This is a must - and often restaurant for us. No place in Houston has nicer or more competent staff. Food is very good. Wine list is good and prices are very reasonable. We celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and other important days here. read more

The food was great. The servers were very friendly and very knowledge of the menu. Very clean and nice atmosphere. They have a great selection for deserts. I will def be coming back. read more

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We celebrated my Mother-in-Law's 80th birthday at Bistro Le Cep. We arranged a private gathering for 20 in the quaint back room. The luncheon was phenomenal in every way. The special menu, wine selection and room were perfect for our family to gather and honor Mom. Everyone enjoyed the charming feel of the restaurant and the delicious cuisine. The staff at Le Cep provided impeccable service. They provided the perfect amount of attention to our needs and allowed us to enjoy our intimate gathering with family. I would highly recommend this restaurant, you will not be disappointed. Laurie from Austin, TX read more

I was truly disappointed in the Thansgiving meal . The staff was quite accommodating and grateful but the food was not of my liking. The butternut squash soup was not thickened and flavorful as when Joe Mannke owned the restaurant. I thought the salad lacked any pizzazz and the dressing tasted like something out of a bottle. The turkey that was served had what looked to be a regurgitated gravy dressing over the top. Very, very unappealing and the tiny bits mixed in, we were told, were diced-sized pieces of turkey. In hindsight, I should have taken a photo but didn't. God how I yearn for the Joe Mannke inspired turkey gravy from years past. The bread was good, though, and the dessert as well. One interior note that my spouse saw was the ceiling tile in the place needs to be changed -- dreadfully dirty. read more

I only said 4 stars because I want to see how much more they can deliver. It was sooo good. The server de was great. Looking forward to becoming a regular read more

How is it that I've been living in Houston my whole life and now I'm just trying this place out? The entire food experience was very delightful, just the right touch of everything. We got the mussels, escargot, crab cakes, sea bass, creme brûlée and some sort of a pear dessert. All the dishes complimented each other. On Sundays and Mondays they have a $32 special per person for one appetizer, one entree and a dessert! On regular days, the entrees itself is already close to $30. I will definitely be back. read more

I took my son (17-years old) for Restaurant Weeks. He really wanted to try Escargot and I saw that it was on their HRW menu. We received 4 pieces of bread total. Two pieces of French bread and two pieces of a raisin bread. The bread was served with a slab of cold butter. My son had the Escargot, Wild Boar with Plum Sauce and Crème Brulee. I had the salad, Chicken Piccata and Crème Brulee. My son said the Escargot was good, but he doesn't have anything to compare it to. He liked the Wild Boar also. My salad was, meh. Nothing special. The Chicken Piccata was ok. There was hardly any sauce on it. Mostly a thin, breaded chicken breasts with a lot of capers. The green beans were very good - crisp, tender, just like I like. I was not impressed with the Crème Brulee. I have had much better. The crème part was so thick and there wasn't much of a burned brulee crust. Glad we tried during Restaurant Weeks. Service was good. Somewhat attentive (though they got our order wrong). I probably won't return. read more

Went for restaurant week for lunch - very good menu. Bread is really good: french and raisin. Got the crab salad, sirloin filet, and strawberry tart. Also came with mash potatoes which were prepared fresh and piping hot. read more

The outside decor was a little uninspiring, but the food and service were excellent. We had a large group, but were seated promptly at a reserved table in the back. I had the potato- crusted baked fillet of Alaskan salmon and enjoyed it tremendously. The person next to me who had the Duck L'Orange said it tasted as good as it looked. The only downside was that this clearly is a place that is not accustomed to loud groups, and other tables seemed a bit taken aback that we had a table of 20+ people having a good time. All in all, great food means I give it a good review. read more

Bistro Le Cep - The duck looked so good - French Near Me - Houston, Texas

Ambiance was quaint. Food was only good. Unfortunately, duck was dry! Steak was bland need seasonings! Appetizer scallop was mushy . Was there with a large party so maybe that's why food quality was not as I would expect. My 1st visit here so not sure if I want to drive over 1hr to give it a 2nd try. Hmmm.. service was also sloppy. Maybe next time? read more

