Bistrot des Artistes — Restaurant in Baie-Saint-Paul

A truly terrible service experience. We were advised there would be a table in 10 minutes and to stay close - we waited directly in front. Another French couple arrived and were given the prime window/terrace seat, even though they indicated to the hostess that we had arrived first, and clearly had no reservation. The hostess said she had another table for us, which we assumed would be either on the front terrace (one empty 4 person) or the back terrrace. We were seated in the middle of the restaurant in the aisle. We received no service for at least 15 min. In that time, the other couple were delivered wine, and their order of dinner. We finally had a server arrive, and he asked for our order - we ordered the moules and he said, unfortunately we are out. But I will go doublecheck. He didn't offer us wine even while we waited. He didn't come back. Another two tables were seated ( in the front and rear terrace) and delivered wine. We are very patient and respectful diners, and certainly understand the challenges of low staffing in this day and age. But this was very, very poor service and made us feel discriminated as primarily English speaking patrons, although we were trying our best in French. We left without...

In my opinion, it was a complete disaster. I had ordered mushroom soup which wasn’t mushrooms flavored at all. Instead, it tastes like tomato sauce, the kind you put on the bottom of the pizza. The price for it was completely worthless. I almost forgot to tell about that raw mushroom slice which was put in there for no apparent reason (just meaby to make it worse or whatever)! Additionally, I ordered a coffee - it was good but hard to be disappointed in. FUN FACT: When we had arrived in the city my friend and I weren’t so hungry that we decided to share the pizza, but we were asked to pay CAD$3 per plate. “Because many tourists do like this” - that was the answer for the question “why”. I have never exeperience such a situation.

Apart from it, the place is warm and nice the same as...

A great dining experience made great because of the staff. Mia was extremely good, clearly answering questions about the menu, checking in often without being in our face, and quick to pick up and refill our water. The food was a flavourful terroir of local meats and cheeses. The "Tataki de Boeuf" was cooked rare, and served cold with a wonderful Waffu (meaning “Japanese-style”) sauce; it was delicious. With the accompanying "Planche du Terroir" it was a decent serving for 2 people. For dessert, the "Tartuffo Glacé citron" was a great finish. Drink-wise, we really enjoyed the "Spritz des Artistes" but the surprise was the tomato-based martini (see photo) made from a local brewer's tomato-based alcohol; a bit strong, but a must-try, I think. Overall, a great...