La Chatelaine
1550 W Lane Ave, Columbus, OH, 43221
La Chatelaine Menu
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Address :
1550 W Lane Ave
Columbus, OH, 43221 - Phone (614) 488-1911
- Website https://www.lachatelainebakery.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :7:00 am - 9:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Breakfast
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Quiet
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
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Madeleine R.
A slice of France in suburban Ohio! I love the crazy lady who yells in French and doesn't feel like helping you some days and is your best friend otherdays. I love the atmosphere at La Chatelaine, it makes you forget that you're in a neighborhood of strip malls. I think their croissants are as good as the real French ones, the spinach tarts are amazing, and so are the pastries. Open one in NYC??
(5)Carol M.
My husband loves croissants, so I thought I would bring him here for breakfast on Valentine's Day. Since we didn't get here until nearly lunchtime, we thought about just having lunch instead. However, after standing around looking dumb for a few minutes, we realized we couldn't figure out how the seating worked. There were no signs saying to seat yourself or wait to be seated and no hostess directing us where to go. There was a cafeteria style buffet line along the side and decided maybe we needed to stand in line, but after a few minutes we elected just to grab the croissants from the girl at the cash register by the door and get lunch elsewhere. We did very much enjoy our croissants though. They were very flaky, very rich, and so soft in the middle. They were also about the same price as those at The French Loaf in Grandview, but so much better. I would absolutely go back just for the croissants and skip sitting altogether.
(4)Jeffrey G.
I give this place 5 stars just because of the quality of pastries. When I was in High School French class our teacher used to take us here and the owners would give us a private tour and we'd all get lunch. If I remember correctly the owners are two French expats, GiGi & Stan, they opened the cafe and bakery because they wanted to recreate a bit of home in Columbus, Ohio. The pastries are out of this world. They beat out anything you can find at a grocery store, even Whole Foods attempt to create french pastries falls short of this place. They use a wood-fired oven and stick to the French national food laws when baking their baguettes. If you go to their Lane Ave store, you might hear a lot of french being spoken in the kitchen. I know whenever I went on a tour or visited, their kitchen was full of french speaking west africans who had been trained in France on the arts of being a pastry chief. Try the Quiche & French Onion Soup. Their chocolate mice and strawberry tarts are my favorite.
(5)Melanie B.
What is wrong with people??? La Chatalaine is not truly French - I'm French, so I know. It SADDENS me that this is what Columbusites have to refer to for mid-scale French food. All the good reviews are just annoying me, and I am worried for Columbus because I know you all will continue to think that this place is good no matter what I say. Mais je la veux! It's like eating Chinese food in America: don't do it! But you all will regardless. GROSS. The waitress said "bonsoir" to us, so I proceeded parler francais avec son, and she had no idea what the eff I was talking about. So I gave up. We just wanted dessert (I am a fan of French boulangeries on my birthday), so I asked what kind of crepes they had. Apparently my *French* accent made it impossible to understand what I was talking about (sorry Midwest, "crepes" does not rhyme with "grapes"). We finally settled on crepes suzette (which btw should be flambeed!) and a chocolate pastry. I ordered espresso macchiato, but apparently La Chatalaine does not have espresso. The server was a bit unclear about this, so I told her an espresso macchiato is like a cappucino with less foam. I ended up with some sort of fountain machine "cappucino" drink with whipped cream and chocolate on it... the boy had tea. Now honestly, I'm not a snob, as my reviewing record will indicate. I grew up working class French Canadian, so man I'm not even asking for Paris or Bordeaux or the French countryside. But even freakin' villagers in France drink espresso and flambe the eff out of their crepes suzette - that's just how it's done. I guess what bothers me about this place is that if you're going to claim to be some amazing French restaurant, apparently winning awards and whatnot, and you don't at all resemble even the worst French bakeries of Chicago (Chicago! In the Midwest!!)... well, I'm having none of it. The only reason this place works in Columbus is because most Ohioans have no idea what the eff French food is (case in point, someone told me a while ago that they don't like Refectory because they serve "old people food." I was slightly devastated and informed her that actually, they serve FRENCH food). Psssshhhh. I know this review won't make much of a difference, but imagine if people were passing off shite *insert your heritage here* food as authentic, and there were very few places in town to get *insert your hertiage here* food. I'm not mad, just... well, sort of in disbelief/horrified. Oh yes and the Other Paper award they had on their wall basically stated that La Chatalaine is the most popular French establishment because in the recession people can't afford to go to Refectory. I LOLed for a good five minutes about that. Mon dieu ci-dessus dans le ciel!
(2)Toine R.
I was so happy to be reintroduced to this restaurant a year ago. Our high school French class did a filed trip here once and I feel in love. Finding it again as an adult and actually sampling the European cuisine...it was like falling in love all over again. I'll break out in a rash any day for their spaghetti sauce, yummy...when sanity is ruling I wisely avoid the sauce the onion soup is wonderful as well as the baguettes, which are made fresh daily or a fruit tart...I love pastries. lachatelainebakery.com
(5)Sara M.
My beef (ha) with this place is that they have absolutely zero Good Vegetarian Options. I will never go again unless its solely for breakfast. I ordered their veggie sandwhich... it was a piece of lettuce and a slice of tomato on a white bun. It was laughable. Actually, it was so depressing that I have a photo of it somewhere to prove how bad it was. If I find it, i'll upload it.
(3)Natalie S.
La Chatelaine makes the simplest things extraordinary, and does the fancier stuff really well too! Though I'm sure their dinner is excellent, I am a coffee and pastry hound, so I like to come for breakfast/brunch. Then they're sure to be stocked with the full selection of sweets, and I won't feel as anxious about consuming my weight in coffee. The coffee is a contender for my favorite ever - strong and available in two delicious roasts, French or Colombian, which you can mix and serve yourself as you please. I certainly get the value out of my bottomless cup . . . Here's another favorite. The apricot croissants are out of the world. First your teeth pierce the tender skin of one tart apricot, which has been cut in half and shinily perched atop its croissant tuffet like a sunny-side-up egg. Then you taste the tart fruit contrasting with sweet custard, which binds the juicy flavor with the golden ratio of flakey, buttery crust - it's a heavenly combination. In my younger days, before I was introduced to the joys of apricot croissants, my favorite pastry was the humble blueberry muffin, which remains an excellent choice. This is undoubtedly the best blueberry muffin I've ever had - nothing else comes even close. Even the freakin bread with jam is deeeeelicious. It pairs amazingly with their excellent tomato basil soup, which you must get with their homemade croutons and thick grated cheese. The omelets are also just as they should be. My one beef with La Chetelaine concerns their breakfast special. When I was quite young it was the only thing I would get - fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and amazing homemade herbed potatoes. Upon a more recent return, I was horrified to receive some sort of fried potatoes, with no seasoning, which may possibly even have been frozen. This was crushing and I have not ordered the breakfast special since. I would love to hear of the return of the house-seasoned potatoes . . . however I cannot bear to take away a star since they so excel at everything else.
