This is our favorite French restaurant! We also learned they will be closing in February. We are very sad to see them go, but we are also grateful for the many memories we have of D&J's. We've had many celebratory dinners here and have brought friends and family here for wonderful meals. We always gravitated towards the prix-fixe 3 course dinners for the great variety of offerings and the nice price point. Everything we've had has been exceptional. My wife loves the escargot, I love the salads, and the main courses are amazing. Salmon and steaks stand out, and if you have a special occasion to celebrate, they will go above and beyond to make you feel welcome and special. There is still time to visit!! Get here soon! read more

BAD NEWS!!! D&J Close Prominently FEB 16 30 years we went there for our anniversary! My wife love their Bouillabaisse . Now we'll divorce cause Marseille France (home of Bouillabaisse ) travel is not cheap! read more

The food here never disappoints! I had the French 75 to drink and it was delicious! My dinner was astoundingly good. Nothing here is bad. I've never had a bad meal or experience and we've been going for years. Dessert was a peach and blueberry crumble I believe? Yummy!! read more

D&J Bistro - Birthday dessert! - French Near Me - Lake Zurich, Illinois

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We went for Bastille day and had an incredible time. Stephan has taken the french bistro to new and continued highs. The Duck Montmorency was incredible our server Diedra perfect in every way. The festive atmosphere made us want to go back to france that we just came home from. Merci Beaucoup to all of the staff. read more

We love the Japanese influence on their traditional French dishes. The sauce that came with the halibut was super rich and just luxurious. No misses on all that we ordered. The raw oysters were pretty good, but a little thin for $36 a dozen. read more

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Dinner was so great that I had to update my last review. I came in, thinking I was going to have the same experience as last time however... I'm so glad that I did come back! I started with a Sazerac cocktail, which was good. It could've used more absenthe but that's OK, It was just a before dinner drink. Upon sitting down my friend and I had the tuna tartare, which was amazing. A roll of fresh tuna with a embellished plate of a horseradish drizzle, which was not overpowering. Just delicious when you put that on top of the tuna tartare, and the crostini that was served with the tuna tartare was so fresh and crunchy, and just absolutely delicious! For dinner, we both had the chicken cordon bleu, which was outstanding!! The chicken was a generous portion with a delicious red wine sauce on one side the other side had the most delightful potatoes au gratin that complimented the dish perfectly. We were so full that we couldn't even eat dessert or have coffee so next time I come back, I need to make sure I leave room. Our server couldn't have been more attentive. She even made great suggestions before dinner and after dinner. She had a wonderful personality was so smiley and expressive. Although she was busy we always found that she was making time for us. She knew exactly when to come to the table when to make suggestions and when it was time to drop off the check, she was there and present. From the time we walked in the door to the time that we left the experience overall was great! I don't really know what was going on there back in March and why the service and the food was not up to par, but this is the D&J Bistro that I've grown to love for the last 30 years. Thank you for an amazing dining experience. read more

We came here with friends who are regulars and it was definitely a great experience, food was excellent, and the company equally great. Dish after dish pleasing our tastebuds. Great atmosphere. Great service. Even though it is quite a drive to get to you we will definitely be back. read more

We came here for a school assignment and did not know what to expect. Let's just say from the atmosphere to the amazing waitstaff (ask for Kelsey) we had the most enjoyable dining experience we have had in a long time. We had the prix fix three course menu, it just kept getting better. Our waitress expertly recommended wine and dishes. We will definitely be coming back. read more

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Dined here the night of Tuesday 3/4,/2025 to catch the last night of their Mardi Gras Specials Menu! (Good thing you can follow them on Facebook!) It was so great to be back (dined here 10/19/2024, when I met up with 2 friends to celebrate 1 of their birthdays)! Anyway, for appetizers, I had the Braised Beef Cheeks and Crawfish Etouffee; for entree, the Jambalaya; for dessert, the Beignets! Everything was wonderfully, fresh, hearty and delicious! My server, Efraim (who's been with D&J for decades), did a great job taking care of me that night! The place still had its warm, welcome and cozy ambiance (and got much more crowded as it got later, which was impressive to see for a Tuesday night)! Anyway, I definitely will be back! read more

D&J Bistro - Mardi Gras Specials Menu 3-4-2025 - French Near Me - Lake Zurich, Illinois

Always good - food, service and the feel of the place, a little gem in this neck of the woods. From the drinks & wine selections, the bread and butter they put on the table, selections of appetizers, entrees and desserts. Always good. read more

We love this restaurant. The food is amazing. They definitely know how to deliver a fine dinning experience in a wonderful atmosphere. Food- Appetizers: We had Tuna, Smoked Salmon roll and Soft shell crab Tempura Entrees: Walleye Pike and Chateaubriand and everything was 100% perfect! I want to go back and eat it all again. read more

Last night I celebrate my significant others birthday. The staff was great as well as the food we had. I had the Tuna/Salmon Tartar, she had the French Onion Soup for appetizers. For entree we both choose the Chateaubriand and for dessert the bread pudding. They also brought out a birthday treat of three mini pastries. The ambiance was perfect for the evening. read more

