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    Café la Vie

    3.8 (79 reviews)
    Open • 6:30 am - 2:00 pm, 4:00 PM - 10:30 PM
    Updated 1 month ago

    Café la Vie Photos

    CAFÉ LA VIE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Classy
    Outdoor seating
    Happy hour specials

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    Burger
    Vernee D.

    I am utterly confused about this place because the dinner reviews seem to be stellar, but coming here for lunch, it was absolutely DEAD. Although the waitstaff are incredibly warm and kind, I thought it was a bit odd that when our plates were being brought out, our server saw a stain on the plate and proceed to SCRATCH IT OFF and still give us that plate. The dining area itself was cute, but it was run down. The empty table next to us had sugar or salt all over it... strange. When our food came out, I was so unimpressed. CLV Burrata: the baguette seemed to have been drenched in oil first and then fried, the pistachio tasted stale, and the burrata had no flavor. CLV Steak Frites: This came with a small side salad and the leaves will wilted and old. The actual steak was not top of the line and it was overly salty. When the server came by to check on us, she asked how everything was and when I said my salad was wilted she had already turned around and said, "great!" I sent my plate back and didn't want anything else. The Bonhomme: A burger that looked nothing special! I didn't try, but my husband said it was average. I would be incredibly weary of anything outside of dinner. And I hope management speaks to their waitstaff about touching people's plates and scratching off old food. If the establishment is THAT slow, but cannot manage to clean their dinnerware and silverware properly... then something is wrong.

    Bavarian Baked Pretzels (after eating 3)
    Theresa H.

    I was there for the Yappy hour event. It is an event where u can bring your pup and they serve him a variety of treats on a cutting board. The people can partake in drinks and food as well. It takes place in there lounge area which is elegantly appointed. The service was great. They were friendly and prompt.

    Melanie B.

    I was in a hurry and looking for a place to have breakfast in Clayton. It also needed to be a place that took reservations. I clearly didn't read as much as I should have because we wouldn't have gone here had I realized it was inside a hotel. We arrived right on time and walked through the lobby right into the restaurant. We were seated at what they referred to as a couch table. I sat on the couch, we had a small round table, and my husband sat in a very uncomfortable chair. There were better tables, but they were for larger groups. They also remained empty the entire time we were there. I had to sit way forward to reach the table. The setup was just uncomfortable. The carpet was really dirty. I've been in restaurants when they cleaned up with a little silent sweeper/vacuum thing while diners were there. That was not done here. Our server came over fairly quickly. We ordered lattes that we didn't get for maybe 15 minutes. They were sitting on a counter and we could see them. Our server was standing around looking bored so my husband got her attention and pointed to our lattes and she brought them over. Of course they weren't hot, but still warm enough. It took 45 minutes to get our food. And then it wasn't great. I ordered French toast and it was overcooked on one side. I also ordered the berries and cream that was an add on. It came in a bowl and not on the French toast and there wasn't a spoon. My food fared no better than okay. My husband ordered a short rib hash. There wasnvery little short rib in it and what meat there was, tastes like stew beef. Our server paid very little attention to us. We had to flag her down to get water. She didn't check to see if everything was okay after someone else delivered our food, etc. There wasn't anything positive about the meal or the service. We won't be going back.

    Ile Flottante
    Lauren R.

    For a hotel restaurant this place was such a delight. I went for Clayton Restaurant week and did a pre fixe from that menu and a meal on the regular menu. The food portions were moderate but if you get an app and entree you will be full. A stand out appetizer was the dried fig burrata that was topped with pistachios and mauldon flaky salt. Our server Corinthian was so knowledgeable of the menu food and drinks so she was able to recommend great pairings and must tries if we were not going to come back frequently. One suggestion was doing a whiskey/bourbon flight. It was an excellent experience because we got to write down our taste notes in real time. The restaurant is located in the Le Méridien so you would need to park on the street or in the hotel parking garage to access the main floor dining room. It is fairly accessible but the lighting for dinner was a bit darker than expected.

    Decor
    Emily S.

    This is where Le Petit Chef is taking place in St. Louis!! Highly recommend trying for a unique, one of a kind dining experience. We had an absolute blast, and the food was great! We opted to do the drinking pairing menu add on, and each one complimented the courses perfectly. While it's a little pricier, you're getting dinner and a show. It's located in the beautiful Le Méridien hotel. Parking is validated from their garage if you bring your ticket!

    JP P.

    Beautiful location inside one of the best hotels St. Louis has to offer. Who doesn't love a great French coffee? We opted for non dairy versions . REALLY delicious .

    Norwegian Eggs Benedict-Your Way and side of fruit
    Ashlee C.

    We had great service form both the host and our server. We got our food to go since we work from our room on week days. Ordered the build your own omelette and Norwegian Benedict. We were very satisfied with the portions and taste of the meals. Can't wait to return!

    Hot Toddy
    Wanda H.

    Came for their seasonal terrace, but the weather was bad. Ended up in the lounge area on the first floor which was nice. Quiet and we sat in comfy chairs and sofas. But the happy hour menu offerings were pretty pricey ($7 or $9 for chips and dip???). The cocktail was the best of the deal. The special was a Hot Toddy which was perfect for that day. The service was really pretty good. Just too expensive for what you're getting IMO...

    Michael G.

    "We celebrated our engagement anniversary at Café La Vie and had a great night. Matthew was an excellent server--friendly, attentive, and made us feel really taken care of. The food was beautifully plated and delicious (and dessert was a standout). We'll be back!"

    Gooey Butter Beignet
    Sarah T.