(5)Justin M.
Been here for lunch many times. Besides from their lack of parking during peak hours, I've always enjoyed visiting. They have a great lunch special that includes a sampling of their different dishes - including their amazing prosciutto and brie sandwich. They have a great bread selection and tons of freshly made dishes. They also have a bar with a great wine and beer selection.
(4)Christopher S.
Been frequenting La Chatelaine since it opened, went to high school with the daughter of the owners and am always greeted with a smile when I come in. Hands-down the best fruit tarts this side of Paris. Wonderful, rich coffees, quiche that I'll give up my first-born for. My little brother has a weakness for the Brioche with fresh jam. One of the hidden gems in Columbus, for sure. On the way out, be sure to bring home a baguette!
(5)Michael H.
La Chatelaine makes one of the best mugs of hot chocolate I have ever placed between my lips. At less than three dollars, it's divine. I love the feel of this place, and I appreciate that they make attempts at cassoulet and other traditional French foods. The escargot was wonderful at La Chatelaine, and I really enjoyed my father's meat dish, but I think the fougasse that I ordered for myself was a poor choice. We went to the one on Lane, and the staff were quite friendly, interactive, and generous. We ended up with a few croissants to take home (If you want the full story on that one, you'll have to write me) that made the perfect breakfast even two days later. Warm, buttery goodness.
(4)Yan K.
Pleasant atmosphere: quiet, not annoyingly brightly lit like most places these days, with big warm windows. Worth a visit for that reason. But the bakery is mediocre, and definitely not authentically French. The croissants are thoroughly American: oversized, too crispy and chewy. The pain au chocolat is better -- not filled to the brim with chocolate chips and drizzled on top with it like most American versions, but it's still not great: poor pastry, poor distribution of chocolate. The layout and system is very confusing: a bakery cashier and a separate -- at first hard to see -- cafeteria line, and selfseating but with table service. Incidentally, Columbus: stop with the silly/weird upscale version food court system, please. You too, Northstar. Either have a restaurant or don't. Enough with the order at the counters/served at the table nonsense.
(3)Kenley M.
This review will address only the brunch aspects of La Chatelaine, as I have never been during the evening. One brunch scenario is the throbbing, squinty morning after a late night of carousing. This brunch calls for frequent coffee refills. Select bacon or sausage from column A, an egg preparation from column B, etc. Apply syrup, catsup and jelly to taste. This brunch is thoroughly satisfying but never subtle: a classic meal that any idiot can make at home. This brunch is not La Chatelaine's. La Chatelaine has coffee, eggs, and pastries, yes. But the delicate texture of the egg, the nuttiness of the Swiss cheese, and the thin slices of gently smoky ham make for a great omelette which is wasted on the hungover. Likewise the flaky, buttery chocolate croissant and the prosciutto and brie baguette sandwich. La Chatelaine's brunch should be sipped and savored, so go to celebrate rather than recuperate.
(4)Pink C.
The sandwiches here were tragic. Pre-mixed vegetables, so you couldn't personalize your order. The bread and baked goods were nice, but nothing special.
(2)Sarah S.
I was a bit confused when I first walked in to the Lane Ave. location of La Chatelaine for lunch...where was I supposed to go? Who was supposed to take my order? And was I going to be able to find a seat? After figuring out that the first counter was for pick-up orders and baked goods, I slid down to the cafeteria-style line. I waited for a while as the only person behind the counter was checking out the guest ahead of me. And then, the woman whom I can only believe to be the owner, greeted me with a bonjour and a smile. A point for her actually being French! The food was excellent - I had a croque monsieur, cream of potato soup and Orangina. It was more expensive than I had hoped for a cafeteria-style lunch, but the quality of the food helped ease my pain. My sandwich was fresh; it must have been a hot item during my visit, as they normally keep a stock on the grill. The soup was extraordinarily flavorful. And the croutons were much more delicious than average - great for dipping into that amazing potato soup. I'll be back, but I'll have a hard time choosing between the soup or the sandwich - eating both was too filling!
(4)Tori W.
I entered the doors of La Chatelaine for the final time two years ago. My mother was visiting for the afternoon, and I thought this would be the perfect place to bring her for quiche. I had only previously come here for croissants or baguettes, but never to dine. After apparently standing in the "wrong" line for 10 minutes, and being told rudely in a scolding manner we were doing so, we ordered. I should have just walked out after our scolding, because that experience alone was going to influence how I felt about the rest of my time spent at La Chatelaine. For simple lunchtime fare, it took forever to receive our order (which seemed confusing to the woman at the counter, for some reason unknown to me) as we settled into our dirty table. By the time we received the food, my soup was cold and the rest of the meal unsavory. As much as I love the breads they bake here, I have not been back, no do I plan on returning.
(1)Stephanie B.
