Angélique French Café — Restaurant in Halifax

Review: Do Not Eat Here if You Want Quality Parisian Food

I had high hopes for this bakery, which always looked lovely and busy when I drove by. The decor is beautiful—light, airy, and tempting food displays. However, there was a glaring issue: it didn’t smell like a Parisian bakery at all; there was no scent of fresh baking. That should have been a sign to leave.

Having visited Paris, I was eager for a taste of authentic Parisian cuisine, but I was sorely disappointed. I question whether the owner has ever been to Paris. The person who “made” (reheated) my food clearly hasn't, either. If I showed the sad excuse for a Croque Monsieur I received to a real Parisian chef, they would be outraged.

A proper Croque Monsieur should be made with thick slices of fresh French bread, lots of Gruyère cheese, high-quality ham, and a homemade béchamel sauce, topped with more cheese and baked to perfection. Instead, my husband and I received two pieces of thin, soggy white sandwich bread with cheap deli ham and a dreadful excuse for béchamel. It was cold, soggy, and revolting. At over $12 each, we had no choice but to throw them away since the restaurant didn’t list a phone number to voice our concerns.

The pastries were equally disappointing. I paid over $9 for a small lemon meringue pie that had little filling and a hard, thick crust that was impossible to cut with a spoon. The chocolate croissant, which I hoped would redeem the experience, was lackluster at best—overly doughy with low-quality, waxy chocolate.

In total, the meal cost nearly $60 and left me very unhappy. The baked meringues they were selling were a dull brown color instead of the shiny white they should be, and when I inquired, I was told they were overcooked and merely included them in my order for free. That’s shameful! A real Parisian would never sell such subpar items.

It’s clear the owner and chef have no regard for food quality or customer satisfaction. It makes me question who “Angelique” is and if she’s even French. If she is, it’s likely she’s more Angela than Angelique and perhaps visited Paris once. The lack of authenticity and quality suggests they are simply trying to profit from unsuspecting customers.

In conclusion, if you want genuine Parisian food, do not eat here! There’s no phone number listed for customer complaints, and the cold food from our five-minute drive home further proved it was inedible. Save your money and avoid this establishment...

Tried here for breakfast at 9am on a gorgeous October Saturday. Parking on Beech St wasn't an issue. Noticed a rear ground-level patio with some picnic tables with umbrellas, as well as small two-seater tables along the side of the cafe. These look perfect for a date or anyone who just prefers some privacy/not on top of other customers. Green turf adds a cute & clean feel. When you walk in, there are lovely window seats to your immediate right. I think there are five or six window seats in total, and not teensy/flimsy chairs or stools, but deep, bowled chairs that allow an ideal eating posture (something I find lacking at many places where you are slumped over a table, generally uncomfortable, etc). So great off the bat for that. Overall, a lovely Parisian atmosphere, without being over the top. You order at the counter and they bring your order to you. Friendly service. I tried the Galette Francaise, which was delicious. Quite a good size, cooked to perfection, with mixed greens on the side (unexpected). The ham, cheese & egg were excellent proportions. My simple iced latte in a mason jar was a good match. I will definitely be back to try more menu items and perhaps sit in the rear section to see what that's like (up a few steps, away from windows, looked like a few standard tables). ...

The atmosphere is great, and the menu is huge for a small coffee shop. HOWEVER, the food is average for what it costs. My husband and I ordered coffee, a lemon pie, and a mille feuille (then I repeated that the mille feuille was to go). The mille feuille was taking too long, so I got in line again. It was never ordered! The waiters seemed lost or in training (which I respect, but that's one more reason to pay attention to the order). The food tasted ok, but not special...nothing that would justify going back. I really like how cozy this coffee shop is, but I'd rather visit somewhere else where the food is amazing (Lara Café or Pavia Café are great options!) My suggestion to the owner is: less is more. You should reduce the menu to something that is not overwhelming to the kitchen staff, so they...