Food is amazing! The food is a little pricey, but it's honestly so good and the portions are bigger than normal! Unlimited mimosas at brunch! read more

I love this restaurant! The food and service are equally stellar. I've eaten there several times for lunch and dinner and have never been disappointed. Give it a try and you won't be either! Conveniently located off the 198, perfect stop on your way up to the mountains. Photo is of the delicious Caprese Salad! read more

Cafe Lafayette - French Near Me - Exeter, California

Been sitting here almost 2 hours. Still waiting. Someone should have told us before seating us that dinner would take this long. Wait staff seem to be doing their best. But the delay is unacceptable. read more

Atmosphere was lovely. Waiter did his job well. I loved the appetizers, but was disappointed with my ribeye. It was overcooked and tough. Wine and dinner prices were competitive. I will give it a try again. read more

I ate there twice. The first time was outstanding, food and service. The second time was approximately two months later. My sister was visiting from Florida and I wanted to take her somewhere nice for Sunday brunch. There was probably at total of 8 patrons including us present. The food was terrible as well as the service, but what really disturbed me were the amount of flies in the restaurant itself. Haven't been back since and do not plan to. read more

Had lunch today at this restaurant. The atmosphere is wonderful with the nice open outdoor area As well as a really nice indoor area and a bar. We chose to eat outside since it was a beautiful day. The staff was very friendly. We both had the Aged New York steak lunch special and I must say that it was wonderful. The steak was cooked perfectly! I will definitely be eating here again! read more

Celebrated 18 years with my wife, from start to finish everything was simply fantastic, food was great, the chef came out to speak to guests. Bring your wallet. It's worth it. read more

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My bridal shower was held in the special event room at Café Lafayette on March 26th. The room is beautiful, the service was wonderful, the food was amazing and it was affordably priced. They were also very flexible in planning and let us bring in décor, our own champagne for a small corkage fee, etc. I would highly suggest using this venue for a special event, or event just coming for brunch or dinner. They did a wonderful job! read more

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Very disappointed. Atmosphere and food is nice, which accounts for the 2 stars, but unfortunately service was awful. We had reservations for Mothers Day. Our reservations were at 1. We waited (standing there) for 20 minutes, then we sat down. It took over 30 minutes to get drinks. We finally got our food served at 2:50. The table next to us who were seated at the same time still hadn't gotten their food when we were leaving. I understand it's a busy day, but for a manager to not come over and at least apologize for the delay was unacceptable considering the price of the food. Pretty awful experience for a special day. read more

What a great little find! We went for Sunday brunch. It was a lovely setting, the waiter was friendly and attentive, and the food was fantastic! We are not in the area often, but we will definitely return in the future. read more

Great restaurant and ambience. Not a bad plate on the menu. I recommend the duck and the Chinese chicken salad. Great service. Exeter is lucky to have a restaurant like this! read more

Love the brunch! Can't beat a sunny day on the outside front patio. The brunch begins with a croissant, butter and jelly which is such a nice touch. The eggs Benedict is delicious, as well as the burger. read more

Beautiful patio and there was live music playing. I got the chicken tortellini and it was very good, we also got lobster crostini and chocolate cake for dessert. Nothing blew us away but the ambiance made everything great. read more

"Monsieur Hamilton! Monsieur Lafayette! IMMIGRANTS! We get the job done!" First of all, I was initially drawn to this cafe because I have recently had a not so subtle obsession with the Musical "Hamilton: An American Musical" about the life of Alexander Hamilton and the founding fathers with Honorable mention to Lafayette who was a french ally to the new U.S. ON TO THE MEAL! I asked my boyfriend to take me here on a very rainy night so there was hardly anyone inside. We chose to sit towards the back. I love the decor and would like to sit in the outdoor seating area when it isn't raining. I got the Filet with butternut squash and mashed potatoes. My boyfriend got the lobster stuff salmon and butternut squash risotto. AMAZING. Beyond any expectations we could have had, yes a TINY bit expensive but not really if you know the average cost of a night out. Save money by seeing this place as an indulgence, go to happy hour or brunch. Make it work! We are already looking for an excuse to go back. Thank you!! read more