I'll start right off by saying that I really want to give La Chatelaine another try. I didn't have the best experience here, but it was definitely not the restaurant's fault. I haven't gotten around to coming back here, but I do want to come again and try some other things! I didn't even know that this place existed until my friend called me up one night and asked me to go to dinner with her. It sounded like fun, so I drove over and picked her up and she directed me to La Chatelaine. It's on Lane Avenue in the Upper Arlington area, sort of across the street from that big Lane Ave. shopping center. She was all excited about coming here to eat because apparently her boyfriend was a server here. I didn't know that, but it was also bad timing because I think we got there maybe half an hour before they closed for the night. She said that he would make sure we got served, but I normally wouldn't want to walk into a place at the last minute and expect perfection. But she really wanted to go. When we got there, I don't think her boyfriend was expecting us. He seemed surprised, but also a little annoyed to have another table because the dining room was about cleared out. I felt really bad. But it was a lovely restaurant. It looked like a quaint smaller version of a French manor. It really felt like you were in a European village when you walked in the door. It was like a mini vacation! I really liked the atmosphere and would love a chance to come back and really spend some time here because I felt like we were in a rush since it was so late. I'd also love a chance to sit on the patio - it looked so lovely. It was late as I mentioned, and it was dark inside, lit by candles and little white lights. It was very pretty and looks like a great romantic date restaurant. Pretty music was playing softly. it almost looked like a cottage inside. We were seated at a table and our server (her boyfriend) waited on us the whole time. We were by a window and seated at a table for 2 that was covered in a white tablecloth. He brought us water and then we each decided to order a glass of wine. It was really good and it made me wish that I had more time to stay and have another glass. The menu wasn't very big. There were appetizers and soups, salads, pastas and pizzas. Not too much else to choose from. I had a hard time figuring out what I wanted. It all sounded very good, but seemed unlike the food I was used to so I didn't know what to try! I finally decided on the Vol au Vent de Poulet à la Crème Fraiche. Long title, I know. I'll get back to that in a minute. But my dinner came with a cup of soup and French bread, and I ordered the Tomato Basil Soup. That came out with the bread pretty quickly. Oh my gosh the soup was so good. Maybe a bit salty, but it was delicious. And I really enjoyed the bread, especially paired with the soup. The cup of soup was pretty small, and my friend and I finished them pretty quickly once they cooled off. We waited around 25 minutes for our food. I knew that we had to have the last order of the night and hoped it wasn't too much trouble. But when it did finally come out, it certainly didn't seem like the cooks were in a hurry. It looked so perfect! My dinner looked like something out of a magazine. It was this little puff pastry about the size of my fist with sauce all over it. The pastry was so pretty. Once I poked around, I found that the pastry was like a little bowl and it was filled with diced chicken and mushrooms. The sauce was a white wine sauce. It was very good but the portion wasn't very big and it didn't come with anything else. Luckily, however, the little pastry was quite filling! It really was a quality meal, but I ate enough of it that there wasn't enough left to take home. Plus it got really messy once you cut into the pastry since that kind of held it all together. I really liked the food - it was different and I really welcome that sometimes. The prices weren't too bad, but it was about $20 for my dinner and a glass of wine. So it's definitely not a cheap place to go to eat, but it's worth a trip. The reason I can't give it a higher rating is that I felt rushed and didn't really get to enjoy myself as I would have liked. I know that's not exactly the restaurant's fault, but as I mentioned, I will try this place again. I had been eyeing some of the pastries since we had sat down - a display case was near us filled with some very fancy and appealing pastries and I couldn't help but want one. The little fruit tarts looked so cute! But sadly, I didn't get one. I was too full from my soup and chicken pastry. Plus they were obviously closed at this point and I didn't think it would be right of me to hang around anymore than we needed to. I very badly want to make another visit to La Chatelaine and try some pastries and sit and relax with a few glasses of wine. They also serve breakfast here and I would love to give that a try. I'll be back!
(3)Matthew M.
I've never dined at La Chatelaine, but i have been seduced by platefuls of their pastries that my friend's mother used to bring home from her visits to Columbus. The sweet little things were very close in form and taste to what I've consumed in Europe. I also remember a cake topped with fruit that was refreshing and rich at the same time. How i would relish one of their apricot croissants with a nice cup of coffee right now!
(4)Craig R.
succinct balanced authentic flavors relaxing noteworthy coffee grounded in neighborhood my girlfriend wanted me to write a 10-word review without going off on a soliloquy
(4)Sheren H.
i think they helped me gained 20 lbs thru college. love all their pastries. love their french onion soup. love everything they have!
(5)Heather A.
I went for dinner and while it was 'alright' it was nothing to write home about. I am a big appetizer fan but there wasn't really a great selection of them to choose from which was disappointing. Maybe I haven't developed an open-minded attitude towards food that don't involve a drive-through but I had high expectations of this place only to leave with a stomach that wasn't quite satisfied. There was something about the atmosphere that rubbed me the wrong way, too. I am going to go back and give it another go as I just may be reviewing this place a bit too harshly. I will say that the service was pretty good. :)
(3)Buddy Jack E.
Hard to complain about this place. The food is great, the staff is wonderful and it does what it says it will do about as well and any restaurant I've been to in the past 5+ years. Go and try for yourself. Brush up on your French if you have a chance. It will come in handy!
(4)Alisha H.
I went for dinner with my husband and three year old daughter. Pros: Wait staff was pleasant; pastries are tasty. Cons: Dinner entrees are over priced and BLAH. I would not complain too much about price if we actually liked our food. Fellow patrons were rude and snooty, which we found odd. We were turned off and will not be back and would not recommend to others.
(2)Kathryn E.
After an hour of wandering around Half Price Books down the street, I was looking for somewhere to enjoy a cup of coffee while digging into my newly purchased treasures. In an attempt to find a coffee shop I got lost, somehow and ended up in the parking lot of La Chatelaine trying to redirect my satnav. But then I just decided to wander in and see what was in store- it was the anniversary of D-Day so there were soldiers outside and everyone seemed pretty festive, what was there to lose? I kept it simple- French cappuccino and a croissant with jam and butter. Both were on point for a mid-afternoon treat. Next time I'll be more adventurous with the ordering. I was a little confused by the layout at first- there's a counter and bakery case right when you walk in and then over to the right is the food line with prepared soups and whatnot. Clearly, you can order whatever, where ever and pay at one of the two registers. Very friendly service. Had plenty of seating with mostly tables for 2 or 4 and a few for larger parties, though overall not a huge place. The atmosphere is wonderful, an interesting combination of rooms. The music is also distinctly French- seems to be tuned into a French radio station. Pretty sure they played "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" at one point. It was mostly quiet on this Saturday afternoon, but people also seemed to linger after their plates were eaten clean- and I can see why. The ambiance is like nothing else in Cbus- and isn't escaping always a treat?
(4)Jessica P.
Came in for a quick dessert on a week night, prompt friendly service, lovely outdoor seating. Ordered two pieces of their signature chocolate cake. Perfect sized and fairly well priced for $4. The place can be a bit serve yourself, water, silver wear etc. The ladies at the front were quite surprised and pleased when we brought our dishes up, so I suppose it's common fare to leave them at the table. This was my second or third time here, I'm not sure but I love it and certainly recommend it.
(4)Slaine F.
I love this place. Great atmosphere and a flippin' amazing Croque Monsieur. Delicious pastries round everything out. Surprisingly affordable, with decent parking and good service.
(5)Chris C.
Atmosphere: Awesome. The cafe is a small quaint French looking cafe. Picking up the food was not like your usual Starbucks as you're essentially in a sort of cafeteria-type line. Overall. Great atmosphere. Price: A little bit on the expensive side but decent given the high quality of the food. Food/Products: Food was great at full of flavor. Def recommend. Customer Service: Could use some work as our server was pretty impatient with us and impersonal. Misc: Free wifi. Clean.
(4)Ryan B.
A++ Cannot say enough good things about this place. The food is wonderful and the staff is amazing and polite. The bread and pastries are to die for. The last time I was here I had the lunch special which contained a sandwich, salad, and soup. Everything was delicious, but the soup was by far the best I have ever had. The atmosphere is delightful. The inside is quaint and beautiful and if the weather permits, you can enjoy your food outside on the patio.
(5)Vignesh T.
