I really wanted to like Petit Louis Bistro since the space has been cursed from one bad restaurant to another. The atmosphere is really lovely, major improvement. It was the nicest part of the evening. I came here with another couple on a Sunday evening. It was not crowded or busy. The other couple's sodas came out flat and the server could not have been more inconvenienced. The request for a lemon was made 3x, more of server being miffed. The entrees were "meh"--I had the $16 spinach and salmon salad. I asked for dressing on the side and of course, it wasn't....by now the server clearly hated our table. The salmon was 1/2 raw and the server said that's how they serve it. News to me, but I said nothing as I had given up. The steak entree was meh, but the frites (ie. fries) were amazing. It felt like we were trying not to make waves at this point. The $24 salmon and mashed potatoes dish was good, but petit. It was all petit. The quiche was very tasty, the salad was drenched in dressing. We had one macaron, tiny macaron and a bonbon--very petit. I was surprised that a manager didn't come to our table to check how the meal was going considering it's a new restaurant and service is key with the big prices to go with it. It felt like Cindy Wolf came to HoCo and figured her name would carry the day. It takes more than a name to make a restaurant even in the suburbs--don't underestimate Howard County because we're not Baltimore. If there aren't improvements, I predict Petit Louis to have the same longevity as the predecessor restaurants--I hope Cindy Wolf and her crowd can deliver better as right now it is a real disappointment. We went home and ate a snack since we left hungry and with a big check. My advice, go next door to Clyde's and hope this restaurant gets an overhaul. Better food, real portions and better service.
(2)
B L.
I have been here for dinner and for the coffee shop. First off, their coffee is the best in the area. I've tried it all, and the cafe au lait is amazing and you need to try every single one of their macarons. Their dinner...I went when they were apparently still ironing out the kinks, because the steak tasted no better than a low-end piece from the supermarket - if not worse. My fish came out fried, which I was not expecting, but it was admittedly delicious and the green beans it came with were the best I've ever had. The onion soup was also perfect, but the (I think) carrot soup or something that my dining partner got was barely edible. Overall, extremely hit-or-miss and for the price, it shouldn't have been. The dessert was out of this world and I challenge you to find better without driving to Baltimore or DC (and even then, I don't know where you'd go!) In short: skip the dinner, hit the coffee shop. It was a shame, I really wanted to love this place but the pricetag that goes with the full dining experience is not remotely worth it.
(3)
Sara S.
Poor service and mediocre food. If you want nice lake views, I would go to Clydes or any other restaurant nearby. Don't go here
(2)
Katherine W.
Called about my soybean allergy. They said that they use peanut oil or canola oil and real butter.
(3)
Janet D.
A friend and I stumbled in during an impromptu wednesday girls night. Our meal was great baring 3 minor details, the decor was lovely and the service was great. Food: We shared charcuterie of the day, a terrine served with a garnish of micro greens and ramps! So nice. I ate the omelette du jour, which was meant to come with asparagus, trumpet mushrooms and chèvre; I found no mushrooms in my omelette at all (regardless, it tasted lovely). My friend had the swordfish with fennel and ramps and was not disappointed. We ordered the potato croquettes and they tasted delicious, but were cold in the center. Wine: We waited at the bar for about 40 minutes before a table opened up, the bartender was attentive and accommodating. Side note: The bread was excellent, and the cheese cart looked fantastic.
(3)
Div O.
This place is phenomenal. Came here for my birthday dinner with a reservation on a Friday night. Got seated right by their cozy fireplace. The service is on point. Our server was attentive, but not overwhelming and knew when to check on us. She knew the menu in and out - and took the time to explain the items in French that we weren't sure about. They have a few sommeliers on staff as well. Ours gave us a few recommendations; everything from the lower price end to the really vintage bottles if you're looking for something nicer. My boyfriend had a Manhattan and said it was one of the best he's ever had, so the bartenders definitely know what they're doing. The owners walk around and introduce themselves and make sure you're taken care of, which is something that's rare these days in a lot of restaurants. This place is definitely a new go-to for us. There isn't a dress code, from what I saw. But you can definitely get dressed up for a nice date night, or just swing by for casual dinner and a glass of wine. Our next trip there will be for breakfast in the little bistro section they have in the front. Cute little tables with espresso and pastries - how can you say no? If you're in the area, I would DEFINITELY recommend trying it out. How often do you see a well done French restaurant?
(5)
Yael S.
So, first with the good: 1. The atmosphere is lovely here, I loved how it just looked like it has been open for years, not just a few weeks...it felt intimate in certain places, and was quiet enough for good conversation. 2. The mussels I ordered were delicious, as were the french fries, the Kir Royale and the macaroon I ate for dessert. 3. The waitress was lovely. The not so great: 1. We had a 7 pm reservation, and were sat down at 7:35 with no explanation (while waiting) or apologies while being seated so late. 2. The dinner for four (with no appetizers and very little dessert) took 3 hours. This was due to, again, being sat down a half hour after our reservation, slow slow slow service, and my mother in law's chicken dish having to be cooked twice by the chef as he felt he over cooked it the first time and dried it out...however, the dish she was finally brought out was very very dried out...she would have said something, except by this time (an hour and 15 minutes after being seated), she was very hungry and did not want to wait any longer. 3. We ordered a couple of desserts and a few petit fours....without even consulting with the table, the server changed one of our petit fours to another flavour as they were out of the selected flavour. I happen to be allergic to the flavour they brought out, so it would have been nice to have been consulted about it beforehand before placing it on the plate (they did switch it out however when asked). I understand that this restaurant had been only open for a little over a month, and there are some kinks that need to be worked out, but I still believe that it would have made it a better experience had a waiter, manager or anyone acknowledged the slow seating and slow service. We had plans for after our dinner that had to be missed because of all the delays. Will I come back? Sure, but I will give it time to work out the kinks...otherwise, I will will just make the trip to the original Roland Park location
Had dinner at the restaurant on 4th of July. Service was excellent. We had our boys with us (7 & 8) one which has a cow's milk protein allergy. They were very accommodating both for their tastes and the allergy. For appetizers we ordered the snails and another mushroom special. We convinced our 8 year old to try the snails, which are good, but he gave them a shrug. For dinner I got the trout and the Lady got the canard. Both were excellent. The trout came with this almond risotto which was fantastic. I'm glad to have a Cindy Wolfe restaurant so close to home.
(5)
HowChow B.
Petit Louis hasn't even opened, but the small walk-up counter next door has already kicked off a brand new experience for Howard County food. Le Comptoir is a casual counter service area next to the space that will open next week as the latest Foreman-Wolf restaurant. You can get casual lunch items, but it's worth dropping whatever you're doing right now to just get coffee and pastries. The best croissant that my wife has ever had. Lemon poppy cakes. A chocolate-pistachio pastry. Two flavors of macarons. Something described as a cinnamon bun, which I carried out and is waiting to be eaten as a little snack. Everything that we ate was perfect. A small, crispy croissant that was simultaneously light and flaky, but left a luscious impression of butter on my tongue. A cake moist with a strong lemon flavor and a slight crunchy crust for contrast. You know that I love the local bakeries, but you can't beat these pastries overlooking the lake. We split a French press of coffee, and we had the best time. Even before the coffee rush, I was pretty hyped up for this group's first restaurant in Howard County. I can't say that I dream of French dining, but the Foreman-Wolf restaurants have this amazing feeling where people are obviously serious about the food, but not about themselves. They're so nice. At Le Comptoir, you can take out or sit at one of the cafe tables overlooking the Columbia lakefront. Gorgeous now -- and great to get out of our house after these frigid weeks. I can imagine how much better it will be in five to seven months when you could eat outside, walk around the lake, and let little feet run on the grass. Petit Louis appears to be opening next week. They're doing "friends and family" meals to work out the kinks and hosting a few charity lunches and dinners this week.
(5)
Carol K.
Isaac the bartender is very knowledgeable and made excellent wine recommendations. Make sure you enjoy selections from the cheese cart.
(4)
Ro D.
I wanted to like this place, I really did. Went here for dinner with 6 friends and we all ordered different things. The atmosphere-amazing! The service-great! The food-poor, not tasty and over priced!! Don't waste your money, go someplace else. La Madeleine is cheaper and better than this place.
(2)
cindy g.
Came right when they were opening the door at 10:30AM on Saturday, they had about 5% of their menu available which is a small part of their pastries and coffee. Shared a slice of the poppy seed cake which was good, the brioche which was ok and a croissant which was also ok. 10-15 minutes later, got the vegetarian quiche which had brussel sprouts and mushroom and was served COLD which was disgusting! I'm not sure why they opened their doors when they didn't have anything to offer for the first 10 - 15 minutes.
(2)
Angela T.
Our brunch was wonderful! The food was delicious, the atmosphere was fabulous, and the service was excellent! I'm looking forward to my next visit!
(5)
Kelly F.
Came here for our anniversary and the service was wonderful. They gave us free champagne (and bread of course), which was a nice touch to a romantic evening. The ambience is classy/romantic and the host promptly seated us at our reserved time (via OpenTable) in a cozy corner with a red velvety booth. I asked if they had any cheese plates for an appetizer and, to our delight, a nice waiter came with a little trolley (a tray with shelves and wheels, haha) that displayed 8-10 different cheeses! (Note: The cheese offering is on the dessert menu because it's usually enjoyed after dinner in French culture.) The waiter went through the taste and texture of each one and said we could choose up to 4 samples on a plate (mind you, it's $6 per sample). We chose 4, and each one was delicious! The waiter gave us extra cheese because it was, "so very crumbly!" The whole cheese experience was amazing and I could've ended the night there as happy as a clam. Anyway, I ordered escargot which was accompanied with warm buttered bread. Frankly, I was disappointed by the escargot. It was nothing like what I had in Paris (perhaps that was silly of me to even compare). The escargot was doused in oil. That's basically how it tasted -- oily and bland. I thought to myself, "Where's the salt?! Where's the garlic? Where are the herbs? The flavor?" Still, I ate all of it without complaint. I reminded myself of the wonderful cheese experience I had 2 minutes ago. For dinner, my boyfriend ordered steak & pomme frites and I ordered the duck breast. The steak was decent (but how can you go wrong with steak?) and it came with a HEAPING mound of thin french fries...which would've been great EXCEPT it was TOO SALTY. It tasted like someone dumped 50 tablespoons of salt onto it. Our tongues were burning after. As for my duck, it was cooked pretty rare. The waitress sounded so matter of fact about it, so I thought it was the way to go. Nope. Next time I order duck, I'll make it well done. All in all though, my dish was just OK. To end the night, we ordered apple cake with a side of ice cream. That was good except the cake was cold. Maybe that's the way it's supposed to be, but warming it up for the consumer would've been a thoughtful touch. In the end, we spent approximately $108 for two appetizers, two entrees, 1 dessert and free champagne. Not bad. But for entrees that didn't taste like much, it seems a bit steep. I give this place 3 stars for its excellent customer service, romantic atmosphere/location, great cheese and decent dessert. Other than that, I wouldn't return to eat dinner. You can certainly find real (and better) French food elsewhere, but hey, you can't beat Paris.
(3)
Terrie P.
Ehhh. My New York Strip was tough and overcooked, not to mention it was less than 1/2 inch thick and grey looking. I sent it back and ordered the french onion soup (which was good, but not for $12). Food was okay. Upon leaving the manager asked us how our food was and we told him and he said "yes we have heard that complaint prior, I do hope you come back when we have our new cut of New York Strip in." Really, that was it . . . no apology, no come see me next time . . . Come back . . . not likely.
(2)
Russell R.
Went there with friends for lunch and had a great meal. The food was delicious, the atmosphere is quite nice, and the wait staff was very attentive. I wasn't surprised by any of this as my wife and I are big fans of Cinghiale in Baltimore, but it is nice to have a fine restaurant closer to home. Looking forward to going back for dinner sometime soon.
(4)
Steph R.
Having tried many other Cindy Wolf's restaurants in the area (Charleston, Cinghiale, Pazo), my boyfriend and I were excited to try out the new French establishment in Howard County, right across the street from Columbia Mall. However, for paying over $100 for a Sunday brunch for two, we couldn't be more disappointed (and infuriated) with food, service, and decor. Food: Yes, we expected our French meals to be rich and decadent, but we did not enjoy the greasy unsubstantial food that came with pools of fat and little other flavors. The grease was too overwhelming for any other taste to triumph. After two appetizers, two drinks, and two entrees, we both left with our stomachs still infuriatingly hungry yet queasy with so much oil and salt. Service: We arrived at 11:30am on Sunday when there were only three other tables but had to wait over an hour for our entrees. The server also forgot one of our drinks. Decor: Perhaps this is the most disappointing of all: no decor in the restaurant showed class and substance. The walls were painted with little attention to detail, with missing paint around the edges, cracked/flaking gold paint along the ceiling, and black paint that had noticeable patches of missing paint. Even though the weather was perfect outside (and Clyde's had bustling outdoor dining), the outdoor dining was not even offered, and the bright sunlit windows were a terrible contrast to the dark, stuffy, shabby decor inside. It just felt heavy, and some of the tables were too close together adding to the crampness. By the time that we had taken the first bite out of our entrees, oh how we wished we were outside enjoying a picnic by the lake instead. On our way there, my boyfriend and I joked that perhaps we should go to Clyde's, and after this experience both agree that we should have. Today was a total disappointment. This will be our last time dining here.
(2)
Judy And Joe N.
This review is based on my experience at the bakery side of Petit Louis. I found out about the Bistro through yelp/bookmarked it to try, and I'm so glad I did. J and I visited a few days ago and realized this establishment took over the Red Pearl Chinese restaurant. We came in the afternoon and were immediately greeted by one of the girls behind the counter. I can't remember her name (sorry), but she had darker hair. Anyways, she was very pleasant and helpful in taking our order. We shared the roasted chicken sandwich on sourdough and it was very good with a nice amount of tarragon (not overwhelming, but definitely there). We each ordered a croissant and those were pretty good too (I should really go in the morning to try them fresh). We also ordered a french press coffee for two. J liked it, but the kind of sour aftertaste was a bit too much for me. Then again, it could very well be that my tastebuds were having an off day. There's a basket of packaged lattice-cut potato chips by the register. Do yourself a favor and grab a sack if you're having a sandwich. Those are yummy. We will be back to try more from the bakery and also to try the restaurant too!
(4)
Lauren D.
I visited Petit Louis for brunch this morning with friends. We didn't have a reservation, nor was everyone there when I asked the hostess about seating us. I let them know we'd have 8 and they said they would do what they could. I waited and ordered a Cafe Au Lait at the bar while the rest of our group arrived. After about 10 minutes, they had prepared a table and sat the 5 of us that were present. I was very pleased that they were able to accommodate us so quickly. Most of the table ordered the 'ceufs poche mille-feuille,' a dish of poached eggs, pastry and duck bacon. The eggs were cooked perfectly and it was fun to sample the duck bacon- crispy and flavorful but not nearly as fatty or pungent as pork bacon. I ordered a dish of fried eggs, ham and pommes lyonnaise. (I can't quite remember the full name) Everything was cooked perfectly and was delicious. We also ordered a basket of the house pastries for the table, which were gone within minutes. We also ordered various coffee beverages with our meals as well, which everyone enjoyed. The only that came as an issue to us was the salt bowl in the middle of the table. We weren't aware that it was salt and one of our group scooped three spoonfuls into his coffee only to be surprised as he went to drink it. It was quite funny, though. I'd definitely like to come back for dinner sometime. I hope the restaurant does well; the location has a high turnover rate, almost like a curse. I have high hopes!
(4)
M M.
Wow. Wonderful service. Food was great. Super wines. Went with some friends and we loved it. Wow. Wonderful service. Food was great. Super wines. Went with some friends and we loved it.
(5)
Kimberly R.
I was pleasantly surprised by this restaurant experience! We made a reservation for a Saturday night, which I recommend. We were sat at a round table for 5 people, and unfortunately it was so loud I had a hard time following the conversation across the table. The restaurant is beautiful, and very clean looking. But, there are no carpets, drapes, nothing to catch some of the noise. So it is loud! The menu is very big! Lots to choose from which makes it difficult for me but I managed to pick a fish dish, which was excellent! Ate every bite! The wine list is pretty large also, but a little expensive. They have a great cheese tray that they bring around after dinner. Very reasonable prices and we tried a bunch of different cheeses. By this point I was so full....boo! I really wanted to try some of the yummy looking desserts! Oh well, next time I may skip an appetizer so I have room for a sweet treat!
I think some of the kinks are starting to be worked out, but there are still a few issues. FOOD: This is probably the area that has been smoothed out the most since they opened. The food was absolutely fantastic. The crispy eggplant appetizer was simple, but incredible. Escargot came out a little too hot, which I know isn't generally a complaint you would hear, but it scalded my girlfriend's tongue. For the main course, I had the duck breast, which was unreal. You could not ask for a better cooked piece of meat. The menu said it came with brussel sprouts, but I'm not sure if that's what I got, as the green vegetable on my plate was much more akin to peas, but they had a nice bite and terrific flavor. It also came with a roasted turnip puree that was delicious. The plate made sense together, and is something I could see myself getting over and over. My girlfriend had the salmon, which came with asparagus and a bearnaise sauce. The salmon was perfectly tender, but I thought the plate as a whole was a little boring, but maybe because salmon and asparagus is a weekly meal at home for us. We also got an order of their mushrooms of the day, which were hen of the wood. They were overpriced, but incredibly good. We nabbed a creme brulee for dessert, which wasn't the best I've ever had, but was up there. SERVICE: Polite, but over-the-top. Our server hovered over our table a little too much, and made wavy hand gestures while semi-butchering the French pronunciation of most of the dishes to the point that I couldn't understand what he was referring to. He was extremely nice, but a little too accommodating for my taste. But in fairness, I hate stuffiness. I'd much rather have a server who stops by once, asks how the food is and if we need anything, then goes on their way. Here, the server stopped by four times between receiving and clearing our main dish, asking how it was, trying to sell bottled water, asking to clear the table before we were finished. Some people love that kind of service, but it bugs me. ATMOSPHERE: Walking in, the place looks great. I mean, some of the table tops are marble, for crying out loud. HOWEVER, once you're into the meal, you realize the place has its shortcomings. Firstly, the exposed ceiling; I don't mind this generally, but it makes a quiet dinner impossible. The place echos like a cave. The two of us had a very difficult time hearing each other across the table. They were busy that night, but it should never be hard to have a conversation. Also, a small gripe, but the table foot was...annoying. I'm a taller guy, and I found it difficult to change where I had my feet placed, as any time I wanted to cross or uncross them, I was kicking this burly, wrought iron claw. This is nit picky, but I thought it was unnecessary. VERDICT: The food is fantastic, the service is overbearing but well-meaning, it's a little stuffy, and louder than it ought to be. I'd love to go back, but I'd prefer to take the food home and eat there.
(4)
Justin F.
The dining room is formal, and the food was delicious, albeit pricey for my taste. The cafe's great in my book! Got a macchiato and really appreciated that it's REAL, the lady even told me the difference in what they offer and how it differs from Starbucks-style. I really appreciated her personality and the cafe atmosphere.
(5)
J B.
