touched the accompanying sauce. I didn't have any dessert, but the food was good, the wine was good. I had a great time. For the price, I probably could have gotten better service, but the food was pretty fantastic (except the fries).
(4)
J C.
4 out of 5 stars. Why? Well, lets start with the downer of escargots. Not that great when the first one that I bite into is full of sand. Yes sand, nice and crunch sand. The second and third ones were much better, minus the sand. The foie gras was excellent. Big melt in your mouth goodness. Mmmm. Onion Gratinee soup was equally good. Not salty like some other places. I had the roasted rack of lamb that was cooked to perfection. Tasty and succulent. The accompanying Pommes Lyonnaise was equally fulfilling. Had a tasting of the Pan Seared Scallops and 5 stars. Seared yet excellently cooked on the inside. Takes some skill there. Then finally had the Grand Marnier Souffle, after 20 minutes of cooking. Quite a bit of time, but had wished the waitress had offered to mention that before we we had ordered, but otherwise, the dessert was soft and delightful, with hints of citrus, not too heavy. Definitely warrants a return.
(4)
carla b.
My husband and I were so disappointed by our dinner last night. We lived in Boston several years ago and it was one of our favorite French restaurants. Looks like it's definitely gone down hill. First, our server was a bit rough around the edges. Yes, she recommended a bottle of wine that we really enjoyed, but her attitude was a bit off putting. I felt like I annoyed her when I asked her about some things on the menu and she just didn't have the manners you expect when you go to a French restaurant. Petit Robert is not a super fancy restaurant but I still think the servers should have a certain etiquette no matter where they work. This comes from a veteran server with experience in fine dining and not so fine. The food, however, was the most disappointing! For a second, I thought perhaps they had changed it to a French/Asian fusion restaurant. We ordered the tuna tartar and it was doused in soy or teriyaki sauce. The sauce was so salty and overpowering. You couldn't help but think they were trying to mask the flavor of the tuna because it wasn't fresh. The trio of pate we ordered was pretty standard so no complaints there but our entrees were again, disappointing. My husband ordered the spicy pork chop that was coated in yet again some Asian inspired sauce. I had the steak frittes. The bernaise sauce was flavorless and visually unappealing so I didn't waste the calories on eating it. Plus, the French fries were horrid! They weren't crisp and they were all broken and small which lead me to believe that they came from the bottom of some frozen bag in the freezer. Seriously, I've had better fries from McDonald's at 2 am. If you are looking for a good French restaurant, it's best to look elsewhere.
(2)
Janie W.
Love this cute little french bistro. Casual unpretentious french fare are reasonable prices. The bread and butter is one of my favorite parts, they are both just about perfect. Nice date spot. I do, however, prefer the upstairs dining room greatly to the downstairs dining room which has a basement feel to it.
First time visiting and enjoyed thoroughly. Came here to celebrate my cousins engagement. Made reservation that weren't really needed but saw it get pretty busy for a Sunday night. Waitstaff was very friendly and helpful. Lobster bisque was delicious as were the mussels and smoked salmon. My steak bourguignon was very good. Tried the rhubarb martini and it wasn't as tart as I would have hoped so switched to some nice Scotch after that. Overall well worth a visit. Some very good French food.
(4)
a.c. b.
Loved it. Innovative French fusion menu and warm and inviting space. We had a late lunch on a Sunday and the service was polite and very attentive. Will definitely go back to try more dishes.
(4)
Mimi X.
I love it when my water glasses magically refill themselves, which happens here. A perfect place to have a weekend lunch with elegant and simple food done well at a great price. Lunch specials are under twelve dollars, and they have a good variety of soups, sandwiches, and salads which leave you feeling perfectly satiated. I got the Onion Soup which which had the perfect cheese to bread ratio. I also had a vegetable salad, which had a medley of carrots, aspargus, broccolli, and greens. All these vegetables were so flavorful! Why do they not taste that way when I make them?
After dining at Petit Robert back in June, we were anxious to return for another great dinner - unfortunately, this past week's night out wasn't the same. First and foremost, the escargot here is a must have. One of the main reasons we came back was to just indulge in their flavorful escargot and warm bread - you can't go wrong. In terms of the downgrade, there were a couple of points that I feel the need to address. First off, it was our waitress's first night on the job - although she was spotted by a veteran, her nerves got the best of her which ultimately made for a very awkward dinner. I would assume that a restaurant like Petit Robert would only hire experienced staff, but in this situation it didn't seem like that was the case. Lastly, we ordered the braised lamb shank with sausage and white beans. The sausage was very flavorful but the lamb shank was somewhat dry and less fulfilling.
(3)
Lillian W.
Conveniently located with affordable prices, PRB is a good place to get your fix of francais. It's pretty small--as in, gotta pull out the table so you can get your size 0 through to sit against the wall-small. The tightness and loudness of the restaurant made it a tad difficult for conversation and we could barely understand the lady who was asking us if we wanted water. It's also kind of fancy pants--I was under the impression that it was casual so I didn't bother getting dressed up, whoopsies. But hey, a paying customer is a paying customer--regardless of your Burlap bag or Burberry bag. The food was pretty good. I got the lobster bisque and the duck confit-- wasn't to die for but yummy for what it is. The bf got the pork loin medallions which he enjoyed--he's pretty picky so I was surprised. We split a creme brulee for dessert--nothing special. Service was standard. Waiter didn't have much personality but got the job done. I'd like to come back to eat at the pastry bar but I'm not really in a rush to come back.
(4)
Oriana S.
Petit Robert Bistro is one of my favorite places to eat at Kenmore. I've only been here for lunch because their express lunch specials are a great deal (dishes under $6). The restaurant feels like an authentic Parisian bistro and the food has never disappointed me. The staff is attentive and friendly. They bring out bread right out of the oven and freshly made butter (YUM!). My favorite thing to get is the Croque-Madame. I've had this dish in Paris and I can say with conviction that the Croque-Madame at Petit Robert Bistro tastes like it should--flavorful, buttery goodness! The sourdough bread melts in your mouth, the Gruyere and ham are thinly sliced and the eggs are cooked just right. Try it and you'll know what I'm talking about!
(4)
Christopher R.
I took my BF here for Valentines Day. I am a total Francofile, and love all things French. I was excited to try this place after hearing great reviews. I was nervous about what I would eat being a veggie/vegan, but the menu has some great vegetarian options actually. When we arrived our table was not quite ready, so we were asked to wait at the bar. Luckily for us, that is always the dessert station. We got to watch the pastry chef put together some desserts. It was fun to watch. She made a dish that was a pan of sugar, butter and crammed in so many apples. We asked her what it was and she showed us the finishe Apple tartin it would become. The pastry chefs were very nice, and seemed to enjoy getting questions from those seated at the bar. The atmosphere of Petit Robert is nice, elegant but relaxed. I counted at least four (quarte) French speaking employees. Which really lends to the authenticness of the restaurant. I hate going to French restaurants and no one but the chef, who you never see, speaks French. It's kind of lame. So it was a nice suprise to get to listen to some of the servers speaking in French. The Vegan pate is to die for. I forget what the three layers were. I think it was spinach, mushroom and ? I had the lentil cake which was crispy and well flavored. I broke down and got the macroons for dessert. The reminded me of the ones from Laduree in Paris and I could not pass them up. They were wonderful, and I keep thinking about them. I want to pop in and just pick up some of them. Overall it was great service, a wonderful meal, and a great experience.
(5)
Charles W.
The decor was relaxing, the service was slow but good, and the food/drink was great.
(4)
Kyle H.
In from out of town and this was a hole in the wall that shouldn't be missed. We did a Sunday brunch there! Amazing. On Commonwealth. Don't miss.
(4)
Maria R.
What a pity. We went last night to use our Groupon and we pretty disappointed in the food. Lobster bisque was good, romaine salad had delicious roquefort cheese (but $11 for a salad? that was literally cut up romaine & chunks of cheese??) And then dinner: scallops & salmon- good but not great. The tired vegetables were over steamed and both the veg & potatoes were stone cold. 2 redeeming things: wine list was very reasonable (what? is this Boston??) and the desserts were out of this world. Chocolate mouse was the best I've ever had (even in Paris) Overall, shocked at the food prices for the quality and the service was just ok. Probably won't make it back to this one. :/
(2)
Francesca R.
I have been here four times and always enjoyed it. I am no food expert, but I find the food delicious and the prices are great. The service is always friendly and respectful. But it's the ambiance that coalesces the elements of good service and good food and makes this an establishment worth returning to again and again. For example: the last time we went here was New Year's Eve, with our visiting in-laws that we had had a huge fight with two days before. What could have been a very tense and long evening was convivial and went a long way to mending fences. I credit this exclusively to the soft lighting, comfortable chairs and overall warm yet sophisticated atmosphere cultivated in Petit Robert. We were put at ease despite our inclination to be surly. Another component of atmosphere, I think, is the timing of courses. The courses are paced perfectly - you're never having one plate shoved aside for incoming food or languishing for ages picking at bread. It really is quite astonishing how this restaurant maintains fine-dining service with such affordable prices. So as you can see I'm a big fan - can't wait to go back in August for our anniversary!
(5)
Leah N.
My favorite restaurant in the city! I have never been disappointed with my meal or service here. Perfect date night spot :)
(5)
Serena H.
There are many french restaurants and PRB is nothing outstanding. Well, maybe except that the ghetto address in Kenmore is deceptively incongruous with it's charm. If you're passing by and hungry, it won't disappoint. But I dont think I would ever plan a date there.
(3)
Chris L.
Though it's not exactly a working class bistro, this is a nice French restaurant with classic bistro apps, salads and entrees. For me, the high points of the menu are the organ meats and offal. The grilled lamb's tongue was way more tender than I expected.
(4)
Bryanne R.
They're 2 for 2 with me. Went once for restaurant week when we realized this place is definitely affordable sans the Rest.Wk. "deal". Second time was for my birthday. Both times, we had a great table with a very attentive and helpful waitress. The food was excellent. Here are some dishes to try: Apple Wood Smoked Salmon...Toast Points Wellfleet Oyster on Ice Grilled Skirt Steak~Frites Roasted~Half Chicken ...Natural Jus Babcock, Cabernet Sauvignon, Central Coast My favorite part is the very French romantic atmosphere. I'd come back here any time! PS - They do have some different dishes available -- like if you want to try brain. Just as a heads up, so you don't give the look I gave when I heard that.
(5)
George T.
I went in expecting good food and was sadly disappointed. I got the escargot for an appetizer and frog legs for an entree. The frog legs were coated in a delicious sauce, but inside the frog legs were extremely bland. It was so bland, I asked the waiter about it, and she said that it's hard to season frog legs. Having not had much experience with frog legs, I still find it hard to believe that's how they were supposed to taste. They were just so bland and watery, I can't see why anyone would order them knowing that. Maybe I got a bad batch, but I don't see any reason to go back.
(2)
Jason L.
I went with my boyfriend to Petit Robert Bistro for our Christmas Eve dinner and it was a spectacular meal. We started a trio of pates, followed by lamb with ratatouille for me and salmon with buerre blanc sauce for him, and finished everything off with nutella crepes with french vanilla ice cream. The decor was lovely, the ambiance was very romantic, the food was absolutely delicious . . . the only slight downside is that the place was so busy during dinner service that a lot of tables tended to demand her attention at the same time. But that was a very small price to pay for a delicious dinner. I think it says a lot about Petit Robert Bistro that the place was PACKED on Christmas Eve. It's a wonderful place to share a special moment with a loved one, a friend, or a family.
(5)
Clarice C.
I'm a BIG fan of Petit Robert on Comm Ave. I've never had a bad experience here..and i've been here a lot! I mainly come and order off their express lunch menu because it's a really good value...the food is delicious and the prices are unbeatable. I can't get enough of the the smoked salmon eggs benedict but the madame croque is always a close second choice. OH and the bread they serve in the beginning is AMAZING. it's shipped from Montreal and I dare you to just have one basket.
(5)
M K.
Love Petit Robert. It is a great go-to lunch/brunch option. They serve brunch until 3 and it is cheap and incredibly delicious. Good coffee, great bread and a helpful, quiet staff who let you enjoy your meal relatively undisturbed. Very much a fan!
(4)
Daniel P.
I've only been here, and it was with friends from out of town. We went for lunch and really enjoyed it. I had a cocktail, I don't remember exactly what it was but it was citrus-y and delicious! The service was not bad, they were friendly and helpful. The wait had not been too long, I think we were only there about 10 minutes before being seated. I must go back soon.
(4)
Cody W.
Food was average and ambiance was below average. When you spend close to $200 on a meal for 2, you expect a little more. I had the halibut special which was decent. But the appetizer, red and green pate, was below average. Even worse was the trio pate which they served us by mistake. I tried it before realizing what was up and it was awful. Seemed like some frozen mass-produced stuff they take a slice off of. Dessert was okay, because French dessert is phenomenal, but it was also mass-produced frozen fair. Also, try to avoid getting stuck in the table next to the divider, closest to the kitchen. The guy preparing silverware works just on the other side of the divider. This means there is silverware being tossed down, each second, 24 inches from you ear. The loan bright spot was the waitress. She was very friendly and accommodating. But the bus people don't give you the same unintrusive attentiveness you find at other French restaurants. Bottom line: there are plenty of better places to get a $200 meal.
(2)
Squirrel N.
Unbelievable food and astoundingly affordable. For the price of what some bars would charge you get stellar French food. They also mix fantastic drinks (I'm a big fan of the Sidecar). Can't say enough great things about this place.
(5)
Emily B.
A great little French bistro right outside of Kenmore Square. I always wanted to try this place and after returning from a semester abroad in France, I had to go to see if it compared. We arrived early, around 6 pm on a Monday night and the small restaurant was about half full. The tables ARE very close together, as other reviewers mentioned, but that is typically French, so I didn't mind. We tried the trio of pats, very reasonable at $7, and with extra bread we definitely enjoyed this hors d'oeuvre. For entres, I got the pork normandy with apples and my boyfriend got the duck confit. Both were excellent and very filling. We didn't even have room for dessert. We also had a bottle of Domaine De La Quilla Muscadet (at $22), which wasn't terrible for a good French wine in a restaurant (considering it would have cost $15+ in a liquor store). Overall, our service was satisfactory, nothing extra special, but our server was knowledgeable and attentive. By the time we left, the restaurant was full, but we didn't feel rushed to leave while we were finishing our bottle of wine. I really enjoyed my experience here and I want to go back for the dessert and pastry bar. I hear it's fantastique!
(4)
Rob J.
We got a reservation for 4 people at 7:30pm on a Saturday by calling 6 hours in advance. Every table was full during dinner but I didn't see anyone waiting. The place is small, of course, but the food (made in the equally small kitchen) is authentic, the service friendly and perfectly formal, and the prices not terrible. We had a bottle of white sauvignon blanc and a bottle of pinot, both of which were okay, but the wine list could use a little work. I suppose it IS proportional to the restaurant's size, though. And the red wines, stored along a wall in the restaurant, can get too warm when there are many people packed inside. The lamb was great. My vegetarian friend also liked his risotto, but a second friend didn't care much for the pork sausage. We decided to pass on dessert and digestifs, but they did have a decent selection of port and their pastries looked amazing.
(4)
Jaime V.
Le Petit automatically reminded me of one of the many underrated BYOBs in Philly (prior to moving back to my HQ, Vancouver, and before moving here I lived in Philly for 7 years - but enough about me). I started off with some great escargots which were perfectly warm and sprinkled with the right amount of parsley. I am on a quest to try the best ones and so far 'La Boheme' (in Philly) tops them all. I really enjoyed my cassoulet and unlike most places it did not take 45 minutes to make; however, I do recall it missing its mandatory duck, so marks off for that. The service was decent and although it was a little small in size it did not feel too crammed. Note to yelpers: if you are ever in Seattle area and like me crave a good cassoulet, head on over to the Cafe Campagne which is the in the vicinity of the Pike Place Market. This one does take 30+ minutes to make, but you won't be disappointed. If you are looking for a Moulin Rouge try some of the many other chic establishments in the Boston area. For a no-frills dining experience I'd recommend the fairly priced and unassuming Le Petit.
(4)
Andrew T.
I am not a HUGE fan of French food, but so many friends suggested Little Bob's (as I call it), that I was more than open to check it out. Here is a bullet point review on my experience. 1) Interesting space, a bit bland, but cozy and they had an outdoor seating area which would be nice in the summer. I also liked the way that they have hundreds of wine bottles all over the place. You feel like you are eating in a French basement. Take that for what you will. 2) The tables are WAY too close together. We sat between two couples and each was no more than 6 inches from us, which I really dislike...especially when there are other tables for two open, that have a lot of room around them. 3) Prices were reasonable, wine is a bit on the pricey side, but not prohibitive. 4) Service was friendly and on point. 5) Food was tasty, simple, authentic French (or so said the couple from France sitting next to us) and overall very good. I would go back for sure.
(3)
Stephanie F.
Great place! I've been here twice (which i rare because I always like to try new restaurants), and even so, would definitely go back again. FOR THE PRICE, the food is fantastic! Last time i went with my hubby we had the trio of pate (wow! i'd go back just for that), the french onion soup (good, but not wow), the snails (sooo delicious and buttery!), and I had the rabbit (cooked to perfection!) and he had the U10 scallops (which were delicious as well). Overall I was very happy with the food, though I definitely felt that the service was poor. He didn't do anything "wrong" per se, but barely described the specials (basically told us to look at the board and read), made no attempt to check on us throughout the meal, and never refilled our bread of water unless we continuously asked. Come on guy, this place is tiny! Manage your tables! Asside from that though, the food is never disappointing, especially considering how incredibly affordable it is!
(5)
Morgan P.
Good veal
(5)
jenilee p.
Petit Robert Bistro has a great game plan. They cook fairly inexpensive cuts of meat/vegetables...perfectly. By using more affordable food items, they keep the cost of the selections down so that more people can enjoy authentic French food without making it a once per year event. Their range of choices available vary from a very tender roasted (crisped skin) cut of chicken to some very unusual specials, so basically anyone can find something they will recognize and enjoy on the menu, while still having the option to try something that you don't often find at similarly priced establishments. personally, i opted for the rabbit liver and kidneys, which was matched with a decadent cream sauce, and complimented with smooth mashed potatoes and a green bean medley. the other two people in my party opted for the baked chicken dish, and the skirt steak. Having tried each, I was equally impressed. Overall, I thought the restaurant atmosphere was very charming, and our server was knowledgeable and attentive without being obtrusive. I highly recommend coming here for just about any occasion.
(5)
Jenny H.
My husband and I went to PRB on Christmas Eve and enjoyed the opportunity to enjoy this restaurant without it being crowded. We got the Pate and Escargot to start and they were exactly what I was looking forward to. Our entrees and the carafe of white wine we got were delicious as well. I can't wait to go back and try something new. Everything looked so good!
(4)
Greg B.
the food was great..............................but............Â..................................................Â..................................................Â...................................the............Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..............................service.............Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â...........was....................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â....................................so............Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Âslow. i'm sure it was because everyone was redeeming their groupon, but the waiter should have at least acknowledged and apologized that the place was understaffed for the night. we arrived at 7pm and left a little after 10pm. they also forgot to bring us a drink but tried to charge us for it. he offered to bring it out after we had paid the check, but we decided we weren't able to invest another hour.
(3)
Heather R.
Cozy bistro. But the duck confit was a bit dry.
(3)
Michelle W.
Food was just okay their service was not good and very slow
(3)
Kirs P.
When I miss Paris I want to come here. Although more expensive than a traditional Parisian diner, it's cheap by American-Boston standards. The Escargots Bourguignon is spot on and absolutely scrumptious. The Mussels Marinires are average, but they don't screw them up (honestly, I haven't had good mussels since coming back to the states). The lobster bisque is not as good as Legal's but still damn passable (and, if I remember correctly, cheaper). I don't eat meat, but my dining partners have raved, raved, raved about the Beef Bourguignon, the Skirt Steak, and the Duck Confit. I'll stick with the risotto, please (and it is yummy). I was also impressed with the wine list- lots of options in all price ranges. And it's the only place in town where I've had a decent Kir. Actually... I don't think I've ever found Kir on another menu. And, when you have filled your belly with escargot and tripe and calves make sure you leave room for the piece de resistance- the Gateau Petit Robert. Oh my god. So decadent.
(5)
Christian S.
Very good, genuine French Food.
(4)
Stephanie S.
One of my go to places when I have guests in town. I am half French and can say for certain that this place is authentic, even down to the French waiters/waitresses. It is also reasonably priced which is rare for a French restaurant in Boston. I've never had anything here I did not love. Snagging one of the few outdoor tables is always a treat
(5)
R E.
What a value! The food here is delicious, and while the service used to be unbearably slow, they have certainly improved over time. This place is a true gem.
(5)
Erik D.
good food. good service. good atmosphere. i would definelty recommend it. i got seared scallops with crab cream sauce, escargo, and lobster bisque. the girl got the pork loin. it was all very delicious, and the waitress was attentive.
(4)
Jessica R.
I recently went to Petit Robert for dinner with a small group of friends. I had to change the reservation three times in a 24 hour period and they were very kind about it each time, even though I still felt like an apologetic jerk. This pleasantry from the staff was countered by our waiter, a total snot. Whatever though. I had no problem brushing off his bad attitude. I was too busy enjoying the wine, the company, and food I loved so much I considered licking the plate clean. Just thinking about the sausage with apples and cream sauce as I write this - I might have to go back sometime this week.
(4)
Ashley R.
It's amazing that I lived in Kenmore for 2 years and never tried this place! Anyway, I definitely recommend Petit Robert! The first time I went here I got the steak frites while the bf got coq au vin. Two very typical French dishes to get but hey it was one of my first times eating French food. Much more of a spicy and less creamy food fan but still loved this place. Both dishes were very good and for dessert we got the profiteroles. The dessert was good but personally I think it would've been better in a dark chocolate sauce rather than fudge but hey to each their own. In a nutshell the service and food were awesome. The prices aren't too expensive either.
(4)
JP F.
I have spent two stints in France, once as a student and the second time as an english teacher. So far, this is best and most authentic french food I've seen in Boston. First a lesson in French culture. Bistros in France are supposed to be ratty places where blue-collar joes gather to eat cheap, drink, smoke, watch soccer, or just hang out. Americans for some reason, always assume if it's french, it has to be chic and upscale. PRB tries to explain this on their website, that they are attempting to be a true bistro, but I think we're still victims of our tendency to generalize entire cultures. With that said, the food is authentic and as it is authentic french food, it is delicious (I know I'm generalizing...). The past few visits I've had the duck confit, calf's liver, and specials of anduoillette, and sweet breads (thymus glands of the calf I believe). They were all cooked to perfection and seasoned properly (bistro food isn't hard to screw up and the chef has a pedigree that leads me to believe these dishes are a bit easier than what was used to doing before PRB). Other than that, I would recommend the escargot if you want to get something stereotypically french for an appetizer. My favorite dessert, this is just a personal favorite but they do it well, is the Tarte Tatin, a caramelized apple tart from the Loire Valley. The first time I went, they sold out, so I settled for the les-Flottantes (meringues with a creme anglaise), which were also really good. Not only were they as big as any I've had in France, they had some type of filling that I couldn't figure out. Nevertheless, it was delicious. The first time I went, I met the co-owner, Loic, he's from Bretagne and a very nice guy. They definitely ensure you have a pleasurable dining experience in the true French fashion.
(4)
Brendan M.
*UPDATE*: I returned to Petit Robert and had no service issue this time. Also, I've realised that the best way to navigate the menu is to go for really traditional stuff (by French bistro standards, that is) and avoid anything that appears creative. I've also added an extra star simply based on the calf's liver. Superb. *ORIGINAL REVIEW: I *want* to give Petit Robert four stars. It has many things going for it. Unfortunately, flawed execution lets down what is really a very good concept. That concept is to bring real bistro fare to Boston: simple, unpretensious dishes, but well prepared and at a moderate price-tag. The menu is certainly authentic enough, with many dishes that would be common back home but that one rarely sees over here, such as Tripes a la Provencale or rabbit in mustard sauce. However, the food turned out to be a bit of a mixed bag: the trio of homemade pates was nice (and easily enough to feed two people), but the smoked salmon was merely OK. Similarly, the duck confit was reportedly good, but my cassoulet was disappointing, with none of the intense richness that this dish should have. On a happier note, desserts were very good, and an excellent 2002 Cotes de Blaye was very reasonably priced. My main bone of contention, though, is with the service. Although the restaurant was not particularly busy, we felt rushed through the meal. Particularly aggrieving was the fact that the main course arrived before we had finished our starters - this ought to be an impardonable offense in any French restaurant worthy of the name.
(4)
Chase W.
Petit Robert's Rocks; It is currently my #1 favorite bang for buck restaurant. It's perfect for a second or third date, as it's romantic, but not so pretentious and expensive to make you look like you're tryin too hard. Keep in mind that you ABSOLUTELY have to have a reservation at the Fenway location (the only location I've tried). I've read some reviews that the staff is a pain or can be rude. I've found the complete opposite. The 3 different servers I've had have all been wonderful, personality wise, and in attentiveness as well as informative. I really don't have a bad thing to say about this place- In fact I just changed my rating from 4 to 5 stars because of the excellent value and memories of the delicious Pinot Noir (can't remember the vinyard, but from the Willmette Valley). You have to check this place out, but be careful on your menu selections as it is pretty authentic French food which, isn't for everybody!
(5)
Byron M.
Humble yet delicious french food. This is a great bistro, it is a place you can take your date or your family. The prices are reasonable and the food is excellent. I have been a customer since their beginning and love to dine there. Bon Appetite!
(5)
Sarah A.
Everyone I know loves this place, but I was not impressed. The French onion soup was pretty good, but I found the entrees to be unimpressive. The atmosphere is nice if you can manage to get a good table, but otherwise you are crammed in way too close to other people. I found the service to be rather rude too. I also don't find it to be the bargain people proclaim it to be. Maybe if you're comparing it to Maison Robert, but there are other places with much better bistro fare: Les Zygomates, for example or Brasserie Jo's.
(3)
Steve S.
I really wanted to like this restaurant, but sadly I just do not like French food. Petit Robert Bistro is on Columbus Street in what used to be Rouge. The restaurant is smallish with two rooms, one with a bar and 6 tables and a main dining room. First, the wine was excellent, a nice bottle of Merlot. The bread, as you would expect, was very good(as it would be my primary sustenance for the evening)...The smoked salmon ap was good as well The main course, which was salmon legs, was disappointing through no fault of their own. French food requires tons of butter and cream, which is not my preferred cuisine to say the least. To be fair, everyone else seemed to be really enjoying their meals. Then again, they were all Francophiles. And I did not see Freedom Fries anywhere!!!
(3)
Chin C.
Great food with reasonable prices. The onion soup was very good, and also the roasted rabbit and lamb. Hmm, yummy, I will manage to go back again.
(3)
Sophia L.
Two words; ile flottante. The floating island has long been my favorite dessert. Thank GOD for Petit Robert Bistro. I've been very dissatisfied with Boston cuisine until I found this restaurant. Dinner has been the only time I've been here but with a group of 6 we were all more then satisfied with our meals. I can recommend many things; the soup (lobster bisque and french onion), escargot, rabbit, the lamb, beef bourguignon, half chicken, steak, duck, and the liver. ALL are amazing. Don't forget dessert. the ile flottante is amazing! if they have fresh baked clefoutis you should also try one. update: still amazing.
(5)
Chris R.
I don't even know how many times I have been here, probably 6 or 7. I LOVE this place. They change their menu often enough that you can go a few times a year and get something completely new every time. I look forward to the fall when they will (hopefully) have the Normandy sausages again (one of the best dishes I have ever had). Although the food and service are wonderful, the best thing about this place is the price. Under $20 for everything on the menu for a place of this quality is a very rare find. If they moved 6 blocks down Comm Ave towards the city they could easily charge $10 more for every dish on the menu and they would still get people coming in. I love Petite Robert and always look forward to going back.
(5)
Anita B.
We went to Petit Robert Bistro for lunch while staying down the street at the Commonwealth. The escargot was absolutely fantastic. Very garlic-y and delicious. Duck was excellent and fell apart in my mouth. So tender. The only reason I gave Petit Robert 4 stars instead of 5 was because of the waiter. I have never met a more snobby, arrogant person. He didn't talk to me, but rather talked directly to my husband. That didn't sit well with me! I can order for myself, thanks... All in all, I'd come back. I've heard good things and I doubt that the entire waitstaff is like the waiter we had. A solid French restaurant.
(4)
Hilary C.
Wow, they weren't kidding when they said french bistro. I forgot where I was for a moment there. Good food, good wine, good service. I would definitely come back for a touch of France.
(3)
Liz B.
Wow. I was shocked. I expected so much more from our meal. We went for my husband's birthday. I called the restaurant ahead of time and mentioned this. We were given a pretty cramped table (nothing special). We ordered champagne, the panko goat cheese salad, and pate plate to start. That part of the meal was very good. Then the service started to slow down and the room became so hot that we were both dripping in sweat - and I am not a big "sweater." We ordered the duck confit which was very dry and overcooked, and I had the short ribs which were good, but served with steamed broccoli which was a very odd vegetable to serve - it took away from the meal. The water never came back for a wine order, and we were so uncomfortable with the heat in the room, we skipped dessert. Service was terrible and never once was my husband's birthday acknowledged. (Perhaps had we been able to stay for dessert, they might have mentioned it, but we were soaking wet in sweat.) For the price the food was average to good. I would not go back.
(2)
Nicole F.
The food was OK. Actually, the Risotto was really good and the lamb and potatos was average. The service, however, was terrible. We waited an hour for our food and the waitstaff in general was very inattentive. Someone came by and dropped off complimentary pate while we waited. Unfortunately he didn't stick around long enough to learn that no one at the table likes pate. My dog loved it though!
Excellent escargot and a great romantic feel. Been there for our anniversary and have always had a good time.
(4)
Rave M.
I do love that little patio, despite there being no people-watching view. It's nice to go to a bistro that actually has decent prices. I also love that lunch, and its accompanying lunch pricing, is served till very late in the afternoon -- 4 pm I think. Great spot for dinner with a friend or for a date that oozes charm but won't break the bank.
(4)
Elizabeth M.
Quelle joie! Now that I've partaken, I can appreciate the Xmas-lit Eiffel Tower for what it is; a wink and a nod that not all French restaurants have to take themselves so very seriously. Our adorable garcon/server was charming and witty (and we were a mixed crowd so it wasn't just for the ladies). "Bistro" is a word adopted by the French and is the Russian word for "fast food"--a fun way of saying casual delicious food. Petit Robert Bistro nails it. I made a reservation the same day, and got an 8:30 table on a Friday night. The ambiance is warm, not affected. Started with the moules--this is definitely the season and they were prepared simply, lightly. Also had the foie gras as our Chicago friend noted that the delectable but evil dish is illegal in her town. Served simply, with a fig reduction underneath and pan-seared, it was perfect, and we left 1/2 so as not to spoil our appetites. Breaded cod special was cooked just right, moist and fresh--I'm a stickler about over-sauce'ing and I have to say each item from the menu was prepared the way it should be, with sauce as a hint at complimentary flavor, not as a smothering agent. The chef is paying attention. I give only 4 stars because the entrees were a tad boring after the excitement of the apps and bread (crispy baguette!) and service--yummy but not write-home-about. But then again, that's what a bistro is for. Go to l'Espalier if you want your socks knocked off and wallet emptied! We also enjoyed a chablis, the special of the evening, and it went perfectly with the moules and cod. Ended the meal with carrot cake. Beautifully presented, with layers of light (physically, not calorie-wise) cream, and a rockin' orange reduction swizzled on the plate. My taste buds were already happy so I can't say the dessert added to the meal, but it pleased my companions. Price is right, loved it.
(4)
Japhia L.
get the scallops... they are delish!
(4)
Henry P.
I don't generally bother writing negative reviews, so read between the lines: We had friends visiting from Manhattan with whom we traveled France twenty years ago, so I chose to dine with the Roberts. We arrived at 7:45 for our 8:00 reservation. ALL FIVE STARS are for 1) the Aubry NV we thoroughly enjoyed at Island Creek Oyster Bar while we waited for our Petit Robert table, and much later 2) a Petit Robert staffer (I asked - her name is Tara) whose athleticism and attitude remains in memory in pleasing contrast to the grim tension, defensiveness and ineptitude surrounding her. She slipped through the unseatable crowd clogging the passageways, sailed up and down the stairs balancing multiple hot plates with feline grace and an unforgettable smile. As for the rest, the excuses, the 9:05 seating, the wine past its prime, the overportioned, oversalted food, the harried server, I've already said too much.
(5)
Stephen G.
I went here with a group of about 13 people, and we had a fabulous time. The food is good; perhaps not what you'd find in paris, but where woud you find that . . . the wine list is good but damn overpriced. And their corkage is $30!!!!! ridiculous. Despite the overpriced alcohol, we had a fabulous time. Would easily reccomend this place.
(2)
Mayur K.
Nice service and great food. Visited here in a big group of ten for the weekend brunch and the egg choices were broad enough to please everyone.
(4)
Abbey L.
Petit Robert is easily one of my favorite restaurants in Boston. The food and service are just superb and the prices are just right. The menu has a little bit of everything so I can always find something I'm in the mood for. Highlights for me were the duck confit with sausage, crocque madame, and the mussels. I've also had the frisee salad with a crispy poached egg - divine! Everything here is just excellent. Great, affordable wine list and delicious blood marys! Every time I go here I marvel about how often I end up spending the same amount of money or more for such lower quality meals and inferior service. My go-to is the Kenmore location but I've been to the South End one as well and both are superb!
(5)
Dana M.
The service was lacking, we recieved our entre before the appetizer. The waitress ended up bringing out something we didn't order and brought out the fois gras we did order after our steaks had already come out. If the food wasn't so great I would not have given this place 3 stars. I liked the ambiance, though it was nothing spectacular. Previous reviews raved about the place so that's why I went. I'd say its not bad for Boston, but this Bistro doesn't compare well with places I've been to in SF. They do have excellent pommes frites. I believe in giving credit where credit is due. If you feel like french cuisine, this place will satisfy your craving. If you are looking for the best of Boston, look elsewhere.
(3)
P M.
Think twice before you plan a large event at this restaurant. I have never been treated more rudely by a manager in a restaurant before. I recently planned a friend's birthday here. We had a large party, and I called far in advance to make the arrangements. When we got to the restaurant, I learned that I had been misinformed by the staff I had spoken with about the restaurant's policies. The manager was incredibly patronizing in his interactions with us, suggested that I had "called the wrong restaurant," and only ended up accommodating us after arguing with me for some time and even then not without a fee. It's unfortunate that even though the food was reasonably good and the wait staff was nice, I left the restaurant feeling disappointed with the experience.
(2)
Shuan L.
I love the prices here. You can definitely have a 3-course meal for around $30 (excluding drinks). Not too bad for a dinner in a nice, upscale setting. The food is good, but not anything to write home about. I started with the red beet salad with endives and goat cheese. Liked the beets and goat cheese, but the endives were tasteless and there were also ridiculously strong onions mixed in. Do NOT get this if you're on a date. The panko-crusted cod I had for my entree was tender and well-made. It's the sides that disappointed me -- really lackluster stuff like sliced carrots, broccoli, and mashed potatoes. The veggies looked like something my school cafeteria cooked up (though they tasted a lot better). I was hoping for more creative sides from a place like this. Dessert: the giant profiterole! Lots of ice cream + lots of hot fuge = happy Yelp reviewer. Get this dessert, but make sure you have someone to share it with. "Giant" is not an exaggeration.
(3)
Kompan N.
Superb service and good food. We went for an early dinner, reservation at 8:00 and was seated promptly. The waiter was attentive and brought me a sample of Pinot Noir to try because I mentioned my likely selection for dinner. I asked about his recommendations for appetizer and entree and got the mussels for appetizer, which was split in two separate bowls one order so that my friend and I could share. The entree came out promptly after the appetizer. I got the steak with frites and my friend got the crab and potatoe cake. We were both happy with our choices. Although the dessert menu looked appetizing we didn't order. The location and service shine and the food and very good but not exceptional. For the price we had an excellent dining expereince. I would go back or recommend this Bistro to friends.
(4)
Christian P.
Fantastic. I just wrote a review about Sonsie in which I mentioned how I couldn't think of other places that felt as European in Boston. While this place doesn't necessary feel pan-European, it definitely feels French! I even had a French waiter! Anyway, atmosphere aside, this place also happens to have delicious gourmet food. The price is right, and you'll find an interesting selection across the menu. For a heightened experience, save room for dessert.
(5)
Cassandra R.
I was starving one sunday afternoon, jonesing for breakfast and i didn't want to wait for a table for one. I passed petit robert, decided to go in and was immediately saved from my hunger. The brunch menu is very reasonably priced and the service was amazing. My french toast, eggs and bacon were cooked perfectly and the coffee never stopped. The clientele were pretty waspy but the waitstaff were wonderful. It's a good choice for dining alone.
(4)
James M.
I have been to both locations. The food is excellent very reasonably priced. The wait staff is intelligent and are available when you need them. For the price this is one of the best restaurants in Boston. A true Bistro!
(4)
Stephanie L.
ok, so i really wanted to like this place because it's affordable and cozy, and i want to believe that there are places that are affordable and cozy and delicious. but i guess it's affordable for a reason. i ordered a pretty elaborate dish-- a magret de canard and lobster salad, but dude, ONE dry-ish obviously reheated slice of duck, and a dry-ish quarter of a lobster tail over a bed of arugula? COME ON! maybe they would do better to just stick to simpler entrees or something. still, i had a good time here-- the restaurant was sort of empty-ish so the waitress let us have a little wine tasting and try all the reds on the menu before we settled on a bottle. so that was pretty fun. oh and there were cool cheeses. cheese is always fun.
(3)
E.N. Z.
It is one of the most authentic French restaurants in Boston! It is also reasonably priced compare to other outrageously expensive French foods. I am giving it four stars because the only negative thing of this restaurant is that it can be very slow. The first time I went there, I waited more than one hour to get my entree. But if you just overlook this flaw, the food is definitely worth the wait. And leave some room for dessert! Their Souffle is to die for. But in general, they have fantastic desserts. For appetizer, the escargots is delicious. The Foie Gras is from local region and tastes great. This is another great feature of this restaurant, they order from local farms and organic stores for ducks, rabbits and foie gras. For entree, the rabbit is a must. Everything I've tried so far is great. You can't go wrong there.
(4)
Liz H.
The four stars is because it has been over a year since I have been to Petit Robert - ah, but the memories linger and I must get a refresher tour de france this winter. Have only visited the Kenmore Sq location and it goes without saying that if the Sox are at home and you aren't looking to attend or watch the game then head to the South End location. I'll be honest - I kind of blew through the main meal to get to dessert and the delicately crafted mini chocolate Eiffel tower (I know - how cheesy is that?!). However our group of four enjoyed every aspect of the meal and the atmosphere was incredibly inviting and relaxed that we were the last to leave. I could tell the waistaff were getting a little antsy, but I can empathize - have been in several jobs where people come in and stay, and stay and stay . . . Update coming this winter . . . .
(4)
Christine P.
This place is uber-cute. The upstairs dining section is small and cozy. It's a great place to go with a small group of friends and is also a great date spot. The food is very typical French cuisine. The portions are a bit more than what is filling and the prices are great. The risotto wasn't a hit for me as it was too bland and creamy but otherwise, I've always enjoyed what I eat here. It's a great brunch, lunch and dinner restaurant.
(4)
Marilynn L.
Completely mediocre. After reading & hearing a lot of good buzz about this 'Parisian' treasure at Kenmore Square, my husband & I met friends there tonight for dinner. Everything was insipid; tasteless, watery, under seasoned, disappointing. The minestrone was downright bizarre, Pot au Feu limp and uninspired. Salad greens dry, shallot vinaigrette with no snap, zip or interest. Good service & a pretty place but we will not be back.
(2)
Winnie W.
I wanted to love this place, I really do, but I don't. :( It looks like it'd be the kind of place I'd adore - nice and attentive French servers and very intimate setting. However, the food just doesn't live up to expectations. I ordered Traditional Bouillabaisse with Lobster ($27.50) and the lobster was half of a very very small lobster, maybe half the size of my palm. The soup was nothing to write home about. However, my appetizer trio of pate was fantastic and such a great deal at $7. It went really good with the bread they provided.
(3)
david m.
Food is good and reasonably priced, but had a horrible experience there once. My wife ordered a salad, which turned out to have a cockroach-looking bug in it. The waiter was aghast, and brought us lots of free food. But the manager-- of all people -- came over and said "It's really not out fault because we don't make our own salads. All we do is take the produce out of the bag." Exactly what he said. I know there prices aren't exorbitant or anything, but is this what i should expect from them? Why shouldn't i go to Shaw's and get their bags of produce instead and save $5, and where i don't get any denials of responsibility when they serve up a bug? I would still go back to the restaurant, b/c the food is good and reasonably priced. I would politely ask that they hold the insects though.
(2)
Steven M.
Decent, but not incredible food. The service is good and the location is cute. It's not ridiculously expensive, but you could probably get better bang for your buck.
(4)
K W.
We had the foie gras, duck confit ,and the burger dog. Eh, not that great. The foie gras was mushy and inconsistent in texture. The duck confit was dry and lacked taste. The burger dog was burnt and the burnt parts overpowered the cheese. Service was ok. We went based on Yelp reviews and it didn't turn out as we had hoped. Not a place that I would visit again.
(2)
Jim M.
The owner remembers my name five months after meeting me, and hadn't seen me since. Food's great, dessert's better, and such ambience. Go for it!
(4)
Annie D.
Just had a birthday dinner there this weekend and this is probably due to the fact that I am not a huge fan of french restaurants but the food here was ok. I keep questioning myself if I should have ordered the moles though because that's what I originally came there for. Instead I opted for the calf brain and I don't think that was such a good idea. It tasted very fishy and the texture was too soft for my liking - maybe its just an acquire taste type of thing. Anyhow the service here was great and that is one thing that would probably have me coming back there another time, the wine selection was decent and they managed to find me a California wine that I actually like in Boston - so I was impressed Edna Valley Chardonnay, from Sanoma is what we opted for. For entrees we me and my friend ordered steak with pepper sauce and half baked chicken respectively. I loved the steak and especially the pepper sauce it was excellent! My friends chicken looked a little undercooked and she didn't finish half of it so I am not sure if it was cooked to perfection. Over all this place was pretty cute- has a small Eiffel Tower in front of it and a very cosy atmosphere inside. I liked it and actually I would give it 3.5 stars but such rating is not availabale?
(3)
Mischa I.
Very disappointing. Bad service and average food. We had finished our bottle of wine before we got our soups - at which point we already had 3 loafs of bread ... the food was overcooked and we could not get a hold of a manager. After waiting for the manager for over 20 mins, we decided to get up and leave. The manager finally ran over only to offer us dessert when we had been meaning to rectify the situation from the beginning. It's a shame considering we tried to work it out and we've heard such great things about this place. Poor service, average food, cute place but too many tables.
(1)
Jay and Jenn O.
The best bread in Boston. Not only for the taste, but how much they bring you. As soon as you are done, they bring you more without asking. I know its bad how they make Pate, but its delicious. Great service with great food.
(4)
S S.
I went here last for dinner and ordered the special dinner-Chicken dish that was offered. I do not reccommend because it was dry and tasteless.
(3)
Shirley Y.
i love this casual, yet elegant, restaurant for its authentic french dining, it's wonderful service and its unpretentiousness. there is not often a wait and it is easy to get to in the kenmore square area. i have been there twice, once on a date, and it makes me want to go back again and again with both friends and my boyfriend. the menu changes daily with specials and the food and wine is impeccable. the staff is always on hand to assist you with pairing the wine with the delicous and decadent french food. the space is intimate with two levels of dining...get there early for the top floor where the open kitchen creates a comfortable bustle in the cozy space and there is a bay window with a view of comm ave.
(5)
S R.
Went here recently for a friend's birthday. The staff was excellent and had a lot of patience, which was great since we were such a large party. I started with a mango mojito, which sounds better than it tasted. It certainly wasn't the worst I've had, but it was mediocre at best. Not enough mango. The fresh bread was very good. I ordered the scallops for my main dish and they were just OK. Not nearly the quality I was expecting, that's for sure. Overall I would say the whole visit was just OK and nothing to write home about. I am definitely not in a hurry to visit again.
(2)
Merri H.
great restaurant in kenmore square ( I hear they have another one in the south end which we have never tried) great food, great waitstaff,,,it can be a little loud if you go with a group, but is very cozy and fun if you go with just one other person. We tried the pate & snails (really garlick & Yummy) and the chicken & salmon and then shared a fabulous chocolate dessert! It's worth the trip
(5)
Nicole M.
totally affordable and cozy. food was great. we had two apps, two entrees, dessert, and a bottle of wine and got out of there for just over $100. I wasn't too keen on the lobster mac n cheese, but the bisque was great. My steak was ok, not the world's greatest, but about what I expected. Chocolate mousse was fab. I'm going back for sure.
(4)
Gary F.
Mon Petit Robert, Date night. Tight girl. Little Bobby. However, your food left me kind of uninspired. I find myself drained of my tight reviewing skills. Instead, my blood sugar is sky-rocketing and I'm dreaming of the perfect duck confit. Unfortunately, that is not to be found with you, Bobby. However, in an effort to write my tight reviews, I'll try. Blame it on Bobby if it's not quite tight. That's what I'm doing, anyway. Met outside by lawn ornament-style Eiffel Tower. And trecherous stairs which almost ended a lifetime of tight reviews from Gary. Sexy host and hostess (Gary cannot spell maitre'd. Or maybe he can?) ushered us to our seats. Lttle Bobby felt a iittle cramped and a little sterile. The beautiful space, in Gary's opinion, could have been better utilized by Bobby. Bread. Gary will really have to focus his efforts on the bread because Little Bobby (who apparently has the bread delivered from Canada, seriously. Why Canada? The waiter volunteered this info as if it were a great feat for bread. Perhaps Gary isn't in the know on Canadian bread tightness. He is now.) The bread was tight. Tight bread. And tight butter. We ate about 4 loaves. That may be because the food was good...but...Bobby. When you erect an Eiffel Tower in front of your bistro, you're setting the bar a little high, non? For all of that (plus faux-French speaking hosts), your escargot needed more attention, non? Onion soup gratinee was fine, but it's a little hard to mess up the tightest soup on earth, non? Main courses were also a bit of a let down, Bobby. Duck confit was tight, but there's tigher. And pairing duck confit with dry sausage? Hmmmm. Salmon legs? The jury is still out on the anatomical location of legs on salmon. Again, could have been tighter. For dessert, try the macaroons. They look like cookies Barbie would eat. They didn't look real and the taste was pretty unreal, too. However, white chocolate bread pudding tasted like cheese and was served at room temperature. Gary likes his bread puddings served warm, Bobby. Fin.
(3)
R W.
Decent place that won't wow you, but is worth a trip for many different types of occasions. your average, decent French bistro that is appropriate for anything from an informal lunch to formal occasions. many different menus at this open-all-day place. come in for a nice baguette sandwich and coffee during the middle of the day.. or come in for a romantic during on a cold night and enjoy nice ambiance. whenever i pass the place, it also seems like a good idea.
(3)
Seth M.
Fantastic food, especially dessert. the stories about the delays and waitstaff are mostly true. However, if you want a great steak frites and a mind-blowing Ile flotante, you are in for a treat. one time I had to wait for a table for 45 minutes (with a reservation, mind you), which was a bummer - but we sat in front of the pasty chef waiting, and that was torture. I nearly leapt over the counter to attack the gateau, cookies, and all the other delights that were being created. great place, just be prepared for a wait.
(4)
Chance X.
Good service, food is only ok though. Didn't think it was anything special. I had the french national dish - hot pot. It tastes ok.... I actually the high light of our brunch was the free bread.
(3)
Khanh D.
The food was spectacular! Some of the best French food I've had, and I just came back from a week in Paris. Would definitely recommend the escargots and pate, bluefish and duck confit, and almost any of the desserts. Service was very friendly and helpful in explaining the dishes to a group not that used to fine dining. Restaurant was occasionally a bit on the loud side for a date, but if your date enjoys great food he/she would probably appreciate it. Price was quite reasonable, under $40/person for 3 courses (not including wine).
(5)
Eli G.
I'd been meaning to check out petit robert since it opened and finally had a chance chance last weekend. I love bistro style french foo so clearly I had high expectations and they were definitely met. My escarogot app and rabbit entree were both exceptional and rich. The wait staff was also very pleasant and helpful. The one reason it's not getting 5 stars is because the food at les zygomates is just as good, but costs less.
(4)
N Z.
I've only sampled breakfast here but everything I have ordered (from their small breakfast menu) was great. Warm freshly baked french bread is served with every meal.
(5)
Anna B.
The service is not fast but I think that's intentional - relax and enjoy more wine. This is a good date restaurant - it feels small and tucked away even if it is in Kenmore Square. The night I went we couldn't get a table so we sat at the pasty bar which turned out to be fabulous - we watched the pastry chef make desserts all night! I'd say try the white chocolate bread pudding (my pick) but they all looked pretty awesome.
(4)
Kevin M.
I have a new favorite restaurant in Boston! This has been on Columbus Ave for about 2 1/2 weeks so far. Just went to dinner last night....sat outside. Service was great. Bartender was quite knowledgeable, (a bit strange, but that's OK)... Waitstaff/hostess very polite. Food was incredible!!! For a first course, try the salad with the crusted goat cheese! Great wine selection to boot!!
(5)
Gazelle T.
Ehh. The prices were reasonable, the food was good not great. My pork tenderloin was more of a pork chop, and on the dry and tough side. My mom loved her swordfish, and she's a picky eater. I wouldn't go back here. There are just too many great restaurants in Boston to waste time on the mediocre ones.
(3)
Lala L.
I threw a bridal shower here this past weekend for one of my good friends. The management and staff were extremely nice and accomodating. The dessert were really good, and the pastry chef is awesome. My all time fav is the french macaroons and the custom made pistachio&lemon cake that the pastry chef made for us! Thank you Kristen!
(4)
Ellen K.
The food wasn't bad, but the service sucked. When we asked them not to take away our unfinished plate of appetizer pate, one of our servers rolled his eyes at us. rude! we had the rabbit special and scallops for main course. decent food, but i'd rather take my business elsewhere.
(2)
James W.
excellent service. chicks with french accents can do pretty much whatever they want with me. good wine recommendation for the three varied dinners at my table - blue fish, lamb chops and veggie polenta of some kind. i thought the food was very good and the portions reasonable. the last time i went to a french restaurant it was like a t.v. commercial. ordered the game hen and got something covering less than 2% of the plate. literally went out for hamburgers after, but that's another matter. liked the setting right off comm ave, but below street level so you didn't have to deal with gawkers. small place without being too loud. reservations recommended. i saw some people without and the wait was substantial. i ordered the chocolate eiffel tower for dessert and actually got a chocolate eiffel tower. really cool. i almost didn't want to eat it, but . . . . they had a full bar when i was there, so i'm not sure why the 17 "none" votes. tasted like scotch to me.
(4)
Anita C.
They serve an Eiffel tower made out of chocolate. I went there because the person who was doing their PR invited me to have a glass of wine with her. This place had potential and I can tell it is doing great!!
(3)
Sarah S.
An out of town friend, in Boston for a conference, took my broke-ass student self out to dinner here and it was HEAVEN. I'm not a huge French cuisine pro but I do know that our food - half a chicken, cheesy delicious potatoes au gratin, hot cheesy soup, great wine, etc etc - was Great, it was a classy atmosphere (which we did not help at all), and all in all, a Great dining experience. I stumbled out full, tipsy, and Quite satisfied! ITs a GREAT friend who takes to you Petit Robert!
(5)
Valerie W.
Petit Robert Bistro offers delicious French food at very reasonable prices. The pate and fois gras apps are to die for, and if you're in the mood for a little adventure, you must try the calf's liver entree--it melts in your mouth! There's also an extensive wine list at totally do--able prices. My experience with the waitstaff has been nothing but good, and the decor is pretty easy on the eyes as well. Petit Robert is definately a great place for a date...or maybe just a special dinner with friends!
(4)
camilo a.
okay not really into french food but a friend a mine said hey lets go in and have a beer which first of all how would of know that french beer is actually good but any way i just could not resist trying the deserts that my friends said were delicious and man am i glad i did this will be forever bee one of the best little shops in the Kenmore area
(4)
Laura M.
I was so impressed with Petit Robert. I went on a Friday night with my boyfriend and another couple. We were able to get same-day reservations for a table at 6:30, which was nice. It's conveniently located, easy to find, really cute atmosphere, lots of places to hang coats!, and overall made for a nice, hassle-free dining occasion. The service I found to be quite good. We were seated immediately, and our waiter asked us if we needed anything while waiting for a slightly late member of the party to show up. When he arrived, we all ordered a bottle of wine for the table ($22 -- not bad!), the vegan pate, and our entrees in one fell swoop. Our waiter was courteous, friendly, and attentive without seeming snooty. He answered our questions and responded well to a little goofing around. Some of the clientele I was less impressed with, like a guy who came in during our appetizer and started complaining that the table they'd given him wasn't good enough, and couldn't they rearrange the dining room furniture for him? What a prick. Either specify where you'd like to be seated with a reservation, or shut up. The other people in the restaurant seemed like they were pretty laid-back, though, and while it's a nice place, I felt comfortable in jeans. Then the food came. First of all, the cheapest Bordeaux on the wine list was still quite tasty. The bread was a still-warm delicious baguette. I got the duck confit entree and was SO HAPPY. Piping hot delicious duck fat, meat, braised cabbage, all in a subdued but yummy sauce. Also, a tasty sausage. I was a little amused by the token spear of broccoli on my plate, but I ate it and it was fine. Other folks got the steak frites, salmon legs, and lamb cassoulet. They were out of beef bourguignon when we went, which was a shame -- gotta try it next time. Everyone was too full for dessert, but I will have to try it next time because it all sounded fabulous. All told, we fed everyone for $115 (including tax and tip), which ain't bad.
(5)
Kristen F.
I'm shocked at all these great reviews. I went with a party of 6 and the service was horrible, and the food not much better. We sit down, and after seeing the ridiculously over priced menu, we decide to order 2 bottles of wine. With no waiter insight, we finally flagged one down. Luckily, he was ours and we asked for a certain bottle. His response was "All out" and made a throat slitting gesture across his neck, and then walked away. Excuse me? We should have left right then. I was appalled that he just walked away, instead of making another suggestion... hello! We're here to spend money you idiot!! He finally came back and we ordered the wine. When he came to take our dinner order, one person asked if he could get a vegetable with his steak instead of fries. The rude waiters response: "Nope!" Finally when the bill came the waiter started being nice, whatever buddy... too late. We left barely 10%. The manager approached us asking why, and we explained the above 2 situations. He was very apologetic. This made some of the people I was with feel bad and want to leave more. After fighting for 5 minutes one the guys left an additional $20 on the table which is still pissing me off!!! This waiter deserves to be fired and if he was, I probably still wouldn't go back because like I said, the food was not great and way too expensive for what you get.
(1)
Anuj S.
I went here for Brunch for several friends. The inside of the restaurant is really nice. Casual, yet sophisticated. Very cozy. The breakfast food we had was declicious. I have yet to try the lunch or dinner menu's, but I'll definitely be coming back at some point. The only reason I'm taking off one star is because the service we received wasn't friendly at all. The waiter wasn't helpful, wasn't friendly, quick to rush us to order (even though there were only 2 parties in the restaurant at the time including us), and he looked a little bit like the villain from the Charlie's Angels movie. Okay, that last part didn't change my review, but I swear its him. Either way, probably not the best French restaurant in town, but worth a try (at least for breakfast or brunch).
(4)
Raphael F.
Awesome spot. Probably one of the best date restaurant in Boston. You wont set yourself back too much so its a great safety net for a bad date, and the setting makes it a winner if you actually wind up liking the girl. We got 2 appetizers and two entrees for 54 bucks not including tip. The coq au vin is amazing and the venison in blueberry and pepper sauce is solid. The pate appaetizer was what you'd expect, but the roast beet and goat cheese salad was a little bland and uninspired, really the only disappointing part of the meal. The bread is also awesome. I'll definitely be going back.
(4)
Margarita M.
I have been here for brunch to Sundays and dinner. During brunch, there was a jazz band playing and really set the mood for a laid back Sunday. The eggs benedict was to die for. Very savory and filling. The brunch menu is pretty cheap too! Ive been to Paris before, but the only time I have had escargot is here. It was buttery and delicious. The environment at night is pretty lively, but romantic and classy as well. There was even a blind date happening at the table next to me :) The dinner is a bit pricey, but worth it.
(5)
Andrea G.
One of my favorite restaurants in Boston. Kenmore Square was really lacking a nice, sit-down, non-chain restaurant and Petit Robert is far better than Il Bico, which used to be in this location. The food is spectacular, and the waitstaff is prompt and courteous, and can answer any question you have about the menu. I highly recommend the broccoli-corn soup and the duck confit, which is among the best I've had. Be sure to save room for dessert too, which is all extremely fresh and made in their on-site bakery.
(5)
Crystal K.
The food is good but be prepared for a long wait and a very condescending waitstaff. We waited 75 minutes for our appetizers and by the time food arrived the wine was gone and our mood entirely ruined. While the cook really knows his stuff, the rest of the experience was one of the worst I've ever had in Boston. We'll never go back.
(1)
Joanne L.
My husband has never really been to a French restaurant so we decided to check this out since the last time we tried to eat here, we were told that they were booked for the night. So it has to be good right? RIGHT! This time, we made reservations, and we were very pleased. We ordered the foie gras pate which was a tiny bit too much, but it tasted like butter. They give you toast with it, so you can spread it. It was so good. I ordered the steak frittes with bordelaise sauce and he ordered the venison with blueberries. We requested medium rare and got exactly what we wanted. I honestly liked my husband's dish more, but both dishes were very good. For dessert, we had the profiterole which was made up of yummy fried, chocolate, ice cream goodness. During dinner, we even started talking about what we'll order the next time we eat here again (We saw a lot of people ordering the escargot and french onion soup.). I highly recommend this restaurant, and make sure you make reservations before you go!
(4)
Baker M.
Great steak frites...great variety of beautiful deserts...love the chocolate eifell tower. Very unique...staff all kind and cheerfull
(5)
Jesse N.
The Petit Robert Bistro is a spin-off to the famous Maison Robert that was once located in Boston's old city-hall. Much of what used to be there can be found in this new French hotspot that is probably the only place in Boston where you can get high quality French food for under $20. That's right, under $20. The lobster bisque, escargot, pate, it's all authentic French. Some of the entrees taste better than ones I had in Paris! I highly recommend the duck confit. This place is perfect for a date, or for taking the parents out. The Petit Robert Bistro is quite possibly the best deal in Boston.
(5)
Michael G.
The food here is really good considering the prices you pay. Everything is less than twenty bucks for dinner, which is just fantastic for what really ought to be a seriously expensive French restaurant. I'm guessing that if you show up without reservations, it could be a painfully long wait, as the place was very crowded and without many tables. I thought that the waitstaff was really helpful. They even gave us pointers about parking due to there being a Sox game the evening we went.
(5)
Andre D.
This place serves up some phenomenal french-american cuisine. Waitstaff is attentive and knowledgeable. Good atmosphere, slightly more than casual. Desserts here are fantastic. Revolving list of specials can keep you interested.
(4)
Emily C.
this is a really cute restaurant... and it was surprisingly cheap for french bistro food! especially for lunch, i think they have killer specials and deals. it's very quaint and dainty and has the cozy feeling of a french restaurant despite it's location on the bustling boston commonwealth ave. i ordered the salmon and it was probably one of the best cooked salmons i've ever had... up there with Navyyard Bistro... it was very yummy! i feel like the chef or one of the chefs there like to do a fusion of french and asian food sometimes for the specials.. for example one of the courses was duck wrapped in sushi (sans fish) and it was interesting. very yummy and the service is homey and friendly!
(4)
Kelly H.
When I ate here I thought it was ok. Prices were good, but food was boring (granted I work in the industry, for a French place so my standards are high). Two days later I realized that they had double charge my credit card, so I called the restaurant. Spent 30 minutes on the phone with the manager, while he tried to find my credit card receipt. He told me that the charge would be reversed within 24 hours. 4 days later I had to call the company and filed a claim. I called the restaurant again to notify them of the claim, at which point the manager stammered for awhile about how he thought he had reversed the charge and didn't know what went wrong. Of course the credit he gave me eventually came through, but for the wrong amount, which meant I had to call the credit card company again. I spent nearly $200 here and am still annoyed at the incompetence of their managers and their cavalier attitude towards such a significant mistake. Would definitely not eat here again.
