Okay, this place is pricey. I mean TRES CHER all the way. Normally I snub my nose at high-priced dining because in my experience it is always overpriced and pretentious for what you get. Believe me, Chez Francois is in a class of it's own. The food is so, so delicious. I don't know who the chef is, but he is a master; you'll see flavor pairings or ingredients on the menu that will sound weird but they are always, always fantastic. I highly recommend eating on the outside terrace and here's why: first, the dress code is a little more casual (nice shorts and golf shirts are fine but keep it classy). Second, you'll have a great view of the river, which is very fun and romantic. It's the same menu inside and outside. Also, if the lobster bisque is on the menu when you go, do NOT pass it up. You will not be sorry.
(5)
Dustin N.
The staff was rude and unnecessarily confrontational. Otherwise the food was decent, though I would not pay for the listed prices.
My favorite restaurant in Cleveland/North coast. My wife and I go here annually for our anniversary. It is outstanding. Lobster raviolis have homemade pasta of course are excellent. I had the beef Wellington. Perfection, flakey crust with a cooked to perfection filet. Excellent wine selection, try some Chateauneuf du Pape since you are in a French restaurant. Flavortastic! I've been three times and the service has never been less very attentive but not burdensome. The decor is calming to me like a ride on a puffy cloud. A puffy cloud with exposed brick. Go here. If you think it is too far just get in the car, get a limo, ride a horse, just go. You won't regret it.
(5)
Glenn S.
When I walked through the door at Chez Francois for my birthday dinner, I brought the highest expectations. I left convinced that a better dining experience cannot be found in the Cleveland area. I had made last minute reservations for the patio - which is pretty amazing itself, right off the river, and allows more casual dress than the coat-mandatory dining room. Upon arriving, however, we were greeted by the attentive and friendly floor manager, who tastefully informed us that he had some squatters on the patio, but he had prepared a table in the dining room should we like it. We proceeded into a gorgeous dining area, and a table with a bouquet and card wishing me a bon anniversaire. Their amazing menu and extensive wine list took a few minutes to digest. My date opted for tuna tartare and the duck breast with sweet potato, goat cheese and a Frangelico & cherry duck glace de viande, all magnifique. My fois gras and veal chop cooked à la perfection with morels and asparagus were both outstanding. Service was impeccable - an exceptionally friendly and knowledgeable waitress provided excellent recommendations and, along with her assistant, made sure we were taken care of the entire evening. Finally, a Cleveland restaurant has gotten everything right! Being stuffed and already sold on Chez Francois at this point (and knowing some champagne and cheeses were waiting at home), we decided to just enjoy an espresso before taking off... foolish of me to think that such a place would let me get out the door on my birthday without some sort of complimentary awesomeness. Out came a bowl of cherries with their homemade ice cream. Simple, tasty, loved it. Then, a neighboring table sent over two glasses of port, worrying they had offended us (they hadn't, but you gotta love a table that is sensitive to how their celebrations might affect other diners). What a meal. We stayed to talk for a while, being the last diners to leave, and Chez got even more points for offering us complimentary coffees for our drive home. I only have a couple more months left in Ohio before I move to Europe, but I will definitely be back to this place. The restaurant presents several special dinner and wine events, and offers a signature dinner for each season - I'm very upset that I'll be out of town for Bastille Day this year, but if you're around, they've got an amazing seven course meal with wine for $90 a person!
(5)
Mike H.
Amazing food. Amazing staff.
(5)
Heidi T.
One of the best fine dining and special occasion establishments in Ohio, if not the Midwest. Couldn't agree more with the other reviewer, Mary S. A not-to-be-missed experience for those who enjoy good food, elegant ambience, river front dining, attentive and SMART staff, who have culinary knowledge. Oh, yeah, and then there's the food and wine. Stunning. Their prices are high, but worth it, and they're very generous with amuse bouche offerings, before and after dinner. And, they're so generous with special (free) desserts for special occasions, they write things on your plate with chocolate sauce. Decadent and thoughtful. The owners are always there, always mingling, remember you if you're a return customer. This is the best combination of desirable restaurant elements I have seen come together in a long time.
(5)
Denise Y.