My husband and I had some time to kill before we had to be somewhere in the Columbia area and decided to go check out the new Petit Louis because I vaguely knew that it is on some sort of a lake (can you tell that I am not at all familiar with the area?). The "Comptoir" turned out to perfectly fit our needs...we basically just wanted to grab some coffee and sit somewhere with a nice view for a bit. The tart we ordered was tasty and I liked the french press coffee. It was definitely a bit pricey, but it would be worth coming back when the weather is nicer. Before leaving we poked our head into the main restaurant and it is beautiful! We love the Roland Park location so we might go back for dinner. They told us that, weather permitting, they will have outdoor seating.
(4)
Grant V.
I was hoping for a great restaurant to compliment the others on the lake front. I was very disappointed. We came for brunch. I received the wrong dish, someone else had a quiche that was not cooked well (Half the crust was cooked and the other half was not), someone had the French toast and it was basically toast cooked in butter (no egg/milk bath), and then someone else had the grilled cheese (it had so much cheese it was almost in edible). I'm really hoping the next restaurant to occupy this space can better compliment the other three.
(1)
Kathleen E.
A group of six of us (three couples) got together for dinner at Petit Louis recently at the recommendation of one of our party. The ambience was lovely, the rolls were good and all seemed primed for a wonderful evening ahead. It did not turn out that way for me however. I ordered the lamb steak along with two of the men in our party. When it arrived I noticed it was somewhat fatty, but lamb can be that way so I shrugged my shoulders and didn't say anything. The conversation was lively and I didn't have a chance to ask the others how theirs was. It wasn't until the end of the meal when I noticed my plate (which I had been picking absentmindedly at while chatting) was basically a little pile of fat, and then I discovered the men had not had the same problem I did. I put it down to the luck of the draw and put it out of my head in order to have a nice evening. But as time has gone on, I am increasingly annoyed that any restaurant with prices such as Petit-Louis's could serve a customer something that belonged in the trash. Not. even. once. Not even on an "off" night. (It was a Saturday night.) Restaurants of their price range have no right to even have an "off" night. Meat that is sliced off a larger cut can easily be detected as good or bad. Someone chose to ignore the lack of quality and plate it anyway. Even if I had said something immediately, I'd have had to wait for a new meal and be out of step with my friends. I've noticed other reviewers have had mixed feelings about this restaurant but have been politely and cautiously tactful about their criticism. I'm curious, unless it changes drastically, how long Petit Louis is going to stay around.
As usual, the best of the county restaurants can't compete with even the second tier of the city restaurants. Menu is somewhat uninspired. I understand that the bistro concept is more simple than gourmet French cuisine, but I really struggled to find anything interesting to order. Escargot. Some of the worst I've had - oily and flavorless. Add some more butter & garlic and bake the things, would be better. Eggplant appetizer was the best dish of the evening, fried and layered with cheese, delicious. Would order this again without reservation. Duck breast. Meh. Small portion, without much flavor. Was cooked perfectly, but the sauce was lacking in excitement. Caramel chocolate creme dessert. Not very good. For as rich as it was, I have no idea how it had so little pop. Our server was very personable, and whoever is close to the kitchen brings the food. The timing of the dishes coming out was proper. Bad service details include that my water glass was empty pretty much the entire meal and my empty cocktail glass did not prompt any inquiry. I finally had to stop my waiter to order another drink. So to summarize. I would go there to order a Manhattan (one of the best I've had recently) and the eggplant appetizer at the bar. Both of those were fantastic. Everything else we had was average at best, not bad - but certainly not great. When paying $100/head I expect food better than what I make at home, not the case here. Was thinking I would give this place 3 stars, but then realized it really only deserved 2 so that's what I'm giving them.
(2)
Lisa R.
Make sure to check your Credit Card Statement! They like to add a little extra on top. My friend and I ate at Petit Louis in Columbia just over a week ago. We got two main dishes, a side dish, and a glass of wine, and the bill came to $75.14, before tip. Personally, I think this is a little overpriced, but you can determine that on your own. The food was good, not outstanding, and the waitress was just okay. Once our dishes came out she forgot about us for the rest of the night. Apparently though, she thinks very highly of herself, and decided she should get a bigger tip than deserved. I left her 20%, generous for her service, but that just wasn't good enough, as my credit card what charged and extra $10, making her tip $24.00! As violating as this feels, what happened next with the "managers", is just disgraceful. I called just two days later when I saw the charge on my credit card and asked to speak to the manager. I explained the situation and asked that he pull the original copy of my receipt, as I didn't want to accuse anyone of anything before I saw the receipt I signed (I just had the customer copy). He showed NO sense of urgency on the situation, but told me he would get the receipt, which had already been sent to an offsite location in Baltimore (30 minutes away) and would call me that afternoon, no problem. Hours passed and I didn't hear anything from him. I called back around 6 PM that evening, and he told me that they weren't able to get the receipt for the other location (again, only 30 minutes away) but that it was in the overnight transport and would be at the restaurant by 10:00 AM and the manager would call me by noon the next day. Not surprising, I didn't hear anything the next day either. So around 2:00 PM, I called again and asked to speak with a manager. He was in a meeting and needed to call me back... When he finally did, he had NO idea what I was talking about. Manager #1 from the day before clearly didn't think this was important enough to share the situation with anyone, or make sure it was a priority for the next day's staff. To make matters worse, Manager #2 immediately became defensive, argumentative, and rude about the situation. He did not have the receipt, didn't know when it would be arriving, and would have to call me later... but not before he argued with me. His first reply was "well, if it's just about the $10 I will credit your account right now". It's not about the $10, obviously. It's about the fact that a member of your staff thought it was okay to add an extra $10 to my credit card without my permission, and that I have not yet received a sincere apology. It's about the fact that this restaurant group, with various restaurants and locations, couldn't somehow get a hold of my receipt for over 24 hours. It's that Manager #1 didn't think the situation was of any importance or see any urgency in correcting the mistake, and that Manager #2 tried to make every excuse possible to how this could have happened. All of which were ludicrous. He blamed the bartender, he blamed the staff who closed out the night before, he blamed me - suggesting that sometimes people have too much wine and the math doesn't add up (my friend had one glass, I had none, the receipt was legible and the math was perfect). He called me back later with the copy of my receipt, and a copy of the closed receipt from the register. Clear as day, my receipt says $89.14 and the register receipt says $99.14. Still, no sincere apology. He emailed me a copy of my receipt and I haven't heard from anyone since. Now, I wouldn't go back to the restaurant if they begged me to, but the fact that neither manager did anything to try and right the situation - offer to refund my entire meal, ask to send me a gift certificate to come in again - says everything about their character and customer service. I hope it was an honest mistake. I would hate to think someone purposefully charged me an extra $10. But I'm still your customer, and whatever the motive, it happened. Rather than defending your employee, you should have defended me, said you would get to the bottom of it, and make it a priority. You didn't. You showed poor judgment, lack of consideration, and were down right obnoxious. Fair warning if you ever have to deal with a manager. And make sure to check your credit card afterwards.
(1)
Nancy L.
This review is for La Comptoir. We went today for lunch. We were very disappointed in the entire experience. The 2 people working were inattentive, seemed annoyed, and the young man had no idea what he was doing. The food was just OK. I had the quiche Lorraine which is served room temperature. The ham inside was tough and tasteless. The crust was nothing to write home about. My husband had the chicken salad sandwich which he said was good. The prices are high and you get nothing with the entrees. For what they are charging and trying to be, this should have been a much better experience. We won't be back.
(1)
Harry G.
We arrived at the restaurant on Saturday evening at 5:30, the time for which we had reservations. The hostess told us we would have to wait to be seated even though the place was virtually empty. Finally Tony Foreman came and seated us. Our dinner was good, as well as the service. However when it came for dessert, I had to order three times before I found something on the menu that they had. There was no Gateau aux Fruits Exotiques or Pot de Creme au Chocolat, Caramel au Buerre Sale. I felt sorry for the waiter who had to come and apologize for the short comings of others. I posted a comment as such on the restaurant Facebook page, however my comment was deleted. It seems someone is sensitive to not having anything but glowing reports posted there.
(3)
Kat V.
Enjoyed a lovely dinner outside with a beautiful view. The service was excellent and very accommodating as the number in our party kept changing and we had lots of questions, being our first time there. The food was delicious and larger portions than expected. We had the onion soup, the fennel soup, the aubergine croquants, croque monsieur and the salmon salad and finished up with the profiteroles. You may wish to ask for the salad dressing on the side, while it was delicious - it was a little much. It was a nice change from Clyde's and not nearly as expensive as everyone had lead us to believe. The prices were reasonable and more in line with more casual restaurants than upscale. Looking forward to eating there again and trying more menu items.
I was very pleased with our meal and the atmosphere of the new space exceeded expectations. I am overwhelmed to have a wonderful new restaurant in my neighborhood. Howard County should use this brand to to clone others like it. Bring it on....
(5)
Kne C.
Very well executed basic French fare - more of what one would find in a typical brasserie. The staff's attempts at asserting a French attitude was earnest, but quite comical. Very, very well prepared and presented food. The Pot de Creme was exceptional. The Lamb Shank was tender and moist, with a wonderful reduction accompanying. Good stuff, all. I'm going to bring the Maitre d' some mustache wax on our next visit.
(4)
Stephen P.
Had our second dinner there since it opened. Valentines day evening, and a full house. We have dinner out 3-4 times a week at all levels of restaurants. But even a new restaurant , at $100+ for a couple, could do better. The property looks great, the service was good under the circumstances, but the food had mixed reviews between the four of us. Portions are on the small side, especially considering the price, and the bread, which was good quality, was served cold. Even the small butter servings were pitiful. Wine service was good, otherwise the service was uneven (our table wasn't bussed after the entrees were cleared). Two of us had the steak frittes for $27 a portion. The fries were soggy, and the lowly steak? was almost inedible with gristle. We'll give them another try on a normal evening, but there better be a lot of improvement.
(2)
Meg k.
Hot chocolate was terrible. If you are going to charge 5$ for a small cup of chocolate you need to make it gourmet. And staff needs to be trained for that
(1)
E.E. R.
I am starting to think this physical location is cursed. Horrible selection of alcohol. Had to wait 30 minutes at the bar even though we had a reservation past prime dinner time and there were empty tables (um, we're paying for a babysitter). Appetizer of French onion soup was salty and delicious, but 12 bucks?? Really?? Hubby enjoyed his asparagus appetizer, which was good . My overpriced steak was practically inedible --- full of gristle, bleu, and cold even though I asked for medium rare (compound butter just sat on top and didn't even melt). Fries were OK, seasoned well. Husband hated the duck confit, which he said was impossibly dry like it was frozen and reheated. Ordered sorbet for dessert which was obviously stored at the wrong temp or sugar ratio was off, because it arrived chunky and clumped together in a white bowl with zero (zero!!!!) adornment. Looked like my toddler scooped it out and threw it in a bowl. The restaurant itself is so darn cute -- took me back to Paris---what an absolute disappointment! I ate in Bistros in Paris for half the price and better food! Prices are ridiculous for what is served. I make better meals at home. The owners should be embarrassed.
(2)
Fly F.
Not worth it. I just came home from having dinner here. We had a reservation for 7pm and were finally seated a bit after 7:30pm. I was hoping that the wait would be worth it, but sadly, it wasn't. We ordered two appetizers--the beignets and the foie gras terrine. The beignets were greasy and were nothing better than an appetizer that you could get at Applebee's. The foie gras terrine was okay though. My main course (the steak frites) was really disappointing. The meat was not seared well and was completely underseasoned while the frites were overseasoned. I should have sent it back but didn't want to wait for a new entree so I managed to stomach it by eating some frites along with a bite of the steak (because neither component could be eaten by itself). All in all--an incredibly disappointing meal. We decided not to take a chance on the desserts because the other food hadn't been worth the cost. This is too bad because I really wanted to love this place. I had been to the one in Roland Park and was not happy with the food there, but I've also been to the Charleston and Pazo (many times) and have enjoyed the food there. Oh well. Maybe they think that a suburban clientele won't be as discerning? Maybe the kinks will be worked out after the place has been open for a while? For now though, don't waste your money or time.
(1)
Sara G.
We were greeted by a gracious host team & seated promptly for a 7:30 res. Went down from there. Service was slow & incomplete. We were offered water & menus & left for 20 minutes. Server seemed surprised that we wanted cocktails. Food & wine yummy but served slowly. Coffee delivered with no sides , none offered. Dessert ordered & coffee grew cold. Server @ other table overheard our comments so our server came back & offered to "nuke" the coffee. We suggested fresh cups. Contrary to positive hype was anything but. Plus server seemed disappointed by a 20% tip in spite of poor service.
(2)
Kate S.
I was so excited to hear that Petite Louis opened in Columbia, we frequented the Roland Park location but Columbia is so much more convenient. I was concerned that the Columbia location would not have the same atmosphere as the Roland Park location since it use to be an Asian restaurant but they did a nice job transforming the place. It looks nothing like the previous location, I was very impressed, the only thing I found odd was the ceiling, everything is decorated with antique elements with gold tones but the ceiling had exposed pipes/structural components painted matte black, it just looked a little odd to me. We were seated in a small corner table, the table was jammed in the corner and it was rather hard for me to squeeze into my seat and I am not a large person. I think this table is regularly a 4 person table but they wanted to squeeze more people into the location since it is Valentines day weekend so they split the larger tables into singles. We started with the eggplant Napoleon, which is a crispy fried eggplant with goat cheese sandwiched in between, topped with olive tapenade. The combination was delicious and the eggplant was fried to perfection with excellent crunch and flavor. I had the cod fish topped with French green beans. The fish was very lightly fried with a very delicate flavor. I also got a side of the thinly sliced potatoes, the potatoes were lightly fried and crispy with a beautiful presentation, almost too pretty to eat. My husband had a chicken dish that was lightly browned, garnished with mushrooms, carrots, and leeks in a light cream sauce, this dish was also very excellent. The flavor was very rich and buttery. There was an element that I could not pinpoint which gave the dish an interesting undertone. We both finished off with coffee and dessert, I had the chocolate mousse, which was perfectly prepared but I found the presentation odd, it was placed in an oversized bowl which made me feel like I was eating from a dog bowl. My husband got the chocolate croissant which was very fresh and good. Overall our meal was excellent I was very impressed with the service and quality of the food especially on Valentines weekend which usually is overpriced and underwhelming. I cannot wait to go back again, I think it will be even better when it is warmer outside, since the location is right on the Columbia waterfront.
(5)
Marie S.
Went for dinner. Service was attentive. Food was good.
(3)
Roo S.
Loved this place! Thee food was good and the service was excellent! They have the best ice cream ever! The eclair is also a must-have dessert.
(5)
Charles W.
We came for a birthday dinner on a Saturday and to try out the restaurant, having had positive experiences at the Roland Park location. On the positive side the food was excellent. The menu has both the typical bistro fare, which we love, and some more original explorations of various dishes. My top complaint is please do something about the acoustics. We were seated by the windows in front and the din was frankly unbelievable. We couldn't hear ourselves or the server. Many patrons just got louder and louder as the alcohol and noise ratcheted up. Our server was indifferent and it seemed like she couldn't be bothered to be responsive or attentive. We were obviously an an afterthought and annoyance to her. We thought this might be a wonderful local place to come with friends, based on the Roland Park establishment. We don't think that now. We'll give it a couple of months then try it again and see of they can work out the issues. Otherwise there is always Clyde's.
(2)
Lisa S.
I have eaten at Petit Louis twice since they opened, and at the Comptoir three times (for sandwiches). The food is great and the service is excellent. The menu is a pretty standard French offering, done very well. The lemon meringue tart is to die for. The sandwiches are very good, and we really like the macarons. I plan to take out-of-town visitors there.
(4)
Katya P.
I will start with its decor. It is nice, but I would like to see covered tables with nice white cloth, not to sit at the plastic table. We were served outside with nice view on the lake, which we enjoyed. Service was good but not great. Asked our server several times for lemons, they came after we finished food, water was served warm, and our server did not even asked if we would like ice. The food was terrible, we ordered green salad, it had mixed greens, that were not fresh, I could see slimy, bitter greens, covered with salt ( a lot of salt) and vinegar, that is all. Really, you call it French cuisine. The only thing that was really delicious is smoked salmon platter with capers. We ordered 2 different types of fish (trout and Branzino ), trout plate had dry rice and fish was just fried in butter (no good sauce on top of it) which looked dry. Branzino (European sea bass) was OK (at least not over salted) but tasteless, under fish was pool of butter with Lima beans that were so salty, I could not eat it. Very disappointed. This place is going to be on my list not to come back unless they change chef.
(2)
Valerie B.
What a difference a month makes! We went there as a party of five and had a fabulous time. The food was delicious except for one over-fried eggplant appetizer, the service was attentive, and we were given a good table. It's definitely worthwhile getting wine recommendations from the sommelier. I could nitpick one or two things, but the evening was so nice that I will refrain. We will be back.
(4)
Judy S.
The quality of the food was very good. The bread was excellent, comparable to a Paris baguette. The quiche was light. Duck confit was well prepared. Also has a small take out area. Cons: Smallish portions, noisy, service was awkward but newly opened so acceptable. We ordered coffee and it took a long time to come out and had to ask for refills.
(4)
Michael G.
This is a review for the cafe and pastry shop attached to the main restaurant. Not really too exciting in my opinion and very overpriced. My wife got a hot chocolate, which tasted like a packet of Swiss miss and the coffee I had was pretty bland. The pastry, a mango thing, was good but small. We got everything to go, thinking that we would eat and drink on a bench by the water. But apparently they don't have any plastic utensils there, which makes no sense given the location. Anyway, all in all, I was expecting much more.
(2)
Debra S.
I went for lunch the first week the restaurant was opened. The food and service were both impeccable. I can't recommend this restaurant enough. Often you find that there hiccups in food and service when a restaurant first opens. Nothing like that here. I had the eggplant croquette and vegetable quiche. Both were wonderful. My dining companion had the beet salad and trout almondine. Also both fantastic. No one rushed us, our main dishes were not served on top of the appetizers. We were given fresh silverware which was a nice touch. Managers stopped by to see how we were doing. Can't wait to eat here again!
(5)
Diana C.
Did not live up to our expectations. We had lunch and as other reviewers said there were some glitches. Ordered wine and then was explained that our order was out of stock and re-ordered nut then the original order showed up. After the first pour no one EVER came to refill the glasses and the wine was placed in a chiller away. The salad with cook egg came out warm where I had expected the egg hot and the lettuce cold. But the strangest thing were the mushrooms that were to be prepared tableside. A table was brought over, then a bowl and spoon and then the waiter brought a pot with mushrooms in it. We all had to smell the pot and then the mushrooms were dumped in the bowl and put on the table. They were good but it seemed like a big production for nothing. I had asked a bus boy to remove my finished plate and he would not until all of us were done with lunch. Why? I wanted it removed whether that was proper or not should not have been his concern. Might come back to try outdoor seating in the spring.
(3)
Solomon D.
Met a date at this place. Great looking small coffee shop interior. Classic style. She had a coffee. Since I'm not a big coffee guy, I had tea. She enjoyed her coffee while my tea was just an herbal tea. We also had some pastries, which were good. I thought they looked hard but they were moist and soft on the inside. The staff was knowledgeable and friendly. Prices could be better but what else could you expect from a coffee shop.
(3)
Ariana G.