(2)
steve p.
Great French bistro fit for Paris, but right in Boston. The food is very good and extremely reasonably priced. We had my girlfriend's birthday party dinner in their cozy basement dining area. We had a great time and the staff were amazing.
(5)
Justin D.
the food was absolutely amazing, the server was incredibly but the management was awful! I went with a group of 7 friends to Petit Robert on Comm Ave, we ate downstairs and for the most part enjoyed our meal. after we finished dinner and before desert all of the ceiling lights above our table began leaking water from the upstairs bathrooms, a lot of water, probably 4-5 buckets worth. after it stopped raining we were not offered any sort of compensation or dry cleaner refund from the management. we were all in our mid twenties and believe we were treated this way because of our age. the management staff said "you ate your dinner, we cannot do anything" and "its the business 2 floors up fault, not the bathroom" (which was directly above our table. all we were looking for was our one friend who's shirt was soaked to get her meal comped. absolutely disgraceful...i highly recommend hammersley's, bouchee, gaslight or any other french restaurant in the city.
(1)
Rob H.
MY gf and I had dinner at the Kenmore location of PRB last night. Overall, we were pleased with the experience. Here's a quick breakdown... Food: I started with a cream of beet soup which was very tasty and rustic. Also this was possibly the soup with the brightest color that I've ever eaten. My gf got the smoked salmon with big capers and that was not bad. My gf got liver and onions. She loved it and I thought it was probably the best liver I've tasted. I had the grilled pork loin for dinner. The loin was wonderfully moist and the accompanying mushroom and cheese would probably make anything taste better. That said, the topping was not too overpowering. The sides were plain-looking vegetables. The potatoes were super creamy and the broccoli and carrots were buttery. We finished up by splitting the apple tart. First of all, the tart was bigger than the largest slice of apple pie I've ever eaten. The apples were large and sweet and the crust was buttery, crisp, and doughy at the same time. Probably a bit too much for some, but bursting with apple and sweet flavors. Service: The service was prompt. We were seated at a nice table just before their dinner rush, and the food and drink was all served in a timely manner. Ambiance: The place looks decent. There is nothing particularly noteworthy about the interior. The table are close together, but nothing out of the ordinary for in town dining. The servers all wear clean white. Price: Very reasonable for French food. I don't think there was a dinner plate over $20.
(4)
M C.
I've read numerous reviews about the terrible service here, and while it wasn't spectacular, it wasn't terrible. Our waiter was alright, pretty average. The food though was enough to ignore the shortcomings of the average service. The bread was hot and crunchy, with a soft interior. The mussels were tender and wonderfully cooked in a delicious broth. The french onion soup was light with a thick layer of gruyere cheese and just enough crouton. And the steak...so good. The fries were pretty average, actually, I didn't even touch them, but it was okay, since I was pretty full by the time I got to the main entree. But the steak was so delicious on its own, I barely even touched the accompanying sauce. I didn't have any dessert, but the food was good, the wine was good. I had a great time. For the price, I probably could have gotten better service, but the food was pretty fantastic (except the fries).
(4)
J C.
4 out of 5 stars. Why? Well, lets start with the downer of escargots. Not that great when the first one that I bite into is full of sand. Yes sand, nice and crunch sand. The second and third ones were much better, minus the sand. The foie gras was excellent. Big melt in your mouth goodness. Mmmm. Onion Gratinee soup was equally good. Not salty like some other places. I had the roasted rack of lamb that was cooked to perfection. Tasty and succulent. The accompanying Pommes Lyonnaise was equally fulfilling. Had a tasting of the Pan Seared Scallops and 5 stars. Seared yet excellently cooked on the inside. Takes some skill there. Then finally had the Grand Marnier Souffle, after 20 minutes of cooking. Quite a bit of time, but had wished the waitress had offered to mention that before we we had ordered, but otherwise, the dessert was soft and delightful, with hints of citrus, not too heavy. Definitely warrants a return.
(4)
Nancy L.
I ate lunch here a few months ago but recently came back for dinner, which was delicious. We started with escarot, their pate plate, and oysters. The oysters were perfect as were the escargot. There were three kinds of pate and all of them were delicious. The variety offered differences in texture and flavors. The hot bread basket was also hard to resist. For the main course, I had the sweetbreads, which I am currently craving and it is also the reason I was prompted to write this review. DELICIOUS. I wish I could go eat some right now! My friends had the pork chop and salmon. The pork was good but the salmon really blew us away. Cooked perfectly with a creamy just barely cooked center and crispy skin, the salmon was delicious even without anything else. It was a friday night and one friend was running late so our server was nervously checking on us the whole time, which made us uncomfortable. Other tables that sat there before us and left after us were not made to feel this way, which bothers me.
(4)
Natalya M.
What a wonderful little bistro!! It is a little piece of French heaven in Boston! I have been here twice and have not been disappointed. The French Onion soup is perfectly spiced and has the perfect bread filling while the melted cheese accompanies all the flavors and decadently drips over the pot edges. The foie gras, which I have had in numerous places, really defined that this little bistro really knows French dining! I especially loved the Eiffel Tower dessert, which was so sweet and moist...it really made me quiver (and I hate hate hate cake! but this was just right!). Overall a wonderful spot to go to with friends for a not so heavy a price tag.
(5)
Morgan W.
I had a wonderful meal here, but what was really special was the service. I'd strongly recommend this place, if you have even a single Gallic bone in your body.
(4)
Brittany C.
This was my first time eating at a French restaurant, and I suppose I was expecting a little more, considering the reviews I've read about Petit Robert. The meals around the table were very touch and go--while my goat cheese and leek quiche was very tasty, it was nothing to write home about, admittedly, the potato gratin was amazing (behold, the power of butter), but both beef dishes at my table were very overdone and not very appetizing. Service was quite slow as well, given that the restaurant was not busy for Sunday brunch. I don't know if it's worth coming back or just worth learning to make buttery potato gratin on my own. The bread was delicious--I wish we were given more of it, considering it was gone in 5 minutes! I would probably go back here--I'm giving Petit Robert the benefit of the doubt that at least one of their chefs knows how to cook beef properly.
My husband and I love this place for special date nights. Great food, lovely French bistro atmosphere.
(4)
John K.
I don't give many five-star reviews, but the food here is excellent, and the service is superb. And for the reasonable prices, the place cannot be beat. I've been twice (once for dinner, once for brunch) and they did a good job accommodating my food allergies both times.
(5)
Huan z.
Make sure to make reservation before come to this restaurant. Small Portions but delicious. Very happy with my meal. Will come again.
(4)
Jonathan L.
Funny place to go if you're chugging beer at Lower Depths next door and you're just jonesing for a shot of Jameson. (They don't serve shots at Lower Depths). Even though we stormed the place rather drunkenly and interrupted many first dates and quiet politician-mistress-meetups, we were poured very generous shots - more like doubles. The food smelled very good, and paired delightfully with our Jameson.
(5)
Amy K.
We had a nice, very affordable lunch at Petit Robert, but I wasn't blown away by anything I tried. I had the salade nicoise, and BF had a brie sandwich with french fries (or should I say pommes frites?) The salad was tasty, but nothing I couldn't make myself at home. I didn't understand why there was a large piece of broccoli in it, but maybe they were out of green beans that day. I tried the french fries, and they were a little on the soggy side, and not very hot. Service was good, and I liked the atmosphere, but the food was really nothing special.
(3)
Countess O.
Yelp really should have half-point systems, because I would totally give Petit Robert a 3.5. We went on a Monday night, weren't preparing to have a big meal. The service was very courteous and attentive, and valet parking was free which is always a plus. We were seated right away, in the back of the restaurant near the windows, and the view was great. There was a stretch of clean, semi-boutique looking apartments lining the other side of the street, while the Green Line ran across the middle of the street once in a short while like a trolley or street car, together with the small stripe of lawn in the middle of the street lined by a row of iron-gated fence, created a rather European air.The restaurant was rather packed even on a Monday night, and unfortunately people were talking very loudly, and the ambiance was perhaps not that conducive to a romantic evening with a happy ending, but great for friends and family. The bread was wonderful --- steaming, hot freshly baked baguette that was just the right combo of hard surface and soft inside, and tasted like heaven together with actually spreadable, REAL butter. It was so good that i finished my roll, despite all the dietary warnings of not filling oneself up with carbs before your meal. Trust me, you will want to finish your baguette, and perhaps ask for more. We ordered the onion soup and escargot for starters. I love escargot and have always ordered it at every French restaurant that I've been to, and I must say while it is solid, it's not stellar. As always, the pesto is very overwhelming, all a bit too strong and greasy. For my entree I ordered the hors d'oeuvre "Pan Seared Semi-Boneless Quail, Port Wine and Orange Sauce," and that was quite a let-down, I must say honestly. The quail came on a huge leaf of butternut lettuce sprinkled with a few pieces of grape, drizzled with a dark sauce which tasted nothing of --- as the title enticed --- port wine and orange sauce. The quail itself was tender enough, yet was waaaaay too salty. It was so salty that I actually only ate two bites, and I have never actually done this before at a restaurant, i.e. leave a dish almost untouched because it didn't taste good. The quail itself already tasted like the chef had a seizure while salting (seriously!) and I could only dare to imagine what it would have tasted like with the sauce. Needless to say, that was quite a disappointment. When the waiter came to clear tables, he asked me if I wanted it boxed to go. I gave him a polite yet slightly annoyed "no," and told him to relay to the chef that the dish was way too salty. Hopefully that message got through. I felt bad giving this place a 3.5 because, overall, it was a semi-pleasant dining experience. While the escargot was not bad, the quail was just unacceptable. I sincerely hope the chef did have an accident. P.S. If they have Maudite on tap, DO get that. If you think Maudite tastes great in a cork bottle, try it fresh. It will make a hard day's work go all away with just one sip.
(3)
Kimberly W.
In a word? impeccable. Petit Robert Bistro serves the French classics, using delicious fresh ingredients and cooking in the true French style. I know French food, and I thoroughly enjoyed my meal here. The French have a philosophy of eating as being an experience; you will receive that here, with a romantic atmosphere, professional wait staff, and delicious food. A bit pricey, but it's worth it for the quality of the food served here. My spouse and I had the escargot, duck confit, poulet coq au vin, and the gâteau au chocolat. All delicious. And of course, the bread is excellent! All in all, I recommend this place to anyone looking to try out the French classics and have a true culinary experience.
(5)
Jessica L.
Came here last night with a friend. We both got the soup du jour, a pumpkin soup, which had pieces of tender chicken. I really loved the flavoring and light broth; my friend thought it was just okay. It came steaming, burning hot, though, enough to hurt the tongue. For a main, I had the "Roasted Leg of Rabbit, Mustard and Mushroom Sauce," which came with sides of buttery mashed potatoes, three slices of boiled carrots, and two sprigs of broccoli. They definitely weren't generous with the vegetables there. But the rabbit was tender and the mushroom sauce was delicious. After spending all of January in rural southern France, I'd say this dish was close to (though a step below) the country food I had -- straightforward but still tasty. My friend had the Beef Bourguignon, which she said was really good beef. She's a big foodie too, so I trust her on this. As others have mentioned, it was comforting to hear French spoken both by the staff and other diners in the restaurant.
(4)
Melanie P.
Great meal and ambiance. All tastes were exquisite. Hubby had snails and calf's liver. He said he never had better. I had duck confit with sausage and it was wonderful. The waiter suggested a wonderful wine. For dessert we had sorbet with almond cookie and husband had a wonderful chocolate dessert. The wait staff could have been more attentive with water, but otherwise an excellent experience. We would definitely go back!
(4)
Eddie W.
Since the chef Jacky Robert was the executive chef of Maison Robert from '96-'01 you are getting the same dishes you would get at M.R. for a much better price. The escargot are outstanding. The frog legs are out of this world. Cooked to perfection so they fall right off the bone. Don't forget to order the souffle in advance though since it takes about 20 minutes to get that little piece of heaven on your table. The only reason I'm giving P.R.B. 4-stars instead of 5-stars is the 40 minute wait between apps and entrees the last time I was there. It was the night of a Red Sox-Yankees game though so I understand if there were some issues that night. I still made the game on time however. That was the 1st time I ever had to wait like that. If you enjoy 5 star french food at a 1 star price then make sure to hit up P.R.B.
(4)
Bridget B.
The Eiffel tower made out of chocolate is cute. I had a really good croque monsieur with french fries there (I'm ashamed to admit I went to a French restaurant and had french fries, but they came with the damn sandwich!) I also really liked the onion soup as well. The main dining hall seems like it can get very crowded, and the tables are all right next to each other. I went there for lunch on a hot day, so most people were sitting outside, so we actually had the whole dining room to ourselves which was pretty neat. Very light, airy, sparsely decorated. I liked it a lot. I wish I had more to work with in regards to this review, but I have not had time to go back. I was very impressed with the prices for lunch, I'm not sure if dinner gets a bit more steep or not.
(4)
Vijay R.
I have not been to many French restaurants, but I was told that Boston has some of the best French restaurants in the North Eastern region. I went with two other friends, and all of our dishes were delicious. We got the duck confit, salmon, and tilapia. I got the tilapia and it had a creamy garlic and rosemary flavor pan seared to perfection. The mash potatoes had a creamy texture to complement the tilapia. Unlike many places I have been in Boston, the service was fabulous, so it is almost an automatic star. I guess I can not give 5 stars since I do not have a comparison for French food.
(4)
Brett W.
This place is some major YUM. A considerable group (8 in total) of us went here for a friend's birthday on a Saturday night and had an amazing time. My friend and I split the garden salad, which is what it sounds like, but still flavorful without being boring. A good appe-teaser for sure. But it was the entree that really sealed the deal. Petit Robert is the type of restaurant where your only worry is WHAT to choose. I went with the Chicken "Coq au Vin" with Buttered Noodles and my stomach practically leaped from my body with excitement. My friend's pork loin was also very tender, and I heard someone rave about the veal (if you're into veal). Even the side of spinach was delicious. I also had a gin cocktail, which I BELIEVE was called something along the lines of "Sidecar," or at least had "car" in its name. Maybe. I could be making this up. I can't find it online, but it was THE ONE. Petit Robert really knows how to wine and dine you and send you home with a full belly and smile on your face!
(4)
johnny r.
This is by far the best value for your fine dining $ in boston!! If you want a great gourmet meal with service, quality, and decor, this is THE PLACE! And, there are 3 of them in greater boston to boot! Flank steak is near perfection. We split the bibb salad, and they make it more than enough for 2. Must try the crepes only made on saturday! Can't wait to go back!!!
(5)
Alex S.
I was a little nervous that I would be walking into a Walt Disney World French restaurant given the lighten up Eiffel tower outside and the famous desert served with a chocolate Eiffel Tower. To my relief the positive Yelp reviews had not led me astray. Instead of a cheesy tacky experience, this restaurant had a great atmosphere. It was well decorated and you could see and smell right into the kitchen from the dinning area. The delicious buttery French cuisine had my ole factory bulbs going crazy from the moment I sat down. They candlelit tables enhanced the atmosphere while not being too dark to read the menu. The Cabernet we had was great. The all stars from our appetizers had to be the carrot and ginger soup special and the applewood smoked salmon. The salmon was definitely smoked in the restaurant as it had a deep smoky flavor that was distinct from the out of the package smoked salmon. I had the duck confit for my main which was very good and not too greasy but the vegetables that came with it were kind of limp and plain. The salmon entree enclosed in a pastry was ok but too rich and buttery for my taste. You could take a bit or too but then it was too much. The desert was phenomenal even though I am not usually a desert guy. The best was the chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream and strawberry sauce. The cake was still warm when served. The Profiterole, however, was the MVP. The chocolate sauce was incredibly dark and fudgy. Really superb. A great French place to go for flavor ambiance and not ridiculous prices.
(4)
Allison B.
For the longest time, I wanted to try Petit Robert, but the bf refused. Why, you ask? Because their website has blinking text. You know, like 1996 Geocities-style blinking text. "But that says nothing about the quality of the food!" I'd exclaim - "you're oversimplifying." But he was adamant that the website is a reflection of the business as a whole. Finally, he relented. The outcome? Good, but really nothing special. And yes, we went all out: gratinee, wine, - even frog legs - but nothing really blew us away. RE: Frog legs - the +1's only comment was "I've had better." RE: Gratinee - Specifically, I like the one at Bon Savor in JP better. The service and ambience, on the other hand, were great. Prompt, friendly, and all that jazz. Love the outdoor seating area w/ Parisienne mural (though I think it could do with some plants). But for the price and hoop-la, I'd rather go somewhere else.
(3)
Boston D.
I was very impressed by the food here. I wasn't expecting to be. I was expecting "ok", but everything we had was delicious, from the seared foie gras, to the trout amandine, to the scallops...delicious wine too, although I felt a little sacrilegious ordering a California Zinfandel (Deerfield Red Rex for $45) in a classic French bistro. The ambiance is a little boring...the building is a classic brick townhouse outside of Kenmore....we were seats in the basement...feeling is a little claustrophobic, but also cute. Probably not a good place to go on a diet, as recipes are classic French.
(4)
Michelle S.
Just had AMAZING pate! I've never tried it before and the trio-appetizer platter was scrumptious. We had it with the french baguette and Dijon mustard and I scarfed it down. Next, I had scallops and crab over spinach! VIOLA, best scallops I've ever eaten, which is saying a lot since I grew up on the ocean with access to delicious and fresh seafood. Lightly seared, almost raw, which was melting in my mouth. Even the veggies were to die for! My boss (who took me out to lunch) got tripe, although she is a little more adventurous than me. It wasn't terrible, not that I'd order it again, but that's because I'm not a huge fan of tripe ever! She seemed to think it was one of the best she's ever had though for what it's worth. We had lattes afterward, which were better than Starbucks!!! DEFINITELY go here...
(5)
Jacqueline Z.
Went here last night (Monday) with my family. Overall, very good experience. Food: very good! Excellent bread to start. **Recommended appetizers/soups/salads: Onion Soup, Lobster Bisque (soup), Salad Nicoise, Beet and goat cheese salad (special; my fave!) **Recommended entrees: Lamb Cassoulet (with sausage--so good) - was a special, Pan Seared Scallops **Recommended desserts: White Chocolate Bread Pudding, Apple Tart Tatin, Profiterole (my fave) Wine: lots of good selections in the $25-45/bottle range. Corkage fee here is $25, fyi. Service: A-. Waitress was very accommodating; slightly pushy but not too bad. Atmosphere: 3 different seating areas (a handful of 2-4 person tables outside, inside ground floor---2-6 person tables, inside downstairs--larger parties and bar area). Could probably get a bit loud on busy nights but was fine for us on a Monday night. Would love to go back here again soon. Great value for your dollar.
(4)
Jenny L.
I never thought such a classy but affordable restaurant would be on my campus! I've walked many times by it, smitten by the lit up Eiffel tower, always afraid to look at the prices to discover that I can't eat at such a wonderful place. But my friend had eaten there before and wanted to take me out. This place is affordable for what it offers!!! I wanted to try their french onion soup. It was better than the ones I've tried in France. The cheese was gooey. The bread had just the right amount of moisture. And I can't say anything but rapturous praise of its soup. I just wish I had taken more time to enjoy every sip and bite of this wonderful concoction.
(5)
Rebecca B.
I have nothing but wonderful things to say about Petit Robert Bistro. I took my best friend tonight before her flight back home. We were short on time and mentioned that to our server. We had the Julia Child special, which included lobster bisque, coq au vin with buttered noodles, and mousse au chocolat... all for $29. Everything was delicious. The lobster bisque was perfectly spiced, a little kick and not too salty. The coq au vin was amazing -- HUGE portion. The chicken fell right off the bone, the sauce was perfect, and the noodles were cooked just right. Even though I was full, I couldn't stop eating the mousse au chocolat. If possible, the service may have been even better than the food. Our server brought out each course as soon as we were finished, allowing us to eat a three course meal in an hour (which makes us sound completely gluttonous, yes) and get to the airport on time. Parfait!
(5)
Michelle L.
Took my family here for a nice night out in Boston. And oh, did I make the right choice. We made reservations beforehand, which I strongly recommend. Space is limited and the place is always busy. I will say the lighting was too dim for my tastes. Candlelight is romantic, perhaps, but I like being able to see. Decor was classy, very French, very sophisticated. It's a higher class of restaurant than I'm used to. Onto the food, the important part: We all agonized over the menu. Everything looked good. Except maybe the tripe and the calf's brains. We're not offal people. After some time deliberating over each item, my aunt and my cousin decided on the salmon en croute, my uncle ordered the coq au vin, and I had the cod bouillabaisse. The bread was excellent, fresh and piping hot when it came to our table. We also received a second basket when our server noticed how quickly the first one disappeared-- now that earns bonus points with me. We were all exclaiming over our entrees; I think we were all perfectly satisfied. I thought I'd had excellent seafood before, but I've never tasted mussels with so buttery-smooth a texture as the ones that came in my bouillabaisse; the cod was also excellent, though I had to be careful of the bones in the fillet. We couldn't resist dessert, either. And at a French bistro it seems obligatory: if you want the decadence that is French food, you need to commit yourself fully. My aunt and uncle shared the apple-raisin bread pudding; my cousin and I split the chocolate mousse. Both desserts were as indulgent as could be hoped for. The mousse was sinfully chocolate; dark and creamy at the same time. My words don't do our meal justice. Maybe I'm just tired. But this place comes highly recommended. I'll be back to try the obligatory french onion soup, and find out about that chocolate Eiffel Tower.
(5)
S S.
I love this restaurant! My husband and I come here frequently when we crave good French food. This is one of my favorite places for brunch on a relaxing Saturday. Their french toast is delicious, and they serve a good, solid eggs benedict. I've also had their coffee and potato soup, which I wasn't a big fan of, but it was my mistake. I misread the menu and expected a cup of coffee and a bowl of potato soup, but it's actually coffee inside potato soup. My husband, on the other hand, thought it was delicious. Their crispy egg salad is also pretty good. I wasn't a big fan of the crispy eggs, as they're basically breaded and deep fried eggs, but the salad was delicious! Dinners are great here too. I highly recommend the coq au vin and beef bourguignon. Prices are reasonable and the portions are big. The service here is fantastic and it really is a gem in the Kenmore/Fenway area!
(5)
Emily O.
So-so French food and snail slow service. I was here with my boyfriend's boss and work colleagues; although conversation was great, the food was iffy. I would steer clear of the profiteroles. They were nasty and stale biscuits that had clearly been made at the start of the week and piped with unsweetened whipped cream, then coated with a huge layer of chocolate to mask their staleness. Ick. Won't be making a return visit.
(3)
Kelly G.
Super fab date spot-- quiet and dim-- grottoesque really. The ambiance gets the mood going and the food will get you home. I ordered iconic french food/drink right down the menu -- kir royale framboise, the Onion Gratinee Soup (which in other non-french restaurants would be French Onion Soup), Coque Au Vin for dinner, and then Chocolate Mouse for dessert. Now I love (French) onion soup, but I usually just eat the top layer (you know the cheese, bread, and a little broth part) but I got straight to the bottom of this and considered licking the bowl-- but before I could ponder that too long, the waitress came with the next course. Coque au Vin is a rustic dish consisting of chicken, pasta, and some wine brothyness. I'm a doggy bag sort of girl, generally portions are way too big for me-- but I ate the whole thing and didn't once regret it. And then I ordered dessert. Strike me down for saying so, but the mousse was almost too rich. I ate about half of it and then relinquished it to FW to polish it off. Also the kir royale framboise (like a regular kir royale but with raspbery stoli in it) would have knocked me on my ass if I'd had it without food. I'm a lightweight, I admit-- but champagne, vodka, and chambord had me tipped even with a full stomach. Well done!
(5)
Linda Z.
The food at Petit Robert would be adequate for a lower-priced restaurant but for the price point, I struggle to give it more than two stars. The lobster bisque is nice, though every time I have ordered it, I receive it lukewarm even when the restaurant is not busy. The entrees are mediocre for the price. I had the scallops and they were quite overcooked and rubbery, while the risotto underneath was acceptable. The wait staff is kind enough, though I have not complained there before - based on the customer feedback, providing the Chef with feedback would be a waste of everyone's time. If you are looking for a place last-minute and do not mind paying more for food that is of lower quality, you can often get a table here without a wait.
(2)
Roger A.
Any real Parisian bistro would put this place to shame, and that's a real pity. You walk in feeling like you should've shown a passport at the door. Chalkboard specials, French waitstaff, Eiffel Towers everywhere, all make you think you've been transported from Comm Ave to Paris in an instance. It all falls apart after that... We did a quartet of appetizers and were disappointed with all of them. 1) We got what the waiter described as a "shrimp dumpling in a lobster sauce" special. It was a golfball sized blob made of finely minced shrimp wrapped in some type of dough. Ever had minced shrimp packed into a ball before? It was disgusting. Not a single piece of lobster in the lobster sauce. 2) Bayonne Ham and melon. Meh. The "ham" is really a prosciutto and the melon tasted like something you'd buy at Stop&Shop. The dish was garnished with sesame oil. Interesting combination that didn't work well. 3) Bib Salad with Panko crusted Goat Cheese. How can you mess up a salad? Easy, the dressing was sparse and boring (could've used Ken's French Dressing and gotten a better review). The goat cheese was a blob of deep fried cheese. Not what I pictured, at all. 4) Heirloom tomatoes and goat cheese salad. More like Plum tomatoes and goat cheese salad. What's exciting about plum tomatoes? Nothing, especially when you're expecting a delicious heirloom. Garnished in the same sesame oil as above and therefore lost points for lack of creativity. Lastly: Service was slooooow once the restaurant got a little busy. Wine was hit or miss. My Cab was very good, my wife's Pinot would've made a good salad dressing. All in all, a nice (albeit smokey due to the open kitchen) environment catering to an everyday crowd at slightly more than everyday prices. In the neighborhood and need a sit-down meal? Hop in. Looking for a place to spend a nice evening with memorable food? Look elsewhere...
(2)
Angie S.
Purchased a groupon for this restaurant and finally when my schedule cleared up a little I was able to get around to going. I'm not generally a fan of French food however I figured I would give it a try. The desserts were good, very rich in flavor. The food I did not like at all especially for the price listed on the menu. The reason I gave this four stars is because the service was AMAZING!!! They were all so extremely pleasant and always made sure you had everything you needed. The food was a 2, the dessert was a 4 and the service was a 5 so I figured a 4 would be justifiable. When i was there I had the half chicken, mashed potatoes and veggies. All of the food had ALOT of butter. I would go back there maybe for dessert but that's about it.
(4)
Tamas S.
Staff = Great. Food = Yummy! Atmosphere = very comfortable. I will definitely be back here.
(5)
Anastasia R.
The Fiancee loves rural French dishes which was something I discovered when we went out on our latest date. The food was very good and our waitress was almost fluent in French, was able to answer my questions very well since I wasn't familiar with the cuisine, plus she was super approachable. It was an overall 5 star experience. From cocktails to dessert we had a wonderful time. Note: Frog's legs don't taste like chicken. They taste like chicken cooked in fish. Not bad, just different. Don't let the man lie to you.
(5)
Garth S.
Last Sunday evening, C---- and I decided to stop by Petit Robert for an early dinner. It was around six-thirty and already the dining room was full. We did not have a reservation. I didn't think it would be so crowded so early on a Sunday evening but C---- reminded me that although the college kids abandon Boston for February vacation, there were still a few grownups kicking around who might want to enjoy a Presidents' Day or St. Valentine's Day dinner out. The hostess suggested we sit at the downstairs bar where we could order immediately or we could wait about a half-hour for a table. C----- wanted to eat quickly so she could get home in time for "The Amazing Race" but I preferred a table so we compromised and ordered drinks at the bar while we studied the menu. I grew up watching "The French Chef" (I was a strange child) and as I read the menu, I imagined I heard Julia reciting the menu with her eminently imitable speech impediment: coq au vin . . . pot-au-feu . . . boeuf bourguignon . . . saumon en croute . . . PBS just doesn't produce shows like that anymore. The hostess interrupted my memories of food cooked with pounds of butter and drowning in buckets of heavy cream to announce that our table was ready. We'd waited only about fifteen minutes. She also thoughtfully had our bar bill transferred to our table. In retrospect, I think we screwed the bartender out of a tip. I ordered the coq au vin and C---- settled on the tomato-carrot soup and ratatouille. We split one of the special hors d'oeuvres, a lobster macaroni and cheese. It was very rich and quite tasty with nice chunks of lobster but I could have done without it. My coq au vin, however, served with buttered noodles, was perfect. C---- clearly enjoyed her soup and ratatouille and for a moment I was afraid her tongue would collide with her plate. We did not order wine and C----- cheated me out of dessert so she could make it home in time for her program. (Honestly, can you believe she'd choose a television show over dinner with me?) The service was great, the food enjoyable, and our bill, which included hors d'oeuvres, two beers, one cocktail, one entree, soup, and a side, came to just over sixty bucks including the tip. It's great to find a French restaurant that's neither super-fancy nor break-the-bank expensive. Petit Robert is not haute cuisine. It's just a neighborhood bistro serving French comfort food in a simple, cozy environment. Best of all, Petit Robert is versatile: you can take a date, bring your parents, or even try dining by yourself on a quiet night. Whatever you do, though, save time and room for dessert. Also, try to stay away from the frog legs. Like Kermit, I submit that there's nothing sadder than the sight of millions of frogs with tiny crutches.
(4)
Bryan K.
Excellent food. Great price. i ate here with my girlfriend and another friend on Friday night. We were seated immediately on the outdoor sunken patio. It was a great meal and we ordered plenty of food and drink. Still, with aps and entrees and desert, the total was only $130. We all loved the fois gras. My girlfrend had the coc au vin (delicious). The duck was superb with plenty of meat. The only weird thing was the frites. They tasted exactly like McDonalds fries. The beer list was very short but they had some good choices. Overall, it was an excellent dining experience. I want to try to other locations as well.
(4)
Wayne D.
"Bonjour"!!! Screams a wonderful-yet-all-over-the-place French woman. She promptly greets my party of two, slightly underdressed for this beautiful restaurant, and offers us a bottle of water. "Sparkling Perrier will do" I kindly asked, and sparkling it was..... I went on a limb here and ordered a few flavors that would not compliment many others. I started with a cream of mushroom soup because it was cold outside and my only purpose was to heat up. It certainly did the trick. I ended up eating the entire bowl (and the serving was bountiful). I became more and more daring so I ordered Tripes Provençal, not a traditional Wayne experience. Knowing I was getting a dish with incredible flavor (so I hoped as the flavors in a Provencal dish usually compliment each other very well) I ordered a glass of rose wine. Sophie would have been so proud! For dessert, a cafe latte and a bluberry shortcake. The flavors in the shortcake were a bit weak but considering the personalities of the staff it did not matter. I was full by that point anyway. If you haven't been, you haven't lived.
(4)
Cookie D.
Five of us had lunch at Petit Robert Bistro last Friday afternoon. So much was wrong, I'm not sure where to start. The restaurant only had a few tables filled, but we waited at least 45 minutes for our food. The fresh tuna in the nicoise salad was gray when it was served, and horribly overcooked. The most unappetizing piece of fish I've ever seen. My chicken crepe was sub par - the "cream sauce" was under flavored and glutenous. It had the consistency of campbell's chicken soup but without the flavor ( how sad is that - when Campbell's chicken soup is tastier than your chicken crepe!) The overhead fans were on so high that my hair was blowing in the wind! Not all our food was delivered, and we had to ask for the rest of it. The side order I was told came with my meal was different than what I got. Very disappointing. Maybe they were having an off day.
(1)
Brendan M.
6 Stars? 7 Stars? This place is amazing. Every entree I have gotten has made my tummy veeeeery happy. They have a reasonable wine list and some very interesting cocktails. I got a Peartini. Not surprisingly, it tasted like Pear Juice. VERY good. Reason enough to go back right there, before you factor in the food, service, and atmosphere. Get a Peartini, you'll see what I mean.
(5)
Sammi N.
I LOVE PRB! The food is simple, classic, and delicious. The service is attentive, warm, and charming. Some things to consider when dining here: 1. Make a reservation! If for a weekend evening, then well in advance! 2. SAVE ROOM FOR THE GIANT PROFITEROLE! It's my all-time favorite dessert - no joke, and that says a LOT! Nothing bad to say about this place - except bring back the lentil cake!
(5)
Rebecca Y.
1. Yum! 2. Cheap! For a grand daddy total of $60 for two people we had the following: 2 $7 glasses of wine the trio pate app (excellent, but save your bread or ask for more) 2 entrees (grilled bluefish & duck confit) dessert (Ile Flottante) OK, so the service didn't blow my hair back, but it wasn't as terrible as it has been for some other yelpers. I wouldn't say our waiter was friendly or helpful, but he was efficient and polite. If for no other reason than the price, this place definitely deserves a further investigation by everyone.
(4)
Lindsay E.
So, I should start by saying that we went on Valentine's day. We made reservations for 5:30 and were some of the first customers to arrive. They did not have their normal setup and had a lot of two person tables (understandable). We ordered some oysters, a smoked salmon salad and a salad with a goat cheese fritter on top. My boyfriend ordered a martini of some kind and I ordered a Kir Royale. For our main meals, I ordered scallops in a crab sauce and the bf ordered haddock with a tomato parsley sauce. After we got our drinks, they tried to bring us someone else's meals. I think they were super confused by the new setup. Then, they brought us our meal before our appetizers even came. I told our waiter and he tried to rush our appetizers. Maybe that was the reason there was sand in my oyster. The flavor was pleasant, but it was completely ruined by the sand. The smoked salmon was literally to die for, it was so delicious and the salmon pretty much melted in my mouth. The goat cheese salad was also really delicious. We then waited about 30 minutes for our main meal. It was like a hidden camera show as different waiters came by with different people's meals at least 3 or 4 times. We finally got our meals and were so excited. The bf loved his fish. I thought it was really tasty despite not being the biggest parsley fan. As for my scallops, the flavors were excellent. Once again, they did not seem to clean their seafood properly. I had at least 3 pieces of crab shell, nasty. The vegetable medley they served with both dishes had way too much onion, especially for valentine's day. The waiter did bring me another Kir Royale for my troubles which was nice. He was very nice and apologetic and professional. He actually talked to one of the waiters who brought out the wrong dishes a lot and seemed genuinely upset for us. The dessert was good, some chocolately thing. Nothing to write home about. Their coffee is also excellent. I would definitely give them another try because we went on what seemed to be an off night. However, their poorly cleaned seafood gave me a bad impression. Prices were excellent for French food.
(3)
Samantha B.
Yummy yums! I've been here tons of times and have never been disappointed. Firstly, they're great for groups. I've come here for my birthday a couple of times, and the waiters are always refilling waters, bringing more bread, and checking up on you. The bread is DELISH, by the way. My boyfriend loves the French onion soup (wish they had a veggie version!). Their vegetarian entrees change, but I've consistently loved them, especially the mushroom risotto. But the real star here has to be the desserts! I'd say they're the best I've ever had. I've gotten the ile flottante, the frangipane pear tart, and tried a bunch of other people's, and loved them all. I love it when a place has a true blue pastry chef, and doesn't buy some pre-made desserts that you find at all the chain restaurants (I'm talking to you, Bertucci's!) The prices make it a once-in-a-while place, but it's great value. A lot of care goes into the food and the atmosphere, so I definitely don't mind.
(5)
Emilie P.
I've been here twice, both times for lunch. Both times I've been amazed. A delicious good portion lunch in Boston, served on white tableclothes and all under $8? Where have you been all my life! The express lunch is fantastic. I've had the burgerdog (hamburger shaped like a hit dog) and the BLT. Both were delicious and so big that I had plenty to take home for later. They also serve a warm baguette with butter beforehand, so delicious! The food is great, the atmosphere is pleasant and intimate, and the prices can't be beat for such high quality food. I'm dying to go there for dinner and try their desserts. From what I saw, the prices for the dinner entrees were reasonalble and their selection was classic French fare. Their desserts sounded amazing, and I know their cappacino is good. I also want to try their brunch menu (served late everyday). I think this is a place I will be frequenting. Note: I've never had trouble with their service. Probably they are not as good during the busy dinner hours but what small restaurant isn't!
(5)
Eric D.
This place was exactly what I wanted. Great food, decor, and service. Little bit on the pricier side for younger patrons, but nothing that will break the bank or make you feel ripped off. You will not go home hungry or dissatisfied!
(4)
Shannon C.
Went here with a groupon and the staff was very accommodating despite the fact that we had made our reservation at the wrong location. The food was excellent and price is right. Nice bottles of wine available for a decent price as well. The service could have been better in general, but the staff was very friendly. Food took about 45 minutes to come out which we didn't mind as we were in no rush. However in other circumstances I could see this being an issue. Overall, great food and nice environment.
(4)
Annie P.
Time of Day: Early still sunlight dinnertime. Server: Clearly French. Recommended a good simple bottle of red. What I recommend: Chicken "Coq au Vin" with Buttered Noodles (easy pick) This is the best French cuisine I've had in Boston so far (haven;t been to Salts yet) because it tasted home cooked and hearty. The richness and creaminess mixed with that tender chew in each bite. When everything on your not so complicated dish falls apart gently ..good sign. Meal wasn't a drag and totally casual in there. I was with a postman for godsakes..
(4)
Daniel R.
Just moved here from Southern California. Had a reservation, 40 min wait + very busy night (day before Valentines). Food was fab, perfect dirty martini, seating was a bit crammed, waiting lobby a bit small, but great service. I would come back!
(4)
Jesse R.
I've only been to PRB twice, but both times (once for lunch, once for dinner) have been really great experiences. I would recommend this as a dinner place, it has a totally different vibe than lunch - it is much more romantic and the service is much more at ease. My lunch was good, but you could tell the servers just want to flip tables and some of the dishes were not available. Prices are very affordable for the quality and authentic French dishes which are exquisitely prepared. For dessert try the Chocolate Gateau, its famous for its chocolate replica of the Tour Eiffel. Food and ambiance are excellent, service can be spotty, but this is definitely a place for a great French meal!
(4)
Ty H.
So my girl and I recently celebrated three years together. In short this place on the whole is fucking fantastic, all be it a bit loud. Our server (I don't remember her name, but she was a brunette female) was extremely attentive without being the least bit overbearing or annoying. I had some Tuna tartare with some form of a chilled red wine or balsamic glaze on crostinis. It was off the chain. My girlfriend had a bowl of cream of broccoli soup. I fucking hate broccoli. Given the choice of eating broccoli, and the festering taint of a dead Mexican whore after a condomless gangbang at a leper colony, I'd dine on the latter, hands down. However, this soup was rendonkulous. I would have shamelessly guzzled gallons of this sublime concoction, let it drip onto my cashmere sweater, and then promptly demanded more. I'm not too picky of an eater, but if a chef can take an ingredient I despise and craft something so sumptuous that I'd rue through a minefield of razor wire naked for another helping, that to me says s/he's got some serious fucking talent. I wasn't just impressed- I was flabbergasted, the soup was that good. This was followed by our entrees. I had cassoulet, which was pretty damned good. I would have liked a more liberal mix of pork products, but the sausage was great, the duck crispy and moist, and the beans silky and flavorful. Cudos. Coming from a guy who grew up in Maine eating Quebec soul food regularly, this stuff was high up by any French standard. My lady love chose to go with a red wine braised short rib with seasonal root vegetables. It was unbelievably delicious; tender as all get out, beefy, the sauce had not only a great flavor, but a nice syrupy mouth feel without being overtly sweet. There was this delicious understated earthy, herbed aspect to it with hints of smoke and c har that just culminated to give it a totally unrivaled depth of flavor. I was in awe. This dish was a 10. The wine list was more than reasonable price wise, and pretty deep considering it's a "bistro"; Knowing my lady's penchant for blush wine and Rose vintage Champagne, we decided upon consulting with our server to go big or go home and get the Rose- which was under $80, a real value in my opinion, because I would have paid twice that without hesitation, it was that good. The exact vint and year eludes me. However:. It was assertively tart initially, followed by a myriad of peaches, berries and almost a lychee note on the back end. It was sublime. We were so full from dinner, dessert was out of the question for us. But this place has a great thing going. It's a bit loud in the upstairs room, but for being able to walk in in a pair of jeans and a sweater and get a meal that'd give any celebrity chef in Boston a serious run for their money- that's saying something. It's delectable, unpretentious, romantic, and I think it has a very promising future. You can count me in as a regular, because I will surely be back.
This place is great for a nice dinner out or a quick lunch! One of my favorite eats in Boston. Service is always friendly and attentive, willing to answer any questions you might have throughout the meal. Bistro food and a great (and inexpensive) lunch menu. Try the escargots, served in old-fashioned cast-iron (with a wonderful butter herb sauce), the coq au vin, and steak frites are favorites (get a side of bearnaise for the fries), the fish dishes here are also well prepared (the scallops are amaze). If you're here for a nice dinner, try some dessert as well, the almond tart with ice cream was one of the best desserts I've ever had. All in all, a great place for great food. Oh, and the drinks are perfect (strong and delicious) Sidecars, especially!
(5)
Christine W.
I took my husband here for his birthday. Since I made a reservation and let them know ahead it was a special occasion they held a prime table by the window for us. Service: Excellent Food: Escargot, Foie Gras and profiteroles were excellent. I had the potato and crab cake entree which was pretty good. Drinks: Amazing wine, good value.
(4)
Sandra C.
I was inclined to give Petit Robert Bistro 3 stars instead of 4, but I am not the biggest fan of French cuisine, so I leaned towards the higher rating to account for that. We had a number of courses, so I will speak to all of them. Once we were seated, we were served a fresh mini-loaf of french bread. Piping hot, straight out of the oven, the bread was absolutely delicious. I then had a bowl of Lobster Bisque soup, which was not great. It honestly tasted like squash soup. Not much taste of lobster at all. We felt adventurous, so we had the Calf's Brains as a appetizer. It wasn't bad, but nothing to rave of. It tasted like tofu, which is to say it didn't taste like much. And it wasn't cooked in much to give it flavor either. The consistency was much creamer than tofu as well. When eaten with the accompanying salad, it wasn't bad, but needed salt. I did not account for this in my rating, as I have never had Calf's Brains before and didn't have anything to compare it to. As my entree, I had the Duck Confit. The duck was cooked quite nicely and was very flavorful. The skin was very nicly crisped and the meat extremely tender. I was quite happy with it. We ordered the Brussel Sprouts Provençale on the side, and I was sorely disappointed. Provencale is a garlic sauce, but this was really over the top, and they needed salt. For Dessert, we ordered the Pot de Crème au Chocolat, which was exquisite. The chocolate was a perfect texture with a nice, punch of darkness. Considering how much we ordered, the pricing was extremely reasonable. That definitely added to the 4th star. I also was very fond of the atmosphere. The room was nicely decorated in a brick and wood motif, and the lighting was very nice. The one consideration I would say is that the tables are extremely close together. You are very easily able to hear all of the conversations around you, and if you need to get up, you much excuse yourself to your neighbors as you move the table out of the way to get by. I was very happy with the service, but I did find it slow at times. However, the wait staff was extremely pleasant.
(4)
Vonda B.
I'm not even sure where to begin... let me preface this with the fact that I went years ago for my birthday and really enjoyed it. I was looking forward to revisiting it and seeing what new things they had in store... if only I knew... First off, it was Restaurant Week but because I had an expiring LivingSocial deal, we did not order off Restaurant Week menu. This should have already warned me that things would not go well... when two cheap events run into each other, the results are only likely to disappoint. Once we were seated, we were given water and menus and then no one came to take our order for almost 30 MINUTES. I actually had to ask for a waiter/waitress. The waitress did not discuss any specials or apologize for the lack of service or do any pleasantries. Just "Do you know what you want?" To start off with, our potato croquettes were OK, although my friend says the one he ate wasn't cooked all the way because he could still taste the raw egg they rolled the potato in before frying it. For our entrees, things were mediocre at best, if not incomplete. My friend got the beef bourguignon while I got the chicken au jus. When our meals came, his beef bourguignon was fine. However, my chicken had no au jus and it came with, wait for it, fries? Huh? Not the side I was expecting and the fries were flavorless. By the time I got my side of au jus, I was almost done with my entree of somewhat dry chicken and tasteless fries. We mistakenly ordered dessert (white chocolate bread pudding with vanilla ice cream). It was not memorable at all. We basically ordered it to get over the $50 mark. By the time we got our check, it was almost 1 hour and 45 minutes later from when we were seated. Slowest service ever! Everyone around us got up numerous times to ask either for more wine, more bread, parts missing from their meals, for their dessert, and for the check. It was a WRECK. And the worst part? Right before she returned with the bill for me to sign, THREE MICE ran out from under a closet door TOWARDS the diners. I almost shrieked. It gets better... my friend told the waitress about the mice as she was dropping off the check to sign and she replies with, "Oh, are you scared of mice?" and shrugged it off. Of course I'm afraid of mice... IT'S A HEALTH HAZARD! Right then and there, for the first time ever, I did not leave a tip. And I usually leave 20% for OK service and at least 15% for complete crap. But the mice and her response pushed me over the edge. And believe me, it takes a lot to get no tip because I live in Chinatown and the service is pretty bad and the conditions aren't exactly super clean. I am NEVER returning to Petit Robert Bistro again. Yeah, maybe they were having a bad week or something, but it honestly doesn't excuse all the crap that went down tonight. I advise you to avoid it at all costs. Seriously. No, SERIOUSLY.
(1)
Elizabeth T.
Get the Breakfast!! My boyfriend and I come here at least once a month and order the same breakfast every single time. The crispy poached eggs on frizze salad with bits of bacon and the quiche omlets are probably the best breakfast dishes we've ever had. We actually haven't even tried anything else on the menu because every time we go we can't resist getting the eggs and quiche! We went there today and were comenting on how the dishes are perfect as is, no need for salt or any extra sides, they are perfectly seasoned and delicious! The bread is always warm and delishous as well. Service has always been good, can't complain on that end. Keep in mind if you go... you won't need to eat again until dinner!
(5)
David A.
It breaks my heart to give only 3 stars, but we were the only table this novice waiter had, and we waited 90 minutes between app and entree.... NINETY MINUTES... 5400 seconds.. 1.5 hours... It blows my mind. Luckily the atmosphere from both our company and the joint itself kept us n our seats. The food was delicious, drinks (other than water) were filled at no discernible interval.. so the Food side was great, 5 stars, the service that night was just... Slow. From the table turnover around us i don't think this is par for the course, but still left a slightly sour taste in our mouth... Which by the way, was immediately resolved by the vanilla creme brulee at the close. All in all, i say roll the dice and take a shot, it may be worth it.
(3)
Tom E.
It seems almost every week that you see some prof on The Daily Show pimping out his latest book on 'The Power of Groups' or somesuch topic. You know, how groups of people can influence each others decisions and how collective opinion can rule. Well, those theories cut both ways this week for PRB. Firstly, the peer-pressure of a gang of trusted Yelpers affected my typical decision-making and had me booking here instead of my usual haunts of ethnic food or cocktail-heavy diners. Secondly, the power of the group I dragged here was able to quickly come to a consensus on practically half the whole menu, simply by totalling up the number of smiles and frowns at the end of the night. Our mob-made verdict... average. Individually, I actually had a good meal... trois pate, crusted pork loin and the dramatic Il Flotant dessert made me happy if not bowled-over. But all around the populace of our group, there were pockets of discord such as the $11 for a glass of house red, the simply rubbish version of parsnips, the lack of exciting or daring options, the almost complete disregard for vegetarian options and the unavailability of most of the specials even before 8 pm. These murmurs were subdued by fine bread, a helpful server and wonderful mash potato, but the group consensus was surely heading for a 'Meh' until the desserts arrived. Thank god for their pastry chef. But again, the peer-pressure of crowds is troubling my choice - was it really just average or did our group hit a spurious outlier? Perhaps the gear-up for the St Valentine's Day amateur night had PRB off the ball this week and we were the data-point falling off the regression line, while they prepared to woo and wow the masses and their inexplicable desire to link French food to romance.
(3)
Smooth O.
Enjoyed the wine and appetizers (escargots, trio of pates, french onion soup). Had the tripe and coq au vin for dinner. Probably wouldn't get the tripe again (maybe needed another dimension - wine or vinegar?) Coq au vin was ok. Overall, we enjoy the food here, service is good, and we would go back again.
(4)
Mick T.
Just great! Just had brunch there, good food, good discrete service, crispy poached eggs on salad with big chucks of bacon just rock. And their deserts are so good, best apple tart I've had in ages. Now just gotta find a quiet night to go there for dinner. Hey, I forgot about the soups! Just get it, sometimes they sound weird like Cream of Cabbage or something, but they're really, really good, and usually very rich.
(5)
David X.
Very charming restaurant in the South End. I got the risotto which was delicious, and for a restaurant of this quality the price was very reasonable.
(4)
Anais R.
I love the Petit Robert. The food is delicious. I shared the pate and escargot as an appetizer and I was pleasantly surprised by how delicious both were. They also serve you warm french bread that was amazing! For dinner I shared the frog legs, which were not great, and the duck that was amazing. Duck in general is a little greasy so it was good to share it because it might have been a bit much to try to eat it all by myself. Overall, though the food gets 5 stars. As for the service, I was super impressed. All the waiters were friendly, were willing to move us tables when we wanted to be by the window, and very attentive to our needs. The restaurant is a little small so can get a little busy at times (making a reservation ahead of time is a good idea). It still makes for a great location for a romantic date or for dinner with a small group of friends. I would definitely come back.
(5)
Jeannie H.
This used to be a great neighborhood bistro but I was less than impressed with my last visit. I got the half roast chicken and the thing was burnt....as in the skin was all black. I was then told by the waitress that it was meant to be that way. Do I have "stupid" written on my forehead? I talked them into giving me a new dish, which was the coq au vin. It was really bland and tasteless. I, unfortunately, have not been back since. I thought it was homey place that was unpretentious. It served solid bistro food without much fanfare. The menu never changes so it gets old after the 3rd stop. The place is saved by 1) good bread and 2) wonderful desserts.
(2)
Nora A.
It really doesn't get any better than this for the money. The food was simple and fantastic. Escargot & pate for appetizers (both wonderful), and scallops with mashed potatoes and spinach with crab meat sauteed in garlic, lemon juice and oil (also fantastic). Two apps, two entrees, and a bottle of wine for under $80 is unbelievable. Not to mention the delicious warm bread (which they brought two of). This place far surpasses ANY of the competition on Newbury St. I honestly can't even recall any of the meals I have eaten at any of the restaurants on Newbury. Maybe Stephanie's, but I think Petit Robert was even better than that. Stephanie's is a bit overrated in my opinion. Also, did I mention how full we were; portions were fantastic. I will definitely be coming back, and I'm sorry it took 4 years to try this place.
(5)
Nay M.
I LOVE this place. I find it to be unpretentious, a trait that is uncommon among the French bistros in Boston (ahem, Bouchee - I will not write a review for it, but please please please do yourself a favor and eat at Petit Robert instead). Not entirely uncharacteristic of French cuisine in general, the flavors are simple but bold. My favorite items on the menu are the risotto and the lobster bisque. I come to this place for those two things alone. As much as I like to sit upstairs near the window, be sure to check out the pastry bar downstairs - it gives it an authentic feel.
(5)
Deb L.
4.5 stars. A very inimate and classy spot. All courses were delicious and felt that there was a high level of precision and flavor to our meals.
(4)
Hogger K.
It's amazing the difference a few months can make. Four months ago, I would have given this place 5 stars. Now, I have to seriously reconsider ever going back there again. Tonight was completely shocking. I should have known that there would be a problem when the bread was hard. I'm talking that the bread seemed like it had been sitting in the cargo hold of an airplane for too long. This is completely the opposite of the bread I had here 4 months ago. In my group, all of us shared, and no one said anything until everyone had made up their minds. There was a consensus that the food was bad. The risotto was horrible. It was significantly undercooked and bland. It's a good thing that Gordon Ramsay wasn't there or else he would have thrown the stuff at the chef. The pate was okay, but this place was famous for its amazing foie gras. Why change a successful dish? The skirtsteak was also terrible. There's a difference between medium rare and rare. The dish was too rare, but it did allow us to get a better idea of the quality of the meat. The meat was too stringy (this was a comment also made by another recent reviewer). What was truly terrible was the pork chop. The spicy sauce on the side was awful. But what destroyed the dish was that the pork chop was way overcooked. I have never tasted a pork chop that dry before. It was awful. My group actually tried to order several things that we loved from four months ago. If you read the reviews from that time, you'll find that most of us agree on what was amazing. So, here is some free advice: if everyone is saying how great a dish is, DON'T TAKE IT OFF THE MENU! The risotto was terrible. It was undercooked and each of us tried I hate seeing a place that was so wonderful take such a dive. On the other hand, I did get another massage at today at New Moon Massage, and it was as good as the last time (read my review on it). The woman who works there is a great example of someone who earns money the honest way. I just wish that Petit Robert Bistro would learn some lessons from her. I don't think that it's a coincidence that three recent reviewers have also given very low scores to this restaurant. The only thing I'm trying to figure out is how they hated the food so much but still gave it 2 stars.
(1)
Barbara B.
J'adore ce restaurant! Have yet to try their main courses, but the brunch selection is delicieuse. Definitely, if you can, come right when it opens - the fresh baguettes are oh so worth it!
(4)
Coren D.
Incredible value for traditional French continental cuisine! I always get the foie gras and escargot and am never disappointed. The menu has all the classics: Blanquette de veau, steak frites, Coq au vin, Duck confit. Even cooler: the waitstaff all speak french, so you can practice that good ol' high school knowledge. They make all their desserts in house and are available at the dessert bar downstairs. I took away one star because the tables are a bit too close together and you can hear the neighbor's conversation. Not so private.
Several months ago I brought a drunk and (hysterically) crying/ranting relative into a restaurant to use their bathroom. Needless to say it was pretty embarrassing. Cut to last weekend when my friend decides he wants to go to Petit Robert for his bday dinner. Walking towards the door I thought, "This place looks familiar...." Much better experience this time! Such a cute place - something about below ground level makes it feel so cozy. I would say romantic, but I was with nine other people sooo not so much. As soon as we were seated our very friendly and attentive waiter (I wish I could remember his name....cute?....no French accent?) came by to take our drink orders. He helped me decide between two and I was very happy with my French Sidecar. The menu is what I personally consider "fancy" with lots of things that I wasn't 100% sure what they were. Sauce made with white wine and...bone marrow? Still, for a "fancy" place the prices are very reasonable. I did the $35 3-course special where I first choose salad with a big panko (yum!) fried goat cheese ball - the cheese also tasted great on their bread. Then came the chicken with tarragon sauce with mashed potato and a chunk of lightly cooked broccoli - a small portion, but really I didn't need any more than what I got and the chicken was cooked perfectly and DELICIOUS. The birthday boy (and to a lesser extent his gf) really talked up the profiterole to the point where I found myself ordering it even though I didn't know what a freakin' "profiterole" (or "the pro thing" as I called it) was. Yum-me! Two fried pastries with a scoop of vanilla ice cream sandwiched in the middle...oh and the whole thing is COVERED in chocolate sauce! I tried a scoop of the chocolate mouse and it was good, but VERY heavy. I probably would have needed 3 glasses of water and two extra stomachs to get through it.
(4)
Yao W.
"Meh" is right. Had a birthday dinner for a friend here, and my entree was less than memorable. And another friend's pork chops were a little dried out. Is this what passes for French cuisine in Boston?
(2)
Melissa R.
Ok, so I was really excited to go to Petit Robert, and have been meaning to do so for years. Finally got the opportunity to go with three friends, and I was ready for a drop-dead yummy experience. My reaction? Eh. I probably should have known the experience was going to be a poster-child for mediocrity when I ordered a glass of pinor noir and was promptly (and extremely rudely) told by the waiter "the other one is better". No, I didn't ask for his opinion. Yeah, dude, and it's also $3.00 more expensive. I was totally annoyed by the comment and the fact that it was obvious he was going to be just as much of an ass the rest of the night. He was. Grabbed things out of our hands, completely and totally unfriendly, kept trying to take my friend's food away from her even (and I am not kidding here) when she was in mid-bite. To top it all off, he put our order in wrong and one of my friends had to wait 20 minutes for his coq au vin. The waiter never even apologized--a bus boy took care of it and apologized profusely. Ridiculous. Now the food--it was absolutely mediocre. I ordered the roast chicken which was not hot and not meaty. The mashed potatoes were cold, the vegetables were limp. PS: my glass of pinot noir was just fine. PPS: i am never eating here again.
(1)
Vicki T.
We loved Petit Robert. We had our best meal in Boston here. The appetizer of herring and potato reminded me of what I used to be able to get in Paris. Delicious! My daughter told me that her steak was so tender, she did not need a knife. My rack of lamb was excellent. My son-in-law liked the tripe, and my husband enjoyed his chicken. The service was also polished and professional. Will definitely return on our next trip to Boston.
(4)
Allison S.
I've never been to France, but I imagine it to be lined with places like this. Small and intimate, with a slight view of the kitchen and some great food. And yeah, they have escargots (only my favorite dish ever). The wait staff was very friendly, even though I think that some of their "french" accents were fake. The host was nice enough to pull the table out so I could squeeze into the bench seat (the tables are THAT close together). For starters, I ordered the escargot plate on the "specials" menu - baked in puffed pastry and it was absolutely delicious. My main dish was the salmon - which may or may not have been a little undercooked - but was still completely delectable. The bread was also delicious. Yum! We were too full for dessert, but we were allowed to order the gateaux chocolat to go, which was really nice. Once we actually ate it about an hour later, it still tasted as good as if it was still on the plate, I'm sure. I'm heading back there the next time that I've got some extra cash hanging around and feel the need to eat some French food.
(4)
Dave F.
Petit Robert's Bistro offers French bistro fare in a cozy, comfortable environment. The steak tartare could use a bit more flavor -- it's bland without using the sauce. My calf's liver, however, was delicious and affordable. The bread is predictably excellent, and the bistro boasts an extensive but reasonably priced wine list. The experience was satisfying, and we'll definitely return in the future.
(3)
Diana L.
The price is right, but more often than not, I'm not particularly impressed. First time we came here, we rolled in with a group of 8, ready to chow down. My escargot was bland, but my beet salad was decent. When my peach bellini arrived, it had become a passion fruit bellini. I didn't send it back; I'm nice like that. And when my passionfruit souffle arrived, the chef had forgotten to add sugar to the dish (I learned the true meaning of sour that night). The desserts around the table were pretty decent, but nothing spectacular. The second time around, we came in for weekday brunch. The french toast got pretty good reviews. The "burgerdog" had mixed results. My croque monsieur was fabulous, however. It came with a nice little salad and a small side of french fries. I dipped my fries into the horseradish mayonnaise that came my buddy's "burgerdog" and then washed it all down with a cup of coffee. My meal was great-- I can't say the same about everyone else's. The prices being decent, I still wouldn't give Petit Robert anymore than 3 stars. Too many low-energy dishes with bored flavors. But the croque monsieur's not bad. There's always that.
(3)
Ina C.
This was the perfect place to accommodate our last-minute double date, all of whom are one or more of the following: has high standards for food, is still in school (read: in deep debt), was wearing jeans. Thanks to my brother's recommendation, we came here without a reservation around 6:30pm on a Sunday evening, and they were able to seat us immediately, and with a smile. We took a look at the menu and were pleasantly surprised to see that this restaurant with long white table cloths and servers that spoke with hushed voices had entrees that were all under $20. Like Diana R. said, the price is definitely right. To start, we ordered the avocado salad (lightly seasoned greens with a generous portion of avocados, drizzled in balsamic dressing) and the smoked salmon (with toasted bread and capers). Both were delicious. For our entrees, the steak-frites with bearnaise sauce was very tasty and the fries were perfectly crispy and light; the blue fish with creamed corn sauce was refreshing and clean; the Normandy-style sausages were robust in taste; the lambshank, which was one of the specials, was probably one of the weaker dishes. The sauce that came with the lambshank was awkwardly tomatoey and didn't quite match the meat, though the lamb itself was fall-off-the-bone tender. Most of our entrees came with the mashed potatoes which were perfect little clouds of heaven! Among the entrees, my favorites were the blue fish and the steak frites. For dessert -- OH DESSERT -- we had the hardest time deciding on which ones to order because, aside from the ubiquitous creme brulee and sorbet assortment, there were just too many interesting and unique desserts to choose from! We finally decided on the white peach souffle, chocolate gateau and the ile flottante. The souffle was light and airy, and the sauce it came with was the perfect contrast - bold, robust and tangy. The chocolate gateau came alongside a chocolate Eiffel Tower, whose novelty really struck the curiosity of the guys in our group. :) The ile flottante was a puff of meringue in the center of a soup of creme anglais, also delicious. Aside from the parking, as others have mentioned, there is little to complain about at PRB. I will most certainly be back, hopefully with a seat on the beautiful outdoor patio. I eagerly await Tina C.'s review of PRB as well... :)
(5)
Kreshnik Z.