One of our family favorites - a great choice for classic French cuisine - this is not a "nouveau cuisine" kind of joint, they stick to the classics and do them well. My favorites are the escargot, the french onion soup (which is awesome) and their entrecote steaks. Always friendly service and the food is consistently delicious. If looking for very traditional French cooking in a pleasant bistro atmosphere, look no further. Nice wine list with a lot of variety and reasonably priced choices also. read more

Love this place! Staff is very friendly and attentive. I recommend the wild boar and dessert is a must. Cappuccino and dark chocolate mousse is phenomenal. Will be back soon read more

Good food. Service was acceptable. Seating was too crowded. Parking ok. Overall it's worth trying but the items weren't exceptional and the experience is ok. read more

A very decent French bistro. Has a quiet and peaceful ambience with a French atmosphere. It is a hidden treasure in the middle of Westheimer! I entered this place with great curiosity as this is next to a UPS store. Until, I got a taste of my food and discovered this place has the best pasta. I crowned my dinner with the perfect creme burlee... Our waiter Haver was very helpful in explaining the menu and providing recommendations.I can't wait to come back with my friends again. read more

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Cozy, quaint atmosphere. The sea bass is delicious. The portion sizes are perfect. Dessert and port is recommended. And, the staff is accommodating, kind and attentive. This is a dinner favorite!! read more

I love French food... but got disappointed with Bistro Le Cep. We were a big group. Rabbit was so so, not juicy. Duck Orange: HALF a duck!!! it looks like they were more about quantity than quality! French food is supposed to be small portion but yummy, not the opposite. omg, the cod was terrible, so smelly. DO NOT EAT the COD! Salmon was quite dry. :( disappointing. read more

Usually too lazy to rate or post about new restaurant, but this place is the exception. Three words is all you need, absolutely fantastic food! The duck and lamb were exquisite, tender, juicy, flavorful and masterfully cooked. Service was excellent and on point. The misses loved the creme brûlée! It's a very nice and cozy little romantic restaurant, definitely recommend if you're looking for authentic French cuisine! read more

The service was absolutely impeccable! My water glass always stayed fill which can be an issue when dining in Houston. My sauteed shrimp were delicious and I have never had tomatoes cooked so well! The menu had a very favorable variety, however for my gluten free/vegetarian/vegans friends there were very slim options for you. The atmosphere was very romantic and it had an excellent vibe for date night where you dress to impress. 10/10 will recommend to all my Houstonians! read more

"A line has to be drawn somewhere between what is essential and what is peripheral." -- Sargent Shriver (1972 Vice-Presidential Candidate) I wish Sargent would have a little chat with the owners of Bistro Le Cep on this matter. You see, this lovely little country French restaurant is bursting with potential and does so many things right but loses focus when it comes to the essential: the main entrée. My wife and I dined there for the first time this past weekend because she had been given a $50 gift certificate. When we entered, I smiled at the delightful quaintness of the place. Throughout the meal, our waiter was attentive, helpful but never looming. Their wine list is excellent. It better be, considering the fact that "Le Cep" is a French term for the trunk of a grape vine. What I particularly like about the wine list is its affordability. The pretentious price tags that accompany many restaurants' lists weren't present here at all. They have an excellent selection in the $20-30 range. We enjoyed a bold French Syrah for $26.50. I'll continue my ringing endorsement of Bistro Le Cep's peripherals: They offered a gratis appetizer of pâté de foie gras served with toast that really hit the spot. Their fresh bread selection was very tasty. I ordered their Moules aux Fines Herbes (mussels in a wine and garlic broth for $7.50) as an hors d'oeuvre. It was light, fresh and invigorating. I could hardly wait for the main course (which I'll discuss shortly). On the other end of the meal, their dessert cheese platter (I chose three cheeses for $7.50) was magnificent. I could come here for wine and cheese alone. Note: they offer a wine and cheese sampling from 4-6 PM Monday through Friday for $12/person that I may need to attend. Their lack of attention to the main course is what pulls this review down to three stars. My wife ordered their pan roasted catch of the day ($22.50) which was flounder that evening. When I noticed that she wasn't eating it enthusiastically, I asked for a bite and realized why. The kitchen had floundered badly in its preparation. It was over-cooked and dry and sucked all the moisture from your mouth instead of tantalizing your tastebuds to be wellsprings of their own. I fared better with my canard à l'orange ($21.50). The menu stated I'd be served half of a roasted duck along with lentils and red cabbage. What I received were two leg quarters. Mixed with the lentils and cabbage, the taste was drool inducing, but what happened to the breast meat? I simply had to work too hard with my knife and fork and, ultimately, my fingers to strip the meat from the bone. Perhaps this was the "country" version of this classic recipe. It needed to be a bit more civilized. Without the gift certificate, the meal for two, including the well-deserved generous tip for the good waiter, would have cost me $110. I would not have been a happy camper if I'd actaully had to pay that much. I am drawing a line in the sand: if Bistro Le Cep can't improve on their main courses, they'll be relegated in my book to a five star wine and cheese bar and a two star eatery. N.B. As we were finishing our dinner, we saw friends of ours arrive. This couple was eating at Bistro Le Cep for the first time too. We ran into them on Sunday morning and asked whether they had enjoyed their meal and they told us they were disappointed. One of them had ordered a salmon dish that they described as tasting as if it had been microwaved because of the overly-hot center. They left after the main course and had dessert at another French bistro on the west side. I hope that Bistro Le Cep had just lost focus for the evening and this isn't indicative of an ongoing tendency to pay homage to peripherals at the expense of essentials. read more