Beautiful location, classy decor, but hugely overpriced for reasonable to minuscule portions. Don't go unless you have at least 3 hours to spend. Service is super slow. It's French style, a little too authentic and not in a good way.
(3)
S C.
Overall, it was nice. However service could be more refined for the price point. I also noticed how other location are serving NY strip for the steak and frites and this location serves sirlion for the same 27$. What? Even if it was a larger portion, still is not selling to me. The foie was a pate style chilled, not seared. Just a matter of preference. The tomatoes and plums were the highlight of all the meals. Second the opinion of the bread being soft crust. But it was good. It was nice, but I will go to Les Foiles for my french needs.
(4)
Charlotte B.
Two stars for the duck confit and snails, but minus a thousand stars for the wretched excuse for French bread they serve. Soft and flabby. I seriously am surprised they aren't embarrassed to serve it. The decor inside is very nice, as is true of all the Wolfe restaurants.
(2)
Robin C.
I just had father's day brunch here, and absolutely loved it! The lakefront is beautiful, there is a parking garage, and the decor is very charming. Other than Kings Contrivance, I would say this is by far Columbia's nicest restaurant now. Let's see.....my brother was late (as usual), so we ordered some nibbles while we waited- Mo wanted a cheese plate for the table, and they rbing out a huge rolling cart, and you select right from it, which was neat. I also had a bloody mary, which was very good, but a little small. My Dad ordered the famous french onion soup, which i stole a bite of- it is excellent! For the main dishes, i had the frisee salad with a poached egg and thick hand made bacon. i would highly recommend it. My boyfriend has the seared/ grilled red leaf salad, which we also both loved. I ordered the saffron mussels- i have had many variations of wine/garlic sauces for mussels, but this fennel/ Ricard/ butter combo was one of my favorites i can ever remember. BTW, this is a HUGE dish, even though it is under hourderves. My brother's smoked salmon looked great, but he was seated at the other end of the table, so I didn't get to taste it. Both my parents really enjoyed their quiches, and my boyfriend had the steak, which he was also very happy with. Service was attentive and friendly- we will definitely be back for family get togethers.
(5)
Kimberly K.
I came here recently for my b-day dinner and was pretty disappointed. I gave this place 3 stars ONLY because service was lovely - our waiters were super nice and helpful - and decor was mad classy. The food though? Could be better IMO. Maybe it was an off night. My mom and I started with Louis' Famous Onion Soup ($10) and Mussels ($11) for apps. The soup was WAY too sweet so my mom didn't want it - I ended up eating it because I was super hungry...and it was $10. Props to PLB though. When she told our waiter that she didn't like the soup, he took it off our bill. Great service FTW! The mussels were pretty good (FYI: huge portion *thumbs up*)! If you like saffron, you'll dig this dish for sure. I feel like this is something you'll either LOVE or hate. Anywho, onto the main dishes. My mom ordered the braised veal, and she was NOT a fan. She really disliked the sauce. Yeah, it definitely wasn't her night, ha. I got duck breast ($27) with black trumpet mushrooms, roasted tomatoes, and parsnip puree. I liked the flavors and all, but the duck was super tough. I definitely would've enjoyed this dish if the meat were tender. I kind of ended up eating it because I didn't want to waste money, haha. Me and my frugal ways *shakes head* I probably won't be back here anytime soon. My mom and I both thought the best part of the meal was the bread, which is...not good. It's a beautiful location though! I recommend sitting outside if you go. Hopefully you guys will have a better experience than we did.
(3)
A K.
A little pricey for what you get, but quite delicious. Everything was cooked to perfection. The chanterelles were exquisite! The staff was attentive and pleasant without being intrusive. They were also kind enough to wrap up a complimentary dessert for us when they learned we were celebrating a birthday in our dinner party. The cafe is also very nice, we like to go there to pick up sandwiches and pastries when we walk by the lakefront. Will definitely return! Merci!
(5)
Brian S.
Food was very good and the outdoor patio has a very nice european vibe. Prices are on the higher side but for a nice occasion it is worth a few extra dollars. I'm taking away one star because I spent half my dinner fighting flies and bees that wanted to taste my bread.
(4)
Emily L.
Well this place has majorly improved since my last visit. Came here with my mother and aunt to celebrate my new awesome job and I was especially pleased with the improvement. We were thinking about wine when the Sommelier came to ask if we had any questions. He was very polite and made a great suggestion of a Bordeaux Sauvingon (Sauvigon blanc from Bordeaux) which was exactly what we wanted. I'm not a bit fan of sweet wine, and he was very knowledgable about the wine. He also seemed to suggest the wines based on quality, not by price, which was very refreshing. We started out with a beet salad, the eggplant Napoleon, and the escargot. The beet salad was very good. It had a nice flavor to it and really wasn't all that earthy like some beet salads can be. The eggplant Napoleon was fabulous. The pistou and goat cheese were a highlight to the dish. The escargot was awesome. Six lovely little snails just sizzling in a wonderful garlic butter, which was dipped our bread in because it was just so good. I had the quiche Lorraine like I did six months ago, and my goodness what an improvement. The salad that it came with was still good, but somewhat better. The quiche itself tastes exactly like the quiche Lorraine I had when I stayed in France, perfectly cooked but not too overdone with lovely big chunks of bacon. My aunt and mother also ordered the mussels, which were bathed in this awesome saffron butter sauce that was delicious. We also dunked pieces of bread in this because it was so good. Our server was very polite and nice. After we got the check, he brought a lovely package of bonbons. He had heard that I had gotten a great job and gave them to me. I had them when I got home and they were amazing. Perfectly chocolately but not too sweet. Place usually don't make me change their mind, but this place did. I have not been to the Le Comptoir yet but I plan on going there soon.
(5)
Caroline N.
It's a cute, new place! It's got a local feel (just cuz there's nothing unique nor modern in Columbia besides blah-Starbucks) It's waterfront - a plus for those who like a nice, serene view as they drink or eat :) I got their iced latte and tried a lemon macaroon. Both were GREAT in taste! Very strong coffee - be careful! Both indoor and outdoor seating is available. Their customers were dressed pretty stylish... I don't see people dressed this nice in Columbia on a normal day... Very interesting. Thought I was in a big city for a moment. Only bummer is that everything on the menu is overpriced in my opinion. Sorry, $6 coffee isn't worth it... =/ And the pastries are all too expensive for temporary yummy-ness.... I understand they are going for that upscale experience which Columbia coffee shops don't really offer elsewhere, and the location works. I would be broke if I went here all the time, but it'd be good once in a while for a date or some special occasion. PS: It's not a place you should be busting open a textbook or laptop (kinda awkward, but you could try?) - a bit too intimate and small of a place inside =)
(3)
Char D.
Great place for a special dinner. Enjoyed the outdoor terrace on a summer evening. Food and service was very good. Started with appetizers, entrees for the main meal, and finished with desserts. Everything was prepared with the finest fresh ingredients and tasted perfect! This was an artistic experience for the palette. Enjoyed the memorable experience!
(5)
Emily L.
I truly feel that this restaurant is the closest one can get to Paris, in Maryland. I consider myself an old regular of the Baltimore location, but the Columbia location is a bit different in layout being a bit more open and more room (with an added bonus of bar stools at the bar and a bakery). I started with the smoked salmon gravlax. This is my favorite appetizer at this restaurant, the salmon is the perfect balance between mild and flavorful, with the creme fraiche providing a very nice added creaminess! I then got the short rib which was perfectly cooked and beautifully presented in a pool of mashed potatoes. This reminds me so much of Paris, as do most things I've gotten here before, such as the duck confit (which I usually gravitate towards) and the buttery sauces and heavenly breads this restaurant frequents. To end the night we decided to go with a seasonal fruit tart which was not too sugary and didn't skimp out on any of the good stuff! All in all, I highly recommend this restaurant, although I am partial to the Baltimore location.
I'm not too sure why a lot of reviews for Petit Louis' Le Comptoir are under Petit Louis Bistro's review... although they are connected, they are technically separate entities with different focuses, atmosphere, and price point. Le Comptoir is essentially Petit Louis' pastry shop. It's bright, casual and a wonderful place to get some coffee or pastries! When you come in, you'll notice a long counter on the left hand side along with some trendy, bright red tables on the right side of the room. Every time I've been here, the staff has been cheerful and welcoming. It makes you feel good :) Anyways, there's a bunch of pastries, sweets, and sandwiches available for purchase here. The pricing is a little confusing; while the items themselves are labelled, the prices (for food) are actually on a blackboard on the other side of the room while prices for drinks are behind the counter. Last time I went, my family and I picked up an almond croissant and rhubarb-strawberry tart (it IS rhubarb and strawberry season after all). We also ordered a latte and Le Provencal, an iced cafe-au-lait with hints of lavender and honey. The almond croissant was the big winner. It had a wonderful texture and had a fruit filling that contrasted nicely with the pastry itself. That isn't to say that the rhubarb and strawberry tart wasn't good--it was really good actually :) My mother really liked the latte. The Le Provencal to me was good but the lavender taste was very, very subtle. I also noticed they carried Badoit sparkling water. If you like sparkling water, you've got to try it. It's the best tasting sparkling water I've come across... but it's awfully hard to find. It's a little pricey but it's well worth it :) Additionally, I noticed that some items (particularly the salads) are available both here and in the more upscale Petit Louis Bistro. There is a small price difference; it's cheaper at Le Comptoir by a few dollars. I'm not sure if the portion sizes are different or not or if the difference in price is primarily due to the difference in atmosphere and lack of table service. Overall, it's a great place to grab lunch or a coffee break or a quick pastry pick-me-up if you are in Columbia. Highly recommended :)
(4)
Ann K.
There is no complaint for the wonderful service at Petit Louis Bistro. Everything from bread to desserts and the marvelous wine list that make I wish I can order them all. Even though the weather outside is a bit too windy and chilly to sit outside, I was not prepared for the cold air conditioned room inside. While dining, I wish they put in easy listening music. Well. The bistro in Paris doesn't have any music. There are two glass enclosed private rooms that fit about 20 people. The foods are good but not great. I will try their Sunday brunch next time.
(4)
Piper J. D.
Walked into this little bistro on a whim while enjoying a lakeside stroll with my boyfriend. The ambience was lovely and we were seated immediately by a cheerful host. We started with mimosas and a basket of pastries fresh baked on the premises: a perfect buttery, flakey croissant, a pain au chocolat, and a sweet almond brioche. For a light lunch we chose small plates. I had the crepe du jour: a crepe served with shrimp in a cream tarragon sauce and fresh spring peas finished with arugula microgreens for a touch of peppery fun. This dish was lighter than I expected in a wonderful way while I really enjoyed the various flavors. Boyfriend had the special terrine of pressed pork shoulder served with housemade pickles and a coarse mustard. Very tasty terrine and I have to say, it was one of the best I've had. Normally terrines have a bit more fat to them than I prefer, especially served cold. This one had the perfect balance if perhaps a tiny bit too much sea salt sprinkled over the top. We also shared a dish of forest mushrooms over slices of toasted bread. So good! Cooked perfectly, finished with just the right savory butter and seasoning and served table side so we got to smell how good they were coming right out off the heat. It was the perfect light lunch for our day and our server, Amy, was fantastic. She was bright and funny, knowledgeable about the menu, and made everything sound delicious. She was very helpful while we made our choices and didn't check in on us too much the way some servers can intrude on every conversation. All in all, a new favorite close to home.
(4)
Eunice K.
Parking garage across the restaurants. Located near the lake. There are tables for outdoor seating. Super cute decor! Went here for a GNO. When we arrived the hostess was really friendly and welcoming. Our server was really nice and friendly in the beginning but then rarely showed up :( Get the whole roasted chicken for two (REALLY GOOD!). Someone comes and cuts the chicken right in front of you. The chicken was SOOOOO JUICY! YUM!!! The man who cut the chicken for us was SO SO SO NICE! (BEST CHICKEN CUTTER EVER!!!)
(3)
Jean-Philippe D.
Food is great (foie gras is one of best i had). Service is good and atmoshpere absolutely fantastic Just walking around the lake before and after dinner adds to this moment Then dont forget to take a good wine I recommend the Clairette de Die to start then move on with red Cotes du Rhone The main menu is pretty much the same from months ago so i had to take the special which was wonderful Great place for food lovers
(4)
Dorothy A.
The ambience is beautiful, which is where it stops. Food is overpriced for small, so, so portions. But the worst thing about the place is the servers. After refusing to pick up a plate to create room at the table, one of them spilled creamer all over and unapologetically took her time in cleaning it up! And never replaced said cream. Will NEVER back.
(1)
John D.
We ordered from their brunch menu. I started out with the Onion soup which was very good; the onions tasted fairly sweet which provided a nice flavor. For my entree I tried their Croque-Monsieur. This was not bad and the serving size was generous but it was kind of average. The restaurant itself is nicely decorated but dim lighting if that bothers you. The location is great as it is right on the lake. The service was very good; our waiter was quite nice and was helpful when we needed assistance.
(3)
Nicole P.
Perfect service. Stopped in for 1 glass of Pinot Noir outside by the lake. Ended up getting 2 glasses; 1 Pinot Noir and 1 of the Cotes Du Rhone Villages at the manager's recommendation. I also took an entire bottle of Cotes Du Rhone home. It was literally the best red wine I can remember having. The cheese plate was amazing and worth every penny though maybe the most expensive cheese by the slice I've ever had. The overall experience could not have been better from start to finish. If I'm not impressed by customer service I don't leave a review and most expensive restaurants never impress me anymore. I walked in while waiting to meet friends at Merriweather Post Pavillon. I was alone and just wanted 1 glass of wine, maybe 2 depending on service. The managers and/or owners where standing at the hostess stand with the hostess and greeted me warmly. I asked if I could sit outside & if it was seat yourself or be seated. They seated me at a perfect table outside. Someone came by & asked if I wanted bread. I said no mainly because I was planning to only get a glass of wine & didn't want to be greedy since I knew I wouldn't get an entree. After my friendly server came by and I had my Pinot Nior, someone came by with 2 little fancy cheese rolls which he said were a gift that they wanted me to have. I thought that was very nice. The rolls were lite & tasty. Since the wine was stronger than I'm used it, I really did need a little something to soak it up. The manager came by to check on me and told me about their house wine. He bought it himself instead of sending my server when I said I would like a glass. He spend some time at my table explaining it and even though I told him I don't know that much about wine, he had me smell it and told me about it warmly. He was welcoming and honestly I had expected to have maybe snooty servers and management but I was so incredibly pleasantly surprised. The manager asked if I would like to see the cheese plate and well, I LOve cheese. They brought it outside which I heard they don't do in summer and I choose a few. All in all from start to finish I had a warm, inviting, perfectly craftily experience. Not at all what I imagined a French restaurant would be like. I think trying a restaurant alone is the best way to gauge their customer service. If they can make someone sitting alone feel welcome then I'm sure if I brought a group I'd be in good hands. Superb wine, cheeses, and service. I thank everyone at Petit Louis Columbia, MD for my great experience.
(5)
Michael G.
I came for brunch, so can't speak to their normal menu. The price is a bit high for what it is, but the service is very good, the ambiance is nice, very French bistro, and very well done. Lots of attention to details. The food itself is good, but sort of hit or miss depending on what you get. The poached eggs were executed well, but I felt the sauce was a bit bland and the pork belly was understated and lost amongst the rest of the dish. The chicken confit was a tiny portion, overly dried. The quiche was good, but that's not my thing, really. Overall, I wouldn't come back for brunch. The cheese selection is very good, and the desserts are all very good. Particularly, they had a pots de creme au caramel, which was flavored with orange, a nice touch. The creme brulee was good...standard, not great, not bad. The portions for desserts were reasonable for sharing, which is nice. Overall, I'd come back for drinks and cheese/desserts, but probably not for food.
(3)
K Sera S.
I've been several times, and it gets better each time (and it started off pretty darn good!) As a superfan of Charleston, my expectations were high. And from a culinary perspective, I've not been disappointed. Fresh ingredients, creative but not wackadoo recipes, simple, elegant presentation. My initial complaints (and that's even a strong word) would be about the service. Which is VERY good, but not exemplary (and again, I'm comparing to Charleston here, where I've had some of the best service ever, period). For example, on the first visit, the hostess was wearing a very strong perfume. A clear no-no. She also stood waiting for us to approach her (it's an open area, so there's not a hostess "station" per se), like she was royalty holding court. Now, I don't expect the hostess to pounce on guests as they enter nor did I expect some kind of obsequious flailing about, but even a step forward to close an obvious and surmountable gap would have been gracious. On a recent visit, our server, perhaps obeying the "rule" of clearing from a certain side, actually reached right between my husband and me (we were positioned at nine o'clock and six o'clock and were facing one another). We weren't having some deep convo, so it wasn't a big deal to us, but had we been, for example, conducting business or having a romantic moment, it would have been extremely intrusive and disruptive. But again--these are niggling little details that I bring up only because I expect SO much from a Foreman establishment. And again, it has improved each time. Did I mention that the food is infallibly awesome? Because it is. Lamb neck. I don't even know what I can say about that because I'm drooling so much I'm slobbering on my keyboard....
(4)
Melissa I.
This place was wonderful!! We went for brunch, the food, the service, the atmosphere were all great!! $5.00 bottomless mimosas can't be beat!! I had the eggplant Napoleon appetizer which was so delicious!! We also had some pastries and croquettes all of which were excellent!! Our group has planned to return often for Sunday Brunch!!
(5)
Ken W.
I was pleasantly surprised to find a charming French restaurant at Columbia Lakefront, nice location with view of the lake. The restaurant sits where the former Red Pearl Chinese Restaurant sat. A cafe is attached to the main restaurant. I have yet to dine at the restaurant so that will be another review. I walked into the cafe and was immediately hit by a moldy smell, such like a janitor's closet. What a disappointment. They need to change the mop water frequently. The pastry display case was scant. I purchased a cafe au lait with an eclair. The cafe au lait was practically all au lait, barely a hint of coffee. The eclair was mediocre - the pate a choux was soggy. I will give the place another try.
Damnit.. I so wanted to love petite Louis when we came here Saturday with our fellow yelpers. It's a beautiful restaurant in a perfect location, overlooking a lake. Doesn't get much more romantic than that. The issue with petit Louis isn't the decor or the service. In fact I enjoyed our waitress a lot. The issue is the inconsistency in the food. We started with the eggplant appetizer which was pretty decent as the eggplant was crispy without being too greasy. The mussels were delicious and the Broth was even better - probably the best thing all night. But then came dinner... We had the chicken for two which was oven roasted and served with a a few carrots. The real problem was that there was no sauce and very little seasoning so I basically paid like $50 for a rotisserie chicken. That's fine and dandy if it's a great chicken dish but this was not. Now our fellows yelpers got duck and salmon dishes. They were beautifully presented. The duck was cooked perfectly. I think I'll try the duck next time. For dessert we got the sorbet and profiteroles. Both were quite good. I guess my real issue of the evening was the chicken. It just disappointed on many levels. Either way we will be returning. I want this restaurant to do well. Granted the menu is an acquired taste. The portions are not big, the prices are pretty high too. But this isn't a restaurant for people looking to stuff their faces with mediocre food. It's the atmosphere and presentations that you come to a place like this for. Now I just need to pick the right dishes next time.
(3)
Edward L.
