Mon Ami Cafe a European and American Cafe Experience — Restaurant in Venice

I’ll begin by saying that I would love for this restaurant to do well. There is a tremendous need for restaurants in the area with quick, healthy options for lunch.

The concept here is a French coffee/sandwich cafe, and Mon Ami is executing on that concept about 50%. If they don’t step it up, I predict in 6 months they will be gone.

Food quality is generally good. I had a reuben sandwich with a meaningful amount of meat, not overdone with kraut and good bread. The soup of the day was enjoyable.

The menu is extremely limited. This is OK if it is executed well, but I don’t see anything here that would say “wow - this is unique,” that would make me crave going here because I just have to eat that one special item. They need some showstoppers on the menu. At the same time, take into account the local business community looking for lunch spots. I would create a sub-category within the menu of affordable lunch items that are quick and filling specifically for this audience.

It’s also expensive. A sandwich with cup of soup and bottle of water set me back nearly $20. This would have to be a splurge meal, not something I could do daily.

There is no alcohol - and a French cafe w/o wine is disappointing to say the least. Maybe this is coming.

The girl working at the front was very polite and friendly. She helped me navigate the menu, and was very sweet when cleaning up the table. A+ on this hire. I did not meet who I assume to be the owner, as he stayed hidden most of the time.

My biggest critique is the atmosphere. It fails to inspire in any way. It’s not bad a bad look and feel, but it’s not good either. It feels like someone went to HomeGoods and picked out some nice tasteful decorations. It doesn’t feel personal. It doesn’t feel authentic.

Furthermore, this restaurant has an overabundance of security cameras. I’ve never seen so many in such a small place, and the screen to see them is right behind the counter. The entire time I sat down, I felt like I was being watched. The absolute opposite of a warm, friendly atmosphere that I would expect to experience at a French Cafe. These need to be scaled back and more hidden.

I would suggest tastefully expanding on the decor. Maybe showcase family pictures from France, or unique artifacts that feel distinctly European and not mass produced. Make me excited about your pastries. Build a beautiful display overflowing with macarons with beautiful gift boxes that I could buy to bring my wife.

PLAY Music. It looks like they are set up for live music in the evenings, which is great. The restaurant was empty today at lunch except for one other table, and it felt depressing to say the least.

There are some good examples of this concept in the area. The owners should spend hours dining in places like C’est La Vie in Sarasota, or Cafe Longet here in Venice. Study how they are executing on their concepts, and bring best practices to your business.

Please, please deliver an experience. Build a personal connection with your customers and get into the restaurant and not stuck behind the counter. That is how you will get consumers to come back and be here for years to come. We want you to succeed. We want what you can offer. You just have to...

So..what can I say.. From our first time visit. Big disappointment. -No gritting. -!No brewed coffee. They pushed me to buy an expensive Americano. The coffee tastes like a mushroom 🍄. Lol

-The coffee Mocco was not sweet at all. They must be short on a Chocolate sauce. Haha. She had to bring the chocolate sauce to my husband. Lol. He was disappointed from the fist sip. Lol You did not see his face. 😂😝

I was waiting for a glass of water for 30 minutes. -She never came, and asked if we needed something. Lol. Why to come,we paid upfront already. I would live any tips for that horrible service. Lol I wanted to ask if they have a spicy sauce, but she never come out from her kitchen. Lol. About food. So. Food was just OK. The presentation was great. But they cut the provolone cheese on half..lol. cut thing slice of provolone cheese on half and put on top of the crapes..hahaha. Crack me up. Hahaha. Eh. What a waist of money and spoiled my...

You must visit Mon Ami Cafe in Venice if for no other reason than to get their delicious Turkey Avocado BLT. It’s typically served on a croissant but I like to get mine on their gluten-free toast. I don’t usually eat bread but this makes me feel like I’m not cheating all that much. The Sandwich comes with just the right amount of nicely dressed salad and a wee collection of the fruit de jour. The whole meal is the perfect sized lunch for most appetites. But if you’re still hungry there is a wide selection of decadent desserts in which to indulge. The atmosphere is bright and inviting. Some small groups meet here for nourishment as well as to chat and perhaps enjoy a card or board game. Check it out. But I encourage you to try my favorite—the Turkey Avocado BLT and while there say hello to Chef/owner Sergey, most recently...