A Charming Night Out at Le Cochon We had a truly wonderful evening at Le Cochon Wine Bar and Bistro in Geneva, IL — a gem of a spot that delivered charm, flavor, and hospitality from start to finish.
🌿 Atmosphere It was one of the first warm nights of the year, and their outdoor patio was absolutely the place to be. Beautifully set up and surrounded by an inviting ambiance, the patio added so much to our experience.
🍷 Wine Selection Le Cochon boasts a fantastic wine list, and we were especially pleased with our selections:
2020 Jean Marc Barthez Bordeaux Rouge – rich and balanced
2023 Nicolas Reau Cabernet Franc – fresh and expressive
2020 Chamfort Rasteau – bold with depth Each was well curated and paired nicely with our meal.
🍽️ Food & Courses Starter: Fromage and Charcuterie Board Absolutely excellent — the variety was top-tier. Our favorite cheese was the sheep’s milk, creamy and distinct, and the pistachio pâté stood out among the meats. A perfect beginning.
Salad: Pear and Beet Salad This was light and refreshing, with a nice blend of textures. The only minor note was that the beets were a bit heavy on the vinegar, but the dish overall was still very enjoyable.
Small Plate: Brochette Skewers The sauce was delicious, though the meat’s cook and tenderness were just okay. The only real downside was the small portion size, which left us wanting a bit more.
Main Course: Beef Bourguignon A standout dish. While they were out of the mashed potatoes, the substitute potato side was excellent. The short rib was incredibly tender, and the rich sauce brought everything together beautifully.
Dessert: Crème Brûlée Save room for dessert! This was absolutely superb — not overly sweet, with a perfectly balanced custard and a crisp top. We’ll come back just for this dessert!
🙌 Service A special shoutout to our server Michael D, who was a total pro. Despite managing a hectic evening with many tables outside, he remained attentive, friendly, and composed. His professionalism truly enhanced the night.
Thank you, Le Cochon, for a memorable evening! We’ll definitely be back — and bringing...
Read moreI am writing to follow up on my dinner reservation at Le Cochon bistro and wine bar on May 17 at 6:45 pm. While I appreciate the excellent food and beautiful plate presentation, several aspects of our experience fell short of expectations, leaving us with an overall feeling of disappointment.
Upon arrival, we were informed our table wasn't ready and directed to the bar. This was understandable, however, after waiting only five minutes, a member of your wait staff approached us, clearly unaware of the hostess’s instructions. This initial confusion set a concerning tone for the evening, suggesting a possible breakdown in communication amongst your team.
Further detracting from the atmosphere, I observed that some waitstaff’s appearance, including visible piercings and tattoos, seemed incongruous with the sophisticated ambiance Le Cochon cultivates. While this is a matter of personal preference, it contributed to a less refined overall feel.
Our server, Mei L, unfortunately, presented additional challenges. Her mumbled speech made communication difficult, and her body language – which I perceived as fidgeting and unusual posture – added to a sense of discomfort and unprofessionalism.
Beyond the service issues, the restaurant's layout and acoustics significantly contributed to a very noisy and crowded atmosphere. The seating was cramped, and unfortunately, the bench seat we occupied was unclean and required us to clean it ourselves before sitting down. This lack of attention to detail in housekeeping is unacceptable for a venue of Le Cochon's apparent caliber.
While we thoroughly enjoyed the quality and presentation of the food, these significant service and environmental issues significantly impacted our dining experience. I hope this detailed feedback will be useful in addressing these concerns and improving the overall guest experience...
Read moreAbsolutely phenomenal addition to the Geneva restaurant scene. Everything was PERFECT - the service, ambiance, cocktails, and food.
First, the service. Our server Mike was awesome! He talked us through the menu and offered numerous suggestions and recommendations, and he was clearly passionate about the restaurant and quality of the food. He explained that everything is homemade, and the meat is sourced locally. He was very knowledgeable about the menu and fun to talk to!
Second, the food. To start, my mom and I each had a cocktail - spicy margarita for her and amaretto sour for me - and shared the escargot and roasted cauliflower. Everything was excellent! If you enjoy escargot, I cannot recommend it enough.
For our entrees, my mom had the pork belly and I had the beef bourguignon. Both came highly recommended by our server who told us they are so tender, they can be cut with a spoon. He wasn't wrong! Both were melt-in-your-mouth good. I also felt the prices were fair for the quality of the ingredients and portion size. For dessert, we shared the creme brulee, which was also to die for.
My mom and I both agreed that Le Cochon will be on our rotation of restaurants we regularly visit. We hope that the hours are expanded to include weekend lunch! Overall, I cannot recommend Le...
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