IF Your notion of bistro fare was formed by a recent trip to Paris guidebook in hand...specially the Restaurants of Paris guide book...and you loved it...then this place is for you -you will love it. The setting is cozy. If you have spent alot of time in Paris and have learned to go to the packed -no English spoken here holes in the wall, this place isn't for you. You will find it mediocre at best bistrot fare and over priced at that. The half hearted German sides ore pitiful, but if you are pining for some rabbit in mustard sauce and don't have the heart to take out Fluffy go ahead and go. read more

After months of cruising by this place I decided to give it a try. I was expecting authentic French cuisine it to my surprise it was the Biggest let down ever. My wife and I ordered the pate plate, escargot and daily special of baked redfish. The pate plate was a joke. I could've gotten better quality pate at a whole food store and cheaper!!! And the escargot was soo chewy. It tasted frozen and the butter was way too salty. The redfish was ok at best. The side sauce of lemon and butter on the plate killed it. It was whipped together like cream sauce. Anyways, big let down. I rather go to la madeleine than this place. Now that's sad.... read more

Lovely casual atmosphere at a reasonable cost. There is no unexpected surprise when you pay your bill with the "prix fixe" menu. A wonderful variety of genuine French food. Great place for family occasions and meals. read more

A phenomenal authentic French cuisine restaurant. I love the vichyssoise! Family owned, very kind staff I wish I lived closer so I could enjoy it more! read more

I might have come here on an off day, but there was a strong pungent odor (pee!) coming from the kitchen area. My mom smelled it too! We told our waiter, but he couldn't smell it. We got use to it after a few minutes. We ordered the $25 meal from the pre-fixe menu. 1. beef and vegetable soup was disappointing. couldn't finish it. 2. salad was boring. couldn't finish it. 3. duck was ok. it had a gamey after-taste. salmon was really good. cooked perfectly. 4. the tiramisu was delightful. it was soft and light, creamy, spongy, and not too sweet. service was awesome. price was about right. less than half the tables were taken. read more

Unbelievable my wife 6 months pregnant came with me because she had cravings for French food. She was wearing a baby due soon tank top and was told we would not be allowed to enter. This was 5 pm on a Sunday and we were the first customers. Oliver who works their asked me and my pregnant wife to leave because she was dressed in comfortable maternity clothes and that they didn't like my shirt. They offered no alternative. I calmly said if you don't want to invite us in to eat I will write a bad review - so here is the bad review. We immediately went to a more upscale restaurant and had a great meal. Women think twice before supporting a restaurant that kicks out pregnant women! Never kick ask a pregnant woman in Texas ! try the food at le mistral - nicer place, better food, and they don't ask pregnant women to leave! read more

Love the atmosphere and the food!!! I cannot complain about the service. I do recommend the pan seared scallops as appetizer, pan roasted chilean sea bass as main dish, and creme brulee. Just one thing, the food is a little bit salty for me. read more

