" Wow For The First Time! "

Value for money		Suitable for...
The food		.. a date
The service		.. business dinner
The decor		.. with friends

We came over last Saturday with group of friends for dinner, though they have 3 floors, with terrace and mini garden we are surprised that this new born restaurant is already packed, we end up seating downstairs at their mini garden.Coq au vin (chicken cooked with wine) is not available but the friendly lady who took care our table, told us that they have a special version of Coq au vin with pumpkin puree for Halloween special hurray! this is really good my mom will love it. we also had the shepherd's pie, and the yummy cod bouillabaisse and a nice juicy bacon and cheese burger. we had the baked escargot for started and the yummy pate, for soft opening i think they are really doing pretty good job and really friendly staff, we also able to meet chef Erick as well, though he is American we do really think that he pulled it well . we will come back for sure specially when the fire place is working. can't wait!

" Maybe Later... "

Value for money		Suitable for...
The food		.. a date
The service		.. business dinner
The decor		.. with friends

Like other user, very frustrating experience. If you think this is same owner as NY one, no it is not, but pretty much copy it.

Not all food on menu available. (so why you open?)Service was very hard to get attention of. And like other user, they did not immediately take off the discount. Had to remind them.

My friends and I think this is pretty expensived for what we ordered. For very so-so food. I would not go back unless I hear good things.

" Needs Work.. "

Value for money		Suitable for...
The food		.. a date
The service		.. business dinner
The decor		.. with friends

So, knowing that it's under soft opening, I may give this place another chance in the future. For now though, it needs a lot of work. The decor was nice and we were the only patrons during lunch on a Saturday. The first thing we were told when given the menus was that there was no chicken or duck available so there goes three of the main course options. But ok, it's the soft opening... we're understanding people. So when we decided on what to order, we were told there were no french fries either. Considering this is a French brasserie... that's kind of a standard for steak frites and other mains. We were really disappointed to say the least. Moving on.. the lobster bisque was just ok and the onion soup was a bit better. We still decided on the steak frites as they replaced the lack of fries with mashed potato. For the price (200rmb - granted, they state it's USDA beef), I thought it was a bit on the small side, but again... tasted average at best. The burger on the other hand was just plain bland. There was absolutely no flavor at all - which makes me wonder how Bistro Burger will be seeing as how it's also by Mr. Vargas. According to smartshanghai, there would be 30% off the food bill until the end of Oct. When we received the bill, it was for the full amount and we had to "remind" them of the deal. At any rate, I'm really hoping for someone to open a REAL Balthazar/Pastis in the future. Not some poor copy.