I think Petit Robert is so worth going to even if it is for their complimentary bread rolls...Yum yum yum how do you make the bread so deliciouso? What i find incredibly appealing about Petit Robert is their prices. You will rarely find entrees priced more than $20 here, even though I think they can get away with charging much much more for them (Don't you dare changing the prices on me now, owners of Petit Robert). i went recently there for lunch and their lunch prices on sandwiches are solid for the amount of food you get (usually less than $10 for sandwich, salad and fries). The staff is usually very attentive but every single one of them has an unbelievable french accent which I find very odd - do they only hire french-speaking waitstaff or is it that they ask their waitstaff to put on a french accent? Regardless, it is a worthwhile visit if you like food.
(4)
Mike S.
I have been here many times. The price and quality of food is consistent and very good! I think it is one of the better deals in this city. The service is good; however, some occasions spotty. The reason why I don't give it five stars is because they really don't have any healthy options. A salad is about as good as it gets here. The bread is great and so is the food. I highly recommend this restaurant.
(4)
Chi N.
There's one thing totally wrong about this place. Food? No, that's really, really good. Well, then you're thinking Service? Well, nope, because for a French restaurant, it's about as good as you'll get. Must be the atmosphere then, eh? Nope, it's actually quite pleasant inside. Then, you ask, what possibly could be wrong with Petit Robert? Parking. Yes, the fact that you have to plug a meter for every 15 minutes of the best affordable French meal you'll have this side of Atlantic is the only thing wrong with this restaurant. Hell, last time I was there they even supplied quarters for me to plug the meter as I didn't have any myself. Petit just is that good. The coffee potato soup is superb, if you you're the sort of chap who likes coffee thick and creamy like a fat cow swimming in her own milk. Like me. The lunch entres are all amazing, and the dinner even much more. And the dessert... ..oh, the dessert. Say it with me: White chocolate bread pudding. Yes, I know, you don't like bread pudding. Who does. But if they have it, try it. It's like kissing Heidi Klum while Keira Knightley and Scarlett Johansson massage you with their bare bodies greased up with only the oil from the virginest of olive plants. Delic- So now you want to go but the only problem is you're worried that you'll blow through a month's worth of your gradschool stipend. But take a breath. Go for lunch and you'll be able to enjoy a nice chilled beer, a sandwich, and maybe even a soup if you please for just a nice crisp yuppie foodstamp ($20). You really can't go wrong.
(5)
Heather C.
The ambiance was very romantic with dimmed lights and candle lit tables. The prices were high but if you're celebrating an occasion or want a sweet romantic night out, I would recommend this place. The seating is tight, so on a busy night expect to have people within 3 feet of your table...
(5)
Chelsea B.
This is a great french restaurant! I came here to celebrate my parent's birthdays along with my brother and my boyfriend. All of us are very adventurous eaters so it was perfect! With things such as brains, snails and sweetbreads on the menu it might not be the best place for finicky eaters and especially not children. It is also down in a basement and very small which is another reason it may not be good for children or groups. Very romantic for a date-spot if you and your date are down to try new and different things. However if there is the occasional finicky eater in the group, there are some french staples like French Onion Soup and croques-monsieur which are always great. Great wine list and actual French server were a fun plus!
(4)
DeeJay H.
I used to love this place....and now it was only ok. $150 and just ok. It used to be $150 and something to remember. $150 lunch for two- ok?Just ok. I went recently because I love their pan seared foie gras and was having sleepless nights thinking about it in my mouth (note to self-you may need to discuss that with your analyst)...Upon arriving, I noticed it was not on their menu. The rather snotty hard to understand waitress scoffed at me that it hasn't been on the menu in over 6 months. 6 WHOLE MONTHS. In the good words of Steve Martin 'WELL EXCUSE ME'....Are there Petit Robert regulars that keep track of such things? Please tell me if so, so I can avoid such mistakes in the future. We settled for the foie terrain which was just ok. Had escagot which again were just ok. The pistou was a high point....and our entree split of Coq au vin was generous and tasty. The attitude along with the price of food that was 'just ok' overshadowed the food. Next time we go with our original plan and hit India Quality up the street.
(2)
Natasha A.
Mmm feed me. Probably my favorite restaurant as of late. Standard French fare without the Acquitaine prices. Your escargot, fois gras, duck confit, beef bearnaise...its all here, and since every entree is under $20, you might as well splurge on a bottle of wine. Do not be surprised if more than one waitor serves you. The staff are all very knowledgable and the atmosphere is cozy...although sometimes too cozy as the tables are cramped into the small room.
(5)
Hussam B.
I have been to this restaurant a couple of times and never was impressed. The food is ok and so are the prices. But you can get much better french food elsewhere in the area. I had the vegetable soup which is served cold. It had a boring dull taste to it. Then I had the smoked salmon as an appetizer which was below average too. Had the salmon as main course. It was cooked medium rare just as I requested and the sauce that accompanies it was delicious. I ended my meal with a chocolate cake for dessert which was ok but nothing special. I am glad they are not overpriced otherwise I would have given it 2 stars. The service was very good and the waiter was attentive.
(3)
Julie R.
I loved dining here. The whole restaurant is adorable. My boyfriend took me here for a romantic meal and we sat downstairs at the pastry bar. I loved watching the pastry chefs prepare their beautiful creations. It was also nice to take in the aroma's of fresh baked confections while enjoying a great French meal! We started with the trio of pates. Very good and all were flavorful. For my entree I had the Chicken Coq au Vin with Buttered Noodles. Yummy! The chicken was so tender and the noodles were amazing. For dessert we split the creme brulee. We got to watch it being made right in front of us. Very cool! I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a romantic dinner. I was surprised the prices were so reasonable. I've been to more expensive French restaurants and this one was better at half the price. I would also go back for dessert and sit at the dessert bar downstairs again. The restaurant has 2 floors and its in a historic brownstone. Everything was wonderful. 5 stars!
(5)
Cat S.
Beautiful and delicious Frog Legs Provencale! Lovely waitressing. Ate dinner outside, which was a nice relief from the mugginess of the day, if a bit noisy from the passing car traffic. Inside is beautiful and lowlit. The best souffle of my life! Grand Marnier that night, but it changes. Friendly patrons and staff. Also, the chef and waitress didn't skip a beat when I requested no butter on my food. At a French restaurant, that impresses me.
Petit Robert Bistro is great, the food is totally a great deliciousness per dollar value, and the venison in blueberry port sauce is a mindfrig. Can I say "frig" on yelp? The waitstaff was a little impersonal, but whatever.
(5)
Frankie P.
I was looking forward to my meal at Petit Robert as I am a fan of French food. I was so disappointed in every plate with exception of the desert which was all that I can say I enjoyed. The steak tartar was simply cold ground beef which I felt I could have gotten easily at the deli counter at Shaws and the Froie Gras was served with four triangles of toasted wonder bread.Last I got the Veal that had all the tenderness of a running shoe. Luckily my date loved his calf liver but I think if I am to go again I will not be making the same dining selection as I did the first visit.
(2)
Susan D.
We stopped here for a very late lunch on a blustery New Year's Day and had a lovely cozy meal. First, they serve a very well-priced lunch until late into the afternoon. This is a good practice and unusual for a non-chain restaurant around here, I think. 2. They have a nice range of lunch choices, from good sandwiches (including Croque Monsieur and Madame), soups, and salads to a handful of real entrees such as a nice whitefish with lemon sauce. You may also order from the dinner menu. 3. The entrees were excellent. I couldn't resist the calves liver and onions -- perfect liver, seared on the outside, creamy and pink inside, with onions nicely caramelized and several slices of crisp, flavorful bacon. It came with a side of julienned vegetables and in addition we ordered sides of ratatouille and potatoes dauphines which were swimming in butter and cream. Great! The servings were large, the liver so much so that I had to wonder if this was really a calf or actually a very tender larger animal. It was a pretty big piece of meat for a calf.... 4. The dessert I had was not on the menu, but from the chalkboard of specials, and I'm not sure of the name. It was an intensely delicious flourless chocolate slice of goodness with a nice scoop of vanilla ice cream, raspberry sauce, and bit of sweet flaky pastry. Husband said the coffee was excellent too, good and strong. 5. Service was professional, pleasant, and helpful. All seemed to speak French fluently, but there was no hint of Parisian attitude. 6. The space was lovely. We were seated in the downstairs room, with a great view out onto a snowy Comm Ave, the pretty part toward Boston from Kenmore, mostly residential with some ground-floor local shops. It's a pleasant area. We'll be returning often to P.R. Great food at reasonable prices.
(4)
Claudia H.
I'll just say this up front - it's very French. In the stereotypical rude, pretentious, anti-American sense of the word. We reserved a table on February 13th for 9pm that night, as it was impossible to score reservations for Valentines day itself at that point. We got to the restaurant on time and our table wasn't ready yet so we went downstairs to wait at the bar. The bartender took our order and then promptly ducked out from behind the bar and disappeared. We didn't actually get the cocktails until we were seated upstairs, and that's not because we saw our table any time soon. Then the true delights of the evening began. I'm not a fan of French Onion Soup, but I was excited that there was a cream of tomato on the specials. When asked about how the tomato soup was, our bona fide French waitress replied with the ever so helpful, "hot." She then went on about how fabulous the French Onion soup was even after I explained that I was not interested. They were out of the first two dishes that I ordered, so I then had to scramble to find a third choice as the waitress tapped her foot impatiently (and for someone like me, who usually struggles to choose between dishes, not having a 3rd choice lined up speaks pretty poorly to their menu). When we ordered a side of ratatouille, the waitress asked us if we would like it with or without cheese. I thought for a second about the other cream laden dishes we had ordered and answered, "without," to which the waitress felt the need to reply, "It is the same price madam." In the end, my cream of tomato soup was "hot" as promised (and incredibly rich), my steak was tough as steak frittes always seems to be, and my drink was so strong that I do not remember many details of the evening after its arrival. If only it had arrived a little earlier...
(2)
Bianca G.
I heart Petit Robert Bistro. My girlfriends and I go here a lot for Girls Night, and I think it's also a prime place for Date Night. Yes, it's a little cramped, but isn't that always better for cozying up? I highly recommend the escargot, foie gras, pate plate, the risotto, the scallops, whatever seafood special they have, in short I highly recommend everything. And don't forget the desserts! (my mouth is seriously watering just thinking about those) The macaroons, creme brulee, and the super-cute chocolate Eiffel Tower cake.... Mmmm And as the icing on the cake, PRB offers great prices too. Out of all the French restaurants I've tried, this is hands-down my favorite :)
(5)
Robby T.
Like many have said, the food was good, but not great. Their foie gras app was not the buttery high quality stuff. The braised lamb shank was good, but was missing a hint of something. And the night's special of sea bass was something a good home cook could've mustered up. BUT, the service was excellent. Attentive; some authentically French; and made us feel like we were welcome. Prices were affordable and our California Zin was wonderful. Great for a dinner where you wanna step it up, but don't feel like being snotty.
(4)
Nicole B.
We took out of town guests to dinner here on a Saturday before a concert at the House of Blues. The decor was nice, but as cute or intimate as I was expecting. The kitchen was open to the dining room and the furniture was large and bulky. The menu was nice, but there is no cocktail menu, so the only options are beer, wine or cordials. 3 out of 4 of us got the steak frites and 1 person got thre coq au vin. The steak frites were okay - the meet wasn't very flavorful and fries very average. The coq au vin was very tasty. Overall, a decent experience though we will not be running back.
(2)
Tammy H.
The bf and I came here 'cause I kept hearing about some "really affordable French place" ... and yes, it was pretty affordable. For $80 total, we ordered four appetizer/soup/salad dishes to start and two entrees. (We like to go overboard with the appetizers.) Appetizers we ordered: - raw oysters - escargot "Bourguignons" (6 pc) - french onion soup - hearts of palm salad (special) Entrees we ordered: - seared sweetbreads in leek-mustard sauce - poached salmon w/ hollandaise Raw oysters weren't particularly special, but they were good. Escargot wasn't the smoothest/softest I've had, but for the price ... sure. The onion soup was perfect and oh-so-cheesy. I loved the hearts of palm; however, there was way too much dressing, such that the rest of the salad wasn't enjoyable. Not only that, but the waiter never pointed out what the dressing was, so I asked to add blue cheese to it. Baddddd bad choice. Even if I didn't get the roquefort, it still would've been too much dressing. DRENCHED, it was. The rest of the meal is on a good note. The salmon was fresh and perfectly poached, and the sweetbreads? They use the heart thymus glands, which is the good kind of sweetbreads (vs throat thymus glands and pancreas). That's good. They also gave TWO, which actually was more than I could eat. Doubly good. Service wasn't bad, though I didn't really like our waiter. Something of his French and "service skills" seemed too contrived. Also, I sat on the booth with that metal bar?? I hit my head on that. So did the girl next to me. Please put something softer there. It's super awkward when you're on a date and you hit your head on it.
(4)
Jocelyn C.
I had the most amazing birthday dinner here a few days ago! Everything was perfect, down to the smallest detail. My boyfriend and I indulged ourselves, ordering lots of different things to try. We started with some oysters, which came with a really good red onion remoulade. Then, we moved to the escargots that were garlicky buttery goodness. After, we got the pan-seared foie gras, which was fantastic. Even the complimentary hot bread and butter they gave us was amazing! My bf could not get over how good that butter was, and he was right in going crazy over it. For our entrees, he ordered the lamb and duck confit cassoulet, and I got the bouillebaisse with 1/2 lobster tail. All I can say is: HEAVEN. Afterward, we shared the warm apple tarte tatin with the creme fraiche... I'm not sure where we found the room for it, but down the hatch it went. Our server was very polite and attentive, coming over every so often to refill our wine glasses and ask how everything was. Although I was a bit skeptical about sitting down in the basement area at first, it was actually quite cozy and warm, and it enabled us to pretend we were in Paris for the couple of hours we were there. I know I said before that Neptune Oyster was my perfect restaurant, but this is either a very close second, or there is a dead heat tie going on right now. Must eat more and see which one ultimately prevails!
(5)
Ting Ting L.
I'm lucky enough to live across the street to this fine bistro and it is definitely a great place to eat (and to order take out from). To start, the bread at Petit is AMAZING. Crusty and soft and warm in the center - it's the perfect way to whet your appetite. The brunch menu (served daily 11-5) is full of great options at a reasonable price (anywhere from $6 to $13). I get the eggs benedict with salmon frequently. The eggs are always poached perfectly and come with a side of crispy fries and delicious salad. Of the items from the dinner menu, my favorites are the lobster bisque and the skirt steak. The lobster bisque is very rich and goes perfectly with the aforementioned bread. The skirt steak comes with a choice of 1 of 3 different sauces. I recommend the bearnaise. The fish dishes have been okay but I wasn't amazed. Now the best part: DESSERT! Petit has one of the most extensive dessert menus I've seen, not to mention EVERY ONE that I have tried have been amazing! I highly recommend the Ile Flottante (on the sweet side) and the Chocolate Gateau Petit Robert (if youre into cool looking desserts - this is a chocolate Eiffel Tower, no kidding). Great place. Great service. Bon appetit!
(5)
Sam F.
Petit Robert is the perfect French restaurant, and I'll tell you why: 1) Everything I've had here has been phenomenal. The French onion soup was awesome, as was the sausage entree. I've also had the vegetable pate, the rabbit and the fois gras. And then there's dessert, the chocolate Eiffel tower, chocolate cake, etc. Every menu item has been delicious. 2) It's a French bistro, which means prices are affordable (~$15). 3) White table cloths, it's a fancy place. 4) Service is top notch. 5) Great wine for a very reasonable price.
(5)
Mairead R.
On a recent visit to Boston, three of us went to a late brunch at the Petit Robert Bistro based on yelpers' reviews. This place is perfect for an intimate dinner date, for a late brunch with a gaggle of girlfriends, or a boisterous birthday party. The wait staff were seasoned and seemed to anticipate the needs of the restaurant's diverse clientele. From a toddler playing with her French fries to an elderly couple sharing cappuccino, from a well-to-do family noshing to our brunching party of three, they were very nice. Our host remembered that our special event was for my mom's birthday; even making sure that her tarte tatin was decorated with her (correctly spelled) name in high-quality chocolate. Even though we were about ten minutes late, the table was still set for our party and they hadn't given away our seats. Crusty bread and chilled, salted butter were promptly delivered. We started with the trio of homemade pates, served with a side of cornichons and spicy mustard. While I've found that many French bistros serve a pate plate with all-too-similar pates that are graying around the edges and icy on the tongue, Petit Robert's trio of pates served up diversity and fresh flavor. Each showcased a different type of pate and each was prepared and spiced accordingly. I was impressed. Next up, lobster bisque. Plenty of fresh, sweet meat and a richly flavored base. In a town famous for lobster bisque, this bowl stands out. And, quite frankly, it kills Legal Seafoods attempt at the dish. Boo ya! The frisee salad with duck confit was a delight in the winter months. While winter greens were abundant at Boston's farmers' market during that time of year, I believe that the frisee is a tender green that is more common in early spring. Which made the lacy feel and juicy taste of the frisee all the more appreciated. And, of course, duck confit. Yay! Just the right allocation to dress up the frisee salad. Our entrees were pan seared scallops and lamb cassoulet with merguez sausage. The scallops were plainly dressed, especially compared with the other entrees, but the quality was delightful. And they were humongous, which is either good or bad depending upon your chewing preference. Some like smaller scallops so that they can pop the entire crisped piece into their mouth at one time, others like a melt-in-your mouth, buttery interior. This was the latter. Unfortunately, the lamb cassoulet didn't come together. While the ingredients were top notch, it seemed that they were layered upon one another and the flavors didn't merge seamlessly. Dense haricot beans, a couple pieces of crisp bacon, and a garnish of duck confit stood out. The desserts were spectacular - thanks pastry chef Kristen Lawson. My favorite was the ile flottante, a soft merangue floating in a bowl of caramel mousse. After a few bites of the heady sweetness, it was hard to tell where the merangue ended and my happiness began. But the other desserts were good as well. The trio of sorbet made excellent use of seasonal fall/winter fruits, cassis and apple, and the apple tarte tatin was warm from the oven. For sure going back for a holiday brunch this season.
(4)
Beth F.
I went there for lunch today and I won't rush back (or probably even stroll back). I asked the waiter what the "French Shepherd's Pie" was. He answered "mashed potatoes over ground beef." "Yes, I know that is what Shepherd's Pie is, but what makes it French?" "Well, I guess that it is because it is served here." So, I figured I'd order the Quiche Lorraine as at least it really is a French dish. I was a bit speechless when it was served to me. My DC also had ordered it & his was better but my piece had no more than 1/4 inch of egg mixture on top of the pie crust and the top was not golden brown but very dark, on the edge of burnt and the little bit of egg was really overcooked. I was really surprised that the chef (or cook) would send it out to a customer (I've waitressed for more years than I would want to mention but there is no way that I would have served it). I was a bit speechless when our waiter dropped if off, and so I called over another server and told her that it really wasn't acceptable. They did serve me another piece, and it was much better, but it never should have happened. The salad was also poorly dressed and the french fries weren't made in house, which I think is pretty disappointing. We had also asked for the souffle for dessert, but were told that we probably couldn't have it because the pastry chef wasn't there. They figured it out & it was pretty tasty, but with Eastern Standard just down the street, I don't see any reason to go back to a restaurant that doesn't care enough (either in the kitchen or in the front-of-house) to stop food from being served that is obviously poorly made. Two glasses of wine, 2 pieces of quiche (which is really just some eggs) and 2 souffles was $65 before tip. No thanks.
(2)
Brian Z.
Great little place. Good lobster bisque. Definitely make a reservation if you are going.
(4)
Vera S.
I don't understand why everyone is so crazy about this place. I thought it was average at best. I don't mind spending $20 for an entree, but I DO mind it if the entree is bad. I got the chicken "au jus" and it was average at best. My friend got the special, and her fish tasted like it had come out of the freezer. I started with the Soup du jour, and it was completely flavorless. We won't be going back. Yuck.
(2)
Joel G.
We went to celebrate my GF birthday, the place was cozy the service was top notch and the price was not to bad. The young manager bestor was super helpful and gave us great food sugestions. The food was very flavorful and the portions where of good size, I would suggest this place overall it was a great night !!
(4)
Moomin T.
Puke (with attitude).
(1)
Tracy T.
I went here with my girl friends for brunch one day and wasn't particularly impressed. I had to send back my eggs benedict because the egg was overcooked. Once it was cooked correctly and the egg oozed out as I cut it, I was a bit happier. The other girls agreed that their dishes were good, but not phenomenal. However, other friends have told us that the desserts are really good, so maybe we'll have to come back later in the evening to try some of that.
(3)
Emily M.
We had a reservation for 6 for lunch today at Petit Robert. The service was great, we never felt rushed. All 6 of us ordered the french onion soup for our appetizers; it was delicious. I ordered the duck and kimchi sushi roll. I had never tried kimchi before and wanted to give it a shot. The dish was pretty good, though it was hard to eat without chop sticks and the soy sauce was super salty. It is nice to try new flavors and these were a good combination. Everyone was satisfied with their meals as well, except who ordered the scallops. The "s" at the end of scallop was unwarranted, really it was one scallop sliced into 6 pieces. We also ordered dessert, we were particularly blown away by the Eiffel tower chocolate. Overall it was relaxing meal, in an elegant setting. What I like about this place is that the dishes aren't ridiculously priced.
(4)
Cory G.
My boyfriend and I went here to celebrate our anniversary and it was clear that the staff here really cared about us having a really great experience. Our server was Gabriel and Dennis who might have been the back waiter. Gabriel was unbelievably kind and very knowledgeable. We had a drink and an appetizer outside and then moved inside for the rest of our dinner. Towards the end of the meal Gabriel politely said it was his time to go home and since my boyfriend and I are both servers we were happy he came over and told us so he could, in fact go home. Dennis then waited on us for the rest of the time insuring that we were happy with everything. The food was absolutely delicious from the lobster bisque and smoked salmon to the bluefish and chicken entrees all the way to the amazing chocolate cake with a white chocolate Eiffel Tower. Dennis brought us out, without our prior knowledge, two after dinner drinks and the chocolate cake with candles on it. It was such a sweet touch to end our anniversary dinner. We will certainly be back and will recommend this place to everyone!!!
(5)
Xin S.
Good French bistro food. I tried escargots for the first time--they were tasty little morsels in a garlic & parsley butter. We also got the duck confit kimchee roll, which while absolutely delicious, came with a meager THREE pieces. We were very disappointed at how little we got, especially since it was a $10 app. Both entrees were solid (haddock and pork loin) and came with the same veggies (carrots and broccoli) and starch (half a potato). All the food was tasty and well done. We were there for an early dinner so it was pretty empty, but the place was very cute and cozy.
(4)
Jemima T.
I love it... I'd never order chicken in a restaurant, but the roast chicken is to die for. And it's a great place for adventurous eaters (go on- try the calf's liver) and for your regular old steak-and-potatoes type (steak frites anyone?) I love the atmosphere, and the food is amazing.
(5)
Hana C.
Came in here with BF on last Saturday night. We tried to make reservations over the phone at around 6pm to see if we can go in at 7:30PM. The lady on the phone said the next available time will be at 9PM. Just as we were about to give up, we went on opentables.com and were still able to make reservations for 7:30PM. (Note! Don't make reservations over the phone!) Anyway, we were not impressed with the dinner itself. We were both so excited to try this place after reading some good reviews online. Our experience however was far below our expectations. We started off with the quelles with lobster sauce (pretty good/ authentically prepared) and the seared fois gras. The fois gras was pretty tasty and very sweet. The entrees were dissapointing. BF ordered the frogs legs which lacked flavor and was very very bland. He was so excited to try it because we have tried frog legs in many other French restaurants and was hoping that it would meet/exceed that expectation. Unfortunately, it didn't- he said he would never order that dish there again. I had the steak frites. The steak was cooked very nicely. But whats steak frites without the fries! the fries were horrible- really cold and stale.... We were talking about how McDonald's fries would be much better than those. Another thing, the host (I'm not sure if that is the owner or the manager) needs to smile a little. I saw him frowning the whole time I was sitting there. running around the restaurant (its a pretty small place and I had a really clear view of him from where I was sitting) looking so unhappy. Just something I noticed.. Probably wouldn't come back here, at least not by my own choice. It def was a MEH. I've experienced much better french food. (e.g. gaslight- the steak frites there is to die for and their fries are sooo goood)
(2)
Howe L.
4.5 stars. I had very high expectations for this place since a lot of people seem to deliver praise. However, I wasn't blown away. The place feels like a cafe straight out of France (a little cramped), and the food was well executed. But for 5 stars, I need something extraordinary, and the food just wasn't out of my world.
(4)
Claire W.
Five of us went for a special celebration on a Sunday night. The restaurant has excellent food, and a warm and cozy atmosphere. The waitstaff was busy, but helpful and friendly. They had a children's menu, which satisfied our 10 year old. I mentioned that we were celebrating two birthdays and the waiter figured out which two and put little Happy Birthday chocolates on the correct dessert plates. The bar was closed, but would love to go back for the fondue (served only in the bar).
(4)
Elisa C.
There are very few places that can transport you across the Atlantic over the course of a meal. Le Petit Robert is one of those places. The food is always flavorful and cooked perfectly, the service is delightful, and the wine selection fantastic. I have plans to go back soon and I can't wait!
(5)
Austin T.
Genuinely warm service. Casually romantic atmosphere. Flavorful, wholesome food. Petit Robert Bistro doesn't give the airs of a pretentious restaurant, only catering to the snobbish and elite - on the contrary, it's simply a bistro ["a small, informal restaurant"]. They don't claim that their cuisine is the epitome of French high cuisine, but talent in technique and flavor shows in nearly every dish. I've been here 12 times [lunch and dinner] over the last three years [the location is so convenient for MIT students!] and I've only recently had minor grouses - the bread came out cold two out of the last four times I've been. :( Sure, some dishes may share the same basic sauce [a hollandaise is a hollandaise whether it's on fish or poultry], but I've yet to be disappointed with my meal. I always look forward to seeing the daily specials - rabbit is a big favorite. The appetizers [a favorite is the mussels - moules marinieres] and dessert [favorite: grand marnier souffle] always compliment the meal fabulously, and are worth trying. Petit Robert Bistro is a neighborhood gem in the Kenmore area. The food is not necessarily the very best, but it's consistently delicious; I always leave happy :)
(5)
Fan L.
Great food, my duck was the best I had in Boston. My girlfriend loved the place as well. Will go again.
(4)
Steve L.
For being a french restaurant, oh my god how the ground beef was completely overdone. I mean seriously charred, blackened, and carbon tasting ground beef in a potato dish ( think eating the blackest toast you've had). and I figured it would come out more like beef tare tare. The burger-dog my friend had was also soo overdone, yick. but, the bread was delicious, the goat cheese quiche was delicious, and the potatoes with cheese and butter was to die for, but my dish sucked. Perhaps all the extra time between the bread and main-course was used charring the hell out of my food. Get anything but beef.
i am still trying to recover from the desert orgasm my mouth has had the pleasure of enjoying! i went here for desert after a show and all i can say is OH MY GAWD! the passionfruit souffle is probably the most decadent desert ever created. i sampled everyone else's deserts as well, and while the were nowhere near the equisiteness that was my passionfruit souffle, the were still pretty amazing. i can't wait to come back here for dinner! i checked out the dinner menu while i was here and it looked amazing! no entree was over $20 and they all looked fantastic! after i try dinner, i'll get back to y'all. i'm expecting great things! EDITED on July 30, 2008: I've been here for dinner several times and every time I love it more and more! I've had the scallops (full of flavor and garlic-y goodness), the bluefish (the most moist piece of fish I have ever had, huge piece too!) and the duck confit (delicious!). This is fast becoming my favorite place in boston for good, not expensive food. Not one person I know who has come here has said anything less than fabulous!
(5)
Angela A.
My husband and I have been to Petit Robert several times. The first visit was on a snowy winter night last year. Even though the storm raged outside, the restaurant was almost full. We had not had a true French meal since my husband moved here from Paris. We stepped into the front door, and were greeted in French by the hostess. Once we were seated, a minute after our drinks were ordered, they arrived. Then the bread arrived, and was gone in a minute. Now, it is not a typical baguette, but it was delicious. We went through three that night. I had the trio of pate, and my husband had the escargot. Since I took my time savoring the pate, he got another order of the escargot. Yes, it was that good! For dinner, I had the boeuf bourgignon, and to be honest, I cannot recall what he had. My dinner was superb. It was exactly what I was expecting. Dessert left a little to be desired - we got the isle flottant, and it wasn't the best (but I'm not really a dessert girl anyways). This last time I went, however, I didn't enjoy it as much. I went with a girlfriend. The atmosphere was the same (although to the woman seated behind us: PLEASE work on that laugh. Your shriek really disturbed me, and I'm still twitching.), but I didn't love my food. The trio of pate was just as good (if I like it, I like it!). The boeuf bourgignon was no longer on the menu! Sacre bleu! The charming waiter recommended the veal and the sweetbreads. I ordered the sweetbreads, my friend ordered the veal. The sweetbreads were almost chalky - I couldn't eat them. That was very disappointing. Dessert was good - it was a tarte tatin. It was ... bigger... than tarte tatins that I've seen in France, but excellent nonetheless. The creme fraiche on the side was perfect.
(3)
April I.
I always leave Petit Robert Bistro smelling like food. I don't think that is necessarily a bad thing either. I've read the other reviews and I have to say that I've never had a bad experience. The service is timed well and unobtrusive, but not in a neglectful sort of way. The wine and cocktails are tasty and they do have a growing list of wines by the glass at reasonable prices. I also almost always get the same thing: Soupe a l'Onion Gratinee and the crispy poached eggs with bacon & frisee salad or the Moules Marinieres and the roasted half-chicken w/ natural jus. The chicken is always perfectly moist with crispy skin, perfectly whipped potatoes and just enough of a vegetable that I don't feel bad that I am eating chicken skin dipped in the delectable natural jus. The onion soup has a rich beef broth, perfectly melted cheese and is gooey and satisfying especially now that it is getting chilly. Paired with the warm, fresh baked bread...I can't get enough. I don't know how they manage to poach the eggs and fry them in a panko crust and still have a perfectly poached center, but they do and every time I order this damn salad i want more and more. It's just really good with a lot of different textures and tastes that all work well together. The hint of balsamic vinegar adds the perfect amount of zing to the salad and the crispy bacon add great flavor too....And of course the mussels are awesome. How can you go wrong with onion, garlic, wine and a cream sauce?! The best way to eat these is to use the empty shell as a 'spoon' to pick up the remaining mussels and juices then eat them. Lastly--most everyone goes for the Petit Robert Gateau or the souffle for dessert, but I prefer the simple yet perfectly made chocolate mousse with the thin biscuit (or is it a cookie...I don't know). It's SO FRIGGIN GOOD!!! For me the Kenmore location works because I can roll out of Petit Robert onto the 57 and head home, full, drunk, and happy, and I haven't spent a ton or money (nothing is over $20). What more could one want???
(4)
Kenny L.
Petit Robert is one of the very few restaurants where I am willing to spend good money for the quality of the food and service! I have been to the South End location and this one does not disappoint either. What is unique to this location is the pastry bar what will have you save your appetite for dessert! The meal starts with warm bread that is lightly crusty on the outside and soft inside with butter to accompany it. I had the fish special of pan seared Maui Maui with butter sauce, potato, carrots, and beans (delicious! $16.75). To finish off, I had the pumpkin souffle (unbelievable! $10) with coffee ($2.50). It was a bit more than what I would spend for lunch but worth every penny! Before leaving Boston, I had to have this again! The special Veal Kidney with shallot cream sauce was interesting but tasteful! And I always worry that I won't have space for dessert. The cranberry clafoutis was delicious; be sure to pair it with a cup of coffee. The total came out to be $24.
(5)
Kara S.
I have been a fan of Petit Robert's express lunch menu for some time now, sneaking off for a leisurely lunch with coworkers there every now and again. I went this past weekend for dinner for the first time, prior to seeing a performance at BU. I was very happy with the food (I had the homemade sausage with apples and mashed potatoes), but the service was questionable. We had two waiters checking on us, basically overlapping duties. We were asked for our drink orders twice, etc. And the strangest bit was when one came out with an empty (save for a little pot of butter) bread basket and declared "here is some bread for you!" We don't know if he was testing us or what, but it was bizarre. Thankfully it made the dinner more entertaining. I still would recommend the express lunch over the dinner at PRB. The prices (7.50 for most lunch meals) just can't be beat. Also, PRB posts the sources of their produce/meat/seafood on their website, which I love. That's how I discovered Russo's and Captain Marden's seafood. Very cool of them to share that info.
(4)
Sarah W.
Escargot were unbelievable!
(5)
Sarah C.
Wonderful! Nice service, nice atmosphere, but, as with many good places, cramped as hell. All was forgiven when the food came out. After reading some of the reviews here, I went with escargot to start, and calf's liver with onions as an entree. The escargot was good and garlicky. The calf's liver paired with onions was both other-worldly, and melt-in-your-mouth good. And finally, the warm apple tarte tatin was unbelievable. The prices are very reasonable, and I will definitely be back as soon as I can find any excuse to go.
(4)
Karina D.
One of favorite spots for dessert. Warning: their Profiterole is delicious but is really not a 1-person dessert, more like for 3 people!
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Specialities
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Romantic Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Hogger K.
It's amazing the difference a few months can make. Four months ago, I would have given this place 5 stars. Now, I have to seriously reconsider ever going back there again. Tonight was completely shocking. I should have known that there would be a problem when the bread was hard. I'm talking that the bread seemed like it had been sitting in the cargo hold of an airplane for too long. This is completely the opposite of the bread I had here 4 months ago. In my group, all of us shared, and no one said anything until everyone had made up their minds. There was a consensus that the food was bad. The risotto was horrible. It was significantly undercooked and bland. It's a good thing that Gordon Ramsay wasn't there or else he would have thrown the stuff at the chef. The pate was okay, but this place was famous for its amazing foie gras. Why change a successful dish? The skirtsteak was also terrible. There's a difference between medium rare and rare. The dish was too rare, but it did allow us to get a better idea of the quality of the meat. The meat was too stringy (this was a comment also made by another recent reviewer). What was truly terrible was the pork chop. The spicy sauce on the side was awful. But what destroyed the dish was that the pork chop was way overcooked. I have never tasted a pork chop that dry before. It was awful. My group actually tried to order several things that we loved from four months ago. If you read the reviews from that time, you'll find that most of us agree on what was amazing. So, here is some free advice: if everyone is saying how great a dish is, DON'T TAKE IT OFF THE MENU! The risotto was terrible. It was undercooked and each of us tried I hate seeing a place that was so wonderful take such a dive. On the other hand, I did get another massage at today at New Moon Massage, and it was as good as the last time (read my review on it). The woman who works there is a great example of someone who earns money the honest way. I just wish that Petit Robert Bistro would learn some lessons from her. I don't think that it's a coincidence that three recent reviewers have also given very low scores to this restaurant. The only thing I'm trying to figure out is how they hated the food so much but still gave it 2 stars.
(1)Barbara B.
J'adore ce restaurant! Have yet to try their main courses, but the brunch selection is delicieuse. Definitely, if you can, come right when it opens - the fresh baguettes are oh so worth it!
(4)Katie M.
This place is perfect for impressing your francophile date and making he/she/ze say ooh la la! Yup, your date will in fact say that, because Americans love to say silly things in French, just as much as we love to eat French cuisine: it makes us feel fancy and romantic. Petit Robert succeeds at its French restaurant-ness, though, in ways that more haute French places do not: it is a surprisingly authentic bistro, meaning pretty traditional French dishes you'd expect & prices that won't make your eyes pop out of their sockets. OK, an entrée will definitely run you more than an Anna's burrito, but I found Petit Robert actually really affordable, compared to other French options in Boston. Plus, I was heavily reminded of bistros in actual France when dining in this establishment, whereas 98% of the purported "bistros" I have been to are absolutely nothing like what a bistro would be in the country of its origin and seem to charge extra just because they have the word "bistro" in their name -- even though French bistros tend to be pretty modest in nature. Gourmands may wish for a more innovative menu, but I think this place is all about the classics. If your girlfriend's missing Paris after coming home from study abroad, be sweet and take her out for a glass of wine and some classic beef bourguinon.
(4)Amy S.
Several months ago I brought a drunk and (hysterically) crying/ranting relative into a restaurant to use their bathroom. Needless to say it was pretty embarrassing. Cut to last weekend when my friend decides he wants to go to Petit Robert for his bday dinner. Walking towards the door I thought, "This place looks familiar...." Much better experience this time! Such a cute place - something about below ground level makes it feel so cozy. I would say romantic, but I was with nine other people sooo not so much. As soon as we were seated our very friendly and attentive waiter (I wish I could remember his name....cute?....no French accent?) came by to take our drink orders. He helped me decide between two and I was very happy with my French Sidecar. The menu is what I personally consider "fancy" with lots of things that I wasn't 100% sure what they were. Sauce made with white wine and...bone marrow? Still, for a "fancy" place the prices are very reasonable. I did the $35 3-course special where I first choose salad with a big panko (yum!) fried goat cheese ball - the cheese also tasted great on their bread. Then came the chicken with tarragon sauce with mashed potato and a chunk of lightly cooked broccoli - a small portion, but really I didn't need any more than what I got and the chicken was cooked perfectly and DELICIOUS. The birthday boy (and to a lesser extent his gf) really talked up the profiterole to the point where I found myself ordering it even though I didn't know what a freakin' "profiterole" (or "the pro thing" as I called it) was. Yum-me! Two fried pastries with a scoop of vanilla ice cream sandwiched in the middle...oh and the whole thing is COVERED in chocolate sauce! I tried a scoop of the chocolate mouse and it was good, but VERY heavy. I probably would have needed 3 glasses of water and two extra stomachs to get through it.
(4)Yao W.
"Meh" is right. Had a birthday dinner for a friend here, and my entree was less than memorable. And another friend's pork chops were a little dried out. Is this what passes for French cuisine in Boston?
(2)Mairead R.
On a recent visit to Boston, three of us went to a late brunch at the Petit Robert Bistro based on yelpers' reviews. This place is perfect for an intimate dinner date, for a late brunch with a gaggle of girlfriends, or a boisterous birthday party. The wait staff were seasoned and seemed to anticipate the needs of the restaurant's diverse clientele. From a toddler playing with her French fries to an elderly couple sharing cappuccino, from a well-to-do family noshing to our brunching party of three, they were very nice. Our host remembered that our special event was for my mom's birthday; even making sure that her tarte tatin was decorated with her (correctly spelled) name in high-quality chocolate. Even though we were about ten minutes late, the table was still set for our party and they hadn't given away our seats. Crusty bread and chilled, salted butter were promptly delivered. We started with the trio of homemade pates, served with a side of cornichons and spicy mustard. While I've found that many French bistros serve a pate plate with all-too-similar pates that are graying around the edges and icy on the tongue, Petit Robert's trio of pates served up diversity and fresh flavor. Each showcased a different type of pate and each was prepared and spiced accordingly. I was impressed. Next up, lobster bisque. Plenty of fresh, sweet meat and a richly flavored base. In a town famous for lobster bisque, this bowl stands out. And, quite frankly, it kills Legal Seafoods attempt at the dish. Boo ya! The frisee salad with duck confit was a delight in the winter months. While winter greens were abundant at Boston's farmers' market during that time of year, I believe that the frisee is a tender green that is more common in early spring. Which made the lacy feel and juicy taste of the frisee all the more appreciated. And, of course, duck confit. Yay! Just the right allocation to dress up the frisee salad. Our entrees were pan seared scallops and lamb cassoulet with merguez sausage. The scallops were plainly dressed, especially compared with the other entrees, but the quality was delightful. And they were humongous, which is either good or bad depending upon your chewing preference. Some like smaller scallops so that they can pop the entire crisped piece into their mouth at one time, others like a melt-in-your mouth, buttery interior. This was the latter. Unfortunately, the lamb cassoulet didn't come together. While the ingredients were top notch, it seemed that they were layered upon one another and the flavors didn't merge seamlessly. Dense haricot beans, a couple pieces of crisp bacon, and a garnish of duck confit stood out. The desserts were spectacular - thanks pastry chef Kristen Lawson. My favorite was the ile flottante, a soft merangue floating in a bowl of caramel mousse. After a few bites of the heady sweetness, it was hard to tell where the merangue ended and my happiness began. But the other desserts were good as well. The trio of sorbet made excellent use of seasonal fall/winter fruits, cassis and apple, and the apple tarte tatin was warm from the oven. For sure going back for a holiday brunch this season.
(4)Joel G.
We went to celebrate my GF birthday, the place was cozy the service was top notch and the price was not to bad. The young manager bestor was super helpful and gave us great food sugestions. The food was very flavorful and the portions where of good size, I would suggest this place overall it was a great night !!
(4)Moomin T.
Puke (with attitude).
(1)Tracy T.
I went here with my girl friends for brunch one day and wasn't particularly impressed. I had to send back my eggs benedict because the egg was overcooked. Once it was cooked correctly and the egg oozed out as I cut it, I was a bit happier. The other girls agreed that their dishes were good, but not phenomenal. However, other friends have told us that the desserts are really good, so maybe we'll have to come back later in the evening to try some of that.
(3)Sam F.
Petit Robert is the perfect French restaurant, and I'll tell you why: 1) Everything I've had here has been phenomenal. The French onion soup was awesome, as was the sausage entree. I've also had the vegetable pate, the rabbit and the fois gras. And then there's dessert, the chocolate Eiffel tower, chocolate cake, etc. Every menu item has been delicious. 2) It's a French bistro, which means prices are affordable (~$15). 3) White table cloths, it's a fancy place. 4) Service is top notch. 5) Great wine for a very reasonable price.
(5)Emily M.
We had a reservation for 6 for lunch today at Petit Robert. The service was great, we never felt rushed. All 6 of us ordered the french onion soup for our appetizers; it was delicious. I ordered the duck and kimchi sushi roll. I had never tried kimchi before and wanted to give it a shot. The dish was pretty good, though it was hard to eat without chop sticks and the soy sauce was super salty. It is nice to try new flavors and these were a good combination. Everyone was satisfied with their meals as well, except who ordered the scallops. The "s" at the end of scallop was unwarranted, really it was one scallop sliced into 6 pieces. We also ordered dessert, we were particularly blown away by the Eiffel tower chocolate. Overall it was relaxing meal, in an elegant setting. What I like about this place is that the dishes aren't ridiculously priced.
(4)Cory G.
My boyfriend and I went here to celebrate our anniversary and it was clear that the staff here really cared about us having a really great experience. Our server was Gabriel and Dennis who might have been the back waiter. Gabriel was unbelievably kind and very knowledgeable. We had a drink and an appetizer outside and then moved inside for the rest of our dinner. Towards the end of the meal Gabriel politely said it was his time to go home and since my boyfriend and I are both servers we were happy he came over and told us so he could, in fact go home. Dennis then waited on us for the rest of the time insuring that we were happy with everything. The food was absolutely delicious from the lobster bisque and smoked salmon to the bluefish and chicken entrees all the way to the amazing chocolate cake with a white chocolate Eiffel Tower. Dennis brought us out, without our prior knowledge, two after dinner drinks and the chocolate cake with candles on it. It was such a sweet touch to end our anniversary dinner. We will certainly be back and will recommend this place to everyone!!!
(5)Hana C.
Came in here with BF on last Saturday night. We tried to make reservations over the phone at around 6pm to see if we can go in at 7:30PM. The lady on the phone said the next available time will be at 9PM. Just as we were about to give up, we went on opentables.com and were still able to make reservations for 7:30PM. (Note! Don't make reservations over the phone!) Anyway, we were not impressed with the dinner itself. We were both so excited to try this place after reading some good reviews online. Our experience however was far below our expectations. We started off with the quelles with lobster sauce (pretty good/ authentically prepared) and the seared fois gras. The fois gras was pretty tasty and very sweet. The entrees were dissapointing. BF ordered the frogs legs which lacked flavor and was very very bland. He was so excited to try it because we have tried frog legs in many other French restaurants and was hoping that it would meet/exceed that expectation. Unfortunately, it didn't- he said he would never order that dish there again. I had the steak frites. The steak was cooked very nicely. But whats steak frites without the fries! the fries were horrible- really cold and stale.... We were talking about how McDonald's fries would be much better than those. Another thing, the host (I'm not sure if that is the owner or the manager) needs to smile a little. I saw him frowning the whole time I was sitting there. running around the restaurant (its a pretty small place and I had a really clear view of him from where I was sitting) looking so unhappy. Just something I noticed.. Probably wouldn't come back here, at least not by my own choice. It def was a MEH. I've experienced much better french food. (e.g. gaslight- the steak frites there is to die for and their fries are sooo goood)
(2)Howe L.
4.5 stars. I had very high expectations for this place since a lot of people seem to deliver praise. However, I wasn't blown away. The place feels like a cafe straight out of France (a little cramped), and the food was well executed. But for 5 stars, I need something extraordinary, and the food just wasn't out of my world.
(4)Claire W.
Five of us went for a special celebration on a Sunday night. The restaurant has excellent food, and a warm and cozy atmosphere. The waitstaff was busy, but helpful and friendly. They had a children's menu, which satisfied our 10 year old. I mentioned that we were celebrating two birthdays and the waiter figured out which two and put little Happy Birthday chocolates on the correct dessert plates. The bar was closed, but would love to go back for the fondue (served only in the bar).
(4)Mayur K.
Nice service and great food. Visited here in a big group of ten for the weekend brunch and the egg choices were broad enough to please everyone.
(4)Michelle W.
Food was just okay their service was not good and very slow
(3)Austin T.
Genuinely warm service. Casually romantic atmosphere. Flavorful, wholesome food. Petit Robert Bistro doesn't give the airs of a pretentious restaurant, only catering to the snobbish and elite - on the contrary, it's simply a bistro ["a small, informal restaurant"]. They don't claim that their cuisine is the epitome of French high cuisine, but talent in technique and flavor shows in nearly every dish. I've been here 12 times [lunch and dinner] over the last three years [the location is so convenient for MIT students!] and I've only recently had minor grouses - the bread came out cold two out of the last four times I've been. :( Sure, some dishes may share the same basic sauce [a hollandaise is a hollandaise whether it's on fish or poultry], but I've yet to be disappointed with my meal. I always look forward to seeing the daily specials - rabbit is a big favorite. The appetizers [a favorite is the mussels - moules marinieres] and dessert [favorite: grand marnier souffle] always compliment the meal fabulously, and are worth trying. Petit Robert Bistro is a neighborhood gem in the Kenmore area. The food is not necessarily the very best, but it's consistently delicious; I always leave happy :)
(5)Fan L.
Great food, my duck was the best I had in Boston. My girlfriend loved the place as well. Will go again.
(4)Steve L.
For being a french restaurant, oh my god how the ground beef was completely overdone. I mean seriously charred, blackened, and carbon tasting ground beef in a potato dish ( think eating the blackest toast you've had). and I figured it would come out more like beef tare tare. The burger-dog my friend had was also soo overdone, yick. but, the bread was delicious, the goat cheese quiche was delicious, and the potatoes with cheese and butter was to die for, but my dish sucked. Perhaps all the extra time between the bread and main-course was used charring the hell out of my food. Get anything but beef.
(2)Karina D.
One of favorite spots for dessert. Warning: their Profiterole is delicious but is really not a 1-person dessert, more like for 3 people!
(4)Oriana S.
Petit Robert Bistro is one of my favorite places to eat at Kenmore. I've only been here for lunch because their express lunch specials are a great deal (dishes under $6). The restaurant feels like an authentic Parisian bistro and the food has never disappointed me. The staff is attentive and friendly. They bring out bread right out of the oven and freshly made butter (YUM!). My favorite thing to get is the Croque-Madame. I've had this dish in Paris and I can say with conviction that the Croque-Madame at Petit Robert Bistro tastes like it should--flavorful, buttery goodness! The sourdough bread melts in your mouth, the Gruyere and ham are thinly sliced and the eggs are cooked just right. Try it and you'll know what I'm talking about!
(4)Angela A.
My husband and I have been to Petit Robert several times. The first visit was on a snowy winter night last year. Even though the storm raged outside, the restaurant was almost full. We had not had a true French meal since my husband moved here from Paris. We stepped into the front door, and were greeted in French by the hostess. Once we were seated, a minute after our drinks were ordered, they arrived. Then the bread arrived, and was gone in a minute. Now, it is not a typical baguette, but it was delicious. We went through three that night. I had the trio of pate, and my husband had the escargot. Since I took my time savoring the pate, he got another order of the escargot. Yes, it was that good! For dinner, I had the boeuf bourgignon, and to be honest, I cannot recall what he had. My dinner was superb. It was exactly what I was expecting. Dessert left a little to be desired - we got the isle flottant, and it wasn't the best (but I'm not really a dessert girl anyways). This last time I went, however, I didn't enjoy it as much. I went with a girlfriend. The atmosphere was the same (although to the woman seated behind us: PLEASE work on that laugh. Your shriek really disturbed me, and I'm still twitching.), but I didn't love my food. The trio of pate was just as good (if I like it, I like it!). The boeuf bourgignon was no longer on the menu! Sacre bleu! The charming waiter recommended the veal and the sweetbreads. I ordered the sweetbreads, my friend ordered the veal. The sweetbreads were almost chalky - I couldn't eat them. That was very disappointing. Dessert was good - it was a tarte tatin. It was ... bigger... than tarte tatins that I've seen in France, but excellent nonetheless. The creme fraiche on the side was perfect.
(3)Eric D.
This place was exactly what I wanted. Great food, decor, and service. Little bit on the pricier side for younger patrons, but nothing that will break the bank or make you feel ripped off. You will not go home hungry or dissatisfied!
(4)Shannon C.
Went here with a groupon and the staff was very accommodating despite the fact that we had made our reservation at the wrong location. The food was excellent and price is right. Nice bottles of wine available for a decent price as well. The service could have been better in general, but the staff was very friendly. Food took about 45 minutes to come out which we didn't mind as we were in no rush. However in other circumstances I could see this being an issue. Overall, great food and nice environment.
(4)Bryan K.
Excellent food. Great price. i ate here with my girlfriend and another friend on Friday night. We were seated immediately on the outdoor sunken patio. It was a great meal and we ordered plenty of food and drink. Still, with aps and entrees and desert, the total was only $130. We all loved the fois gras. My girlfrend had the coc au vin (delicious). The duck was superb with plenty of meat. The only weird thing was the frites. They tasted exactly like McDonalds fries. The beer list was very short but they had some good choices. Overall, it was an excellent dining experience. I want to try to other locations as well.
(4)Emilie P.
I've been here twice, both times for lunch. Both times I've been amazed. A delicious good portion lunch in Boston, served on white tableclothes and all under $8? Where have you been all my life! The express lunch is fantastic. I've had the burgerdog (hamburger shaped like a hit dog) and the BLT. Both were delicious and so big that I had plenty to take home for later. They also serve a warm baguette with butter beforehand, so delicious! The food is great, the atmosphere is pleasant and intimate, and the prices can't be beat for such high quality food. I'm dying to go there for dinner and try their desserts. From what I saw, the prices for the dinner entrees were reasonalble and their selection was classic French fare. Their desserts sounded amazing, and I know their cappacino is good. I also want to try their brunch menu (served late everyday). I think this is a place I will be frequenting. Note: I've never had trouble with their service. Probably they are not as good during the busy dinner hours but what small restaurant isn't!
(5)Lindsay E.
So, I should start by saying that we went on Valentine's day. We made reservations for 5:30 and were some of the first customers to arrive. They did not have their normal setup and had a lot of two person tables (understandable). We ordered some oysters, a smoked salmon salad and a salad with a goat cheese fritter on top. My boyfriend ordered a martini of some kind and I ordered a Kir Royale. For our main meals, I ordered scallops in a crab sauce and the bf ordered haddock with a tomato parsley sauce. After we got our drinks, they tried to bring us someone else's meals. I think they were super confused by the new setup. Then, they brought us our meal before our appetizers even came. I told our waiter and he tried to rush our appetizers. Maybe that was the reason there was sand in my oyster. The flavor was pleasant, but it was completely ruined by the sand. The smoked salmon was literally to die for, it was so delicious and the salmon pretty much melted in my mouth. The goat cheese salad was also really delicious. We then waited about 30 minutes for our main meal. It was like a hidden camera show as different waiters came by with different people's meals at least 3 or 4 times. We finally got our meals and were so excited. The bf loved his fish. I thought it was really tasty despite not being the biggest parsley fan. As for my scallops, the flavors were excellent. Once again, they did not seem to clean their seafood properly. I had at least 3 pieces of crab shell, nasty. The vegetable medley they served with both dishes had way too much onion, especially for valentine's day. The waiter did bring me another Kir Royale for my troubles which was nice. He was very nice and apologetic and professional. He actually talked to one of the waiters who brought out the wrong dishes a lot and seemed genuinely upset for us. The dessert was good, some chocolately thing. Nothing to write home about. Their coffee is also excellent. I would definitely give them another try because we went on what seemed to be an off night. However, their poorly cleaned seafood gave me a bad impression. Prices were excellent for French food.
(3)Samantha B.
Yummy yums! I've been here tons of times and have never been disappointed. Firstly, they're great for groups. I've come here for my birthday a couple of times, and the waiters are always refilling waters, bringing more bread, and checking up on you. The bread is DELISH, by the way. My boyfriend loves the French onion soup (wish they had a veggie version!). Their vegetarian entrees change, but I've consistently loved them, especially the mushroom risotto. But the real star here has to be the desserts! I'd say they're the best I've ever had. I've gotten the ile flottante, the frangipane pear tart, and tried a bunch of other people's, and loved them all. I love it when a place has a true blue pastry chef, and doesn't buy some pre-made desserts that you find at all the chain restaurants (I'm talking to you, Bertucci's!) The prices make it a once-in-a-while place, but it's great value. A lot of care goes into the food and the atmosphere, so I definitely don't mind.
(5)Ty H.
So my girl and I recently celebrated three years together. In short this place on the whole is fucking fantastic, all be it a bit loud. Our server (I don't remember her name, but she was a brunette female) was extremely attentive without being the least bit overbearing or annoying. I had some Tuna tartare with some form of a chilled red wine or balsamic glaze on crostinis. It was off the chain. My girlfriend had a bowl of cream of broccoli soup. I fucking hate broccoli. Given the choice of eating broccoli, and the festering taint of a dead Mexican whore after a condomless gangbang at a leper colony, I'd dine on the latter, hands down. However, this soup was rendonkulous. I would have shamelessly guzzled gallons of this sublime concoction, let it drip onto my cashmere sweater, and then promptly demanded more. I'm not too picky of an eater, but if a chef can take an ingredient I despise and craft something so sumptuous that I'd rue through a minefield of razor wire naked for another helping, that to me says s/he's got some serious fucking talent. I wasn't just impressed- I was flabbergasted, the soup was that good. This was followed by our entrees. I had cassoulet, which was pretty damned good. I would have liked a more liberal mix of pork products, but the sausage was great, the duck crispy and moist, and the beans silky and flavorful. Cudos. Coming from a guy who grew up in Maine eating Quebec soul food regularly, this stuff was high up by any French standard. My lady love chose to go with a red wine braised short rib with seasonal root vegetables. It was unbelievably delicious; tender as all get out, beefy, the sauce had not only a great flavor, but a nice syrupy mouth feel without being overtly sweet. There was this delicious understated earthy, herbed aspect to it with hints of smoke and c har that just culminated to give it a totally unrivaled depth of flavor. I was in awe. This dish was a 10. The wine list was more than reasonable price wise, and pretty deep considering it's a "bistro"; Knowing my lady's penchant for blush wine and Rose vintage Champagne, we decided upon consulting with our server to go big or go home and get the Rose- which was under $80, a real value in my opinion, because I would have paid twice that without hesitation, it was that good. The exact vint and year eludes me. However:. It was assertively tart initially, followed by a myriad of peaches, berries and almost a lychee note on the back end. It was sublime. We were so full from dinner, dessert was out of the question for us. But this place has a great thing going. It's a bit loud in the upstairs room, but for being able to walk in in a pair of jeans and a sweater and get a meal that'd give any celebrity chef in Boston a serious run for their money- that's saying something. It's delectable, unpretentious, romantic, and I think it has a very promising future. You can count me in as a regular, because I will surely be back.
(5)Carolyn C.
Dinner can be pricey if you have starters and dessert (which you must) but oh so worth it! Must Taste: Trio of Homemade Patés with Condiments Moules Marinières Tripes Provençale Petit Calf's Liver Sautéed with Caramelised Onion and Bacon Roasted Rack of Lamb with Haricot Vert and Pommes Lyonnaises Mousse au Chocolat, langue du chat Grand Marnier Soufflé mmm yum
(5)Cassandra B.
This place is great for a nice dinner out or a quick lunch! One of my favorite eats in Boston. Service is always friendly and attentive, willing to answer any questions you might have throughout the meal. Bistro food and a great (and inexpensive) lunch menu. Try the escargots, served in old-fashioned cast-iron (with a wonderful butter herb sauce), the coq au vin, and steak frites are favorites (get a side of bearnaise for the fries), the fish dishes here are also well prepared (the scallops are amaze). If you're here for a nice dinner, try some dessert as well, the almond tart with ice cream was one of the best desserts I've ever had. All in all, a great place for great food. Oh, and the drinks are perfect (strong and delicious) Sidecars, especially!
(5)Christine W.
I took my husband here for his birthday. Since I made a reservation and let them know ahead it was a special occasion they held a prime table by the window for us. Service: Excellent Food: Escargot, Foie Gras and profiteroles were excellent. I had the potato and crab cake entree which was pretty good. Drinks: Amazing wine, good value.
(4)Sandra C.
I was inclined to give Petit Robert Bistro 3 stars instead of 4, but I am not the biggest fan of French cuisine, so I leaned towards the higher rating to account for that. We had a number of courses, so I will speak to all of them. Once we were seated, we were served a fresh mini-loaf of french bread. Piping hot, straight out of the oven, the bread was absolutely delicious. I then had a bowl of Lobster Bisque soup, which was not great. It honestly tasted like squash soup. Not much taste of lobster at all. We felt adventurous, so we had the Calf's Brains as a appetizer. It wasn't bad, but nothing to rave of. It tasted like tofu, which is to say it didn't taste like much. And it wasn't cooked in much to give it flavor either. The consistency was much creamer than tofu as well. When eaten with the accompanying salad, it wasn't bad, but needed salt. I did not account for this in my rating, as I have never had Calf's Brains before and didn't have anything to compare it to. As my entree, I had the Duck Confit. The duck was cooked quite nicely and was very flavorful. The skin was very nicly crisped and the meat extremely tender. I was quite happy with it. We ordered the Brussel Sprouts Provençale on the side, and I was sorely disappointed. Provencale is a garlic sauce, but this was really over the top, and they needed salt. For Dessert, we ordered the Pot de Crème au Chocolat, which was exquisite. The chocolate was a perfect texture with a nice, punch of darkness. Considering how much we ordered, the pricing was extremely reasonable. That definitely added to the 4th star. I also was very fond of the atmosphere. The room was nicely decorated in a brick and wood motif, and the lighting was very nice. The one consideration I would say is that the tables are extremely close together. You are very easily able to hear all of the conversations around you, and if you need to get up, you much excuse yourself to your neighbors as you move the table out of the way to get by. I was very happy with the service, but I did find it slow at times. However, the wait staff was extremely pleasant.
(4)Vonda B.
