La Buvette Wine & Grocery — Restaurant in Omaha

Our meal was pretty nice. I had ordered the meat and cheese platter which I enjoyed most of it. It is to be expected however that I did not enjoy all of it since it is a selection from staff. That was not the issue. I had also ordered a glass of wine to compliment the platter but I noticed a hair on the rim of the glass and a bug floating on top, it appeared to be a small nat. When I informed the waitress asking for a fresh glass I was informed that a new glass purchase would have to be made and they would not change out the current one. I reluctantly agreed to a new glass. The new glass of wine tasted fine. No further problems about my wine. During the course of our visit, I had seen the waitress a total of three times. The first to take our order, the second to receive our food and drinks and lastly to present us with the check. I had attempted to flag her down roughly 4 additional times but was met with silence. I am unsure if she truly did not see me or if she was trying to ignore me. She looked in my direction a few time so I am not positive it was a mistake. When I had paid for the meal I purposely left the tip field blank as I was not satisfied with our service. The food was okay but the wait staff was not to my liking. She was standoffish and rude to us before, during and after our meal. As my wife and I were collecting our things to leave, the cashier stopped me from leaving and attempted to berate us very loudly in front of the other customers about the gratuity. I explained that I was not happy with the service so I would not be leaving a tip. She told me that tip was expected and we could not fully pay for our meal without it. We argued about tipping for a few minutes (and she was using a lot of profanity) but ended up giving her a $5 just so I could leave. Very unhappy with the situation and felt it was incredibly unprofessional. We will not be returning. Is was the worst experience I have had in...

My favorite Omaha restaurant.

I lived in Omaha for almost 25 years, and after all that time, La Buvette stands above all as my favorite restaurant. Even now that I've moved out of state, this is the one place I absolutely must visit whenever I'm in Omaha.

The most charming, old European decor hits you at the patio and continues into every nook and cranny inside. Hundreds of bottles of wine and spirits line the walls. The old, round table and squeaky chairs complete the experience. Even the hallway downstairs to the water closets is charming and quirky.

Yes, the service can be slow, but I believe that is somewhat intentional as it encourages the diner to slow down and actually enjoy the experience. However, as slow as it is, the service is also extraordinarily warm and kind and complete. The La Buvette experience is not designed to be rushed but enjoyed and savored. Do not come with the anticipation of a fast meal.

The food is so amazing. Many, many visits have expanded my concept of the world. I explain the menu as relaxed French, country food. Wonderfully prepared small plates, salads, decadent soups, and main courses fill the menu. Most times I go, our table is filled with plates and bowls, crammed all over the table, and we all share the food. Everyone trying each and every dish with exclamations of delight over each delicious new flavor and texture.

Last night was no exception as my group of friends (new and long time) met together and laughed and ate and drank for three hours. We celebrated my visit, told stories, and spent time remembering our dear friend Marea, who passed away this past year. Marea loved this place so much, I know she was watching over us last night.

La Buvette, I hope you never change. I'll be back in Omaha sometime soon (I hope) and I know I'll be back to enjoy the...

So. Picture this, I have heard nothing but good things about this restaurant from friends and family. It is my birthday and my wife wants to celebrate with some fancy French food. IM GAME FOR IT. We have just indulged in fine art, now we would like to do the same with fine dining. The current temperature is 33 degrees Fahrenheit, 0.556 Celsius. We walk in, request a table for four people. The "waitress" informs us the only table for us is by the front door, which they have decided to remain open. Feeling cold and disheartened by this I ask the "waitress" why the door is open in this weather? She replies "uH bEcAusE THeRe'S a pAnDEmIC." We sat astonished by her elevated level of attitude. We looked at each other wondering which day it was. The current day was Thursday, we had no idea it was Tudes-day. She then continues to say that the door must remain open to create "cIRcUlAtIOn". My only thought was to never be in an airplane with this woman. Feeling belittled, cold, distraught and hungry we decided it was in our best interest to leave. Surprisingly there was another fancy French restaurant right up the street! Le Bouillon. We were sat with incredible fervor by the polite waiter. Feeling warm in the business' working HVAC system circulating warm fresh corona free air, we ordered the most incrediblé French cuisine. The polite waiter congratulated me on being birthed and we drank champagne with delight. All I can say is I will never in good conscious go to la buvette after feeling belittled by a "waitress" warmed by her ability to power trip and turn paying mask wearing customers away. LONGUE VIE LE BOUILLON. MORT RAPIDE LA...