Bistro Vatel

Doesn't Recommend

pascalbo

Joined 3 years ago

Not anymore French!. Last week, I was invited by friends at Bistro Vatel. The "Foie Gras" was not pressed enough and because of it had a grainy consistency,and also, it was not denerved enough. After living 30 years in France, it was the first time ever I was served a sole meniere with the skin!!! The sauce was too liquid. At the price of $38 per serving, I will expect the half lemon to be inclosed in a cheese cloth, so I don't have to rescue the seeds in my dish. The service was nice. As a guest, I was embarassed to have recommend the restaurant.

Pascal Boissonnet

P.O. Box 23086

San Antonio, TX 78223

Doesn't Recommend

jldtecmag

Joined 5 years ago

Overpriced and not French (close to degueulasse!). The first time I went there was wonderful and I had an excellent cassoulet. I went there three more times and it was OK, but each time the "french asect" was slowly disappearing. Last time, September 2, 2010, was a disaster. The service was perfect as was the wine list. But the menu: what a catatastrophy: we finally settled for the "signature dish", the sole meuniere. It was not skinned, only one side was floured (look at a real recipe), the sauce was underpar and the half-cooked vegetables will have delighted my pet rabbit. The price (which the waiter did not tell us - I should have asked) was $38/person. What a rip off. The fois gras was at $30, So what's new in New York...

I will never go back !

John Delayre

5408 Valerie

Bellaire, TX 77401

Recommends

olivia99

Joined 6 years ago

C'est Bon!. One of my favourite restaurants in San Antonio and far superiour to other, more "renowned" French restaurants, this little jewel of a restaurant shines on in my eyes! This is a bistro to linger over several courses with good friends, good wine and lively conversation. My faves here are the Coq au Vin (truly, truly sublime!) and the appetizer of Mussels steeped in white wine and cream. Magnifique!!

Recommends

dinneranyone

Joined 7 years ago

Fois Gras they way it should be.. What a great find in the city of san antonio. A couple friends and I went there one evening on a whim to try some great french cuisine. We were not dissapointed. For starters a trio of Fois Gras, heavenly!!! Food was perfect and the staff was great, our waitress was the perfect fit for the restaurant. All in all, one of the best dining experiences I've had in San Antonio.

Recommends

stevepowell1020

Joined 7 years ago

Wonderful food.. The restaurant is a small, out-of-the-way place but the food is truely world class. Parking is about the only problem.

Recommends

nomikui

Joined 7 years ago

Paris in San Antonio - Stupéfier!. The $34 Prix Fixe could easily be the best deal that I've experienced in the last few years! I'll bet anything that in a blind test, no one would guess that this is San Antonio, Texas...simply amazing.

While in town, we also tried the other two restaurants run by french chef Damien Watel, Ciao Lavanderia and La Frite, both, equally impressive.

Our waitress, "curly hair with glasses" was extremely nice and professional.

-------

PS:

Went for the second time in 4 days...had the pleasure of meeting Chef Damien Watel, who probably will become a "anyone knows him" type of super-chef in the near future...service is always important: "curly hair with glasses" , Nancy, makes everything taste even better, with her enthusiasm and professionalism!

Our group (some form New York, some from Japan), left the restaurant with BIG smiles....!

Recommends

sonkneeboy

Joined 7 years ago

Oh so French without having to travel. We have always enjoyed this little restaurant from it's very beginning but this summer we were in Paris again and comming back to Vatel's reminded me of that same sort of experience without the snooty Parisian waiters. The food is interesting and often unusual. The Prix Fixe menu offers new dishes so that I don't wear out the menu.

Recommends

houdini2k

Joined 7 years ago

Great experience. I rather enjoyed the meal and overall experience at Bistro Vatel. Our waiter was very kind and had several recommendations that helped to make our night an even better experience. The house chardonnay was very impressive and the Dover Sole is also great!

Recommends

rockvega

Joined 7 years ago

Quite pleased!!. This Bistro is a place that's filled with regulars, everyone looks on a friendly basis with people working there, and now we know why. Good prices, great food and friendly service all add up to just that, "return business". The night we were there the place looked full and we were seated next to Tony Parker & Eva Longoria. My wife was thrilled and even though we don't live close by, we're already talking about a return visit. We recommend this spot to the well traveled. My wife & I travel to Europe every summer and this quaint Bistro is perfect for "in between visits". Sweetbreads vol au vent and foie gras were great starters. Dover Sole, seared scallops & fruit gratin all so "French & "Delicate". Highly recommended!!

Recommends

mrmusic

Joined 8 years ago

A Disappointment. I decided to try Bistro Vatel on a Friday evening early and was seated promptly. The "special" was Dover Sole Mueniere, a dish that I remember fondly from lunches at now long gone Chez Ardid. There the waiter would bring the whole fish fresh and crisp to the table and remove the bones intact, leaving you with the most delectable meal. None of that happened at Bistro Vatel. It was brought already plated and drenched with sauce and had soggy crust and was overcooked. And it cost almost $30. Dessert was an almond-pear tart that had been resting awhile and was quite dry. A double espresso was $7. Accompanying vegetables were good though.