I'm not even sure where to begin... let me preface this with the fact that I went years ago for my birthday and really enjoyed it. I was looking forward to revisiting it and seeing what new things they had in store... if only I knew... First off, it was Restaurant Week but because I had an expiring LivingSocial deal, we did not order off Restaurant Week menu. This should have already warned me that things would not go well... when two cheap events run into each other, the results are only likely to disappoint. Once we were seated, we were given water and menus and then no one came to take our order for almost 30 MINUTES. I actually had to ask for a waiter/waitress. The waitress did not discuss any specials or apologize for the lack of service or do any pleasantries. Just "Do you know what you want?" To start off with, our potato croquettes were OK, although my friend says the one he ate wasn't cooked all the way because he could still taste the raw egg they rolled the potato in before frying it. For our entrees, things were mediocre at best, if not incomplete. My friend got the beef bourguignon while I got the chicken au jus. When our meals came, his beef bourguignon was fine. However, my chicken had no au jus and it came with, wait for it, fries? Huh? Not the side I was expecting and the fries were flavorless. By the time I got my side of au jus, I was almost done with my entree of somewhat dry chicken and tasteless fries. We mistakenly ordered dessert (white chocolate bread pudding with vanilla ice cream). It was not memorable at all. We basically ordered it to get over the $50 mark. By the time we got our check, it was almost 1 hour and 45 minutes later from when we were seated. Slowest service ever! Everyone around us got up numerous times to ask either for more wine, more bread, parts missing from their meals, for their dessert, and for the check. It was a WRECK. And the worst part? Right before she returned with the bill for me to sign, THREE MICE ran out from under a closet door TOWARDS the diners. I almost shrieked. It gets better... my friend told the waitress about the mice as she was dropping off the check to sign and she replies with, "Oh, are you scared of mice?" and shrugged it off. Of course I'm afraid of mice... IT'S A HEALTH HAZARD! Right then and there, for the first time ever, I did not leave a tip. And I usually leave 20% for OK service and at least 15% for complete crap. But the mice and her response pushed me over the edge. And believe me, it takes a lot to get no tip because I live in Chinatown and the service is pretty bad and the conditions aren't exactly super clean. I am NEVER returning to Petit Robert Bistro again. Yeah, maybe they were having a bad week or something, but it honestly doesn't excuse all the crap that went down tonight. I advise you to avoid it at all costs. Seriously. No, SERIOUSLY.
(1)Elizabeth T.
Get the Breakfast!! My boyfriend and I come here at least once a month and order the same breakfast every single time. The crispy poached eggs on frizze salad with bits of bacon and the quiche omlets are probably the best breakfast dishes we've ever had. We actually haven't even tried anything else on the menu because every time we go we can't resist getting the eggs and quiche! We went there today and were comenting on how the dishes are perfect as is, no need for salt or any extra sides, they are perfectly seasoned and delicious! The bread is always warm and delishous as well. Service has always been good, can't complain on that end. Keep in mind if you go... you won't need to eat again until dinner!
(5)David A.
It breaks my heart to give only 3 stars, but we were the only table this novice waiter had, and we waited 90 minutes between app and entree.... NINETY MINUTES... 5400 seconds.. 1.5 hours... It blows my mind. Luckily the atmosphere from both our company and the joint itself kept us n our seats. The food was delicious, drinks (other than water) were filled at no discernible interval.. so the Food side was great, 5 stars, the service that night was just... Slow. From the table turnover around us i don't think this is par for the course, but still left a slightly sour taste in our mouth... Which by the way, was immediately resolved by the vanilla creme brulee at the close. All in all, i say roll the dice and take a shot, it may be worth it.
(3)Tom E.
It seems almost every week that you see some prof on The Daily Show pimping out his latest book on 'The Power of Groups' or somesuch topic. You know, how groups of people can influence each others decisions and how collective opinion can rule. Well, those theories cut both ways this week for PRB. Firstly, the peer-pressure of a gang of trusted Yelpers affected my typical decision-making and had me booking here instead of my usual haunts of ethnic food or cocktail-heavy diners. Secondly, the power of the group I dragged here was able to quickly come to a consensus on practically half the whole menu, simply by totalling up the number of smiles and frowns at the end of the night. Our mob-made verdict... average. Individually, I actually had a good meal... trois pate, crusted pork loin and the dramatic Il Flotant dessert made me happy if not bowled-over. But all around the populace of our group, there were pockets of discord such as the $11 for a glass of house red, the simply rubbish version of parsnips, the lack of exciting or daring options, the almost complete disregard for vegetarian options and the unavailability of most of the specials even before 8 pm. These murmurs were subdued by fine bread, a helpful server and wonderful mash potato, but the group consensus was surely heading for a 'Meh' until the desserts arrived. Thank god for their pastry chef. But again, the peer-pressure of crowds is troubling my choice - was it really just average or did our group hit a spurious outlier? Perhaps the gear-up for the St Valentine's Day amateur night had PRB off the ball this week and we were the data-point falling off the regression line, while they prepared to woo and wow the masses and their inexplicable desire to link French food to romance.
(3)Smooth O.
Enjoyed the wine and appetizers (escargots, trio of pates, french onion soup). Had the tripe and coq au vin for dinner. Probably wouldn't get the tripe again (maybe needed another dimension - wine or vinegar?) Coq au vin was ok. Overall, we enjoy the food here, service is good, and we would go back again.
(4)Anais R.
I love the Petit Robert. The food is delicious. I shared the pate and escargot as an appetizer and I was pleasantly surprised by how delicious both were. They also serve you warm french bread that was amazing! For dinner I shared the frog legs, which were not great, and the duck that was amazing. Duck in general is a little greasy so it was good to share it because it might have been a bit much to try to eat it all by myself. Overall, though the food gets 5 stars. As for the service, I was super impressed. All the waiters were friendly, were willing to move us tables when we wanted to be by the window, and very attentive to our needs. The restaurant is a little small so can get a little busy at times (making a reservation ahead of time is a good idea). It still makes for a great location for a romantic date or for dinner with a small group of friends. I would definitely come back.
(5)Jeannie H.
This used to be a great neighborhood bistro but I was less than impressed with my last visit. I got the half roast chicken and the thing was burnt....as in the skin was all black. I was then told by the waitress that it was meant to be that way. Do I have "stupid" written on my forehead? I talked them into giving me a new dish, which was the coq au vin. It was really bland and tasteless. I, unfortunately, have not been back since. I thought it was homey place that was unpretentious. It served solid bistro food without much fanfare. The menu never changes so it gets old after the 3rd stop. The place is saved by 1) good bread and 2) wonderful desserts.
(2)Nora A.
It really doesn't get any better than this for the money. The food was simple and fantastic. Escargot & pate for appetizers (both wonderful), and scallops with mashed potatoes and spinach with crab meat sauteed in garlic, lemon juice and oil (also fantastic). Two apps, two entrees, and a bottle of wine for under $80 is unbelievable. Not to mention the delicious warm bread (which they brought two of). This place far surpasses ANY of the competition on Newbury St. I honestly can't even recall any of the meals I have eaten at any of the restaurants on Newbury. Maybe Stephanie's, but I think Petit Robert was even better than that. Stephanie's is a bit overrated in my opinion. Also, did I mention how full we were; portions were fantastic. I will definitely be coming back, and I'm sorry it took 4 years to try this place.
(5)Nay M.
I LOVE this place. I find it to be unpretentious, a trait that is uncommon among the French bistros in Boston (ahem, Bouchee - I will not write a review for it, but please please please do yourself a favor and eat at Petit Robert instead). Not entirely uncharacteristic of French cuisine in general, the flavors are simple but bold. My favorite items on the menu are the risotto and the lobster bisque. I come to this place for those two things alone. As much as I like to sit upstairs near the window, be sure to check out the pastry bar downstairs - it gives it an authentic feel.
(5)Deb L.
4.5 stars. A very inimate and classy spot. All courses were delicious and felt that there was a high level of precision and flavor to our meals.
(4)April I.
I always leave Petit Robert Bistro smelling like food. I don't think that is necessarily a bad thing either. I've read the other reviews and I have to say that I've never had a bad experience. The service is timed well and unobtrusive, but not in a neglectful sort of way. The wine and cocktails are tasty and they do have a growing list of wines by the glass at reasonable prices. I also almost always get the same thing: Soupe a l'Onion Gratinee and the crispy poached eggs with bacon & frisee salad or the Moules Marinieres and the roasted half-chicken w/ natural jus. The chicken is always perfectly moist with crispy skin, perfectly whipped potatoes and just enough of a vegetable that I don't feel bad that I am eating chicken skin dipped in the delectable natural jus. The onion soup has a rich beef broth, perfectly melted cheese and is gooey and satisfying especially now that it is getting chilly. Paired with the warm, fresh baked bread...I can't get enough. I don't know how they manage to poach the eggs and fry them in a panko crust and still have a perfectly poached center, but they do and every time I order this damn salad i want more and more. It's just really good with a lot of different textures and tastes that all work well together. The hint of balsamic vinegar adds the perfect amount of zing to the salad and the crispy bacon add great flavor too....And of course the mussels are awesome. How can you go wrong with onion, garlic, wine and a cream sauce?! The best way to eat these is to use the empty shell as a 'spoon' to pick up the remaining mussels and juices then eat them. Lastly--most everyone goes for the Petit Robert Gateau or the souffle for dessert, but I prefer the simple yet perfectly made chocolate mousse with the thin biscuit (or is it a cookie...I don't know). It's SO FRIGGIN GOOD!!! For me the Kenmore location works because I can roll out of Petit Robert onto the 57 and head home, full, drunk, and happy, and I haven't spent a ton or money (nothing is over $20). What more could one want???
(4)Kenny L.
Petit Robert is one of the very few restaurants where I am willing to spend good money for the quality of the food and service! I have been to the South End location and this one does not disappoint either. What is unique to this location is the pastry bar what will have you save your appetite for dessert! The meal starts with warm bread that is lightly crusty on the outside and soft inside with butter to accompany it. I had the fish special of pan seared Maui Maui with butter sauce, potato, carrots, and beans (delicious! $16.75). To finish off, I had the pumpkin souffle (unbelievable! $10) with coffee ($2.50). It was a bit more than what I would spend for lunch but worth every penny! Before leaving Boston, I had to have this again! The special Veal Kidney with shallot cream sauce was interesting but tasteful! And I always worry that I won't have space for dessert. The cranberry clafoutis was delicious; be sure to pair it with a cup of coffee. The total came out to be $24.
(5)Kara S.
I have been a fan of Petit Robert's express lunch menu for some time now, sneaking off for a leisurely lunch with coworkers there every now and again. I went this past weekend for dinner for the first time, prior to seeing a performance at BU. I was very happy with the food (I had the homemade sausage with apples and mashed potatoes), but the service was questionable. We had two waiters checking on us, basically overlapping duties. We were asked for our drink orders twice, etc. And the strangest bit was when one came out with an empty (save for a little pot of butter) bread basket and declared "here is some bread for you!" We don't know if he was testing us or what, but it was bizarre. Thankfully it made the dinner more entertaining. I still would recommend the express lunch over the dinner at PRB. The prices (7.50 for most lunch meals) just can't be beat. Also, PRB posts the sources of their produce/meat/seafood on their website, which I love. That's how I discovered Russo's and Captain Marden's seafood. Very cool of them to share that info.
(4)Sarah W.
Escargot were unbelievable!
(5)Sarah C.
Wonderful! Nice service, nice atmosphere, but, as with many good places, cramped as hell. All was forgiven when the food came out. After reading some of the reviews here, I went with escargot to start, and calf's liver with onions as an entree. The escargot was good and garlicky. The calf's liver paired with onions was both other-worldly, and melt-in-your-mouth good. And finally, the warm apple tarte tatin was unbelievable. The prices are very reasonable, and I will definitely be back as soon as I can find any excuse to go.
(4)Chris L.
Though it's not exactly a working class bistro, this is a nice French restaurant with classic bistro apps, salads and entrees. For me, the high points of the menu are the organ meats and offal. The grilled lamb's tongue was way more tender than I expected.
(4)carla b.
My husband and I were so disappointed by our dinner last night. We lived in Boston several years ago and it was one of our favorite French restaurants. Looks like it's definitely gone down hill. First, our server was a bit rough around the edges. Yes, she recommended a bottle of wine that we really enjoyed, but her attitude was a bit off putting. I felt like I annoyed her when I asked her about some things on the menu and she just didn't have the manners you expect when you go to a French restaurant. Petit Robert is not a super fancy restaurant but I still think the servers should have a certain etiquette no matter where they work. This comes from a veteran server with experience in fine dining and not so fine. The food, however, was the most disappointing! For a second, I thought perhaps they had changed it to a French/Asian fusion restaurant. We ordered the tuna tartar and it was doused in soy or teriyaki sauce. The sauce was so salty and overpowering. You couldn't help but think they were trying to mask the flavor of the tuna because it wasn't fresh. The trio of pate we ordered was pretty standard so no complaints there but our entrees were again, disappointing. My husband ordered the spicy pork chop that was coated in yet again some Asian inspired sauce. I had the steak frittes. The bernaise sauce was flavorless and visually unappealing so I didn't waste the calories on eating it. Plus, the French fries were horrid! They weren't crisp and they were all broken and small which lead me to believe that they came from the bottom of some frozen bag in the freezer. Seriously, I've had better fries from McDonald's at 2 am. If you are looking for a good French restaurant, it's best to look elsewhere.
(2)Janie W.
Love this cute little french bistro. Casual unpretentious french fare are reasonable prices. The bread and butter is one of my favorite parts, they are both just about perfect. Nice date spot. I do, however, prefer the upstairs dining room greatly to the downstairs dining room which has a basement feel to it.
(3)Sacha M.
Petit Robert is my go-to restaurant in Boston and not just because I can walk there in five minutes or less. As asserted in their adorable monthly e-newsletter, the small restaurant stands as a real French Bistro (casual and affordable, serving modest, not incredibly innovative, but well done dishes), unlike other pretenders who brand themselves as such (I'm looking at you, Mistral). I am a lover of all things French, and PR certainly resembles the small corner bistros on the streets of Paris. The service is always friendly and accommodating, the amazing demi-baguettes are warm and chewy (brought in from Montreal), and the dishes range from light and simple to rich and indulgent, but they are most always comforting. I have been very happy with the following: -Cream of tomato soup: (A) Some tomato-based soups are murky in flavor because they uncomfortably straddle the line between brothy and creamy. This version is unabashedly heavy cream laden- in fact, there is probably more cream than tomato involved, and that's just fine with me because it's perfectly thick and sweet. -Garden Salad, shallot vinaigrette, panko crusted goat cheese: (A-) This salad is getting a bit old, but the simple vinaigrettes at PR are always spot on (and what's not to like about warm rounds of creamy goat cheese?). -Salmon en Croute (A): A perfectly cooked piece of salmon is kept moist and succulent inside its intensely buttery, but light and crispy puff pastry packaging. -Chicken coq au vin with buttered noodles (A-): Succulent, bacon-enriched dark meat chicken falls effortlessly of its bone into a saucy, and seemingly endless heaping of thick, long (if not somewhat boring) noodles. This one satisfies one's dietary requirement for carbs for the week. -Beef Short-Rib Bourguignon (A-): The potatoes and vegetables are forgettable, but it doesn't matter when faced with a generous chunk of rich, stewy, melt-in-your mouth beef. -Ile Flottante (A+): This is my favorite dessert at PR. Elegantly served in a martini glass, a uniform mound of quick-dissolving meringue floats atop a thick, eggy pool of chilled crème anglaise. It features a surprise core of fluffy caramel mouse (!) and is drizzled lightly with caramel sauce. So good, I'll ignore the slight fridge taste I got from the crème anglaise one time. -Pear Frangipane Tart (A): This is served with ice cream, which I think masks the texture of the filling, but I have an affinity for almond desserts and am obsessed with frangipane. The tart hits all the right notes: the crust is flaky, the filling is smooth but has that slight grittiness from the almond meal, and the pears are crisp. Not-so-successful dishes: -Cod (B-): Prepared in a provençale style, it is flaky and tender, but bland and unmemorable. -Roasted half-chicken (C+): Flabby skinned, it's roasted and then thrown on the grill, yet still seems to have little character. -Side of vegan ratatouille (B): This was actually quite solid, with good flavor and vegetables varying in texture, but the excess of oil was hard to ignore. -Chocolate Mousse (B): This classic has a great texture and is more chocolaty than sweet, but I have often found unshapely bits hidden throughout. The langue de chat cookie is perfect for scooping, but is occasionally stale. -Warm Apple Tart Tatin (C): Decent flavor, but was served devastatingly cold. -Chocolate Soufflé (C+): Not worth the wait. The structure and texture of this soufflé is textbook perfect, but the flavor is lacking and it is served with an overly sweet raspberry sauce. I would give four stars to Petit Robert, for although there are some flaws, I love its authenticity and simplicity and it is, after all, my ol' standby. However, I have noticed a sharp decline in the care put into lunch dishes and a somewhat apathetic vibe. I've received too many messy tuna niçoise salads, an overly dressed shrimp and cucumber salad, and countless quiches with more mix-ins than egg and mushy crusts. I attribute this to over-expansion. After a PR outlet was added to Felt, Jacky's Table was opened, and another PR sprung up downtown, there has been a serious loss of charm.
(3)Seth B.
First time visiting and enjoyed thoroughly. Came here to celebrate my cousins engagement. Made reservation that weren't really needed but saw it get pretty busy for a Sunday night. Waitstaff was very friendly and helpful. Lobster bisque was delicious as were the mussels and smoked salmon. My steak bourguignon was very good. Tried the rhubarb martini and it wasn't as tart as I would have hoped so switched to some nice Scotch after that. Overall well worth a visit. Some very good French food.
(4)a.c. b.
Loved it. Innovative French fusion menu and warm and inviting space. We had a late lunch on a Sunday and the service was polite and very attentive. Will definitely go back to try more dishes.
(4)Mimi X.
I love it when my water glasses magically refill themselves, which happens here. A perfect place to have a weekend lunch with elegant and simple food done well at a great price. Lunch specials are under twelve dollars, and they have a good variety of soups, sandwiches, and salads which leave you feeling perfectly satiated. I got the Onion Soup which which had the perfect cheese to bread ratio. I also had a vegetable salad, which had a medley of carrots, aspargus, broccolli, and greens. All these vegetables were so flavorful! Why do they not taste that way when I make them?
(5)Julie H.
I've been to Petit Robert about 20 times over the last three years and have never been disappointed by the food, the drinks, or the desserts. Some regular favorites: trio of patés, foie gras, lobster bisque, tuna tartare (during the summer season), sole meunière, chicken coq au vin, lamb cassoulet, and steak frites. My husband and I almost always accompany our meals with a bottle of Bordeaux, and the wine list consistently offers us nice options at reasonable costs ($25-$40). For dessert, I never regret going with the apple tarte tatin, apart from the calories; it is absolutely delicious. Most recently, we had the haddock and rabbit, both specials. I'm not big on either fish or game, but they were incredible--just simple food (by French standards) prepared and seasoned well. We also had the lobster bisque to start, which is now standard for our Petit Robert visits. I recommend sharing, however, as it's a bit too much for one person in addition to an entree. The service is excellent, and over the last three years, we've only had one server, Sashu, who could use some additional training. (He's fine but seems very distracted every time we have him as a server. He rarely makes eye contact, and I'm actually amazed when our meals arrive without any issues.) Though French, Petit Robert is a bistro, so it's casual and sometimes noisy. It's probably not the best place for a super romantic date, especially if your girl/guy is expecting a really fancy, expensive meal. That being said, Petit Robert is where we go for birthday, anniversary, promotion/new job, old-friend-in-town, and "just because" outings. Great food, wine, desserts, and service without any pretense.
(5)Jonathan D.
After dining at Petit Robert back in June, we were anxious to return for another great dinner - unfortunately, this past week's night out wasn't the same. First and foremost, the escargot here is a must have. One of the main reasons we came back was to just indulge in their flavorful escargot and warm bread - you can't go wrong. In terms of the downgrade, there were a couple of points that I feel the need to address. First off, it was our waitress's first night on the job - although she was spotted by a veteran, her nerves got the best of her which ultimately made for a very awkward dinner. I would assume that a restaurant like Petit Robert would only hire experienced staff, but in this situation it didn't seem like that was the case. Lastly, we ordered the braised lamb shank with sausage and white beans. The sausage was very flavorful but the lamb shank was somewhat dry and less fulfilling.
(3)Lillian W.
Conveniently located with affordable prices, PRB is a good place to get your fix of francais. It's pretty small--as in, gotta pull out the table so you can get your size 0 through to sit against the wall-small. The tightness and loudness of the restaurant made it a tad difficult for conversation and we could barely understand the lady who was asking us if we wanted water. It's also kind of fancy pants--I was under the impression that it was casual so I didn't bother getting dressed up, whoopsies. But hey, a paying customer is a paying customer--regardless of your Burlap bag or Burberry bag. The food was pretty good. I got the lobster bisque and the duck confit-- wasn't to die for but yummy for what it is. The bf got the pork loin medallions which he enjoyed--he's pretty picky so I was surprised. We split a creme brulee for dessert--nothing special. Service was standard. Waiter didn't have much personality but got the job done. I'd like to come back to eat at the pastry bar but I'm not really in a rush to come back.
(4)Christopher R.
I took my BF here for Valentines Day. I am a total Francofile, and love all things French. I was excited to try this place after hearing great reviews. I was nervous about what I would eat being a veggie/vegan, but the menu has some great vegetarian options actually. When we arrived our table was not quite ready, so we were asked to wait at the bar. Luckily for us, that is always the dessert station. We got to watch the pastry chef put together some desserts. It was fun to watch. She made a dish that was a pan of sugar, butter and crammed in so many apples. We asked her what it was and she showed us the finishe Apple tartin it would become. The pastry chefs were very nice, and seemed to enjoy getting questions from those seated at the bar. The atmosphere of Petit Robert is nice, elegant but relaxed. I counted at least four (quarte) French speaking employees. Which really lends to the authenticness of the restaurant. I hate going to French restaurants and no one but the chef, who you never see, speaks French. It's kind of lame. So it was a nice suprise to get to listen to some of the servers speaking in French. The Vegan pate is to die for. I forget what the three layers were. I think it was spinach, mushroom and ? I had the lentil cake which was crispy and well flavored. I broke down and got the macroons for dessert. The reminded me of the ones from Laduree in Paris and I could not pass them up. They were wonderful, and I keep thinking about them. I want to pop in and just pick up some of them. Overall it was great service, a wonderful meal, and a great experience.
(5)Charles W.
The decor was relaxing, the service was slow but good, and the food/drink was great.
(4)Francesca R.
I have been here four times and always enjoyed it. I am no food expert, but I find the food delicious and the prices are great. The service is always friendly and respectful. But it's the ambiance that coalesces the elements of good service and good food and makes this an establishment worth returning to again and again. For example: the last time we went here was New Year's Eve, with our visiting in-laws that we had had a huge fight with two days before. What could have been a very tense and long evening was convivial and went a long way to mending fences. I credit this exclusively to the soft lighting, comfortable chairs and overall warm yet sophisticated atmosphere cultivated in Petit Robert. We were put at ease despite our inclination to be surly. Another component of atmosphere, I think, is the timing of courses. The courses are paced perfectly - you're never having one plate shoved aside for incoming food or languishing for ages picking at bread. It really is quite astonishing how this restaurant maintains fine-dining service with such affordable prices. So as you can see I'm a big fan - can't wait to go back in August for our anniversary!
(5)Leah N.
My favorite restaurant in the city! I have never been disappointed with my meal or service here. Perfect date night spot :)
(5)Serena H.
There are many french restaurants and PRB is nothing outstanding. Well, maybe except that the ghetto address in Kenmore is deceptively incongruous with it's charm. If you're passing by and hungry, it won't disappoint. But I dont think I would ever plan a date there.
(3)Bryanne R.
They're 2 for 2 with me. Went once for restaurant week when we realized this place is definitely affordable sans the Rest.Wk. "deal". Second time was for my birthday. Both times, we had a great table with a very attentive and helpful waitress. The food was excellent. Here are some dishes to try: Apple Wood Smoked Salmon...Toast Points Wellfleet Oyster on Ice Grilled Skirt Steak~Frites Roasted~Half Chicken ...Natural Jus Babcock, Cabernet Sauvignon, Central Coast My favorite part is the very French romantic atmosphere. I'd come back here any time! PS - They do have some different dishes available -- like if you want to try brain. Just as a heads up, so you don't give the look I gave when I heard that.
(5)George T.
I went in expecting good food and was sadly disappointed. I got the escargot for an appetizer and frog legs for an entree. The frog legs were coated in a delicious sauce, but inside the frog legs were extremely bland. It was so bland, I asked the waiter about it, and she said that it's hard to season frog legs. Having not had much experience with frog legs, I still find it hard to believe that's how they were supposed to taste. They were just so bland and watery, I can't see why anyone would order them knowing that. Maybe I got a bad batch, but I don't see any reason to go back.
(2)Jason L.
I went with my boyfriend to Petit Robert Bistro for our Christmas Eve dinner and it was a spectacular meal. We started a trio of pates, followed by lamb with ratatouille for me and salmon with buerre blanc sauce for him, and finished everything off with nutella crepes with french vanilla ice cream. The decor was lovely, the ambiance was very romantic, the food was absolutely delicious . . . the only slight downside is that the place was so busy during dinner service that a lot of tables tended to demand her attention at the same time. But that was a very small price to pay for a delicious dinner. I think it says a lot about Petit Robert Bistro that the place was PACKED on Christmas Eve. It's a wonderful place to share a special moment with a loved one, a friend, or a family.
(5)Clarice C.
I'm a BIG fan of Petit Robert on Comm Ave. I've never had a bad experience here..and i've been here a lot! I mainly come and order off their express lunch menu because it's a really good value...the food is delicious and the prices are unbeatable. I can't get enough of the the smoked salmon eggs benedict but the madame croque is always a close second choice. OH and the bread they serve in the beginning is AMAZING. it's shipped from Montreal and I dare you to just have one basket.
(5)M K.
Love Petit Robert. It is a great go-to lunch/brunch option. They serve brunch until 3 and it is cheap and incredibly delicious. Good coffee, great bread and a helpful, quiet staff who let you enjoy your meal relatively undisturbed. Very much a fan!
(4)Daniel P.
I've only been here, and it was with friends from out of town. We went for lunch and really enjoyed it. I had a cocktail, I don't remember exactly what it was but it was citrus-y and delicious! The service was not bad, they were friendly and helpful. The wait had not been too long, I think we were only there about 10 minutes before being seated. I must go back soon.
(4)Cody W.
Food was average and ambiance was below average. When you spend close to $200 on a meal for 2, you expect a little more. I had the halibut special which was decent. But the appetizer, red and green pate, was below average. Even worse was the trio pate which they served us by mistake. I tried it before realizing what was up and it was awful. Seemed like some frozen mass-produced stuff they take a slice off of. Dessert was okay, because French dessert is phenomenal, but it was also mass-produced frozen fair. Also, try to avoid getting stuck in the table next to the divider, closest to the kitchen. The guy preparing silverware works just on the other side of the divider. This means there is silverware being tossed down, each second, 24 inches from you ear. The loan bright spot was the waitress. She was very friendly and accommodating. But the bus people don't give you the same unintrusive attentiveness you find at other French restaurants. Bottom line: there are plenty of better places to get a $200 meal.
(2)Squirrel N.
Unbelievable food and astoundingly affordable. For the price of what some bars would charge you get stellar French food. They also mix fantastic drinks (I'm a big fan of the Sidecar). Can't say enough great things about this place.
(5)Emily B.
A great little French bistro right outside of Kenmore Square. I always wanted to try this place and after returning from a semester abroad in France, I had to go to see if it compared. We arrived early, around 6 pm on a Monday night and the small restaurant was about half full. The tables ARE very close together, as other reviewers mentioned, but that is typically French, so I didn't mind. We tried the trio of pats, very reasonable at $7, and with extra bread we definitely enjoyed this hors d'oeuvre. For entres, I got the pork normandy with apples and my boyfriend got the duck confit. Both were excellent and very filling. We didn't even have room for dessert. We also had a bottle of Domaine De La Quilla Muscadet (at $22), which wasn't terrible for a good French wine in a restaurant (considering it would have cost $15+ in a liquor store). Overall, our service was satisfactory, nothing extra special, but our server was knowledgeable and attentive. By the time we left, the restaurant was full, but we didn't feel rushed to leave while we were finishing our bottle of wine. I really enjoyed my experience here and I want to go back for the dessert and pastry bar. I hear it's fantastique!
(4)Rob J.
We got a reservation for 4 people at 7:30pm on a Saturday by calling 6 hours in advance. Every table was full during dinner but I didn't see anyone waiting. The place is small, of course, but the food (made in the equally small kitchen) is authentic, the service friendly and perfectly formal, and the prices not terrible. We had a bottle of white sauvignon blanc and a bottle of pinot, both of which were okay, but the wine list could use a little work. I suppose it IS proportional to the restaurant's size, though. And the red wines, stored along a wall in the restaurant, can get too warm when there are many people packed inside. The lamb was great. My vegetarian friend also liked his risotto, but a second friend didn't care much for the pork sausage. We decided to pass on dessert and digestifs, but they did have a decent selection of port and their pastries looked amazing.
(4)Abbey L.
Petit Robert is easily one of my favorite restaurants in Boston. The food and service are just superb and the prices are just right. The menu has a little bit of everything so I can always find something I'm in the mood for. Highlights for me were the duck confit with sausage, crocque madame, and the mussels. I've also had the frisee salad with a crispy poached egg - divine! Everything here is just excellent. Great, affordable wine list and delicious blood marys! Every time I go here I marvel about how often I end up spending the same amount of money or more for such lower quality meals and inferior service. My go-to is the Kenmore location but I've been to the South End one as well and both are superb!
(5)Dana M.
The service was lacking, we recieved our entre before the appetizer. The waitress ended up bringing out something we didn't order and brought out the fois gras we did order after our steaks had already come out. If the food wasn't so great I would not have given this place 3 stars. I liked the ambiance, though it was nothing spectacular. Previous reviews raved about the place so that's why I went. I'd say its not bad for Boston, but this Bistro doesn't compare well with places I've been to in SF. They do have excellent pommes frites. I believe in giving credit where credit is due. If you feel like french cuisine, this place will satisfy your craving. If you are looking for the best of Boston, look elsewhere.
(3)P M.
Think twice before you plan a large event at this restaurant. I have never been treated more rudely by a manager in a restaurant before. I recently planned a friend's birthday here. We had a large party, and I called far in advance to make the arrangements. When we got to the restaurant, I learned that I had been misinformed by the staff I had spoken with about the restaurant's policies. The manager was incredibly patronizing in his interactions with us, suggested that I had "called the wrong restaurant," and only ended up accommodating us after arguing with me for some time and even then not without a fee. It's unfortunate that even though the food was reasonably good and the wait staff was nice, I left the restaurant feeling disappointed with the experience.
(2)Shuan L.
I love the prices here. You can definitely have a 3-course meal for around $30 (excluding drinks). Not too bad for a dinner in a nice, upscale setting. The food is good, but not anything to write home about. I started with the red beet salad with endives and goat cheese. Liked the beets and goat cheese, but the endives were tasteless and there were also ridiculously strong onions mixed in. Do NOT get this if you're on a date. The panko-crusted cod I had for my entree was tender and well-made. It's the sides that disappointed me -- really lackluster stuff like sliced carrots, broccoli, and mashed potatoes. The veggies looked like something my school cafeteria cooked up (though they tasted a lot better). I was hoping for more creative sides from a place like this. Dessert: the giant profiterole! Lots of ice cream + lots of hot fuge = happy Yelp reviewer. Get this dessert, but make sure you have someone to share it with. "Giant" is not an exaggeration.
(3)Kompan N.
Superb service and good food. We went for an early dinner, reservation at 8:00 and was seated promptly. The waiter was attentive and brought me a sample of Pinot Noir to try because I mentioned my likely selection for dinner. I asked about his recommendations for appetizer and entree and got the mussels for appetizer, which was split in two separate bowls one order so that my friend and I could share. The entree came out promptly after the appetizer. I got the steak with frites and my friend got the crab and potatoe cake. We were both happy with our choices. Although the dessert menu looked appetizing we didn't order. The location and service shine and the food and very good but not exceptional. For the price we had an excellent dining expereince. I would go back or recommend this Bistro to friends.
(4)Christian P.
Fantastic. I just wrote a review about Sonsie in which I mentioned how I couldn't think of other places that felt as European in Boston. While this place doesn't necessary feel pan-European, it definitely feels French! I even had a French waiter! Anyway, atmosphere aside, this place also happens to have delicious gourmet food. The price is right, and you'll find an interesting selection across the menu. For a heightened experience, save room for dessert.
(5)Cassandra R.
I was starving one sunday afternoon, jonesing for breakfast and i didn't want to wait for a table for one. I passed petit robert, decided to go in and was immediately saved from my hunger. The brunch menu is very reasonably priced and the service was amazing. My french toast, eggs and bacon were cooked perfectly and the coffee never stopped. The clientele were pretty waspy but the waitstaff were wonderful. It's a good choice for dining alone.
(4)James M.
I have been to both locations. The food is excellent very reasonably priced. The wait staff is intelligent and are available when you need them. For the price this is one of the best restaurants in Boston. A true Bistro!
(4)Jaime V.
Le Petit automatically reminded me of one of the many underrated BYOBs in Philly (prior to moving back to my HQ, Vancouver, and before moving here I lived in Philly for 7 years - but enough about me). I started off with some great escargots which were perfectly warm and sprinkled with the right amount of parsley. I am on a quest to try the best ones and so far 'La Boheme' (in Philly) tops them all. I really enjoyed my cassoulet and unlike most places it did not take 45 minutes to make; however, I do recall it missing its mandatory duck, so marks off for that. The service was decent and although it was a little small in size it did not feel too crammed. Note to yelpers: if you are ever in Seattle area and like me crave a good cassoulet, head on over to the Cafe Campagne which is the in the vicinity of the Pike Place Market. This one does take 30+ minutes to make, but you won't be disappointed. If you are looking for a Moulin Rouge try some of the many other chic establishments in the Boston area. For a no-frills dining experience I'd recommend the fairly priced and unassuming Le Petit.
(4)Andrew T.
I am not a HUGE fan of French food, but so many friends suggested Little Bob's (as I call it), that I was more than open to check it out. Here is a bullet point review on my experience. 1) Interesting space, a bit bland, but cozy and they had an outdoor seating area which would be nice in the summer. I also liked the way that they have hundreds of wine bottles all over the place. You feel like you are eating in a French basement. Take that for what you will. 2) The tables are WAY too close together. We sat between two couples and each was no more than 6 inches from us, which I really dislike...especially when there are other tables for two open, that have a lot of room around them. 3) Prices were reasonable, wine is a bit on the pricey side, but not prohibitive. 4) Service was friendly and on point. 5) Food was tasty, simple, authentic French (or so said the couple from France sitting next to us) and overall very good. I would go back for sure.
(3)Stephanie F.
Great place! I've been here twice (which i rare because I always like to try new restaurants), and even so, would definitely go back again. FOR THE PRICE, the food is fantastic! Last time i went with my hubby we had the trio of pate (wow! i'd go back just for that), the french onion soup (good, but not wow), the snails (sooo delicious and buttery!), and I had the rabbit (cooked to perfection!) and he had the U10 scallops (which were delicious as well). Overall I was very happy with the food, though I definitely felt that the service was poor. He didn't do anything "wrong" per se, but barely described the specials (basically told us to look at the board and read), made no attempt to check on us throughout the meal, and never refilled our bread of water unless we continuously asked. Come on guy, this place is tiny! Manage your tables! Asside from that though, the food is never disappointing, especially considering how incredibly affordable it is!
(5)Morgan P.
Good veal
(5)jenilee p.
Petit Robert Bistro has a great game plan. They cook fairly inexpensive cuts of meat/vegetables...perfectly. By using more affordable food items, they keep the cost of the selections down so that more people can enjoy authentic French food without making it a once per year event. Their range of choices available vary from a very tender roasted (crisped skin) cut of chicken to some very unusual specials, so basically anyone can find something they will recognize and enjoy on the menu, while still having the option to try something that you don't often find at similarly priced establishments. personally, i opted for the rabbit liver and kidneys, which was matched with a decadent cream sauce, and complimented with smooth mashed potatoes and a green bean medley. the other two people in my party opted for the baked chicken dish, and the skirt steak. Having tried each, I was equally impressed. Overall, I thought the restaurant atmosphere was very charming, and our server was knowledgeable and attentive without being obtrusive. I highly recommend coming here for just about any occasion.
(5)Coren D.
Incredible value for traditional French continental cuisine! I always get the foie gras and escargot and am never disappointed. The menu has all the classics: Blanquette de veau, steak frites, Coq au vin, Duck confit. Even cooler: the waitstaff all speak french, so you can practice that good ol' high school knowledge. They make all their desserts in house and are available at the dessert bar downstairs. I took away one star because the tables are a bit too close together and you can hear the neighbor's conversation. Not so private.
(4)Melissa R.
Ok, so I was really excited to go to Petit Robert, and have been meaning to do so for years. Finally got the opportunity to go with three friends, and I was ready for a drop-dead yummy experience. My reaction? Eh. I probably should have known the experience was going to be a poster-child for mediocrity when I ordered a glass of pinor noir and was promptly (and extremely rudely) told by the waiter "the other one is better". No, I didn't ask for his opinion. Yeah, dude, and it's also $3.00 more expensive. I was totally annoyed by the comment and the fact that it was obvious he was going to be just as much of an ass the rest of the night. He was. Grabbed things out of our hands, completely and totally unfriendly, kept trying to take my friend's food away from her even (and I am not kidding here) when she was in mid-bite. To top it all off, he put our order in wrong and one of my friends had to wait 20 minutes for his coq au vin. The waiter never even apologized--a bus boy took care of it and apologized profusely. Ridiculous. Now the food--it was absolutely mediocre. I ordered the roast chicken which was not hot and not meaty. The mashed potatoes were cold, the vegetables were limp. PS: my glass of pinot noir was just fine. PPS: i am never eating here again.
(1)Vicki T.
We loved Petit Robert. We had our best meal in Boston here. The appetizer of herring and potato reminded me of what I used to be able to get in Paris. Delicious! My daughter told me that her steak was so tender, she did not need a knife. My rack of lamb was excellent. My son-in-law liked the tripe, and my husband enjoyed his chicken. The service was also polished and professional. Will definitely return on our next trip to Boston.
(4)Allison S.
I've never been to France, but I imagine it to be lined with places like this. Small and intimate, with a slight view of the kitchen and some great food. And yeah, they have escargots (only my favorite dish ever). The wait staff was very friendly, even though I think that some of their "french" accents were fake. The host was nice enough to pull the table out so I could squeeze into the bench seat (the tables are THAT close together). For starters, I ordered the escargot plate on the "specials" menu - baked in puffed pastry and it was absolutely delicious. My main dish was the salmon - which may or may not have been a little undercooked - but was still completely delectable. The bread was also delicious. Yum! We were too full for dessert, but we were allowed to order the gateaux chocolat to go, which was really nice. Once we actually ate it about an hour later, it still tasted as good as if it was still on the plate, I'm sure. I'm heading back there the next time that I've got some extra cash hanging around and feel the need to eat some French food.
(4)Dave F.
Petit Robert's Bistro offers French bistro fare in a cozy, comfortable environment. The steak tartare could use a bit more flavor -- it's bland without using the sauce. My calf's liver, however, was delicious and affordable. The bread is predictably excellent, and the bistro boasts an extensive but reasonably priced wine list. The experience was satisfying, and we'll definitely return in the future.
(3)Diana L.
The price is right, but more often than not, I'm not particularly impressed. First time we came here, we rolled in with a group of 8, ready to chow down. My escargot was bland, but my beet salad was decent. When my peach bellini arrived, it had become a passion fruit bellini. I didn't send it back; I'm nice like that. And when my passionfruit souffle arrived, the chef had forgotten to add sugar to the dish (I learned the true meaning of sour that night). The desserts around the table were pretty decent, but nothing spectacular. The second time around, we came in for weekday brunch. The french toast got pretty good reviews. The "burgerdog" had mixed results. My croque monsieur was fabulous, however. It came with a nice little salad and a small side of french fries. I dipped my fries into the horseradish mayonnaise that came my buddy's "burgerdog" and then washed it all down with a cup of coffee. My meal was great-- I can't say the same about everyone else's. The prices being decent, I still wouldn't give Petit Robert anymore than 3 stars. Too many low-energy dishes with bored flavors. But the croque monsieur's not bad. There's always that.
(3)Ina C.
This was the perfect place to accommodate our last-minute double date, all of whom are one or more of the following: has high standards for food, is still in school (read: in deep debt), was wearing jeans. Thanks to my brother's recommendation, we came here without a reservation around 6:30pm on a Sunday evening, and they were able to seat us immediately, and with a smile. We took a look at the menu and were pleasantly surprised to see that this restaurant with long white table cloths and servers that spoke with hushed voices had entrees that were all under $20. Like Diana R. said, the price is definitely right. To start, we ordered the avocado salad (lightly seasoned greens with a generous portion of avocados, drizzled in balsamic dressing) and the smoked salmon (with toasted bread and capers). Both were delicious. For our entrees, the steak-frites with bearnaise sauce was very tasty and the fries were perfectly crispy and light; the blue fish with creamed corn sauce was refreshing and clean; the Normandy-style sausages were robust in taste; the lambshank, which was one of the specials, was probably one of the weaker dishes. The sauce that came with the lambshank was awkwardly tomatoey and didn't quite match the meat, though the lamb itself was fall-off-the-bone tender. Most of our entrees came with the mashed potatoes which were perfect little clouds of heaven! Among the entrees, my favorites were the blue fish and the steak frites. For dessert -- OH DESSERT -- we had the hardest time deciding on which ones to order because, aside from the ubiquitous creme brulee and sorbet assortment, there were just too many interesting and unique desserts to choose from! We finally decided on the white peach souffle, chocolate gateau and the ile flottante. The souffle was light and airy, and the sauce it came with was the perfect contrast - bold, robust and tangy. The chocolate gateau came alongside a chocolate Eiffel Tower, whose novelty really struck the curiosity of the guys in our group. :) The ile flottante was a puff of meringue in the center of a soup of creme anglais, also delicious. Aside from the parking, as others have mentioned, there is little to complain about at PRB. I will most certainly be back, hopefully with a seat on the beautiful outdoor patio. I eagerly await Tina C.'s review of PRB as well... :)
(5)Daniel R.
Just moved here from Southern California. Had a reservation, 40 min wait + very busy night (day before Valentines). Food was fab, perfect dirty martini, seating was a bit crammed, waiting lobby a bit small, but great service. I would come back!
(4)Kreshnik Z.
I think Petit Robert is so worth going to even if it is for their complimentary bread rolls...Yum yum yum how do you make the bread so deliciouso? What i find incredibly appealing about Petit Robert is their prices. You will rarely find entrees priced more than $20 here, even though I think they can get away with charging much much more for them (Don't you dare changing the prices on me now, owners of Petit Robert). i went recently there for lunch and their lunch prices on sandwiches are solid for the amount of food you get (usually less than $10 for sandwich, salad and fries). The staff is usually very attentive but every single one of them has an unbelievable french accent which I find very odd - do they only hire french-speaking waitstaff or is it that they ask their waitstaff to put on a french accent? Regardless, it is a worthwhile visit if you like food.
(4)Mike S.
I have been here many times. The price and quality of food is consistent and very good! I think it is one of the better deals in this city. The service is good; however, some occasions spotty. The reason why I don't give it five stars is because they really don't have any healthy options. A salad is about as good as it gets here. The bread is great and so is the food. I highly recommend this restaurant.
(4)Chi N.
There's one thing totally wrong about this place. Food? No, that's really, really good. Well, then you're thinking Service? Well, nope, because for a French restaurant, it's about as good as you'll get. Must be the atmosphere then, eh? Nope, it's actually quite pleasant inside. Then, you ask, what possibly could be wrong with Petit Robert? Parking. Yes, the fact that you have to plug a meter for every 15 minutes of the best affordable French meal you'll have this side of Atlantic is the only thing wrong with this restaurant. Hell, last time I was there they even supplied quarters for me to plug the meter as I didn't have any myself. Petit just is that good. The coffee potato soup is superb, if you you're the sort of chap who likes coffee thick and creamy like a fat cow swimming in her own milk. Like me. The lunch entres are all amazing, and the dinner even much more. And the dessert... ..oh, the dessert. Say it with me: White chocolate bread pudding. Yes, I know, you don't like bread pudding. Who does. But if they have it, try it. It's like kissing Heidi Klum while Keira Knightley and Scarlett Johansson massage you with their bare bodies greased up with only the oil from the virginest of olive plants. Delic- So now you want to go but the only problem is you're worried that you'll blow through a month's worth of your gradschool stipend. But take a breath. Go for lunch and you'll be able to enjoy a nice chilled beer, a sandwich, and maybe even a soup if you please for just a nice crisp yuppie foodstamp ($20). You really can't go wrong.
(5)Heather C.
The ambiance was very romantic with dimmed lights and candle lit tables. The prices were high but if you're celebrating an occasion or want a sweet romantic night out, I would recommend this place. The seating is tight, so on a busy night expect to have people within 3 feet of your table...
(5)Chelsea B.
This is a great french restaurant! I came here to celebrate my parent's birthdays along with my brother and my boyfriend. All of us are very adventurous eaters so it was perfect! With things such as brains, snails and sweetbreads on the menu it might not be the best place for finicky eaters and especially not children. It is also down in a basement and very small which is another reason it may not be good for children or groups. Very romantic for a date-spot if you and your date are down to try new and different things. However if there is the occasional finicky eater in the group, there are some french staples like French Onion Soup and croques-monsieur which are always great. Great wine list and actual French server were a fun plus!
(4)DeeJay H.
I used to love this place....and now it was only ok. $150 and just ok. It used to be $150 and something to remember. $150 lunch for two- ok?Just ok. I went recently because I love their pan seared foie gras and was having sleepless nights thinking about it in my mouth (note to self-you may need to discuss that with your analyst)...Upon arriving, I noticed it was not on their menu. The rather snotty hard to understand waitress scoffed at me that it hasn't been on the menu in over 6 months. 6 WHOLE MONTHS. In the good words of Steve Martin 'WELL EXCUSE ME'....Are there Petit Robert regulars that keep track of such things? Please tell me if so, so I can avoid such mistakes in the future. We settled for the foie terrain which was just ok. Had escagot which again were just ok. The pistou was a high point....and our entree split of Coq au vin was generous and tasty. The attitude along with the price of food that was 'just ok' overshadowed the food. Next time we go with our original plan and hit India Quality up the street.
(2)Natasha A.
Mmm feed me. Probably my favorite restaurant as of late. Standard French fare without the Acquitaine prices. Your escargot, fois gras, duck confit, beef bearnaise...its all here, and since every entree is under $20, you might as well splurge on a bottle of wine. Do not be surprised if more than one waitor serves you. The staff are all very knowledgable and the atmosphere is cozy...although sometimes too cozy as the tables are cramped into the small room.
(5)Hussam B.
I have been to this restaurant a couple of times and never was impressed. The food is ok and so are the prices. But you can get much better french food elsewhere in the area. I had the vegetable soup which is served cold. It had a boring dull taste to it. Then I had the smoked salmon as an appetizer which was below average too. Had the salmon as main course. It was cooked medium rare just as I requested and the sauce that accompanies it was delicious. I ended my meal with a chocolate cake for dessert which was ok but nothing special. I am glad they are not overpriced otherwise I would have given it 2 stars. The service was very good and the waiter was attentive.
(3)Julie R.
I loved dining here. The whole restaurant is adorable. My boyfriend took me here for a romantic meal and we sat downstairs at the pastry bar. I loved watching the pastry chefs prepare their beautiful creations. It was also nice to take in the aroma's of fresh baked confections while enjoying a great French meal! We started with the trio of pates. Very good and all were flavorful. For my entree I had the Chicken Coq au Vin with Buttered Noodles. Yummy! The chicken was so tender and the noodles were amazing. For dessert we split the creme brulee. We got to watch it being made right in front of us. Very cool! I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a romantic dinner. I was surprised the prices were so reasonable. I've been to more expensive French restaurants and this one was better at half the price. I would also go back for dessert and sit at the dessert bar downstairs again. The restaurant has 2 floors and its in a historic brownstone. Everything was wonderful. 5 stars!
(5)Cat S.
Beautiful and delicious Frog Legs Provencale! Lovely waitressing. Ate dinner outside, which was a nice relief from the mugginess of the day, if a bit noisy from the passing car traffic. Inside is beautiful and lowlit. The best souffle of my life! Grand Marnier that night, but it changes. Friendly patrons and staff. Also, the chef and waitress didn't skip a beat when I requested no butter on my food. At a French restaurant, that impresses me.
(5)Audrey Y.
I first went to this restaurant several days ago during our trip in Boston. We just wanted to have some deserts in the afternoon, so we ordered a Blueberry Crème Brûlée with Palmier, a Warm Apple Tarte Tatin with crème fraîche, and a Raspberry Souffle with Chocolate sauce. They were unbelievable delicious! I can't tell you how I satisfied with the Souffle, it is HEAVEN. So, me and my boyfriend soon decided to have a dinner at this restaurant, and we ordered vegi soup, a Six Escargots Bourguignon, a Roasted Salmon Fillet, and a Beef Short Rib Bourguignon. Again, the dishes were very delicious, and yet very big for two of us. I couldn't finish my Bourguignon and not even my boyfriend could. We waited for almost 40 minuts to get our first dish, even through we were ok for that (we had 4 loafs of bread during waiting ), the waiter was keeping apologizing for a whole night(we could tell he is extremely tired because of the late night service), and gave us two glasses of wines for free. We were just impressed about this restaurant, will definitely come again if we could!
(5)Evan P.
Petit Robert Bistro is great, the food is totally a great deliciousness per dollar value, and the venison in blueberry port sauce is a mindfrig. Can I say "frig" on yelp? The waitstaff was a little impersonal, but whatever.
(5)Frankie P.
I was looking forward to my meal at Petit Robert as I am a fan of French food. I was so disappointed in every plate with exception of the desert which was all that I can say I enjoyed. The steak tartar was simply cold ground beef which I felt I could have gotten easily at the deli counter at Shaws and the Froie Gras was served with four triangles of toasted wonder bread.Last I got the Veal that had all the tenderness of a running shoe. Luckily my date loved his calf liver but I think if I am to go again I will not be making the same dining selection as I did the first visit.
(2)Susan D.
We stopped here for a very late lunch on a blustery New Year's Day and had a lovely cozy meal. First, they serve a very well-priced lunch until late into the afternoon. This is a good practice and unusual for a non-chain restaurant around here, I think. 2. They have a nice range of lunch choices, from good sandwiches (including Croque Monsieur and Madame), soups, and salads to a handful of real entrees such as a nice whitefish with lemon sauce. You may also order from the dinner menu. 3. The entrees were excellent. I couldn't resist the calves liver and onions -- perfect liver, seared on the outside, creamy and pink inside, with onions nicely caramelized and several slices of crisp, flavorful bacon. It came with a side of julienned vegetables and in addition we ordered sides of ratatouille and potatoes dauphines which were swimming in butter and cream. Great! The servings were large, the liver so much so that I had to wonder if this was really a calf or actually a very tender larger animal. It was a pretty big piece of meat for a calf.... 4. The dessert I had was not on the menu, but from the chalkboard of specials, and I'm not sure of the name. It was an intensely delicious flourless chocolate slice of goodness with a nice scoop of vanilla ice cream, raspberry sauce, and bit of sweet flaky pastry. Husband said the coffee was excellent too, good and strong. 5. Service was professional, pleasant, and helpful. All seemed to speak French fluently, but there was no hint of Parisian attitude. 6. The space was lovely. We were seated in the downstairs room, with a great view out onto a snowy Comm Ave, the pretty part toward Boston from Kenmore, mostly residential with some ground-floor local shops. It's a pleasant area. We'll be returning often to P.R. Great food at reasonable prices.
(4)Claudia H.
I'll just say this up front - it's very French. In the stereotypical rude, pretentious, anti-American sense of the word. We reserved a table on February 13th for 9pm that night, as it was impossible to score reservations for Valentines day itself at that point. We got to the restaurant on time and our table wasn't ready yet so we went downstairs to wait at the bar. The bartender took our order and then promptly ducked out from behind the bar and disappeared. We didn't actually get the cocktails until we were seated upstairs, and that's not because we saw our table any time soon. Then the true delights of the evening began. I'm not a fan of French Onion Soup, but I was excited that there was a cream of tomato on the specials. When asked about how the tomato soup was, our bona fide French waitress replied with the ever so helpful, "hot." She then went on about how fabulous the French Onion soup was even after I explained that I was not interested. They were out of the first two dishes that I ordered, so I then had to scramble to find a third choice as the waitress tapped her foot impatiently (and for someone like me, who usually struggles to choose between dishes, not having a 3rd choice lined up speaks pretty poorly to their menu). When we ordered a side of ratatouille, the waitress asked us if we would like it with or without cheese. I thought for a second about the other cream laden dishes we had ordered and answered, "without," to which the waitress felt the need to reply, "It is the same price madam." In the end, my cream of tomato soup was "hot" as promised (and incredibly rich), my steak was tough as steak frittes always seems to be, and my drink was so strong that I do not remember many details of the evening after its arrival. If only it had arrived a little earlier...
(2)Bianca G.
I heart Petit Robert Bistro. My girlfriends and I go here a lot for Girls Night, and I think it's also a prime place for Date Night. Yes, it's a little cramped, but isn't that always better for cozying up? I highly recommend the escargot, foie gras, pate plate, the risotto, the scallops, whatever seafood special they have, in short I highly recommend everything. And don't forget the desserts! (my mouth is seriously watering just thinking about those) The macaroons, creme brulee, and the super-cute chocolate Eiffel Tower cake.... Mmmm And as the icing on the cake, PRB offers great prices too. Out of all the French restaurants I've tried, this is hands-down my favorite :)
(5)Robby T.
Like many have said, the food was good, but not great. Their foie gras app was not the buttery high quality stuff. The braised lamb shank was good, but was missing a hint of something. And the night's special of sea bass was something a good home cook could've mustered up. BUT, the service was excellent. Attentive; some authentically French; and made us feel like we were welcome. Prices were affordable and our California Zin was wonderful. Great for a dinner where you wanna step it up, but don't feel like being snotty.
(4)Nicole B.
We took out of town guests to dinner here on a Saturday before a concert at the House of Blues. The decor was nice, but as cute or intimate as I was expecting. The kitchen was open to the dining room and the furniture was large and bulky. The menu was nice, but there is no cocktail menu, so the only options are beer, wine or cordials. 3 out of 4 of us got the steak frites and 1 person got thre coq au vin. The steak frites were okay - the meet wasn't very flavorful and fries very average. The coq au vin was very tasty. Overall, a decent experience though we will not be running back.
(2)Tammy H.
The bf and I came here 'cause I kept hearing about some "really affordable French place" ... and yes, it was pretty affordable. For $80 total, we ordered four appetizer/soup/salad dishes to start and two entrees. (We like to go overboard with the appetizers.) Appetizers we ordered: - raw oysters - escargot "Bourguignons" (6 pc) - french onion soup - hearts of palm salad (special) Entrees we ordered: - seared sweetbreads in leek-mustard sauce - poached salmon w/ hollandaise Raw oysters weren't particularly special, but they were good. Escargot wasn't the smoothest/softest I've had, but for the price ... sure. The onion soup was perfect and oh-so-cheesy. I loved the hearts of palm; however, there was way too much dressing, such that the rest of the salad wasn't enjoyable. Not only that, but the waiter never pointed out what the dressing was, so I asked to add blue cheese to it. Baddddd bad choice. Even if I didn't get the roquefort, it still would've been too much dressing. DRENCHED, it was. The rest of the meal is on a good note. The salmon was fresh and perfectly poached, and the sweetbreads? They use the heart thymus glands, which is the good kind of sweetbreads (vs throat thymus glands and pancreas). That's good. They also gave TWO, which actually was more than I could eat. Doubly good. Service wasn't bad, though I didn't really like our waiter. Something of his French and "service skills" seemed too contrived. Also, I sat on the booth with that metal bar?? I hit my head on that. So did the girl next to me. Please put something softer there. It's super awkward when you're on a date and you hit your head on it.
(4)Jesse R.
I've only been to PRB twice, but both times (once for lunch, once for dinner) have been really great experiences. I would recommend this as a dinner place, it has a totally different vibe than lunch - it is much more romantic and the service is much more at ease. My lunch was good, but you could tell the servers just want to flip tables and some of the dishes were not available. Prices are very affordable for the quality and authentic French dishes which are exquisitely prepared. For dessert try the Chocolate Gateau, its famous for its chocolate replica of the Tour Eiffel. Food and ambiance are excellent, service can be spotty, but this is definitely a place for a great French meal!
(4)Brendan M.
6 Stars? 7 Stars? This place is amazing. Every entree I have gotten has made my tummy veeeeery happy. They have a reasonable wine list and some very interesting cocktails. I got a Peartini. Not surprisingly, it tasted like Pear Juice. VERY good. Reason enough to go back right there, before you factor in the food, service, and atmosphere. Get a Peartini, you'll see what I mean.
(5)Sammi N.
I LOVE PRB! The food is simple, classic, and delicious. The service is attentive, warm, and charming. Some things to consider when dining here: 1. Make a reservation! If for a weekend evening, then well in advance! 2. SAVE ROOM FOR THE GIANT PROFITEROLE! It's my all-time favorite dessert - no joke, and that says a LOT! Nothing bad to say about this place - except bring back the lentil cake!
(5)Jocelyn C.
I had the most amazing birthday dinner here a few days ago! Everything was perfect, down to the smallest detail. My boyfriend and I indulged ourselves, ordering lots of different things to try. We started with some oysters, which came with a really good red onion remoulade. Then, we moved to the escargots that were garlicky buttery goodness. After, we got the pan-seared foie gras, which was fantastic. Even the complimentary hot bread and butter they gave us was amazing! My bf could not get over how good that butter was, and he was right in going crazy over it. For our entrees, he ordered the lamb and duck confit cassoulet, and I got the bouillebaisse with 1/2 lobster tail. All I can say is: HEAVEN. Afterward, we shared the warm apple tarte tatin with the creme fraiche... I'm not sure where we found the room for it, but down the hatch it went. Our server was very polite and attentive, coming over every so often to refill our wine glasses and ask how everything was. Although I was a bit skeptical about sitting down in the basement area at first, it was actually quite cozy and warm, and it enabled us to pretend we were in Paris for the couple of hours we were there. I know I said before that Neptune Oyster was my perfect restaurant, but this is either a very close second, or there is a dead heat tie going on right now. Must eat more and see which one ultimately prevails!
(5)Ting Ting L.
I'm lucky enough to live across the street to this fine bistro and it is definitely a great place to eat (and to order take out from). To start, the bread at Petit is AMAZING. Crusty and soft and warm in the center - it's the perfect way to whet your appetite. The brunch menu (served daily 11-5) is full of great options at a reasonable price (anywhere from $6 to $13). I get the eggs benedict with salmon frequently. The eggs are always poached perfectly and come with a side of crispy fries and delicious salad. Of the items from the dinner menu, my favorites are the lobster bisque and the skirt steak. The lobster bisque is very rich and goes perfectly with the aforementioned bread. The skirt steak comes with a choice of 1 of 3 different sauces. I recommend the bearnaise. The fish dishes have been okay but I wasn't amazed. Now the best part: DESSERT! Petit has one of the most extensive dessert menus I've seen, not to mention EVERY ONE that I have tried have been amazing! I highly recommend the Ile Flottante (on the sweet side) and the Chocolate Gateau Petit Robert (if youre into cool looking desserts - this is a chocolate Eiffel Tower, no kidding). Great place. Great service. Bon appetit!
(5)Beth F.
I went there for lunch today and I won't rush back (or probably even stroll back). I asked the waiter what the "French Shepherd's Pie" was. He answered "mashed potatoes over ground beef." "Yes, I know that is what Shepherd's Pie is, but what makes it French?" "Well, I guess that it is because it is served here." So, I figured I'd order the Quiche Lorraine as at least it really is a French dish. I was a bit speechless when it was served to me. My DC also had ordered it & his was better but my piece had no more than 1/4 inch of egg mixture on top of the pie crust and the top was not golden brown but very dark, on the edge of burnt and the little bit of egg was really overcooked. I was really surprised that the chef (or cook) would send it out to a customer (I've waitressed for more years than I would want to mention but there is no way that I would have served it). I was a bit speechless when our waiter dropped if off, and so I called over another server and told her that it really wasn't acceptable. They did serve me another piece, and it was much better, but it never should have happened. The salad was also poorly dressed and the french fries weren't made in house, which I think is pretty disappointing. We had also asked for the souffle for dessert, but were told that we probably couldn't have it because the pastry chef wasn't there. They figured it out & it was pretty tasty, but with Eastern Standard just down the street, I don't see any reason to go back to a restaurant that doesn't care enough (either in the kitchen or in the front-of-house) to stop food from being served that is obviously poorly made. Two glasses of wine, 2 pieces of quiche (which is really just some eggs) and 2 souffles was $65 before tip. No thanks.
