Izzy Z.
Yelp
Ok people, settle down. Seems like everyone kept telling me this is the most amazing French restaurant in the world, and having grown up on the stuff, I can officially declare: "Its good, but not thaaaaaatttt amazing"
1. The menu
La di da, its got quiche, different baguettes (think those long french bread sandwitches), tarte, salads, a handful of deserts, and then menthe a l'eau which is the only place in Vienna I've seen that on the menu. But its not the most crazily exciting menu I've ever seen, more casual French food.
2. The environment
At least three times I have been taken here as a "treat", but this is the first time we finally waited in the line (there is always a line, and we waited at least 30 minutes). Feels more like a long cave, where they put one long table (but typical Austrian, people do not interact next to the people they are sitting by while I was there), and then a bunch of individual tables. Its also perhaps the only restaurant I have been to thus far in Vienna where numerous people come by themselves to eat; cool.
3. The service:
Hey, this could get 5 stars. Speak French, good recommendations (I hate waiters that say "well everything is good" or "well I don't know what you like"). Lady convinced us to switch from grappa to Calvados when we spoke with her, and it was a fantastic one, so A+, nice personal touch, good conversation (short, but sweet). We also sat there for 3.5 hours, catching up, and with the line were never pushed to move or leave. Now that's French restaurant service, love it.
4. Bathroom:
Out the restaurant, across the hall. One toilet for the ladies (not sure how many of the guys), never a line while I was there, has a bright pinkish orange colour wall and low light that makes me think of homage to the red light district, but I think it was a faux pas and they thought "ah well, good enough". Clean. I loved that they had in French and German a sign basically very politely saying that they do maintain it, but if you are unhappy, please let them know. Service. I like it.
5. The prices
Look. Quiche at over 8 euros. Croque-Monsieur at over 6 Euros. If you are a French person, you know exactly what I'm trying to say. Do not forget your wallet. Don't expect to drink under 3 Euros, including hot chocolate (in a real bowl) at around 4 euros. oooookkkkkaaaay.....
6. The food:
Sure, it was good, fresh, I like figs and kiwi with my very generous cheese salad. The wine was ok. The Calvados was amazing. I was super full after.
Overall:
well ok. If someone else is inviting, go. Don't let them convince you that its the most magical place in the world before though and that might make the expectation more realistic. Also, a good indication that perhaps a second such French restaurant could do quite well in Vienna. Also, MAKE A RESERVATION!!!! (if you can)