Love this place, food, service, and ambience. Little pricey but with the money.. A must try place.
(4)Jessica D.
I adore le chatelaine. And wake up, columbus! Le chatelaine is one of a kind. Can I get an AMEN to that tomato basil soup?! Their crouton-cheese cup to crumble/sprinkle atop the soup (homemade, naturally) is a must. OR the cream of mushroom, which is neither heavy nor overdone. A delicate little cup with just a spot of cream. I'll be honest, I dream of their soups like I'm entranced in a wonderful fantasy. But I'm not done! The Ceasar salad is the gold standard in all of columbus. Always fresh, always sprightly with flavor. Crunchy, the perfect amount of dressing. You can't go wrong with any of their side dishes as you progress along the assembly style, either. Quiches, orange juice, fruit... Don't be put for by the cafeteria style dining, though. I'd argue their food is more creative and satisfying than most places in columbus. The lunch specials are usually pretty reasonable priced, considering the abundance high quality, dicious food. ($7-$10). For breakfast, I always make it a point to indulge in one of their delicious puff pastries (blows kisses to the sky). I'm happier than a kindergartener in Disneyland when I get whiff that a breakfast at le chatelaine is on the horizon. Their breakfast omelets are not your grandmas omelet but your grandma should probably ask for the recipe. Just so well done and uniquely prepared. Enough food to tide you over without feeling like a complete fat fart. Eat like the Parisians do! BTW parents/grandparents looooovvveeee this place. And why wouldn't they? Casual quaint dining, cute wooden interior design, genuinely friendly employees. So if I haven't convinced you yet, just take your elders here and thank me for being right later on. A WARNING: it is easy to claim the food is pricey. It isn't, it's quite appropriate, but be weary of what you're putting on your plate, otherwise you'll walk out on a $14 lunch plate. Delicious! But a bit pricier than most are comfortable with.
(5)Kaoru M.
I love La Chatelaine for breakfast/brunch. They have in my opinion one of the best coffees in Columbus. Their baked goods are fantastic. The servers are friendly and efficient. The atmosphere of the place is also relaxed and laid back-- I've actually recommended this place before to a friend who wanted to know where to go for a first date. But with that said, things are kinda pricy here compared to what you get. When I went yesterday, I got their prosciutto & brie baguette. It was absolutely delicious. It also cost almost $9, just for the one sandwich. Their portion sizes are also relatively small. I would come here way more often, and give them 5 stars, if the price was a little less steep!
(4)Kaitlyn C.
An adorable piece of Europe right in Columbus! A little pricey for a lunch, but amazing food with an abundance of different flavors.
(5)Anna H.
I don't know why I have never had the desire to come here, but my aunt is a fan and we came for breakfast Sunday morning. A late breakfast, since it was 10:00. They weren't busy, so there was no waiting for food or a table. I had been craving a cafe au lait in a bowl since I had it at a French cafe in NYC in Sept. I got it and it was delicious. The almond croissant was a perfect pairing. My aunt got a veggie omelet with bread, and hot tea. It was very enjoyable and I want to come back.
(4)Chris L.
Say bon jour to Parisian-quality pastry at a Cbus cost, I break every resolution about sugar to get a breakfast goodie here when I'm in town. Almond croissant is my favorite ($3.25), the raisin sticky roll and apricot Danish are equally good choices. Bread at La Chatelaine is similarly excellent, the baguettes ($2.10) are baked fresh and like any great crispy loaf must be devoured within a few hours, somehow I usually manage this trick :). The multigrain is very good but the crust can be overwhelming, seriously difficult to make it into a sammich. One of the few places left with an old-fashioned cafeteria line, the food is pretty good, but the pastries are worth quite a long drive. As of late Feb 2014 they're taking orders for a Mardi Gras King cake complete with the little figures inside, $19.
(4)Kyle B.
A true Upper Arlington classic. What more would you want from this lovely cafe/bistro than nice patio seating, cozy inside seating, and plenty of rich food to fill you up. I need to check out the happy hour at the bar. Find a quiet corner, enjoy the atmophsear, and make sure to get some sweets on the way out.
(5)Mindy L.
After driving by a million times, I finally popped in here with my mom for lunch. I knew it was going to be cafeteria style, but I was a bit disappointed. Everything looked (and tasted) like it'd been sitting under a heat lamp for hours. I got the french onion soup with the cheese/crouton cup, and a croque monsieur. Mom got the daily special. Her food was freshly prepared because it wasn't the standard fare on the cafeteria line. My sandwich was okay but I'd prefer to eat fresh food at a restaurant. The decor is adorable. I've never been to France but it reminded me of France at Disney's EPCOT center, lol. The exposed beam ceilings are low and the furniture and brick a brack is quaint without being caricaturish. The staff wear uniforms that reminded me of the kids in The Sound of Music (lending somewhat to the Disneyesque feel of the place). Everyone was warm and friendly and catered to our needs. The pastries and desserts were incredible. I wasn't expecting much, after my sandwich, but they were actually pretty great. We got a sampling of everything and brought it home for dessert after dinner and they were a big hit! I've been to the one in Worthington since this visit. I've learned that the baked goods are where its at for this place. If I have a meal here again I'm sticking with the soup or the daily special.
(4)Jackie H.
Okay, so the workers are friendly, the place is cute, and prices are reasonable. So why two stars? I stopped in for the first time ever to pick up a Caesar salad to go for lunch. I love Caesar salad...probably my favorite food of all time, and I'm always searching for the perfect one. Well, you know when you throw up and you have a terrible after taste in your mouth? That's exactly how this salad tasted. Totally serious. I was so disappointed :( Their baked goods look really good, so I will probably be back to try those one day and hopefully add a star or two to their rating. Also, just an FYI - you order cafeteria style, pay, and then go sit down at your table. I ordered carry out, but sometimes it can be confusing for people when walking into a new restaurant and don't know if they should wait around for someone to seat them. It's pretty obvious that's how you do it here, but just a tip!
(2)Heather N.
I can not think of a better place to spend a beautiful summer brunch than La Chatelaine's patio. Tables with large umbrellas, soft french music and traditional french patisseries makes it almost feels like you are dinning at a french cafe. I enjoy this establishment more for brunch than dinner. During brunch you order cafeteria style with options like quiche, fruit, pastries, eggs, and breakfast platters made to order. I like this option because you can mix and match foods. Then you find a seat inside or my personal choice the patio. Only glitch, sometimes the tables are not cleaned off in a timely manor and finding a seat outside can be a struggle. I would be more than happy to clear my own table if that became and option. Overall this is a great option for brunch on a beautiful Saturday or Sunday morning!
(4)Bridgette Y.