(2)Brian Z.
Great little place. Good lobster bisque. Definitely make a reservation if you are going.
(4)Vera S.
I don't understand why everyone is so crazy about this place. I thought it was average at best. I don't mind spending $20 for an entree, but I DO mind it if the entree is bad. I got the chicken "au jus" and it was average at best. My friend got the special, and her fish tasted like it had come out of the freezer. I started with the Soup du jour, and it was completely flavorless. We won't be going back. Yuck.
(2)Jenny H.
My husband and I went to PRB on Christmas Eve and enjoyed the opportunity to enjoy this restaurant without it being crowded. We got the Pate and Escargot to start and they were exactly what I was looking forward to. Our entrees and the carafe of white wine we got were delicious as well. I can't wait to go back and try something new. Everything looked so good!
(4)Kyle H.
In from out of town and this was a hole in the wall that shouldn't be missed. We did a Sunday brunch there! Amazing. On Commonwealth. Don't miss.
(4)Greg B.
the food was great..............................but............Â..................................................Â..................................................Â...................................the............Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..............................service.............Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â...........was....................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â....................................so............Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Âslow. i'm sure it was because everyone was redeeming their groupon, but the waiter should have at least acknowledged and apologized that the place was understaffed for the night. we arrived at 7pm and left a little after 10pm. they also forgot to bring us a drink but tried to charge us for it. he offered to bring it out after we had paid the check, but we decided we weren't able to invest another hour.
(3)Maria R.
What a pity. We went last night to use our Groupon and we pretty disappointed in the food. Lobster bisque was good, romaine salad had delicious roquefort cheese (but $11 for a salad? that was literally cut up romaine & chunks of cheese??) And then dinner: scallops & salmon- good but not great. The tired vegetables were over steamed and both the veg & potatoes were stone cold. 2 redeeming things: wine list was very reasonable (what? is this Boston??) and the desserts were out of this world. Chocolate mouse was the best I've ever had (even in Paris) Overall, shocked at the food prices for the quality and the service was just ok. Probably won't make it back to this one. :/
(2)Rebecca Y.
1. Yum! 2. Cheap! For a grand daddy total of $60 for two people we had the following: 2 $7 glasses of wine the trio pate app (excellent, but save your bread or ask for more) 2 entrees (grilled bluefish & duck confit) dessert (Ile Flottante) OK, so the service didn't blow my hair back, but it wasn't as terrible as it has been for some other yelpers. I wouldn't say our waiter was friendly or helpful, but he was efficient and polite. If for no other reason than the price, this place definitely deserves a further investigation by everyone.
(4)Kirs P.
When I miss Paris I want to come here. Although more expensive than a traditional Parisian diner, it's cheap by American-Boston standards. The Escargots Bourguignon is spot on and absolutely scrumptious. The Mussels Marinires are average, but they don't screw them up (honestly, I haven't had good mussels since coming back to the states). The lobster bisque is not as good as Legal's but still damn passable (and, if I remember correctly, cheaper). I don't eat meat, but my dining partners have raved, raved, raved about the Beef Bourguignon, the Skirt Steak, and the Duck Confit. I'll stick with the risotto, please (and it is yummy). I was also impressed with the wine list- lots of options in all price ranges. And it's the only place in town where I've had a decent Kir. Actually... I don't think I've ever found Kir on another menu. And, when you have filled your belly with escargot and tripe and calves make sure you leave room for the piece de resistance- the Gateau Petit Robert. Oh my god. So decadent.
(5)Christian S.
Very good, genuine French Food.
(4)Stephanie S.
One of my go to places when I have guests in town. I am half French and can say for certain that this place is authentic, even down to the French waiters/waitresses. It is also reasonably priced which is rare for a French restaurant in Boston. I've never had anything here I did not love. Snagging one of the few outdoor tables is always a treat
(5)R E.
What a value! The food here is delicious, and while the service used to be unbearably slow, they have certainly improved over time. This place is a true gem.
(5)Erik D.
good food. good service. good atmosphere. i would definelty recommend it. i got seared scallops with crab cream sauce, escargo, and lobster bisque. the girl got the pork loin. it was all very delicious, and the waitress was attentive.
(4)JP F.
I have spent two stints in France, once as a student and the second time as an english teacher. So far, this is best and most authentic french food I've seen in Boston. First a lesson in French culture. Bistros in France are supposed to be ratty places where blue-collar joes gather to eat cheap, drink, smoke, watch soccer, or just hang out. Americans for some reason, always assume if it's french, it has to be chic and upscale. PRB tries to explain this on their website, that they are attempting to be a true bistro, but I think we're still victims of our tendency to generalize entire cultures. With that said, the food is authentic and as it is authentic french food, it is delicious (I know I'm generalizing...). The past few visits I've had the duck confit, calf's liver, and specials of anduoillette, and sweet breads (thymus glands of the calf I believe). They were all cooked to perfection and seasoned properly (bistro food isn't hard to screw up and the chef has a pedigree that leads me to believe these dishes are a bit easier than what was used to doing before PRB). Other than that, I would recommend the escargot if you want to get something stereotypically french for an appetizer. My favorite dessert, this is just a personal favorite but they do it well, is the Tarte Tatin, a caramelized apple tart from the Loire Valley. The first time I went, they sold out, so I settled for the les-Flottantes (meringues with a creme anglaise), which were also really good. Not only were they as big as any I've had in France, they had some type of filling that I couldn't figure out. Nevertheless, it was delicious. The first time I went, I met the co-owner, Loic, he's from Bretagne and a very nice guy. They definitely ensure you have a pleasurable dining experience in the true French fashion.
(4)Brendan M.
*UPDATE*: I returned to Petit Robert and had no service issue this time. Also, I've realised that the best way to navigate the menu is to go for really traditional stuff (by French bistro standards, that is) and avoid anything that appears creative. I've also added an extra star simply based on the calf's liver. Superb. *ORIGINAL REVIEW: I *want* to give Petit Robert four stars. It has many things going for it. Unfortunately, flawed execution lets down what is really a very good concept. That concept is to bring real bistro fare to Boston: simple, unpretensious dishes, but well prepared and at a moderate price-tag. The menu is certainly authentic enough, with many dishes that would be common back home but that one rarely sees over here, such as Tripes a la Provencale or rabbit in mustard sauce. However, the food turned out to be a bit of a mixed bag: the trio of homemade pates was nice (and easily enough to feed two people), but the smoked salmon was merely OK. Similarly, the duck confit was reportedly good, but my cassoulet was disappointing, with none of the intense richness that this dish should have. On a happier note, desserts were very good, and an excellent 2002 Cotes de Blaye was very reasonably priced. My main bone of contention, though, is with the service. Although the restaurant was not particularly busy, we felt rushed through the meal. Particularly aggrieving was the fact that the main course arrived before we had finished our starters - this ought to be an impardonable offense in any French restaurant worthy of the name.
(4)Jessica R.
I recently went to Petit Robert for dinner with a small group of friends. I had to change the reservation three times in a 24 hour period and they were very kind about it each time, even though I still felt like an apologetic jerk. This pleasantry from the staff was countered by our waiter, a total snot. Whatever though. I had no problem brushing off his bad attitude. I was too busy enjoying the wine, the company, and food I loved so much I considered licking the plate clean. Just thinking about the sausage with apples and cream sauce as I write this - I might have to go back sometime this week.
(4)Ashley R.
It's amazing that I lived in Kenmore for 2 years and never tried this place! Anyway, I definitely recommend Petit Robert! The first time I went here I got the steak frites while the bf got coq au vin. Two very typical French dishes to get but hey it was one of my first times eating French food. Much more of a spicy and less creamy food fan but still loved this place. Both dishes were very good and for dessert we got the profiteroles. The dessert was good but personally I think it would've been better in a dark chocolate sauce rather than fudge but hey to each their own. In a nutshell the service and food were awesome. The prices aren't too expensive either.
(4)Elisa C.
There are very few places that can transport you across the Atlantic over the course of a meal. Le Petit Robert is one of those places. The food is always flavorful and cooked perfectly, the service is delightful, and the wine selection fantastic. I have plans to go back soon and I can't wait!
(5)Chase W.
Petit Robert's Rocks; It is currently my #1 favorite bang for buck restaurant. It's perfect for a second or third date, as it's romantic, but not so pretentious and expensive to make you look like you're tryin too hard. Keep in mind that you ABSOLUTELY have to have a reservation at the Fenway location (the only location I've tried). I've read some reviews that the staff is a pain or can be rude. I've found the complete opposite. The 3 different servers I've had have all been wonderful, personality wise, and in attentiveness as well as informative. I really don't have a bad thing to say about this place- In fact I just changed my rating from 4 to 5 stars because of the excellent value and memories of the delicious Pinot Noir (can't remember the vinyard, but from the Willmette Valley). You have to check this place out, but be careful on your menu selections as it is pretty authentic French food which, isn't for everybody!
(5)Byron M.
Humble yet delicious french food. This is a great bistro, it is a place you can take your date or your family. The prices are reasonable and the food is excellent. I have been a customer since their beginning and love to dine there. Bon Appetite!
(5)Sarah A.
Everyone I know loves this place, but I was not impressed. The French onion soup was pretty good, but I found the entrees to be unimpressive. The atmosphere is nice if you can manage to get a good table, but otherwise you are crammed in way too close to other people. I found the service to be rather rude too. I also don't find it to be the bargain people proclaim it to be. Maybe if you're comparing it to Maison Robert, but there are other places with much better bistro fare: Les Zygomates, for example or Brasserie Jo's.
(3)Steve S.
I really wanted to like this restaurant, but sadly I just do not like French food. Petit Robert Bistro is on Columbus Street in what used to be Rouge. The restaurant is smallish with two rooms, one with a bar and 6 tables and a main dining room. First, the wine was excellent, a nice bottle of Merlot. The bread, as you would expect, was very good(as it would be my primary sustenance for the evening)...The smoked salmon ap was good as well The main course, which was salmon legs, was disappointing through no fault of their own. French food requires tons of butter and cream, which is not my preferred cuisine to say the least. To be fair, everyone else seemed to be really enjoying their meals. Then again, they were all Francophiles. And I did not see Freedom Fries anywhere!!!
(3)Chin C.
Great food with reasonable prices. The onion soup was very good, and also the roasted rabbit and lamb. Hmm, yummy, I will manage to go back again.
(3)Sophia L.
Two words; ile flottante. The floating island has long been my favorite dessert. Thank GOD for Petit Robert Bistro. I've been very dissatisfied with Boston cuisine until I found this restaurant. Dinner has been the only time I've been here but with a group of 6 we were all more then satisfied with our meals. I can recommend many things; the soup (lobster bisque and french onion), escargot, rabbit, the lamb, beef bourguignon, half chicken, steak, duck, and the liver. ALL are amazing. Don't forget dessert. the ile flottante is amazing! if they have fresh baked clefoutis you should also try one. update: still amazing.
(5)Mick T.
Just great! Just had brunch there, good food, good discrete service, crispy poached eggs on salad with big chucks of bacon just rock. And their deserts are so good, best apple tart I've had in ages. Now just gotta find a quiet night to go there for dinner. Hey, I forgot about the soups! Just get it, sometimes they sound weird like Cream of Cabbage or something, but they're really, really good, and usually very rich.
(5)David X.
Very charming restaurant in the South End. I got the risotto which was delicious, and for a restaurant of this quality the price was very reasonable.
(4)Annie P.
Time of Day: Early still sunlight dinnertime. Server: Clearly French. Recommended a good simple bottle of red. What I recommend: Chicken "Coq au Vin" with Buttered Noodles (easy pick) This is the best French cuisine I've had in Boston so far (haven;t been to Salts yet) because it tasted home cooked and hearty. The richness and creaminess mixed with that tender chew in each bite. When everything on your not so complicated dish falls apart gently ..good sign. Meal wasn't a drag and totally casual in there. I was with a postman for godsakes..
(4)Nancy L.
I ate lunch here a few months ago but recently came back for dinner, which was delicious. We started with escarot, their pate plate, and oysters. The oysters were perfect as were the escargot. There were three kinds of pate and all of them were delicious. The variety offered differences in texture and flavors. The hot bread basket was also hard to resist. For the main course, I had the sweetbreads, which I am currently craving and it is also the reason I was prompted to write this review. DELICIOUS. I wish I could go eat some right now! My friends had the pork chop and salmon. The pork was good but the salmon really blew us away. Cooked perfectly with a creamy just barely cooked center and crispy skin, the salmon was delicious even without anything else. It was a friday night and one friend was running late so our server was nervously checking on us the whole time, which made us uncomfortable. Other tables that sat there before us and left after us were not made to feel this way, which bothers me.
(4)Brittany C.
This was my first time eating at a French restaurant, and I suppose I was expecting a little more, considering the reviews I've read about Petit Robert. The meals around the table were very touch and go--while my goat cheese and leek quiche was very tasty, it was nothing to write home about, admittedly, the potato gratin was amazing (behold, the power of butter), but both beef dishes at my table were very overdone and not very appetizing. Service was quite slow as well, given that the restaurant was not busy for Sunday brunch. I don't know if it's worth coming back or just worth learning to make buttery potato gratin on my own. The bread was delicious--I wish we were given more of it, considering it was gone in 5 minutes! I would probably go back here--I'm giving Petit Robert the benefit of the doubt that at least one of their chefs knows how to cook beef properly.
(3)Mykal D.
I'm always a little skeptical of anything proclaiming itself as french food in Boston, but leaving this place makes you think you'd step out onto the champs-Élysées instead of Comm Ave. The waiter even spoke French! (I don't know if this is the case with the entire waitstaff) The decor is very cozy and makes you want to whisper sweet nothings into someones ear and comes complete with soft lighting and the small but ample tables perfect for whispering. Now for the reason most people go to a restaurant: Pear Martini: Good, but sip slowly as my friends was pretty strong . Old Fashioned: I've had better, but it isn't french, so I'll give them a pass on that, Salmon Pate: Like butta, soft and succulent Shrimp and Lobster Macaroni: Excellent - almost considered licking the dish, thought about it, then requested some bread to wipe the dish clean. Seriously, I don't even like macaroni, but this is def the bee's knees. Duck Confit - Standard, nothing to slap your mother over or anything. Gargoyles on Somerville def owns the market for an amazing duck. Peach desert: Meh, passable Chocolate Mousse: Good enough that you would stab someone w/ a fork if they tried to steal a bite. Overall, I really enjoyed the place. A little pricey, but if I ever feel the need for macaroni, this place is def worth wherever you'd have to come from to get it. The only reason I don't give it 5 stars was that I was expecting a much better duck confit from a french place.
(4)Ruth H.
My husband and I love this place for special date nights. Great food, lovely French bistro atmosphere.
(4)John K.
I don't give many five-star reviews, but the food here is excellent, and the service is superb. And for the reasonable prices, the place cannot be beat. I've been twice (once for dinner, once for brunch) and they did a good job accommodating my food allergies both times.
(5)Huan z.
Make sure to make reservation before come to this restaurant. Small Portions but delicious. Very happy with my meal. Will come again.
(4)Jonathan L.
Funny place to go if you're chugging beer at Lower Depths next door and you're just jonesing for a shot of Jameson. (They don't serve shots at Lower Depths). Even though we stormed the place rather drunkenly and interrupted many first dates and quiet politician-mistress-meetups, we were poured very generous shots - more like doubles. The food smelled very good, and paired delightfully with our Jameson.
(5)Morgan W.
I had a wonderful meal here, but what was really special was the service. I'd strongly recommend this place, if you have even a single Gallic bone in your body.
(4)Amy K.
We had a nice, very affordable lunch at Petit Robert, but I wasn't blown away by anything I tried. I had the salade nicoise, and BF had a brie sandwich with french fries (or should I say pommes frites?) The salad was tasty, but nothing I couldn't make myself at home. I didn't understand why there was a large piece of broccoli in it, but maybe they were out of green beans that day. I tried the french fries, and they were a little on the soggy side, and not very hot. Service was good, and I liked the atmosphere, but the food was really nothing special.
(3)Jessica L.
Came here last night with a friend. We both got the soup du jour, a pumpkin soup, which had pieces of tender chicken. I really loved the flavoring and light broth; my friend thought it was just okay. It came steaming, burning hot, though, enough to hurt the tongue. For a main, I had the "Roasted Leg of Rabbit, Mustard and Mushroom Sauce," which came with sides of buttery mashed potatoes, three slices of boiled carrots, and two sprigs of broccoli. They definitely weren't generous with the vegetables there. But the rabbit was tender and the mushroom sauce was delicious. After spending all of January in rural southern France, I'd say this dish was close to (though a step below) the country food I had -- straightforward but still tasty. My friend had the Beef Bourguignon, which she said was really good beef. She's a big foodie too, so I trust her on this. As others have mentioned, it was comforting to hear French spoken both by the staff and other diners in the restaurant.
(4)Melanie P.
Great meal and ambiance. All tastes were exquisite. Hubby had snails and calf's liver. He said he never had better. I had duck confit with sausage and it was wonderful. The waiter suggested a wonderful wine. For dessert we had sorbet with almond cookie and husband had a wonderful chocolate dessert. The wait staff could have been more attentive with water, but otherwise an excellent experience. We would definitely go back!
(4)Countess O.
Yelp really should have half-point systems, because I would totally give Petit Robert a 3.5. We went on a Monday night, weren't preparing to have a big meal. The service was very courteous and attentive, and valet parking was free which is always a plus. We were seated right away, in the back of the restaurant near the windows, and the view was great. There was a stretch of clean, semi-boutique looking apartments lining the other side of the street, while the Green Line ran across the middle of the street once in a short while like a trolley or street car, together with the small stripe of lawn in the middle of the street lined by a row of iron-gated fence, created a rather European air.The restaurant was rather packed even on a Monday night, and unfortunately people were talking very loudly, and the ambiance was perhaps not that conducive to a romantic evening with a happy ending, but great for friends and family. The bread was wonderful --- steaming, hot freshly baked baguette that was just the right combo of hard surface and soft inside, and tasted like heaven together with actually spreadable, REAL butter. It was so good that i finished my roll, despite all the dietary warnings of not filling oneself up with carbs before your meal. Trust me, you will want to finish your baguette, and perhaps ask for more. We ordered the onion soup and escargot for starters. I love escargot and have always ordered it at every French restaurant that I've been to, and I must say while it is solid, it's not stellar. As always, the pesto is very overwhelming, all a bit too strong and greasy. For my entree I ordered the hors d'oeuvre "Pan Seared Semi-Boneless Quail, Port Wine and Orange Sauce," and that was quite a let-down, I must say honestly. The quail came on a huge leaf of butternut lettuce sprinkled with a few pieces of grape, drizzled with a dark sauce which tasted nothing of --- as the title enticed --- port wine and orange sauce. The quail itself was tender enough, yet was waaaaay too salty. It was so salty that I actually only ate two bites, and I have never actually done this before at a restaurant, i.e. leave a dish almost untouched because it didn't taste good. The quail itself already tasted like the chef had a seizure while salting (seriously!) and I could only dare to imagine what it would have tasted like with the sauce. Needless to say, that was quite a disappointment. When the waiter came to clear tables, he asked me if I wanted it boxed to go. I gave him a polite yet slightly annoyed "no," and told him to relay to the chef that the dish was way too salty. Hopefully that message got through. I felt bad giving this place a 3.5 because, overall, it was a semi-pleasant dining experience. While the escargot was not bad, the quail was just unacceptable. I sincerely hope the chef did have an accident. P.S. If they have Maudite on tap, DO get that. If you think Maudite tastes great in a cork bottle, try it fresh. It will make a hard day's work go all away with just one sip.
(3)Kimberly W.
In a word? impeccable. Petit Robert Bistro serves the French classics, using delicious fresh ingredients and cooking in the true French style. I know French food, and I thoroughly enjoyed my meal here. The French have a philosophy of eating as being an experience; you will receive that here, with a romantic atmosphere, professional wait staff, and delicious food. A bit pricey, but it's worth it for the quality of the food served here. My spouse and I had the escargot, duck confit, poulet coq au vin, and the gâteau au chocolat. All delicious. And of course, the bread is excellent! All in all, I recommend this place to anyone looking to try out the French classics and have a true culinary experience.
(5)Eddie W.
Since the chef Jacky Robert was the executive chef of Maison Robert from '96-'01 you are getting the same dishes you would get at M.R. for a much better price. The escargot are outstanding. The frog legs are out of this world. Cooked to perfection so they fall right off the bone. Don't forget to order the souffle in advance though since it takes about 20 minutes to get that little piece of heaven on your table. The only reason I'm giving P.R.B. 4-stars instead of 5-stars is the 40 minute wait between apps and entrees the last time I was there. It was the night of a Red Sox-Yankees game though so I understand if there were some issues that night. I still made the game on time however. That was the 1st time I ever had to wait like that. If you enjoy 5 star french food at a 1 star price then make sure to hit up P.R.B.
(4)Bridget B.
The Eiffel tower made out of chocolate is cute. I had a really good croque monsieur with french fries there (I'm ashamed to admit I went to a French restaurant and had french fries, but they came with the damn sandwich!) I also really liked the onion soup as well. The main dining hall seems like it can get very crowded, and the tables are all right next to each other. I went there for lunch on a hot day, so most people were sitting outside, so we actually had the whole dining room to ourselves which was pretty neat. Very light, airy, sparsely decorated. I liked it a lot. I wish I had more to work with in regards to this review, but I have not had time to go back. I was very impressed with the prices for lunch, I'm not sure if dinner gets a bit more steep or not.
(4)Natalya M.
What a wonderful little bistro!! It is a little piece of French heaven in Boston! I have been here twice and have not been disappointed. The French Onion soup is perfectly spiced and has the perfect bread filling while the melted cheese accompanies all the flavors and decadently drips over the pot edges. The foie gras, which I have had in numerous places, really defined that this little bistro really knows French dining! I especially loved the Eiffel Tower dessert, which was so sweet and moist...it really made me quiver (and I hate hate hate cake! but this was just right!). Overall a wonderful spot to go to with friends for a not so heavy a price tag.
(5)Vijay R.
I have not been to many French restaurants, but I was told that Boston has some of the best French restaurants in the North Eastern region. I went with two other friends, and all of our dishes were delicious. We got the duck confit, salmon, and tilapia. I got the tilapia and it had a creamy garlic and rosemary flavor pan seared to perfection. The mash potatoes had a creamy texture to complement the tilapia. Unlike many places I have been in Boston, the service was fabulous, so it is almost an automatic star. I guess I can not give 5 stars since I do not have a comparison for French food.
(4)Brett W.
This place is some major YUM. A considerable group (8 in total) of us went here for a friend's birthday on a Saturday night and had an amazing time. My friend and I split the garden salad, which is what it sounds like, but still flavorful without being boring. A good appe-teaser for sure. But it was the entree that really sealed the deal. Petit Robert is the type of restaurant where your only worry is WHAT to choose. I went with the Chicken "Coq au Vin" with Buttered Noodles and my stomach practically leaped from my body with excitement. My friend's pork loin was also very tender, and I heard someone rave about the veal (if you're into veal). Even the side of spinach was delicious. I also had a gin cocktail, which I BELIEVE was called something along the lines of "Sidecar," or at least had "car" in its name. Maybe. I could be making this up. I can't find it online, but it was THE ONE. Petit Robert really knows how to wine and dine you and send you home with a full belly and smile on your face!
(4)johnny r.
This is by far the best value for your fine dining $ in boston!! If you want a great gourmet meal with service, quality, and decor, this is THE PLACE! And, there are 3 of them in greater boston to boot! Flank steak is near perfection. We split the bibb salad, and they make it more than enough for 2. Must try the crepes only made on saturday! Can't wait to go back!!!
(5)Alex S.
I was a little nervous that I would be walking into a Walt Disney World French restaurant given the lighten up Eiffel tower outside and the famous desert served with a chocolate Eiffel Tower. To my relief the positive Yelp reviews had not led me astray. Instead of a cheesy tacky experience, this restaurant had a great atmosphere. It was well decorated and you could see and smell right into the kitchen from the dinning area. The delicious buttery French cuisine had my ole factory bulbs going crazy from the moment I sat down. They candlelit tables enhanced the atmosphere while not being too dark to read the menu. The Cabernet we had was great. The all stars from our appetizers had to be the carrot and ginger soup special and the applewood smoked salmon. The salmon was definitely smoked in the restaurant as it had a deep smoky flavor that was distinct from the out of the package smoked salmon. I had the duck confit for my main which was very good and not too greasy but the vegetables that came with it were kind of limp and plain. The salmon entree enclosed in a pastry was ok but too rich and buttery for my taste. You could take a bit or too but then it was too much. The desert was phenomenal even though I am not usually a desert guy. The best was the chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream and strawberry sauce. The cake was still warm when served. The Profiterole, however, was the MVP. The chocolate sauce was incredibly dark and fudgy. Really superb. A great French place to go for flavor ambiance and not ridiculous prices.
(4)Allison B.
For the longest time, I wanted to try Petit Robert, but the bf refused. Why, you ask? Because their website has blinking text. You know, like 1996 Geocities-style blinking text. "But that says nothing about the quality of the food!" I'd exclaim - "you're oversimplifying." But he was adamant that the website is a reflection of the business as a whole. Finally, he relented. The outcome? Good, but really nothing special. And yes, we went all out: gratinee, wine, - even frog legs - but nothing really blew us away. RE: Frog legs - the +1's only comment was "I've had better." RE: Gratinee - Specifically, I like the one at Bon Savor in JP better. The service and ambience, on the other hand, were great. Prompt, friendly, and all that jazz. Love the outdoor seating area w/ Parisienne mural (though I think it could do with some plants). But for the price and hoop-la, I'd rather go somewhere else.
(3)Boston D.
I was very impressed by the food here. I wasn't expecting to be. I was expecting "ok", but everything we had was delicious, from the seared foie gras, to the trout amandine, to the scallops...delicious wine too, although I felt a little sacrilegious ordering a California Zinfandel (Deerfield Red Rex for $45) in a classic French bistro. The ambiance is a little boring...the building is a classic brick townhouse outside of Kenmore....we were seats in the basement...feeling is a little claustrophobic, but also cute. Probably not a good place to go on a diet, as recipes are classic French.
(4)Michelle S.
Just had AMAZING pate! I've never tried it before and the trio-appetizer platter was scrumptious. We had it with the french baguette and Dijon mustard and I scarfed it down. Next, I had scallops and crab over spinach! VIOLA, best scallops I've ever eaten, which is saying a lot since I grew up on the ocean with access to delicious and fresh seafood. Lightly seared, almost raw, which was melting in my mouth. Even the veggies were to die for! My boss (who took me out to lunch) got tripe, although she is a little more adventurous than me. It wasn't terrible, not that I'd order it again, but that's because I'm not a huge fan of tripe ever! She seemed to think it was one of the best she's ever had though for what it's worth. We had lattes afterward, which were better than Starbucks!!! DEFINITELY go here...
(5)Jacqueline Z.
Went here last night (Monday) with my family. Overall, very good experience. Food: very good! Excellent bread to start. **Recommended appetizers/soups/salads: Onion Soup, Lobster Bisque (soup), Salad Nicoise, Beet and goat cheese salad (special; my fave!) **Recommended entrees: Lamb Cassoulet (with sausage--so good) - was a special, Pan Seared Scallops **Recommended desserts: White Chocolate Bread Pudding, Apple Tart Tatin, Profiterole (my fave) Wine: lots of good selections in the $25-45/bottle range. Corkage fee here is $25, fyi. Service: A-. Waitress was very accommodating; slightly pushy but not too bad. Atmosphere: 3 different seating areas (a handful of 2-4 person tables outside, inside ground floor---2-6 person tables, inside downstairs--larger parties and bar area). Could probably get a bit loud on busy nights but was fine for us on a Monday night. Would love to go back here again soon. Great value for your dollar.
(4)Jenny L.
I never thought such a classy but affordable restaurant would be on my campus! I've walked many times by it, smitten by the lit up Eiffel tower, always afraid to look at the prices to discover that I can't eat at such a wonderful place. But my friend had eaten there before and wanted to take me out. This place is affordable for what it offers!!! I wanted to try their french onion soup. It was better than the ones I've tried in France. The cheese was gooey. The bread had just the right amount of moisture. And I can't say anything but rapturous praise of its soup. I just wish I had taken more time to enjoy every sip and bite of this wonderful concoction.
(5)Rebecca B.
I have nothing but wonderful things to say about Petit Robert Bistro. I took my best friend tonight before her flight back home. We were short on time and mentioned that to our server. We had the Julia Child special, which included lobster bisque, coq au vin with buttered noodles, and mousse au chocolat... all for $29. Everything was delicious. The lobster bisque was perfectly spiced, a little kick and not too salty. The coq au vin was amazing -- HUGE portion. The chicken fell right off the bone, the sauce was perfect, and the noodles were cooked just right. Even though I was full, I couldn't stop eating the mousse au chocolat. If possible, the service may have been even better than the food. Our server brought out each course as soon as we were finished, allowing us to eat a three course meal in an hour (which makes us sound completely gluttonous, yes) and get to the airport on time. Parfait!
(5)Michelle L.
Took my family here for a nice night out in Boston. And oh, did I make the right choice. We made reservations beforehand, which I strongly recommend. Space is limited and the place is always busy. I will say the lighting was too dim for my tastes. Candlelight is romantic, perhaps, but I like being able to see. Decor was classy, very French, very sophisticated. It's a higher class of restaurant than I'm used to. Onto the food, the important part: We all agonized over the menu. Everything looked good. Except maybe the tripe and the calf's brains. We're not offal people. After some time deliberating over each item, my aunt and my cousin decided on the salmon en croute, my uncle ordered the coq au vin, and I had the cod bouillabaisse. The bread was excellent, fresh and piping hot when it came to our table. We also received a second basket when our server noticed how quickly the first one disappeared-- now that earns bonus points with me. We were all exclaiming over our entrees; I think we were all perfectly satisfied. I thought I'd had excellent seafood before, but I've never tasted mussels with so buttery-smooth a texture as the ones that came in my bouillabaisse; the cod was also excellent, though I had to be careful of the bones in the fillet. We couldn't resist dessert, either. And at a French bistro it seems obligatory: if you want the decadence that is French food, you need to commit yourself fully. My aunt and uncle shared the apple-raisin bread pudding; my cousin and I split the chocolate mousse. Both desserts were as indulgent as could be hoped for. The mousse was sinfully chocolate; dark and creamy at the same time. My words don't do our meal justice. Maybe I'm just tired. But this place comes highly recommended. I'll be back to try the obligatory french onion soup, and find out about that chocolate Eiffel Tower.
(5)S S.
I love this restaurant! My husband and I come here frequently when we crave good French food. This is one of my favorite places for brunch on a relaxing Saturday. Their french toast is delicious, and they serve a good, solid eggs benedict. I've also had their coffee and potato soup, which I wasn't a big fan of, but it was my mistake. I misread the menu and expected a cup of coffee and a bowl of potato soup, but it's actually coffee inside potato soup. My husband, on the other hand, thought it was delicious. Their crispy egg salad is also pretty good. I wasn't a big fan of the crispy eggs, as they're basically breaded and deep fried eggs, but the salad was delicious! Dinners are great here too. I highly recommend the coq au vin and beef bourguignon. Prices are reasonable and the portions are big. The service here is fantastic and it really is a gem in the Kenmore/Fenway area!
(5)Emily O.
So-so French food and snail slow service. I was here with my boyfriend's boss and work colleagues; although conversation was great, the food was iffy. I would steer clear of the profiteroles. They were nasty and stale biscuits that had clearly been made at the start of the week and piped with unsweetened whipped cream, then coated with a huge layer of chocolate to mask their staleness. Ick. Won't be making a return visit.
(3)Kelly G.
Super fab date spot-- quiet and dim-- grottoesque really. The ambiance gets the mood going and the food will get you home. I ordered iconic french food/drink right down the menu -- kir royale framboise, the Onion Gratinee Soup (which in other non-french restaurants would be French Onion Soup), Coque Au Vin for dinner, and then Chocolate Mouse for dessert. Now I love (French) onion soup, but I usually just eat the top layer (you know the cheese, bread, and a little broth part) but I got straight to the bottom of this and considered licking the bowl-- but before I could ponder that too long, the waitress came with the next course. Coque au Vin is a rustic dish consisting of chicken, pasta, and some wine brothyness. I'm a doggy bag sort of girl, generally portions are way too big for me-- but I ate the whole thing and didn't once regret it. And then I ordered dessert. Strike me down for saying so, but the mousse was almost too rich. I ate about half of it and then relinquished it to FW to polish it off. Also the kir royale framboise (like a regular kir royale but with raspbery stoli in it) would have knocked me on my ass if I'd had it without food. I'm a lightweight, I admit-- but champagne, vodka, and chambord had me tipped even with a full stomach. Well done!
(5)Linda Z.
The food at Petit Robert would be adequate for a lower-priced restaurant but for the price point, I struggle to give it more than two stars. The lobster bisque is nice, though every time I have ordered it, I receive it lukewarm even when the restaurant is not busy. The entrees are mediocre for the price. I had the scallops and they were quite overcooked and rubbery, while the risotto underneath was acceptable. The wait staff is kind enough, though I have not complained there before - based on the customer feedback, providing the Chef with feedback would be a waste of everyone's time. If you are looking for a place last-minute and do not mind paying more for food that is of lower quality, you can often get a table here without a wait.
(2)Roger A.
Any real Parisian bistro would put this place to shame, and that's a real pity. You walk in feeling like you should've shown a passport at the door. Chalkboard specials, French waitstaff, Eiffel Towers everywhere, all make you think you've been transported from Comm Ave to Paris in an instance. It all falls apart after that... We did a quartet of appetizers and were disappointed with all of them. 1) We got what the waiter described as a "shrimp dumpling in a lobster sauce" special. It was a golfball sized blob made of finely minced shrimp wrapped in some type of dough. Ever had minced shrimp packed into a ball before? It was disgusting. Not a single piece of lobster in the lobster sauce. 2) Bayonne Ham and melon. Meh. The "ham" is really a prosciutto and the melon tasted like something you'd buy at Stop&Shop. The dish was garnished with sesame oil. Interesting combination that didn't work well. 3) Bib Salad with Panko crusted Goat Cheese. How can you mess up a salad? Easy, the dressing was sparse and boring (could've used Ken's French Dressing and gotten a better review). The goat cheese was a blob of deep fried cheese. Not what I pictured, at all. 4) Heirloom tomatoes and goat cheese salad. More like Plum tomatoes and goat cheese salad. What's exciting about plum tomatoes? Nothing, especially when you're expecting a delicious heirloom. Garnished in the same sesame oil as above and therefore lost points for lack of creativity. Lastly: Service was slooooow once the restaurant got a little busy. Wine was hit or miss. My Cab was very good, my wife's Pinot would've made a good salad dressing. All in all, a nice (albeit smokey due to the open kitchen) environment catering to an everyday crowd at slightly more than everyday prices. In the neighborhood and need a sit-down meal? Hop in. Looking for a place to spend a nice evening with memorable food? Look elsewhere...
(2)Angie S.
Purchased a groupon for this restaurant and finally when my schedule cleared up a little I was able to get around to going. I'm not generally a fan of French food however I figured I would give it a try. The desserts were good, very rich in flavor. The food I did not like at all especially for the price listed on the menu. The reason I gave this four stars is because the service was AMAZING!!! They were all so extremely pleasant and always made sure you had everything you needed. The food was a 2, the dessert was a 4 and the service was a 5 so I figured a 4 would be justifiable. When i was there I had the half chicken, mashed potatoes and veggies. All of the food had ALOT of butter. I would go back there maybe for dessert but that's about it.
(4)Tamas S.
Staff = Great. Food = Yummy! Atmosphere = very comfortable. I will definitely be back here.
(5)Anastasia R.
The Fiancee loves rural French dishes which was something I discovered when we went out on our latest date. The food was very good and our waitress was almost fluent in French, was able to answer my questions very well since I wasn't familiar with the cuisine, plus she was super approachable. It was an overall 5 star experience. From cocktails to dessert we had a wonderful time. Note: Frog's legs don't taste like chicken. They taste like chicken cooked in fish. Not bad, just different. Don't let the man lie to you.
(5)Garth S.
Last Sunday evening, C---- and I decided to stop by Petit Robert for an early dinner. It was around six-thirty and already the dining room was full. We did not have a reservation. I didn't think it would be so crowded so early on a Sunday evening but C---- reminded me that although the college kids abandon Boston for February vacation, there were still a few grownups kicking around who might want to enjoy a Presidents' Day or St. Valentine's Day dinner out. The hostess suggested we sit at the downstairs bar where we could order immediately or we could wait about a half-hour for a table. C----- wanted to eat quickly so she could get home in time for "The Amazing Race" but I preferred a table so we compromised and ordered drinks at the bar while we studied the menu. I grew up watching "The French Chef" (I was a strange child) and as I read the menu, I imagined I heard Julia reciting the menu with her eminently imitable speech impediment: coq au vin . . . pot-au-feu . . . boeuf bourguignon . . . saumon en croute . . . PBS just doesn't produce shows like that anymore. The hostess interrupted my memories of food cooked with pounds of butter and drowning in buckets of heavy cream to announce that our table was ready. We'd waited only about fifteen minutes. She also thoughtfully had our bar bill transferred to our table. In retrospect, I think we screwed the bartender out of a tip. I ordered the coq au vin and C---- settled on the tomato-carrot soup and ratatouille. We split one of the special hors d'oeuvres, a lobster macaroni and cheese. It was very rich and quite tasty with nice chunks of lobster but I could have done without it. My coq au vin, however, served with buttered noodles, was perfect. C---- clearly enjoyed her soup and ratatouille and for a moment I was afraid her tongue would collide with her plate. We did not order wine and C----- cheated me out of dessert so she could make it home in time for her program. (Honestly, can you believe she'd choose a television show over dinner with me?) The service was great, the food enjoyable, and our bill, which included hors d'oeuvres, two beers, one cocktail, one entree, soup, and a side, came to just over sixty bucks including the tip. It's great to find a French restaurant that's neither super-fancy nor break-the-bank expensive. Petit Robert is not haute cuisine. It's just a neighborhood bistro serving French comfort food in a simple, cozy environment. Best of all, Petit Robert is versatile: you can take a date, bring your parents, or even try dining by yourself on a quiet night. Whatever you do, though, save time and room for dessert. Also, try to stay away from the frog legs. Like Kermit, I submit that there's nothing sadder than the sight of millions of frogs with tiny crutches.
(4)Wayne D.
"Bonjour"!!! Screams a wonderful-yet-all-over-the-place French woman. She promptly greets my party of two, slightly underdressed for this beautiful restaurant, and offers us a bottle of water. "Sparkling Perrier will do" I kindly asked, and sparkling it was..... I went on a limb here and ordered a few flavors that would not compliment many others. I started with a cream of mushroom soup because it was cold outside and my only purpose was to heat up. It certainly did the trick. I ended up eating the entire bowl (and the serving was bountiful). I became more and more daring so I ordered Tripes Provençal, not a traditional Wayne experience. Knowing I was getting a dish with incredible flavor (so I hoped as the flavors in a Provencal dish usually compliment each other very well) I ordered a glass of rose wine. Sophie would have been so proud! For dessert, a cafe latte and a bluberry shortcake. The flavors in the shortcake were a bit weak but considering the personalities of the staff it did not matter. I was full by that point anyway. If you haven't been, you haven't lived.
(4)Cookie D.
Five of us had lunch at Petit Robert Bistro last Friday afternoon. So much was wrong, I'm not sure where to start. The restaurant only had a few tables filled, but we waited at least 45 minutes for our food. The fresh tuna in the nicoise salad was gray when it was served, and horribly overcooked. The most unappetizing piece of fish I've ever seen. My chicken crepe was sub par - the "cream sauce" was under flavored and glutenous. It had the consistency of campbell's chicken soup but without the flavor ( how sad is that - when Campbell's chicken soup is tastier than your chicken crepe!) The overhead fans were on so high that my hair was blowing in the wind! Not all our food was delivered, and we had to ask for the rest of it. The side order I was told came with my meal was different than what I got. Very disappointing. Maybe they were having an off day.
(1)Heather R.
Cozy bistro. But the duck confit was a bit dry.
(3)Chris R.
I don't even know how many times I have been here, probably 6 or 7. I LOVE this place. They change their menu often enough that you can go a few times a year and get something completely new every time. I look forward to the fall when they will (hopefully) have the Normandy sausages again (one of the best dishes I have ever had). Although the food and service are wonderful, the best thing about this place is the price. Under $20 for everything on the menu for a place of this quality is a very rare find. If they moved 6 blocks down Comm Ave towards the city they could easily charge $10 more for every dish on the menu and they would still get people coming in. I love Petite Robert and always look forward to going back.
(5)Anita B.
We went to Petit Robert Bistro for lunch while staying down the street at the Commonwealth. The escargot was absolutely fantastic. Very garlic-y and delicious. Duck was excellent and fell apart in my mouth. So tender. The only reason I gave Petit Robert 4 stars instead of 5 was because of the waiter. I have never met a more snobby, arrogant person. He didn't talk to me, but rather talked directly to my husband. That didn't sit well with me! I can order for myself, thanks... All in all, I'd come back. I've heard good things and I doubt that the entire waitstaff is like the waiter we had. A solid French restaurant.
(4)Hilary C.
Wow, they weren't kidding when they said french bistro. I forgot where I was for a moment there. Good food, good wine, good service. I would definitely come back for a touch of France.
(3)Liz B.
Wow. I was shocked. I expected so much more from our meal. We went for my husband's birthday. I called the restaurant ahead of time and mentioned this. We were given a pretty cramped table (nothing special). We ordered champagne, the panko goat cheese salad, and pate plate to start. That part of the meal was very good. Then the service started to slow down and the room became so hot that we were both dripping in sweat - and I am not a big "sweater." We ordered the duck confit which was very dry and overcooked, and I had the short ribs which were good, but served with steamed broccoli which was a very odd vegetable to serve - it took away from the meal. The water never came back for a wine order, and we were so uncomfortable with the heat in the room, we skipped dessert. Service was terrible and never once was my husband's birthday acknowledged. (Perhaps had we been able to stay for dessert, they might have mentioned it, but we were soaking wet in sweat.) For the price the food was average to good. I would not go back.
(2)Nicole F.
The food was OK. Actually, the Risotto was really good and the lamb and potatos was average. The service, however, was terrible. We waited an hour for our food and the waitstaff in general was very inattentive. Someone came by and dropped off complimentary pate while we waited. Unfortunately he didn't stick around long enough to learn that no one at the table likes pate. My dog loved it though!
(2)Susie F.
Wonderful restaurant! I came here for a late dinner. The service was very good, and the soufflé--oh, the soufflé! The flavor for that day was lemon with a warm chocolate sauce. Yummmmm. I got the veggie penne pasta, and it was very flavorful. I think we got the soup of the day for an appetizer, and that was very delish as well. Bread was also yummy. Great prices, too!
(5)Nicole B.
i am still trying to recover from the desert orgasm my mouth has had the pleasure of enjoying! i went here for desert after a show and all i can say is OH MY GAWD! the passionfruit souffle is probably the most decadent desert ever created. i sampled everyone else's deserts as well, and while the were nowhere near the equisiteness that was my passionfruit souffle, the were still pretty amazing. i can't wait to come back here for dinner! i checked out the dinner menu while i was here and it looked amazing! no entree was over $20 and they all looked fantastic! after i try dinner, i'll get back to y'all. i'm expecting great things! EDITED on July 30, 2008: I've been here for dinner several times and every time I love it more and more! I've had the scallops (full of flavor and garlic-y goodness), the bluefish (the most moist piece of fish I have ever had, huge piece too!) and the duck confit (delicious!). This is fast becoming my favorite place in boston for good, not expensive food. Not one person I know who has come here has said anything less than fabulous!
(5)Xin S.
Good French bistro food. I tried escargots for the first time--they were tasty little morsels in a garlic & parsley butter. We also got the duck confit kimchee roll, which while absolutely delicious, came with a meager THREE pieces. We were very disappointed at how little we got, especially since it was a $10 app. Both entrees were solid (haddock and pork loin) and came with the same veggies (carrots and broccoli) and starch (half a potato). All the food was tasty and well done. We were there for an early dinner so it was pretty empty, but the place was very cute and cozy.
(4)Jemima T.
I love it... I'd never order chicken in a restaurant, but the roast chicken is to die for. And it's a great place for adventurous eaters (go on- try the calf's liver) and for your regular old steak-and-potatoes type (steak frites anyone?) I love the atmosphere, and the food is amazing.
(5)Winnie W.
I wanted to love this place, I really do, but I don't. :( It looks like it'd be the kind of place I'd adore - nice and attentive French servers and very intimate setting. However, the food just doesn't live up to expectations. I ordered Traditional Bouillabaisse with Lobster ($27.50) and the lobster was half of a very very small lobster, maybe half the size of my palm. The soup was nothing to write home about. However, my appetizer trio of pate was fantastic and such a great deal at $7. It went really good with the bread they provided.
(3)david m.
Food is good and reasonably priced, but had a horrible experience there once. My wife ordered a salad, which turned out to have a cockroach-looking bug in it. The waiter was aghast, and brought us lots of free food. But the manager-- of all people -- came over and said "It's really not out fault because we don't make our own salads. All we do is take the produce out of the bag." Exactly what he said. I know there prices aren't exorbitant or anything, but is this what i should expect from them? Why shouldn't i go to Shaw's and get their bags of produce instead and save $5, and where i don't get any denials of responsibility when they serve up a bug? I would still go back to the restaurant, b/c the food is good and reasonably priced. I would politely ask that they hold the insects though.
(2)Carolyn S.
In celebration of MLK day (a day off from work) my family took us to Petit Robert for a late afternoon lunch. I'd heard good things about this place. The local French collegue claimed the spot was "very authentic" when it comes to French fare. Upon arrival we were served freshly baked bread with soft creamy butter. Very delicious. It was hard not to snarf down the entire basket (I was saving myself for the meal.) The special of the day was a lobster macaroni and cheese. As if I could ever turn that down! For an "appetizer" the serving was quite substantial. The macaroni was the traditional elbow variety, cooked al dente and served in a ceramic dish filled with chunks of lobster meat and a phenomenal creamy lobster sauce, then sprinkled with some parmesan cheese. I split the dish with my bro and we sopped up the remainder of the amazing lobster sauce with the rest of the bread. Another hit was the cream of beet soup. It arrived bright and pink with a wonderful flavor of beet with just the right amount of cream. I was sufficiently inspired to want to make the dish myself. Less impressive was the beet salad with goat cheese. I've had better (and made better.) Compared to the soup and the mac&cheese, this dish was lacking in both texture and flavor. I personally like my salad to have a slightly warm roasted beet with the cheese either warm or cool. Instead the beets and cheese tasted like they had been carelessly stacked and stuck in the fridge until just before serving. The endive was fresh, but overpowered by raw onion. Still, we carried on. For a main dish I ordered the pan seared U10 scallops with sautéed spinach and No Sauce. No Sauce turned out to be just that. No Sauce. And the scallops, really did not need any flavoring. They were pan seared to perfection, sweet, tender and very delicious. I wouldn't have minded just a LITTLE bit of sauce (or maybe just a drizzle of flavor), but found the dish to be impressive without. Although, the sad little vegetables on the side looked a bit neglected and dry. My advice is to order heavy on the seafood and soups and ignore the salads and veggies. A meal at a French bistro would not be complete without dessert. I ordered a plate of the seasonally flavored macarons. The came in passionfruit, rosewater and pistachio. All delicous (but incomparable to the macarons I had in the French patisseries of Dakar, Senegal!) After a cup or two of coffee I was stuffed beyond belief. I spent the rest of the evening vegged out in front of the TV. A MLK day well spent.
(3)Arnaz M.
Excellent escargot and a great romantic feel. Been there for our anniversary and have always had a good time.
(4)Rave M.
I do love that little patio, despite there being no people-watching view. It's nice to go to a bistro that actually has decent prices. I also love that lunch, and its accompanying lunch pricing, is served till very late in the afternoon -- 4 pm I think. Great spot for dinner with a friend or for a date that oozes charm but won't break the bank.
(4)Elizabeth M.
Quelle joie! Now that I've partaken, I can appreciate the Xmas-lit Eiffel Tower for what it is; a wink and a nod that not all French restaurants have to take themselves so very seriously. Our adorable garcon/server was charming and witty (and we were a mixed crowd so it wasn't just for the ladies). "Bistro" is a word adopted by the French and is the Russian word for "fast food"--a fun way of saying casual delicious food. Petit Robert Bistro nails it. I made a reservation the same day, and got an 8:30 table on a Friday night. The ambiance is warm, not affected. Started with the moules--this is definitely the season and they were prepared simply, lightly. Also had the foie gras as our Chicago friend noted that the delectable but evil dish is illegal in her town. Served simply, with a fig reduction underneath and pan-seared, it was perfect, and we left 1/2 so as not to spoil our appetites. Breaded cod special was cooked just right, moist and fresh--I'm a stickler about over-sauce'ing and I have to say each item from the menu was prepared the way it should be, with sauce as a hint at complimentary flavor, not as a smothering agent. The chef is paying attention. I give only 4 stars because the entrees were a tad boring after the excitement of the apps and bread (crispy baguette!) and service--yummy but not write-home-about. But then again, that's what a bistro is for. Go to l'Espalier if you want your socks knocked off and wallet emptied! We also enjoyed a chablis, the special of the evening, and it went perfectly with the moules and cod. Ended the meal with carrot cake. Beautifully presented, with layers of light (physically, not calorie-wise) cream, and a rockin' orange reduction swizzled on the plate. My taste buds were already happy so I can't say the dessert added to the meal, but it pleased my companions. Price is right, loved it.
(4)Japhia L.
get the scallops... they are delish!
(4)Henry P.
I don't generally bother writing negative reviews, so read between the lines: We had friends visiting from Manhattan with whom we traveled France twenty years ago, so I chose to dine with the Roberts. We arrived at 7:45 for our 8:00 reservation. ALL FIVE STARS are for 1) the Aubry NV we thoroughly enjoyed at Island Creek Oyster Bar while we waited for our Petit Robert table, and much later 2) a Petit Robert staffer (I asked - her name is Tara) whose athleticism and attitude remains in memory in pleasing contrast to the grim tension, defensiveness and ineptitude surrounding her. She slipped through the unseatable crowd clogging the passageways, sailed up and down the stairs balancing multiple hot plates with feline grace and an unforgettable smile. As for the rest, the excuses, the 9:05 seating, the wine past its prime, the overportioned, oversalted food, the harried server, I've already said too much.
(5)Stephen G.
I went here with a group of about 13 people, and we had a fabulous time. The food is good; perhaps not what you'd find in paris, but where woud you find that . . . the wine list is good but damn overpriced. And their corkage is $30!!!!! ridiculous. Despite the overpriced alcohol, we had a fabulous time. Would easily reccomend this place.
(2)Stephanie L.
ok, so i really wanted to like this place because it's affordable and cozy, and i want to believe that there are places that are affordable and cozy and delicious. but i guess it's affordable for a reason. i ordered a pretty elaborate dish-- a magret de canard and lobster salad, but dude, ONE dry-ish obviously reheated slice of duck, and a dry-ish quarter of a lobster tail over a bed of arugula? COME ON! maybe they would do better to just stick to simpler entrees or something. still, i had a good time here-- the restaurant was sort of empty-ish so the waitress let us have a little wine tasting and try all the reds on the menu before we settled on a bottle. so that was pretty fun. oh and there were cool cheeses. cheese is always fun.
(3)E.N. Z.
It is one of the most authentic French restaurants in Boston! It is also reasonably priced compare to other outrageously expensive French foods. I am giving it four stars because the only negative thing of this restaurant is that it can be very slow. The first time I went there, I waited more than one hour to get my entree. But if you just overlook this flaw, the food is definitely worth the wait. And leave some room for dessert! Their Souffle is to die for. But in general, they have fantastic desserts. For appetizer, the escargots is delicious. The Foie Gras is from local region and tastes great. This is another great feature of this restaurant, they order from local farms and organic stores for ducks, rabbits and foie gras. For entree, the rabbit is a must. Everything I've tried so far is great. You can't go wrong there.
(4)Liz H.
The four stars is because it has been over a year since I have been to Petit Robert - ah, but the memories linger and I must get a refresher tour de france this winter. Have only visited the Kenmore Sq location and it goes without saying that if the Sox are at home and you aren't looking to attend or watch the game then head to the South End location. I'll be honest - I kind of blew through the main meal to get to dessert and the delicately crafted mini chocolate Eiffel tower (I know - how cheesy is that?!). However our group of four enjoyed every aspect of the meal and the atmosphere was incredibly inviting and relaxed that we were the last to leave. I could tell the waistaff were getting a little antsy, but I can empathize - have been in several jobs where people come in and stay, and stay and stay . . . Update coming this winter . . . .
(4)Christine P.
This place is uber-cute. The upstairs dining section is small and cozy. It's a great place to go with a small group of friends and is also a great date spot. The food is very typical French cuisine. The portions are a bit more than what is filling and the prices are great. The risotto wasn't a hit for me as it was too bland and creamy but otherwise, I've always enjoyed what I eat here. It's a great brunch, lunch and dinner restaurant.
(4)Marilynn L.
Completely mediocre. After reading & hearing a lot of good buzz about this 'Parisian' treasure at Kenmore Square, my husband & I met friends there tonight for dinner. Everything was insipid; tasteless, watery, under seasoned, disappointing. The minestrone was downright bizarre, Pot au Feu limp and uninspired. Salad greens dry, shallot vinaigrette with no snap, zip or interest. Good service & a pretty place but we will not be back.
(2)Steven M.
Decent, but not incredible food. The service is good and the location is cute. It's not ridiculously expensive, but you could probably get better bang for your buck.
(4)K W.
We had the foie gras, duck confit ,and the burger dog. Eh, not that great. The foie gras was mushy and inconsistent in texture. The duck confit was dry and lacked taste. The burger dog was burnt and the burnt parts overpowered the cheese. Service was ok. We went based on Yelp reviews and it didn't turn out as we had hoped. Not a place that I would visit again.
(2)Jim M.
The owner remembers my name five months after meeting me, and hadn't seen me since. Food's great, dessert's better, and such ambience. Go for it!
(4)Annie D.
Just had a birthday dinner there this weekend and this is probably due to the fact that I am not a huge fan of french restaurants but the food here was ok. I keep questioning myself if I should have ordered the moles though because that's what I originally came there for. Instead I opted for the calf brain and I don't think that was such a good idea. It tasted very fishy and the texture was too soft for my liking - maybe its just an acquire taste type of thing. Anyhow the service here was great and that is one thing that would probably have me coming back there another time, the wine selection was decent and they managed to find me a California wine that I actually like in Boston - so I was impressed Edna Valley Chardonnay, from Sanoma is what we opted for. For entrees we me and my friend ordered steak with pepper sauce and half baked chicken respectively. I loved the steak and especially the pepper sauce it was excellent! My friends chicken looked a little undercooked and she didn't finish half of it so I am not sure if it was cooked to perfection. Over all this place was pretty cute- has a small Eiffel Tower in front of it and a very cosy atmosphere inside. I liked it and actually I would give it 3.5 stars but such rating is not availabale?
(3)Mischa I.
Very disappointing. Bad service and average food. We had finished our bottle of wine before we got our soups - at which point we already had 3 loafs of bread ... the food was overcooked and we could not get a hold of a manager. After waiting for the manager for over 20 mins, we decided to get up and leave. The manager finally ran over only to offer us dessert when we had been meaning to rectify the situation from the beginning. It's a shame considering we tried to work it out and we've heard such great things about this place. Poor service, average food, cute place but too many tables.
(1)Jay and Jenn O.
The best bread in Boston. Not only for the taste, but how much they bring you. As soon as you are done, they bring you more without asking. I know its bad how they make Pate, but its delicious. Great service with great food.
(4)S S.
I went here last for dinner and ordered the special dinner-Chicken dish that was offered. I do not reccommend because it was dry and tasteless.
(3)Shirley Y.
i love this casual, yet elegant, restaurant for its authentic french dining, it's wonderful service and its unpretentiousness. there is not often a wait and it is easy to get to in the kenmore square area. i have been there twice, once on a date, and it makes me want to go back again and again with both friends and my boyfriend. the menu changes daily with specials and the food and wine is impeccable. the staff is always on hand to assist you with pairing the wine with the delicous and decadent french food. the space is intimate with two levels of dining...get there early for the top floor where the open kitchen creates a comfortable bustle in the cozy space and there is a bay window with a view of comm ave.
(5)Gary F.
Mon Petit Robert, Date night. Tight girl. Little Bobby. However, your food left me kind of uninspired. I find myself drained of my tight reviewing skills. Instead, my blood sugar is sky-rocketing and I'm dreaming of the perfect duck confit. Unfortunately, that is not to be found with you, Bobby. However, in an effort to write my tight reviews, I'll try. Blame it on Bobby if it's not quite tight. That's what I'm doing, anyway. Met outside by lawn ornament-style Eiffel Tower. And trecherous stairs which almost ended a lifetime of tight reviews from Gary. Sexy host and hostess (Gary cannot spell maitre'd. Or maybe he can?) ushered us to our seats. Lttle Bobby felt a iittle cramped and a little sterile. The beautiful space, in Gary's opinion, could have been better utilized by Bobby. Bread. Gary will really have to focus his efforts on the bread because Little Bobby (who apparently has the bread delivered from Canada, seriously. Why Canada? The waiter volunteered this info as if it were a great feat for bread. Perhaps Gary isn't in the know on Canadian bread tightness. He is now.) The bread was tight. Tight bread. And tight butter. We ate about 4 loaves. That may be because the food was good...but...Bobby. When you erect an Eiffel Tower in front of your bistro, you're setting the bar a little high, non? For all of that (plus faux-French speaking hosts), your escargot needed more attention, non? Onion soup gratinee was fine, but it's a little hard to mess up the tightest soup on earth, non? Main courses were also a bit of a let down, Bobby. Duck confit was tight, but there's tigher. And pairing duck confit with dry sausage? Hmmmm. Salmon legs? The jury is still out on the anatomical location of legs on salmon. Again, could have been tighter. For dessert, try the macaroons. They look like cookies Barbie would eat. They didn't look real and the taste was pretty unreal, too. However, white chocolate bread pudding tasted like cheese and was served at room temperature. Gary likes his bread puddings served warm, Bobby. Fin.
(3)R W.
Decent place that won't wow you, but is worth a trip for many different types of occasions. your average, decent French bistro that is appropriate for anything from an informal lunch to formal occasions. many different menus at this open-all-day place. come in for a nice baguette sandwich and coffee during the middle of the day.. or come in for a romantic during on a cold night and enjoy nice ambiance. whenever i pass the place, it also seems like a good idea.
(3)Seth M.
Fantastic food, especially dessert. the stories about the delays and waitstaff are mostly true. However, if you want a great steak frites and a mind-blowing Ile flotante, you are in for a treat. one time I had to wait for a table for 45 minutes (with a reservation, mind you), which was a bummer - but we sat in front of the pasty chef waiting, and that was torture. I nearly leapt over the counter to attack the gateau, cookies, and all the other delights that were being created. great place, just be prepared for a wait.
(4)Chance X.
Good service, food is only ok though. Didn't think it was anything special. I had the french national dish - hot pot. It tastes ok.... I actually the high light of our brunch was the free bread.
(3)S R.
Went here recently for a friend's birthday. The staff was excellent and had a lot of patience, which was great since we were such a large party. I started with a mango mojito, which sounds better than it tasted. It certainly wasn't the worst I've had, but it was mediocre at best. Not enough mango. The fresh bread was very good. I ordered the scallops for my main dish and they were just OK. Not nearly the quality I was expecting, that's for sure. Overall I would say the whole visit was just OK and nothing to write home about. I am definitely not in a hurry to visit again.
(2)Merri H.
great restaurant in kenmore square ( I hear they have another one in the south end which we have never tried) great food, great waitstaff,,,it can be a little loud if you go with a group, but is very cozy and fun if you go with just one other person. We tried the pate & snails (really garlick & Yummy) and the chicken & salmon and then shared a fabulous chocolate dessert! It's worth the trip
(5)Nicole M.
totally affordable and cozy. food was great. we had two apps, two entrees, dessert, and a bottle of wine and got out of there for just over $100. I wasn't too keen on the lobster mac n cheese, but the bisque was great. My steak was ok, not the world's greatest, but about what I expected. Chocolate mousse was fab. I'm going back for sure.
