Cafe Santé — Restaurant in Boyne City

Memorial Day 2020- I have to update this review. We went to this restaurant today. We were going to eat lunch here. Typically one of our favorite places to go when we are in Boyne City. In fact, we just ate at another one of their restaurants yesterday in Elk Rapids. We asked at the host stand if we could bring our dog and sit in the patio as we have done on previous visits. The person said yes. I let my husband know and he parked our vehicle and I went inside to the table and ordered our drinks.

The drinks came, my husband came up to the patio gate we were told to go to. I was not able to open it because it was locked. I went inside to let our server know. She then sent what appeared to be a manager over to unlock the gate. Instead, he told us very rudely that we can’t have the dog on the patio. The rules changed. Now, I can understand where this may have happened. Obviously the people at the host stand were not aware either.

Whoever this manager was today was extremely rude to both of us! My husband walked away and said he’s not eating here. He acted like we were doing something wrong. We asked about bringing the dog in before we even came in the restaurant. I don’t blame the people at the host stand, they probably didn’t know. The manager clearly needs to read the employee manual on customer service!! We would have understood the patio policy change if there even was one. There was no need to be so rude and act like we were doing something wrong! Not sure if we’ll be back. I’m pretty surprised because we always have had good service here and at this restaurant groups other restaurants. Too bad.

Previous review - My husband and I love this restaurant. We stop in every time we visit Boyne City. Love the Steak and Frites! Great French Onion soup too. Very impressed with the ambiance and menu choices. Can’t wait to come back...

Wow, this is the experience ive been waiting for in northern michigan.

My fiance and I had a lovely time from the moment we walked into the door. We had cocktails, and a three course dinner. We started with the classic ceaser salad, and a fun twist on the classic French onion soup, which was with a duck juu instead of the beef juu. To say it was amazing is an understatement. We slowly moved onto our entrees, my fiance had the shrimp Alfredo, the sauce was smooth, creamy and delicious, the fettecini was made in house and delectable, the shrimp cooked to absolute perfection. I had the spaghetti and meatballs. I am a professional Italian chef so I can say with certainty it is the best tomatoes sauce i have had to date. The meatballs were cooked amazingly, the flavor to die for, the spaghetti noodles were the dreamboat for the entire dish. We unfortunately had to leave under our own accord due to personal reasons so we had our desert made to go. Once I was home I was fortunate enough to try the Beignet, and I can say without a doubt I will die a happy man. This, small pastry, about the size of a baseball, dense, and yeasty, I have never had an experience so wonderful than eating this pastry.

Again, I am a chef, I make pastry and desserts professionally and this delicious ball of love. I can only describe it as the look that a mother gives there new born child, the first time they've met after giving birth. The love that a mother feels for their child is how this made me feel after eating.

I cannot believe I have lived in Northern michigan my entire life and I have never had such an amazing time at a restaurant. Thank you Christian for the wonderful experience, to the chefs who cooked for us, and the bartender for mixing our cocktail. I will 100% be...

An adorable waterfront Café that serves European Cuisine. A bit of French, a bit of Italian, and a whole lot of Delicious. The place gets packed around 5pm so make a reservation or come a bit early.

Waiters are fantastic, personable ready to offer clarification or recommendations for whatever you need. Even if they aren't your specific waiter, as they go by they will grab plates that need to be removed. All without interrupting their service to their tables.

Food is heavenly. The Butternut Squash Bisque is creamy and has that delicious delicate sweetness of the butternut mixed with a great blend of spices and just a bit of extra creme. And the Duck French Onion Soup... chefs kiss Nice chunks of fresh made French bread with a generous portion of Gruyère, fantastic.

Our entrées were stunning with perhaps the best Bolognese I have had and my husband declared that his was the best Chicken Marsala he has ever tasted. Emphatically. Apparently, it has now been added as a contender for "Last Meal" if he should ever be on death row. (Lol)

Dessert was a Classic Tiramisu that was a fantastic balance of well soaked lady fingers and a cream that was beyond perfect in it's fluffiness and delicate flavor. Obviously topped with great quality cocoa powder.

There is a Happy Hour with decent choices as well and a drink menu that can cater to even the most picky of pallets (it's mine, I have the picky pallet). First time trying Cava, and it was an interesting profile of fruit, slight bitter middle notes and mellow after tones, with a bit of sparkle, but definitely not a fizzy drink.

We are only here for a few days, but we will...