Disappointing experience. I ordered the eggs Benedict, which is my favorite breakfast. They got my order wrong, so the plate went back to the kitchen, and by the time I got to eat it the eggs we're no longer runny. The staff were almost too busy the first time I asked for assistance, so I didn't bother sending it back the second time. Loved the atmosphere, but I was there for food, not to be addressed in French.
(2)Candace M.
We've been here a couple of times for dessert, and it's been delicious both times! The first time, we ate in. The food was delicious and the service was attentive. We were especially impressed with their baked goods! The second time, we walked in a few minutes before closing. Although the staff seemed happy to wait on us (and there were many other people still in the restaurant,) we decided to get the food to go. We got a strawberry tart and a piece of chocolate cake; both were beautifully presented and tasted wonderful! Overall, this has proven to be a cute little place that is well worth a visit. I'm excited to explore the rest of their menu!
(4)Tiffany W.
Yumm! La Chatelaine is a cozy, charming, relaxing place to dine. The food is very rich, particularly the desserts. In fact, I'm just gonna go ahead and say that the desserts are probably the best items here. The creme brulee is a little heavy on the egg flavor, but otherwise no complaints. I also had one of their dessert specials, which was a scoop of Graeter's ice cream (probably from next door) topped with this hot chocolate fudge, caramel, and whipped cream. Probably not the most authentic French dessert, but hey, it was really good. For my main entree I tried their jambalaya, which was pretty decent. It had quite a bit of sauce though, but otherwise great flavor throughout and a good portion size, too. I'm not sure how authentically French this place is, since I've never been to France before, but i did enjoy my meal. The service here is lovely, didn't have a problem at all. They also have a cozy room in the back with a fireplace and bookshelves and a big homey wooden table that is great for groups!
(4)Hanna N.
Over priced for an okay salad I could have made at home. Everything was pre-made and did not look appetizing. This is such a great location, but the only thing I enjoyed was my coffee and the beautiful patio : )
(1)Bob M.
I liked the food variety. I don't like rich foods. Solo the food was great but too salty and too rich. I had hairs in my eggs. Not good. The line getting in was long. So it has the usual wait that would go with menu water time. The environment was good. In summary your mileage may very depending on your tastes.
(3)Emily D.
What can I say that hasn't been said? :) It's a divine place, just like a small French chateau, that serves elegant but affordable French cuisine. During lunch there's sort of like a lunch line--you go through and order what you want, and you're given it by the helpful staff. I love the Mediterranean salad and the french onion soup! There is also a coffee bar with a fantastic creme caramel. It was heavenly! At dinner, it's a sit down service. There's also a boulangerie (bread counter) where you can get delicious baguettes for bruschetta and other types of French loaves. There are also exquisite tarts that are almost (ALMOST) too pretty to eat! You definitely don't feel like you're in Columbus anymore when you eat here. It's a relaxing and lovely retreat.
(5)Patrick C.
It's not often that I get to go to a French restaurant, and surprisingly I loved it. They just call it fries here BTW, the french part of it is implied. The Food is really carbie. Went there for a birthday and since it was a night of celebration! I had decided to indulge. I ordered their version of Mac and Cheese (Macaroni aux Trois Fromages ) with shrimp, and the GF got Beef cross ribs Bourguignon, which totally melted in my mouth. She won that food face-off for sure! HOWEVER! She also ordered Escargots de Bourgogne, lol not my style, but she loved them. The server was really nice, she was helpful and patient with my group. And she spoke to us like we were humans haha, I can't tell you how much I hate when servers are stiff and strictly business. So it was refreshing that she was so kind. Overall I really liked this place and would totally be willing to stop there again. Fantastic Breakfast as well.
(5)Lindsey G.
Delicious coffee, amazing tarts, yummy breakfast sandwiches (best French bread ever!!), and fantastic Croque Monsieur!! Mmmmm mmmmmm!!
(4)Susan A.
On these bitterly cold days, there's only one thing I want: hot chocolate. More specifically, a hot chocolate as big as my head and served in a soup bowl. Yes - a soup bowl. La Chatelaine delivers. It's an expensive indulgence, but worth every penny. Sure, the cafeteria style ordering is a bit awkward. And no, it isn't the traditional "French food" that you are thinking about. But for croissants and tarts and delicious pastries, give La Chatelaine a try.
(4)Colin S.
Excellent bread and pastry and a healthy selection of brunch items as well. I have been a few times and in my opinion their baked goods are where La Chatelaine shines! The Upper Arlington location can be incredibly busy to the point of chaotic and that means business is good, but it also means that finding a seat and enjoying a relaxing meal can be tough. I took my Mom here for a birthday brunch and she loved it, so there you go. I'll be back for baguette!
(3)Karen S.
One of these places I wanted to try while I was still living in Columbus, but never made it to while living there. Some of us met for brunch. I went for their french toast special. Only compliant is it took about 20 minutes for me to get the food. I do like the autmosphere. I like how they try to keep it as French as possible. I noticed that the days of the week where in French and most of the food was French. Overall, good experience.
(4)Amy F.
Nothing great. I had the lunch special -- salad, soup and a sandwich for $8.50. It sounded like a good deal, but there was very little meat and cheese on the sandwich, salad was unexciting and the French onion soup should've been way better for being a French place. For dessert, I tried the peanut butter and jelly cheesecake, which was kind of dry and not all that peanut buttery. La Chatelaine has been around for years and I was hoping to love it, but I was underwhelmed. It won't be on my list to visit again.
(2)Xiaoyun W.
I really love the fruit tarts. The other breads are also pretty good! Really recommend the snails for appetizer.
(4)Mike B.
I agree with Justin after getting a soggy croque monsieur, it was a bit disappointing. They should keep the Bechamel separate until it is served to keep it from getting soggy. Also the almond croissant I got was over baked, which is almost criminal in France. I guess I'm a bit pickier having sampled real french faire in France (and recently), it was disappointing that it didn't live up to expectations. The decor is good and charming rustic French. The staff is friendly, but mostly everyone I saw come in had trouble grasping the cafeteria style service. Also since some foods are actually prepared fresh, if you have a party of more than one, some people are waiting and others are eating. In France it's either all immediate, or all to-order, I had never seen it mixed there.
(3)Cari B.
The food is excellent; I enjoyed it very much. And......I won't go back. Two small salads, two bowls of soup, and two cups of coffee were $26.00!!!!!!!! Twenty six dollars! Really? And the sound system BLARES French pop-culture radio which was incredibly intrusive and distressing. La Chat used to use classical music and it used to be kept to a reasonable volume, but this felt more like a tasteless nightclub atmosphere. I will not return.....it was not a pleasant or affordable experience.
(2)Frances F.
