This little delight of a restaurant opened just over a year ago just a stone’s throw from brunch favourite, County General. Owned by Nice-born Jean-Pierre Boué and Nadia Moalic, Lafayette Bistro offers a delicious petite menu with classic French fare such as boeuf bourguinion, foie gras and several selections of fish. This is a place to go if you’re looking for something a little bit quieter than your typical Queen West restaurant.
Lentil salad
At my first visit to the restaurant, I started with the lentil salad and shallots salad. Made with a little bit of olive oil and balsamic vinegar, the stronger taste of the lentils and shallots was perfectly balanced with the small side of greens. For the main, I had the lamb shanks. Accompanied with rice pilaf and some vegetables, the meat was very-well flavoured, but would have been better if it were less tough – it was pretty difficult to cut at certain points. However, I would not recommend against ordering this. For dessert, I had the pommes tatin – cooked apples with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s a very good size for someone who isn’t looking for something that’s too rich. The two flambées they have on the menu are also highly recommended.
Lamb shanks
The atmosphere at the restaurant, like many other places in the area, has a strong rustic vibe, but unlike these places, feels distinctly more country and cozy than industrial – it’s almost as if it’s a getaway from the crazy city life. Decorated with vintage movie posters as well as ones The dim lighting during the dinner hour only adds to it.
Pommes tatin
Lafayette Bistro is located on 942 Queen Street West, just west of Shaw. They are open Tuesdays to Saturdays for lunch and dinner. For reservations, please call 647-351-0803. Dinner is served between 6:30 and 9:30.