Probably the best meal i've had in Ohio! Located in Vermillion, i'd definitely drive the hour it takes from the east side to get here. Everything was amazing and delicious and it's definitely a special treat to come here. I ended up getting my meal off the seasonal menu. There is also a regular menu and a prix fixe menu to choose from but I figured whatever was in season would be the best. Started with the house amuse bouche. Appetizers of fois gras and carpaccio were outstanding with snuck in details like morel mushrooms and shaved black truffle. The fois gras came with a tasting of recommended wine paring which was spot on. Entrees were soft shell crab with sea greens and a steak. Both were done amazing and it's nice to see unusual and very seasonal ingredients incorporated in with our meals. Dessert was bananas foster split between two. The waitress took care to talk to us and the dessert plate was customized for our occasion (my birthday!). Again, dessert comes with a taste of the recommended wine paring which made the dessert that much better, not that it needed it. The maitre'd came by the table and checked in on us. And two hours later we left the restaurant with one of the best dining experiences that i've ever had. NOTE: Dining room has a dress code, men must wear a jacket, the patio is more casual and is situated looking over the water.
(5)
Bradley P.
This is an extraordinary restaurant sitting in a beautiful location on the lake. I dined once with my family, and once in a larger gathering with my friends. Both experiences were extraordinary. Service was impeccable, food was exquisite, could not ask for more. They were very accommodating, and several people got the 7-course dinner with cheese plate and wine pairings, and they have never been happier. Men are required to wear a jacket! Forget and you'll miss out on one of the best dinners you'll ever have.
(5)
Fabian L.
We went to the casual wine-bar touche that is part of chez francois and out on the patio. No dresscode here - which suits us just fine. The fixed price menu is only $26 - small portions, but excellent. Plus, the view alone was worth it.
(5)
Kri B.
Just a note, really.... after our wedding in Vermilion, the fella and I came here for our "day after wedding" dinner. That's how highly I regard this place. I recommend the upstairs outdoor seating and whatever they have on the prix fixe menu. It's all great. :-)
(5)
Deborah P.
I can't imagine a more romantic, amazing dining experience than Chez Francois on the water on a late summer evening. We have been here several times and are continually amazed at the quality of food and the amazing service. It is truly worth the extra expense.
(5)
Jean J.
We hosted a private party at Chez Francois that was, truly, as good as it gets. Chef John D'Amico met with us to plan the menu and was easy to be in touch with throughout the process. The meal he helped us prepare could not have been better! From the gazpacho with avocado espume to the chocolate ganache dessert, it was superb! Leah provided service beyond what we could have expected, even coming up with some birthday candles we'd forgotten to bring! The room was beautifully set and perfect for the size group we had. Matt Mars, co-owner, check to see that every detail was covered as the evening progressed. It was the beginning of a once-in-a-lifetime weekend, and Chez Francois started it for us perfectly!
(5)
Jen M.
Simply outstanding. This is the only 5-star restaurant in Ohio. I joined 5 family members for a special dinner. The decor is so cool. It's a converted sail house right on the water. The walls are exposed brick and wood beams. The service is impeccable. We had Shatzi (her nickname from the owner) and she was so knowledgeable, professional, and personable. My aunt and uncle have dined there many times and the owner knows them. My uncle runs a glassware company, and the restaurant always changes out the glassware on the table to his company's glassware. Very cool. We all started with an amuse bouche of gazpacho. Best gazpacho I've ever had. I then had the french onion soup, house salad with champagne vinaigrette, and a filet mignon with stilton cheese and a port wine demi glace. It was definitely one of the best meals I've had in a long time. They source all of their vegetables locally from Farmer John. Other folks at the table ordered the beef wellington, lamb chops, tuna tartare, and lobster bisque and they said they were all outstanding. Their regular wine list is impressive, and they also have a "secret" wine list with bottles that cost as much as $50,000. What I especially love about this place is although it's a top-notch dining experience, it isn't stuffy and formal. Granted, guys have to wear jackets (inside only) but the service is so warm and friendly not to mention properly paced. I know our check for 6 people was well into 4 digits (we ordered 4 bottles of top shelf wine) but it was so worth it. Incredible experience. I will go back!
(5)
Eric C.
There's nothing I can say that hasn't already been said in praise of this restaurant. Dan S. says it best by calling it "The French Laundry of the Northcoast." It's top-level, chef-driven food made from scratch with very fresh ingredients by the hand of a masterful chef classically trained in French cuisine. And it's all delivered with impeccable service. It's expensive, it's upscale, and you'll need to dress up if you want dine at this place, but it's well worth the price of admission. This is probably one of the best restaurants in the Northern half of Ohio.
