Chez Colette's French Bistro — Restaurant in Belleair Bluffs

Edited to reply to the owner:

I respected your business hours and left when we were told to do so without a comment, or a debate. Nowhere in my review did I express any dismay regarding the business hours, whatsoever. I thanked the wait staff every time they came over to the table (including when we finished the meal). I thanked you and wished you a good night on my way out. We also left a 20% tip (I tipped for the quality of service, not the quality of the food). Trying to imply that we were rude customers is simply not true. Our plates were empty because when you have been out for 10 hours (mostly walking) on an empty stomach, you'd almost eat anything that is being given to you. Bringing my silverware and glasses is my own business and I do that at every single restaurant I go to. Given the level of cleanliness of the toilets, I am so thankful I did. There was no point saying anything at the time of the meal because - given the level of the aggressiveness of your tone in your comment below - it would have probably turned into an argument, so I guess I was wise to have let it slide that night (knowing it was my birthday). I do not understand why you cannot accept an honest review, like any other place of business? (I highlighted both the good and the bad, based on my OWN SUBJECTIVE VIEW). You have other great reviews. Why did mine trigger you so much? As for the Suzette, I did NOT try it. I clearly mentioned that I was conveying what my husband said about the dish. That was HIS opinion, not mine. Again, it's an "opinion", which means it is subjective. We are both in agreement regarding the positive note: I am glad I will NEVER be back for another episode of this "rude cuisine" saga.

Pros: friendly+prompt+quick+efficient service, cozy + authentic French atmosphere, incredible wine selection + wine service (champagne was chilled and served in a proper bucket with ice), hospitality and accommodation (my table was decorated for my birthday and they still took us in as we were late), dessert (butter cake + mousse chocolate were amazing), parmesan french fries were crunchy and delicious.

Cons: foie Gras (served chilled, not the way it should be, even when served as a terrine/pate, the fat was in lumps and chuncks on the edges, which is something I have never seen before in my life). The potato sardalaise was very soggy (it is generally cooked in fat, yet it normally should have a bit of firmness to it). The duck confit felt "oily", instead of "fatty" (which is a different kind of grease that can make or break a dish. In this case, sadly, it didn't it only break it, it shattered it, along with my heart). The center of the duck leg was juicy and cooked well, however, the meat was overcooked and dry around the edges, which made it chewy and a bit stringy. The onion soup was OK, but nothing to write home about [yet the overall experience is worthy of a "Dear John" letter for sure]. As for his dessert, my husband said that the flavor of the alcohol in his crepe suzette was too strong.

That brings me to the presentation: where do I begin? When you dine at a restaurant, you expect a certain level of wow. Chez Colette's plates looked like an unfinished "oil" painting (literally. Too. Much. Oil.). No garnish, no sauce lines artistically dripped on the plate, or drizzled on the food. No color variation. Nothing. It's a sad piece of meat, a sorry-a** portion of a side (unless you order the French fries, but then again, I didn't come to a French restaurant to eat fries [fun fact: French fries are not actually a French dish, historically or factually speaking]). Their plates look like adult life choices: numbered, bare and painfully lack creativity.

The toilet was filthy (not rust spots). No paper hand towels in the ladies' room.

We only didn't leave coz we had no backup plan, we had been out all day and hadn't eaten in over 10 hours, and it was too late in the evening.

The bill was $360 (champagne bottle, 3 main courses, 3 desserts, 2...

Chez Colette is a charming little French bistro in Belleair Bluffs, run by a delightful husband-and-wife team. He’s the talented chef working magic in the kitchen, while she keeps everything humming along with a warm smile.

We met friends for dinner and started with a charcuterie board packed with cool options, including a couple of new-to-us items we really enjoyed. For starters, I dove into the French onion soup—rich, cozy, and just perfect. My friend couldn’t get enough of her fresh arugula salad, and the escargot was a total hit, with every bite bursting with flavor.

For mains, I had the wild-caught shrimp risotto, which was super creamy and delicious. My husband’s beef bourguignon was hearty and packed with rich flavor. Our friends went for the duck leg confit, which she raved about, and the special—a 16-ounce Delmonico steak (really a ribeye) cooked to absolute perfection.

Dessert was a real treat! We shared the decadent chocolate mousse and an espresso over vanilla ice cream with salted caramel drizzle—both were out of this world. I noticed a few people enjoying the filet mignon, and it’s definitely on my list for next time.

Chez Colette’s cozy vibe means you’ll want to book a table ahead of time. It’s totally worth the drive to Bel Air Bluffs for a meal that feels like a warm hug...

Wow...what a surprising night. Elderly neighbor (on oxygen) taking us there as birthday treat. She mixed up reservations. So we were not on the list. We were the only ones there. Had to hear a lecture from owner and "Tabitha" about reservations...etc. So just tell us you want us to stay or we will find something down the road? They seated us UNHAPPILY. Only 11 diners were there the entire evening. Service was slow and I mean slow. Got there at 6pm left at 845pm. Slow. Aside from that service was awful, Tabitha acted like she might have had a nervous disorder as she would land and rush off. No welcome no communication...drop off and flee. Certainly didn't feel like we were treated like a place whose meals are $40 and up. Bread was not European bread...from Publix's at best! I would even go as far to say Rude service.( in blue jeans no less) Bill for three was $200. No special presentation...my chicken could have been a can of cream of chicken soup with a can of mushrooms with one small gold potatoe.

Our friend who is oxygen needed to take her time...was disregarded as an inconvenience.

Should have gone down the road to Gulf Bistro...bon appite.

Been there, done it, won't...