Definitely not your typical French restaurant experience, but a place I would definitely recommend! You order at a cafeteria style line where the soup, quiches, salad, other baked goods will be handed to you. You can also order sandwiches and other foods, which they will bring to your tale. You pay at the end of the line and then carry our tray to a table. The quiche was quite excellent. It didn't taste too eggy or too heavy. It had a great texture and a great taste. The quiches are made beforehand, so it maybe could have been better if it was fresher and warm, but overall delicious. Another time I went I ordered the tomato soup and was given a slice of bread to go along with it. The soup was quite a large bowl and was something I would get again. Athey also have these small cups of cheese and toasted bread that pair nicely with the soup as well.
(4)Sherri R.
Food is always good, great coffee, nice folks behind the counter and a welcoming atmosphere. Have been here on numerous occasions and will continue to return.
(5)Josephine J.
I've been going to La Chatelaine for over 10 years. Granted the cafeteria style may be difficult to understand but once you use it, you appreciate how you can quickly order or take the time you need to decide without holding up the line. As far as food, I love the Croque Monsieur, Chocolate Chaud and always pick up at least one baguette. Their coffee is also strong and dark perfect with one of their numerous desserts, I'm a fan of the fruit tart or chocolate mousse. They are on the pricey side for a lunch style set up, but I truly appreciate the quality and dedication to French bistro style foods. This place is perfect for a cute lunch with a friend where they'll let you stay for hours to converse and refill on their coffee. Overall, every time I go home to visit Columbus, this place is a must stop.
(5)Amanda R.
My husband and I were celebrating promotions and wanted a nice dinner. Unfortunately we were disappointed. The server was very nice, and recommended a great wine. The food however was quite sub-par: I had the portabello mushroom and brie sandwich and the bread was so soggy and frankly gross. The soup and salad starters were just so-so and my husband's duck wasn't great. Nothing seemed to have flavor. I wanted to let the server know my issues with the bread but we only saw her passing by (in her defense I think she was the only one there) and by the time she brought the check, I didn't even bother. I hope the bun lying on the plate will be a sign? Now Graeters afterward was the highlight :)
(2)Stephanie T.
French food, French music, French decor...YES, S'IL VOUS PLAIT! Let me just say that this was a great place to take my pregnant friend! They have entrees and little plates, so she was able to keep ordering little extras until she felt she had enough. Their quiche, croissants, pastries, and omelettes are all amazing and the freshly pressed tea was simply perfect. If I lived in Columbus, this would be my happy place. They also have outdoor seating and allow pets in the patio area, but it was too cold to eat outside when I was there.
(5)Martha W.
Reeeeeally bad. The only redeemable thing about this place was that the server and the hostess were attentive and friendly. Otherwise, everything during this lunch was sub par - from the coffee to the entrees to the dessert. Nothing tasted fresh. The salmon salad tasted so fishy that my mother returned it. She was given a fish sandwich instead (that still smelled overly fishy) with tartar sauce that had been sitting out for too long. Her friend's salad nicoise looked almost artificial and not at all fresh (it was handed to her from the case, wrapped in plastic). The cappuccino had no foam. The fruit tart crust was not homemade (tasted like it came from a supermarket). I rarely give one star but whoever is running the kitchen here needs a wake-up call.
(1)Maudie B.
We just did pick up from here, but got the chocolate croissant was very good and pretty well priced. Had a nice outdoor patio, would be a great quick breakfast place.
(4)Paul F.
I came here for dinner tonight. It's not nearly the first time I've been here but apparently the first time since joining Yelp. I had heard about their Vol au Vent. A chicken and mushroom stew served over a large croisant. It was everything it was cracked up to be. It was large with large pieces of chicken and mushrooms. And reasonably priced at $8.25. For dessert, I had a strawberry tart that was delicious! Large chunks of strawberries covered with a sugary glaze. All in all, a great meal!
(4)Liz M.
I think of La Chatelaine like a quaint Panera place. I really don't associate it with being French. Because of that, I think it makes me like it better! I have fallen in love with their Peasant Loaf from their bakery. The bread is baked fresh daily and is dense, crusty, and has a mild sourdough flavor. Really excellent and well worth the $4.50. I have also tried their french onion soup, which I liked, but it had way way too much herb de Provence (or however you spell it) and was a tad oily. The baguette is came with was pretty blah. I'd definitely opt for the croissant, but at the time I was making a feeble attempt at saving some calories. I also tried their coffee today, which is self serve. The Have Colombian, French, Decaf French, and a Flavor of the week. I opted for the French, which was strong, but had unremarkable flavor. What I though was cool is they have heavy cream (not half and half) for the coffee which made it really creamy and rich! Not something for every day, but a now and then treat. The service is really friendly! This is not a go-to place for meal for me, but I really would recommend this bread to anyone.
(4)Layla F.
I'm not impressed. We went for a late dinner in the middle of the week. The food was fine but just that. Our server was attentive though. The highlight of the dinner was the side salad, need I say more? We tried the macaroons as well and they were stale and hard, maybe because it was late in the evening but still I expected better from a bakery. The french press tea was good for the 5$ price. For the price we paid for the dinner , we could have had the same quality food and baked goods in Panera three times over.
(2)Christina C.
I've never had French food, ever. Well, I guess French fries count though, right? (KIDDING!) :) Thus, I cannot compare the food I had at La Chatelaine to another French entree; BUT what I can talk about is how much I really enjoyed what I ordered. First, how the restaurant operates was a bit confusing to me at first. I thought it was a sit-down, take-my-order, kind of place. Not so. Order ala cafe-style, pay, then wait for a server to bring it out. No biggie. The friendly counter lady suggested I try the special - a seafood sausage on a baguette. Well, ok! I've never heard of such a thing - but I'll try anything once. As with any other sausage, I'm not really sure what was actually in it. But, it was wonderful, as was the caesar salad I got to accompany it. My friend got the french onion soup... and it, too, was delicious. (I would know because I ate half of it.) The patio is another 'plus one' for this place, too! French, or wannabe-French, I don't care. I really liked this place. I'll have to go back soon and indulge on one of the colorful tarts I was eying in the bakery case.
(4)George S.
La Chatelaine is another Columbus spot that I hit with my friends every trip down. The place is styled after a French bistro/bakery, and their pastry, soups, and breakfast dishes are grand, simple, and in come cases, quite decadent (the desserts are just amazing. I have friends who drive from Cleveland to Columbus just for that alone.) The staff is friendly, as is the neighborhood where this place is located. (there's one near campus, and one a bit further out.) I really was appreciative of the great service. If you're looking for a quaint brunch or a just a coffee with friends, come to this place for a taste of French hospitality...just leave your diet at home:)
(4)Angie P.