(4)Khanh D.
The food was spectacular! Some of the best French food I've had, and I just came back from a week in Paris. Would definitely recommend the escargots and pate, bluefish and duck confit, and almost any of the desserts. Service was very friendly and helpful in explaining the dishes to a group not that used to fine dining. Restaurant was occasionally a bit on the loud side for a date, but if your date enjoys great food he/she would probably appreciate it. Price was quite reasonable, under $40/person for 3 courses (not including wine).
(5)Eli G.
I'd been meaning to check out petit robert since it opened and finally had a chance chance last weekend. I love bistro style french foo so clearly I had high expectations and they were definitely met. My escarogot app and rabbit entree were both exceptional and rich. The wait staff was also very pleasant and helpful. The one reason it's not getting 5 stars is because the food at les zygomates is just as good, but costs less.
(4)N Z.
I've only sampled breakfast here but everything I have ordered (from their small breakfast menu) was great. Warm freshly baked french bread is served with every meal.
(5)Anna B.
The service is not fast but I think that's intentional - relax and enjoy more wine. This is a good date restaurant - it feels small and tucked away even if it is in Kenmore Square. The night I went we couldn't get a table so we sat at the pasty bar which turned out to be fabulous - we watched the pastry chef make desserts all night! I'd say try the white chocolate bread pudding (my pick) but they all looked pretty awesome.
(4)Kevin M.
I have a new favorite restaurant in Boston! This has been on Columbus Ave for about 2 1/2 weeks so far. Just went to dinner last night....sat outside. Service was great. Bartender was quite knowledgeable, (a bit strange, but that's OK)... Waitstaff/hostess very polite. Food was incredible!!! For a first course, try the salad with the crusted goat cheese! Great wine selection to boot!!
(5)Gazelle T.
Ehh. The prices were reasonable, the food was good not great. My pork tenderloin was more of a pork chop, and on the dry and tough side. My mom loved her swordfish, and she's a picky eater. I wouldn't go back here. There are just too many great restaurants in Boston to waste time on the mediocre ones.
(3)Lala L.
I threw a bridal shower here this past weekend for one of my good friends. The management and staff were extremely nice and accomodating. The dessert were really good, and the pastry chef is awesome. My all time fav is the french macaroons and the custom made pistachio&lemon cake that the pastry chef made for us! Thank you Kristen!
(4)Ellen K.
The food wasn't bad, but the service sucked. When we asked them not to take away our unfinished plate of appetizer pate, one of our servers rolled his eyes at us. rude! we had the rabbit special and scallops for main course. decent food, but i'd rather take my business elsewhere.
(2)James W.
excellent service. chicks with french accents can do pretty much whatever they want with me. good wine recommendation for the three varied dinners at my table - blue fish, lamb chops and veggie polenta of some kind. i thought the food was very good and the portions reasonable. the last time i went to a french restaurant it was like a t.v. commercial. ordered the game hen and got something covering less than 2% of the plate. literally went out for hamburgers after, but that's another matter. liked the setting right off comm ave, but below street level so you didn't have to deal with gawkers. small place without being too loud. reservations recommended. i saw some people without and the wait was substantial. i ordered the chocolate eiffel tower for dessert and actually got a chocolate eiffel tower. really cool. i almost didn't want to eat it, but . . . . they had a full bar when i was there, so i'm not sure why the 17 "none" votes. tasted like scotch to me.
(4)Anita C.
They serve an Eiffel tower made out of chocolate. I went there because the person who was doing their PR invited me to have a glass of wine with her. This place had potential and I can tell it is doing great!!
(3)Sarah S.
An out of town friend, in Boston for a conference, took my broke-ass student self out to dinner here and it was HEAVEN. I'm not a huge French cuisine pro but I do know that our food - half a chicken, cheesy delicious potatoes au gratin, hot cheesy soup, great wine, etc etc - was Great, it was a classy atmosphere (which we did not help at all), and all in all, a Great dining experience. I stumbled out full, tipsy, and Quite satisfied! ITs a GREAT friend who takes to you Petit Robert!
(5)Valerie W.
Petit Robert Bistro offers delicious French food at very reasonable prices. The pate and fois gras apps are to die for, and if you're in the mood for a little adventure, you must try the calf's liver entree--it melts in your mouth! There's also an extensive wine list at totally do--able prices. My experience with the waitstaff has been nothing but good, and the decor is pretty easy on the eyes as well. Petit Robert is definately a great place for a date...or maybe just a special dinner with friends!
(4)camilo a.
okay not really into french food but a friend a mine said hey lets go in and have a beer which first of all how would of know that french beer is actually good but any way i just could not resist trying the deserts that my friends said were delicious and man am i glad i did this will be forever bee one of the best little shops in the Kenmore area
(4)Laura M.
I was so impressed with Petit Robert. I went on a Friday night with my boyfriend and another couple. We were able to get same-day reservations for a table at 6:30, which was nice. It's conveniently located, easy to find, really cute atmosphere, lots of places to hang coats!, and overall made for a nice, hassle-free dining occasion. The service I found to be quite good. We were seated immediately, and our waiter asked us if we needed anything while waiting for a slightly late member of the party to show up. When he arrived, we all ordered a bottle of wine for the table ($22 -- not bad!), the vegan pate, and our entrees in one fell swoop. Our waiter was courteous, friendly, and attentive without seeming snooty. He answered our questions and responded well to a little goofing around. Some of the clientele I was less impressed with, like a guy who came in during our appetizer and started complaining that the table they'd given him wasn't good enough, and couldn't they rearrange the dining room furniture for him? What a prick. Either specify where you'd like to be seated with a reservation, or shut up. The other people in the restaurant seemed like they were pretty laid-back, though, and while it's a nice place, I felt comfortable in jeans. Then the food came. First of all, the cheapest Bordeaux on the wine list was still quite tasty. The bread was a still-warm delicious baguette. I got the duck confit entree and was SO HAPPY. Piping hot delicious duck fat, meat, braised cabbage, all in a subdued but yummy sauce. Also, a tasty sausage. I was a little amused by the token spear of broccoli on my plate, but I ate it and it was fine. Other folks got the steak frites, salmon legs, and lamb cassoulet. They were out of beef bourguignon when we went, which was a shame -- gotta try it next time. Everyone was too full for dessert, but I will have to try it next time because it all sounded fabulous. All told, we fed everyone for $115 (including tax and tip), which ain't bad.
(5)Kristen F.
I'm shocked at all these great reviews. I went with a party of 6 and the service was horrible, and the food not much better. We sit down, and after seeing the ridiculously over priced menu, we decide to order 2 bottles of wine. With no waiter insight, we finally flagged one down. Luckily, he was ours and we asked for a certain bottle. His response was "All out" and made a throat slitting gesture across his neck, and then walked away. Excuse me? We should have left right then. I was appalled that he just walked away, instead of making another suggestion... hello! We're here to spend money you idiot!! He finally came back and we ordered the wine. When he came to take our dinner order, one person asked if he could get a vegetable with his steak instead of fries. The rude waiters response: "Nope!" Finally when the bill came the waiter started being nice, whatever buddy... too late. We left barely 10%. The manager approached us asking why, and we explained the above 2 situations. He was very apologetic. This made some of the people I was with feel bad and want to leave more. After fighting for 5 minutes one the guys left an additional $20 on the table which is still pissing me off!!! This waiter deserves to be fired and if he was, I probably still wouldn't go back because like I said, the food was not great and way too expensive for what you get.
(1)Anuj S.
I went here for Brunch for several friends. The inside of the restaurant is really nice. Casual, yet sophisticated. Very cozy. The breakfast food we had was declicious. I have yet to try the lunch or dinner menu's, but I'll definitely be coming back at some point. The only reason I'm taking off one star is because the service we received wasn't friendly at all. The waiter wasn't helpful, wasn't friendly, quick to rush us to order (even though there were only 2 parties in the restaurant at the time including us), and he looked a little bit like the villain from the Charlie's Angels movie. Okay, that last part didn't change my review, but I swear its him. Either way, probably not the best French restaurant in town, but worth a try (at least for breakfast or brunch).
(4)Raphael F.
Awesome spot. Probably one of the best date restaurant in Boston. You wont set yourself back too much so its a great safety net for a bad date, and the setting makes it a winner if you actually wind up liking the girl. We got 2 appetizers and two entrees for 54 bucks not including tip. The coq au vin is amazing and the venison in blueberry and pepper sauce is solid. The pate appaetizer was what you'd expect, but the roast beet and goat cheese salad was a little bland and uninspired, really the only disappointing part of the meal. The bread is also awesome. I'll definitely be going back.
(4)Margarita M.
I have been here for brunch to Sundays and dinner. During brunch, there was a jazz band playing and really set the mood for a laid back Sunday. The eggs benedict was to die for. Very savory and filling. The brunch menu is pretty cheap too! Ive been to Paris before, but the only time I have had escargot is here. It was buttery and delicious. The environment at night is pretty lively, but romantic and classy as well. There was even a blind date happening at the table next to me :) The dinner is a bit pricey, but worth it.
(5)Andrea G.
One of my favorite restaurants in Boston. Kenmore Square was really lacking a nice, sit-down, non-chain restaurant and Petit Robert is far better than Il Bico, which used to be in this location. The food is spectacular, and the waitstaff is prompt and courteous, and can answer any question you have about the menu. I highly recommend the broccoli-corn soup and the duck confit, which is among the best I've had. Be sure to save room for dessert too, which is all extremely fresh and made in their on-site bakery.
(5)Crystal K.
The food is good but be prepared for a long wait and a very condescending waitstaff. We waited 75 minutes for our appetizers and by the time food arrived the wine was gone and our mood entirely ruined. While the cook really knows his stuff, the rest of the experience was one of the worst I've ever had in Boston. We'll never go back.
(1)Joanne L.
My husband has never really been to a French restaurant so we decided to check this out since the last time we tried to eat here, we were told that they were booked for the night. So it has to be good right? RIGHT! This time, we made reservations, and we were very pleased. We ordered the foie gras pate which was a tiny bit too much, but it tasted like butter. They give you toast with it, so you can spread it. It was so good. I ordered the steak frittes with bordelaise sauce and he ordered the venison with blueberries. We requested medium rare and got exactly what we wanted. I honestly liked my husband's dish more, but both dishes were very good. For dessert, we had the profiterole which was made up of yummy fried, chocolate, ice cream goodness. During dinner, we even started talking about what we'll order the next time we eat here again (We saw a lot of people ordering the escargot and french onion soup.). I highly recommend this restaurant, and make sure you make reservations before you go!
(4)Baker M.
Great steak frites...great variety of beautiful deserts...love the chocolate eifell tower. Very unique...staff all kind and cheerfull
(5)Jesse N.
The Petit Robert Bistro is a spin-off to the famous Maison Robert that was once located in Boston's old city-hall. Much of what used to be there can be found in this new French hotspot that is probably the only place in Boston where you can get high quality French food for under $20. That's right, under $20. The lobster bisque, escargot, pate, it's all authentic French. Some of the entrees taste better than ones I had in Paris! I highly recommend the duck confit. This place is perfect for a date, or for taking the parents out. The Petit Robert Bistro is quite possibly the best deal in Boston.
(5)Michael G.
The food here is really good considering the prices you pay. Everything is less than twenty bucks for dinner, which is just fantastic for what really ought to be a seriously expensive French restaurant. I'm guessing that if you show up without reservations, it could be a painfully long wait, as the place was very crowded and without many tables. I thought that the waitstaff was really helpful. They even gave us pointers about parking due to there being a Sox game the evening we went.
(5)Andre D.
This place serves up some phenomenal french-american cuisine. Waitstaff is attentive and knowledgeable. Good atmosphere, slightly more than casual. Desserts here are fantastic. Revolving list of specials can keep you interested.
(4)Emily C.
this is a really cute restaurant... and it was surprisingly cheap for french bistro food! especially for lunch, i think they have killer specials and deals. it's very quaint and dainty and has the cozy feeling of a french restaurant despite it's location on the bustling boston commonwealth ave. i ordered the salmon and it was probably one of the best cooked salmons i've ever had... up there with Navyyard Bistro... it was very yummy! i feel like the chef or one of the chefs there like to do a fusion of french and asian food sometimes for the specials.. for example one of the courses was duck wrapped in sushi (sans fish) and it was interesting. very yummy and the service is homey and friendly!
(4)Kelly H.
When I ate here I thought it was ok. Prices were good, but food was boring (granted I work in the industry, for a French place so my standards are high). Two days later I realized that they had double charge my credit card, so I called the restaurant. Spent 30 minutes on the phone with the manager, while he tried to find my credit card receipt. He told me that the charge would be reversed within 24 hours. 4 days later I had to call the company and filed a claim. I called the restaurant again to notify them of the claim, at which point the manager stammered for awhile about how he thought he had reversed the charge and didn't know what went wrong. Of course the credit he gave me eventually came through, but for the wrong amount, which meant I had to call the credit card company again. I spent nearly $200 here and am still annoyed at the incompetence of their managers and their cavalier attitude towards such a significant mistake. Would definitely not eat here again.
(2)steve p.
Great French bistro fit for Paris, but right in Boston. The food is very good and extremely reasonably priced. We had my girlfriend's birthday party dinner in their cozy basement dining area. We had a great time and the staff were amazing.
(5)Justin D.
the food was absolutely amazing, the server was incredibly but the management was awful! I went with a group of 7 friends to Petit Robert on Comm Ave, we ate downstairs and for the most part enjoyed our meal. after we finished dinner and before desert all of the ceiling lights above our table began leaking water from the upstairs bathrooms, a lot of water, probably 4-5 buckets worth. after it stopped raining we were not offered any sort of compensation or dry cleaner refund from the management. we were all in our mid twenties and believe we were treated this way because of our age. the management staff said "you ate your dinner, we cannot do anything" and "its the business 2 floors up fault, not the bathroom" (which was directly above our table. all we were looking for was our one friend who's shirt was soaked to get her meal comped. absolutely disgraceful...i highly recommend hammersley's, bouchee, gaslight or any other french restaurant in the city.
(1)Rob H.
MY gf and I had dinner at the Kenmore location of PRB last night. Overall, we were pleased with the experience. Here's a quick breakdown... Food: I started with a cream of beet soup which was very tasty and rustic. Also this was possibly the soup with the brightest color that I've ever eaten. My gf got the smoked salmon with big capers and that was not bad. My gf got liver and onions. She loved it and I thought it was probably the best liver I've tasted. I had the grilled pork loin for dinner. The loin was wonderfully moist and the accompanying mushroom and cheese would probably make anything taste better. That said, the topping was not too overpowering. The sides were plain-looking vegetables. The potatoes were super creamy and the broccoli and carrots were buttery. We finished up by splitting the apple tart. First of all, the tart was bigger than the largest slice of apple pie I've ever eaten. The apples were large and sweet and the crust was buttery, crisp, and doughy at the same time. Probably a bit too much for some, but bursting with apple and sweet flavors. Service: The service was prompt. We were seated at a nice table just before their dinner rush, and the food and drink was all served in a timely manner. Ambiance: The place looks decent. There is nothing particularly noteworthy about the interior. The table are close together, but nothing out of the ordinary for in town dining. The servers all wear clean white. Price: Very reasonable for French food. I don't think there was a dinner plate over $20.
(4)M C.
I've read numerous reviews about the terrible service here, and while it wasn't spectacular, it wasn't terrible. Our waiter was alright, pretty average. The food though was enough to ignore the shortcomings of the average service. The bread was hot and crunchy, with a soft interior. The mussels were tender and wonderfully cooked in a delicious broth. The french onion soup was light with a thick layer of gruyere cheese and just enough crouton. And the steak...so good. The fries were pretty average, actually, I didn't even touch them, but it was okay, since I was pretty full by the time I got to the main entree. But the steak was so delicious on its own, I barely even touched the accompanying sauce. I didn't have any dessert, but the food was good, the wine was good. I had a great time. For the price, I probably could have gotten better service, but the food was pretty fantastic (except the fries).
(4)J C.
4 out of 5 stars. Why? Well, lets start with the downer of escargots. Not that great when the first one that I bite into is full of sand. Yes sand, nice and crunch sand. The second and third ones were much better, minus the sand. The foie gras was excellent. Big melt in your mouth goodness. Mmmm. Onion Gratinee soup was equally good. Not salty like some other places. I had the roasted rack of lamb that was cooked to perfection. Tasty and succulent. The accompanying Pommes Lyonnaise was equally fulfilling. Had a tasting of the Pan Seared Scallops and 5 stars. Seared yet excellently cooked on the inside. Takes some skill there. Then finally had the Grand Marnier Souffle, after 20 minutes of cooking. Quite a bit of time, but had wished the waitress had offered to mention that before we we had ordered, but otherwise, the dessert was soft and delightful, with hints of citrus, not too heavy. Definitely warrants a return.
(4)carla b.
My husband and I were so disappointed by our dinner last night. We lived in Boston several years ago and it was one of our favorite French restaurants. Looks like it's definitely gone down hill. First, our server was a bit rough around the edges. Yes, she recommended a bottle of wine that we really enjoyed, but her attitude was a bit off putting. I felt like I annoyed her when I asked her about some things on the menu and she just didn't have the manners you expect when you go to a French restaurant. Petit Robert is not a super fancy restaurant but I still think the servers should have a certain etiquette no matter where they work. This comes from a veteran server with experience in fine dining and not so fine. The food, however, was the most disappointing! For a second, I thought perhaps they had changed it to a French/Asian fusion restaurant. We ordered the tuna tartar and it was doused in soy or teriyaki sauce. The sauce was so salty and overpowering. You couldn't help but think they were trying to mask the flavor of the tuna because it wasn't fresh. The trio of pate we ordered was pretty standard so no complaints there but our entrees were again, disappointing. My husband ordered the spicy pork chop that was coated in yet again some Asian inspired sauce. I had the steak frittes. The bernaise sauce was flavorless and visually unappealing so I didn't waste the calories on eating it. Plus, the French fries were horrid! They weren't crisp and they were all broken and small which lead me to believe that they came from the bottom of some frozen bag in the freezer. Seriously, I've had better fries from McDonald's at 2 am. If you are looking for a good French restaurant, it's best to look elsewhere.
(2)Janie W.
Love this cute little french bistro. Casual unpretentious french fare are reasonable prices. The bread and butter is one of my favorite parts, they are both just about perfect. Nice date spot. I do, however, prefer the upstairs dining room greatly to the downstairs dining room which has a basement feel to it.
(3)Sacha M.
Petit Robert is my go-to restaurant in Boston and not just because I can walk there in five minutes or less. As asserted in their adorable monthly e-newsletter, the small restaurant stands as a real French Bistro (casual and affordable, serving modest, not incredibly innovative, but well done dishes), unlike other pretenders who brand themselves as such (I'm looking at you, Mistral). I am a lover of all things French, and PR certainly resembles the small corner bistros on the streets of Paris. The service is always friendly and accommodating, the amazing demi-baguettes are warm and chewy (brought in from Montreal), and the dishes range from light and simple to rich and indulgent, but they are most always comforting. I have been very happy with the following: -Cream of tomato soup: (A) Some tomato-based soups are murky in flavor because they uncomfortably straddle the line between brothy and creamy. This version is unabashedly heavy cream laden- in fact, there is probably more cream than tomato involved, and that's just fine with me because it's perfectly thick and sweet. -Garden Salad, shallot vinaigrette, panko crusted goat cheese: (A-) This salad is getting a bit old, but the simple vinaigrettes at PR are always spot on (and what's not to like about warm rounds of creamy goat cheese?). -Salmon en Croute (A): A perfectly cooked piece of salmon is kept moist and succulent inside its intensely buttery, but light and crispy puff pastry packaging. -Chicken coq au vin with buttered noodles (A-): Succulent, bacon-enriched dark meat chicken falls effortlessly of its bone into a saucy, and seemingly endless heaping of thick, long (if not somewhat boring) noodles. This one satisfies one's dietary requirement for carbs for the week. -Beef Short-Rib Bourguignon (A-): The potatoes and vegetables are forgettable, but it doesn't matter when faced with a generous chunk of rich, stewy, melt-in-your mouth beef. -Ile Flottante (A+): This is my favorite dessert at PR. Elegantly served in a martini glass, a uniform mound of quick-dissolving meringue floats atop a thick, eggy pool of chilled crème anglaise. It features a surprise core of fluffy caramel mouse (!) and is drizzled lightly with caramel sauce. So good, I'll ignore the slight fridge taste I got from the crème anglaise one time. -Pear Frangipane Tart (A): This is served with ice cream, which I think masks the texture of the filling, but I have an affinity for almond desserts and am obsessed with frangipane. The tart hits all the right notes: the crust is flaky, the filling is smooth but has that slight grittiness from the almond meal, and the pears are crisp. Not-so-successful dishes: -Cod (B-): Prepared in a provençale style, it is flaky and tender, but bland and unmemorable. -Roasted half-chicken (C+): Flabby skinned, it's roasted and then thrown on the grill, yet still seems to have little character. -Side of vegan ratatouille (B): This was actually quite solid, with good flavor and vegetables varying in texture, but the excess of oil was hard to ignore. -Chocolate Mousse (B): This classic has a great texture and is more chocolaty than sweet, but I have often found unshapely bits hidden throughout. The langue de chat cookie is perfect for scooping, but is occasionally stale. -Warm Apple Tart Tatin (C): Decent flavor, but was served devastatingly cold. -Chocolate Soufflé (C+): Not worth the wait. The structure and texture of this soufflé is textbook perfect, but the flavor is lacking and it is served with an overly sweet raspberry sauce. I would give four stars to Petit Robert, for although there are some flaws, I love its authenticity and simplicity and it is, after all, my ol' standby. However, I have noticed a sharp decline in the care put into lunch dishes and a somewhat apathetic vibe. I've received too many messy tuna niçoise salads, an overly dressed shrimp and cucumber salad, and countless quiches with more mix-ins than egg and mushy crusts. I attribute this to over-expansion. After a PR outlet was added to Felt, Jacky's Table was opened, and another PR sprung up downtown, there has been a serious loss of charm.
(3)Seth B.
First time visiting and enjoyed thoroughly. Came here to celebrate my cousins engagement. Made reservation that weren't really needed but saw it get pretty busy for a Sunday night. Waitstaff was very friendly and helpful. Lobster bisque was delicious as were the mussels and smoked salmon. My steak bourguignon was very good. Tried the rhubarb martini and it wasn't as tart as I would have hoped so switched to some nice Scotch after that. Overall well worth a visit. Some very good French food.
(4)a.c. b.
Loved it. Innovative French fusion menu and warm and inviting space. We had a late lunch on a Sunday and the service was polite and very attentive. Will definitely go back to try more dishes.
(4)Mimi X.
I love it when my water glasses magically refill themselves, which happens here. A perfect place to have a weekend lunch with elegant and simple food done well at a great price. Lunch specials are under twelve dollars, and they have a good variety of soups, sandwiches, and salads which leave you feeling perfectly satiated. I got the Onion Soup which which had the perfect cheese to bread ratio. I also had a vegetable salad, which had a medley of carrots, aspargus, broccolli, and greens. All these vegetables were so flavorful! Why do they not taste that way when I make them?
(5)Julie H.
I've been to Petit Robert about 20 times over the last three years and have never been disappointed by the food, the drinks, or the desserts. Some regular favorites: trio of patés, foie gras, lobster bisque, tuna tartare (during the summer season), sole meunière, chicken coq au vin, lamb cassoulet, and steak frites. My husband and I almost always accompany our meals with a bottle of Bordeaux, and the wine list consistently offers us nice options at reasonable costs ($25-$40). For dessert, I never regret going with the apple tarte tatin, apart from the calories; it is absolutely delicious. Most recently, we had the haddock and rabbit, both specials. I'm not big on either fish or game, but they were incredible--just simple food (by French standards) prepared and seasoned well. We also had the lobster bisque to start, which is now standard for our Petit Robert visits. I recommend sharing, however, as it's a bit too much for one person in addition to an entree. The service is excellent, and over the last three years, we've only had one server, Sashu, who could use some additional training. (He's fine but seems very distracted every time we have him as a server. He rarely makes eye contact, and I'm actually amazed when our meals arrive without any issues.) Though French, Petit Robert is a bistro, so it's casual and sometimes noisy. It's probably not the best place for a super romantic date, especially if your girl/guy is expecting a really fancy, expensive meal. That being said, Petit Robert is where we go for birthday, anniversary, promotion/new job, old-friend-in-town, and "just because" outings. Great food, wine, desserts, and service without any pretense.
(5)Jonathan D.
After dining at Petit Robert back in June, we were anxious to return for another great dinner - unfortunately, this past week's night out wasn't the same. First and foremost, the escargot here is a must have. One of the main reasons we came back was to just indulge in their flavorful escargot and warm bread - you can't go wrong. In terms of the downgrade, there were a couple of points that I feel the need to address. First off, it was our waitress's first night on the job - although she was spotted by a veteran, her nerves got the best of her which ultimately made for a very awkward dinner. I would assume that a restaurant like Petit Robert would only hire experienced staff, but in this situation it didn't seem like that was the case. Lastly, we ordered the braised lamb shank with sausage and white beans. The sausage was very flavorful but the lamb shank was somewhat dry and less fulfilling.
(3)Lillian W.
Conveniently located with affordable prices, PRB is a good place to get your fix of francais. It's pretty small--as in, gotta pull out the table so you can get your size 0 through to sit against the wall-small. The tightness and loudness of the restaurant made it a tad difficult for conversation and we could barely understand the lady who was asking us if we wanted water. It's also kind of fancy pants--I was under the impression that it was casual so I didn't bother getting dressed up, whoopsies. But hey, a paying customer is a paying customer--regardless of your Burlap bag or Burberry bag. The food was pretty good. I got the lobster bisque and the duck confit-- wasn't to die for but yummy for what it is. The bf got the pork loin medallions which he enjoyed--he's pretty picky so I was surprised. We split a creme brulee for dessert--nothing special. Service was standard. Waiter didn't have much personality but got the job done. I'd like to come back to eat at the pastry bar but I'm not really in a rush to come back.
(4)Oriana S.
Petit Robert Bistro is one of my favorite places to eat at Kenmore. I've only been here for lunch because their express lunch specials are a great deal (dishes under $6). The restaurant feels like an authentic Parisian bistro and the food has never disappointed me. The staff is attentive and friendly. They bring out bread right out of the oven and freshly made butter (YUM!). My favorite thing to get is the Croque-Madame. I've had this dish in Paris and I can say with conviction that the Croque-Madame at Petit Robert Bistro tastes like it should--flavorful, buttery goodness! The sourdough bread melts in your mouth, the Gruyere and ham are thinly sliced and the eggs are cooked just right. Try it and you'll know what I'm talking about!
(4)Christopher R.
I took my BF here for Valentines Day. I am a total Francofile, and love all things French. I was excited to try this place after hearing great reviews. I was nervous about what I would eat being a veggie/vegan, but the menu has some great vegetarian options actually. When we arrived our table was not quite ready, so we were asked to wait at the bar. Luckily for us, that is always the dessert station. We got to watch the pastry chef put together some desserts. It was fun to watch. She made a dish that was a pan of sugar, butter and crammed in so many apples. We asked her what it was and she showed us the finishe Apple tartin it would become. The pastry chefs were very nice, and seemed to enjoy getting questions from those seated at the bar. The atmosphere of Petit Robert is nice, elegant but relaxed. I counted at least four (quarte) French speaking employees. Which really lends to the authenticness of the restaurant. I hate going to French restaurants and no one but the chef, who you never see, speaks French. It's kind of lame. So it was a nice suprise to get to listen to some of the servers speaking in French. The Vegan pate is to die for. I forget what the three layers were. I think it was spinach, mushroom and ? I had the lentil cake which was crispy and well flavored. I broke down and got the macroons for dessert. The reminded me of the ones from Laduree in Paris and I could not pass them up. They were wonderful, and I keep thinking about them. I want to pop in and just pick up some of them. Overall it was great service, a wonderful meal, and a great experience.
(5)Charles W.
The decor was relaxing, the service was slow but good, and the food/drink was great.
(4)Kyle H.
In from out of town and this was a hole in the wall that shouldn't be missed. We did a Sunday brunch there! Amazing. On Commonwealth. Don't miss.
(4)Maria R.
What a pity. We went last night to use our Groupon and we pretty disappointed in the food. Lobster bisque was good, romaine salad had delicious roquefort cheese (but $11 for a salad? that was literally cut up romaine & chunks of cheese??) And then dinner: scallops & salmon- good but not great. The tired vegetables were over steamed and both the veg & potatoes were stone cold. 2 redeeming things: wine list was very reasonable (what? is this Boston??) and the desserts were out of this world. Chocolate mouse was the best I've ever had (even in Paris) Overall, shocked at the food prices for the quality and the service was just ok. Probably won't make it back to this one. :/
(2)Francesca R.
I have been here four times and always enjoyed it. I am no food expert, but I find the food delicious and the prices are great. The service is always friendly and respectful. But it's the ambiance that coalesces the elements of good service and good food and makes this an establishment worth returning to again and again. For example: the last time we went here was New Year's Eve, with our visiting in-laws that we had had a huge fight with two days before. What could have been a very tense and long evening was convivial and went a long way to mending fences. I credit this exclusively to the soft lighting, comfortable chairs and overall warm yet sophisticated atmosphere cultivated in Petit Robert. We were put at ease despite our inclination to be surly. Another component of atmosphere, I think, is the timing of courses. The courses are paced perfectly - you're never having one plate shoved aside for incoming food or languishing for ages picking at bread. It really is quite astonishing how this restaurant maintains fine-dining service with such affordable prices. So as you can see I'm a big fan - can't wait to go back in August for our anniversary!
(5)Leah N.
My favorite restaurant in the city! I have never been disappointed with my meal or service here. Perfect date night spot :)
(5)Serena H.
There are many french restaurants and PRB is nothing outstanding. Well, maybe except that the ghetto address in Kenmore is deceptively incongruous with it's charm. If you're passing by and hungry, it won't disappoint. But I dont think I would ever plan a date there.
(3)Chris L.
Though it's not exactly a working class bistro, this is a nice French restaurant with classic bistro apps, salads and entrees. For me, the high points of the menu are the organ meats and offal. The grilled lamb's tongue was way more tender than I expected.
(4)Bryanne R.
They're 2 for 2 with me. Went once for restaurant week when we realized this place is definitely affordable sans the Rest.Wk. "deal". Second time was for my birthday. Both times, we had a great table with a very attentive and helpful waitress. The food was excellent. Here are some dishes to try: Apple Wood Smoked Salmon...Toast Points Wellfleet Oyster on Ice Grilled Skirt Steak~Frites Roasted~Half Chicken ...Natural Jus Babcock, Cabernet Sauvignon, Central Coast My favorite part is the very French romantic atmosphere. I'd come back here any time! PS - They do have some different dishes available -- like if you want to try brain. Just as a heads up, so you don't give the look I gave when I heard that.
(5)George T.
I went in expecting good food and was sadly disappointed. I got the escargot for an appetizer and frog legs for an entree. The frog legs were coated in a delicious sauce, but inside the frog legs were extremely bland. It was so bland, I asked the waiter about it, and she said that it's hard to season frog legs. Having not had much experience with frog legs, I still find it hard to believe that's how they were supposed to taste. They were just so bland and watery, I can't see why anyone would order them knowing that. Maybe I got a bad batch, but I don't see any reason to go back.
(2)Jason L.
I went with my boyfriend to Petit Robert Bistro for our Christmas Eve dinner and it was a spectacular meal. We started a trio of pates, followed by lamb with ratatouille for me and salmon with buerre blanc sauce for him, and finished everything off with nutella crepes with french vanilla ice cream. The decor was lovely, the ambiance was very romantic, the food was absolutely delicious . . . the only slight downside is that the place was so busy during dinner service that a lot of tables tended to demand her attention at the same time. But that was a very small price to pay for a delicious dinner. I think it says a lot about Petit Robert Bistro that the place was PACKED on Christmas Eve. It's a wonderful place to share a special moment with a loved one, a friend, or a family.
(5)Clarice C.
I'm a BIG fan of Petit Robert on Comm Ave. I've never had a bad experience here..and i've been here a lot! I mainly come and order off their express lunch menu because it's a really good value...the food is delicious and the prices are unbeatable. I can't get enough of the the smoked salmon eggs benedict but the madame croque is always a close second choice. OH and the bread they serve in the beginning is AMAZING. it's shipped from Montreal and I dare you to just have one basket.
(5)M K.
Love Petit Robert. It is a great go-to lunch/brunch option. They serve brunch until 3 and it is cheap and incredibly delicious. Good coffee, great bread and a helpful, quiet staff who let you enjoy your meal relatively undisturbed. Very much a fan!
(4)Daniel P.
I've only been here, and it was with friends from out of town. We went for lunch and really enjoyed it. I had a cocktail, I don't remember exactly what it was but it was citrus-y and delicious! The service was not bad, they were friendly and helpful. The wait had not been too long, I think we were only there about 10 minutes before being seated. I must go back soon.
(4)Cody W.
Food was average and ambiance was below average. When you spend close to $200 on a meal for 2, you expect a little more. I had the halibut special which was decent. But the appetizer, red and green pate, was below average. Even worse was the trio pate which they served us by mistake. I tried it before realizing what was up and it was awful. Seemed like some frozen mass-produced stuff they take a slice off of. Dessert was okay, because French dessert is phenomenal, but it was also mass-produced frozen fair. Also, try to avoid getting stuck in the table next to the divider, closest to the kitchen. The guy preparing silverware works just on the other side of the divider. This means there is silverware being tossed down, each second, 24 inches from you ear. The loan bright spot was the waitress. She was very friendly and accommodating. But the bus people don't give you the same unintrusive attentiveness you find at other French restaurants. Bottom line: there are plenty of better places to get a $200 meal.
(2)Squirrel N.
Unbelievable food and astoundingly affordable. For the price of what some bars would charge you get stellar French food. They also mix fantastic drinks (I'm a big fan of the Sidecar). Can't say enough great things about this place.
(5)Emily B.
A great little French bistro right outside of Kenmore Square. I always wanted to try this place and after returning from a semester abroad in France, I had to go to see if it compared. We arrived early, around 6 pm on a Monday night and the small restaurant was about half full. The tables ARE very close together, as other reviewers mentioned, but that is typically French, so I didn't mind. We tried the trio of pats, very reasonable at $7, and with extra bread we definitely enjoyed this hors d'oeuvre. For entres, I got the pork normandy with apples and my boyfriend got the duck confit. Both were excellent and very filling. We didn't even have room for dessert. We also had a bottle of Domaine De La Quilla Muscadet (at $22), which wasn't terrible for a good French wine in a restaurant (considering it would have cost $15+ in a liquor store). Overall, our service was satisfactory, nothing extra special, but our server was knowledgeable and attentive. By the time we left, the restaurant was full, but we didn't feel rushed to leave while we were finishing our bottle of wine. I really enjoyed my experience here and I want to go back for the dessert and pastry bar. I hear it's fantastique!
(4)Rob J.
We got a reservation for 4 people at 7:30pm on a Saturday by calling 6 hours in advance. Every table was full during dinner but I didn't see anyone waiting. The place is small, of course, but the food (made in the equally small kitchen) is authentic, the service friendly and perfectly formal, and the prices not terrible. We had a bottle of white sauvignon blanc and a bottle of pinot, both of which were okay, but the wine list could use a little work. I suppose it IS proportional to the restaurant's size, though. And the red wines, stored along a wall in the restaurant, can get too warm when there are many people packed inside. The lamb was great. My vegetarian friend also liked his risotto, but a second friend didn't care much for the pork sausage. We decided to pass on dessert and digestifs, but they did have a decent selection of port and their pastries looked amazing.
(4)Jaime V.
Le Petit automatically reminded me of one of the many underrated BYOBs in Philly (prior to moving back to my HQ, Vancouver, and before moving here I lived in Philly for 7 years - but enough about me). I started off with some great escargots which were perfectly warm and sprinkled with the right amount of parsley. I am on a quest to try the best ones and so far 'La Boheme' (in Philly) tops them all. I really enjoyed my cassoulet and unlike most places it did not take 45 minutes to make; however, I do recall it missing its mandatory duck, so marks off for that. The service was decent and although it was a little small in size it did not feel too crammed. Note to yelpers: if you are ever in Seattle area and like me crave a good cassoulet, head on over to the Cafe Campagne which is the in the vicinity of the Pike Place Market. This one does take 30+ minutes to make, but you won't be disappointed. If you are looking for a Moulin Rouge try some of the many other chic establishments in the Boston area. For a no-frills dining experience I'd recommend the fairly priced and unassuming Le Petit.
(4)Andrew T.
I am not a HUGE fan of French food, but so many friends suggested Little Bob's (as I call it), that I was more than open to check it out. Here is a bullet point review on my experience. 1) Interesting space, a bit bland, but cozy and they had an outdoor seating area which would be nice in the summer. I also liked the way that they have hundreds of wine bottles all over the place. You feel like you are eating in a French basement. Take that for what you will. 2) The tables are WAY too close together. We sat between two couples and each was no more than 6 inches from us, which I really dislike...especially when there are other tables for two open, that have a lot of room around them. 3) Prices were reasonable, wine is a bit on the pricey side, but not prohibitive. 4) Service was friendly and on point. 5) Food was tasty, simple, authentic French (or so said the couple from France sitting next to us) and overall very good. I would go back for sure.
(3)Stephanie F.
Great place! I've been here twice (which i rare because I always like to try new restaurants), and even so, would definitely go back again. FOR THE PRICE, the food is fantastic! Last time i went with my hubby we had the trio of pate (wow! i'd go back just for that), the french onion soup (good, but not wow), the snails (sooo delicious and buttery!), and I had the rabbit (cooked to perfection!) and he had the U10 scallops (which were delicious as well). Overall I was very happy with the food, though I definitely felt that the service was poor. He didn't do anything "wrong" per se, but barely described the specials (basically told us to look at the board and read), made no attempt to check on us throughout the meal, and never refilled our bread of water unless we continuously asked. Come on guy, this place is tiny! Manage your tables! Asside from that though, the food is never disappointing, especially considering how incredibly affordable it is!
(5)Morgan P.
Good veal
(5)jenilee p.
Petit Robert Bistro has a great game plan. They cook fairly inexpensive cuts of meat/vegetables...perfectly. By using more affordable food items, they keep the cost of the selections down so that more people can enjoy authentic French food without making it a once per year event. Their range of choices available vary from a very tender roasted (crisped skin) cut of chicken to some very unusual specials, so basically anyone can find something they will recognize and enjoy on the menu, while still having the option to try something that you don't often find at similarly priced establishments. personally, i opted for the rabbit liver and kidneys, which was matched with a decadent cream sauce, and complimented with smooth mashed potatoes and a green bean medley. the other two people in my party opted for the baked chicken dish, and the skirt steak. Having tried each, I was equally impressed. Overall, I thought the restaurant atmosphere was very charming, and our server was knowledgeable and attentive without being obtrusive. I highly recommend coming here for just about any occasion.
(5)Jenny H.
My husband and I went to PRB on Christmas Eve and enjoyed the opportunity to enjoy this restaurant without it being crowded. We got the Pate and Escargot to start and they were exactly what I was looking forward to. Our entrees and the carafe of white wine we got were delicious as well. I can't wait to go back and try something new. Everything looked so good!
(4)Greg B.
the food was great..............................but............Â..................................................Â..................................................Â...................................the............Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..............................service.............Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â...........was....................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â....................................so............Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Âslow. i'm sure it was because everyone was redeeming their groupon, but the waiter should have at least acknowledged and apologized that the place was understaffed for the night. we arrived at 7pm and left a little after 10pm. they also forgot to bring us a drink but tried to charge us for it. he offered to bring it out after we had paid the check, but we decided we weren't able to invest another hour.
(3)Heather R.
Cozy bistro. But the duck confit was a bit dry.
(3)Michelle W.
Food was just okay their service was not good and very slow
(3)Kirs P.
When I miss Paris I want to come here. Although more expensive than a traditional Parisian diner, it's cheap by American-Boston standards. The Escargots Bourguignon is spot on and absolutely scrumptious. The Mussels Marinires are average, but they don't screw them up (honestly, I haven't had good mussels since coming back to the states). The lobster bisque is not as good as Legal's but still damn passable (and, if I remember correctly, cheaper). I don't eat meat, but my dining partners have raved, raved, raved about the Beef Bourguignon, the Skirt Steak, and the Duck Confit. I'll stick with the risotto, please (and it is yummy). I was also impressed with the wine list- lots of options in all price ranges. And it's the only place in town where I've had a decent Kir. Actually... I don't think I've ever found Kir on another menu. And, when you have filled your belly with escargot and tripe and calves make sure you leave room for the piece de resistance- the Gateau Petit Robert. Oh my god. So decadent.
(5)Christian S.
Very good, genuine French Food.
(4)Stephanie S.
One of my go to places when I have guests in town. I am half French and can say for certain that this place is authentic, even down to the French waiters/waitresses. It is also reasonably priced which is rare for a French restaurant in Boston. I've never had anything here I did not love. Snagging one of the few outdoor tables is always a treat
(5)R E.
What a value! The food here is delicious, and while the service used to be unbearably slow, they have certainly improved over time. This place is a true gem.
(5)Erik D.
good food. good service. good atmosphere. i would definelty recommend it. i got seared scallops with crab cream sauce, escargo, and lobster bisque. the girl got the pork loin. it was all very delicious, and the waitress was attentive.
(4)Jessica R.
I recently went to Petit Robert for dinner with a small group of friends. I had to change the reservation three times in a 24 hour period and they were very kind about it each time, even though I still felt like an apologetic jerk. This pleasantry from the staff was countered by our waiter, a total snot. Whatever though. I had no problem brushing off his bad attitude. I was too busy enjoying the wine, the company, and food I loved so much I considered licking the plate clean. Just thinking about the sausage with apples and cream sauce as I write this - I might have to go back sometime this week.
(4)Ashley R.
It's amazing that I lived in Kenmore for 2 years and never tried this place! Anyway, I definitely recommend Petit Robert! The first time I went here I got the steak frites while the bf got coq au vin. Two very typical French dishes to get but hey it was one of my first times eating French food. Much more of a spicy and less creamy food fan but still loved this place. Both dishes were very good and for dessert we got the profiteroles. The dessert was good but personally I think it would've been better in a dark chocolate sauce rather than fudge but hey to each their own. In a nutshell the service and food were awesome. The prices aren't too expensive either.
(4)JP F.
I have spent two stints in France, once as a student and the second time as an english teacher. So far, this is best and most authentic french food I've seen in Boston. First a lesson in French culture. Bistros in France are supposed to be ratty places where blue-collar joes gather to eat cheap, drink, smoke, watch soccer, or just hang out. Americans for some reason, always assume if it's french, it has to be chic and upscale. PRB tries to explain this on their website, that they are attempting to be a true bistro, but I think we're still victims of our tendency to generalize entire cultures. With that said, the food is authentic and as it is authentic french food, it is delicious (I know I'm generalizing...). The past few visits I've had the duck confit, calf's liver, and specials of anduoillette, and sweet breads (thymus glands of the calf I believe). They were all cooked to perfection and seasoned properly (bistro food isn't hard to screw up and the chef has a pedigree that leads me to believe these dishes are a bit easier than what was used to doing before PRB). Other than that, I would recommend the escargot if you want to get something stereotypically french for an appetizer. My favorite dessert, this is just a personal favorite but they do it well, is the Tarte Tatin, a caramelized apple tart from the Loire Valley. The first time I went, they sold out, so I settled for the les-Flottantes (meringues with a creme anglaise), which were also really good. Not only were they as big as any I've had in France, they had some type of filling that I couldn't figure out. Nevertheless, it was delicious. The first time I went, I met the co-owner, Loic, he's from Bretagne and a very nice guy. They definitely ensure you have a pleasurable dining experience in the true French fashion.
(4)Brendan M.
*UPDATE*: I returned to Petit Robert and had no service issue this time. Also, I've realised that the best way to navigate the menu is to go for really traditional stuff (by French bistro standards, that is) and avoid anything that appears creative. I've also added an extra star simply based on the calf's liver. Superb. *ORIGINAL REVIEW: I *want* to give Petit Robert four stars. It has many things going for it. Unfortunately, flawed execution lets down what is really a very good concept. That concept is to bring real bistro fare to Boston: simple, unpretensious dishes, but well prepared and at a moderate price-tag. The menu is certainly authentic enough, with many dishes that would be common back home but that one rarely sees over here, such as Tripes a la Provencale or rabbit in mustard sauce. However, the food turned out to be a bit of a mixed bag: the trio of homemade pates was nice (and easily enough to feed two people), but the smoked salmon was merely OK. Similarly, the duck confit was reportedly good, but my cassoulet was disappointing, with none of the intense richness that this dish should have. On a happier note, desserts were very good, and an excellent 2002 Cotes de Blaye was very reasonably priced. My main bone of contention, though, is with the service. Although the restaurant was not particularly busy, we felt rushed through the meal. Particularly aggrieving was the fact that the main course arrived before we had finished our starters - this ought to be an impardonable offense in any French restaurant worthy of the name.
(4)Chase W.
Petit Robert's Rocks; It is currently my #1 favorite bang for buck restaurant. It's perfect for a second or third date, as it's romantic, but not so pretentious and expensive to make you look like you're tryin too hard. Keep in mind that you ABSOLUTELY have to have a reservation at the Fenway location (the only location I've tried). I've read some reviews that the staff is a pain or can be rude. I've found the complete opposite. The 3 different servers I've had have all been wonderful, personality wise, and in attentiveness as well as informative. I really don't have a bad thing to say about this place- In fact I just changed my rating from 4 to 5 stars because of the excellent value and memories of the delicious Pinot Noir (can't remember the vinyard, but from the Willmette Valley). You have to check this place out, but be careful on your menu selections as it is pretty authentic French food which, isn't for everybody!
(5)Byron M.
Humble yet delicious french food. This is a great bistro, it is a place you can take your date or your family. The prices are reasonable and the food is excellent. I have been a customer since their beginning and love to dine there. Bon Appetite!
(5)Sarah A.
Everyone I know loves this place, but I was not impressed. The French onion soup was pretty good, but I found the entrees to be unimpressive. The atmosphere is nice if you can manage to get a good table, but otherwise you are crammed in way too close to other people. I found the service to be rather rude too. I also don't find it to be the bargain people proclaim it to be. Maybe if you're comparing it to Maison Robert, but there are other places with much better bistro fare: Les Zygomates, for example or Brasserie Jo's.
(3)Steve S.
I really wanted to like this restaurant, but sadly I just do not like French food. Petit Robert Bistro is on Columbus Street in what used to be Rouge. The restaurant is smallish with two rooms, one with a bar and 6 tables and a main dining room. First, the wine was excellent, a nice bottle of Merlot. The bread, as you would expect, was very good(as it would be my primary sustenance for the evening)...The smoked salmon ap was good as well The main course, which was salmon legs, was disappointing through no fault of their own. French food requires tons of butter and cream, which is not my preferred cuisine to say the least. To be fair, everyone else seemed to be really enjoying their meals. Then again, they were all Francophiles. And I did not see Freedom Fries anywhere!!!
(3)Chin C.
Great food with reasonable prices. The onion soup was very good, and also the roasted rabbit and lamb. Hmm, yummy, I will manage to go back again.
(3)Sophia L.
Two words; ile flottante. The floating island has long been my favorite dessert. Thank GOD for Petit Robert Bistro. I've been very dissatisfied with Boston cuisine until I found this restaurant. Dinner has been the only time I've been here but with a group of 6 we were all more then satisfied with our meals. I can recommend many things; the soup (lobster bisque and french onion), escargot, rabbit, the lamb, beef bourguignon, half chicken, steak, duck, and the liver. ALL are amazing. Don't forget dessert. the ile flottante is amazing! if they have fresh baked clefoutis you should also try one. update: still amazing.
(5)Chris R.
I don't even know how many times I have been here, probably 6 or 7. I LOVE this place. They change their menu often enough that you can go a few times a year and get something completely new every time. I look forward to the fall when they will (hopefully) have the Normandy sausages again (one of the best dishes I have ever had). Although the food and service are wonderful, the best thing about this place is the price. Under $20 for everything on the menu for a place of this quality is a very rare find. If they moved 6 blocks down Comm Ave towards the city they could easily charge $10 more for every dish on the menu and they would still get people coming in. I love Petite Robert and always look forward to going back.
(5)Anita B.
We went to Petit Robert Bistro for lunch while staying down the street at the Commonwealth. The escargot was absolutely fantastic. Very garlic-y and delicious. Duck was excellent and fell apart in my mouth. So tender. The only reason I gave Petit Robert 4 stars instead of 5 was because of the waiter. I have never met a more snobby, arrogant person. He didn't talk to me, but rather talked directly to my husband. That didn't sit well with me! I can order for myself, thanks... All in all, I'd come back. I've heard good things and I doubt that the entire waitstaff is like the waiter we had. A solid French restaurant.
(4)Hilary C.
Wow, they weren't kidding when they said french bistro. I forgot where I was for a moment there. Good food, good wine, good service. I would definitely come back for a touch of France.
(3)Liz B.
Wow. I was shocked. I expected so much more from our meal. We went for my husband's birthday. I called the restaurant ahead of time and mentioned this. We were given a pretty cramped table (nothing special). We ordered champagne, the panko goat cheese salad, and pate plate to start. That part of the meal was very good. Then the service started to slow down and the room became so hot that we were both dripping in sweat - and I am not a big "sweater." We ordered the duck confit which was very dry and overcooked, and I had the short ribs which were good, but served with steamed broccoli which was a very odd vegetable to serve - it took away from the meal. The water never came back for a wine order, and we were so uncomfortable with the heat in the room, we skipped dessert. Service was terrible and never once was my husband's birthday acknowledged. (Perhaps had we been able to stay for dessert, they might have mentioned it, but we were soaking wet in sweat.) For the price the food was average to good. I would not go back.
(2)Nicole F.
The food was OK. Actually, the Risotto was really good and the lamb and potatos was average. The service, however, was terrible. We waited an hour for our food and the waitstaff in general was very inattentive. Someone came by and dropped off complimentary pate while we waited. Unfortunately he didn't stick around long enough to learn that no one at the table likes pate. My dog loved it though!
(2)Carolyn S.
In celebration of MLK day (a day off from work) my family took us to Petit Robert for a late afternoon lunch. I'd heard good things about this place. The local French collegue claimed the spot was "very authentic" when it comes to French fare. Upon arrival we were served freshly baked bread with soft creamy butter. Very delicious. It was hard not to snarf down the entire basket (I was saving myself for the meal.) The special of the day was a lobster macaroni and cheese. As if I could ever turn that down! For an "appetizer" the serving was quite substantial. The macaroni was the traditional elbow variety, cooked al dente and served in a ceramic dish filled with chunks of lobster meat and a phenomenal creamy lobster sauce, then sprinkled with some parmesan cheese. I split the dish with my bro and we sopped up the remainder of the amazing lobster sauce with the rest of the bread. Another hit was the cream of beet soup. It arrived bright and pink with a wonderful flavor of beet with just the right amount of cream. I was sufficiently inspired to want to make the dish myself. Less impressive was the beet salad with goat cheese. I've had better (and made better.) Compared to the soup and the mac&cheese, this dish was lacking in both texture and flavor. I personally like my salad to have a slightly warm roasted beet with the cheese either warm or cool. Instead the beets and cheese tasted like they had been carelessly stacked and stuck in the fridge until just before serving. The endive was fresh, but overpowered by raw onion. Still, we carried on. For a main dish I ordered the pan seared U10 scallops with sautéed spinach and No Sauce. No Sauce turned out to be just that. No Sauce. And the scallops, really did not need any flavoring. They were pan seared to perfection, sweet, tender and very delicious. I wouldn't have minded just a LITTLE bit of sauce (or maybe just a drizzle of flavor), but found the dish to be impressive without. Although, the sad little vegetables on the side looked a bit neglected and dry. My advice is to order heavy on the seafood and soups and ignore the salads and veggies. A meal at a French bistro would not be complete without dessert. I ordered a plate of the seasonally flavored macarons. The came in passionfruit, rosewater and pistachio. All delicous (but incomparable to the macarons I had in the French patisseries of Dakar, Senegal!) After a cup or two of coffee I was stuffed beyond belief. I spent the rest of the evening vegged out in front of the TV. A MLK day well spent.
(3)Arnaz M.
Excellent escargot and a great romantic feel. Been there for our anniversary and have always had a good time.
(4)Rave M.
I do love that little patio, despite there being no people-watching view. It's nice to go to a bistro that actually has decent prices. I also love that lunch, and its accompanying lunch pricing, is served till very late in the afternoon -- 4 pm I think. Great spot for dinner with a friend or for a date that oozes charm but won't break the bank.
(4)Elizabeth M.
Quelle joie! Now that I've partaken, I can appreciate the Xmas-lit Eiffel Tower for what it is; a wink and a nod that not all French restaurants have to take themselves so very seriously. Our adorable garcon/server was charming and witty (and we were a mixed crowd so it wasn't just for the ladies). "Bistro" is a word adopted by the French and is the Russian word for "fast food"--a fun way of saying casual delicious food. Petit Robert Bistro nails it. I made a reservation the same day, and got an 8:30 table on a Friday night. The ambiance is warm, not affected. Started with the moules--this is definitely the season and they were prepared simply, lightly. Also had the foie gras as our Chicago friend noted that the delectable but evil dish is illegal in her town. Served simply, with a fig reduction underneath and pan-seared, it was perfect, and we left 1/2 so as not to spoil our appetites. Breaded cod special was cooked just right, moist and fresh--I'm a stickler about over-sauce'ing and I have to say each item from the menu was prepared the way it should be, with sauce as a hint at complimentary flavor, not as a smothering agent. The chef is paying attention. I give only 4 stars because the entrees were a tad boring after the excitement of the apps and bread (crispy baguette!) and service--yummy but not write-home-about. But then again, that's what a bistro is for. Go to l'Espalier if you want your socks knocked off and wallet emptied! We also enjoyed a chablis, the special of the evening, and it went perfectly with the moules and cod. Ended the meal with carrot cake. Beautifully presented, with layers of light (physically, not calorie-wise) cream, and a rockin' orange reduction swizzled on the plate. My taste buds were already happy so I can't say the dessert added to the meal, but it pleased my companions. Price is right, loved it.
(4)Japhia L.
get the scallops... they are delish!
(4)Henry P.
I don't generally bother writing negative reviews, so read between the lines: We had friends visiting from Manhattan with whom we traveled France twenty years ago, so I chose to dine with the Roberts. We arrived at 7:45 for our 8:00 reservation. ALL FIVE STARS are for 1) the Aubry NV we thoroughly enjoyed at Island Creek Oyster Bar while we waited for our Petit Robert table, and much later 2) a Petit Robert staffer (I asked - her name is Tara) whose athleticism and attitude remains in memory in pleasing contrast to the grim tension, defensiveness and ineptitude surrounding her. She slipped through the unseatable crowd clogging the passageways, sailed up and down the stairs balancing multiple hot plates with feline grace and an unforgettable smile. As for the rest, the excuses, the 9:05 seating, the wine past its prime, the overportioned, oversalted food, the harried server, I've already said too much.
(5)Stephen G.
I went here with a group of about 13 people, and we had a fabulous time. The food is good; perhaps not what you'd find in paris, but where woud you find that . . . the wine list is good but damn overpriced. And their corkage is $30!!!!! ridiculous. Despite the overpriced alcohol, we had a fabulous time. Would easily reccomend this place.
(2)Mayur K.
Nice service and great food. Visited here in a big group of ten for the weekend brunch and the egg choices were broad enough to please everyone.
(4)Abbey L.
Petit Robert is easily one of my favorite restaurants in Boston. The food and service are just superb and the prices are just right. The menu has a little bit of everything so I can always find something I'm in the mood for. Highlights for me were the duck confit with sausage, crocque madame, and the mussels. I've also had the frisee salad with a crispy poached egg - divine! Everything here is just excellent. Great, affordable wine list and delicious blood marys! Every time I go here I marvel about how often I end up spending the same amount of money or more for such lower quality meals and inferior service. My go-to is the Kenmore location but I've been to the South End one as well and both are superb!
(5)Dana M.
The service was lacking, we recieved our entre before the appetizer. The waitress ended up bringing out something we didn't order and brought out the fois gras we did order after our steaks had already come out. If the food wasn't so great I would not have given this place 3 stars. I liked the ambiance, though it was nothing spectacular. Previous reviews raved about the place so that's why I went. I'd say its not bad for Boston, but this Bistro doesn't compare well with places I've been to in SF. They do have excellent pommes frites. I believe in giving credit where credit is due. If you feel like french cuisine, this place will satisfy your craving. If you are looking for the best of Boston, look elsewhere.
(3)P M.
Think twice before you plan a large event at this restaurant. I have never been treated more rudely by a manager in a restaurant before. I recently planned a friend's birthday here. We had a large party, and I called far in advance to make the arrangements. When we got to the restaurant, I learned that I had been misinformed by the staff I had spoken with about the restaurant's policies. The manager was incredibly patronizing in his interactions with us, suggested that I had "called the wrong restaurant," and only ended up accommodating us after arguing with me for some time and even then not without a fee. It's unfortunate that even though the food was reasonably good and the wait staff was nice, I left the restaurant feeling disappointed with the experience.
(2)Shuan L.
I love the prices here. You can definitely have a 3-course meal for around $30 (excluding drinks). Not too bad for a dinner in a nice, upscale setting. The food is good, but not anything to write home about. I started with the red beet salad with endives and goat cheese. Liked the beets and goat cheese, but the endives were tasteless and there were also ridiculously strong onions mixed in. Do NOT get this if you're on a date. The panko-crusted cod I had for my entree was tender and well-made. It's the sides that disappointed me -- really lackluster stuff like sliced carrots, broccoli, and mashed potatoes. The veggies looked like something my school cafeteria cooked up (though they tasted a lot better). I was hoping for more creative sides from a place like this. Dessert: the giant profiterole! Lots of ice cream + lots of hot fuge = happy Yelp reviewer. Get this dessert, but make sure you have someone to share it with. "Giant" is not an exaggeration.
(3)Kompan N.
Superb service and good food. We went for an early dinner, reservation at 8:00 and was seated promptly. The waiter was attentive and brought me a sample of Pinot Noir to try because I mentioned my likely selection for dinner. I asked about his recommendations for appetizer and entree and got the mussels for appetizer, which was split in two separate bowls one order so that my friend and I could share. The entree came out promptly after the appetizer. I got the steak with frites and my friend got the crab and potatoe cake. We were both happy with our choices. Although the dessert menu looked appetizing we didn't order. The location and service shine and the food and very good but not exceptional. For the price we had an excellent dining expereince. I would go back or recommend this Bistro to friends.
(4)Christian P.
Fantastic. I just wrote a review about Sonsie in which I mentioned how I couldn't think of other places that felt as European in Boston. While this place doesn't necessary feel pan-European, it definitely feels French! I even had a French waiter! Anyway, atmosphere aside, this place also happens to have delicious gourmet food. The price is right, and you'll find an interesting selection across the menu. For a heightened experience, save room for dessert.
(5)Cassandra R.
I was starving one sunday afternoon, jonesing for breakfast and i didn't want to wait for a table for one. I passed petit robert, decided to go in and was immediately saved from my hunger. The brunch menu is very reasonably priced and the service was amazing. My french toast, eggs and bacon were cooked perfectly and the coffee never stopped. The clientele were pretty waspy but the waitstaff were wonderful. It's a good choice for dining alone.
(4)James M.
I have been to both locations. The food is excellent very reasonably priced. The wait staff is intelligent and are available when you need them. For the price this is one of the best restaurants in Boston. A true Bistro!
(4)Stephanie L.
ok, so i really wanted to like this place because it's affordable and cozy, and i want to believe that there are places that are affordable and cozy and delicious. but i guess it's affordable for a reason. i ordered a pretty elaborate dish-- a magret de canard and lobster salad, but dude, ONE dry-ish obviously reheated slice of duck, and a dry-ish quarter of a lobster tail over a bed of arugula? COME ON! maybe they would do better to just stick to simpler entrees or something. still, i had a good time here-- the restaurant was sort of empty-ish so the waitress let us have a little wine tasting and try all the reds on the menu before we settled on a bottle. so that was pretty fun. oh and there were cool cheeses. cheese is always fun.
