Bistro Le Cep

We used to go to Bistro Le Cep when it was in it's hay day, but no more. The last time I went, prior to this time was about 2 years ago when they served me old fish, that tasted like ammonia. I sent it back and the waiter came back agreeing that the fish was old and offering a new entree. Of course, that was not possible given that my table mates were finishing their meals, and I no longer had an appetite. This time we went on a Tuesday night and I ordered a meal I had enjoyed before, the shrimp with white beans, fried onions and ""beafsteak"" tomatoes. Shrimp were overcooked and tough,, beans bland, tomatoes, well, it's December. So no tomato is good in December!! The menu does not change, ever. No matter the season. (from December 2011; edited Jan 2013) more

This was my first time to try Bistro Le Cep. There were three of us dining and we all enjoyed the experience. The maitre d' could have been a little friendlier on our arrival, but he seemed to have warned up as he was nicer on our departure. We stood and talked to him for several moments. The food was delicious and Mr. Mannke came out to greet the customers. That was a nice touch. It was worth the drive from Cypress. I hope to return with my family soon. more

On monday the 20th my wife and I celebrated 30yrs of marriage. I made reservations late but the staff was gracious and fit us in. Our table was decorated beautifully and in a great location. The escargo here is simply the best in Houston. Along with the home made breads it was a great start. My wife had the crab cakes and I has the salmon grilled. Both dishes were exceptional along with the exceptional service. It was such a warm and pleasant place that it reminded me of my home in Louisiana. The sides which included grilled veggies and green beans were cooked to perfection making the whole meal outstanding. The desert was complimentary and at our request we had one of there home make peach tarts with a scoup of ice cream. The taste was savory and excellent. We had the house coffee which was great. Altogether it was a memorable evening. It could not have been any better. We have been a fan for many years and it never ceases to amaze me how consistantly fine the food and service continues to be. When the owner is around he makes his rounds and checks on how you are enjoying yourself and to see if everything is satisfactory. The staff really went out of there way to provide a special evening for us. We have never been disappointed. It is always a treat to see whats cooking at this fine place. more

We ate at the Bistro for the first time today, and I can tell you it won't be the last!! The food was so delicious I can't quit thinking about it! It is located in a part of town that , to me, isn't very appealing. It's near my Husband's office, so we decided to give it a try. Once you walk in the door you have entered a different world. The place was packed, and every one was busy, busy, busy. The wood floors, the French Country decor, the white table cloths with place settings in place..SO charming! I had the Quiche Loraine which came with a side salad. The quiche was nothing short of mouth watering, and the house dressing that was on the greens was delicious!! The server's and our waiter did a great job, even though they were so busy. They must be used to it:) I can't wait until our next visit! more

Bisto Le Cep is a charming restaurant giving the patron the feeling they are dining in Europe. Le Cep has wonderful ambience, great food, wine, and a waitstaff that is always ready to meet ones needs. It is a place where everybody knows you name. So cosy it reminds me of ""Cheers"". Once you've tried this restaurant, I promise you will keep Bistro le Cep on your places to dine list. more

This place is stuck in a time machine. Another post said it's like it's stuck in a time macine, and that is so true. more

Incroyable! Magnifique! Without question the best meal I have had since I moved to Texas 2 years ago. And being an ex-chef I am extra picky. Here you will find the sort of meal so richly delicious that you feel a little drunk afterward, even if you haven't touched a drop of alcohol. I mean that literally. If you have never been here you are doing yourself a disservice. This is not fussy French food, nor nouvelle cuisine in impossible arrangements on huge plates...what I call silly food...so tiny you have to get a burger afterward...oh no...THIS is the real thing. I had the Chicken with Wild Mushrooms (I won't attempt the french spelling) and my wife had the Wild Boar with Plum Sauce. My first bite made my eyes roll up in my head. It was that good. Succulent, moist but with a crispness to the outside that few places seem to be able to accomplish. My tablemate moaned when she tasted the boar. I rather expected it to be somewhere in the pork family flavorwise but it was really more of a beef flavor profile. In fact both dishes were so delicious that we kept grabbing bites off each other's plates throughout the meal. My mouth is watering just writing this. For dessert they brought a sort of chocolate mousse pie (maybe it was french silk) with a candle in it, free of charge. The plate drizzled with raspberry and if I'm not mistaken, passionfruit sauces (maybe mango) no matter, the chocolate is the important thing...creamy, decadently smooth and thick in texture...I can only describe it as a choco-gasm. The wife had her heart set on Creme Brulee so we ordered that as well. Without a doubt the creamiest and most decadent I have had, in a word - superb. And to make it even better, this isn't one of those a la carte places like certain other high end restaurants in Houston where you have to pay $10 for a potato. In fact according to my research, BISTRO LE CEP IS ON AVERAGE $10 CHEAPER PER MENU ITEM THAN HOUSTON'S OTHER FINE DINING ESTABLISHMENTS, ACROSS THE BOARD I was searching for a special spot for my anniversary and after a great deal of research I found Bistro Le Cep right down the street from my home. Quaint, warm ambiance and unlike most places in Houston the acoustics are fabulous so you don't have to listen to the conversation of every other diner in the place. We arrived to find we had been given a corner table scattered with confetti and streamers in honor of our anniversary and best of all, not a single member of the staff, including the owner who came to our table to give his best wishes, did so much as blink an eye at the discovery that the anniversary couple was two women. We were treated with the utmost respect. Service was impeccable, with delicious fresh bread brought to the table at intervals throughout the meal, very attentive without being obtrusive or obsequious. Cute boys with French accents too...if that's your thing. We have already decided that we will be regulars at Bistro Le Cep and have told pretty much everyone we know that they HAVE to try it. You should too. According to clippings and awards posted around the restaurant Chef Mannke has been working in fine dining establishments all over the world since the '60s. It shows...believe me...it shows. I only have one issue with the place...nothing major really just a question...Why is the cow out front anatomically correct? more

