Le Yaca French Restaurant — Restaurant in Williamsburg

Our party had a major issue with the manager on duty the day we went. I know my review might come across as Karen-ish, but we were there for my milestone birthday and I expected a little bit of professionalism.

I will preface this by saying that my husband runs a high end, high capacity restaurant with anywhere from 100-250 employees under him, depending on the time of year. He is not unaware of how to handle large parties and he's been in this business since he was 16.

We made an original reservation for a party of 7 - 5 adults and 2 children under 9 - for my 40th birthday. However, we were surprised by my older sister, her husband and two children - both younger than 6 - as well. We called well ahead of time, and the person we spoke to said they could add them to our reservation, making our party 7 adults and 4 children. There was no mention of changing our menu or being unable to access a "regular" menu. Our original reservation was made weeks ahead of time and the change happened with more than 24 hours notice. We also have a person who is gluten free and low dairy as well as another person who is vegetarian. We mentioned all this when changing our reservation and we were assured that the full menu would be available and that they could accommodate us.

We were brought to our table by the manager and immediately, hastily printed prix fixe menus were handed to us. It was literally a piece of paper, mine already had an oil stain on it. My husband asked where the menu was and the manager told him that our party was too big - once we hit 8 people, we were no longer offered the regular menu. Now, mind you, the children were not offered the same menu as us, but the regular kids menu that is offered online as well. So, in reality, it was 7 adults. I could not find anything on their website saying any of this.

I get it, the kitchen gets overwhelmed with so many different orders coming in at once. We understand that and for the most part, we were ok with it - except there really was no gluten free/low dairy options available for the person who needed those. There was a single vegetarian option available and it included some food the vegetarian person does not like. My husband asked the MOD if he could at least see a regular menu and the MOD declined, telling him that he had his prix fixe menu and that was it! Even after trying to explain that he just wanted to see the regular menu to see what substitutions could be made for gluten free items, the MOD refused him.

That was our last interaction with the manager. He did not check in with us once during the rest of our meal - even for a large party spending over $1000 in his restaurant. Not even when his staff was there to sing happy birthday. Not even as we left, walking right by him.

Our server, however, was the saving grace. I wish I caught her name, but I was so appalled by the angry tone and aggressive manner this manager took with my husband that I missed it! Our server went through each item on the prix fixe menu with the gluten allergy person and vegetarian person to see what would be substituted, what could be added, etc. Eventually, she got the OK for two different meals to be added to the prix fixe so they would be able to enjoy a meal without substituting items that might not otherwise go with it. She made sure the kids were happy with their meals, checked in with us regularly and made sure the drinks were filled. She was truly a professional waitress and my husband even joked about poaching her for his place!

The food was delicious, the atmosphere was alright. Even the actual Frenchman in our party (my brother in law) was impressed by the food and our waitress. The dessert was great and my wine was delicious and served at the perfect temperature.

All that being said, I would not return here, if only because I would not want to encourage that type of behavior to customers. It really did feel like the gluten allergy/low dairy person and the vegetarian person were just thorns in the side door this manager and he did not care if...

After a long day of traveling—seven hours by plane and car—we were excited to wind down with a great meal and try a new spot in town. We were visiting for a trip to Busch Gardens and had read fantastic reviews about this restaurant. The backstory, ambiance, and French cuisine all drew us in.

Before making our reservation, we made sure to check for any dress code policies. I wore shorts and a jacket—nothing inappropriate—and my friend was dressed in an Arsenal kit with jeans and a matching hat. We arrived in high spirits and were seated promptly.

Unfortunately, shortly after being seated, we overheard a rude and unnecessary comment from a guest across the room regarding my friend’s hat. Out of respect, he removed it without issue. However, moments later, the situation escalated when that same individual used a slur directed at me. My friend immediately got up and calmly spoke to the manager, requesting that we be moved to another table.

The staff handled everything with professionalism and compassion. We were promptly relocated across the restaurant and offered complimentary drinks (which we had no expectation of receiving). A manager—who was pregnant, though I didn’t catch her name—personally came to our table, apologized sincerely, and reassured us that the guest responsible for the comment was asked to leave and would no longer be welcome at the establishment. (Blacklisted)

What could’ve been a very uncomfortable evening was handled with care, empathy, and incredible professionalism. The food was outstanding—my duck breast was easily a 20/10, exceeding all expectations. I truly want to thank the entire team for turning a negative moment into a reminder of what exceptional service looks like.

Whenever I’m in town, I’ll go out of my way to return here, and I’ll be recommending this place to everyone I know. Thank you again for your kindness and your commitment to making your restaurant a welcoming...

The most amazing brunch I have EVER had! Have you been to Le Yaca French restaurant in Williamsburg, VA? They offer a three course brunch with 3-5 choices for each stage. It starts with your choice of a brunch cocktail, with pain au chocolat, delicious butter, and fresh French bread. Followed by a choice of a starter, then a choice of an entree, with a choice of dessert to enjoy at the end for $45.

I kept saying "exquisite" as I saw each beautifully plated dish. The food was perfectly cooked and served at just the right temperature. I was beyond impressed and felt so spoiled as I got to enjoy beautiful, fresh cooked, high quality food the way it was meant to be when you take the time to enjoy a meal out.

The service was outstanding. They treated me like a queen. They were so professional yet personable. I had the opportunity to meet the manager and supervisor as well as they took the time to come to my table, introduce themselves, and make sure all was well. All was definitely well. I have never had such a refined experience a part from actually being in France, and even Le Yaca was a superior experience to meals I have enjoyed at restaurants in Paris. Vive Le Yaca !

They also offer a three course meal for lunch as well as dinner. Dinner even has a five course option. I MUST try them. Brunch is offered everyday. There is a lamb meal on Thursdays. There is also a bistro or a la carte option at the bar as well as a happy hour. Good thing I am not closer to Williamsburg or it would be difficult to resist trying EVERYTHING that they offer.

Le Yaca has the well-made food and exceptional service that I dream of when I want a dining experience. The ambience of the restaurant was so beautiful and comfortable. I cannot recommend this place enough.

#leyacawilliamsburg...