(3)E.N. Z.
It is one of the most authentic French restaurants in Boston! It is also reasonably priced compare to other outrageously expensive French foods. I am giving it four stars because the only negative thing of this restaurant is that it can be very slow. The first time I went there, I waited more than one hour to get my entree. But if you just overlook this flaw, the food is definitely worth the wait. And leave some room for dessert! Their Souffle is to die for. But in general, they have fantastic desserts. For appetizer, the escargots is delicious. The Foie Gras is from local region and tastes great. This is another great feature of this restaurant, they order from local farms and organic stores for ducks, rabbits and foie gras. For entree, the rabbit is a must. Everything I've tried so far is great. You can't go wrong there.
(4)Liz H.
The four stars is because it has been over a year since I have been to Petit Robert - ah, but the memories linger and I must get a refresher tour de france this winter. Have only visited the Kenmore Sq location and it goes without saying that if the Sox are at home and you aren't looking to attend or watch the game then head to the South End location. I'll be honest - I kind of blew through the main meal to get to dessert and the delicately crafted mini chocolate Eiffel tower (I know - how cheesy is that?!). However our group of four enjoyed every aspect of the meal and the atmosphere was incredibly inviting and relaxed that we were the last to leave. I could tell the waistaff were getting a little antsy, but I can empathize - have been in several jobs where people come in and stay, and stay and stay . . . Update coming this winter . . . .
(4)Christine P.
This place is uber-cute. The upstairs dining section is small and cozy. It's a great place to go with a small group of friends and is also a great date spot. The food is very typical French cuisine. The portions are a bit more than what is filling and the prices are great. The risotto wasn't a hit for me as it was too bland and creamy but otherwise, I've always enjoyed what I eat here. It's a great brunch, lunch and dinner restaurant.
(4)Marilynn L.
Completely mediocre. After reading & hearing a lot of good buzz about this 'Parisian' treasure at Kenmore Square, my husband & I met friends there tonight for dinner. Everything was insipid; tasteless, watery, under seasoned, disappointing. The minestrone was downright bizarre, Pot au Feu limp and uninspired. Salad greens dry, shallot vinaigrette with no snap, zip or interest. Good service & a pretty place but we will not be back.
(2)Winnie W.
I wanted to love this place, I really do, but I don't. :( It looks like it'd be the kind of place I'd adore - nice and attentive French servers and very intimate setting. However, the food just doesn't live up to expectations. I ordered Traditional Bouillabaisse with Lobster ($27.50) and the lobster was half of a very very small lobster, maybe half the size of my palm. The soup was nothing to write home about. However, my appetizer trio of pate was fantastic and such a great deal at $7. It went really good with the bread they provided.
(3)david m.
Food is good and reasonably priced, but had a horrible experience there once. My wife ordered a salad, which turned out to have a cockroach-looking bug in it. The waiter was aghast, and brought us lots of free food. But the manager-- of all people -- came over and said "It's really not out fault because we don't make our own salads. All we do is take the produce out of the bag." Exactly what he said. I know there prices aren't exorbitant or anything, but is this what i should expect from them? Why shouldn't i go to Shaw's and get their bags of produce instead and save $5, and where i don't get any denials of responsibility when they serve up a bug? I would still go back to the restaurant, b/c the food is good and reasonably priced. I would politely ask that they hold the insects though.
(2)Steven M.
Decent, but not incredible food. The service is good and the location is cute. It's not ridiculously expensive, but you could probably get better bang for your buck.
(4)K W.
We had the foie gras, duck confit ,and the burger dog. Eh, not that great. The foie gras was mushy and inconsistent in texture. The duck confit was dry and lacked taste. The burger dog was burnt and the burnt parts overpowered the cheese. Service was ok. We went based on Yelp reviews and it didn't turn out as we had hoped. Not a place that I would visit again.
(2)Jim M.
The owner remembers my name five months after meeting me, and hadn't seen me since. Food's great, dessert's better, and such ambience. Go for it!
(4)Annie D.
Just had a birthday dinner there this weekend and this is probably due to the fact that I am not a huge fan of french restaurants but the food here was ok. I keep questioning myself if I should have ordered the moles though because that's what I originally came there for. Instead I opted for the calf brain and I don't think that was such a good idea. It tasted very fishy and the texture was too soft for my liking - maybe its just an acquire taste type of thing. Anyhow the service here was great and that is one thing that would probably have me coming back there another time, the wine selection was decent and they managed to find me a California wine that I actually like in Boston - so I was impressed Edna Valley Chardonnay, from Sanoma is what we opted for. For entrees we me and my friend ordered steak with pepper sauce and half baked chicken respectively. I loved the steak and especially the pepper sauce it was excellent! My friends chicken looked a little undercooked and she didn't finish half of it so I am not sure if it was cooked to perfection. Over all this place was pretty cute- has a small Eiffel Tower in front of it and a very cosy atmosphere inside. I liked it and actually I would give it 3.5 stars but such rating is not availabale?
(3)Mischa I.
Very disappointing. Bad service and average food. We had finished our bottle of wine before we got our soups - at which point we already had 3 loafs of bread ... the food was overcooked and we could not get a hold of a manager. After waiting for the manager for over 20 mins, we decided to get up and leave. The manager finally ran over only to offer us dessert when we had been meaning to rectify the situation from the beginning. It's a shame considering we tried to work it out and we've heard such great things about this place. Poor service, average food, cute place but too many tables.
(1)Jay and Jenn O.
The best bread in Boston. Not only for the taste, but how much they bring you. As soon as you are done, they bring you more without asking. I know its bad how they make Pate, but its delicious. Great service with great food.
(4)S S.
I went here last for dinner and ordered the special dinner-Chicken dish that was offered. I do not reccommend because it was dry and tasteless.
(3)Shirley Y.
i love this casual, yet elegant, restaurant for its authentic french dining, it's wonderful service and its unpretentiousness. there is not often a wait and it is easy to get to in the kenmore square area. i have been there twice, once on a date, and it makes me want to go back again and again with both friends and my boyfriend. the menu changes daily with specials and the food and wine is impeccable. the staff is always on hand to assist you with pairing the wine with the delicous and decadent french food. the space is intimate with two levels of dining...get there early for the top floor where the open kitchen creates a comfortable bustle in the cozy space and there is a bay window with a view of comm ave.
(5)S R.
Went here recently for a friend's birthday. The staff was excellent and had a lot of patience, which was great since we were such a large party. I started with a mango mojito, which sounds better than it tasted. It certainly wasn't the worst I've had, but it was mediocre at best. Not enough mango. The fresh bread was very good. I ordered the scallops for my main dish and they were just OK. Not nearly the quality I was expecting, that's for sure. Overall I would say the whole visit was just OK and nothing to write home about. I am definitely not in a hurry to visit again.
(2)Merri H.
great restaurant in kenmore square ( I hear they have another one in the south end which we have never tried) great food, great waitstaff,,,it can be a little loud if you go with a group, but is very cozy and fun if you go with just one other person. We tried the pate & snails (really garlick & Yummy) and the chicken & salmon and then shared a fabulous chocolate dessert! It's worth the trip
(5)Nicole M.
totally affordable and cozy. food was great. we had two apps, two entrees, dessert, and a bottle of wine and got out of there for just over $100. I wasn't too keen on the lobster mac n cheese, but the bisque was great. My steak was ok, not the world's greatest, but about what I expected. Chocolate mousse was fab. I'm going back for sure.
(4)Gary F.
Mon Petit Robert, Date night. Tight girl. Little Bobby. However, your food left me kind of uninspired. I find myself drained of my tight reviewing skills. Instead, my blood sugar is sky-rocketing and I'm dreaming of the perfect duck confit. Unfortunately, that is not to be found with you, Bobby. However, in an effort to write my tight reviews, I'll try. Blame it on Bobby if it's not quite tight. That's what I'm doing, anyway. Met outside by lawn ornament-style Eiffel Tower. And trecherous stairs which almost ended a lifetime of tight reviews from Gary. Sexy host and hostess (Gary cannot spell maitre'd. Or maybe he can?) ushered us to our seats. Lttle Bobby felt a iittle cramped and a little sterile. The beautiful space, in Gary's opinion, could have been better utilized by Bobby. Bread. Gary will really have to focus his efforts on the bread because Little Bobby (who apparently has the bread delivered from Canada, seriously. Why Canada? The waiter volunteered this info as if it were a great feat for bread. Perhaps Gary isn't in the know on Canadian bread tightness. He is now.) The bread was tight. Tight bread. And tight butter. We ate about 4 loaves. That may be because the food was good...but...Bobby. When you erect an Eiffel Tower in front of your bistro, you're setting the bar a little high, non? For all of that (plus faux-French speaking hosts), your escargot needed more attention, non? Onion soup gratinee was fine, but it's a little hard to mess up the tightest soup on earth, non? Main courses were also a bit of a let down, Bobby. Duck confit was tight, but there's tigher. And pairing duck confit with dry sausage? Hmmmm. Salmon legs? The jury is still out on the anatomical location of legs on salmon. Again, could have been tighter. For dessert, try the macaroons. They look like cookies Barbie would eat. They didn't look real and the taste was pretty unreal, too. However, white chocolate bread pudding tasted like cheese and was served at room temperature. Gary likes his bread puddings served warm, Bobby. Fin.
(3)R W.
Decent place that won't wow you, but is worth a trip for many different types of occasions. your average, decent French bistro that is appropriate for anything from an informal lunch to formal occasions. many different menus at this open-all-day place. come in for a nice baguette sandwich and coffee during the middle of the day.. or come in for a romantic during on a cold night and enjoy nice ambiance. whenever i pass the place, it also seems like a good idea.
(3)Seth M.
Fantastic food, especially dessert. the stories about the delays and waitstaff are mostly true. However, if you want a great steak frites and a mind-blowing Ile flotante, you are in for a treat. one time I had to wait for a table for 45 minutes (with a reservation, mind you), which was a bummer - but we sat in front of the pasty chef waiting, and that was torture. I nearly leapt over the counter to attack the gateau, cookies, and all the other delights that were being created. great place, just be prepared for a wait.
(4)Chance X.
Good service, food is only ok though. Didn't think it was anything special. I had the french national dish - hot pot. It tastes ok.... I actually the high light of our brunch was the free bread.
(3)Khanh D.
The food was spectacular! Some of the best French food I've had, and I just came back from a week in Paris. Would definitely recommend the escargots and pate, bluefish and duck confit, and almost any of the desserts. Service was very friendly and helpful in explaining the dishes to a group not that used to fine dining. Restaurant was occasionally a bit on the loud side for a date, but if your date enjoys great food he/she would probably appreciate it. Price was quite reasonable, under $40/person for 3 courses (not including wine).
(5)Eli G.
I'd been meaning to check out petit robert since it opened and finally had a chance chance last weekend. I love bistro style french foo so clearly I had high expectations and they were definitely met. My escarogot app and rabbit entree were both exceptional and rich. The wait staff was also very pleasant and helpful. The one reason it's not getting 5 stars is because the food at les zygomates is just as good, but costs less.
(4)N Z.
I've only sampled breakfast here but everything I have ordered (from their small breakfast menu) was great. Warm freshly baked french bread is served with every meal.
(5)Anna B.
The service is not fast but I think that's intentional - relax and enjoy more wine. This is a good date restaurant - it feels small and tucked away even if it is in Kenmore Square. The night I went we couldn't get a table so we sat at the pasty bar which turned out to be fabulous - we watched the pastry chef make desserts all night! I'd say try the white chocolate bread pudding (my pick) but they all looked pretty awesome.
(4)Kevin M.
I have a new favorite restaurant in Boston! This has been on Columbus Ave for about 2 1/2 weeks so far. Just went to dinner last night....sat outside. Service was great. Bartender was quite knowledgeable, (a bit strange, but that's OK)... Waitstaff/hostess very polite. Food was incredible!!! For a first course, try the salad with the crusted goat cheese! Great wine selection to boot!!
(5)Gazelle T.
Ehh. The prices were reasonable, the food was good not great. My pork tenderloin was more of a pork chop, and on the dry and tough side. My mom loved her swordfish, and she's a picky eater. I wouldn't go back here. There are just too many great restaurants in Boston to waste time on the mediocre ones.
(3)Lala L.
I threw a bridal shower here this past weekend for one of my good friends. The management and staff were extremely nice and accomodating. The dessert were really good, and the pastry chef is awesome. My all time fav is the french macaroons and the custom made pistachio&lemon cake that the pastry chef made for us! Thank you Kristen!
(4)Ellen K.
The food wasn't bad, but the service sucked. When we asked them not to take away our unfinished plate of appetizer pate, one of our servers rolled his eyes at us. rude! we had the rabbit special and scallops for main course. decent food, but i'd rather take my business elsewhere.
(2)James W.
excellent service. chicks with french accents can do pretty much whatever they want with me. good wine recommendation for the three varied dinners at my table - blue fish, lamb chops and veggie polenta of some kind. i thought the food was very good and the portions reasonable. the last time i went to a french restaurant it was like a t.v. commercial. ordered the game hen and got something covering less than 2% of the plate. literally went out for hamburgers after, but that's another matter. liked the setting right off comm ave, but below street level so you didn't have to deal with gawkers. small place without being too loud. reservations recommended. i saw some people without and the wait was substantial. i ordered the chocolate eiffel tower for dessert and actually got a chocolate eiffel tower. really cool. i almost didn't want to eat it, but . . . . they had a full bar when i was there, so i'm not sure why the 17 "none" votes. tasted like scotch to me.
(4)Anita C.
They serve an Eiffel tower made out of chocolate. I went there because the person who was doing their PR invited me to have a glass of wine with her. This place had potential and I can tell it is doing great!!
(3)Sarah S.
An out of town friend, in Boston for a conference, took my broke-ass student self out to dinner here and it was HEAVEN. I'm not a huge French cuisine pro but I do know that our food - half a chicken, cheesy delicious potatoes au gratin, hot cheesy soup, great wine, etc etc - was Great, it was a classy atmosphere (which we did not help at all), and all in all, a Great dining experience. I stumbled out full, tipsy, and Quite satisfied! ITs a GREAT friend who takes to you Petit Robert!
(5)Valerie W.
Petit Robert Bistro offers delicious French food at very reasonable prices. The pate and fois gras apps are to die for, and if you're in the mood for a little adventure, you must try the calf's liver entree--it melts in your mouth! There's also an extensive wine list at totally do--able prices. My experience with the waitstaff has been nothing but good, and the decor is pretty easy on the eyes as well. Petit Robert is definately a great place for a date...or maybe just a special dinner with friends!
(4)camilo a.
okay not really into french food but a friend a mine said hey lets go in and have a beer which first of all how would of know that french beer is actually good but any way i just could not resist trying the deserts that my friends said were delicious and man am i glad i did this will be forever bee one of the best little shops in the Kenmore area
(4)Laura M.
I was so impressed with Petit Robert. I went on a Friday night with my boyfriend and another couple. We were able to get same-day reservations for a table at 6:30, which was nice. It's conveniently located, easy to find, really cute atmosphere, lots of places to hang coats!, and overall made for a nice, hassle-free dining occasion. The service I found to be quite good. We were seated immediately, and our waiter asked us if we needed anything while waiting for a slightly late member of the party to show up. When he arrived, we all ordered a bottle of wine for the table ($22 -- not bad!), the vegan pate, and our entrees in one fell swoop. Our waiter was courteous, friendly, and attentive without seeming snooty. He answered our questions and responded well to a little goofing around. Some of the clientele I was less impressed with, like a guy who came in during our appetizer and started complaining that the table they'd given him wasn't good enough, and couldn't they rearrange the dining room furniture for him? What a prick. Either specify where you'd like to be seated with a reservation, or shut up. The other people in the restaurant seemed like they were pretty laid-back, though, and while it's a nice place, I felt comfortable in jeans. Then the food came. First of all, the cheapest Bordeaux on the wine list was still quite tasty. The bread was a still-warm delicious baguette. I got the duck confit entree and was SO HAPPY. Piping hot delicious duck fat, meat, braised cabbage, all in a subdued but yummy sauce. Also, a tasty sausage. I was a little amused by the token spear of broccoli on my plate, but I ate it and it was fine. Other folks got the steak frites, salmon legs, and lamb cassoulet. They were out of beef bourguignon when we went, which was a shame -- gotta try it next time. Everyone was too full for dessert, but I will have to try it next time because it all sounded fabulous. All told, we fed everyone for $115 (including tax and tip), which ain't bad.
(5)Kristen F.
I'm shocked at all these great reviews. I went with a party of 6 and the service was horrible, and the food not much better. We sit down, and after seeing the ridiculously over priced menu, we decide to order 2 bottles of wine. With no waiter insight, we finally flagged one down. Luckily, he was ours and we asked for a certain bottle. His response was "All out" and made a throat slitting gesture across his neck, and then walked away. Excuse me? We should have left right then. I was appalled that he just walked away, instead of making another suggestion... hello! We're here to spend money you idiot!! He finally came back and we ordered the wine. When he came to take our dinner order, one person asked if he could get a vegetable with his steak instead of fries. The rude waiters response: "Nope!" Finally when the bill came the waiter started being nice, whatever buddy... too late. We left barely 10%. The manager approached us asking why, and we explained the above 2 situations. He was very apologetic. This made some of the people I was with feel bad and want to leave more. After fighting for 5 minutes one the guys left an additional $20 on the table which is still pissing me off!!! This waiter deserves to be fired and if he was, I probably still wouldn't go back because like I said, the food was not great and way too expensive for what you get.
(1)Anuj S.
I went here for Brunch for several friends. The inside of the restaurant is really nice. Casual, yet sophisticated. Very cozy. The breakfast food we had was declicious. I have yet to try the lunch or dinner menu's, but I'll definitely be coming back at some point. The only reason I'm taking off one star is because the service we received wasn't friendly at all. The waiter wasn't helpful, wasn't friendly, quick to rush us to order (even though there were only 2 parties in the restaurant at the time including us), and he looked a little bit like the villain from the Charlie's Angels movie. Okay, that last part didn't change my review, but I swear its him. Either way, probably not the best French restaurant in town, but worth a try (at least for breakfast or brunch).
(4)Raphael F.
Awesome spot. Probably one of the best date restaurant in Boston. You wont set yourself back too much so its a great safety net for a bad date, and the setting makes it a winner if you actually wind up liking the girl. We got 2 appetizers and two entrees for 54 bucks not including tip. The coq au vin is amazing and the venison in blueberry and pepper sauce is solid. The pate appaetizer was what you'd expect, but the roast beet and goat cheese salad was a little bland and uninspired, really the only disappointing part of the meal. The bread is also awesome. I'll definitely be going back.
(4)Margarita M.
I have been here for brunch to Sundays and dinner. During brunch, there was a jazz band playing and really set the mood for a laid back Sunday. The eggs benedict was to die for. Very savory and filling. The brunch menu is pretty cheap too! Ive been to Paris before, but the only time I have had escargot is here. It was buttery and delicious. The environment at night is pretty lively, but romantic and classy as well. There was even a blind date happening at the table next to me :) The dinner is a bit pricey, but worth it.
(5)Andrea G.
One of my favorite restaurants in Boston. Kenmore Square was really lacking a nice, sit-down, non-chain restaurant and Petit Robert is far better than Il Bico, which used to be in this location. The food is spectacular, and the waitstaff is prompt and courteous, and can answer any question you have about the menu. I highly recommend the broccoli-corn soup and the duck confit, which is among the best I've had. Be sure to save room for dessert too, which is all extremely fresh and made in their on-site bakery.
(5)Crystal K.
The food is good but be prepared for a long wait and a very condescending waitstaff. We waited 75 minutes for our appetizers and by the time food arrived the wine was gone and our mood entirely ruined. While the cook really knows his stuff, the rest of the experience was one of the worst I've ever had in Boston. We'll never go back.
(1)Joanne L.
My husband has never really been to a French restaurant so we decided to check this out since the last time we tried to eat here, we were told that they were booked for the night. So it has to be good right? RIGHT! This time, we made reservations, and we were very pleased. We ordered the foie gras pate which was a tiny bit too much, but it tasted like butter. They give you toast with it, so you can spread it. It was so good. I ordered the steak frittes with bordelaise sauce and he ordered the venison with blueberries. We requested medium rare and got exactly what we wanted. I honestly liked my husband's dish more, but both dishes were very good. For dessert, we had the profiterole which was made up of yummy fried, chocolate, ice cream goodness. During dinner, we even started talking about what we'll order the next time we eat here again (We saw a lot of people ordering the escargot and french onion soup.). I highly recommend this restaurant, and make sure you make reservations before you go!
(4)Baker M.
Great steak frites...great variety of beautiful deserts...love the chocolate eifell tower. Very unique...staff all kind and cheerfull
(5)Jesse N.
The Petit Robert Bistro is a spin-off to the famous Maison Robert that was once located in Boston's old city-hall. Much of what used to be there can be found in this new French hotspot that is probably the only place in Boston where you can get high quality French food for under $20. That's right, under $20. The lobster bisque, escargot, pate, it's all authentic French. Some of the entrees taste better than ones I had in Paris! I highly recommend the duck confit. This place is perfect for a date, or for taking the parents out. The Petit Robert Bistro is quite possibly the best deal in Boston.
(5)Michael G.
The food here is really good considering the prices you pay. Everything is less than twenty bucks for dinner, which is just fantastic for what really ought to be a seriously expensive French restaurant. I'm guessing that if you show up without reservations, it could be a painfully long wait, as the place was very crowded and without many tables. I thought that the waitstaff was really helpful. They even gave us pointers about parking due to there being a Sox game the evening we went.
(5)Andre D.
This place serves up some phenomenal french-american cuisine. Waitstaff is attentive and knowledgeable. Good atmosphere, slightly more than casual. Desserts here are fantastic. Revolving list of specials can keep you interested.
(4)Emily C.
this is a really cute restaurant... and it was surprisingly cheap for french bistro food! especially for lunch, i think they have killer specials and deals. it's very quaint and dainty and has the cozy feeling of a french restaurant despite it's location on the bustling boston commonwealth ave. i ordered the salmon and it was probably one of the best cooked salmons i've ever had... up there with Navyyard Bistro... it was very yummy! i feel like the chef or one of the chefs there like to do a fusion of french and asian food sometimes for the specials.. for example one of the courses was duck wrapped in sushi (sans fish) and it was interesting. very yummy and the service is homey and friendly!
(4)Kelly H.
When I ate here I thought it was ok. Prices were good, but food was boring (granted I work in the industry, for a French place so my standards are high). Two days later I realized that they had double charge my credit card, so I called the restaurant. Spent 30 minutes on the phone with the manager, while he tried to find my credit card receipt. He told me that the charge would be reversed within 24 hours. 4 days later I had to call the company and filed a claim. I called the restaurant again to notify them of the claim, at which point the manager stammered for awhile about how he thought he had reversed the charge and didn't know what went wrong. Of course the credit he gave me eventually came through, but for the wrong amount, which meant I had to call the credit card company again. I spent nearly $200 here and am still annoyed at the incompetence of their managers and their cavalier attitude towards such a significant mistake. Would definitely not eat here again.
(2)steve p.
Great French bistro fit for Paris, but right in Boston. The food is very good and extremely reasonably priced. We had my girlfriend's birthday party dinner in their cozy basement dining area. We had a great time and the staff were amazing.
(5)Justin D.
the food was absolutely amazing, the server was incredibly but the management was awful! I went with a group of 7 friends to Petit Robert on Comm Ave, we ate downstairs and for the most part enjoyed our meal. after we finished dinner and before desert all of the ceiling lights above our table began leaking water from the upstairs bathrooms, a lot of water, probably 4-5 buckets worth. after it stopped raining we were not offered any sort of compensation or dry cleaner refund from the management. we were all in our mid twenties and believe we were treated this way because of our age. the management staff said "you ate your dinner, we cannot do anything" and "its the business 2 floors up fault, not the bathroom" (which was directly above our table. all we were looking for was our one friend who's shirt was soaked to get her meal comped. absolutely disgraceful...i highly recommend hammersley's, bouchee, gaslight or any other french restaurant in the city.
(1)Rob H.
MY gf and I had dinner at the Kenmore location of PRB last night. Overall, we were pleased with the experience. Here's a quick breakdown... Food: I started with a cream of beet soup which was very tasty and rustic. Also this was possibly the soup with the brightest color that I've ever eaten. My gf got the smoked salmon with big capers and that was not bad. My gf got liver and onions. She loved it and I thought it was probably the best liver I've tasted. I had the grilled pork loin for dinner. The loin was wonderfully moist and the accompanying mushroom and cheese would probably make anything taste better. That said, the topping was not too overpowering. The sides were plain-looking vegetables. The potatoes were super creamy and the broccoli and carrots were buttery. We finished up by splitting the apple tart. First of all, the tart was bigger than the largest slice of apple pie I've ever eaten. The apples were large and sweet and the crust was buttery, crisp, and doughy at the same time. Probably a bit too much for some, but bursting with apple and sweet flavors. Service: The service was prompt. We were seated at a nice table just before their dinner rush, and the food and drink was all served in a timely manner. Ambiance: The place looks decent. There is nothing particularly noteworthy about the interior. The table are close together, but nothing out of the ordinary for in town dining. The servers all wear clean white. Price: Very reasonable for French food. I don't think there was a dinner plate over $20.
(4)M C.
I've read numerous reviews about the terrible service here, and while it wasn't spectacular, it wasn't terrible. Our waiter was alright, pretty average. The food though was enough to ignore the shortcomings of the average service. The bread was hot and crunchy, with a soft interior. The mussels were tender and wonderfully cooked in a delicious broth. The french onion soup was light with a thick layer of gruyere cheese and just enough crouton. And the steak...so good. The fries were pretty average, actually, I didn't even touch them, but it was okay, since I was pretty full by the time I got to the main entree. But the steak was so delicious on its own, I barely even touched the accompanying sauce. I didn't have any dessert, but the food was good, the wine was good. I had a great time. For the price, I probably could have gotten better service, but the food was pretty fantastic (except the fries).
(4)J C.
4 out of 5 stars. Why? Well, lets start with the downer of escargots. Not that great when the first one that I bite into is full of sand. Yes sand, nice and crunch sand. The second and third ones were much better, minus the sand. The foie gras was excellent. Big melt in your mouth goodness. Mmmm. Onion Gratinee soup was equally good. Not salty like some other places. I had the roasted rack of lamb that was cooked to perfection. Tasty and succulent. The accompanying Pommes Lyonnaise was equally fulfilling. Had a tasting of the Pan Seared Scallops and 5 stars. Seared yet excellently cooked on the inside. Takes some skill there. Then finally had the Grand Marnier Souffle, after 20 minutes of cooking. Quite a bit of time, but had wished the waitress had offered to mention that before we we had ordered, but otherwise, the dessert was soft and delightful, with hints of citrus, not too heavy. Definitely warrants a return.
(4)Nancy L.
I ate lunch here a few months ago but recently came back for dinner, which was delicious. We started with escarot, their pate plate, and oysters. The oysters were perfect as were the escargot. There were three kinds of pate and all of them were delicious. The variety offered differences in texture and flavors. The hot bread basket was also hard to resist. For the main course, I had the sweetbreads, which I am currently craving and it is also the reason I was prompted to write this review. DELICIOUS. I wish I could go eat some right now! My friends had the pork chop and salmon. The pork was good but the salmon really blew us away. Cooked perfectly with a creamy just barely cooked center and crispy skin, the salmon was delicious even without anything else. It was a friday night and one friend was running late so our server was nervously checking on us the whole time, which made us uncomfortable. Other tables that sat there before us and left after us were not made to feel this way, which bothers me.
(4)Natalya M.
What a wonderful little bistro!! It is a little piece of French heaven in Boston! I have been here twice and have not been disappointed. The French Onion soup is perfectly spiced and has the perfect bread filling while the melted cheese accompanies all the flavors and decadently drips over the pot edges. The foie gras, which I have had in numerous places, really defined that this little bistro really knows French dining! I especially loved the Eiffel Tower dessert, which was so sweet and moist...it really made me quiver (and I hate hate hate cake! but this was just right!). Overall a wonderful spot to go to with friends for a not so heavy a price tag.
(5)Morgan W.
I had a wonderful meal here, but what was really special was the service. I'd strongly recommend this place, if you have even a single Gallic bone in your body.
(4)Brittany C.
This was my first time eating at a French restaurant, and I suppose I was expecting a little more, considering the reviews I've read about Petit Robert. The meals around the table were very touch and go--while my goat cheese and leek quiche was very tasty, it was nothing to write home about, admittedly, the potato gratin was amazing (behold, the power of butter), but both beef dishes at my table were very overdone and not very appetizing. Service was quite slow as well, given that the restaurant was not busy for Sunday brunch. I don't know if it's worth coming back or just worth learning to make buttery potato gratin on my own. The bread was delicious--I wish we were given more of it, considering it was gone in 5 minutes! I would probably go back here--I'm giving Petit Robert the benefit of the doubt that at least one of their chefs knows how to cook beef properly.
(3)Mykal D.
I'm always a little skeptical of anything proclaiming itself as french food in Boston, but leaving this place makes you think you'd step out onto the champs-Élysées instead of Comm Ave. The waiter even spoke French! (I don't know if this is the case with the entire waitstaff) The decor is very cozy and makes you want to whisper sweet nothings into someones ear and comes complete with soft lighting and the small but ample tables perfect for whispering. Now for the reason most people go to a restaurant: Pear Martini: Good, but sip slowly as my friends was pretty strong . Old Fashioned: I've had better, but it isn't french, so I'll give them a pass on that, Salmon Pate: Like butta, soft and succulent Shrimp and Lobster Macaroni: Excellent - almost considered licking the dish, thought about it, then requested some bread to wipe the dish clean. Seriously, I don't even like macaroni, but this is def the bee's knees. Duck Confit - Standard, nothing to slap your mother over or anything. Gargoyles on Somerville def owns the market for an amazing duck. Peach desert: Meh, passable Chocolate Mousse: Good enough that you would stab someone w/ a fork if they tried to steal a bite. Overall, I really enjoyed the place. A little pricey, but if I ever feel the need for macaroni, this place is def worth wherever you'd have to come from to get it. The only reason I don't give it 5 stars was that I was expecting a much better duck confit from a french place.
(4)Ruth H.
My husband and I love this place for special date nights. Great food, lovely French bistro atmosphere.
(4)John K.
I don't give many five-star reviews, but the food here is excellent, and the service is superb. And for the reasonable prices, the place cannot be beat. I've been twice (once for dinner, once for brunch) and they did a good job accommodating my food allergies both times.
(5)Huan z.
Make sure to make reservation before come to this restaurant. Small Portions but delicious. Very happy with my meal. Will come again.
(4)Jonathan L.
Funny place to go if you're chugging beer at Lower Depths next door and you're just jonesing for a shot of Jameson. (They don't serve shots at Lower Depths). Even though we stormed the place rather drunkenly and interrupted many first dates and quiet politician-mistress-meetups, we were poured very generous shots - more like doubles. The food smelled very good, and paired delightfully with our Jameson.
(5)Amy K.
We had a nice, very affordable lunch at Petit Robert, but I wasn't blown away by anything I tried. I had the salade nicoise, and BF had a brie sandwich with french fries (or should I say pommes frites?) The salad was tasty, but nothing I couldn't make myself at home. I didn't understand why there was a large piece of broccoli in it, but maybe they were out of green beans that day. I tried the french fries, and they were a little on the soggy side, and not very hot. Service was good, and I liked the atmosphere, but the food was really nothing special.
(3)Countess O.
Yelp really should have half-point systems, because I would totally give Petit Robert a 3.5. We went on a Monday night, weren't preparing to have a big meal. The service was very courteous and attentive, and valet parking was free which is always a plus. We were seated right away, in the back of the restaurant near the windows, and the view was great. There was a stretch of clean, semi-boutique looking apartments lining the other side of the street, while the Green Line ran across the middle of the street once in a short while like a trolley or street car, together with the small stripe of lawn in the middle of the street lined by a row of iron-gated fence, created a rather European air.The restaurant was rather packed even on a Monday night, and unfortunately people were talking very loudly, and the ambiance was perhaps not that conducive to a romantic evening with a happy ending, but great for friends and family. The bread was wonderful --- steaming, hot freshly baked baguette that was just the right combo of hard surface and soft inside, and tasted like heaven together with actually spreadable, REAL butter. It was so good that i finished my roll, despite all the dietary warnings of not filling oneself up with carbs before your meal. Trust me, you will want to finish your baguette, and perhaps ask for more. We ordered the onion soup and escargot for starters. I love escargot and have always ordered it at every French restaurant that I've been to, and I must say while it is solid, it's not stellar. As always, the pesto is very overwhelming, all a bit too strong and greasy. For my entree I ordered the hors d'oeuvre "Pan Seared Semi-Boneless Quail, Port Wine and Orange Sauce," and that was quite a let-down, I must say honestly. The quail came on a huge leaf of butternut lettuce sprinkled with a few pieces of grape, drizzled with a dark sauce which tasted nothing of --- as the title enticed --- port wine and orange sauce. The quail itself was tender enough, yet was waaaaay too salty. It was so salty that I actually only ate two bites, and I have never actually done this before at a restaurant, i.e. leave a dish almost untouched because it didn't taste good. The quail itself already tasted like the chef had a seizure while salting (seriously!) and I could only dare to imagine what it would have tasted like with the sauce. Needless to say, that was quite a disappointment. When the waiter came to clear tables, he asked me if I wanted it boxed to go. I gave him a polite yet slightly annoyed "no," and told him to relay to the chef that the dish was way too salty. Hopefully that message got through. I felt bad giving this place a 3.5 because, overall, it was a semi-pleasant dining experience. While the escargot was not bad, the quail was just unacceptable. I sincerely hope the chef did have an accident. P.S. If they have Maudite on tap, DO get that. If you think Maudite tastes great in a cork bottle, try it fresh. It will make a hard day's work go all away with just one sip.
(3)Kimberly W.
In a word? impeccable. Petit Robert Bistro serves the French classics, using delicious fresh ingredients and cooking in the true French style. I know French food, and I thoroughly enjoyed my meal here. The French have a philosophy of eating as being an experience; you will receive that here, with a romantic atmosphere, professional wait staff, and delicious food. A bit pricey, but it's worth it for the quality of the food served here. My spouse and I had the escargot, duck confit, poulet coq au vin, and the gâteau au chocolat. All delicious. And of course, the bread is excellent! All in all, I recommend this place to anyone looking to try out the French classics and have a true culinary experience.
(5)Jessica L.
Came here last night with a friend. We both got the soup du jour, a pumpkin soup, which had pieces of tender chicken. I really loved the flavoring and light broth; my friend thought it was just okay. It came steaming, burning hot, though, enough to hurt the tongue. For a main, I had the "Roasted Leg of Rabbit, Mustard and Mushroom Sauce," which came with sides of buttery mashed potatoes, three slices of boiled carrots, and two sprigs of broccoli. They definitely weren't generous with the vegetables there. But the rabbit was tender and the mushroom sauce was delicious. After spending all of January in rural southern France, I'd say this dish was close to (though a step below) the country food I had -- straightforward but still tasty. My friend had the Beef Bourguignon, which she said was really good beef. She's a big foodie too, so I trust her on this. As others have mentioned, it was comforting to hear French spoken both by the staff and other diners in the restaurant.
(4)Melanie P.
Great meal and ambiance. All tastes were exquisite. Hubby had snails and calf's liver. He said he never had better. I had duck confit with sausage and it was wonderful. The waiter suggested a wonderful wine. For dessert we had sorbet with almond cookie and husband had a wonderful chocolate dessert. The wait staff could have been more attentive with water, but otherwise an excellent experience. We would definitely go back!
(4)Eddie W.
Since the chef Jacky Robert was the executive chef of Maison Robert from '96-'01 you are getting the same dishes you would get at M.R. for a much better price. The escargot are outstanding. The frog legs are out of this world. Cooked to perfection so they fall right off the bone. Don't forget to order the souffle in advance though since it takes about 20 minutes to get that little piece of heaven on your table. The only reason I'm giving P.R.B. 4-stars instead of 5-stars is the 40 minute wait between apps and entrees the last time I was there. It was the night of a Red Sox-Yankees game though so I understand if there were some issues that night. I still made the game on time however. That was the 1st time I ever had to wait like that. If you enjoy 5 star french food at a 1 star price then make sure to hit up P.R.B.
(4)Bridget B.
The Eiffel tower made out of chocolate is cute. I had a really good croque monsieur with french fries there (I'm ashamed to admit I went to a French restaurant and had french fries, but they came with the damn sandwich!) I also really liked the onion soup as well. The main dining hall seems like it can get very crowded, and the tables are all right next to each other. I went there for lunch on a hot day, so most people were sitting outside, so we actually had the whole dining room to ourselves which was pretty neat. Very light, airy, sparsely decorated. I liked it a lot. I wish I had more to work with in regards to this review, but I have not had time to go back. I was very impressed with the prices for lunch, I'm not sure if dinner gets a bit more steep or not.
(4)Vijay R.
I have not been to many French restaurants, but I was told that Boston has some of the best French restaurants in the North Eastern region. I went with two other friends, and all of our dishes were delicious. We got the duck confit, salmon, and tilapia. I got the tilapia and it had a creamy garlic and rosemary flavor pan seared to perfection. The mash potatoes had a creamy texture to complement the tilapia. Unlike many places I have been in Boston, the service was fabulous, so it is almost an automatic star. I guess I can not give 5 stars since I do not have a comparison for French food.
(4)Brett W.
This place is some major YUM. A considerable group (8 in total) of us went here for a friend's birthday on a Saturday night and had an amazing time. My friend and I split the garden salad, which is what it sounds like, but still flavorful without being boring. A good appe-teaser for sure. But it was the entree that really sealed the deal. Petit Robert is the type of restaurant where your only worry is WHAT to choose. I went with the Chicken "Coq au Vin" with Buttered Noodles and my stomach practically leaped from my body with excitement. My friend's pork loin was also very tender, and I heard someone rave about the veal (if you're into veal). Even the side of spinach was delicious. I also had a gin cocktail, which I BELIEVE was called something along the lines of "Sidecar," or at least had "car" in its name. Maybe. I could be making this up. I can't find it online, but it was THE ONE. Petit Robert really knows how to wine and dine you and send you home with a full belly and smile on your face!
(4)johnny r.
This is by far the best value for your fine dining $ in boston!! If you want a great gourmet meal with service, quality, and decor, this is THE PLACE! And, there are 3 of them in greater boston to boot! Flank steak is near perfection. We split the bibb salad, and they make it more than enough for 2. Must try the crepes only made on saturday! Can't wait to go back!!!
(5)Alex S.
I was a little nervous that I would be walking into a Walt Disney World French restaurant given the lighten up Eiffel tower outside and the famous desert served with a chocolate Eiffel Tower. To my relief the positive Yelp reviews had not led me astray. Instead of a cheesy tacky experience, this restaurant had a great atmosphere. It was well decorated and you could see and smell right into the kitchen from the dinning area. The delicious buttery French cuisine had my ole factory bulbs going crazy from the moment I sat down. They candlelit tables enhanced the atmosphere while not being too dark to read the menu. The Cabernet we had was great. The all stars from our appetizers had to be the carrot and ginger soup special and the applewood smoked salmon. The salmon was definitely smoked in the restaurant as it had a deep smoky flavor that was distinct from the out of the package smoked salmon. I had the duck confit for my main which was very good and not too greasy but the vegetables that came with it were kind of limp and plain. The salmon entree enclosed in a pastry was ok but too rich and buttery for my taste. You could take a bit or too but then it was too much. The desert was phenomenal even though I am not usually a desert guy. The best was the chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream and strawberry sauce. The cake was still warm when served. The Profiterole, however, was the MVP. The chocolate sauce was incredibly dark and fudgy. Really superb. A great French place to go for flavor ambiance and not ridiculous prices.
(4)Allison B.
For the longest time, I wanted to try Petit Robert, but the bf refused. Why, you ask? Because their website has blinking text. You know, like 1996 Geocities-style blinking text. "But that says nothing about the quality of the food!" I'd exclaim - "you're oversimplifying." But he was adamant that the website is a reflection of the business as a whole. Finally, he relented. The outcome? Good, but really nothing special. And yes, we went all out: gratinee, wine, - even frog legs - but nothing really blew us away. RE: Frog legs - the +1's only comment was "I've had better." RE: Gratinee - Specifically, I like the one at Bon Savor in JP better. The service and ambience, on the other hand, were great. Prompt, friendly, and all that jazz. Love the outdoor seating area w/ Parisienne mural (though I think it could do with some plants). But for the price and hoop-la, I'd rather go somewhere else.
(3)Boston D.
I was very impressed by the food here. I wasn't expecting to be. I was expecting "ok", but everything we had was delicious, from the seared foie gras, to the trout amandine, to the scallops...delicious wine too, although I felt a little sacrilegious ordering a California Zinfandel (Deerfield Red Rex for $45) in a classic French bistro. The ambiance is a little boring...the building is a classic brick townhouse outside of Kenmore....we were seats in the basement...feeling is a little claustrophobic, but also cute. Probably not a good place to go on a diet, as recipes are classic French.
(4)Michelle S.
Just had AMAZING pate! I've never tried it before and the trio-appetizer platter was scrumptious. We had it with the french baguette and Dijon mustard and I scarfed it down. Next, I had scallops and crab over spinach! VIOLA, best scallops I've ever eaten, which is saying a lot since I grew up on the ocean with access to delicious and fresh seafood. Lightly seared, almost raw, which was melting in my mouth. Even the veggies were to die for! My boss (who took me out to lunch) got tripe, although she is a little more adventurous than me. It wasn't terrible, not that I'd order it again, but that's because I'm not a huge fan of tripe ever! She seemed to think it was one of the best she's ever had though for what it's worth. We had lattes afterward, which were better than Starbucks!!! DEFINITELY go here...
(5)Jacqueline Z.
Went here last night (Monday) with my family. Overall, very good experience. Food: very good! Excellent bread to start. **Recommended appetizers/soups/salads: Onion Soup, Lobster Bisque (soup), Salad Nicoise, Beet and goat cheese salad (special; my fave!) **Recommended entrees: Lamb Cassoulet (with sausage--so good) - was a special, Pan Seared Scallops **Recommended desserts: White Chocolate Bread Pudding, Apple Tart Tatin, Profiterole (my fave) Wine: lots of good selections in the $25-45/bottle range. Corkage fee here is $25, fyi. Service: A-. Waitress was very accommodating; slightly pushy but not too bad. Atmosphere: 3 different seating areas (a handful of 2-4 person tables outside, inside ground floor---2-6 person tables, inside downstairs--larger parties and bar area). Could probably get a bit loud on busy nights but was fine for us on a Monday night. Would love to go back here again soon. Great value for your dollar.
(4)Jenny L.
I never thought such a classy but affordable restaurant would be on my campus! I've walked many times by it, smitten by the lit up Eiffel tower, always afraid to look at the prices to discover that I can't eat at such a wonderful place. But my friend had eaten there before and wanted to take me out. This place is affordable for what it offers!!! I wanted to try their french onion soup. It was better than the ones I've tried in France. The cheese was gooey. The bread had just the right amount of moisture. And I can't say anything but rapturous praise of its soup. I just wish I had taken more time to enjoy every sip and bite of this wonderful concoction.
(5)Rebecca B.
I have nothing but wonderful things to say about Petit Robert Bistro. I took my best friend tonight before her flight back home. We were short on time and mentioned that to our server. We had the Julia Child special, which included lobster bisque, coq au vin with buttered noodles, and mousse au chocolat... all for $29. Everything was delicious. The lobster bisque was perfectly spiced, a little kick and not too salty. The coq au vin was amazing -- HUGE portion. The chicken fell right off the bone, the sauce was perfect, and the noodles were cooked just right. Even though I was full, I couldn't stop eating the mousse au chocolat. If possible, the service may have been even better than the food. Our server brought out each course as soon as we were finished, allowing us to eat a three course meal in an hour (which makes us sound completely gluttonous, yes) and get to the airport on time. Parfait!
(5)Michelle L.
Took my family here for a nice night out in Boston. And oh, did I make the right choice. We made reservations beforehand, which I strongly recommend. Space is limited and the place is always busy. I will say the lighting was too dim for my tastes. Candlelight is romantic, perhaps, but I like being able to see. Decor was classy, very French, very sophisticated. It's a higher class of restaurant than I'm used to. Onto the food, the important part: We all agonized over the menu. Everything looked good. Except maybe the tripe and the calf's brains. We're not offal people. After some time deliberating over each item, my aunt and my cousin decided on the salmon en croute, my uncle ordered the coq au vin, and I had the cod bouillabaisse. The bread was excellent, fresh and piping hot when it came to our table. We also received a second basket when our server noticed how quickly the first one disappeared-- now that earns bonus points with me. We were all exclaiming over our entrees; I think we were all perfectly satisfied. I thought I'd had excellent seafood before, but I've never tasted mussels with so buttery-smooth a texture as the ones that came in my bouillabaisse; the cod was also excellent, though I had to be careful of the bones in the fillet. We couldn't resist dessert, either. And at a French bistro it seems obligatory: if you want the decadence that is French food, you need to commit yourself fully. My aunt and uncle shared the apple-raisin bread pudding; my cousin and I split the chocolate mousse. Both desserts were as indulgent as could be hoped for. The mousse was sinfully chocolate; dark and creamy at the same time. My words don't do our meal justice. Maybe I'm just tired. But this place comes highly recommended. I'll be back to try the obligatory french onion soup, and find out about that chocolate Eiffel Tower.
(5)S S.
I love this restaurant! My husband and I come here frequently when we crave good French food. This is one of my favorite places for brunch on a relaxing Saturday. Their french toast is delicious, and they serve a good, solid eggs benedict. I've also had their coffee and potato soup, which I wasn't a big fan of, but it was my mistake. I misread the menu and expected a cup of coffee and a bowl of potato soup, but it's actually coffee inside potato soup. My husband, on the other hand, thought it was delicious. Their crispy egg salad is also pretty good. I wasn't a big fan of the crispy eggs, as they're basically breaded and deep fried eggs, but the salad was delicious! Dinners are great here too. I highly recommend the coq au vin and beef bourguignon. Prices are reasonable and the portions are big. The service here is fantastic and it really is a gem in the Kenmore/Fenway area!
(5)Emily O.
So-so French food and snail slow service. I was here with my boyfriend's boss and work colleagues; although conversation was great, the food was iffy. I would steer clear of the profiteroles. They were nasty and stale biscuits that had clearly been made at the start of the week and piped with unsweetened whipped cream, then coated with a huge layer of chocolate to mask their staleness. Ick. Won't be making a return visit.
(3)Kelly G.
Super fab date spot-- quiet and dim-- grottoesque really. The ambiance gets the mood going and the food will get you home. I ordered iconic french food/drink right down the menu -- kir royale framboise, the Onion Gratinee Soup (which in other non-french restaurants would be French Onion Soup), Coque Au Vin for dinner, and then Chocolate Mouse for dessert. Now I love (French) onion soup, but I usually just eat the top layer (you know the cheese, bread, and a little broth part) but I got straight to the bottom of this and considered licking the bowl-- but before I could ponder that too long, the waitress came with the next course. Coque au Vin is a rustic dish consisting of chicken, pasta, and some wine brothyness. I'm a doggy bag sort of girl, generally portions are way too big for me-- but I ate the whole thing and didn't once regret it. And then I ordered dessert. Strike me down for saying so, but the mousse was almost too rich. I ate about half of it and then relinquished it to FW to polish it off. Also the kir royale framboise (like a regular kir royale but with raspbery stoli in it) would have knocked me on my ass if I'd had it without food. I'm a lightweight, I admit-- but champagne, vodka, and chambord had me tipped even with a full stomach. Well done!
(5)Linda Z.
The food at Petit Robert would be adequate for a lower-priced restaurant but for the price point, I struggle to give it more than two stars. The lobster bisque is nice, though every time I have ordered it, I receive it lukewarm even when the restaurant is not busy. The entrees are mediocre for the price. I had the scallops and they were quite overcooked and rubbery, while the risotto underneath was acceptable. The wait staff is kind enough, though I have not complained there before - based on the customer feedback, providing the Chef with feedback would be a waste of everyone's time. If you are looking for a place last-minute and do not mind paying more for food that is of lower quality, you can often get a table here without a wait.
(2)Roger A.
Any real Parisian bistro would put this place to shame, and that's a real pity. You walk in feeling like you should've shown a passport at the door. Chalkboard specials, French waitstaff, Eiffel Towers everywhere, all make you think you've been transported from Comm Ave to Paris in an instance. It all falls apart after that... We did a quartet of appetizers and were disappointed with all of them. 1) We got what the waiter described as a "shrimp dumpling in a lobster sauce" special. It was a golfball sized blob made of finely minced shrimp wrapped in some type of dough. Ever had minced shrimp packed into a ball before? It was disgusting. Not a single piece of lobster in the lobster sauce. 2) Bayonne Ham and melon. Meh. The "ham" is really a prosciutto and the melon tasted like something you'd buy at Stop&Shop. The dish was garnished with sesame oil. Interesting combination that didn't work well. 3) Bib Salad with Panko crusted Goat Cheese. How can you mess up a salad? Easy, the dressing was sparse and boring (could've used Ken's French Dressing and gotten a better review). The goat cheese was a blob of deep fried cheese. Not what I pictured, at all. 4) Heirloom tomatoes and goat cheese salad. More like Plum tomatoes and goat cheese salad. What's exciting about plum tomatoes? Nothing, especially when you're expecting a delicious heirloom. Garnished in the same sesame oil as above and therefore lost points for lack of creativity. Lastly: Service was slooooow once the restaurant got a little busy. Wine was hit or miss. My Cab was very good, my wife's Pinot would've made a good salad dressing. All in all, a nice (albeit smokey due to the open kitchen) environment catering to an everyday crowd at slightly more than everyday prices. In the neighborhood and need a sit-down meal? Hop in. Looking for a place to spend a nice evening with memorable food? Look elsewhere...
(2)Angie S.
Purchased a groupon for this restaurant and finally when my schedule cleared up a little I was able to get around to going. I'm not generally a fan of French food however I figured I would give it a try. The desserts were good, very rich in flavor. The food I did not like at all especially for the price listed on the menu. The reason I gave this four stars is because the service was AMAZING!!! They were all so extremely pleasant and always made sure you had everything you needed. The food was a 2, the dessert was a 4 and the service was a 5 so I figured a 4 would be justifiable. When i was there I had the half chicken, mashed potatoes and veggies. All of the food had ALOT of butter. I would go back there maybe for dessert but that's about it.
(4)Tamas S.
Staff = Great. Food = Yummy! Atmosphere = very comfortable. I will definitely be back here.
(5)Anastasia R.
The Fiancee loves rural French dishes which was something I discovered when we went out on our latest date. The food was very good and our waitress was almost fluent in French, was able to answer my questions very well since I wasn't familiar with the cuisine, plus she was super approachable. It was an overall 5 star experience. From cocktails to dessert we had a wonderful time. Note: Frog's legs don't taste like chicken. They taste like chicken cooked in fish. Not bad, just different. Don't let the man lie to you.
(5)Garth S.
Last Sunday evening, C---- and I decided to stop by Petit Robert for an early dinner. It was around six-thirty and already the dining room was full. We did not have a reservation. I didn't think it would be so crowded so early on a Sunday evening but C---- reminded me that although the college kids abandon Boston for February vacation, there were still a few grownups kicking around who might want to enjoy a Presidents' Day or St. Valentine's Day dinner out. The hostess suggested we sit at the downstairs bar where we could order immediately or we could wait about a half-hour for a table. C----- wanted to eat quickly so she could get home in time for "The Amazing Race" but I preferred a table so we compromised and ordered drinks at the bar while we studied the menu. I grew up watching "The French Chef" (I was a strange child) and as I read the menu, I imagined I heard Julia reciting the menu with her eminently imitable speech impediment: coq au vin . . . pot-au-feu . . . boeuf bourguignon . . . saumon en croute . . . PBS just doesn't produce shows like that anymore. The hostess interrupted my memories of food cooked with pounds of butter and drowning in buckets of heavy cream to announce that our table was ready. We'd waited only about fifteen minutes. She also thoughtfully had our bar bill transferred to our table. In retrospect, I think we screwed the bartender out of a tip. I ordered the coq au vin and C---- settled on the tomato-carrot soup and ratatouille. We split one of the special hors d'oeuvres, a lobster macaroni and cheese. It was very rich and quite tasty with nice chunks of lobster but I could have done without it. My coq au vin, however, served with buttered noodles, was perfect. C---- clearly enjoyed her soup and ratatouille and for a moment I was afraid her tongue would collide with her plate. We did not order wine and C----- cheated me out of dessert so she could make it home in time for her program. (Honestly, can you believe she'd choose a television show over dinner with me?) The service was great, the food enjoyable, and our bill, which included hors d'oeuvres, two beers, one cocktail, one entree, soup, and a side, came to just over sixty bucks including the tip. It's great to find a French restaurant that's neither super-fancy nor break-the-bank expensive. Petit Robert is not haute cuisine. It's just a neighborhood bistro serving French comfort food in a simple, cozy environment. Best of all, Petit Robert is versatile: you can take a date, bring your parents, or even try dining by yourself on a quiet night. Whatever you do, though, save time and room for dessert. Also, try to stay away from the frog legs. Like Kermit, I submit that there's nothing sadder than the sight of millions of frogs with tiny crutches.
(4)Bryan K.
Excellent food. Great price. i ate here with my girlfriend and another friend on Friday night. We were seated immediately on the outdoor sunken patio. It was a great meal and we ordered plenty of food and drink. Still, with aps and entrees and desert, the total was only $130. We all loved the fois gras. My girlfrend had the coc au vin (delicious). The duck was superb with plenty of meat. The only weird thing was the frites. They tasted exactly like McDonalds fries. The beer list was very short but they had some good choices. Overall, it was an excellent dining experience. I want to try to other locations as well.
(4)Wayne D.
"Bonjour"!!! Screams a wonderful-yet-all-over-the-place French woman. She promptly greets my party of two, slightly underdressed for this beautiful restaurant, and offers us a bottle of water. "Sparkling Perrier will do" I kindly asked, and sparkling it was..... I went on a limb here and ordered a few flavors that would not compliment many others. I started with a cream of mushroom soup because it was cold outside and my only purpose was to heat up. It certainly did the trick. I ended up eating the entire bowl (and the serving was bountiful). I became more and more daring so I ordered Tripes Provençal, not a traditional Wayne experience. Knowing I was getting a dish with incredible flavor (so I hoped as the flavors in a Provencal dish usually compliment each other very well) I ordered a glass of rose wine. Sophie would have been so proud! For dessert, a cafe latte and a bluberry shortcake. The flavors in the shortcake were a bit weak but considering the personalities of the staff it did not matter. I was full by that point anyway. If you haven't been, you haven't lived.
(4)Cookie D.
Five of us had lunch at Petit Robert Bistro last Friday afternoon. So much was wrong, I'm not sure where to start. The restaurant only had a few tables filled, but we waited at least 45 minutes for our food. The fresh tuna in the nicoise salad was gray when it was served, and horribly overcooked. The most unappetizing piece of fish I've ever seen. My chicken crepe was sub par - the "cream sauce" was under flavored and glutenous. It had the consistency of campbell's chicken soup but without the flavor ( how sad is that - when Campbell's chicken soup is tastier than your chicken crepe!) The overhead fans were on so high that my hair was blowing in the wind! Not all our food was delivered, and we had to ask for the rest of it. The side order I was told came with my meal was different than what I got. Very disappointing. Maybe they were having an off day.
(1)Brendan M.
6 Stars? 7 Stars? This place is amazing. Every entree I have gotten has made my tummy veeeeery happy. They have a reasonable wine list and some very interesting cocktails. I got a Peartini. Not surprisingly, it tasted like Pear Juice. VERY good. Reason enough to go back right there, before you factor in the food, service, and atmosphere. Get a Peartini, you'll see what I mean.
(5)Sammi N.
I LOVE PRB! The food is simple, classic, and delicious. The service is attentive, warm, and charming. Some things to consider when dining here: 1. Make a reservation! If for a weekend evening, then well in advance! 2. SAVE ROOM FOR THE GIANT PROFITEROLE! It's my all-time favorite dessert - no joke, and that says a LOT! Nothing bad to say about this place - except bring back the lentil cake!
(5)Rebecca Y.
1. Yum! 2. Cheap! For a grand daddy total of $60 for two people we had the following: 2 $7 glasses of wine the trio pate app (excellent, but save your bread or ask for more) 2 entrees (grilled bluefish & duck confit) dessert (Ile Flottante) OK, so the service didn't blow my hair back, but it wasn't as terrible as it has been for some other yelpers. I wouldn't say our waiter was friendly or helpful, but he was efficient and polite. If for no other reason than the price, this place definitely deserves a further investigation by everyone.
(4)Lindsay E.
So, I should start by saying that we went on Valentine's day. We made reservations for 5:30 and were some of the first customers to arrive. They did not have their normal setup and had a lot of two person tables (understandable). We ordered some oysters, a smoked salmon salad and a salad with a goat cheese fritter on top. My boyfriend ordered a martini of some kind and I ordered a Kir Royale. For our main meals, I ordered scallops in a crab sauce and the bf ordered haddock with a tomato parsley sauce. After we got our drinks, they tried to bring us someone else's meals. I think they were super confused by the new setup. Then, they brought us our meal before our appetizers even came. I told our waiter and he tried to rush our appetizers. Maybe that was the reason there was sand in my oyster. The flavor was pleasant, but it was completely ruined by the sand. The smoked salmon was literally to die for, it was so delicious and the salmon pretty much melted in my mouth. The goat cheese salad was also really delicious. We then waited about 30 minutes for our main meal. It was like a hidden camera show as different waiters came by with different people's meals at least 3 or 4 times. We finally got our meals and were so excited. The bf loved his fish. I thought it was really tasty despite not being the biggest parsley fan. As for my scallops, the flavors were excellent. Once again, they did not seem to clean their seafood properly. I had at least 3 pieces of crab shell, nasty. The vegetable medley they served with both dishes had way too much onion, especially for valentine's day. The waiter did bring me another Kir Royale for my troubles which was nice. He was very nice and apologetic and professional. He actually talked to one of the waiters who brought out the wrong dishes a lot and seemed genuinely upset for us. The dessert was good, some chocolately thing. Nothing to write home about. Their coffee is also excellent. I would definitely give them another try because we went on what seemed to be an off night. However, their poorly cleaned seafood gave me a bad impression. Prices were excellent for French food.
(3)Samantha B.
Yummy yums! I've been here tons of times and have never been disappointed. Firstly, they're great for groups. I've come here for my birthday a couple of times, and the waiters are always refilling waters, bringing more bread, and checking up on you. The bread is DELISH, by the way. My boyfriend loves the French onion soup (wish they had a veggie version!). Their vegetarian entrees change, but I've consistently loved them, especially the mushroom risotto. But the real star here has to be the desserts! I'd say they're the best I've ever had. I've gotten the ile flottante, the frangipane pear tart, and tried a bunch of other people's, and loved them all. I love it when a place has a true blue pastry chef, and doesn't buy some pre-made desserts that you find at all the chain restaurants (I'm talking to you, Bertucci's!) The prices make it a once-in-a-while place, but it's great value. A lot of care goes into the food and the atmosphere, so I definitely don't mind.
(5)Emilie P.
I've been here twice, both times for lunch. Both times I've been amazed. A delicious good portion lunch in Boston, served on white tableclothes and all under $8? Where have you been all my life! The express lunch is fantastic. I've had the burgerdog (hamburger shaped like a hit dog) and the BLT. Both were delicious and so big that I had plenty to take home for later. They also serve a warm baguette with butter beforehand, so delicious! The food is great, the atmosphere is pleasant and intimate, and the prices can't be beat for such high quality food. I'm dying to go there for dinner and try their desserts. From what I saw, the prices for the dinner entrees were reasonalble and their selection was classic French fare. Their desserts sounded amazing, and I know their cappacino is good. I also want to try their brunch menu (served late everyday). I think this is a place I will be frequenting. Note: I've never had trouble with their service. Probably they are not as good during the busy dinner hours but what small restaurant isn't!
(5)Eric D.
This place was exactly what I wanted. Great food, decor, and service. Little bit on the pricier side for younger patrons, but nothing that will break the bank or make you feel ripped off. You will not go home hungry or dissatisfied!
(4)Shannon C.
