This is a long one… First obvious context. When I review I consider 3 elements of my experience: atmosphere, service and food. Less obvious, I have worked across the street from Amelie’s for more than 10 yrs, and I LOVE French foods, and honestly, I’m not that hard to please. You’ll have to trust me on this because after reading this review you will doubt me.

Sadly, Amelie’s consistently disappoints me. My biggest gripe is with their ordering, food collection process - it’s confusing and customers end up asking each other questions (“where are the napkins?” You’ll find them across the wide open space far from the cutlery) because the staff seems oblivious to the general confusion and doesn’t set or manage expectations. A few years ago they did a process and space remodel, but alas, it’s still confusing.

Nonetheless, the food used to lure me in despite this frustration with process and staff’s oblivion. But even that has become ‘meh’- not the pasties mind you they are amazing— Sometimes heated halfway through, sometimes flavors fall short.

Fortunately for me and my French-food-obsession there are multiple French restaurants in and around CLT. One that excels where Amelie’s flops, is Chez Marie Patisserie in South Park. They also have amazing pastries, and win on service, attitude and food as well. Plus it’s a darling little space to sit and enjoy life. I don’t work there, I don’t know anyone who works there, I’m just a fan of their sunny spot.