Latour — Restaurant in Ridgewood

UPDATE - 6/14/25 The United States is Earth’s melting pot. European settlers, like the English, Italian, French, Dutch, and Swedish (the list goes on…), have been immigrating to America since the country’s conception. Along with them, they have brought bits and pieces of their native country’s culture, particularly gastronomically.

French-themed restaurants are not new. French cuisine values the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients, such as fruits, vegetables, herbs, and locally sourced products. They are renowned for their culinary techniques, including sautéing, braising, roasting, and poaching. Meals are often enjoyed slowly and in smaller portions.

Located in the heart of Ridgewood, this favorite local BYOB establishment has been run by the chef-owner for 25+ years and brings French cuisine to the next level. For some of us, this is a return visit after 2 years. A reservation was easily made for a party of 4 for dinner tonight via OpenTable.

Upon arrival at our table, my partner, our friends, and I were greeted by the chef/owner, Michael Latour. Inside, this cozy, inviting, and casual vibe transported us to Paris. Various art pieces and designs were spread throughout two dining rooms.

The menu is a culinary journey through flavors and textures. As an appetizer, we opted for the Scallops Rockefeller, Lump Crabmeat Strudel, and Roasted Beet Salad. Our main course featured Apricot-Glazed Duck Breast, Garlic and Mustard-Crusted Lamb Noisette, and Mac and Cheese with Lump Crabmeat Gratinée. Complimentary warm rolls with butter started our meal.

Every dish was more impressive than the last. The sauces were perfection. Everything was tastefully delicious, well seasoned, and authentic. The price was comparable to the area. The staff was friendly and attentive; our server was Nancy. Michael, the chef, remains amazing as he goes by every table checking on his clients, old and new, to bring the personal touch.

From the ambiance to the cuisine and the service, every aspect was executed with excellence, which we continue...

Latour is a fantastic boutique type restaurant tucked into the center of Ridgewood. The food is magnifique [chef's kiss]! We were there for a Prix Fixe dinner ($55+ tax/gratuity) & everything was delicious, beautiful & perfect. The pictures show what I ordered: the crab strudel in lobster sauce, as a Appetizer, Caesar salad, lamb entré, & crème brûlêe with tea for dessert.

The ambience is just French enough to be charming, but not obnoxiously ostentatious. And forget what you've heard about snooty, rude French waiters & restaurants. The staff was attentive, polite & even funny.

I highly recommend Latour & can't wait to go back!

Edit 10/6/24: Sadly the standards have plummeted for this place. I went with a large group, & we had a price fix menu. We had our own wine, and it was served freely before the first course came, and it was a long time. I had to stop drinking because I felt lightheaded as there was no food, only 1 roll. The crab dish that finally arrived was pleasant, but salty. The next course was a salad which was wilted arugula & melon. Nothing great.

For the main meal, I'd ordered salmon, but it was inedible because it was so fishy. I asked for the branzino & while I got it in a timely manner, it was also inedible because of too much salt!! I love this fish, and make it all the time at home. It's hard to ruin but the chefs at Latour did that, sadly.

The dessert was delicious créme brulee, but the tea was cold.

I left still hungry & very disappointed. I don't know why the food was so bad but at the prices we paid, it should've been spectacular like the 2 years prior.

I don't think I'll go next year. I am sad about that & the decline of food quality at...

Latour is a small and cozy French restaurant in Ridgewood. The prices are pretty reasonable, and the portions are a nice size. They start you with bread which really isn’t anything special. I found that part to be disappointing as French restaurants usually have a few different types to choose from. One good one I love at French restaurants is a raisin biscuit. We started off with 3 different appetizers a lump crabmeat strudel, lamb Osso Buco tortellini, and a seafood crepe. When they were served two were only lukewarm and one was hot. I like everything to be served hot. The seafood crepe was by far the best one as it was stuffed with a generous amount of seafood. The lump crabmeat strudel was very good, and the Osso bucco tortellini was just fair. I wouldn’t order that one again. For entrees we had the lamb chop special and filet of beef Wellington Napoleon. The lamb chop special was EXCELLENT! It was perfectly seasoned, and they gave a generous serving. It was the best dish of the night, and I highly recommend ordering it. The filet of beef Wellington was very good. For desserts we had the chocolate ganache mousse cake and hazelnut pear crumb tart. Both were DELICIOUS! I’m a chocolate lover so I thought the chocolate ganache tart was the best one out the two. The chocolate cake was so fresh and moist, and the mousse had a perfect consistency. The hazelnut pear crumb tart was very good and even the vanilla ice cream it was topped with was so good! Our waitress was great, and we look forward to coming back. I recommend dining at Latour...