Went here with a groupon and the staff was very accommodating despite the fact that we had made our reservation at the wrong location. The food was excellent and price is right. Nice bottles of wine available for a decent price as well. The service could have been better in general, but the staff was very friendly. Food took about 45 minutes to come out which we didn't mind as we were in no rush. However in other circumstances I could see this being an issue. Overall, great food and nice environment.
(4)Annie P.
Time of Day: Early still sunlight dinnertime. Server: Clearly French. Recommended a good simple bottle of red. What I recommend: Chicken "Coq au Vin" with Buttered Noodles (easy pick) This is the best French cuisine I've had in Boston so far (haven;t been to Salts yet) because it tasted home cooked and hearty. The richness and creaminess mixed with that tender chew in each bite. When everything on your not so complicated dish falls apart gently ..good sign. Meal wasn't a drag and totally casual in there. I was with a postman for godsakes..
(4)Daniel R.
Just moved here from Southern California. Had a reservation, 40 min wait + very busy night (day before Valentines). Food was fab, perfect dirty martini, seating was a bit crammed, waiting lobby a bit small, but great service. I would come back!
(4)Jesse R.
I've only been to PRB twice, but both times (once for lunch, once for dinner) have been really great experiences. I would recommend this as a dinner place, it has a totally different vibe than lunch - it is much more romantic and the service is much more at ease. My lunch was good, but you could tell the servers just want to flip tables and some of the dishes were not available. Prices are very affordable for the quality and authentic French dishes which are exquisitely prepared. For dessert try the Chocolate Gateau, its famous for its chocolate replica of the Tour Eiffel. Food and ambiance are excellent, service can be spotty, but this is definitely a place for a great French meal!
(4)Ty H.
So my girl and I recently celebrated three years together. In short this place on the whole is fucking fantastic, all be it a bit loud. Our server (I don't remember her name, but she was a brunette female) was extremely attentive without being the least bit overbearing or annoying. I had some Tuna tartare with some form of a chilled red wine or balsamic glaze on crostinis. It was off the chain. My girlfriend had a bowl of cream of broccoli soup. I fucking hate broccoli. Given the choice of eating broccoli, and the festering taint of a dead Mexican whore after a condomless gangbang at a leper colony, I'd dine on the latter, hands down. However, this soup was rendonkulous. I would have shamelessly guzzled gallons of this sublime concoction, let it drip onto my cashmere sweater, and then promptly demanded more. I'm not too picky of an eater, but if a chef can take an ingredient I despise and craft something so sumptuous that I'd rue through a minefield of razor wire naked for another helping, that to me says s/he's got some serious fucking talent. I wasn't just impressed- I was flabbergasted, the soup was that good. This was followed by our entrees. I had cassoulet, which was pretty damned good. I would have liked a more liberal mix of pork products, but the sausage was great, the duck crispy and moist, and the beans silky and flavorful. Cudos. Coming from a guy who grew up in Maine eating Quebec soul food regularly, this stuff was high up by any French standard. My lady love chose to go with a red wine braised short rib with seasonal root vegetables. It was unbelievably delicious; tender as all get out, beefy, the sauce had not only a great flavor, but a nice syrupy mouth feel without being overtly sweet. There was this delicious understated earthy, herbed aspect to it with hints of smoke and c har that just culminated to give it a totally unrivaled depth of flavor. I was in awe. This dish was a 10. The wine list was more than reasonable price wise, and pretty deep considering it's a "bistro"; Knowing my lady's penchant for blush wine and Rose vintage Champagne, we decided upon consulting with our server to go big or go home and get the Rose- which was under $80, a real value in my opinion, because I would have paid twice that without hesitation, it was that good. The exact vint and year eludes me. However:. It was assertively tart initially, followed by a myriad of peaches, berries and almost a lychee note on the back end. It was sublime. We were so full from dinner, dessert was out of the question for us. But this place has a great thing going. It's a bit loud in the upstairs room, but for being able to walk in in a pair of jeans and a sweater and get a meal that'd give any celebrity chef in Boston a serious run for their money- that's saying something. It's delectable, unpretentious, romantic, and I think it has a very promising future. You can count me in as a regular, because I will surely be back.
(5)Carolyn C.
Dinner can be pricey if you have starters and dessert (which you must) but oh so worth it! Must Taste: Trio of Homemade Patés with Condiments Moules Marinières Tripes Provençale Petit Calf's Liver Sautéed with Caramelised Onion and Bacon Roasted Rack of Lamb with Haricot Vert and Pommes Lyonnaises Mousse au Chocolat, langue du chat Grand Marnier Soufflé mmm yum
(5)Cassandra B.
This place is great for a nice dinner out or a quick lunch! One of my favorite eats in Boston. Service is always friendly and attentive, willing to answer any questions you might have throughout the meal. Bistro food and a great (and inexpensive) lunch menu. Try the escargots, served in old-fashioned cast-iron (with a wonderful butter herb sauce), the coq au vin, and steak frites are favorites (get a side of bearnaise for the fries), the fish dishes here are also well prepared (the scallops are amaze). If you're here for a nice dinner, try some dessert as well, the almond tart with ice cream was one of the best desserts I've ever had. All in all, a great place for great food. Oh, and the drinks are perfect (strong and delicious) Sidecars, especially!
(5)Christine W.
I took my husband here for his birthday. Since I made a reservation and let them know ahead it was a special occasion they held a prime table by the window for us. Service: Excellent Food: Escargot, Foie Gras and profiteroles were excellent. I had the potato and crab cake entree which was pretty good. Drinks: Amazing wine, good value.
(4)Sandra C.
I was inclined to give Petit Robert Bistro 3 stars instead of 4, but I am not the biggest fan of French cuisine, so I leaned towards the higher rating to account for that. We had a number of courses, so I will speak to all of them. Once we were seated, we were served a fresh mini-loaf of french bread. Piping hot, straight out of the oven, the bread was absolutely delicious. I then had a bowl of Lobster Bisque soup, which was not great. It honestly tasted like squash soup. Not much taste of lobster at all. We felt adventurous, so we had the Calf's Brains as a appetizer. It wasn't bad, but nothing to rave of. It tasted like tofu, which is to say it didn't taste like much. And it wasn't cooked in much to give it flavor either. The consistency was much creamer than tofu as well. When eaten with the accompanying salad, it wasn't bad, but needed salt. I did not account for this in my rating, as I have never had Calf's Brains before and didn't have anything to compare it to. As my entree, I had the Duck Confit. The duck was cooked quite nicely and was very flavorful. The skin was very nicly crisped and the meat extremely tender. I was quite happy with it. We ordered the Brussel Sprouts Provençale on the side, and I was sorely disappointed. Provencale is a garlic sauce, but this was really over the top, and they needed salt. For Dessert, we ordered the Pot de Crème au Chocolat, which was exquisite. The chocolate was a perfect texture with a nice, punch of darkness. Considering how much we ordered, the pricing was extremely reasonable. That definitely added to the 4th star. I also was very fond of the atmosphere. The room was nicely decorated in a brick and wood motif, and the lighting was very nice. The one consideration I would say is that the tables are extremely close together. You are very easily able to hear all of the conversations around you, and if you need to get up, you much excuse yourself to your neighbors as you move the table out of the way to get by. I was very happy with the service, but I did find it slow at times. However, the wait staff was extremely pleasant.
(4)Vonda B.
I'm not even sure where to begin... let me preface this with the fact that I went years ago for my birthday and really enjoyed it. I was looking forward to revisiting it and seeing what new things they had in store... if only I knew... First off, it was Restaurant Week but because I had an expiring LivingSocial deal, we did not order off Restaurant Week menu. This should have already warned me that things would not go well... when two cheap events run into each other, the results are only likely to disappoint. Once we were seated, we were given water and menus and then no one came to take our order for almost 30 MINUTES. I actually had to ask for a waiter/waitress. The waitress did not discuss any specials or apologize for the lack of service or do any pleasantries. Just "Do you know what you want?" To start off with, our potato croquettes were OK, although my friend says the one he ate wasn't cooked all the way because he could still taste the raw egg they rolled the potato in before frying it. For our entrees, things were mediocre at best, if not incomplete. My friend got the beef bourguignon while I got the chicken au jus. When our meals came, his beef bourguignon was fine. However, my chicken had no au jus and it came with, wait for it, fries? Huh? Not the side I was expecting and the fries were flavorless. By the time I got my side of au jus, I was almost done with my entree of somewhat dry chicken and tasteless fries. We mistakenly ordered dessert (white chocolate bread pudding with vanilla ice cream). It was not memorable at all. We basically ordered it to get over the $50 mark. By the time we got our check, it was almost 1 hour and 45 minutes later from when we were seated. Slowest service ever! Everyone around us got up numerous times to ask either for more wine, more bread, parts missing from their meals, for their dessert, and for the check. It was a WRECK. And the worst part? Right before she returned with the bill for me to sign, THREE MICE ran out from under a closet door TOWARDS the diners. I almost shrieked. It gets better... my friend told the waitress about the mice as she was dropping off the check to sign and she replies with, "Oh, are you scared of mice?" and shrugged it off. Of course I'm afraid of mice... IT'S A HEALTH HAZARD! Right then and there, for the first time ever, I did not leave a tip. And I usually leave 20% for OK service and at least 15% for complete crap. But the mice and her response pushed me over the edge. And believe me, it takes a lot to get no tip because I live in Chinatown and the service is pretty bad and the conditions aren't exactly super clean. I am NEVER returning to Petit Robert Bistro again. Yeah, maybe they were having a bad week or something, but it honestly doesn't excuse all the crap that went down tonight. I advise you to avoid it at all costs. Seriously. No, SERIOUSLY.
(1)Elizabeth T.
Get the Breakfast!! My boyfriend and I come here at least once a month and order the same breakfast every single time. The crispy poached eggs on frizze salad with bits of bacon and the quiche omlets are probably the best breakfast dishes we've ever had. We actually haven't even tried anything else on the menu because every time we go we can't resist getting the eggs and quiche! We went there today and were comenting on how the dishes are perfect as is, no need for salt or any extra sides, they are perfectly seasoned and delicious! The bread is always warm and delishous as well. Service has always been good, can't complain on that end. Keep in mind if you go... you won't need to eat again until dinner!
(5)David A.
It breaks my heart to give only 3 stars, but we were the only table this novice waiter had, and we waited 90 minutes between app and entree.... NINETY MINUTES... 5400 seconds.. 1.5 hours... It blows my mind. Luckily the atmosphere from both our company and the joint itself kept us n our seats. The food was delicious, drinks (other than water) were filled at no discernible interval.. so the Food side was great, 5 stars, the service that night was just... Slow. From the table turnover around us i don't think this is par for the course, but still left a slightly sour taste in our mouth... Which by the way, was immediately resolved by the vanilla creme brulee at the close. All in all, i say roll the dice and take a shot, it may be worth it.
(3)Tom E.
It seems almost every week that you see some prof on The Daily Show pimping out his latest book on 'The Power of Groups' or somesuch topic. You know, how groups of people can influence each others decisions and how collective opinion can rule. Well, those theories cut both ways this week for PRB. Firstly, the peer-pressure of a gang of trusted Yelpers affected my typical decision-making and had me booking here instead of my usual haunts of ethnic food or cocktail-heavy diners. Secondly, the power of the group I dragged here was able to quickly come to a consensus on practically half the whole menu, simply by totalling up the number of smiles and frowns at the end of the night. Our mob-made verdict... average. Individually, I actually had a good meal... trois pate, crusted pork loin and the dramatic Il Flotant dessert made me happy if not bowled-over. But all around the populace of our group, there were pockets of discord such as the $11 for a glass of house red, the simply rubbish version of parsnips, the lack of exciting or daring options, the almost complete disregard for vegetarian options and the unavailability of most of the specials even before 8 pm. These murmurs were subdued by fine bread, a helpful server and wonderful mash potato, but the group consensus was surely heading for a 'Meh' until the desserts arrived. Thank god for their pastry chef. But again, the peer-pressure of crowds is troubling my choice - was it really just average or did our group hit a spurious outlier? Perhaps the gear-up for the St Valentine's Day amateur night had PRB off the ball this week and we were the data-point falling off the regression line, while they prepared to woo and wow the masses and their inexplicable desire to link French food to romance.
(3)Smooth O.
Enjoyed the wine and appetizers (escargots, trio of pates, french onion soup). Had the tripe and coq au vin for dinner. Probably wouldn't get the tripe again (maybe needed another dimension - wine or vinegar?) Coq au vin was ok. Overall, we enjoy the food here, service is good, and we would go back again.
(4)Mick T.
Just great! Just had brunch there, good food, good discrete service, crispy poached eggs on salad with big chucks of bacon just rock. And their deserts are so good, best apple tart I've had in ages. Now just gotta find a quiet night to go there for dinner. Hey, I forgot about the soups! Just get it, sometimes they sound weird like Cream of Cabbage or something, but they're really, really good, and usually very rich.
(5)David X.
Very charming restaurant in the South End. I got the risotto which was delicious, and for a restaurant of this quality the price was very reasonable.
(4)Anais R.
I love the Petit Robert. The food is delicious. I shared the pate and escargot as an appetizer and I was pleasantly surprised by how delicious both were. They also serve you warm french bread that was amazing! For dinner I shared the frog legs, which were not great, and the duck that was amazing. Duck in general is a little greasy so it was good to share it because it might have been a bit much to try to eat it all by myself. Overall, though the food gets 5 stars. As for the service, I was super impressed. All the waiters were friendly, were willing to move us tables when we wanted to be by the window, and very attentive to our needs. The restaurant is a little small so can get a little busy at times (making a reservation ahead of time is a good idea). It still makes for a great location for a romantic date or for dinner with a small group of friends. I would definitely come back.
(5)Jeannie H.
This used to be a great neighborhood bistro but I was less than impressed with my last visit. I got the half roast chicken and the thing was burnt....as in the skin was all black. I was then told by the waitress that it was meant to be that way. Do I have "stupid" written on my forehead? I talked them into giving me a new dish, which was the coq au vin. It was really bland and tasteless. I, unfortunately, have not been back since. I thought it was homey place that was unpretentious. It served solid bistro food without much fanfare. The menu never changes so it gets old after the 3rd stop. The place is saved by 1) good bread and 2) wonderful desserts.
(2)Nora A.
It really doesn't get any better than this for the money. The food was simple and fantastic. Escargot & pate for appetizers (both wonderful), and scallops with mashed potatoes and spinach with crab meat sauteed in garlic, lemon juice and oil (also fantastic). Two apps, two entrees, and a bottle of wine for under $80 is unbelievable. Not to mention the delicious warm bread (which they brought two of). This place far surpasses ANY of the competition on Newbury St. I honestly can't even recall any of the meals I have eaten at any of the restaurants on Newbury. Maybe Stephanie's, but I think Petit Robert was even better than that. Stephanie's is a bit overrated in my opinion. Also, did I mention how full we were; portions were fantastic. I will definitely be coming back, and I'm sorry it took 4 years to try this place.
(5)Nay M.
I LOVE this place. I find it to be unpretentious, a trait that is uncommon among the French bistros in Boston (ahem, Bouchee - I will not write a review for it, but please please please do yourself a favor and eat at Petit Robert instead). Not entirely uncharacteristic of French cuisine in general, the flavors are simple but bold. My favorite items on the menu are the risotto and the lobster bisque. I come to this place for those two things alone. As much as I like to sit upstairs near the window, be sure to check out the pastry bar downstairs - it gives it an authentic feel.
(5)Deb L.
4.5 stars. A very inimate and classy spot. All courses were delicious and felt that there was a high level of precision and flavor to our meals.
(4)Hogger K.
It's amazing the difference a few months can make. Four months ago, I would have given this place 5 stars. Now, I have to seriously reconsider ever going back there again. Tonight was completely shocking. I should have known that there would be a problem when the bread was hard. I'm talking that the bread seemed like it had been sitting in the cargo hold of an airplane for too long. This is completely the opposite of the bread I had here 4 months ago. In my group, all of us shared, and no one said anything until everyone had made up their minds. There was a consensus that the food was bad. The risotto was horrible. It was significantly undercooked and bland. It's a good thing that Gordon Ramsay wasn't there or else he would have thrown the stuff at the chef. The pate was okay, but this place was famous for its amazing foie gras. Why change a successful dish? The skirtsteak was also terrible. There's a difference between medium rare and rare. The dish was too rare, but it did allow us to get a better idea of the quality of the meat. The meat was too stringy (this was a comment also made by another recent reviewer). What was truly terrible was the pork chop. The spicy sauce on the side was awful. But what destroyed the dish was that the pork chop was way overcooked. I have never tasted a pork chop that dry before. It was awful. My group actually tried to order several things that we loved from four months ago. If you read the reviews from that time, you'll find that most of us agree on what was amazing. So, here is some free advice: if everyone is saying how great a dish is, DON'T TAKE IT OFF THE MENU! The risotto was terrible. It was undercooked and each of us tried I hate seeing a place that was so wonderful take such a dive. On the other hand, I did get another massage at today at New Moon Massage, and it was as good as the last time (read my review on it). The woman who works there is a great example of someone who earns money the honest way. I just wish that Petit Robert Bistro would learn some lessons from her. I don't think that it's a coincidence that three recent reviewers have also given very low scores to this restaurant. The only thing I'm trying to figure out is how they hated the food so much but still gave it 2 stars.
(1)Barbara B.
J'adore ce restaurant! Have yet to try their main courses, but the brunch selection is delicieuse. Definitely, if you can, come right when it opens - the fresh baguettes are oh so worth it!
(4)Coren D.
Incredible value for traditional French continental cuisine! I always get the foie gras and escargot and am never disappointed. The menu has all the classics: Blanquette de veau, steak frites, Coq au vin, Duck confit. Even cooler: the waitstaff all speak french, so you can practice that good ol' high school knowledge. They make all their desserts in house and are available at the dessert bar downstairs. I took away one star because the tables are a bit too close together and you can hear the neighbor's conversation. Not so private.
(4)Katie M.
This place is perfect for impressing your francophile date and making he/she/ze say ooh la la! Yup, your date will in fact say that, because Americans love to say silly things in French, just as much as we love to eat French cuisine: it makes us feel fancy and romantic. Petit Robert succeeds at its French restaurant-ness, though, in ways that more haute French places do not: it is a surprisingly authentic bistro, meaning pretty traditional French dishes you'd expect & prices that won't make your eyes pop out of their sockets. OK, an entrée will definitely run you more than an Anna's burrito, but I found Petit Robert actually really affordable, compared to other French options in Boston. Plus, I was heavily reminded of bistros in actual France when dining in this establishment, whereas 98% of the purported "bistros" I have been to are absolutely nothing like what a bistro would be in the country of its origin and seem to charge extra just because they have the word "bistro" in their name -- even though French bistros tend to be pretty modest in nature. Gourmands may wish for a more innovative menu, but I think this place is all about the classics. If your girlfriend's missing Paris after coming home from study abroad, be sweet and take her out for a glass of wine and some classic beef bourguinon.
(4)Amy S.
Several months ago I brought a drunk and (hysterically) crying/ranting relative into a restaurant to use their bathroom. Needless to say it was pretty embarrassing. Cut to last weekend when my friend decides he wants to go to Petit Robert for his bday dinner. Walking towards the door I thought, "This place looks familiar...." Much better experience this time! Such a cute place - something about below ground level makes it feel so cozy. I would say romantic, but I was with nine other people sooo not so much. As soon as we were seated our very friendly and attentive waiter (I wish I could remember his name....cute?....no French accent?) came by to take our drink orders. He helped me decide between two and I was very happy with my French Sidecar. The menu is what I personally consider "fancy" with lots of things that I wasn't 100% sure what they were. Sauce made with white wine and...bone marrow? Still, for a "fancy" place the prices are very reasonable. I did the $35 3-course special where I first choose salad with a big panko (yum!) fried goat cheese ball - the cheese also tasted great on their bread. Then came the chicken with tarragon sauce with mashed potato and a chunk of lightly cooked broccoli - a small portion, but really I didn't need any more than what I got and the chicken was cooked perfectly and DELICIOUS. The birthday boy (and to a lesser extent his gf) really talked up the profiterole to the point where I found myself ordering it even though I didn't know what a freakin' "profiterole" (or "the pro thing" as I called it) was. Yum-me! Two fried pastries with a scoop of vanilla ice cream sandwiched in the middle...oh and the whole thing is COVERED in chocolate sauce! I tried a scoop of the chocolate mouse and it was good, but VERY heavy. I probably would have needed 3 glasses of water and two extra stomachs to get through it.
(4)Yao W.
"Meh" is right. Had a birthday dinner for a friend here, and my entree was less than memorable. And another friend's pork chops were a little dried out. Is this what passes for French cuisine in Boston?
(2)Melissa R.
Ok, so I was really excited to go to Petit Robert, and have been meaning to do so for years. Finally got the opportunity to go with three friends, and I was ready for a drop-dead yummy experience. My reaction? Eh. I probably should have known the experience was going to be a poster-child for mediocrity when I ordered a glass of pinor noir and was promptly (and extremely rudely) told by the waiter "the other one is better". No, I didn't ask for his opinion. Yeah, dude, and it's also $3.00 more expensive. I was totally annoyed by the comment and the fact that it was obvious he was going to be just as much of an ass the rest of the night. He was. Grabbed things out of our hands, completely and totally unfriendly, kept trying to take my friend's food away from her even (and I am not kidding here) when she was in mid-bite. To top it all off, he put our order in wrong and one of my friends had to wait 20 minutes for his coq au vin. The waiter never even apologized--a bus boy took care of it and apologized profusely. Ridiculous. Now the food--it was absolutely mediocre. I ordered the roast chicken which was not hot and not meaty. The mashed potatoes were cold, the vegetables were limp. PS: my glass of pinot noir was just fine. PPS: i am never eating here again.
(1)Vicki T.
We loved Petit Robert. We had our best meal in Boston here. The appetizer of herring and potato reminded me of what I used to be able to get in Paris. Delicious! My daughter told me that her steak was so tender, she did not need a knife. My rack of lamb was excellent. My son-in-law liked the tripe, and my husband enjoyed his chicken. The service was also polished and professional. Will definitely return on our next trip to Boston.
(4)Allison S.
I've never been to France, but I imagine it to be lined with places like this. Small and intimate, with a slight view of the kitchen and some great food. And yeah, they have escargots (only my favorite dish ever). The wait staff was very friendly, even though I think that some of their "french" accents were fake. The host was nice enough to pull the table out so I could squeeze into the bench seat (the tables are THAT close together). For starters, I ordered the escargot plate on the "specials" menu - baked in puffed pastry and it was absolutely delicious. My main dish was the salmon - which may or may not have been a little undercooked - but was still completely delectable. The bread was also delicious. Yum! We were too full for dessert, but we were allowed to order the gateaux chocolat to go, which was really nice. Once we actually ate it about an hour later, it still tasted as good as if it was still on the plate, I'm sure. I'm heading back there the next time that I've got some extra cash hanging around and feel the need to eat some French food.
(4)Dave F.
Petit Robert's Bistro offers French bistro fare in a cozy, comfortable environment. The steak tartare could use a bit more flavor -- it's bland without using the sauce. My calf's liver, however, was delicious and affordable. The bread is predictably excellent, and the bistro boasts an extensive but reasonably priced wine list. The experience was satisfying, and we'll definitely return in the future.
(3)Diana L.
The price is right, but more often than not, I'm not particularly impressed. First time we came here, we rolled in with a group of 8, ready to chow down. My escargot was bland, but my beet salad was decent. When my peach bellini arrived, it had become a passion fruit bellini. I didn't send it back; I'm nice like that. And when my passionfruit souffle arrived, the chef had forgotten to add sugar to the dish (I learned the true meaning of sour that night). The desserts around the table were pretty decent, but nothing spectacular. The second time around, we came in for weekday brunch. The french toast got pretty good reviews. The "burgerdog" had mixed results. My croque monsieur was fabulous, however. It came with a nice little salad and a small side of french fries. I dipped my fries into the horseradish mayonnaise that came my buddy's "burgerdog" and then washed it all down with a cup of coffee. My meal was great-- I can't say the same about everyone else's. The prices being decent, I still wouldn't give Petit Robert anymore than 3 stars. Too many low-energy dishes with bored flavors. But the croque monsieur's not bad. There's always that.
(3)Ina C.
This was the perfect place to accommodate our last-minute double date, all of whom are one or more of the following: has high standards for food, is still in school (read: in deep debt), was wearing jeans. Thanks to my brother's recommendation, we came here without a reservation around 6:30pm on a Sunday evening, and they were able to seat us immediately, and with a smile. We took a look at the menu and were pleasantly surprised to see that this restaurant with long white table cloths and servers that spoke with hushed voices had entrees that were all under $20. Like Diana R. said, the price is definitely right. To start, we ordered the avocado salad (lightly seasoned greens with a generous portion of avocados, drizzled in balsamic dressing) and the smoked salmon (with toasted bread and capers). Both were delicious. For our entrees, the steak-frites with bearnaise sauce was very tasty and the fries were perfectly crispy and light; the blue fish with creamed corn sauce was refreshing and clean; the Normandy-style sausages were robust in taste; the lambshank, which was one of the specials, was probably one of the weaker dishes. The sauce that came with the lambshank was awkwardly tomatoey and didn't quite match the meat, though the lamb itself was fall-off-the-bone tender. Most of our entrees came with the mashed potatoes which were perfect little clouds of heaven! Among the entrees, my favorites were the blue fish and the steak frites. For dessert -- OH DESSERT -- we had the hardest time deciding on which ones to order because, aside from the ubiquitous creme brulee and sorbet assortment, there were just too many interesting and unique desserts to choose from! We finally decided on the white peach souffle, chocolate gateau and the ile flottante. The souffle was light and airy, and the sauce it came with was the perfect contrast - bold, robust and tangy. The chocolate gateau came alongside a chocolate Eiffel Tower, whose novelty really struck the curiosity of the guys in our group. :) The ile flottante was a puff of meringue in the center of a soup of creme anglais, also delicious. Aside from the parking, as others have mentioned, there is little to complain about at PRB. I will most certainly be back, hopefully with a seat on the beautiful outdoor patio. I eagerly await Tina C.'s review of PRB as well... :)
(5)Kreshnik Z.
I think Petit Robert is so worth going to even if it is for their complimentary bread rolls...Yum yum yum how do you make the bread so deliciouso? What i find incredibly appealing about Petit Robert is their prices. You will rarely find entrees priced more than $20 here, even though I think they can get away with charging much much more for them (Don't you dare changing the prices on me now, owners of Petit Robert). i went recently there for lunch and their lunch prices on sandwiches are solid for the amount of food you get (usually less than $10 for sandwich, salad and fries). The staff is usually very attentive but every single one of them has an unbelievable french accent which I find very odd - do they only hire french-speaking waitstaff or is it that they ask their waitstaff to put on a french accent? Regardless, it is a worthwhile visit if you like food.
(4)Mike S.
I have been here many times. The price and quality of food is consistent and very good! I think it is one of the better deals in this city. The service is good; however, some occasions spotty. The reason why I don't give it five stars is because they really don't have any healthy options. A salad is about as good as it gets here. The bread is great and so is the food. I highly recommend this restaurant.
(4)Chi N.
There's one thing totally wrong about this place. Food? No, that's really, really good. Well, then you're thinking Service? Well, nope, because for a French restaurant, it's about as good as you'll get. Must be the atmosphere then, eh? Nope, it's actually quite pleasant inside. Then, you ask, what possibly could be wrong with Petit Robert? Parking. Yes, the fact that you have to plug a meter for every 15 minutes of the best affordable French meal you'll have this side of Atlantic is the only thing wrong with this restaurant. Hell, last time I was there they even supplied quarters for me to plug the meter as I didn't have any myself. Petit just is that good. The coffee potato soup is superb, if you you're the sort of chap who likes coffee thick and creamy like a fat cow swimming in her own milk. Like me. The lunch entres are all amazing, and the dinner even much more. And the dessert... ..oh, the dessert. Say it with me: White chocolate bread pudding. Yes, I know, you don't like bread pudding. Who does. But if they have it, try it. It's like kissing Heidi Klum while Keira Knightley and Scarlett Johansson massage you with their bare bodies greased up with only the oil from the virginest of olive plants. Delic- So now you want to go but the only problem is you're worried that you'll blow through a month's worth of your gradschool stipend. But take a breath. Go for lunch and you'll be able to enjoy a nice chilled beer, a sandwich, and maybe even a soup if you please for just a nice crisp yuppie foodstamp ($20). You really can't go wrong.
(5)Heather C.
The ambiance was very romantic with dimmed lights and candle lit tables. The prices were high but if you're celebrating an occasion or want a sweet romantic night out, I would recommend this place. The seating is tight, so on a busy night expect to have people within 3 feet of your table...
(5)Chelsea B.
This is a great french restaurant! I came here to celebrate my parent's birthdays along with my brother and my boyfriend. All of us are very adventurous eaters so it was perfect! With things such as brains, snails and sweetbreads on the menu it might not be the best place for finicky eaters and especially not children. It is also down in a basement and very small which is another reason it may not be good for children or groups. Very romantic for a date-spot if you and your date are down to try new and different things. However if there is the occasional finicky eater in the group, there are some french staples like French Onion Soup and croques-monsieur which are always great. Great wine list and actual French server were a fun plus!
(4)DeeJay H.
I used to love this place....and now it was only ok. $150 and just ok. It used to be $150 and something to remember. $150 lunch for two- ok?Just ok. I went recently because I love their pan seared foie gras and was having sleepless nights thinking about it in my mouth (note to self-you may need to discuss that with your analyst)...Upon arriving, I noticed it was not on their menu. The rather snotty hard to understand waitress scoffed at me that it hasn't been on the menu in over 6 months. 6 WHOLE MONTHS. In the good words of Steve Martin 'WELL EXCUSE ME'....Are there Petit Robert regulars that keep track of such things? Please tell me if so, so I can avoid such mistakes in the future. We settled for the foie terrain which was just ok. Had escagot which again were just ok. The pistou was a high point....and our entree split of Coq au vin was generous and tasty. The attitude along with the price of food that was 'just ok' overshadowed the food. Next time we go with our original plan and hit India Quality up the street.
(2)Natasha A.
Mmm feed me. Probably my favorite restaurant as of late. Standard French fare without the Acquitaine prices. Your escargot, fois gras, duck confit, beef bearnaise...its all here, and since every entree is under $20, you might as well splurge on a bottle of wine. Do not be surprised if more than one waitor serves you. The staff are all very knowledgable and the atmosphere is cozy...although sometimes too cozy as the tables are cramped into the small room.
(5)Hussam B.
I have been to this restaurant a couple of times and never was impressed. The food is ok and so are the prices. But you can get much better french food elsewhere in the area. I had the vegetable soup which is served cold. It had a boring dull taste to it. Then I had the smoked salmon as an appetizer which was below average too. Had the salmon as main course. It was cooked medium rare just as I requested and the sauce that accompanies it was delicious. I ended my meal with a chocolate cake for dessert which was ok but nothing special. I am glad they are not overpriced otherwise I would have given it 2 stars. The service was very good and the waiter was attentive.
(3)Julie R.
I loved dining here. The whole restaurant is adorable. My boyfriend took me here for a romantic meal and we sat downstairs at the pastry bar. I loved watching the pastry chefs prepare their beautiful creations. It was also nice to take in the aroma's of fresh baked confections while enjoying a great French meal! We started with the trio of pates. Very good and all were flavorful. For my entree I had the Chicken Coq au Vin with Buttered Noodles. Yummy! The chicken was so tender and the noodles were amazing. For dessert we split the creme brulee. We got to watch it being made right in front of us. Very cool! I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a romantic dinner. I was surprised the prices were so reasonable. I've been to more expensive French restaurants and this one was better at half the price. I would also go back for dessert and sit at the dessert bar downstairs again. The restaurant has 2 floors and its in a historic brownstone. Everything was wonderful. 5 stars!
(5)Cat S.
Beautiful and delicious Frog Legs Provencale! Lovely waitressing. Ate dinner outside, which was a nice relief from the mugginess of the day, if a bit noisy from the passing car traffic. Inside is beautiful and lowlit. The best souffle of my life! Grand Marnier that night, but it changes. Friendly patrons and staff. Also, the chef and waitress didn't skip a beat when I requested no butter on my food. At a French restaurant, that impresses me.
(5)Audrey Y.
I first went to this restaurant several days ago during our trip in Boston. We just wanted to have some deserts in the afternoon, so we ordered a Blueberry Crème Brûlée with Palmier, a Warm Apple Tarte Tatin with crème fraîche, and a Raspberry Souffle with Chocolate sauce. They were unbelievable delicious! I can't tell you how I satisfied with the Souffle, it is HEAVEN. So, me and my boyfriend soon decided to have a dinner at this restaurant, and we ordered vegi soup, a Six Escargots Bourguignon, a Roasted Salmon Fillet, and a Beef Short Rib Bourguignon. Again, the dishes were very delicious, and yet very big for two of us. I couldn't finish my Bourguignon and not even my boyfriend could. We waited for almost 40 minuts to get our first dish, even through we were ok for that (we had 4 loafs of bread during waiting ), the waiter was keeping apologizing for a whole night(we could tell he is extremely tired because of the late night service), and gave us two glasses of wines for free. We were just impressed about this restaurant, will definitely come again if we could!
(5)Evan P.
Petit Robert Bistro is great, the food is totally a great deliciousness per dollar value, and the venison in blueberry port sauce is a mindfrig. Can I say "frig" on yelp? The waitstaff was a little impersonal, but whatever.
(5)Frankie P.
I was looking forward to my meal at Petit Robert as I am a fan of French food. I was so disappointed in every plate with exception of the desert which was all that I can say I enjoyed. The steak tartar was simply cold ground beef which I felt I could have gotten easily at the deli counter at Shaws and the Froie Gras was served with four triangles of toasted wonder bread.Last I got the Veal that had all the tenderness of a running shoe. Luckily my date loved his calf liver but I think if I am to go again I will not be making the same dining selection as I did the first visit.
(2)Susan D.
We stopped here for a very late lunch on a blustery New Year's Day and had a lovely cozy meal. First, they serve a very well-priced lunch until late into the afternoon. This is a good practice and unusual for a non-chain restaurant around here, I think. 2. They have a nice range of lunch choices, from good sandwiches (including Croque Monsieur and Madame), soups, and salads to a handful of real entrees such as a nice whitefish with lemon sauce. You may also order from the dinner menu. 3. The entrees were excellent. I couldn't resist the calves liver and onions -- perfect liver, seared on the outside, creamy and pink inside, with onions nicely caramelized and several slices of crisp, flavorful bacon. It came with a side of julienned vegetables and in addition we ordered sides of ratatouille and potatoes dauphines which were swimming in butter and cream. Great! The servings were large, the liver so much so that I had to wonder if this was really a calf or actually a very tender larger animal. It was a pretty big piece of meat for a calf.... 4. The dessert I had was not on the menu, but from the chalkboard of specials, and I'm not sure of the name. It was an intensely delicious flourless chocolate slice of goodness with a nice scoop of vanilla ice cream, raspberry sauce, and bit of sweet flaky pastry. Husband said the coffee was excellent too, good and strong. 5. Service was professional, pleasant, and helpful. All seemed to speak French fluently, but there was no hint of Parisian attitude. 6. The space was lovely. We were seated in the downstairs room, with a great view out onto a snowy Comm Ave, the pretty part toward Boston from Kenmore, mostly residential with some ground-floor local shops. It's a pleasant area. We'll be returning often to P.R. Great food at reasonable prices.
(4)Claudia H.
I'll just say this up front - it's very French. In the stereotypical rude, pretentious, anti-American sense of the word. We reserved a table on February 13th for 9pm that night, as it was impossible to score reservations for Valentines day itself at that point. We got to the restaurant on time and our table wasn't ready yet so we went downstairs to wait at the bar. The bartender took our order and then promptly ducked out from behind the bar and disappeared. We didn't actually get the cocktails until we were seated upstairs, and that's not because we saw our table any time soon. Then the true delights of the evening began. I'm not a fan of French Onion Soup, but I was excited that there was a cream of tomato on the specials. When asked about how the tomato soup was, our bona fide French waitress replied with the ever so helpful, "hot." She then went on about how fabulous the French Onion soup was even after I explained that I was not interested. They were out of the first two dishes that I ordered, so I then had to scramble to find a third choice as the waitress tapped her foot impatiently (and for someone like me, who usually struggles to choose between dishes, not having a 3rd choice lined up speaks pretty poorly to their menu). When we ordered a side of ratatouille, the waitress asked us if we would like it with or without cheese. I thought for a second about the other cream laden dishes we had ordered and answered, "without," to which the waitress felt the need to reply, "It is the same price madam." In the end, my cream of tomato soup was "hot" as promised (and incredibly rich), my steak was tough as steak frittes always seems to be, and my drink was so strong that I do not remember many details of the evening after its arrival. If only it had arrived a little earlier...
(2)Bianca G.
I heart Petit Robert Bistro. My girlfriends and I go here a lot for Girls Night, and I think it's also a prime place for Date Night. Yes, it's a little cramped, but isn't that always better for cozying up? I highly recommend the escargot, foie gras, pate plate, the risotto, the scallops, whatever seafood special they have, in short I highly recommend everything. And don't forget the desserts! (my mouth is seriously watering just thinking about those) The macaroons, creme brulee, and the super-cute chocolate Eiffel Tower cake.... Mmmm And as the icing on the cake, PRB offers great prices too. Out of all the French restaurants I've tried, this is hands-down my favorite :)
(5)Robby T.
Like many have said, the food was good, but not great. Their foie gras app was not the buttery high quality stuff. The braised lamb shank was good, but was missing a hint of something. And the night's special of sea bass was something a good home cook could've mustered up. BUT, the service was excellent. Attentive; some authentically French; and made us feel like we were welcome. Prices were affordable and our California Zin was wonderful. Great for a dinner where you wanna step it up, but don't feel like being snotty.
(4)Nicole B.
We took out of town guests to dinner here on a Saturday before a concert at the House of Blues. The decor was nice, but as cute or intimate as I was expecting. The kitchen was open to the dining room and the furniture was large and bulky. The menu was nice, but there is no cocktail menu, so the only options are beer, wine or cordials. 3 out of 4 of us got the steak frites and 1 person got thre coq au vin. The steak frites were okay - the meet wasn't very flavorful and fries very average. The coq au vin was very tasty. Overall, a decent experience though we will not be running back.
(2)Tammy H.
The bf and I came here 'cause I kept hearing about some "really affordable French place" ... and yes, it was pretty affordable. For $80 total, we ordered four appetizer/soup/salad dishes to start and two entrees. (We like to go overboard with the appetizers.) Appetizers we ordered: - raw oysters - escargot "Bourguignons" (6 pc) - french onion soup - hearts of palm salad (special) Entrees we ordered: - seared sweetbreads in leek-mustard sauce - poached salmon w/ hollandaise Raw oysters weren't particularly special, but they were good. Escargot wasn't the smoothest/softest I've had, but for the price ... sure. The onion soup was perfect and oh-so-cheesy. I loved the hearts of palm; however, there was way too much dressing, such that the rest of the salad wasn't enjoyable. Not only that, but the waiter never pointed out what the dressing was, so I asked to add blue cheese to it. Baddddd bad choice. Even if I didn't get the roquefort, it still would've been too much dressing. DRENCHED, it was. The rest of the meal is on a good note. The salmon was fresh and perfectly poached, and the sweetbreads? They use the heart thymus glands, which is the good kind of sweetbreads (vs throat thymus glands and pancreas). That's good. They also gave TWO, which actually was more than I could eat. Doubly good. Service wasn't bad, though I didn't really like our waiter. Something of his French and "service skills" seemed too contrived. Also, I sat on the booth with that metal bar?? I hit my head on that. So did the girl next to me. Please put something softer there. It's super awkward when you're on a date and you hit your head on it.
(4)Jocelyn C.
I had the most amazing birthday dinner here a few days ago! Everything was perfect, down to the smallest detail. My boyfriend and I indulged ourselves, ordering lots of different things to try. We started with some oysters, which came with a really good red onion remoulade. Then, we moved to the escargots that were garlicky buttery goodness. After, we got the pan-seared foie gras, which was fantastic. Even the complimentary hot bread and butter they gave us was amazing! My bf could not get over how good that butter was, and he was right in going crazy over it. For our entrees, he ordered the lamb and duck confit cassoulet, and I got the bouillebaisse with 1/2 lobster tail. All I can say is: HEAVEN. Afterward, we shared the warm apple tarte tatin with the creme fraiche... I'm not sure where we found the room for it, but down the hatch it went. Our server was very polite and attentive, coming over every so often to refill our wine glasses and ask how everything was. Although I was a bit skeptical about sitting down in the basement area at first, it was actually quite cozy and warm, and it enabled us to pretend we were in Paris for the couple of hours we were there. I know I said before that Neptune Oyster was my perfect restaurant, but this is either a very close second, or there is a dead heat tie going on right now. Must eat more and see which one ultimately prevails!
(5)Ting Ting L.
I'm lucky enough to live across the street to this fine bistro and it is definitely a great place to eat (and to order take out from). To start, the bread at Petit is AMAZING. Crusty and soft and warm in the center - it's the perfect way to whet your appetite. The brunch menu (served daily 11-5) is full of great options at a reasonable price (anywhere from $6 to $13). I get the eggs benedict with salmon frequently. The eggs are always poached perfectly and come with a side of crispy fries and delicious salad. Of the items from the dinner menu, my favorites are the lobster bisque and the skirt steak. The lobster bisque is very rich and goes perfectly with the aforementioned bread. The skirt steak comes with a choice of 1 of 3 different sauces. I recommend the bearnaise. The fish dishes have been okay but I wasn't amazed. Now the best part: DESSERT! Petit has one of the most extensive dessert menus I've seen, not to mention EVERY ONE that I have tried have been amazing! I highly recommend the Ile Flottante (on the sweet side) and the Chocolate Gateau Petit Robert (if youre into cool looking desserts - this is a chocolate Eiffel Tower, no kidding). Great place. Great service. Bon appetit!
(5)Sam F.
Petit Robert is the perfect French restaurant, and I'll tell you why: 1) Everything I've had here has been phenomenal. The French onion soup was awesome, as was the sausage entree. I've also had the vegetable pate, the rabbit and the fois gras. And then there's dessert, the chocolate Eiffel tower, chocolate cake, etc. Every menu item has been delicious. 2) It's a French bistro, which means prices are affordable (~$15). 3) White table cloths, it's a fancy place. 4) Service is top notch. 5) Great wine for a very reasonable price.
(5)Mairead R.
On a recent visit to Boston, three of us went to a late brunch at the Petit Robert Bistro based on yelpers' reviews. This place is perfect for an intimate dinner date, for a late brunch with a gaggle of girlfriends, or a boisterous birthday party. The wait staff were seasoned and seemed to anticipate the needs of the restaurant's diverse clientele. From a toddler playing with her French fries to an elderly couple sharing cappuccino, from a well-to-do family noshing to our brunching party of three, they were very nice. Our host remembered that our special event was for my mom's birthday; even making sure that her tarte tatin was decorated with her (correctly spelled) name in high-quality chocolate. Even though we were about ten minutes late, the table was still set for our party and they hadn't given away our seats. Crusty bread and chilled, salted butter were promptly delivered. We started with the trio of homemade pates, served with a side of cornichons and spicy mustard. While I've found that many French bistros serve a pate plate with all-too-similar pates that are graying around the edges and icy on the tongue, Petit Robert's trio of pates served up diversity and fresh flavor. Each showcased a different type of pate and each was prepared and spiced accordingly. I was impressed. Next up, lobster bisque. Plenty of fresh, sweet meat and a richly flavored base. In a town famous for lobster bisque, this bowl stands out. And, quite frankly, it kills Legal Seafoods attempt at the dish. Boo ya! The frisee salad with duck confit was a delight in the winter months. While winter greens were abundant at Boston's farmers' market during that time of year, I believe that the frisee is a tender green that is more common in early spring. Which made the lacy feel and juicy taste of the frisee all the more appreciated. And, of course, duck confit. Yay! Just the right allocation to dress up the frisee salad. Our entrees were pan seared scallops and lamb cassoulet with merguez sausage. The scallops were plainly dressed, especially compared with the other entrees, but the quality was delightful. And they were humongous, which is either good or bad depending upon your chewing preference. Some like smaller scallops so that they can pop the entire crisped piece into their mouth at one time, others like a melt-in-your mouth, buttery interior. This was the latter. Unfortunately, the lamb cassoulet didn't come together. While the ingredients were top notch, it seemed that they were layered upon one another and the flavors didn't merge seamlessly. Dense haricot beans, a couple pieces of crisp bacon, and a garnish of duck confit stood out. The desserts were spectacular - thanks pastry chef Kristen Lawson. My favorite was the ile flottante, a soft merangue floating in a bowl of caramel mousse. After a few bites of the heady sweetness, it was hard to tell where the merangue ended and my happiness began. But the other desserts were good as well. The trio of sorbet made excellent use of seasonal fall/winter fruits, cassis and apple, and the apple tarte tatin was warm from the oven. For sure going back for a holiday brunch this season.
(4)Beth F.
I went there for lunch today and I won't rush back (or probably even stroll back). I asked the waiter what the "French Shepherd's Pie" was. He answered "mashed potatoes over ground beef." "Yes, I know that is what Shepherd's Pie is, but what makes it French?" "Well, I guess that it is because it is served here." So, I figured I'd order the Quiche Lorraine as at least it really is a French dish. I was a bit speechless when it was served to me. My DC also had ordered it & his was better but my piece had no more than 1/4 inch of egg mixture on top of the pie crust and the top was not golden brown but very dark, on the edge of burnt and the little bit of egg was really overcooked. I was really surprised that the chef (or cook) would send it out to a customer (I've waitressed for more years than I would want to mention but there is no way that I would have served it). I was a bit speechless when our waiter dropped if off, and so I called over another server and told her that it really wasn't acceptable. They did serve me another piece, and it was much better, but it never should have happened. The salad was also poorly dressed and the french fries weren't made in house, which I think is pretty disappointing. We had also asked for the souffle for dessert, but were told that we probably couldn't have it because the pastry chef wasn't there. They figured it out & it was pretty tasty, but with Eastern Standard just down the street, I don't see any reason to go back to a restaurant that doesn't care enough (either in the kitchen or in the front-of-house) to stop food from being served that is obviously poorly made. Two glasses of wine, 2 pieces of quiche (which is really just some eggs) and 2 souffles was $65 before tip. No thanks.
(2)Brian Z.
Great little place. Good lobster bisque. Definitely make a reservation if you are going.
(4)Vera S.
I don't understand why everyone is so crazy about this place. I thought it was average at best. I don't mind spending $20 for an entree, but I DO mind it if the entree is bad. I got the chicken "au jus" and it was average at best. My friend got the special, and her fish tasted like it had come out of the freezer. I started with the Soup du jour, and it was completely flavorless. We won't be going back. Yuck.
(2)Joel G.
We went to celebrate my GF birthday, the place was cozy the service was top notch and the price was not to bad. The young manager bestor was super helpful and gave us great food sugestions. The food was very flavorful and the portions where of good size, I would suggest this place overall it was a great night !!
(4)Moomin T.
Puke (with attitude).
(1)Tracy T.
I went here with my girl friends for brunch one day and wasn't particularly impressed. I had to send back my eggs benedict because the egg was overcooked. Once it was cooked correctly and the egg oozed out as I cut it, I was a bit happier. The other girls agreed that their dishes were good, but not phenomenal. However, other friends have told us that the desserts are really good, so maybe we'll have to come back later in the evening to try some of that.
(3)Emily M.
We had a reservation for 6 for lunch today at Petit Robert. The service was great, we never felt rushed. All 6 of us ordered the french onion soup for our appetizers; it was delicious. I ordered the duck and kimchi sushi roll. I had never tried kimchi before and wanted to give it a shot. The dish was pretty good, though it was hard to eat without chop sticks and the soy sauce was super salty. It is nice to try new flavors and these were a good combination. Everyone was satisfied with their meals as well, except who ordered the scallops. The "s" at the end of scallop was unwarranted, really it was one scallop sliced into 6 pieces. We also ordered dessert, we were particularly blown away by the Eiffel tower chocolate. Overall it was relaxing meal, in an elegant setting. What I like about this place is that the dishes aren't ridiculously priced.
(4)Cory G.
My boyfriend and I went here to celebrate our anniversary and it was clear that the staff here really cared about us having a really great experience. Our server was Gabriel and Dennis who might have been the back waiter. Gabriel was unbelievably kind and very knowledgeable. We had a drink and an appetizer outside and then moved inside for the rest of our dinner. Towards the end of the meal Gabriel politely said it was his time to go home and since my boyfriend and I are both servers we were happy he came over and told us so he could, in fact go home. Dennis then waited on us for the rest of the time insuring that we were happy with everything. The food was absolutely delicious from the lobster bisque and smoked salmon to the bluefish and chicken entrees all the way to the amazing chocolate cake with a white chocolate Eiffel Tower. Dennis brought us out, without our prior knowledge, two after dinner drinks and the chocolate cake with candles on it. It was such a sweet touch to end our anniversary dinner. We will certainly be back and will recommend this place to everyone!!!
(5)Xin S.
Good French bistro food. I tried escargots for the first time--they were tasty little morsels in a garlic & parsley butter. We also got the duck confit kimchee roll, which while absolutely delicious, came with a meager THREE pieces. We were very disappointed at how little we got, especially since it was a $10 app. Both entrees were solid (haddock and pork loin) and came with the same veggies (carrots and broccoli) and starch (half a potato). All the food was tasty and well done. We were there for an early dinner so it was pretty empty, but the place was very cute and cozy.
(4)Jemima T.
I love it... I'd never order chicken in a restaurant, but the roast chicken is to die for. And it's a great place for adventurous eaters (go on- try the calf's liver) and for your regular old steak-and-potatoes type (steak frites anyone?) I love the atmosphere, and the food is amazing.
(5)Hana C.
Came in here with BF on last Saturday night. We tried to make reservations over the phone at around 6pm to see if we can go in at 7:30PM. The lady on the phone said the next available time will be at 9PM. Just as we were about to give up, we went on opentables.com and were still able to make reservations for 7:30PM. (Note! Don't make reservations over the phone!) Anyway, we were not impressed with the dinner itself. We were both so excited to try this place after reading some good reviews online. Our experience however was far below our expectations. We started off with the quelles with lobster sauce (pretty good/ authentically prepared) and the seared fois gras. The fois gras was pretty tasty and very sweet. The entrees were dissapointing. BF ordered the frogs legs which lacked flavor and was very very bland. He was so excited to try it because we have tried frog legs in many other French restaurants and was hoping that it would meet/exceed that expectation. Unfortunately, it didn't- he said he would never order that dish there again. I had the steak frites. The steak was cooked very nicely. But whats steak frites without the fries! the fries were horrible- really cold and stale.... We were talking about how McDonald's fries would be much better than those. Another thing, the host (I'm not sure if that is the owner or the manager) needs to smile a little. I saw him frowning the whole time I was sitting there. running around the restaurant (its a pretty small place and I had a really clear view of him from where I was sitting) looking so unhappy. Just something I noticed.. Probably wouldn't come back here, at least not by my own choice. It def was a MEH. I've experienced much better french food. (e.g. gaslight- the steak frites there is to die for and their fries are sooo goood)
(2)Howe L.
4.5 stars. I had very high expectations for this place since a lot of people seem to deliver praise. However, I wasn't blown away. The place feels like a cafe straight out of France (a little cramped), and the food was well executed. But for 5 stars, I need something extraordinary, and the food just wasn't out of my world.
(4)Claire W.
Five of us went for a special celebration on a Sunday night. The restaurant has excellent food, and a warm and cozy atmosphere. The waitstaff was busy, but helpful and friendly. They had a children's menu, which satisfied our 10 year old. I mentioned that we were celebrating two birthdays and the waiter figured out which two and put little Happy Birthday chocolates on the correct dessert plates. The bar was closed, but would love to go back for the fondue (served only in the bar).
(4)Elisa C.
There are very few places that can transport you across the Atlantic over the course of a meal. Le Petit Robert is one of those places. The food is always flavorful and cooked perfectly, the service is delightful, and the wine selection fantastic. I have plans to go back soon and I can't wait!
(5)Austin T.
Genuinely warm service. Casually romantic atmosphere. Flavorful, wholesome food. Petit Robert Bistro doesn't give the airs of a pretentious restaurant, only catering to the snobbish and elite - on the contrary, it's simply a bistro ["a small, informal restaurant"]. They don't claim that their cuisine is the epitome of French high cuisine, but talent in technique and flavor shows in nearly every dish. I've been here 12 times [lunch and dinner] over the last three years [the location is so convenient for MIT students!] and I've only recently had minor grouses - the bread came out cold two out of the last four times I've been. :( Sure, some dishes may share the same basic sauce [a hollandaise is a hollandaise whether it's on fish or poultry], but I've yet to be disappointed with my meal. I always look forward to seeing the daily specials - rabbit is a big favorite. The appetizers [a favorite is the mussels - moules marinieres] and dessert [favorite: grand marnier souffle] always compliment the meal fabulously, and are worth trying. Petit Robert Bistro is a neighborhood gem in the Kenmore area. The food is not necessarily the very best, but it's consistently delicious; I always leave happy :)
(5)Fan L.
Great food, my duck was the best I had in Boston. My girlfriend loved the place as well. Will go again.
(4)Steve L.
For being a french restaurant, oh my god how the ground beef was completely overdone. I mean seriously charred, blackened, and carbon tasting ground beef in a potato dish ( think eating the blackest toast you've had). and I figured it would come out more like beef tare tare. The burger-dog my friend had was also soo overdone, yick. but, the bread was delicious, the goat cheese quiche was delicious, and the potatoes with cheese and butter was to die for, but my dish sucked. Perhaps all the extra time between the bread and main-course was used charring the hell out of my food. Get anything but beef.
(2)Susie F.
Wonderful restaurant! I came here for a late dinner. The service was very good, and the soufflé--oh, the soufflé! The flavor for that day was lemon with a warm chocolate sauce. Yummmmm. I got the veggie penne pasta, and it was very flavorful. I think we got the soup of the day for an appetizer, and that was very delish as well. Bread was also yummy. Great prices, too!
(5)Nicole B.
i am still trying to recover from the desert orgasm my mouth has had the pleasure of enjoying! i went here for desert after a show and all i can say is OH MY GAWD! the passionfruit souffle is probably the most decadent desert ever created. i sampled everyone else's deserts as well, and while the were nowhere near the equisiteness that was my passionfruit souffle, the were still pretty amazing. i can't wait to come back here for dinner! i checked out the dinner menu while i was here and it looked amazing! no entree was over $20 and they all looked fantastic! after i try dinner, i'll get back to y'all. i'm expecting great things! EDITED on July 30, 2008: I've been here for dinner several times and every time I love it more and more! I've had the scallops (full of flavor and garlic-y goodness), the bluefish (the most moist piece of fish I have ever had, huge piece too!) and the duck confit (delicious!). This is fast becoming my favorite place in boston for good, not expensive food. Not one person I know who has come here has said anything less than fabulous!
(5)Angela A.
My husband and I have been to Petit Robert several times. The first visit was on a snowy winter night last year. Even though the storm raged outside, the restaurant was almost full. We had not had a true French meal since my husband moved here from Paris. We stepped into the front door, and were greeted in French by the hostess. Once we were seated, a minute after our drinks were ordered, they arrived. Then the bread arrived, and was gone in a minute. Now, it is not a typical baguette, but it was delicious. We went through three that night. I had the trio of pate, and my husband had the escargot. Since I took my time savoring the pate, he got another order of the escargot. Yes, it was that good! For dinner, I had the boeuf bourgignon, and to be honest, I cannot recall what he had. My dinner was superb. It was exactly what I was expecting. Dessert left a little to be desired - we got the isle flottant, and it wasn't the best (but I'm not really a dessert girl anyways). This last time I went, however, I didn't enjoy it as much. I went with a girlfriend. The atmosphere was the same (although to the woman seated behind us: PLEASE work on that laugh. Your shriek really disturbed me, and I'm still twitching.), but I didn't love my food. The trio of pate was just as good (if I like it, I like it!). The boeuf bourgignon was no longer on the menu! Sacre bleu! The charming waiter recommended the veal and the sweetbreads. I ordered the sweetbreads, my friend ordered the veal. The sweetbreads were almost chalky - I couldn't eat them. That was very disappointing. Dessert was good - it was a tarte tatin. It was ... bigger... than tarte tatins that I've seen in France, but excellent nonetheless. The creme fraiche on the side was perfect.
(3)April I.
I always leave Petit Robert Bistro smelling like food. I don't think that is necessarily a bad thing either. I've read the other reviews and I have to say that I've never had a bad experience. The service is timed well and unobtrusive, but not in a neglectful sort of way. The wine and cocktails are tasty and they do have a growing list of wines by the glass at reasonable prices. I also almost always get the same thing: Soupe a l'Onion Gratinee and the crispy poached eggs with bacon & frisee salad or the Moules Marinieres and the roasted half-chicken w/ natural jus. The chicken is always perfectly moist with crispy skin, perfectly whipped potatoes and just enough of a vegetable that I don't feel bad that I am eating chicken skin dipped in the delectable natural jus. The onion soup has a rich beef broth, perfectly melted cheese and is gooey and satisfying especially now that it is getting chilly. Paired with the warm, fresh baked bread...I can't get enough. I don't know how they manage to poach the eggs and fry them in a panko crust and still have a perfectly poached center, but they do and every time I order this damn salad i want more and more. It's just really good with a lot of different textures and tastes that all work well together. The hint of balsamic vinegar adds the perfect amount of zing to the salad and the crispy bacon add great flavor too....And of course the mussels are awesome. How can you go wrong with onion, garlic, wine and a cream sauce?! The best way to eat these is to use the empty shell as a 'spoon' to pick up the remaining mussels and juices then eat them. Lastly--most everyone goes for the Petit Robert Gateau or the souffle for dessert, but I prefer the simple yet perfectly made chocolate mousse with the thin biscuit (or is it a cookie...I don't know). It's SO FRIGGIN GOOD!!! For me the Kenmore location works because I can roll out of Petit Robert onto the 57 and head home, full, drunk, and happy, and I haven't spent a ton or money (nothing is over $20). What more could one want???
(4)Kenny L.
Petit Robert is one of the very few restaurants where I am willing to spend good money for the quality of the food and service! I have been to the South End location and this one does not disappoint either. What is unique to this location is the pastry bar what will have you save your appetite for dessert! The meal starts with warm bread that is lightly crusty on the outside and soft inside with butter to accompany it. I had the fish special of pan seared Maui Maui with butter sauce, potato, carrots, and beans (delicious! $16.75). To finish off, I had the pumpkin souffle (unbelievable! $10) with coffee ($2.50). It was a bit more than what I would spend for lunch but worth every penny! Before leaving Boston, I had to have this again! The special Veal Kidney with shallot cream sauce was interesting but tasteful! And I always worry that I won't have space for dessert. The cranberry clafoutis was delicious; be sure to pair it with a cup of coffee. The total came out to be $24.
(5)Kara S.
I have been a fan of Petit Robert's express lunch menu for some time now, sneaking off for a leisurely lunch with coworkers there every now and again. I went this past weekend for dinner for the first time, prior to seeing a performance at BU. I was very happy with the food (I had the homemade sausage with apples and mashed potatoes), but the service was questionable. We had two waiters checking on us, basically overlapping duties. We were asked for our drink orders twice, etc. And the strangest bit was when one came out with an empty (save for a little pot of butter) bread basket and declared "here is some bread for you!" We don't know if he was testing us or what, but it was bizarre. Thankfully it made the dinner more entertaining. I still would recommend the express lunch over the dinner at PRB. The prices (7.50 for most lunch meals) just can't be beat. Also, PRB posts the sources of their produce/meat/seafood on their website, which I love. That's how I discovered Russo's and Captain Marden's seafood. Very cool of them to share that info.
(4)Sarah W.
Escargot were unbelievable!
(5)Sarah C.
Wonderful! Nice service, nice atmosphere, but, as with many good places, cramped as hell. All was forgiven when the food came out. After reading some of the reviews here, I went with escargot to start, and calf's liver with onions as an entree. The escargot was good and garlicky. The calf's liver paired with onions was both other-worldly, and melt-in-your-mouth good. And finally, the warm apple tarte tatin was unbelievable. The prices are very reasonable, and I will definitely be back as soon as I can find any excuse to go.
(4)Karina D.
One of favorite spots for dessert. Warning: their Profiterole is delicious but is really not a 1-person dessert, more like for 3 people!
(4)