Chez Joël
French restaurant · Little Italy ·
Upscale French bistro with frogs' legs, French onion soup, & duck
Upscale French bistro with frogs' legs, French onion soup, & duck
"A French restaurant in Little Italy/University Village, offering classic French mingled with global effects." - Kevin Chau
"Yes, the stereotype of a romantic restaurant is a French bistro, but stereotypes exist for a reason, right? This cozy French bistro is located in Little Italy and is run by a Moroccan-born chef, the eponymous Joël Kazouini. Chez Joel specializes in the cuisine of southern France, though if you must have French onion soup or coq au vin, those are there, too." - Lisa Shames
"One of the cutest French bistros in the city is Chez Joel, which is actually in Little Italy. This restaurant is small, has white tablecloths, fresh roses on the tables, and is full of vintage posters that are cliche but still charming. The food here isn’t groundbreaking, but it's perfect when you’re looking for a great steak au poivre or coq au vin while you gently hold someone’s hand, reassuring them that “of course I don’t regret having kids” after the babysitter texts that one of them just ate a Lego." - adrian kane, veda kilaru, john ringor
"Chez Joël is a tasteful setting beloved by expats recalling their travel stories. Here, walls gleam thanks to a grand chandelier, framed French posters, and ice-blue accents; windows are dressed with velvet; and the courtyard outdoors beckons on warm days. A cozy bar in the back is ideal for sipping, but then get down to business by partaking in this kitchen’s cuisine—classic French mingled with global effects.Begin with such signatures as cuisses de grenouilles à la Provençale—frogs' legs cooked with garlic, spinach and just the right bit of butter. Then linger over a perfect bowl of Gruyère-capped French onion soup. A riff on the rustic coq au vin renders the bird crisp on the outside, juicy inside. Profiteroles or crème brûlée make a divine finale." - Michelin Inspector
"One of the quaintest French bistros in the city is actually in Little Italy. Chez Joel is small, has butcher paper on the tables, and is full of vintage posters that are cliche but still charming. The food here is fantastic—not groundbreaking, but perfect when you’re looking for some steak au poive or coq au vin. Come here for a quiet neighborhood date night, even if you don’t live nearby." - sam faye, adrian kane, john ringor, nick allen