The Croque Monsieur is where it's at. Seriously. Pair it with an Orangina and you have a delicious breakfast/brunch. I think this is all that needs to be said.
(4)David S.
Great french pastries and the best coconut macaroons I have ever eaten. Fantastic flaky croissants. I wouldn't exactly go here for a full meal, but a great place to pick up some pastries.
(4)Shar K.
Decided to have dinner there before dessert at Graeter's next door. We were promptly seated outdoors, but little did we know we were going to be waiting almost 45 min. just for our caesar salad to come out. My husband went back and forth inside and noticed our food just waiting on the counter and told our server John that we just wanted it to-go instead. We had ordered soup, which could've been served earlier as well, but the server was too busy taking care of his customers inside that we decided it was time to go. Another server was apologetic and offered 2 desserts on the house. The lobster bisque was good, but my husband's Beef cross ribs bourguignon were just okay.
(2)Michelle D.
The atmosphere in La Chatelaine is chaotic. The "cafeteria style" service does not really work as there aren't a lot of things you can serve yourself. For example, there is a water pitcher by the coffee station, but the water glasses are behind the counter. The food was just ok. Decent but nothing to rave about. The service was slow and the staff was not very friendly. They seemed annoyed at the long lines and if you didn't know what you were getting. I was not familiar with the ordering process and wanted to ask about the menu options but they were not very helpful. I will not be returning.
(2)A P.
I have been hearing about this place for a long time and I was severely disappointed. I had the mac and cheese and creme brulee. It was okay, but for what I got and the service I received WAY OVERPRICED and under quality.
(2)Jeff P.
Excellent! You don't see as many French restaurants across the US as you do many other cuisines, which stinks because French cuisine is known as one of the, if not THE quintessential "top-shelf" cuisine. Anyways...they have a great, cozy, country French atmosphere. They of course have great pastries. The service is helpful and courteous. The sandwiches and and salads and soups are delicious! I can't believe this place wasn't packed at lunch time. I'll be back.
(4)Jessica K.
I've been to La Chatelaine a few times and some things about the restaurant are amazing while others are lacking. The pastries are excellent. Rumor has it the owners import ingredients directly from France, and you can tell while eating that they are of top quality. The same can be said for much of the food. The things I have eaten have been delicious and satisfying, and the atmosphere makes you feel juuust snoody enough to be effective for a French restaurant, while still being welcoming and not overly intimidating. My qualms, however, come with the service. Our waitress on the last visit was aloof and ditsy in the most American way. If I'm going to be snubbed in a French restaurant, I expect it to be by a Frenchman! We had a table of 8 and our guess is that she knew it was automatic gratuity, therefore she need not answer our questions, refill our drinks, or serve us in a timely matter. We were there on a Tuesday evening and the restaurant was at average capacity, but it took more than an hour to receive our main dishes. On a previous visit, our service was slow and the waiter really didn't seem interested in our existence. Furthermore, I called to make a reservation a few days prior just to be safe. At the time, I obviously told them they we were a group of 8 but they didn't tell us about their one-check policy. I'm not actual positive if this is a La Chatelaine policy or our lazy waitresses', but as we were told upon arrival, I didn't have time to tell my friends to bring cash. As a result, I was stuck putting the hefty bill on my credit card. She wouldn't even split the bill in half so we could better organize. Oh, and lastly, when most people think of French food and culture, they think first of bread, pastries and wine. So my last complaint is that the staff should be much more knowledgeable about their wine selections and be able to give recommendations on pairings and preferences beyond the "it's a personal preference thing" response. The wine list looked nice but without explanations or suggestions, it's just intimidating and expensive. You can pick a random bottle at the store, you come to a restaurant, especially a French restaurant, with higher expectations.
(4)Caroline C.
The croissants are to die for. I wish I had found a croissant this good in France. They are so incredibly buttery and crisp on the bottom. I do not share my croissants from here. One of the most tragic days was when I went to La Chatelaine for a Croissant. Monsieur said they were out! I wanted to weep, but within the next 30 seconds they opened the oven et voila! A fresh batch of the yummiest, warmest most delicious croissants. 'les choses' that I get in heavy rotation: Macaroons, Caesar Salad, Croque Monsieur, Palmiers and the bread.... oh the bread. Merci pour un cafe fantastique, Gigi!
(5)Justin B.
I've now been to various locations here a half a dozen times, and I have to say that I'm increasingly disappointed. At breakfast and lunch (can't speak to dinner) their foods are served cafeteria style. They don't have a long shelf life, but they stay up anyway. The croque monsieur I've had several times now is getting cold and soggy. It would seem with only minor adjustments they could improve their quality. So far they seem disinclined to do so. I can second a couple of previously made observations. My favorite espresso based beverage is a macchiato. A real one. If you think a macchiato has a liter of milk and carmel in it, then just go to McCafe. I too had to explain, very slowly what I wanted. Really? I've also gotten bewildered looks asking for pain au chocolat. Again, really? You have it, it's that damned thing right there!
(2)Matthew B.
Wow! I went to this place for the first time within hours of hearing it and it blew me away. The charming, quaint décor and the small but pleasing menu make this French bakery and bistro my new favorite lunch spot in Columbus- I can't wait to go back for dinner in hopes of having a new favorite restaurant. La Chatelaine is divided into three basic sections: the bakery, with its pastries and other baked goods ready to take out; the restaurant area, which works sort of like a cafeteria and sort of like a deli; and a bar, which I decided to skip on at eleven in the morning (one of my companions decided otherwise, and had a large Belgian beer from the tap). I made a beeline for the cafeteria-like section and ordered from the lunch menu a croque-monsieur and a fresh lemonade. I remembered croque-monsieurs from high school French classes but had never had one before, Despite being only half-warm as it comes pre-prepared, it was absolutely delicious, and but for a lack of funds I would have had another. Yes, a whole one. The fresh lemonade was also a treat- sweet enough but also tart enough. For dessert my girlfriend and I shared a blueberry tart. The blueberries were fresh and juicy, but the real star was the crust, which seemed a little too hard but had a perfect crunch once I tasted the reward of my tort-cutting effort. This place was a real find for me. I highly recommend it.
(4)Kristie K.
Gigi, the store owner, was so kind and helpful. She was working the register and pastry counter and was happy to help me pick some pastries and answer my questions. She told me she had just pulled the almond croissants out of the oven so they were still warm. Let me tell you, it's like eating a little piece of heaven. I also got a chocolate croissant, chocolate mousse cake and a coconut macaroon. All very good. My mom and I ordered the tomato bisque and the cream of cauliflower soup. The tomato was perfectly seasoned and the fresh bread that came with it was the perfect dipping sponge. Their wheat bread was great for making grilled cheese with or just eating plain with butter at home.