    We look forward to Restaurant Week (RW) every year as an opportunity to enjoy a special dinner at a local spot we've never visited. 5 of us came from St Charles County and were delighted with our experience at Cafe La Vie (located within the La Meridien Hotel, parking underground). The cocktail menu and RW menu were fabulous, and yet bringing it all to life with effusive knowledge and enthusiasm about the various dishes was our outstanding server, Corinthian. She shared interesting and incredible insight on each offering, making us feel valued and appreciated patrons, advising based on our interests and likes to help us make decisions. Each of us was pleased with our various selections. While the soups were tempting on a cold night, I was delighted with the French-inspired Lyonnaise salad complete with a perfectly prepared soft boiled egg. My panko-encrusted swordfish with burre Blanc sauce was light and tasty. The gooey butter beignets were light on the gooey butter custard-like filling, as promised by our server (and more special than the typical St. Louis dessert), sprinkled with powdered sugar and drizzled with chocolate. The ample dessert (3) provided take home leftovers for delicious breakfast treats. The cocktails I enjoyed included a Japanese Old Fashioned & an Espresso Martini, both very good. Initially upon arrival, an adjacent table of younger women was unusually loud (in a space that doesn't absorb noise well) that I feared would spoil our evening; rather than approach them (tempted) or engage management, I glared a few times at them and it seemed to have resolved. Overall, this was a very enjoyable, comfortable, and satisfying dinner; we would return.

    Burrata, eggplant shareable.
    MaryAnn B.

    No fault of theirs, but terrace was closed due to weather. Happy hour in the lounge which was ok. Their happy hour offerings were pricey and seemed to be just pulled off the regular menu. Service was fine. I asked for veggies on a menu choice instead of bread and was charged $5.00 for that. Never happened before ( need gf) and won't happen again! Can take this venue off the list.

    We were very excited to try Café la Vie for Clayton Restaurant Week. Unfortunately, in my several years of participating in this Clayton tradition, this was the first time I left disappointed and felt that the experience was not worth the money. I ordered the tomato bisque and the ribeye (with a $10 upcharge). The tomato bisque had an off-putting texture. Instead of being creamy and rich, it was chunky and tart, more like marinara sauce. My ribeye was lackluster as well. I ordered it medium, but it came out well done and appeared gray in some spots, which made me wonder if it had been previously frozen. The garlic spinach served with it was cold to the touch. Others in our group said their spinach and ribeyes were cold too. One person even sent their steak back because it was so cold, and it took 30 minutes to receive a replacement. I didn't mind my dessert. It was nothing to get too excited about, but after the first two courses, I was just happy to have something decent. Then I noticed it was served on a cracked plate. Our server was kind and apologetic about the issues, but overall, the food was overpriced for the quality. Unfortunately, we will not be returning.

    Stephanie K.

    Couple months ago, I was able to check out Cafe La Vie in the Le Meridien Hotel and I loved it! As soon as you walk in you will see a wide bright concierge area, but if you continue to walk straight and up little steps, a nice hostess waits to greet you. We ordered: The Baked Brie, Mini Wellington, Short Ribs, Steak Frites, Creme Brulee, and Gelato. 2 cocktails and coffee for drinks! I got a pineapple drink and my friend got the espresso martini. I love Pineapple, but this drink wasn't for me, but it may be for you, so don't take me up on it. The Baked Brie and Steak Frites were heavenly and the best part for me, personally, was ending the meal with coffee. (Illy brand). Of course, if you're sensitive to caffeine, I recommend to stick with just the Creme Brulee. :) Don't fear parking! The concierge will validate your ticket before you head out.

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    13 days ago

    Did an event here. Food was good. Enjoyed the drinks as well. The service was good. Ambiance was professional.

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    3 months ago

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    Ask the Community - Café la Vie

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    Just because it wasn't what I was looking for, I can't punish the store, and I think I'm not…read more.. But I'm going to admit with "Fox and Hounds", the problem was my expectations. British Bar INSIDE a "British designed hotel", so I had my hopes probably heightened more that it should have with my previous British bar results. I went in thinking British craziness and got a "Edgar Allen Poe" feel... But I'm going to say this was NOT what I was expecting. First and foremost, your eyes are going to need adjusting. Plain and simple, it felt more like a dark ... room? (Part of the problem I think is that as it was already June, you can forget using the fireplace to lighten the room up) so it felt.. "Small", and I"m going to feel weird saying this... "Romantic Horrorfest". Wait, before you go "wha??", this isnt' necessarily a bad thing. The Taxidermy , the photos on the wall. the fireplace. the VERY (and I mean VERY) dim lighting... The limited seating on the main floor, the one door in and out it had a "wooden cabin feel".. Yes, if you had a wonderful romantic film and it was suddenly invaded by some monster villain... This where it would take place and it would be perfect. (See I can find positive things to say about things i wasn't looking for) As for the service, apparently (going back to the Romantic filmfest), I was struggling to get any attention for the bartendress, cause I guess I was solo'ing by myself, and because of how I wasn't able to get the bartendress attention... I kinda felt like an unwanted customer in a place more for couples or friends getting together which had me leaving shortly thereafter, so no real food score (although I will say, much like Oh London ,the menu wasn't really much to work through...), Anyway, no TV's, no world cup game on the air.. just like I said a vibe of a cabin in a "romantic movie, where the monsters lurk". And Apologies for some of the iffy pictures, it just didn't feel right using a flash on the camera in such a secluded locale) and like I said, it wasnt' what I was expecting (rowdy British fans watching the local club or something), but there's something about it that even i have to admit, would make this location a nice "date night" or "out with friends' location, more so than just a single person looking for a nightcap. (And Maybe there really is a monster hiding in the fireplace, to keep the "Horror" feel going?? :)

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    Café la Vie - bars - Updated September 2026

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