Came here for President's Day lunch with the wife and baby. Being new parents, we're always a little nervous with bringing a baby to restaurants that can cost $40-$60/person. Every staff member that we encountered (from the hostess, to the servers, to the gentlemen who brought out our mimosas and entrees) made us feel very welcomed and treated our child like a valued guest. The server offered to bring a bowl of fresh fruit for the baby. We declined since we already brought some food along for her but we appreciated the gesture. We started with some foie gras and some escargot. We both thought the foie gras was very good with the slices of grilled baguette while the snails were okay. Also had some mimosas that were assembled at our table. There is also bread served with unsalted sweet cream butter. The little white bowl on the table is salt. Saw a review from Lauren D that said someone mistook it for sugar and put it in their coffee. Wife had the canard a l'orange which is duck breast cooked medium rare served with blood orange sauce and beets. Meat was dark red and so delicious. I had the duck leg confit, which was thoroughly cooked and oh so good, too. Meat was fork tender, skin was crispy. It is good on its own but the flavor really comes out when just a little salt is sprinkled on the meat. Was served with some white navy beans and a couple cloves of garlic confit. Ended dinner with a simple bowl of coffee ice cream to share. Part of me feels guilty for not trying something "fancier" from their list of desserts but I'm sure there are reviews here of their desserts if you care to know about them. By the way, the bowl was massive for three little scoops of ice cream. Kind of humorous. Though pricey, it was a delicious lunch and great experience. We walked through the comptoir on the way out and will definitely pay it a visit next time we come through the area.
(5)
Joseph J.
First problem was one of our diners ordered a Johnny Walker Black cocktail. Tasted like Jim Beam so he sent it back & eventually got the right pour. Next was 2 of us got onion soup. It came luke warm, tasted good but not so appealing with the temperature so off. Then we ordered NY strip steaks. Mine medium rare, his medium. His came warm, not hot & it was rare! Mine came warm, not hot but was cooked correctly. My wife got Rainbow Trout & it was good. We asked for the manager & to our surprise a very young lady (looked about 21 years old) came over. We told her about our food & she offered to take it back to the kitchen but our other diners were already halfway done & we all know what the chefs do to your food when you return it. For the prices here they need to step it up big time. No excuses! They failed so we will never be back & we'll be sure to tell others.
(2)
Gordon S.
Petit Bistro has a very extensive wine list, excellent service, delicious sauces, and classy, well-lit decor. Like most French restaurants in US, it is expensive (Like $260 total for four dinners w/drinks and desserts). Don't order steak w/frites (fries): steak houses do it better and cheaper. Their fish is so-so. The best dishes, IMHO, are winged: chicken and duck. Another tip is that the "rooms" on the right have better, quieter acoustics. Great place for lunch outside with a view of lake. Would rate higher if less expensive.
(3)
Tiffany K.
I have never eaten in the restaurant side, I pop in for a quick carryout lunch. They have some pretty great sandwiches. I have also tried their soups which were yummy as well. The salad is just okay. Their desserts are delicious. And their espresso drinks are nice and strong. Service is always with a smile and they really go above and beyond to explain things to you. My only gripe is the price, its a bit ridiculous. They should consider lowering their prices a little for the Cafe side. Most restaurants in the area, even the fancy ones have lunch menus with lower prices and smaller portions. They are not in the city, this is Columbia. People such as myself stopping in for a quick carryout lunch will not come back, even though the quality of food and service are good, if the prices are too high. There are just too many other options in the area.
(3)
Nathan C.
This review covers lunch, not dinner. So - let's start with the food. The food is good to great. The Croque Monsieur is delicious, but hits you like a ham-filled tank later. Most of our group had that. I also had the Onion Soup, which was surprisingly light and sweet. I recommend it for sure. What you need to be prepared for, at lunch, is "Europe speed". Like four ham sandwiches and a bowl of soup took an hour and change to order, eat, and pay for. There was plenty of staff; they were just sort of inattentive to us. They may have just been "letting us talk" which I'm OK with, but beware if you're even a little bit in a hurry. A little to pricey and time-consuming for a lunch destination, basically, but I'd go back to try dinner to compare it to Tersiguel's or Les Folies Brasserie.
(3)
Sherry H.
We went here a while ago and I was not impressed. For a meal that cost upwards of $200, i want to feel like something was really good but I don't think we will go back. Would give 2.5 stars.
(2)
Meredith B.
This is a review for the bar Only and will be updated once I have actually bothered to sit for dinner, but until then... Dinner elsewhere had been disappointing so we stopped in to peek at the bakery side [and chat with the gent behind the counter, who was excellent] then wander in to sit at the bar and have a drink. The bar itself is small, but pleasant [bonus points for having purse hooks] with space behind for two bartenders and space in front for eight or ten patrons? I didn't count the stools. The drinks were well-mixed and refreshing and when an experiment on my part resulted in something sweeter than I personally prefer, the drink was whisked away and replaced with something more to my taste in a matter of moments. The terrine that was the night's charcuterie du jour was decent but unexciting [I think I might not like terrine?] but the accompanying raisin compote was so delicious that neither my sister nor i really cared much. The desserts were nothing short of brilliant. I had the chocolate and salted caramel pot de creme and could probably have happily ordered two more without blinking- neither was too sweet and the lighter caramel flavor balanced the heaviness of the rich chocolate very well and paired brilliantly with my iced coffee with lavender and honey. My sister, not in the mood for chocolate, had an exquisite raspberry mousse that was delightfully light and summery. The bartenders were both lovely and attentive, resulting in excellent information about the selections, the restaurant, the origins of drinks, a Van Halen concert where a lot of chairs got set on fire... Hilarious gentlemen and fun to talk to, which always earns extra points in my book. I will definitely go back for dinner, since dessert and drinks have proven well worth the cost, and if feeling particularly flush in the pocket, I may explore the 'altar', an island of sorts where they display bottles of Armagnac and the like that are probably worth more than I am on the open market.
(4)
Bruce D.
Meh! Two Apps: Escargot and Beet salad with chevre; Entrees = Steak Frites ($1.00 substitute charge to change from Frites to Pommes Puree) - all just average. Service was very good but there were very few customers on an early Tues. eve. Pet Peeve of mine - they advertise special HH prices but your bill gets full price (Pavot Rose) and I don't like having to deal with the hassle of questioning a bill for a $3.50 error.
(3)
Jody M.
Our dinner was wonderful from appetizer to desert! I had the famous French onion soup and I have to say it was the best I've ever had. The cheese was amazing! I wanted to scape off every bit. I had the Croque Monsieur and pomme frites for dinner and my husband had the steak frites and both were delicious. For desert we shared the salted caramel pot de creme and macaroons. They were the perfect end to our meal. The staff was friendly and very knowledgable about the wine and food specials. Great date night and lovely setting at the lake front.
(5)
LMarie C.
I have to give the disclaimer that I only had dessert here one Saturday evening so I can't comment on the menu in great detail. I had some sort of Apple pie/crisp with ice cream. It was warm and yummy. We also had some of the complimentary bread. The decor makes me feel like a small French cafe which is cool for a date. It was has a very intimate ambiance which was cool as I was able to have a conversation. If I'm in the area, I will come back to try a meal.
(4)
Supraja M.
This review is for Le Comptoir, the bakery/cafe side of the restaurant. I found my visit to Petit Louis didn't live up to my hopes and expectations. I came in and ordered a cafe au lait ($5.50), a croissant ($3.25), and two peanut butter-honey-chocolate macarons ($2.00 each). The cafe au lait was not- I was handed a latte, which tasted OK, but didn't warrant the $5.50 price tag. The croissant was small-- typical French size, with an American price. The outside of the croissant was appropriately crispy and flaky, but the inside was dense. It was probably worth about, $2? The macaron flavor didn't come through-- I tasted almond and chocolate. Also, the macaron shells were not crisp and the middle was soggy, as though the cookie had been sitting around for a few days. The shape was also off. Overall I had high hopes based on the press around this place, but I was sorely disappointed. I might have been OK with the quality had I paid about 2/3 what I did. Except the macarons, those were just not OK. I perused the menu for the restaurant side, and was disappointed to see that there wasn't anything in the way of a vegetarian lunch/dinner entree, just a quiche. In this day and age, I think having no real vegetarian options on a restaurant menu (yes, even a french one) is just poor planning.
(1)
Paul S.
We visited Petit Louis on the evening of Saturday, August 1, 2015. Our server was very knowledgeable of the menu and wine list and provided excellent service throughout the evening. In fact, the service actually eclipsed the food. We began with the tuna tartare special and the beet salad. The tartare was quite good; the beet salad was sparse, with a few small pieces of beet atop tiny dollops of dijon mustard and goat cheese. Not the best value. Our entrees included tuna steak and a lamb steak special. The tuna was fine. The lamb was a bit tough and bland, but was saved by a flavorful tapenade and the accompanying eggplant puree. This was our third visit to Petit Louis for dinner so we feel that we can now safely say that the food is "good" but not in the same league with Howard County's best restaurants, Ananda and Bistro Blanc.
(3)
Tom C.
I don't relish giving a Foreman-Wolf restaurant three stars, but that's the best I can do. The food was outstanding, as expected. Here are my issues: Francois, the bartender. Way too chatty. We arrived a bit early and decided to have a drink at the bar. Francois greeted us with a smile, then began talking. He didn't stop the whole time we were there. Dial it back, Francois. The atmosphere. Why, oh why, don't they put ceilings in restaurants anymore? The exposed HVAC and plumbing serve to reflect all sound right back to the room, with an added metallic echo. This really takes away from the fine dining experience. A minor glitch in the service. My wife and daughter ordered brussel sprouts as their side, only to receive some sort of potato. After telling the server, she took away the potato dish then returned quickly with the potato dish, insisting that is what we ordered. Finally got that worked out. Somebody fat-fingered the keyboard and ordered the wrong dish. As I said, the food was delicious, and Tony Foreman picked the perfect wine that complimented all of our dishes. I can't say enough about the food and wine. However, if I'm going to drop $650 on a dinner for four, I expect more than chatty bartenders, noisy atmosphere, and even minor glitches in service. Foreman-Wolf are known for excellence, and this evening didn't measure up. My family enjoys all of their other restaurants, especially Charleston. We'll visit Petit Louis again, hoping to find the overall excellence we've come to expect.
(3)
Patricia A.
Today a friend and I stopped by for a quick lunch and ate in the cafe area of the restaurant. There were several savory sandwiches served on crusty baguette bread to choose from as well as two types of quiche. The soup of the day was creamy carrot. I selected a chicken salad sandwich (can't remember the French name) as well as the carrot soup. The soup was absolutely delicious and so was my sandwich which was so big that I had to take half of it home. My friend had the aubergine veggy sandwich which she swears was out of this world. Afterwards we both ordered hot drinks. I had cafe au lait - delicious and beautifully decorated by Comtoir Manager Cori Benson ( see photo of cafe au lait near top of page ). My friend was served a great tasting hot chocolate with a heart drawn on the foamy top. Neither of us saved room for the yummy looking deserts. The cafe was staffed by two friendly ladies (Cori was one). We felt like very welcome guests. There will definitely be more return visits.
(5)
Yaofu Z.
I saw HowChow's recommendation on his blog and went there after work today. I only went to the bakery part, so this review is not on the restaurant side. The service was quite good, despite the girl apparently seems new to her job. It was already afternoon when I went there, so there were only about 4 or 5 items that I can choose. I got the chocolate croissant, a apple turn-over piece, a slice of poppy seed cake and a mysterious item. The croissant is ok, but not anything outstanding. It is very similar to thr croissant I got from bon appetit from Rt. 40, only a little more dense (twice the price though, $1.75 from Bon Appetit). I think the chocolate croissant I had from the french bakery chain Vie de France is greatly better. It was more airy and flavorful. The apple turn-over is probably the better item of the 4 I chose. The wrapping and the filling are well balanced and I like the filling to be a little tart yet aromatic. However, if you like a sweet apple turn-over, it may not work for you. The poppy seed cake slice is definitely moist and tender in texture. It is not too sweet and I like it. However, it has an off bitter after taste, which I think ruined the cake. I think it should be better. The last mysterious item looks like a muffin except it tops with sugar syrup. The body taste more like pound cake than muffin as well. It just taste sweet without nothing much else. Initially I thought there was some filling in it, but there was not, just the cake. It is definitely an odd item. Anyway, I thought I would expect something better with the fame and the price tag. I would probably still come back though. It may be the bad timing I went or the bad selection I made. The review will be updated accordingly.
(4)
Karen H.
Petit Louis Bistro is a slice of Paris on the Columbia lakefront. My family, a party of 8, managed to sample almost the entire menu, and we were delighted with everything we ordered. The escargot were tender and delicious; we sopped up all the sauce with the fresh bread. The mussels with saffron were a big hit too. I highly recommend the poulet paillard, roast chicken over a bed of mushrooms and spring peas with a lovely, fragrant mustard sauce. My mom thoroughly enjoyed the trout amandine. My father and brother savored the pork belly and poached egg small plate. The gravlax (smoked salmon) was delectable. We had a bowl of excellent frites to share. The ribeye special was cooked to perfection, as were the scrumptious duck fat roasted potatoes. Run, don't walk, to Petit Louis Bistro!
(5)
Carl S.
Wonderful food, outstanding wine and superb service. My wife and I made a last minute decision to go there and found the restaurant very crowded on a Friday night. Nonetheless, a place was found for us and we were well taken care of. I had the crispy eggplant appetizer, not a trace of grease, and the roast salmon (Salmon Poele). Service was great and the food came from the kitchen in good time considering the crowd. The food was all freshly prepared and was a work of art when it reached our table. Our waitress, Jessica, not only took very fine care of us but had an amazing knowledge of the ingredients and method of preparation for each dish we inquired about. Her detailed description of each wine we asked about was outstanding. It was not a cheap evening but well worth the price.
(5)
Fred L.
We have been so excited to try Cindy Wolf's new restaurant since it opened a few months ago because we love her restaurant, Charleston, in Baltimore. While we were not expecting Charleston-level quality, we did hope for an upscale experience right here in Columbia. Unfortunately, we were quite disappointed. Our Saturday evening started when I ordered a premium scotch on the rocks and received something else -- possibly bourbon. Our waiter (who badly needed a breath mint) offered to replace my drink with one poured tableside so there would be no mistake as to what was being served. However, instead, another drink was brought to the table. Fortunately, this one was right. I ordered French Onion soup and the $27 New York Strip done medium. While the soup tasted fine, with a nice melted cheese cap, the broth was not hot. When the steak finally arrived, it was so thin it looked like a steak you would receive with a Steak and Eggs breakfast order, except it was very fatty, cool to the touch, and was practically raw inside. I asked for the manager to show her what her kitchen considered "steak cooked medium", and while she offered to have the kitchen prepare another steak, I explained that by the time another steak was prepared, the rest of my party would have long since finished their meals. No other concessions were offered. On the other hand, my wife was pleased with the Skate, one of the specials of the evening. The service was very slow, possibly because the entire staff was extremely young and inexperienced -- from the hostess to the waiter, to the sommelier, to the manager. I really wanted to like Petit Louis but, at least on this night, there wasn't much to like.
(2)
Alexa R.
My best friend and I went over to get drinks at Petit Louis on Saturday night after a day of shopping at the Colombia Mall. We went just for drinks, though my bestie ate here before and said it was very good. But this review is purely on the bar, drinks, and atmosphere. The atmosphere is lovely with beautiful chandeliers and little lights with cherubs holding them over the bar. The shields on the wall representing the 8 wine regions of France is also a very nice touch. The bar had some open seats so we were able to sit down and have a nice drink. My best friend had been here before and ordered two French Martinis. The bartender, Francios, was fabulous and made them perfectly, it was absolutely delicious! And a major bonus: They have hooks under the bar for your purse/bag so you don't have to hang it on the chair or hold it. I will definitely be back to Petit Louis to try the food and have some more drinks!
This is a nice local restaurant. It's nice to see some high end places creeping into HOCO. I was happy with my meal. The service was very good. Definitely some hits and misses on the menu. Unfortunately the foie gras was a huge miss. I will certainly give it another shot.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Brunch, Dinner Parking : Garage Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Classy Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Jolie W.
I really wanted to like Petit Louis Bistro since the space has been cursed from one bad restaurant to another. The atmosphere is really lovely, major improvement. It was the nicest part of the evening. I came here with another couple on a Sunday evening. It was not crowded or busy. The other couple's sodas came out flat and the server could not have been more inconvenienced. The request for a lemon was made 3x, more of server being miffed. The entrees were "meh"--I had the $16 spinach and salmon salad. I asked for dressing on the side and of course, it wasn't....by now the server clearly hated our table. The salmon was 1/2 raw and the server said that's how they serve it. News to me, but I said nothing as I had given up. The steak entree was meh, but the frites (ie. fries) were amazing. It felt like we were trying not to make waves at this point. The $24 salmon and mashed potatoes dish was good, but petit. It was all petit. The quiche was very tasty, the salad was drenched in dressing. We had one macaron, tiny macaron and a bonbon--very petit. I was surprised that a manager didn't come to our table to check how the meal was going considering it's a new restaurant and service is key with the big prices to go with it. It felt like Cindy Wolf came to HoCo and figured her name would carry the day. It takes more than a name to make a restaurant even in the suburbs--don't underestimate Howard County because we're not Baltimore. If there aren't improvements, I predict Petit Louis to have the same longevity as the predecessor restaurants--I hope Cindy Wolf and her crowd can deliver better as right now it is a real disappointment. We went home and ate a snack since we left hungry and with a big check. My advice, go next door to Clyde's and hope this restaurant gets an overhaul. Better food, real portions and better service.
(2)B L.
I have been here for dinner and for the coffee shop. First off, their coffee is the best in the area. I've tried it all, and the cafe au lait is amazing and you need to try every single one of their macarons. Their dinner...I went when they were apparently still ironing out the kinks, because the steak tasted no better than a low-end piece from the supermarket - if not worse. My fish came out fried, which I was not expecting, but it was admittedly delicious and the green beans it came with were the best I've ever had. The onion soup was also perfect, but the (I think) carrot soup or something that my dining partner got was barely edible. Overall, extremely hit-or-miss and for the price, it shouldn't have been. The dessert was out of this world and I challenge you to find better without driving to Baltimore or DC (and even then, I don't know where you'd go!) In short: skip the dinner, hit the coffee shop. It was a shame, I really wanted to love this place but the pricetag that goes with the full dining experience is not remotely worth it.
(3)Sara S.
Poor service and mediocre food. If you want nice lake views, I would go to Clydes or any other restaurant nearby. Don't go here
(2)Katherine W.
Called about my soybean allergy. They said that they use peanut oil or canola oil and real butter.
(3)Janet D.
A friend and I stumbled in during an impromptu wednesday girls night. Our meal was great baring 3 minor details, the decor was lovely and the service was great. Food: We shared charcuterie of the day, a terrine served with a garnish of micro greens and ramps! So nice. I ate the omelette du jour, which was meant to come with asparagus, trumpet mushrooms and chèvre; I found no mushrooms in my omelette at all (regardless, it tasted lovely). My friend had the swordfish with fennel and ramps and was not disappointed. We ordered the potato croquettes and they tasted delicious, but were cold in the center. Wine: We waited at the bar for about 40 minutes before a table opened up, the bartender was attentive and accommodating. Side note: The bread was excellent, and the cheese cart looked fantastic.
(3)Div O.