Very kind service but in the good category we will not go back. Salad with jar dressing, iceberg lettuce and freezing tomatoes ( not acceptable), my wife cock au vin had vinager jar onions and chocolate mousse tasted old. It's a pity as decor is charming read more

What a difference a few years make. Came back today for dinner and to my surprised, everything looks the same but food was just down right disappointing. I almost always order the same thing: escargot & french onion soup. My friend ordered the special today which was the duck confit. The duck was tasty and really tender. However the wild rice that was served was just not cutting it. Had a weird taste to it. When they said it's served with rice and veggies.. Literally it was just the wild rice and boiled carrots & broccoli. Could of at least grilled the veggies. Needed a lot of seasoning. My escargot tasted fine, a little over cooked but that butter sauce was everything. I always ask for extra bread to dip in it. The big disappointment was my french onion soup. They skimped out on the cheese and added extra salt instead! I used to could finish my soup but this time left 3/4 of it. I literally chugged my glass of ice tea. That was such a bummer because I've been wanting to eat here for quite some time. Maybe it was just an off day. However, service is still excellent! Always so welcoming and friendly. read more

The outside is decorated like a French Country bistro. Inside it's quaint. The seating arrangements were tight, but there was only a steady flow of traffic, so you don't feel crammed. It was tealight lit at night. No music. The waiters were kind of loud. Most of the people on the night I went were older, like my parents and grandparents age. No children in sight. The bread was a disappointment. Perhaps it was leftover from lunch? The bread basket had raisin bread and french bread- not warm, kind of burnt tasting and lacking in flavor. Pate and dry toast were also served. I had the Suprême de Volaille aux Champignons des Bois, which was chicken with olive oil and mushrooms, pasta with sauce and goat cheese and green beans. It was a little salty, but delicious. My sister had the Bouillabaisse à la Marseillaise- a mixed seafood stew. The soup was very good, and they didn't skimp on the salmon. The highlight had to be the desserts. The Crème Brûlée du Bistro Le Cep was amazing, but the pear marinated in chocolate and topped over ice cream was euphoric to the point that you couldn't stop beaming because it was the most amazing thing you've ever had. read more

Real good food and service, Thanks guys! see you soon again.

Very authentic. The food was decent and the pate and bread they give you before the meal is amazing.

Fine French cuisine at it's best! LOVE the duck! Extensive wine selection and great suggestions for pairings as well. This is one of my favorite places to dine when I'm feeling fancy. :) read more

We had a good time there! it was Sunday. Environment is great for family and friends to spend quality time. we ordered special on that day! It was good, not crazy surprise. anyways, I love this restaurant because the manager and waiters are all sweet and nice. the service is really good. read more

We love this restaurant. Everyone there from the owner, manager, wait staff to executive he'd make you feel as though you were their most important guest. The food is very tasty. It is one of our favorites. read more

Wonderful service. Consistently good food at a reasonable price for French. Quaint atmosphere. Daily specials. This is a local gem!

the coq au vin looked delicious, and it seemed to have everything this dish should have. but then, I bit into one of their onions. straight out of a jar doesn't have to be bad, but they had fished the pearl onions out of a bottle of onions marinated in vinegar. I was shocked. maybe they should have called it what it really was: poulet au vinaigre. read more

One of the best restaurants in Houston. Always take out of town guests here. Everything is fabulous!

For better bangs for your buck, I suggest to do the Sunday family dinner in this place - 3 courses for up to $32++. For extra parking (especially since now it share the same complex with few quite popular bars), park to the empty lot next door. Once you walked in, it feels like you're dining in somebody's house instead of a restaurant if there's no waiters around. Food is excellent, so far I've managed to try the pate and escargots for appetizers, wild boar and pan roasted rabbit for the entrees, apple tart and chocolate dumpling for dessert - they're all very good! My only complain is just the side of wild rice accompanying the boar tasted weird for me, but then again that was the 1st and only time I ate wild rice. read more

Super food, great service and a reasonably priced wine list, located in West Houston. The trout was outstanding and the soup was home made and to die for. read more

Environment is very parisian. Chicken cordon blue is very good. Bread is also fresh.