(5)
Karoline M.
My husband and I made the 40 minute drive from Medina to Vermillion for an anniversary dinner at Chez Francois...and we were not disappointed! From the hand written anniversary card signed by the staff, to the chocolate mousse with happy anniversary scrolled across the plate in french, our meal was truly an experience! Be prepared to be there for a while...remember it's not just a meal but an entire experience! The cocktails (especially the blueberry martinis) were impeccable, the french onion soup was the best I've ever had, the lobster was to die for, and the deserts were beyond compare! We will definitely be back again and again and again!
(5)
Sophia M.
Food and service were both outstanding! Highly recommend the chocolate dessert (I forget the name) with homemade vanilla ice cream, it is absolutely delicious! I will definitely be back.
(5)
Jen O.
We both had the rack of lamb, medium rare, served with the most divine brown sauce, and a fab salad wrapped in a thin cucumber strip, interspersed with a pea soup reduction with goat cheese foam! It was a divine experience topped off with a fantastic jammy, intense wine reminiscent of Molly Duker, the Boxer. We've never gone wrong here!!
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Formal (Jacket Required) Ambience : Romantic Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes
Lynne B.
Okay, this place is pricey. I mean TRES CHER all the way. Normally I snub my nose at high-priced dining because in my experience it is always overpriced and pretentious for what you get. Believe me, Chez Francois is in a class of it's own. The food is so, so delicious. I don't know who the chef is, but he is a master; you'll see flavor pairings or ingredients on the menu that will sound weird but they are always, always fantastic. I highly recommend eating on the outside terrace and here's why: first, the dress code is a little more casual (nice shorts and golf shirts are fine but keep it classy). Second, you'll have a great view of the river, which is very fun and romantic. It's the same menu inside and outside. Also, if the lobster bisque is on the menu when you go, do NOT pass it up. You will not be sorry.
(5)Dustin N.
The staff was rude and unnecessarily confrontational. Otherwise the food was decent, though I would not pay for the listed prices.
(1)Jessica R.
In all honesty, this is probably the best meal I've had in my whole entire 30 years of life on the planet. This place needs to move to my neighborhood in Manhattan and send me to the poor house. At least I'll know when I go broke it was for a good cause. Here's how the whole orgasmic experience went... Compliments of the Chef: Gazpacho, Avocado Espuma A cold vegetable soup flavored with tomatoes, scallions, avocado, cucumber, green and red peppers and spices, topped with an avocado foam. Now, those who know me, know that I'm an avocado fah-reak. I've never had it in foam form before. It was absolutely divine on top of a flavorful gazpacho that reminded me of a fancy schmancy bloody mary. For my appetizer: Homard Bisque, en Croûte Rich lobster bisque seasoned with garlic, shallots and tarragon topped with puff pastry. It was a hot summer day, around 85 degrees with the humidity. Who would eat soup on a day like that? You would, if you tried this bisque. It had huge chunks of fresh lobster but had a very mild, creamy taste. The best part was probably the puff pastry on top, cooked perfectly. I'm going to have dreams about this. My entree: Suprême de Volaille aux Noisettes et aux Crustacés A roasted French breast of free-range chicken, with cold water shrimp, Maine lobster, a hazelnut sweet potato mousseline cake, sauced with an apple and mushroom Frangelico cream sauce. If I was a dude, I would have jizzed in my pants the minute this was set in front of me. And then again the minute I took the first bite. By the time I was half way done, I would have needed some Viagra. Aside from the perfection of the food, the ambiance is great. Sit outside on the patio overlooking the river and watch the barn swallows fly around the docks. I've never experienced a more peaceful dining setting, even with the old woman having a birthday beside me. Too bad I don't get to Vermilion, OH on a regular basis.
(5)John Q.
My favorite restaurant in Cleveland/North coast. My wife and I go here annually for our anniversary. It is outstanding. Lobster raviolis have homemade pasta of course are excellent. I had the beef Wellington. Perfection, flakey crust with a cooked to perfection filet. Excellent wine selection, try some Chateauneuf du Pape since you are in a French restaurant. Flavortastic! I've been three times and the service has never been less very attentive but not burdensome. The decor is calming to me like a ride on a puffy cloud. A puffy cloud with exposed brick. Go here. If you think it is too far just get in the car, get a limo, ride a horse, just go. You won't regret it.