This place is phenomenal. Came here for my birthday dinner with a reservation on a Friday night. Got seated right by their cozy fireplace. The service is on point. Our server was attentive, but not overwhelming and knew when to check on us. She knew the menu in and out - and took the time to explain the items in French that we weren't sure about. They have a few sommeliers on staff as well. Ours gave us a few recommendations; everything from the lower price end to the really vintage bottles if you're looking for something nicer. My boyfriend had a Manhattan and said it was one of the best he's ever had, so the bartenders definitely know what they're doing. The owners walk around and introduce themselves and make sure you're taken care of, which is something that's rare these days in a lot of restaurants. This place is definitely a new go-to for us. There isn't a dress code, from what I saw. But you can definitely get dressed up for a nice date night, or just swing by for casual dinner and a glass of wine. Our next trip there will be for breakfast in the little bistro section they have in the front. Cute little tables with espresso and pastries - how can you say no? If you're in the area, I would DEFINITELY recommend trying it out. How often do you see a well done French restaurant?
(5)Yael S.
So, first with the good: 1. The atmosphere is lovely here, I loved how it just looked like it has been open for years, not just a few weeks...it felt intimate in certain places, and was quiet enough for good conversation. 2. The mussels I ordered were delicious, as were the french fries, the Kir Royale and the macaroon I ate for dessert. 3. The waitress was lovely. The not so great: 1. We had a 7 pm reservation, and were sat down at 7:35 with no explanation (while waiting) or apologies while being seated so late. 2. The dinner for four (with no appetizers and very little dessert) took 3 hours. This was due to, again, being sat down a half hour after our reservation, slow slow slow service, and my mother in law's chicken dish having to be cooked twice by the chef as he felt he over cooked it the first time and dried it out...however, the dish she was finally brought out was very very dried out...she would have said something, except by this time (an hour and 15 minutes after being seated), she was very hungry and did not want to wait any longer. 3. We ordered a couple of desserts and a few petit fours....without even consulting with the table, the server changed one of our petit fours to another flavour as they were out of the selected flavour. I happen to be allergic to the flavour they brought out, so it would have been nice to have been consulted about it beforehand before placing it on the plate (they did switch it out however when asked). I understand that this restaurant had been only open for a little over a month, and there are some kinks that need to be worked out, but I still believe that it would have made it a better experience had a waiter, manager or anyone acknowledged the slow seating and slow service. We had plans for after our dinner that had to be missed because of all the delays. Will I come back? Sure, but I will give it time to work out the kinks...otherwise, I will will just make the trip to the original Roland Park location
(3)Josh G.
I'm generally a fan of Foreman Wolf establishments, and finally had the time to check out the new Petit Louis location. Overall, I actually enjoyed it more here than my experiences than the Roland Park site. The service was great and the wait staff were all polite and helpful and really seemed to work together. The food was for the most part excellent. I had the beignets to start. They were good, but the flavor profile was more subtle than I expected, you could really only taste the shrimp. For my entrée I had the salmon salad, which was a nice portion and well presented. The vinaigrette dressing was nice and the piece of salmon was good sized and cooked perfectly. We also had a side of mushrooms of the day which were served tableside and very aromatic and tasty. We shared the éclair of the day for dessert which was alright, but nothing remarkable. Overall, I'd certainly return and would suggest Petit Louis for anything from a business lunch to a classy dinner..
(4)H H.
Had dinner at the restaurant on 4th of July. Service was excellent. We had our boys with us (7 & 8) one which has a cow's milk protein allergy. They were very accommodating both for their tastes and the allergy. For appetizers we ordered the snails and another mushroom special. We convinced our 8 year old to try the snails, which are good, but he gave them a shrug. For dinner I got the trout and the Lady got the canard. Both were excellent. The trout came with this almond risotto which was fantastic. I'm glad to have a Cindy Wolfe restaurant so close to home.
(5)HowChow B.
Petit Louis hasn't even opened, but the small walk-up counter next door has already kicked off a brand new experience for Howard County food. Le Comptoir is a casual counter service area next to the space that will open next week as the latest Foreman-Wolf restaurant. You can get casual lunch items, but it's worth dropping whatever you're doing right now to just get coffee and pastries. The best croissant that my wife has ever had. Lemon poppy cakes. A chocolate-pistachio pastry. Two flavors of macarons. Something described as a cinnamon bun, which I carried out and is waiting to be eaten as a little snack. Everything that we ate was perfect. A small, crispy croissant that was simultaneously light and flaky, but left a luscious impression of butter on my tongue. A cake moist with a strong lemon flavor and a slight crunchy crust for contrast. You know that I love the local bakeries, but you can't beat these pastries overlooking the lake. We split a French press of coffee, and we had the best time. Even before the coffee rush, I was pretty hyped up for this group's first restaurant in Howard County. I can't say that I dream of French dining, but the Foreman-Wolf restaurants have this amazing feeling where people are obviously serious about the food, but not about themselves. They're so nice. At Le Comptoir, you can take out or sit at one of the cafe tables overlooking the Columbia lakefront. Gorgeous now -- and great to get out of our house after these frigid weeks. I can imagine how much better it will be in five to seven months when you could eat outside, walk around the lake, and let little feet run on the grass. Petit Louis appears to be opening next week. They're doing "friends and family" meals to work out the kinks and hosting a few charity lunches and dinners this week.
(5)Carol K.
Isaac the bartender is very knowledgeable and made excellent wine recommendations. Make sure you enjoy selections from the cheese cart.
(4)Ro D.
I wanted to like this place, I really did. Went here for dinner with 6 friends and we all ordered different things. The atmosphere-amazing! The service-great! The food-poor, not tasty and over priced!! Don't waste your money, go someplace else. La Madeleine is cheaper and better than this place.
(2)cindy g.
Came right when they were opening the door at 10:30AM on Saturday, they had about 5% of their menu available which is a small part of their pastries and coffee. Shared a slice of the poppy seed cake which was good, the brioche which was ok and a croissant which was also ok. 10-15 minutes later, got the vegetarian quiche which had brussel sprouts and mushroom and was served COLD which was disgusting! I'm not sure why they opened their doors when they didn't have anything to offer for the first 10 - 15 minutes.
(2)Angela T.
Our brunch was wonderful! The food was delicious, the atmosphere was fabulous, and the service was excellent! I'm looking forward to my next visit!
(5)Kelly F.
Came here for our anniversary and the service was wonderful. They gave us free champagne (and bread of course), which was a nice touch to a romantic evening. The ambience is classy/romantic and the host promptly seated us at our reserved time (via OpenTable) in a cozy corner with a red velvety booth. I asked if they had any cheese plates for an appetizer and, to our delight, a nice waiter came with a little trolley (a tray with shelves and wheels, haha) that displayed 8-10 different cheeses! (Note: The cheese offering is on the dessert menu because it's usually enjoyed after dinner in French culture.) The waiter went through the taste and texture of each one and said we could choose up to 4 samples on a plate (mind you, it's $6 per sample). We chose 4, and each one was delicious! The waiter gave us extra cheese because it was, "so very crumbly!" The whole cheese experience was amazing and I could've ended the night there as happy as a clam. Anyway, I ordered escargot which was accompanied with warm buttered bread. Frankly, I was disappointed by the escargot. It was nothing like what I had in Paris (perhaps that was silly of me to even compare). The escargot was doused in oil. That's basically how it tasted -- oily and bland. I thought to myself, "Where's the salt?! Where's the garlic? Where are the herbs? The flavor?" Still, I ate all of it without complaint. I reminded myself of the wonderful cheese experience I had 2 minutes ago. For dinner, my boyfriend ordered steak & pomme frites and I ordered the duck breast. The steak was decent (but how can you go wrong with steak?) and it came with a HEAPING mound of thin french fries...which would've been great EXCEPT it was TOO SALTY. It tasted like someone dumped 50 tablespoons of salt onto it. Our tongues were burning after. As for my duck, it was cooked pretty rare. The waitress sounded so matter of fact about it, so I thought it was the way to go. Nope. Next time I order duck, I'll make it well done. All in all though, my dish was just OK. To end the night, we ordered apple cake with a side of ice cream. That was good except the cake was cold. Maybe that's the way it's supposed to be, but warming it up for the consumer would've been a thoughtful touch. In the end, we spent approximately $108 for two appetizers, two entrees, 1 dessert and free champagne. Not bad. But for entrees that didn't taste like much, it seems a bit steep. I give this place 3 stars for its excellent customer service, romantic atmosphere/location, great cheese and decent dessert. Other than that, I wouldn't return to eat dinner. You can certainly find real (and better) French food elsewhere, but hey, you can't beat Paris.
(3)Terrie P.
Ehhh. My New York Strip was tough and overcooked, not to mention it was less than 1/2 inch thick and grey looking. I sent it back and ordered the french onion soup (which was good, but not for $12). Food was okay. Upon leaving the manager asked us how our food was and we told him and he said "yes we have heard that complaint prior, I do hope you come back when we have our new cut of New York Strip in." Really, that was it . . . no apology, no come see me next time . . . Come back . . . not likely.
(2)Russell R.
Went there with friends for lunch and had a great meal. The food was delicious, the atmosphere is quite nice, and the wait staff was very attentive. I wasn't surprised by any of this as my wife and I are big fans of Cinghiale in Baltimore, but it is nice to have a fine restaurant closer to home. Looking forward to going back for dinner sometime soon.
(4)Steph R.
Having tried many other Cindy Wolf's restaurants in the area (Charleston, Cinghiale, Pazo), my boyfriend and I were excited to try out the new French establishment in Howard County, right across the street from Columbia Mall. However, for paying over $100 for a Sunday brunch for two, we couldn't be more disappointed (and infuriated) with food, service, and decor. Food: Yes, we expected our French meals to be rich and decadent, but we did not enjoy the greasy unsubstantial food that came with pools of fat and little other flavors. The grease was too overwhelming for any other taste to triumph. After two appetizers, two drinks, and two entrees, we both left with our stomachs still infuriatingly hungry yet queasy with so much oil and salt. Service: We arrived at 11:30am on Sunday when there were only three other tables but had to wait over an hour for our entrees. The server also forgot one of our drinks. Decor: Perhaps this is the most disappointing of all: no decor in the restaurant showed class and substance. The walls were painted with little attention to detail, with missing paint around the edges, cracked/flaking gold paint along the ceiling, and black paint that had noticeable patches of missing paint. Even though the weather was perfect outside (and Clyde's had bustling outdoor dining), the outdoor dining was not even offered, and the bright sunlit windows were a terrible contrast to the dark, stuffy, shabby decor inside. It just felt heavy, and some of the tables were too close together adding to the crampness. By the time that we had taken the first bite out of our entrees, oh how we wished we were outside enjoying a picnic by the lake instead. On our way there, my boyfriend and I joked that perhaps we should go to Clyde's, and after this experience both agree that we should have. Today was a total disappointment. This will be our last time dining here.
(2)Judy And Joe N.
This review is based on my experience at the bakery side of Petit Louis. I found out about the Bistro through yelp/bookmarked it to try, and I'm so glad I did. J and I visited a few days ago and realized this establishment took over the Red Pearl Chinese restaurant. We came in the afternoon and were immediately greeted by one of the girls behind the counter. I can't remember her name (sorry), but she had darker hair. Anyways, she was very pleasant and helpful in taking our order. We shared the roasted chicken sandwich on sourdough and it was very good with a nice amount of tarragon (not overwhelming, but definitely there). We each ordered a croissant and those were pretty good too (I should really go in the morning to try them fresh). We also ordered a french press coffee for two. J liked it, but the kind of sour aftertaste was a bit too much for me. Then again, it could very well be that my tastebuds were having an off day. There's a basket of packaged lattice-cut potato chips by the register. Do yourself a favor and grab a sack if you're having a sandwich. Those are yummy. We will be back to try more from the bakery and also to try the restaurant too!
(4)Lauren D.
I visited Petit Louis for brunch this morning with friends. We didn't have a reservation, nor was everyone there when I asked the hostess about seating us. I let them know we'd have 8 and they said they would do what they could. I waited and ordered a Cafe Au Lait at the bar while the rest of our group arrived. After about 10 minutes, they had prepared a table and sat the 5 of us that were present. I was very pleased that they were able to accommodate us so quickly. Most of the table ordered the 'ceufs poche mille-feuille,' a dish of poached eggs, pastry and duck bacon. The eggs were cooked perfectly and it was fun to sample the duck bacon- crispy and flavorful but not nearly as fatty or pungent as pork bacon. I ordered a dish of fried eggs, ham and pommes lyonnaise. (I can't quite remember the full name) Everything was cooked perfectly and was delicious. We also ordered a basket of the house pastries for the table, which were gone within minutes. We also ordered various coffee beverages with our meals as well, which everyone enjoyed. The only that came as an issue to us was the salt bowl in the middle of the table. We weren't aware that it was salt and one of our group scooped three spoonfuls into his coffee only to be surprised as he went to drink it. It was quite funny, though. I'd definitely like to come back for dinner sometime. I hope the restaurant does well; the location has a high turnover rate, almost like a curse. I have high hopes!
(4)M M.
Wow. Wonderful service. Food was great. Super wines. Went with some friends and we loved it. Wow. Wonderful service. Food was great. Super wines. Went with some friends and we loved it.
(5)Kimberly R.
I was pleasantly surprised by this restaurant experience! We made a reservation for a Saturday night, which I recommend. We were sat at a round table for 5 people, and unfortunately it was so loud I had a hard time following the conversation across the table. The restaurant is beautiful, and very clean looking. But, there are no carpets, drapes, nothing to catch some of the noise. So it is loud! The menu is very big! Lots to choose from which makes it difficult for me but I managed to pick a fish dish, which was excellent! Ate every bite! The wine list is pretty large also, but a little expensive. They have a great cheese tray that they bring around after dinner. Very reasonable prices and we tried a bunch of different cheeses. By this point I was so full....boo! I really wanted to try some of the yummy looking desserts! Oh well, next time I may skip an appetizer so I have room for a sweet treat!
(4)C M.
My husband and I have been long time patrons of Petit Louis of Roland Park and have been a bit disappointed in recent years with the overwhelming feeling that the brand is becoming more of a chain. We went to the Columbia location today to give it another chance in a different location. We were so very disappointed. There were no smiles or any enthusiasm from the employees. The frisée salad was full of water and very small. The Croque Monsieur was not at all in the French style and had very little filling. Getting a classic profiteroles was difficult (The version they had was with strawberries, lemon curd, and .... I lost track at that point). The wine was good. We chose it ourselves without the help of any employees since there were none available. It was French but very expensive. We decided to come home to have a glass of champagne and plan our next weekly lunch at The Iron Bridge Wine Company, also in Columbia! Bonne Appetite!!
(1)Kevin N.
I think some of the kinks are starting to be worked out, but there are still a few issues. FOOD: This is probably the area that has been smoothed out the most since they opened. The food was absolutely fantastic. The crispy eggplant appetizer was simple, but incredible. Escargot came out a little too hot, which I know isn't generally a complaint you would hear, but it scalded my girlfriend's tongue. For the main course, I had the duck breast, which was unreal. You could not ask for a better cooked piece of meat. The menu said it came with brussel sprouts, but I'm not sure if that's what I got, as the green vegetable on my plate was much more akin to peas, but they had a nice bite and terrific flavor. It also came with a roasted turnip puree that was delicious. The plate made sense together, and is something I could see myself getting over and over. My girlfriend had the salmon, which came with asparagus and a bearnaise sauce. The salmon was perfectly tender, but I thought the plate as a whole was a little boring, but maybe because salmon and asparagus is a weekly meal at home for us. We also got an order of their mushrooms of the day, which were hen of the wood. They were overpriced, but incredibly good. We nabbed a creme brulee for dessert, which wasn't the best I've ever had, but was up there. SERVICE: Polite, but over-the-top. Our server hovered over our table a little too much, and made wavy hand gestures while semi-butchering the French pronunciation of most of the dishes to the point that I couldn't understand what he was referring to. He was extremely nice, but a little too accommodating for my taste. But in fairness, I hate stuffiness. I'd much rather have a server who stops by once, asks how the food is and if we need anything, then goes on their way. Here, the server stopped by four times between receiving and clearing our main dish, asking how it was, trying to sell bottled water, asking to clear the table before we were finished. Some people love that kind of service, but it bugs me. ATMOSPHERE: Walking in, the place looks great. I mean, some of the table tops are marble, for crying out loud. HOWEVER, once you're into the meal, you realize the place has its shortcomings. Firstly, the exposed ceiling; I don't mind this generally, but it makes a quiet dinner impossible. The place echos like a cave. The two of us had a very difficult time hearing each other across the table. They were busy that night, but it should never be hard to have a conversation. Also, a small gripe, but the table foot was...annoying. I'm a taller guy, and I found it difficult to change where I had my feet placed, as any time I wanted to cross or uncross them, I was kicking this burly, wrought iron claw. This is nit picky, but I thought it was unnecessary. VERDICT: The food is fantastic, the service is overbearing but well-meaning, it's a little stuffy, and louder than it ought to be. I'd love to go back, but I'd prefer to take the food home and eat there.
(4)Justin F.
The dining room is formal, and the food was delicious, albeit pricey for my taste. The cafe's great in my book! Got a macchiato and really appreciated that it's REAL, the lady even told me the difference in what they offer and how it differs from Starbucks-style. I really appreciated her personality and the cafe atmosphere.
(5)J B.
My husband and I had some time to kill before we had to be somewhere in the Columbia area and decided to go check out the new Petit Louis because I vaguely knew that it is on some sort of a lake (can you tell that I am not at all familiar with the area?). The "Comptoir" turned out to perfectly fit our needs...we basically just wanted to grab some coffee and sit somewhere with a nice view for a bit. The tart we ordered was tasty and I liked the french press coffee. It was definitely a bit pricey, but it would be worth coming back when the weather is nicer. Before leaving we poked our head into the main restaurant and it is beautiful! We love the Roland Park location so we might go back for dinner. They told us that, weather permitting, they will have outdoor seating.
(4)Grant V.
I was hoping for a great restaurant to compliment the others on the lake front. I was very disappointed. We came for brunch. I received the wrong dish, someone else had a quiche that was not cooked well (Half the crust was cooked and the other half was not), someone had the French toast and it was basically toast cooked in butter (no egg/milk bath), and then someone else had the grilled cheese (it had so much cheese it was almost in edible). I'm really hoping the next restaurant to occupy this space can better compliment the other three.
(1)Kathleen E.
A group of six of us (three couples) got together for dinner at Petit Louis recently at the recommendation of one of our party. The ambience was lovely, the rolls were good and all seemed primed for a wonderful evening ahead. It did not turn out that way for me however. I ordered the lamb steak along with two of the men in our party. When it arrived I noticed it was somewhat fatty, but lamb can be that way so I shrugged my shoulders and didn't say anything. The conversation was lively and I didn't have a chance to ask the others how theirs was. It wasn't until the end of the meal when I noticed my plate (which I had been picking absentmindedly at while chatting) was basically a little pile of fat, and then I discovered the men had not had the same problem I did. I put it down to the luck of the draw and put it out of my head in order to have a nice evening. But as time has gone on, I am increasingly annoyed that any restaurant with prices such as Petit-Louis's could serve a customer something that belonged in the trash. Not. even. once. Not even on an "off" night. (It was a Saturday night.) Restaurants of their price range have no right to even have an "off" night. Meat that is sliced off a larger cut can easily be detected as good or bad. Someone chose to ignore the lack of quality and plate it anyway. Even if I had said something immediately, I'd have had to wait for a new meal and be out of step with my friends. I've noticed other reviewers have had mixed feelings about this restaurant but have been politely and cautiously tactful about their criticism. I'm curious, unless it changes drastically, how long Petit Louis is going to stay around.