Great place. Loved it from the food to the atmosphere! The service was exceptional as well. Great place to go for date night

Thought I would give this place one more shot before I write it off completely. Alas it was still very underwhelming. It is just not worth the money they are charging. The owner/chef Fred buys his food from R-N market but charges like it's farmers market quality food. I tried the chicken lorraine this time and it was decent but not worth the money they were charging for it with a small portion of grassy tasting green beans. I don't feel that the 5th time will be the charm for this place so I don't think I'll spend my money here anymore. Especially when there are better options right across the street. read more

Ended up at Cafe Lafayette when Monet's was super crowded and my friend and I didn't want to wait. It ended up being very busy here as well, probably pretty typical of a Saturday night, but they made room for us at the bar. The bartender's name was Hannah and she was awesome the entire night. The food was very good as well. I had the French onion soup with the chicken tortellini and my friend had the garden salad with the duck entree. Would definitely make another trip to visit and will make a reservation ahead of time. read more

Had a good experience besides steak being over cooked. Service is great very attentive and personal and the food is superb. Had a filet mignon and my guest had a pasta. Good portions and extremely flavorful. Must have in exeter!! read more

Had the salmon it was very tasty, this is only the second Saturday this restaurant has opened remember they're trying to see what works and what doesn't work they have a lot of kinks to work out but I would say it's definitely going to be the hot spot in Exeter that outside seating is amazing house heater set up all over as well they will be doing a live band and a Sunday brunch soon you definitely want to stop by. read more

If for some reason you find yourself in Exeter you must eat here. Very intimate environment with excellent food. It put Exeter on the map for me. If I find my self within a reasonable distance, I will detour exclusively for The Lafayette! The service is a+ professional! read more

Great night at Cafe Lafayette celebrating a friend's birthday! We started the evening with wines and cheeses and ended with a wonderful dinner. Our server and bartender Hannah was wonderful. Our meals were amazing--crab cakes, salads, soups, and main courses were excellent. The overall experience was wonderful and we all look forward to coming back again soon! Thank you for making this night special! read more

My wife and I were in town visiting family and they took us to dinner at Cafe Lafayette. Everything was absolutely delicious. Great food and ambience. Highly recommended for locals and out of towners. read more

The food at Lafayette is always top notch. It's worth the $$$ compared to other area eateries. The ambience and service are also great. Try the lobster stuffed salmon and the filet mignon. And have one of their excellent desserts. This place is the equal of the Vintage Press. read more

The chef/owner did a horrible job on Mother's day. We waited over 2 hours to be served. He declined to make anything better. He should have come out of tbe kitchen rather than ignore the patrons. We had requested a special order with advanced payment. We did not get our meal. I attempted to ask what the problem was, however the chef/owner told me to WAIT. After over the 2 hours with our children who were quite tired and hungry we left. Very poor management and very disorganized. We will definitely not be coming back. WISH WE COULD GIVE 0 STARS. read more

Delightful atmosphere, fine dining and friendly staff. My entree was the chicken pot pie that had a golden crust that was fantastic! Must try! read more

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Awesome experience at this newly opened restaurant. Service was excellent and the atmosphere is great! My wife and I cannot wait to come back when the weather is warmer to enjoy the outdoor eating area. We went with a large party and everyone's food looked great. I was able try the pot pie and it was phenomenal. The clam chowder was tasty as well and if you like bakery fresh bread with your meal, you won't be disappointed! Give this place a try! read more

The ambiance is perfect! The live music is so classy. We had the sea scallops with mornay sauce, to die for!! Crab cakes are delectable. Clam chowder was cooked to perfection, wasn't expecting such a great chowder in Exeter. The salad had beautiful sweet fresh blood oranges and an artichoke, sooo refreshing. The strip steak, salmon, tri tip, and La Fayette burger were perfect. It's spendy but worth every dollar! The shiitake mushrooms on the steak are my fave, veggies and fingerlings are perfect! Just found out Chef Fred used to cook at Monet's, makes sense! This place is huge, classy, and family friendly. The best French Restaurant around! Skip the rest and dine here. I would have liked a wider array of desserts, but the creme brûlée was wonderful! read more

