Gulf Bistro — Restaurant in Madeira Beach

From a very unassuming store front along Gulf Blvd. in Madeira Beach, you'll find a wonderfully cozy, romantic, French restaurant. The decor and ambiance are comfortable and friendly. We were cheerfully met at the door and led to our table.

We decided to get the 'Tabled' Hote' which, for an additional $13, you get a choice of appetizer and dessert. For appetizers, we selected the Lobster Bisque and the Escargot en Cocote which was in a delicious butter and garlic sauce. Luckily, the hot crusty bread was amply provided during the course of the meal and thank goodness! You need bread to sop up every last drop of goodness on each plate. The escargot was some of the best I have ever had, period!

For entrées, we ordered the La Soup du Chef 'Bouillabaisse Way' and the Medallions de Boeuf. The bouillabaisse was lush with large shrimp, Grouper, clams, scallops and mussels. The seafood was ample and perfectly cooked. I had asked that the filet medallions be cooked rare and I had asked for the Sauce Béarnaise on top. What a dish! It was the best piece of steak I've had in YEARS! The accompanying green beans, corn casserole and au gratin potatoes were fine, as well.

For desserts, we opted for the Berry Coulis Crepe a la mode and the Orange Marmalade Crepe a la mode. Both were deceivingly rich and filling. They were both delicious!

Be aware that they do not serve iced tea but they have other beverages and very fine house wines. You can bring in your own bottle as well, with a nominal corkage fee. This was our first visit to the Gulf Bistro and it will not be our last. They do not take American Express but they do take other credit cards. There are not many tables so reservations are necessary but not required. They were packed the night we were there. The family that runs the restaurant is cheerful, helpful and...

A little French bistro, minimal seating, reservation necessary. The two staff members were very conscientious, asking repeatedly if we were content with each course. My wife had the lamb shank, which she loved and my pork dish was one of the best I've ever had.

That said, why only three stars? My only complaint - albeit quite annoying - is that we told them it was our anniversary, we wanted a quiet table, we booked a reservation early, but they sat us at a small booth. Not too bad until a couple arrives and they sit them next to us. Tables so close you could hear their every word and they ours. NOTE: There were at least six other booths where they could've been seated. At 6:30, when we arrived, there were maybe six people in the entire restaurant.

It's your anniversary, you want to talk about past experiences, your romantic beginnings, personal things...but not last night, not here. We had to whisper, almost descending into pantomime.

If you visit this restaurant, pick one of the tables in the much quieter back area. Especially if it's for a romantic occasion. Or, take a crash course in...

Have been there twice in the last two months. First to see if the liver (which I like when prepared well is really that good) - and it was. The second time with my wife and another couple - and again outstanding. We travel a lot (within and out of the country) and the mood, size and environment was great and allowed for a quality evening. The first time I was there the house wine was French (and good) - the second time it was California (both times Cabernet) and our waitress did not go through the ceremony of the first time. There is an art to preparing and delivering and the Chef's wife is particularly good at it. I actually "liked" the French "edge" that our waitress had the second time - personal call. Ordered liver prepared differently the second time and also excellent. Would recommend doing the full course and not ordering the same thing as anybody else in your party. Keeps the Chef busy . . . and he came out and met us. The restaurant was not busy and was an overall quality evening. Almost don't want to write a review because more people will find out about this...