(1)Bernice R.
We enjoyed the décor and our desserts very much. My friend and I had the gateaux with the pistachios and raspberry, which was super delicious and not too sweet. The entrees themselves were just OK and way over-priced for what we actually got. The Bouillebasse had a few mussels, two small shrimps, and a little filet of red snapper for $27! My husband got their NY Strip, which he said was disappointing (but it appeared to be a better value than our Bouillebasse). The appetizers were not bad. We shared the escargot and the really small charcuterie board, which we now know is good for only one person, not for a table of 4. Service was fine. Our server was good at introducing the wines and the specials, but then trailed off towards the end of the meal. Little things like not getting new silverware, getting more water and creamer until we asked only made the experience more ho-hum. We were there for a friend's birthday, which was mentioned to them over the phone. We all expected some sort of dessert surprise for him, but nothing. My friend had to slip away for a little bit to tell them to bring our birthday friend a little treat - something casual restaurants do without even asking. Overall, it's a cute place but a little overpriced for my liking. Glad I tried it, though!
(3)Trevor R.
As usual, the best of the county restaurants can't compete with even the second tier of the city restaurants. Menu is somewhat uninspired. I understand that the bistro concept is more simple than gourmet French cuisine, but I really struggled to find anything interesting to order. Escargot. Some of the worst I've had - oily and flavorless. Add some more butter & garlic and bake the things, would be better. Eggplant appetizer was the best dish of the evening, fried and layered with cheese, delicious. Would order this again without reservation. Duck breast. Meh. Small portion, without much flavor. Was cooked perfectly, but the sauce was lacking in excitement. Caramel chocolate creme dessert. Not very good. For as rich as it was, I have no idea how it had so little pop. Our server was very personable, and whoever is close to the kitchen brings the food. The timing of the dishes coming out was proper. Bad service details include that my water glass was empty pretty much the entire meal and my empty cocktail glass did not prompt any inquiry. I finally had to stop my waiter to order another drink. So to summarize. I would go there to order a Manhattan (one of the best I've had recently) and the eggplant appetizer at the bar. Both of those were fantastic. Everything else we had was average at best, not bad - but certainly not great. When paying $100/head I expect food better than what I make at home, not the case here. Was thinking I would give this place 3 stars, but then realized it really only deserved 2 so that's what I'm giving them.
(2)Lisa R.
Make sure to check your Credit Card Statement! They like to add a little extra on top. My friend and I ate at Petit Louis in Columbia just over a week ago. We got two main dishes, a side dish, and a glass of wine, and the bill came to $75.14, before tip. Personally, I think this is a little overpriced, but you can determine that on your own. The food was good, not outstanding, and the waitress was just okay. Once our dishes came out she forgot about us for the rest of the night. Apparently though, she thinks very highly of herself, and decided she should get a bigger tip than deserved. I left her 20%, generous for her service, but that just wasn't good enough, as my credit card what charged and extra $10, making her tip $24.00! As violating as this feels, what happened next with the "managers", is just disgraceful. I called just two days later when I saw the charge on my credit card and asked to speak to the manager. I explained the situation and asked that he pull the original copy of my receipt, as I didn't want to accuse anyone of anything before I saw the receipt I signed (I just had the customer copy). He showed NO sense of urgency on the situation, but told me he would get the receipt, which had already been sent to an offsite location in Baltimore (30 minutes away) and would call me that afternoon, no problem. Hours passed and I didn't hear anything from him. I called back around 6 PM that evening, and he told me that they weren't able to get the receipt for the other location (again, only 30 minutes away) but that it was in the overnight transport and would be at the restaurant by 10:00 AM and the manager would call me by noon the next day. Not surprising, I didn't hear anything the next day either. So around 2:00 PM, I called again and asked to speak with a manager. He was in a meeting and needed to call me back... When he finally did, he had NO idea what I was talking about. Manager #1 from the day before clearly didn't think this was important enough to share the situation with anyone, or make sure it was a priority for the next day's staff. To make matters worse, Manager #2 immediately became defensive, argumentative, and rude about the situation. He did not have the receipt, didn't know when it would be arriving, and would have to call me later... but not before he argued with me. His first reply was "well, if it's just about the $10 I will credit your account right now". It's not about the $10, obviously. It's about the fact that a member of your staff thought it was okay to add an extra $10 to my credit card without my permission, and that I have not yet received a sincere apology. It's about the fact that this restaurant group, with various restaurants and locations, couldn't somehow get a hold of my receipt for over 24 hours. It's that Manager #1 didn't think the situation was of any importance or see any urgency in correcting the mistake, and that Manager #2 tried to make every excuse possible to how this could have happened. All of which were ludicrous. He blamed the bartender, he blamed the staff who closed out the night before, he blamed me - suggesting that sometimes people have too much wine and the math doesn't add up (my friend had one glass, I had none, the receipt was legible and the math was perfect). He called me back later with the copy of my receipt, and a copy of the closed receipt from the register. Clear as day, my receipt says $89.14 and the register receipt says $99.14. Still, no sincere apology. He emailed me a copy of my receipt and I haven't heard from anyone since. Now, I wouldn't go back to the restaurant if they begged me to, but the fact that neither manager did anything to try and right the situation - offer to refund my entire meal, ask to send me a gift certificate to come in again - says everything about their character and customer service. I hope it was an honest mistake. I would hate to think someone purposefully charged me an extra $10. But I'm still your customer, and whatever the motive, it happened. Rather than defending your employee, you should have defended me, said you would get to the bottom of it, and make it a priority. You didn't. You showed poor judgment, lack of consideration, and were down right obnoxious. Fair warning if you ever have to deal with a manager. And make sure to check your credit card afterwards.
(1)Nancy L.
This review is for La Comptoir. We went today for lunch. We were very disappointed in the entire experience. The 2 people working were inattentive, seemed annoyed, and the young man had no idea what he was doing. The food was just OK. I had the quiche Lorraine which is served room temperature. The ham inside was tough and tasteless. The crust was nothing to write home about. My husband had the chicken salad sandwich which he said was good. The prices are high and you get nothing with the entrees. For what they are charging and trying to be, this should have been a much better experience. We won't be back.
(1)Harry G.
We arrived at the restaurant on Saturday evening at 5:30, the time for which we had reservations. The hostess told us we would have to wait to be seated even though the place was virtually empty. Finally Tony Foreman came and seated us. Our dinner was good, as well as the service. However when it came for dessert, I had to order three times before I found something on the menu that they had. There was no Gateau aux Fruits Exotiques or Pot de Creme au Chocolat, Caramel au Buerre Sale. I felt sorry for the waiter who had to come and apologize for the short comings of others. I posted a comment as such on the restaurant Facebook page, however my comment was deleted. It seems someone is sensitive to not having anything but glowing reports posted there.
(3)Kat V.
Enjoyed a lovely dinner outside with a beautiful view. The service was excellent and very accommodating as the number in our party kept changing and we had lots of questions, being our first time there. The food was delicious and larger portions than expected. We had the onion soup, the fennel soup, the aubergine croquants, croque monsieur and the salmon salad and finished up with the profiteroles. You may wish to ask for the salad dressing on the side, while it was delicious - it was a little much. It was a nice change from Clyde's and not nearly as expensive as everyone had lead us to believe. The prices were reasonable and more in line with more casual restaurants than upscale. Looking forward to eating there again and trying more menu items.
(5)Lauren B.
There are two areas in this restaurant. There is a more formal dining area and an area that is more like a café. We ate at the café. We sat outside. We all got a sandwich and a drink or coffee. The food was great and the coffee was good, a little strong. The waitress that was working in the café was very nice and friendly. The only complaint that I have is that it is not very baby friendly. I went to the café with three other moms. There were no highchairs so we had to keep our babies on our lap while we ate. And there is no changing table in the bathroom. This is such a cute place and I would love to go back, however I will not be going back with my daughter.
(4)Robin S.
I was very pleased with our meal and the atmosphere of the new space exceeded expectations. I am overwhelmed to have a wonderful new restaurant in my neighborhood. Howard County should use this brand to to clone others like it. Bring it on....
(5)Kne C.
Very well executed basic French fare - more of what one would find in a typical brasserie. The staff's attempts at asserting a French attitude was earnest, but quite comical. Very, very well prepared and presented food. The Pot de Creme was exceptional. The Lamb Shank was tender and moist, with a wonderful reduction accompanying. Good stuff, all. I'm going to bring the Maitre d' some mustache wax on our next visit.
(4)Stephen P.
Had our second dinner there since it opened. Valentines day evening, and a full house. We have dinner out 3-4 times a week at all levels of restaurants. But even a new restaurant , at $100+ for a couple, could do better. The property looks great, the service was good under the circumstances, but the food had mixed reviews between the four of us. Portions are on the small side, especially considering the price, and the bread, which was good quality, was served cold. Even the small butter servings were pitiful. Wine service was good, otherwise the service was uneven (our table wasn't bussed after the entrees were cleared). Two of us had the steak frittes for $27 a portion. The fries were soggy, and the lowly steak? was almost inedible with gristle. We'll give them another try on a normal evening, but there better be a lot of improvement.
(2)Meg k.
Hot chocolate was terrible. If you are going to charge 5$ for a small cup of chocolate you need to make it gourmet. And staff needs to be trained for that
(1)E.E. R.
I am starting to think this physical location is cursed. Horrible selection of alcohol. Had to wait 30 minutes at the bar even though we had a reservation past prime dinner time and there were empty tables (um, we're paying for a babysitter). Appetizer of French onion soup was salty and delicious, but 12 bucks?? Really?? Hubby enjoyed his asparagus appetizer, which was good . My overpriced steak was practically inedible --- full of gristle, bleu, and cold even though I asked for medium rare (compound butter just sat on top and didn't even melt). Fries were OK, seasoned well. Husband hated the duck confit, which he said was impossibly dry like it was frozen and reheated. Ordered sorbet for dessert which was obviously stored at the wrong temp or sugar ratio was off, because it arrived chunky and clumped together in a white bowl with zero (zero!!!!) adornment. Looked like my toddler scooped it out and threw it in a bowl. The restaurant itself is so darn cute -- took me back to Paris---what an absolute disappointment! I ate in Bistros in Paris for half the price and better food! Prices are ridiculous for what is served. I make better meals at home. The owners should be embarrassed.
(2)Fly F.
Not worth it. I just came home from having dinner here. We had a reservation for 7pm and were finally seated a bit after 7:30pm. I was hoping that the wait would be worth it, but sadly, it wasn't. We ordered two appetizers--the beignets and the foie gras terrine. The beignets were greasy and were nothing better than an appetizer that you could get at Applebee's. The foie gras terrine was okay though. My main course (the steak frites) was really disappointing. The meat was not seared well and was completely underseasoned while the frites were overseasoned. I should have sent it back but didn't want to wait for a new entree so I managed to stomach it by eating some frites along with a bite of the steak (because neither component could be eaten by itself). All in all--an incredibly disappointing meal. We decided not to take a chance on the desserts because the other food hadn't been worth the cost. This is too bad because I really wanted to love this place. I had been to the one in Roland Park and was not happy with the food there, but I've also been to the Charleston and Pazo (many times) and have enjoyed the food there. Oh well. Maybe they think that a suburban clientele won't be as discerning? Maybe the kinks will be worked out after the place has been open for a while? For now though, don't waste your money or time.
(1)Sara G.
We were greeted by a gracious host team & seated promptly for a 7:30 res. Went down from there. Service was slow & incomplete. We were offered water & menus & left for 20 minutes. Server seemed surprised that we wanted cocktails. Food & wine yummy but served slowly. Coffee delivered with no sides , none offered. Dessert ordered & coffee grew cold. Server @ other table overheard our comments so our server came back & offered to "nuke" the coffee. We suggested fresh cups. Contrary to positive hype was anything but. Plus server seemed disappointed by a 20% tip in spite of poor service.
(2)Kate S.
I was so excited to hear that Petite Louis opened in Columbia, we frequented the Roland Park location but Columbia is so much more convenient. I was concerned that the Columbia location would not have the same atmosphere as the Roland Park location since it use to be an Asian restaurant but they did a nice job transforming the place. It looks nothing like the previous location, I was very impressed, the only thing I found odd was the ceiling, everything is decorated with antique elements with gold tones but the ceiling had exposed pipes/structural components painted matte black, it just looked a little odd to me. We were seated in a small corner table, the table was jammed in the corner and it was rather hard for me to squeeze into my seat and I am not a large person. I think this table is regularly a 4 person table but they wanted to squeeze more people into the location since it is Valentines day weekend so they split the larger tables into singles. We started with the eggplant Napoleon, which is a crispy fried eggplant with goat cheese sandwiched in between, topped with olive tapenade. The combination was delicious and the eggplant was fried to perfection with excellent crunch and flavor. I had the cod fish topped with French green beans. The fish was very lightly fried with a very delicate flavor. I also got a side of the thinly sliced potatoes, the potatoes were lightly fried and crispy with a beautiful presentation, almost too pretty to eat. My husband had a chicken dish that was lightly browned, garnished with mushrooms, carrots, and leeks in a light cream sauce, this dish was also very excellent. The flavor was very rich and buttery. There was an element that I could not pinpoint which gave the dish an interesting undertone. We both finished off with coffee and dessert, I had the chocolate mousse, which was perfectly prepared but I found the presentation odd, it was placed in an oversized bowl which made me feel like I was eating from a dog bowl. My husband got the chocolate croissant which was very fresh and good. Overall our meal was excellent I was very impressed with the service and quality of the food especially on Valentines weekend which usually is overpriced and underwhelming. I cannot wait to go back again, I think it will be even better when it is warmer outside, since the location is right on the Columbia waterfront.
(5)Marie S.
Went for dinner. Service was attentive. Food was good.
(3)Roo S.
Loved this place! Thee food was good and the service was excellent! They have the best ice cream ever! The eclair is also a must-have dessert.
(5)Charles W.
We came for a birthday dinner on a Saturday and to try out the restaurant, having had positive experiences at the Roland Park location. On the positive side the food was excellent. The menu has both the typical bistro fare, which we love, and some more original explorations of various dishes. My top complaint is please do something about the acoustics. We were seated by the windows in front and the din was frankly unbelievable. We couldn't hear ourselves or the server. Many patrons just got louder and louder as the alcohol and noise ratcheted up. Our server was indifferent and it seemed like she couldn't be bothered to be responsive or attentive. We were obviously an an afterthought and annoyance to her. We thought this might be a wonderful local place to come with friends, based on the Roland Park establishment. We don't think that now. We'll give it a couple of months then try it again and see of they can work out the issues. Otherwise there is always Clyde's.
(2)Lisa S.
I have eaten at Petit Louis twice since they opened, and at the Comptoir three times (for sandwiches). The food is great and the service is excellent. The menu is a pretty standard French offering, done very well. The lemon meringue tart is to die for. The sandwiches are very good, and we really like the macarons. I plan to take out-of-town visitors there.
(4)Katya P.
I will start with its decor. It is nice, but I would like to see covered tables with nice white cloth, not to sit at the plastic table. We were served outside with nice view on the lake, which we enjoyed. Service was good but not great. Asked our server several times for lemons, they came after we finished food, water was served warm, and our server did not even asked if we would like ice. The food was terrible, we ordered green salad, it had mixed greens, that were not fresh, I could see slimy, bitter greens, covered with salt ( a lot of salt) and vinegar, that is all. Really, you call it French cuisine. The only thing that was really delicious is smoked salmon platter with capers. We ordered 2 different types of fish (trout and Branzino ), trout plate had dry rice and fish was just fried in butter (no good sauce on top of it) which looked dry. Branzino (European sea bass) was OK (at least not over salted) but tasteless, under fish was pool of butter with Lima beans that were so salty, I could not eat it. Very disappointed. This place is going to be on my list not to come back unless they change chef.
(2)Valerie B.
What a difference a month makes! We went there as a party of five and had a fabulous time. The food was delicious except for one over-fried eggplant appetizer, the service was attentive, and we were given a good table. It's definitely worthwhile getting wine recommendations from the sommelier. I could nitpick one or two things, but the evening was so nice that I will refrain. We will be back.
(4)Judy S.
The quality of the food was very good. The bread was excellent, comparable to a Paris baguette. The quiche was light. Duck confit was well prepared. Also has a small take out area. Cons: Smallish portions, noisy, service was awkward but newly opened so acceptable. We ordered coffee and it took a long time to come out and had to ask for refills.
(4)Michael G.
This is a review for the cafe and pastry shop attached to the main restaurant. Not really too exciting in my opinion and very overpriced. My wife got a hot chocolate, which tasted like a packet of Swiss miss and the coffee I had was pretty bland. The pastry, a mango thing, was good but small. We got everything to go, thinking that we would eat and drink on a bench by the water. But apparently they don't have any plastic utensils there, which makes no sense given the location. Anyway, all in all, I was expecting much more.
(2)Debra S.
I went for lunch the first week the restaurant was opened. The food and service were both impeccable. I can't recommend this restaurant enough. Often you find that there hiccups in food and service when a restaurant first opens. Nothing like that here. I had the eggplant croquette and vegetable quiche. Both were wonderful. My dining companion had the beet salad and trout almondine. Also both fantastic. No one rushed us, our main dishes were not served on top of the appetizers. We were given fresh silverware which was a nice touch. Managers stopped by to see how we were doing. Can't wait to eat here again!
(5)Diana C.
Did not live up to our expectations. We had lunch and as other reviewers said there were some glitches. Ordered wine and then was explained that our order was out of stock and re-ordered nut then the original order showed up. After the first pour no one EVER came to refill the glasses and the wine was placed in a chiller away. The salad with cook egg came out warm where I had expected the egg hot and the lettuce cold. But the strangest thing were the mushrooms that were to be prepared tableside. A table was brought over, then a bowl and spoon and then the waiter brought a pot with mushrooms in it. We all had to smell the pot and then the mushrooms were dumped in the bowl and put on the table. They were good but it seemed like a big production for nothing. I had asked a bus boy to remove my finished plate and he would not until all of us were done with lunch. Why? I wanted it removed whether that was proper or not should not have been his concern. Might come back to try outdoor seating in the spring.
(3)Solomon D.
Met a date at this place. Great looking small coffee shop interior. Classic style. She had a coffee. Since I'm not a big coffee guy, I had tea. She enjoyed her coffee while my tea was just an herbal tea. We also had some pastries, which were good. I thought they looked hard but they were moist and soft on the inside. The staff was knowledgeable and friendly. Prices could be better but what else could you expect from a coffee shop.
(3)Ariana G.
Beautiful location, classy decor, but hugely overpriced for reasonable to minuscule portions. Don't go unless you have at least 3 hours to spend. Service is super slow. It's French style, a little too authentic and not in a good way.
(3)S C.