(5)Lisa S.
Yelp to the Rescue! Today was yet another shining moment where Yelp came through for me in helping me decide where to eat. Sunday Brunch was the search of choice and La Chatelaine French Bakery & Bistro was the answer to my requirements of cheap and delicious. The first thing that struck me when I entered was "This place is so cuuute!", and it really is. All wood with faint rose colors. The front cash register is for the bakery goods including delicious tarts, cakes and croissants. The register at the rear is where you can order breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Some foods are pre-made, sitting on a hot plate and ready to serve, others are made to order. I spotted Brie and Prosciutto Baguette on the menu and thought "My favorite cheese with my favorite meat, I'm in love!". And it was delicious, with plenty of salty prosciutto and creamy Brie. My dining companions complained over the portions, but they are used to big meaty American Sized meals, while La Chatelaine stays true to it's European ties. Small portions, perfectly prepared and enough flavor to hold you over. The boyfriend and I split a Blueberry Tart for dessert. The dough was hard and crispy and tasted like Christmas Cookies. There was a creamy center and topped with juicy blueberries. Delicious, though a tad pricey. La Chatelaine has a small bar as well as a nice patio, both of which I did not explore. I do want to return and try dinner and buy some more delicious tarts!
(4)Amanda K.
Strengths: pastries and cakes. Oh, yum. Do you like butter? Of course you do. Butter is yum. These cakes are full of butter and deliciousness. I love to look at their beautiful tarts and other noms in the case. Coffee is also pretty good for what it is. Sometimes it is a sit-down restaurant and sometimes it's a buffett. It depends on the time of day. Good service, never a real complaint. Weakness: sometimes the dinner entrees are a bit bland and uninspired.
(4)Vivian Clair M.
La Chatelaine is a major draw to Columbus, IMHO! And, if I lived here, I'd buy a house close by so as to be able to indulge at breakfast, which is its best meal, as far as I am concerned. La Chatelaine isn't uniformly fantastic, but its various fantastic dishes are so good as to carry the place in my list of MUSTS when I visit central Ohio. So, what are the musts? Almond Croissants, which are stuffed with almond, as well as spread with it on the outside and baked into the croissant; Brioche Royal, a brioche pastry spread with custard, rolled up and baked--a divine treat; Tarte Flambee with the thinnest crust possible, a true delight, and their Briquette ( nice for lunch with a side salad), a flaky pastry crust filled with spinach, cheese, and artichoke hearts. Their entrees are hit or miss. The vol-au-vent with chicken and mushrooms is delightful, and a few years ago, they had absolutely divine gratineed Belgian endives wrapped in thin ham, a superb treat that is no longer on the menu, sadly. I've never had anything bad here, just some things that are okay, and some, literally to swoon over. If their dinner items were as fabulous as their breakfast pastries, they'd get 5 stars!! For the brioche royale and almond croissant - I'd give them 6!
(4)Ron V.
Great atmosphere, great pastries and more importantly, great coffee. I truly enjoyed this spot and would come here again!
(4)Ellen F.
I simply adore the quaintness of LaChatelaine. It appears to lean toward the pretentious side of life, but really, it's a quiet get away from reality. I'm keen on imagining and pretending. I like to pretend that I am on a vacation in the French countryside slowly savoring my caprese salad and tomato basil soup (which is wonderful), as if I had all the time in the world. It's a cafeteria like dining experience. You get your own tray and utensils, order from the counter, either from what's on the menu or from what's visible behind the glass. You're drink request is fulfilled at the end of the line. Then you can choose to sit at any of the old wooden tables. I'm not a big bakery person, so I haven't had the pleasure of trying all of the selections. Bit I did enjoy the refreshing mixed fruits tart.
(5)Randy S.
I was skeptical of La Chatelaine for years. After living in France for a year, I wasn't about to be disappointed by mediocre faux-French food in a cheesy environment. Boy, was I wrong. La Chatelaine is the real deal. I visited today for lunch and loved it. The croque-monsieur sandwich (ham, emmental cheese and bechamel sauce on bread) was delightful. The soup of the day was a delicious cream of potato with tasty herbed croutons. Plus, they had the old French standby Orangina to drink! The ambiance is pretty authentic -- nice and cramped. If you come at lunch, you'll practically be sharing a table with other customers. Just like in France! My only complaint would be the restaurant's cafeteria-style set-up. It's a bit of a pain.
(4)Liz J.
I wouldn't say it's the best breakfast place but not awful either. Expensive for what they offer but relaxing atmosphere.
(3)Kara K.
When I lived in France I loved grabbing a pain au chocolat from the patisserie on the way to school. Sometime this winter I really started craving one. So I went to the "french" bakery in Grandview, somehow they had no idea what I was talking about. Next stop: La Chatelaine. Also a no go. Maybe they were out for the day since so many want to enjoy the chocolatey goodness. The BF & I did stick around for some brunch though. It was a bit crowded so we had to wait for a table, but our wait wasn't long. I ordered the quiche lorraine & he went with the breakfast special. I loved my quiche. The crust was perfect and so filling. I was stuffed, but the BF was still starving after our $20 brunch. Loved that they had Orangina & so many of the employees spoke with a French accent. Hopefully the next time I return they'll have my favorite pastry!
(3)Rich S.
Inexpensive french food, great for take out. The brie and prosciutto sandwich is good hot especially when the baguette is toasty.
(4)Shawnie K.
I really used to love la Chatelaine ten years ago, but after living in France, I became a little cynical about this place. I first experienced La Chatelaine while living within walking distance of it in Worthington 10 years ago. Huge fan of sitting on the patio, sipping wine, eating pastries... I now live near a La Chatelaine in Arlington and come here mostly for a couple different desserts and to carry out baguettes. I am enough of a Francophile to go to any French restaurant purely because it's French, but when I'm honest about it, La Chatelaine seems a bit overpriced for what you get. The cuisine is authentic (albeit simple) ... Caesar salads, Croque Madames and Monsieurs, fruit tarts, peasant bread, baguettes and French onion soup - but I've never been wow'ed by anything. Can't tell you how many times I've had limp Caesar salads. I find most of the sandwiches to be good, but not great. after having a full meal, I rarely leave feeling satisfied. The desserts, however, are wonderful! The tarts and mousse au chocolat are as good as the French pastries you can get in Paris! That's enough to get me through the door once a week. I also like the happy hour specials, which consist mostly of French wines by the glass and great martinis. The restaurant has a few different rooms which are subtly rustic and cozy, but I am not exactly transported to France when I eat at La Chatelaine. I just try to appreciate it for the things I really enjoy- the breads and pastries and sipping wine on the patio. C'est la bonne vie.
(3)Charlie S.
Good Caesar.
(3)