My husband took me here for Valentine's Day this year. It was the best French meal I have had in years. The wait staff are very friendly and efficient and the food - I'm nearly in tears just thinking about it. Pros: The food and service are excellent Cons: Interior not great for wheelchairs more

This place is different from the normal hustle and bustle of Houstons eateries. Slightly Mountian sophiticated decor, wonderfull menu, reasonable wine prices, excellent service and the Chef walks around talking to guests. Pros: French Alp's decor, lovely menu and polite waiters Cons: small parking lot more

I took my boyfriend here a few weeks back. He heard me raving about this place for years but we never got the opporunity to go, so I was very excited to take him here. Pros: Very accomadating more

This restaurant has it all. The service was prompt, friendly, and helpful. The ambience was quaint and intimate. The food was unique, well-presented, and tasty, with a variety of choices for nearly every dining palate. Best of all, the price was reasonable. I strongly recommend it, especially on Sunday evening when a three course meal is a good bargain. more

I freakin' love this place. I really cannot recall receiving this caliber of friendly service...ever. All servers were exceptionally helpful...and always smiling. The food is phenomenal. We had the pate de canard, the steak poivre, and the french onion soup. That, with a glass of wine each .Everything was ok here.I would recommend to anyone who want to tasty dinner. Pros: food,service Cons: crowded more

Chef Mannke has been pleasing West Side palates since there were Apaches roaming the neighborhood. Truly we keep going back because of the warmth of the venue and staff; excellent/consistent food, and the extraordinary value. Pros: Chef Mannke oversees the service Cons: A little crowded more

The first time I ate at BLC in 2002, I wasn?t too sure about the place, I was expecting something different, and something was missing. After a couple visits I realized what was different. No fast talking server trying to sell you the left-over?s, no one rushing you to turn the table, a staff that really CARED about you being there, a menu designed to satisfy customers not the press, a man who had a passion for food and people who wasn't just there for the cash register and profits. WOW, could it be true??? Pros: Food, Service, Personal Touch Cons: Crowded, make reservations more

Bistro Le Cep has become one of our favorite places to eat. The service is always excellent and of course, the food is wonderful. I highly recommend this restaurant especially when they have one of their special 3 course meals for one price per person. Can't be beat. Go there, you'll not regret it! Pros: The chef always comes around to check on his patrons - very nice touch! Cons: Can't think of any! more

I started eating there with my daughter in 2001. She loves escargot, and I liked the light and airy atmosphere. The food is good, the wine selection is good and not overpriced, and the wait staff is attentive. I have been eating there for 7 years and the the same staff has been there most of the time, and they are experts at making you feel comfortable. The owner, Joe, is a supurb chef, and the menu is always fresh. We had been eating at Bistro Le Cep for a year or more when I proposed to my honey there. I think it was her favorite before, but we have our own special table there now, and we all always anxious to go back. Don't fill up, since the desert is bound to please you. Pros: Light airy atmosphere Cons: can't think of any more

Before I starsted going to Bistro le Cep, I thought you really had to go inside the loop to get really marvelous food. That is simply not true. Bistro is wonderful - has fabulous food, a lot of variety on the menu and simiply great service. Reservations are honored promptly and special celebrations are recognized with lovely table decorations provided if you tell them it is a birthday or anniversary when you make your reservation. The prices are very reasonable and a real bargain for what you get. Try an evening here and you will return. Pros: Best deal every Sunday night when they have their three course dinner for the entree price. more

Awsome service: personal, discreet and classy. The best menu, the most extended and traditional dessert menu, the best of everything. Thanks Chef Joe Manke and your staff for providing my favorite place for lunch or diner with work buddies, and to impress friends. THe best for the buck indeed more

I have eaten there so many times I've lost track. ALWAYS start with the escargot!! The best I've had since I was in France. I've never had to wait for a table when Iv'e had reservations. A couple times we went on the spur of the moment without reservations and still were seated promptly. I've never had bad service. The oner/chef has always come by at least once to make sure we were happy. All around us were tables of people who were obviously regulars as the staff knew them by name. I saw large parties, couples and families all being treated like they were the only people in the place. Pros: everything Cons: nothing more

If eating didn't result in getting fat, I would eat here everyday. The prices are ridiculously cheap for a top notch like French cuisine. Pros: Great food, great price, great place Cons: Don't come here in gym clothes... more