Overall, it was nice. However service could be more refined for the price point. I also noticed how other location are serving NY strip for the steak and frites and this location serves sirlion for the same 27$. What? Even if it was a larger portion, still is not selling to me. The foie was a pate style chilled, not seared. Just a matter of preference. The tomatoes and plums were the highlight of all the meals. Second the opinion of the bread being soft crust. But it was good. It was nice, but I will go to Les Foiles for my french needs.
(4)Charlotte B.
Two stars for the duck confit and snails, but minus a thousand stars for the wretched excuse for French bread they serve. Soft and flabby. I seriously am surprised they aren't embarrassed to serve it. The decor inside is very nice, as is true of all the Wolfe restaurants.
(2)Robin C.
I just had father's day brunch here, and absolutely loved it! The lakefront is beautiful, there is a parking garage, and the decor is very charming. Other than Kings Contrivance, I would say this is by far Columbia's nicest restaurant now. Let's see.....my brother was late (as usual), so we ordered some nibbles while we waited- Mo wanted a cheese plate for the table, and they rbing out a huge rolling cart, and you select right from it, which was neat. I also had a bloody mary, which was very good, but a little small. My Dad ordered the famous french onion soup, which i stole a bite of- it is excellent! For the main dishes, i had the frisee salad with a poached egg and thick hand made bacon. i would highly recommend it. My boyfriend has the seared/ grilled red leaf salad, which we also both loved. I ordered the saffron mussels- i have had many variations of wine/garlic sauces for mussels, but this fennel/ Ricard/ butter combo was one of my favorites i can ever remember. BTW, this is a HUGE dish, even though it is under hourderves. My brother's smoked salmon looked great, but he was seated at the other end of the table, so I didn't get to taste it. Both my parents really enjoyed their quiches, and my boyfriend had the steak, which he was also very happy with. Service was attentive and friendly- we will definitely be back for family get togethers.
(5)Kimberly K.
I came here recently for my b-day dinner and was pretty disappointed. I gave this place 3 stars ONLY because service was lovely - our waiters were super nice and helpful - and decor was mad classy. The food though? Could be better IMO. Maybe it was an off night. My mom and I started with Louis' Famous Onion Soup ($10) and Mussels ($11) for apps. The soup was WAY too sweet so my mom didn't want it - I ended up eating it because I was super hungry...and it was $10. Props to PLB though. When she told our waiter that she didn't like the soup, he took it off our bill. Great service FTW! The mussels were pretty good (FYI: huge portion *thumbs up*)! If you like saffron, you'll dig this dish for sure. I feel like this is something you'll either LOVE or hate. Anywho, onto the main dishes. My mom ordered the braised veal, and she was NOT a fan. She really disliked the sauce. Yeah, it definitely wasn't her night, ha. I got duck breast ($27) with black trumpet mushrooms, roasted tomatoes, and parsnip puree. I liked the flavors and all, but the duck was super tough. I definitely would've enjoyed this dish if the meat were tender. I kind of ended up eating it because I didn't want to waste money, haha. Me and my frugal ways *shakes head* I probably won't be back here anytime soon. My mom and I both thought the best part of the meal was the bread, which is...not good. It's a beautiful location though! I recommend sitting outside if you go. Hopefully you guys will have a better experience than we did.
(3)A K.
A little pricey for what you get, but quite delicious. Everything was cooked to perfection. The chanterelles were exquisite! The staff was attentive and pleasant without being intrusive. They were also kind enough to wrap up a complimentary dessert for us when they learned we were celebrating a birthday in our dinner party. The cafe is also very nice, we like to go there to pick up sandwiches and pastries when we walk by the lakefront. Will definitely return! Merci!
(5)Brian S.
Food was very good and the outdoor patio has a very nice european vibe. Prices are on the higher side but for a nice occasion it is worth a few extra dollars. I'm taking away one star because I spent half my dinner fighting flies and bees that wanted to taste my bread.
(4)Emily L.
Well this place has majorly improved since my last visit. Came here with my mother and aunt to celebrate my new awesome job and I was especially pleased with the improvement. We were thinking about wine when the Sommelier came to ask if we had any questions. He was very polite and made a great suggestion of a Bordeaux Sauvingon (Sauvigon blanc from Bordeaux) which was exactly what we wanted. I'm not a bit fan of sweet wine, and he was very knowledgable about the wine. He also seemed to suggest the wines based on quality, not by price, which was very refreshing. We started out with a beet salad, the eggplant Napoleon, and the escargot. The beet salad was very good. It had a nice flavor to it and really wasn't all that earthy like some beet salads can be. The eggplant Napoleon was fabulous. The pistou and goat cheese were a highlight to the dish. The escargot was awesome. Six lovely little snails just sizzling in a wonderful garlic butter, which was dipped our bread in because it was just so good. I had the quiche Lorraine like I did six months ago, and my goodness what an improvement. The salad that it came with was still good, but somewhat better. The quiche itself tastes exactly like the quiche Lorraine I had when I stayed in France, perfectly cooked but not too overdone with lovely big chunks of bacon. My aunt and mother also ordered the mussels, which were bathed in this awesome saffron butter sauce that was delicious. We also dunked pieces of bread in this because it was so good. Our server was very polite and nice. After we got the check, he brought a lovely package of bonbons. He had heard that I had gotten a great job and gave them to me. I had them when I got home and they were amazing. Perfectly chocolately but not too sweet. Place usually don't make me change their mind, but this place did. I have not been to the Le Comptoir yet but I plan on going there soon.
(5)Caroline N.
It's a cute, new place! It's got a local feel (just cuz there's nothing unique nor modern in Columbia besides blah-Starbucks) It's waterfront - a plus for those who like a nice, serene view as they drink or eat :) I got their iced latte and tried a lemon macaroon. Both were GREAT in taste! Very strong coffee - be careful! Both indoor and outdoor seating is available. Their customers were dressed pretty stylish... I don't see people dressed this nice in Columbia on a normal day... Very interesting. Thought I was in a big city for a moment. Only bummer is that everything on the menu is overpriced in my opinion. Sorry, $6 coffee isn't worth it... =/ And the pastries are all too expensive for temporary yummy-ness.... I understand they are going for that upscale experience which Columbia coffee shops don't really offer elsewhere, and the location works. I would be broke if I went here all the time, but it'd be good once in a while for a date or some special occasion. PS: It's not a place you should be busting open a textbook or laptop (kinda awkward, but you could try?) - a bit too intimate and small of a place inside =)
(3)Char D.
Great place for a special dinner. Enjoyed the outdoor terrace on a summer evening. Food and service was very good. Started with appetizers, entrees for the main meal, and finished with desserts. Everything was prepared with the finest fresh ingredients and tasted perfect! This was an artistic experience for the palette. Enjoyed the memorable experience!
(5)Emily L.
I truly feel that this restaurant is the closest one can get to Paris, in Maryland. I consider myself an old regular of the Baltimore location, but the Columbia location is a bit different in layout being a bit more open and more room (with an added bonus of bar stools at the bar and a bakery). I started with the smoked salmon gravlax. This is my favorite appetizer at this restaurant, the salmon is the perfect balance between mild and flavorful, with the creme fraiche providing a very nice added creaminess! I then got the short rib which was perfectly cooked and beautifully presented in a pool of mashed potatoes. This reminds me so much of Paris, as do most things I've gotten here before, such as the duck confit (which I usually gravitate towards) and the buttery sauces and heavenly breads this restaurant frequents. To end the night we decided to go with a seasonal fruit tart which was not too sugary and didn't skimp out on any of the good stuff! All in all, I highly recommend this restaurant, although I am partial to the Baltimore location.
(4)C L.
WE went for dinner on sunday with our girls. We were in Baltimore but decided to patronize a local place (we live in Howard Co) instead of staying in the city for dinner. I was disappointed, I have been there before and had a great experience, but this time they fell short, especially the service. We had escargot for appetizer and it was OK. For entrée, I had Red Snapper and it was ok, my husband had duck breast and loved it, my daughter had duck leg comfit an liked it. My 9 y/o had a kid friendly grilled cheese sandwich which was terrible, so she didn't even ate it.. Desserts were chocolate mousse that my daughters said were "ok" and my husband and I had crème brulee that were fine. The worst was the coffee which I didn't even drink because it was terrible. Service: terrible, had to request refills for drinks several times after looking for our server. During our time there, 3 times servers dropped dinnerware I am not exaggerating, 3 times of loud clatter of breaking plates. I give them 3 stars to give the benefit of the doubt, it might have been just "one of those days" but we really need good places to eat in the county. I hope they do better.
(3)Dan A.
I'm not too sure why a lot of reviews for Petit Louis' Le Comptoir are under Petit Louis Bistro's review... although they are connected, they are technically separate entities with different focuses, atmosphere, and price point. Le Comptoir is essentially Petit Louis' pastry shop. It's bright, casual and a wonderful place to get some coffee or pastries! When you come in, you'll notice a long counter on the left hand side along with some trendy, bright red tables on the right side of the room. Every time I've been here, the staff has been cheerful and welcoming. It makes you feel good :) Anyways, there's a bunch of pastries, sweets, and sandwiches available for purchase here. The pricing is a little confusing; while the items themselves are labelled, the prices (for food) are actually on a blackboard on the other side of the room while prices for drinks are behind the counter. Last time I went, my family and I picked up an almond croissant and rhubarb-strawberry tart (it IS rhubarb and strawberry season after all). We also ordered a latte and Le Provencal, an iced cafe-au-lait with hints of lavender and honey. The almond croissant was the big winner. It had a wonderful texture and had a fruit filling that contrasted nicely with the pastry itself. That isn't to say that the rhubarb and strawberry tart wasn't good--it was really good actually :) My mother really liked the latte. The Le Provencal to me was good but the lavender taste was very, very subtle. I also noticed they carried Badoit sparkling water. If you like sparkling water, you've got to try it. It's the best tasting sparkling water I've come across... but it's awfully hard to find. It's a little pricey but it's well worth it :) Additionally, I noticed that some items (particularly the salads) are available both here and in the more upscale Petit Louis Bistro. There is a small price difference; it's cheaper at Le Comptoir by a few dollars. I'm not sure if the portion sizes are different or not or if the difference in price is primarily due to the difference in atmosphere and lack of table service. Overall, it's a great place to grab lunch or a coffee break or a quick pastry pick-me-up if you are in Columbia. Highly recommended :)
(4)Ann K.
There is no complaint for the wonderful service at Petit Louis Bistro. Everything from bread to desserts and the marvelous wine list that make I wish I can order them all. Even though the weather outside is a bit too windy and chilly to sit outside, I was not prepared for the cold air conditioned room inside. While dining, I wish they put in easy listening music. Well. The bistro in Paris doesn't have any music. There are two glass enclosed private rooms that fit about 20 people. The foods are good but not great. I will try their Sunday brunch next time.
(4)Piper J. D.
Walked into this little bistro on a whim while enjoying a lakeside stroll with my boyfriend. The ambience was lovely and we were seated immediately by a cheerful host. We started with mimosas and a basket of pastries fresh baked on the premises: a perfect buttery, flakey croissant, a pain au chocolat, and a sweet almond brioche. For a light lunch we chose small plates. I had the crepe du jour: a crepe served with shrimp in a cream tarragon sauce and fresh spring peas finished with arugula microgreens for a touch of peppery fun. This dish was lighter than I expected in a wonderful way while I really enjoyed the various flavors. Boyfriend had the special terrine of pressed pork shoulder served with housemade pickles and a coarse mustard. Very tasty terrine and I have to say, it was one of the best I've had. Normally terrines have a bit more fat to them than I prefer, especially served cold. This one had the perfect balance if perhaps a tiny bit too much sea salt sprinkled over the top. We also shared a dish of forest mushrooms over slices of toasted bread. So good! Cooked perfectly, finished with just the right savory butter and seasoning and served table side so we got to smell how good they were coming right out off the heat. It was the perfect light lunch for our day and our server, Amy, was fantastic. She was bright and funny, knowledgeable about the menu, and made everything sound delicious. She was very helpful while we made our choices and didn't check in on us too much the way some servers can intrude on every conversation. All in all, a new favorite close to home.
(4)Eunice K.
Parking garage across the restaurants. Located near the lake. There are tables for outdoor seating. Super cute decor! Went here for a GNO. When we arrived the hostess was really friendly and welcoming. Our server was really nice and friendly in the beginning but then rarely showed up :( Get the whole roasted chicken for two (REALLY GOOD!). Someone comes and cuts the chicken right in front of you. The chicken was SOOOOO JUICY! YUM!!! The man who cut the chicken for us was SO SO SO NICE! (BEST CHICKEN CUTTER EVER!!!)
(3)Jean-Philippe D.
Food is great (foie gras is one of best i had). Service is good and atmoshpere absolutely fantastic Just walking around the lake before and after dinner adds to this moment Then dont forget to take a good wine I recommend the Clairette de Die to start then move on with red Cotes du Rhone The main menu is pretty much the same from months ago so i had to take the special which was wonderful Great place for food lovers
(4)Dorothy A.
The ambience is beautiful, which is where it stops. Food is overpriced for small, so, so portions. But the worst thing about the place is the servers. After refusing to pick up a plate to create room at the table, one of them spilled creamer all over and unapologetically took her time in cleaning it up! And never replaced said cream. Will NEVER back.
(1)John D.
We ordered from their brunch menu. I started out with the Onion soup which was very good; the onions tasted fairly sweet which provided a nice flavor. For my entree I tried their Croque-Monsieur. This was not bad and the serving size was generous but it was kind of average. The restaurant itself is nicely decorated but dim lighting if that bothers you. The location is great as it is right on the lake. The service was very good; our waiter was quite nice and was helpful when we needed assistance.
(3)Nicole P.
Perfect service. Stopped in for 1 glass of Pinot Noir outside by the lake. Ended up getting 2 glasses; 1 Pinot Noir and 1 of the Cotes Du Rhone Villages at the manager's recommendation. I also took an entire bottle of Cotes Du Rhone home. It was literally the best red wine I can remember having. The cheese plate was amazing and worth every penny though maybe the most expensive cheese by the slice I've ever had. The overall experience could not have been better from start to finish. If I'm not impressed by customer service I don't leave a review and most expensive restaurants never impress me anymore. I walked in while waiting to meet friends at Merriweather Post Pavillon. I was alone and just wanted 1 glass of wine, maybe 2 depending on service. The managers and/or owners where standing at the hostess stand with the hostess and greeted me warmly. I asked if I could sit outside & if it was seat yourself or be seated. They seated me at a perfect table outside. Someone came by & asked if I wanted bread. I said no mainly because I was planning to only get a glass of wine & didn't want to be greedy since I knew I wouldn't get an entree. After my friendly server came by and I had my Pinot Nior, someone came by with 2 little fancy cheese rolls which he said were a gift that they wanted me to have. I thought that was very nice. The rolls were lite & tasty. Since the wine was stronger than I'm used it, I really did need a little something to soak it up. The manager came by to check on me and told me about their house wine. He bought it himself instead of sending my server when I said I would like a glass. He spend some time at my table explaining it and even though I told him I don't know that much about wine, he had me smell it and told me about it warmly. He was welcoming and honestly I had expected to have maybe snooty servers and management but I was so incredibly pleasantly surprised. The manager asked if I would like to see the cheese plate and well, I LOve cheese. They brought it outside which I heard they don't do in summer and I choose a few. All in all from start to finish I had a warm, inviting, perfectly craftily experience. Not at all what I imagined a French restaurant would be like. I think trying a restaurant alone is the best way to gauge their customer service. If they can make someone sitting alone feel welcome then I'm sure if I brought a group I'd be in good hands. Superb wine, cheeses, and service. I thank everyone at Petit Louis Columbia, MD for my great experience.
(5)Michael G.
I came for brunch, so can't speak to their normal menu. The price is a bit high for what it is, but the service is very good, the ambiance is nice, very French bistro, and very well done. Lots of attention to details. The food itself is good, but sort of hit or miss depending on what you get. The poached eggs were executed well, but I felt the sauce was a bit bland and the pork belly was understated and lost amongst the rest of the dish. The chicken confit was a tiny portion, overly dried. The quiche was good, but that's not my thing, really. Overall, I wouldn't come back for brunch. The cheese selection is very good, and the desserts are all very good. Particularly, they had a pots de creme au caramel, which was flavored with orange, a nice touch. The creme brulee was good...standard, not great, not bad. The portions for desserts were reasonable for sharing, which is nice. Overall, I'd come back for drinks and cheese/desserts, but probably not for food.
(3)K Sera S.
I've been several times, and it gets better each time (and it started off pretty darn good!) As a superfan of Charleston, my expectations were high. And from a culinary perspective, I've not been disappointed. Fresh ingredients, creative but not wackadoo recipes, simple, elegant presentation. My initial complaints (and that's even a strong word) would be about the service. Which is VERY good, but not exemplary (and again, I'm comparing to Charleston here, where I've had some of the best service ever, period). For example, on the first visit, the hostess was wearing a very strong perfume. A clear no-no. She also stood waiting for us to approach her (it's an open area, so there's not a hostess "station" per se), like she was royalty holding court. Now, I don't expect the hostess to pounce on guests as they enter nor did I expect some kind of obsequious flailing about, but even a step forward to close an obvious and surmountable gap would have been gracious. On a recent visit, our server, perhaps obeying the "rule" of clearing from a certain side, actually reached right between my husband and me (we were positioned at nine o'clock and six o'clock and were facing one another). We weren't having some deep convo, so it wasn't a big deal to us, but had we been, for example, conducting business or having a romantic moment, it would have been extremely intrusive and disruptive. But again--these are niggling little details that I bring up only because I expect SO much from a Foreman establishment. And again, it has improved each time. Did I mention that the food is infallibly awesome? Because it is. Lamb neck. I don't even know what I can say about that because I'm drooling so much I'm slobbering on my keyboard....
(4)Melissa I.
This place was wonderful!! We went for brunch, the food, the service, the atmosphere were all great!! $5.00 bottomless mimosas can't be beat!! I had the eggplant Napoleon appetizer which was so delicious!! We also had some pastries and croquettes all of which were excellent!! Our group has planned to return often for Sunday Brunch!!
(5)Ken W.
I was pleasantly surprised to find a charming French restaurant at Columbia Lakefront, nice location with view of the lake. The restaurant sits where the former Red Pearl Chinese Restaurant sat. A cafe is attached to the main restaurant. I have yet to dine at the restaurant so that will be another review. I walked into the cafe and was immediately hit by a moldy smell, such like a janitor's closet. What a disappointment. They need to change the mop water frequently. The pastry display case was scant. I purchased a cafe au lait with an eclair. The cafe au lait was practically all au lait, barely a hint of coffee. The eclair was mediocre - the pate a choux was soggy. I will give the place another try.
(2)Niran A.