Fantastic location with a great comfortable setting. Service was impeccable. Extremely friendly an full of great advice. Service was as quick or as patient as you wanted. Our meals were wonderful with terrific presentation. Looking forward to many more occasions here! read more

Enjoyed a marvelous Sunday brunch with a party of 18 on the patio. Service was very attentive with this number of diners...all entree's were "oohed and ahhed over" as each diner enjoyed their choice. read more

this is a lovely place to dine in exeter. i have only enjoyed the saturday brunch menu on several occassions now... i am an out of towner. the scrambled egg, sausage and french toast is like nothing i have ever tasted. the gentleman seated next to me was tucking into sliced pork belly on a brioche bun topped with a fried egg... he appeared to be in taste bud heaven . cannot recommend it strongly enough. read more

Great experience doing a surprise birthday party and the beautiful patio! Great service and amazing food! Sangria is the bomb!

Went here for lunch. Staff was very helpful with menu and recommendations. Our croque monsieur was delish and our burgers were cooked to perfection. Highly recommend! read more

Interesting appetizers, great service and the place has a relaxed french bistro feel. Good wine list and the salmon was tremendous. Sent an over cooked underwhelming flatiron steak back and they happily replaced with a pork tenderloin piccata that was a hit. Superb attitude and caring staff will bring us back. Not the VP or jack and Charlie's, but a pleasing dinner house. read more

Food is very flavorful but too expensive. +++ Good portions.+++++ But be careful, I didn't get the side which was supposed to come with my meal (was too excited over our celebration to remember until after the fact ) Great atmosphere +++++ Great service +++++ Wine list +++++ Wine prices are a big outrageous ----- read more

We came to try out a French dish! But the descriptions and ingredients on just a regular burger were so enticing we ended up ordering "The Burger Washington " basically a angus beef burger .. Delicious ! My friend had the Burger Lafayette a buffalo burger ! They were both so juicy and tasty ! Definitely will be coming back !! Salads were tasty as well ! read more

The food and service is amazing!! My husband loved the New York steak and the wine selection was exceptional!!

Extremely disappointed this time. Service was not good, over 40 mins to take order. Bread and butter was brought to table, but there was no silverware or plates. We had to ask for them and for a dessert menu at the end. I had to substitute another choice because they were out of what I ordered. Our reservation was 12:30 it was 2:30 when we finished with our meal. They need more staff, so Eric isn't flying sideways to serve everyone. I was embarrassed, because we bragged about this place to our family we brought there. I thought last time the service was slow was just a fluke, guess not. read more

Every time I eat here I've been treated like I'm the only customer in the restaurant. The servers have all been extremely nice and offer tastes of wine and suggestions from the menu. This place is fabulous. Food is great, service is great, and prices are reasonable. Highly recommend! read more

This was our 3rd time to have dinner at LaFayette and we were not disappointed. The prime rib was wonderful and the wine selection was great! Our waiter Kevin was great, can't wait to go back! The atmosphere is awesome! read more

I have been to most 5 Star restaurants listed by Zagat, traveled throughout Europe, and dined from NY to LA and can honestly say Café Lafayette is at the top of the list. From the Tivoli lights that greet you at the gate and follow you through the beautiful courtyard where you are greeted by friendly staff and the atmosphere is amazing. The interior boasts romantic oversized black and white art, becoming of the artisan menu. The bar is quant and stocked with wines worthy of an upscale Napa tasting event. The culinary selection is well matched to the chef's personal touch. Fred, an ex-pat from Paris, and owner of Café Lafayette, has created an experience that will satisfy even the most experienced pallet. I would highly recommend the lamb. From the seasoning to the presentation, it is unmatched by any restaurant. Lucas the bartender is friendly and provides an exceptional personal experience. In short, this is a must try restaurant. You will not be disappointed. read more