(5)Glenn S.
When I walked through the door at Chez Francois for my birthday dinner, I brought the highest expectations. I left convinced that a better dining experience cannot be found in the Cleveland area. I had made last minute reservations for the patio - which is pretty amazing itself, right off the river, and allows more casual dress than the coat-mandatory dining room. Upon arriving, however, we were greeted by the attentive and friendly floor manager, who tastefully informed us that he had some squatters on the patio, but he had prepared a table in the dining room should we like it. We proceeded into a gorgeous dining area, and a table with a bouquet and card wishing me a bon anniversaire. Their amazing menu and extensive wine list took a few minutes to digest. My date opted for tuna tartare and the duck breast with sweet potato, goat cheese and a Frangelico & cherry duck glace de viande, all magnifique. My fois gras and veal chop cooked à la perfection with morels and asparagus were both outstanding. Service was impeccable - an exceptionally friendly and knowledgeable waitress provided excellent recommendations and, along with her assistant, made sure we were taken care of the entire evening. Finally, a Cleveland restaurant has gotten everything right! Being stuffed and already sold on Chez Francois at this point (and knowing some champagne and cheeses were waiting at home), we decided to just enjoy an espresso before taking off... foolish of me to think that such a place would let me get out the door on my birthday without some sort of complimentary awesomeness. Out came a bowl of cherries with their homemade ice cream. Simple, tasty, loved it. Then, a neighboring table sent over two glasses of port, worrying they had offended us (they hadn't, but you gotta love a table that is sensitive to how their celebrations might affect other diners). What a meal. We stayed to talk for a while, being the last diners to leave, and Chez got even more points for offering us complimentary coffees for our drive home. I only have a couple more months left in Ohio before I move to Europe, but I will definitely be back to this place. The restaurant presents several special dinner and wine events, and offers a signature dinner for each season - I'm very upset that I'll be out of town for Bastille Day this year, but if you're around, they've got an amazing seven course meal with wine for $90 a person!
(5)Mike H.
Amazing food. Amazing staff.
(5)Heidi T.
One of the best fine dining and special occasion establishments in Ohio, if not the Midwest. Couldn't agree more with the other reviewer, Mary S. A not-to-be-missed experience for those who enjoy good food, elegant ambience, river front dining, attentive and SMART staff, who have culinary knowledge. Oh, yeah, and then there's the food and wine. Stunning. Their prices are high, but worth it, and they're very generous with amuse bouche offerings, before and after dinner. And, they're so generous with special (free) desserts for special occasions, they write things on your plate with chocolate sauce. Decadent and thoughtful. The owners are always there, always mingling, remember you if you're a return customer. This is the best combination of desirable restaurant elements I have seen come together in a long time.
(5)Denise Y.
Probably the best meal i've had in Ohio! Located in Vermillion, i'd definitely drive the hour it takes from the east side to get here. Everything was amazing and delicious and it's definitely a special treat to come here. I ended up getting my meal off the seasonal menu. There is also a regular menu and a prix fixe menu to choose from but I figured whatever was in season would be the best. Started with the house amuse bouche. Appetizers of fois gras and carpaccio were outstanding with snuck in details like morel mushrooms and shaved black truffle. The fois gras came with a tasting of recommended wine paring which was spot on. Entrees were soft shell crab with sea greens and a steak. Both were done amazing and it's nice to see unusual and very seasonal ingredients incorporated in with our meals. Dessert was bananas foster split between two. The waitress took care to talk to us and the dessert plate was customized for our occasion (my birthday!). Again, dessert comes with a taste of the recommended wine paring which made the dessert that much better, not that it needed it. The maitre'd came by the table and checked in on us. And two hours later we left the restaurant with one of the best dining experiences that i've ever had. NOTE: Dining room has a dress code, men must wear a jacket, the patio is more casual and is situated looking over the water.
(5)Bradley P.
This is an extraordinary restaurant sitting in a beautiful location on the lake. I dined once with my family, and once in a larger gathering with my friends. Both experiences were extraordinary. Service was impeccable, food was exquisite, could not ask for more. They were very accommodating, and several people got the 7-course dinner with cheese plate and wine pairings, and they have never been happier. Men are required to wear a jacket! Forget and you'll miss out on one of the best dinners you'll ever have.