Petit Louis is a nice additional to Howard County. The interior feels similar to the Roland Park (RP) location, with a little less charm but with the same elegant yet casual ambiance. When we dined here on a Saturday the restaurant was pretty slammed, making get drinks at the bar a somewhat daunting task (waited 10 minutes before getting waited on). The menu is very similar to its Baltimore counterpart, with the eggplant napoleon, gravlax and French onion soup being the staple starters. The mussels were particularly good, and the broth was excellent with Petit Louis' homemade brown bread. Of course how do you go to Petit Louis without ordering their house sauvignon blanc (Bordeaux Blanc, Château Reynon "Cuvée de Louis" 2012) and not a bad deal at $36 for the bottle. I personally love this wine and it's really well suited to the inevitable heavy meal your about to have. I ended up getting the duck breast with black trumpet mushrooms and parsnips. The duck was beautifully cooked, having crispy rendered down skin while the breast was still tender. My wife got the salmon which was expertly cooked as well and was well suited with beets and a pan sauce. Here is where the Columbia location differs from the Roland Park one - the whole roasted chicken. I feel bad because I advised the other couple we were with to get it, because it's truly excellent at RP. This rendition of the chicken didn't have very browned skin and it seemed to lack cooking juices and the natural pan sauce. Also the vegetables roasting under the chicken weren't thick cut, so they got lost during the cooking process. The carving job was decent but it's just whole another experience eating this dish at RP (refer to my picture of the chicken at the Roland Park location). The chicken is bigger, the vegetables bigger (and show off better knife skills), the pan drippings and draped over the chicken and then the "oyster of the chicken" is crowned on top of each plate of chicken. All in all, this location is still very good and a nice change of pace from other Columbia dining options; however for the true Petit Louis experience you still need to trek down to Roland Park.
(3)Jarrod F.
Damnit.. I so wanted to love petite Louis when we came here Saturday with our fellow yelpers. It's a beautiful restaurant in a perfect location, overlooking a lake. Doesn't get much more romantic than that. The issue with petit Louis isn't the decor or the service. In fact I enjoyed our waitress a lot. The issue is the inconsistency in the food. We started with the eggplant appetizer which was pretty decent as the eggplant was crispy without being too greasy. The mussels were delicious and the Broth was even better - probably the best thing all night. But then came dinner... We had the chicken for two which was oven roasted and served with a a few carrots. The real problem was that there was no sauce and very little seasoning so I basically paid like $50 for a rotisserie chicken. That's fine and dandy if it's a great chicken dish but this was not. Now our fellows yelpers got duck and salmon dishes. They were beautifully presented. The duck was cooked perfectly. I think I'll try the duck next time. For dessert we got the sorbet and profiteroles. Both were quite good. I guess my real issue of the evening was the chicken. It just disappointed on many levels. Either way we will be returning. I want this restaurant to do well. Granted the menu is an acquired taste. The portions are not big, the prices are pretty high too. But this isn't a restaurant for people looking to stuff their faces with mediocre food. It's the atmosphere and presentations that you come to a place like this for. Now I just need to pick the right dishes next time.
(3)Edward L.
Came here for President's Day lunch with the wife and baby. Being new parents, we're always a little nervous with bringing a baby to restaurants that can cost $40-$60/person. Every staff member that we encountered (from the hostess, to the servers, to the gentlemen who brought out our mimosas and entrees) made us feel very welcomed and treated our child like a valued guest. The server offered to bring a bowl of fresh fruit for the baby. We declined since we already brought some food along for her but we appreciated the gesture. We started with some foie gras and some escargot. We both thought the foie gras was very good with the slices of grilled baguette while the snails were okay. Also had some mimosas that were assembled at our table. There is also bread served with unsalted sweet cream butter. The little white bowl on the table is salt. Saw a review from Lauren D that said someone mistook it for sugar and put it in their coffee. Wife had the canard a l'orange which is duck breast cooked medium rare served with blood orange sauce and beets. Meat was dark red and so delicious. I had the duck leg confit, which was thoroughly cooked and oh so good, too. Meat was fork tender, skin was crispy. It is good on its own but the flavor really comes out when just a little salt is sprinkled on the meat. Was served with some white navy beans and a couple cloves of garlic confit. Ended dinner with a simple bowl of coffee ice cream to share. Part of me feels guilty for not trying something "fancier" from their list of desserts but I'm sure there are reviews here of their desserts if you care to know about them. By the way, the bowl was massive for three little scoops of ice cream. Kind of humorous. Though pricey, it was a delicious lunch and great experience. We walked through the comptoir on the way out and will definitely pay it a visit next time we come through the area.
(5)Joseph J.
First problem was one of our diners ordered a Johnny Walker Black cocktail. Tasted like Jim Beam so he sent it back & eventually got the right pour. Next was 2 of us got onion soup. It came luke warm, tasted good but not so appealing with the temperature so off. Then we ordered NY strip steaks. Mine medium rare, his medium. His came warm, not hot & it was rare! Mine came warm, not hot but was cooked correctly. My wife got Rainbow Trout & it was good. We asked for the manager & to our surprise a very young lady (looked about 21 years old) came over. We told her about our food & she offered to take it back to the kitchen but our other diners were already halfway done & we all know what the chefs do to your food when you return it. For the prices here they need to step it up big time. No excuses! They failed so we will never be back & we'll be sure to tell others.
(2)Gordon S.
Petit Bistro has a very extensive wine list, excellent service, delicious sauces, and classy, well-lit decor. Like most French restaurants in US, it is expensive (Like $260 total for four dinners w/drinks and desserts). Don't order steak w/frites (fries): steak houses do it better and cheaper. Their fish is so-so. The best dishes, IMHO, are winged: chicken and duck. Another tip is that the "rooms" on the right have better, quieter acoustics. Great place for lunch outside with a view of lake. Would rate higher if less expensive.
(3)Tiffany K.
I have never eaten in the restaurant side, I pop in for a quick carryout lunch. They have some pretty great sandwiches. I have also tried their soups which were yummy as well. The salad is just okay. Their desserts are delicious. And their espresso drinks are nice and strong. Service is always with a smile and they really go above and beyond to explain things to you. My only gripe is the price, its a bit ridiculous. They should consider lowering their prices a little for the Cafe side. Most restaurants in the area, even the fancy ones have lunch menus with lower prices and smaller portions. They are not in the city, this is Columbia. People such as myself stopping in for a quick carryout lunch will not come back, even though the quality of food and service are good, if the prices are too high. There are just too many other options in the area.
(3)Nathan C.
This review covers lunch, not dinner. So - let's start with the food. The food is good to great. The Croque Monsieur is delicious, but hits you like a ham-filled tank later. Most of our group had that. I also had the Onion Soup, which was surprisingly light and sweet. I recommend it for sure. What you need to be prepared for, at lunch, is "Europe speed". Like four ham sandwiches and a bowl of soup took an hour and change to order, eat, and pay for. There was plenty of staff; they were just sort of inattentive to us. They may have just been "letting us talk" which I'm OK with, but beware if you're even a little bit in a hurry. A little to pricey and time-consuming for a lunch destination, basically, but I'd go back to try dinner to compare it to Tersiguel's or Les Folies Brasserie.
(3)Sherry H.
We went here a while ago and I was not impressed. For a meal that cost upwards of $200, i want to feel like something was really good but I don't think we will go back. Would give 2.5 stars.
(2)Meredith B.
This is a review for the bar Only and will be updated once I have actually bothered to sit for dinner, but until then... Dinner elsewhere had been disappointing so we stopped in to peek at the bakery side [and chat with the gent behind the counter, who was excellent] then wander in to sit at the bar and have a drink. The bar itself is small, but pleasant [bonus points for having purse hooks] with space behind for two bartenders and space in front for eight or ten patrons? I didn't count the stools. The drinks were well-mixed and refreshing and when an experiment on my part resulted in something sweeter than I personally prefer, the drink was whisked away and replaced with something more to my taste in a matter of moments. The terrine that was the night's charcuterie du jour was decent but unexciting [I think I might not like terrine?] but the accompanying raisin compote was so delicious that neither my sister nor i really cared much. The desserts were nothing short of brilliant. I had the chocolate and salted caramel pot de creme and could probably have happily ordered two more without blinking- neither was too sweet and the lighter caramel flavor balanced the heaviness of the rich chocolate very well and paired brilliantly with my iced coffee with lavender and honey. My sister, not in the mood for chocolate, had an exquisite raspberry mousse that was delightfully light and summery. The bartenders were both lovely and attentive, resulting in excellent information about the selections, the restaurant, the origins of drinks, a Van Halen concert where a lot of chairs got set on fire... Hilarious gentlemen and fun to talk to, which always earns extra points in my book. I will definitely go back for dinner, since dessert and drinks have proven well worth the cost, and if feeling particularly flush in the pocket, I may explore the 'altar', an island of sorts where they display bottles of Armagnac and the like that are probably worth more than I am on the open market.
(4)Bruce D.
Meh! Two Apps: Escargot and Beet salad with chevre; Entrees = Steak Frites ($1.00 substitute charge to change from Frites to Pommes Puree) - all just average. Service was very good but there were very few customers on an early Tues. eve. Pet Peeve of mine - they advertise special HH prices but your bill gets full price (Pavot Rose) and I don't like having to deal with the hassle of questioning a bill for a $3.50 error.
(3)Jody M.
Our dinner was wonderful from appetizer to desert! I had the famous French onion soup and I have to say it was the best I've ever had. The cheese was amazing! I wanted to scape off every bit. I had the Croque Monsieur and pomme frites for dinner and my husband had the steak frites and both were delicious. For desert we shared the salted caramel pot de creme and macaroons. They were the perfect end to our meal. The staff was friendly and very knowledgable about the wine and food specials. Great date night and lovely setting at the lake front.
(5)LMarie C.
I have to give the disclaimer that I only had dessert here one Saturday evening so I can't comment on the menu in great detail. I had some sort of Apple pie/crisp with ice cream. It was warm and yummy. We also had some of the complimentary bread. The decor makes me feel like a small French cafe which is cool for a date. It was has a very intimate ambiance which was cool as I was able to have a conversation. If I'm in the area, I will come back to try a meal.
(4)Supraja M.
This review is for Le Comptoir, the bakery/cafe side of the restaurant. I found my visit to Petit Louis didn't live up to my hopes and expectations. I came in and ordered a cafe au lait ($5.50), a croissant ($3.25), and two peanut butter-honey-chocolate macarons ($2.00 each). The cafe au lait was not- I was handed a latte, which tasted OK, but didn't warrant the $5.50 price tag. The croissant was small-- typical French size, with an American price. The outside of the croissant was appropriately crispy and flaky, but the inside was dense. It was probably worth about, $2? The macaron flavor didn't come through-- I tasted almond and chocolate. Also, the macaron shells were not crisp and the middle was soggy, as though the cookie had been sitting around for a few days. The shape was also off. Overall I had high hopes based on the press around this place, but I was sorely disappointed. I might have been OK with the quality had I paid about 2/3 what I did. Except the macarons, those were just not OK. I perused the menu for the restaurant side, and was disappointed to see that there wasn't anything in the way of a vegetarian lunch/dinner entree, just a quiche. In this day and age, I think having no real vegetarian options on a restaurant menu (yes, even a french one) is just poor planning.
(1)Paul S.
We visited Petit Louis on the evening of Saturday, August 1, 2015. Our server was very knowledgeable of the menu and wine list and provided excellent service throughout the evening. In fact, the service actually eclipsed the food. We began with the tuna tartare special and the beet salad. The tartare was quite good; the beet salad was sparse, with a few small pieces of beet atop tiny dollops of dijon mustard and goat cheese. Not the best value. Our entrees included tuna steak and a lamb steak special. The tuna was fine. The lamb was a bit tough and bland, but was saved by a flavorful tapenade and the accompanying eggplant puree. This was our third visit to Petit Louis for dinner so we feel that we can now safely say that the food is "good" but not in the same league with Howard County's best restaurants, Ananda and Bistro Blanc.
(3)Tom C.
I don't relish giving a Foreman-Wolf restaurant three stars, but that's the best I can do. The food was outstanding, as expected. Here are my issues: Francois, the bartender. Way too chatty. We arrived a bit early and decided to have a drink at the bar. Francois greeted us with a smile, then began talking. He didn't stop the whole time we were there. Dial it back, Francois. The atmosphere. Why, oh why, don't they put ceilings in restaurants anymore? The exposed HVAC and plumbing serve to reflect all sound right back to the room, with an added metallic echo. This really takes away from the fine dining experience. A minor glitch in the service. My wife and daughter ordered brussel sprouts as their side, only to receive some sort of potato. After telling the server, she took away the potato dish then returned quickly with the potato dish, insisting that is what we ordered. Finally got that worked out. Somebody fat-fingered the keyboard and ordered the wrong dish. As I said, the food was delicious, and Tony Foreman picked the perfect wine that complimented all of our dishes. I can't say enough about the food and wine. However, if I'm going to drop $650 on a dinner for four, I expect more than chatty bartenders, noisy atmosphere, and even minor glitches in service. Foreman-Wolf are known for excellence, and this evening didn't measure up. My family enjoys all of their other restaurants, especially Charleston. We'll visit Petit Louis again, hoping to find the overall excellence we've come to expect.
(3)Patricia A.
Today a friend and I stopped by for a quick lunch and ate in the cafe area of the restaurant. There were several savory sandwiches served on crusty baguette bread to choose from as well as two types of quiche. The soup of the day was creamy carrot. I selected a chicken salad sandwich (can't remember the French name) as well as the carrot soup. The soup was absolutely delicious and so was my sandwich which was so big that I had to take half of it home. My friend had the aubergine veggy sandwich which she swears was out of this world. Afterwards we both ordered hot drinks. I had cafe au lait - delicious and beautifully decorated by Comtoir Manager Cori Benson ( see photo of cafe au lait near top of page ). My friend was served a great tasting hot chocolate with a heart drawn on the foamy top. Neither of us saved room for the yummy looking deserts. The cafe was staffed by two friendly ladies (Cori was one). We felt like very welcome guests. There will definitely be more return visits.
(5)Yaofu Z.
I saw HowChow's recommendation on his blog and went there after work today. I only went to the bakery part, so this review is not on the restaurant side. The service was quite good, despite the girl apparently seems new to her job. It was already afternoon when I went there, so there were only about 4 or 5 items that I can choose. I got the chocolate croissant, a apple turn-over piece, a slice of poppy seed cake and a mysterious item. The croissant is ok, but not anything outstanding. It is very similar to thr croissant I got from bon appetit from Rt. 40, only a little more dense (twice the price though, $1.75 from Bon Appetit). I think the chocolate croissant I had from the french bakery chain Vie de France is greatly better. It was more airy and flavorful. The apple turn-over is probably the better item of the 4 I chose. The wrapping and the filling are well balanced and I like the filling to be a little tart yet aromatic. However, if you like a sweet apple turn-over, it may not work for you. The poppy seed cake slice is definitely moist and tender in texture. It is not too sweet and I like it. However, it has an off bitter after taste, which I think ruined the cake. I think it should be better. The last mysterious item looks like a muffin except it tops with sugar syrup. The body taste more like pound cake than muffin as well. It just taste sweet without nothing much else. Initially I thought there was some filling in it, but there was not, just the cake. It is definitely an odd item. Anyway, I thought I would expect something better with the fame and the price tag. I would probably still come back though. It may be the bad timing I went or the bad selection I made. The review will be updated accordingly.
(4)Karen H.
Petit Louis Bistro is a slice of Paris on the Columbia lakefront. My family, a party of 8, managed to sample almost the entire menu, and we were delighted with everything we ordered. The escargot were tender and delicious; we sopped up all the sauce with the fresh bread. The mussels with saffron were a big hit too. I highly recommend the poulet paillard, roast chicken over a bed of mushrooms and spring peas with a lovely, fragrant mustard sauce. My mom thoroughly enjoyed the trout amandine. My father and brother savored the pork belly and poached egg small plate. The gravlax (smoked salmon) was delectable. We had a bowl of excellent frites to share. The ribeye special was cooked to perfection, as were the scrumptious duck fat roasted potatoes. Run, don't walk, to Petit Louis Bistro!
(5)Carl S.
Wonderful food, outstanding wine and superb service. My wife and I made a last minute decision to go there and found the restaurant very crowded on a Friday night. Nonetheless, a place was found for us and we were well taken care of. I had the crispy eggplant appetizer, not a trace of grease, and the roast salmon (Salmon Poele). Service was great and the food came from the kitchen in good time considering the crowd. The food was all freshly prepared and was a work of art when it reached our table. Our waitress, Jessica, not only took very fine care of us but had an amazing knowledge of the ingredients and method of preparation for each dish we inquired about. Her detailed description of each wine we asked about was outstanding. It was not a cheap evening but well worth the price.
(5)Fred L.
We have been so excited to try Cindy Wolf's new restaurant since it opened a few months ago because we love her restaurant, Charleston, in Baltimore. While we were not expecting Charleston-level quality, we did hope for an upscale experience right here in Columbia. Unfortunately, we were quite disappointed. Our Saturday evening started when I ordered a premium scotch on the rocks and received something else -- possibly bourbon. Our waiter (who badly needed a breath mint) offered to replace my drink with one poured tableside so there would be no mistake as to what was being served. However, instead, another drink was brought to the table. Fortunately, this one was right. I ordered French Onion soup and the $27 New York Strip done medium. While the soup tasted fine, with a nice melted cheese cap, the broth was not hot. When the steak finally arrived, it was so thin it looked like a steak you would receive with a Steak and Eggs breakfast order, except it was very fatty, cool to the touch, and was practically raw inside. I asked for the manager to show her what her kitchen considered "steak cooked medium", and while she offered to have the kitchen prepare another steak, I explained that by the time another steak was prepared, the rest of my party would have long since finished their meals. No other concessions were offered. On the other hand, my wife was pleased with the Skate, one of the specials of the evening. The service was very slow, possibly because the entire staff was extremely young and inexperienced -- from the hostess to the waiter, to the sommelier, to the manager. I really wanted to like Petit Louis but, at least on this night, there wasn't much to like.
(2)Alexa R.
My best friend and I went over to get drinks at Petit Louis on Saturday night after a day of shopping at the Colombia Mall. We went just for drinks, though my bestie ate here before and said it was very good. But this review is purely on the bar, drinks, and atmosphere. The atmosphere is lovely with beautiful chandeliers and little lights with cherubs holding them over the bar. The shields on the wall representing the 8 wine regions of France is also a very nice touch. The bar had some open seats so we were able to sit down and have a nice drink. My best friend had been here before and ordered two French Martinis. The bartender, Francios, was fabulous and made them perfectly, it was absolutely delicious! And a major bonus: They have hooks under the bar for your purse/bag so you don't have to hang it on the chair or hold it. I will definitely be back to Petit Louis to try the food and have some more drinks!
(5)Jay R.
Loved the food, liked the ambience... a very cute place. We were here (two of us) the night before Valentine's Day, so it might have been somewhat hectic for them. We started with the gravlax and salade verte. The gravlax was exceptional and the vinaigrette on the salad was so refreshingly good. For mains we had steak frites and roast venison. The venison was perfectly cooked and had an excellent flavor. The strip steak was also well cooked with a fantastic butter sauce, but the cut of meat seemed to be subpar. More fat and gristle than I expected for a NY strip. We shared profiteroles for dessert and the salted caramel ice cream and warm chocolate sauce were oh so yummy. Overall we really enjoyed the atmosphere and the food. The service was spotty...nothing bad, it was probably a combination of an inexperienced waiter and a busy night. But that did detract a little from the evening. Oddity of the night...they served my café au lait in a soup bowl. I'm talking a two-handled, low and wide bowl with my coffee in it. The waiter said that's how they serve it...I am skeptical.
(4)Steve V.
This is a nice local restaurant. It's nice to see some high end places creeping into HOCO. I was happy with my meal. The service was very good. Definitely some hits and misses on the menu. Unfortunately the foie gras was a huge miss. I will certainly give it another shot.
(4)