Nestled in a charming corner of the city, "Bistro Le Pierre" offers an authentic taste of French cuisine that transports diners straight to the heart of Paris. From its welcoming ambiance to its impeccable service, this bistro provides an unforgettable dining experience. While the menu is filled with delightful options, it is the Steak Frites that truly steals the show, making this bistro a must-visit for food enthusiasts and casual diners alike.
Upon entering "Bistro Le Pierre," guests are greeted by a cozy, yet sophisticated atmosphere that perfectly captures the essence of a traditional French bistro. The interior exudes warmth and elegance, with soft lighting, rustic wooden tables, and subtle French decor that makes every meal feel like a special occasion. The staff are attentive and friendly, offering personalized service that ensures every guest feels well taken care of from start to finish.
But it’s the food that truly elevates the experience at "Bistro Le Pierre." The restaurant's Steak Frites is nothing short of exceptional. A dish that is often the hallmark of any great French bistro, "Bistro Le Pierre"’s version is a true masterpiece. The steak is expertly prepared, cooked to the perfect level of doneness—whether you prefer it rare, medium, or well-done—and seasoned just right, allowing the natural flavors of the meat to shine through.
The highlight of this dish is undoubtedly the quality of the steak itself. Sourced from top-quality cuts, the meat is tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. Each bite is a melt-in-your-mouth experience, with the richness of the beef balanced perfectly by the subtle seasoning. The accompaniments—a generous portion of golden, crispy frites—are equally outstanding. These fries are crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and seasoned with just the right amount of salt, making them the perfect partner for the savory steak.
What makes the Steak Frites at "Bistro Le Pierre" truly special is the attention to detail in every component of the dish. From the perfectly cooked steak to the mouthwatering frites, every element is crafted with care and skill. The dish is typically served with a sauce of your choice—whether it’s a creamy béarnaise or a rich peppercorn sauce—that complements the steak without overshadowing its natural flavor. The balance of textures and tastes makes each bite a delightful experience, leaving you craving more.
In addition to the Steak Frites, the menu at "Bistro Le Pierre" offers a variety of other classic French dishes, all prepared with the same level of care and passion. Whether you're in the mood for a delicate foie gras appetizer, a fresh seafood dish, or a rich dessert like crème brûlée, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The wine list is also thoughtfully curated, with a selection of French wines that pair perfectly with the dishes on offer.
In conclusion, "Bistro Le Pierre" is a gem of a restaurant that brings the best of French dining to your table. Its warm, inviting atmosphere and excellent service create the perfect setting for an unforgettable meal. The Steak Frites, however, is the true standout dish—a perfectly executed, mouthwatering masterpiece that will leave you longing for your next visit. Whether you're a lover of French cuisine or simply in search of a great meal, "Bistro Le Pierre" is sure to deliver an exceptional dining...
Read moreThis review focuses mainly on the service, secondly on the food.
This is the second time I visited this restaurant.
On both occasions the host was not friendly - and these were two different hosts. I don't think management is effectively picking the right people.
One of the servers was friendlier than the host, a black girl who smiled while serving me the water, she made me feel welcome, so that earns the place a positive point due to her lovely demeanor.
The host did not smile, and interrupted me on a couple of occasions when I was talking to her. When she came over to ask "is everything ok" shortly after my meal was served, I barely moved my lips to reply when she cut me off with "good" and turned her back abruptly without barely making eye contact.
At the end when I was ready to pay, she repeated the question and I told her the main course (pork medallions) was great, but the harricot verts (french green beans) were very overcooked - and before I could finish my sentence, she cut me off saying "I'll tell the chef". I was going to point out how I left 80% of the green beans dish on the plate and did not want to be charged, but I never had a chance. She brought me the bill with a discretionary service charge which I made sure to ask her to remove.
I cook green beans at home and know how they should be cooked. They should not turn brown and mushy, and that is what I was served today, so that was really disappointing because I feel that more often than not I make a better meal at home than what I get from restaurants - I am a very good, confident home cook who buys fresh, quality ingredients and know how to prep them.
My total for this visit was just over £20 without the discretionary service charge, and I feel that while the pork medallions were worth the price due to the lovely, well-balanced sauce, the side of green beans left me hungry and I had to top up at home to not feel hungry, so I did not want to be charged for a side dish I barely touched.
When I sat down and started looking at the menu, I mentioned how I was watching my calories and wanted a recommendation, the host said "sorry I don't know the menu, I'm new". Well, she should take some time to review the menu then? If she's new and doesn't know how to host, how to listen, and how to process feedback that she receives why would she leave a discretionary charge. That charge is only ever warranted when the staff has been helpful, but on this occasion I feel I could have cooked the same quality or better at home for far less money (except for maybe the sauce which I'm sure took more time to prep than I'd be willing to spend on a Sunday afternoon).
In conclusion, due to the hosts inexperience and lack of good manners + the overcooking of simple green beans (a basic that any chef should get right) this establishment earns an overrall 3/5 stars from me.
Positive point: they asked me about allergies, and when the food was served I was again asked about allergies and met with a reassuring nod (I disclosed...
Read moreWe went to the restaurant last night 17/04, and honestly, it was just a disappointing experience from start to finish. Despite there only being four tables seated when we arrived, it took about five minutes before anyone even acknowledged us. When we were finally shown to our table, the atmosphere was awkward—pop music was blaring, which didn’t suit the setting at all.
When our starters arrived, the waiter accidentally dropped the mayonnaise, and my partner had to catch it awkwardly. The server said she’d get us a wipe, but took an unnecessarily long time, despite napkins being in a drawer right behind her. To top it off, she didn’t even bother bringing a fresh pot of mayonnaise.
Partway through, our server changed, and not one staff member checked in to ask how the food was or if we needed anything else. Bear in mind, there were only five tables in total at this point—hardly a busy night. Still, the service felt chaotic and inattentive.
Our mains arrived. My risotto was okay—nothing special—but my partner ordered the steak frites, which is traditionally medium-rare. Instead, it was completely over well-done, overcooked, dry, and chewy. I tried a bite myself and could barely get it down. Again, no one came to ask how the meal was, and the staff were frantically rushing around as if the place was packed, even though everyone seated was calm and quiet. I can’t imagine how they’d handle a full house.
We finished off by sharing a crème brûlée, which was another letdown. It tasted like low-quality, school-dinner-style custard—definitely one of the worst crème brûlées I’ve ever had. We couldn’t even bring ourselves to finish it, and we were sharing.
As someone from Eastbourne who genuinely enjoys visiting Bistrot Pierre there, I was really disappointed with the Leicester location. The food, service, and overall vibe were just poor. Sadly, it kind of lived up to the low expectations I’ve come to associate...
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