(5)Fabian L.
We went to the casual wine-bar touche that is part of chez francois and out on the patio. No dresscode here - which suits us just fine. The fixed price menu is only $26 - small portions, but excellent. Plus, the view alone was worth it.
(5)Kri B.
Just a note, really.... after our wedding in Vermilion, the fella and I came here for our "day after wedding" dinner. That's how highly I regard this place. I recommend the upstairs outdoor seating and whatever they have on the prix fixe menu. It's all great. :-)
(5)Deborah P.
I can't imagine a more romantic, amazing dining experience than Chez Francois on the water on a late summer evening. We have been here several times and are continually amazed at the quality of food and the amazing service. It is truly worth the extra expense.
(5)Jean J.
We hosted a private party at Chez Francois that was, truly, as good as it gets. Chef John D'Amico met with us to plan the menu and was easy to be in touch with throughout the process. The meal he helped us prepare could not have been better! From the gazpacho with avocado espume to the chocolate ganache dessert, it was superb! Leah provided service beyond what we could have expected, even coming up with some birthday candles we'd forgotten to bring! The room was beautifully set and perfect for the size group we had. Matt Mars, co-owner, check to see that every detail was covered as the evening progressed. It was the beginning of a once-in-a-lifetime weekend, and Chez Francois started it for us perfectly!
(5)Jen M.
Simply outstanding. This is the only 5-star restaurant in Ohio. I joined 5 family members for a special dinner. The decor is so cool. It's a converted sail house right on the water. The walls are exposed brick and wood beams. The service is impeccable. We had Shatzi (her nickname from the owner) and she was so knowledgeable, professional, and personable. My aunt and uncle have dined there many times and the owner knows them. My uncle runs a glassware company, and the restaurant always changes out the glassware on the table to his company's glassware. Very cool. We all started with an amuse bouche of gazpacho. Best gazpacho I've ever had. I then had the french onion soup, house salad with champagne vinaigrette, and a filet mignon with stilton cheese and a port wine demi glace. It was definitely one of the best meals I've had in a long time. They source all of their vegetables locally from Farmer John. Other folks at the table ordered the beef wellington, lamb chops, tuna tartare, and lobster bisque and they said they were all outstanding. Their regular wine list is impressive, and they also have a "secret" wine list with bottles that cost as much as $50,000. What I especially love about this place is although it's a top-notch dining experience, it isn't stuffy and formal. Granted, guys have to wear jackets (inside only) but the service is so warm and friendly not to mention properly paced. I know our check for 6 people was well into 4 digits (we ordered 4 bottles of top shelf wine) but it was so worth it. Incredible experience. I will go back!
(5)Eric C.
There's nothing I can say that hasn't already been said in praise of this restaurant. Dan S. says it best by calling it "The French Laundry of the Northcoast." It's top-level, chef-driven food made from scratch with very fresh ingredients by the hand of a masterful chef classically trained in French cuisine. And it's all delivered with impeccable service. It's expensive, it's upscale, and you'll need to dress up if you want dine at this place, but it's well worth the price of admission. This is probably one of the best restaurants in the Northern half of Ohio.
(5)Karoline M.
My husband and I made the 40 minute drive from Medina to Vermillion for an anniversary dinner at Chez Francois...and we were not disappointed! From the hand written anniversary card signed by the staff, to the chocolate mousse with happy anniversary scrolled across the plate in french, our meal was truly an experience! Be prepared to be there for a while...remember it's not just a meal but an entire experience! The cocktails (especially the blueberry martinis) were impeccable, the french onion soup was the best I've ever had, the lobster was to die for, and the deserts were beyond compare! We will definitely be back again and again and again!
(5)Sophia M.
Food and service were both outstanding! Highly recommend the chocolate dessert (I forget the name) with homemade vanilla ice cream, it is absolutely delicious! I will definitely be back.
(5)Jen O.
We both had the rack of lamb, medium rare, served with the most divine brown sauce, and a fab salad wrapped in a thin cucumber strip, interspersed with a pea soup reduction with goat cheese foam! It was a divine experience topped off with a fantastic jammy, intense wine reminiscent of Molly Duker, the Boxer. We've never gone wrong here!!
(5)