D&J Bistro - Bread Pudding - French Near Me - Lake Zurich, Illinois

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Went there with my wife for our 23 year anniversary. It was delightful! A cozy environment with amazing people. We enjoyed a delicious patte and the sweetbreads stole the show. Desert was exactly as discribed. I went with a lite choice a raspberry passion fruit mouse. The waitress made the experience even more special. She was bubbly and had great advice on what to try. read more

You can't get better quality for the money - ANYWHERE! This is quite the hidden gem located in a strip mall. The place was packed so reservations are a must. Service was excellent, the cocktails were amazing, and the food fantastic. This was the first time I tried foie gras and it was amazing . The salad was fresh and the chateaubriand was outstanding with a delicious side of potatoes and brocollini. Desserts were prepared as if a bakery were in house making patties from scratch. Loved every minute of the experience! read more

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Thescallops were rubbery, the pasta was over cooked and the sausage in the pasta looked like bits of dog kibble. I used to eat here with fond memories but will no longer return. read more

Amazing. Food. Service. All above par! Super elegant for being casual. Highly recommended.

This place is a solid five out of five star restaurant! Atmosphere cozy and inviting, check! Service, friendly and informative, check! Food out of this world, check, check, and check! Sweet place for a special date, and the impressive, unequaled menu will bring you back again and again. Almost no need to review this restaurant after reading the millions of other five star reviews! read more

How could I miss this amazing French restaurant opened since 1987!!! It is a true gem hidden behind Jewel in Lake Zurich. Everything was outstanding at our tonight's dinner: a warm greeting from the owner, an attentive and not overpowering service at the bar, a lively atmosphere, delicious cocktails, a nice selection of wines and of course food!!! Oh the food... let me tell you more about food. If you see on the restaurant menu sweetbreads, you know you are at the good French restaurant! Initially, I planned to order sweetbreads, but when I saw the special menu, I changed my mind :) My foie gras was served exactly how it is served in France (I could say it about every dish we ordered!) with a very carefully balanced taste and perfectly baked brioche melting in your mouth. My husband's salade lyonnaise was crisp and very tasty. My Atlantic Skatewing was cooked to perfection and served with a classic beurre blanc sauce, the dish was simply astonishing! My husband's grilled pork chop was tender, juicy, full of flavor and nothing comparable to the trivial pork chop at the other restaurants. We finished our epic dinner with a homemade rum and raisins and pistachios ice creams. Wow ! Bravo D&J Bistro!!! We cannot wait to come back! A très bientôt ! read more

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So delicious, such attention to detail. Celebrating a birthday with escargot and French onion soup, mini chateaubriand, pan seared halibut and desserts. Lovely evening. Thank you! We will be coming back. read more

I remain SO addicted to this place (since the 1980s)! The menu is so creative (the specials change almost every month), the food is always fresh, beautifully presented, and the prices more cost-friendly than most French restaurants! Plus, you can dress casual here! Last, the service is spot on, thanks to my FAVORITE muscle daddy server, Kevin! He still continues to be the most requested server here! He's extremely knowledgeable (makes the best recommendations on wine pairings, which menu items are the most popular--you name it)! This past night, I had the oysters for appetizers, butternut squash cappuccino soup and the Casoulet de Carcassone (a hearty confit of duck, pork, sausage and fava beans) for entree! For dessert, I had the bread pudding!! All were (as usual) a mind blowingly DELICIOUS party for my palette!!! read more

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Amazing Food, Service, and Ambience. Celebrated my Birthday and was surprised when they brought out a special birthday dessert.

Incredible food! Very nice ambiance. Pricey- good for very special occasion Great local restaurant that has stood the test of time! read more

Love the steak frites. Service is always good as well. The menu has a variety of entrees so even my vegetarian friend was happy.

We just finished dinner with friends at D&J Bistro and had the best meal that I can remember. Service was spot on excellent. Wonderful French atmosphere. read more

(1) the bacon wrapped steak was horrible. The bacon tasted like freezer burned old piece of meat and it almost made me throw up (2) the salmon and tuna tataki were not really tataki. It was cooked, and also using smoked salmon instead of raw salmon meat (3) the old fashioned was not very good (4) dessert - the apple strudel was not warm (5) I was charged 13.99 for the drink that was shown on the menu as 10.99. He changed it, but it made me wonder if that's something regularly done hoping customers do not notice (6) I specifically requested some special dessert for birthday but nothing was provided (7) for all that horrible experience, it was very expensive read more

I know many people love this place but I am not one of them. The place is charming. The decor very French. However, it is cramped. The food is excellent but expensive. The few times I've been there it was extremely loud. The last time I was with a date. We were put at a tiny table in the corner. In the room behind us there was an extremely rowdy party of young women. They were SO LOUD I could not hear my date who was inches away from me. Another table complained but the manager did nothing. I've been there three times. Always as someone's guest. It has so much potential to be amazing. However I will not be back. read more

This is a very cool place I like to come here after work. I advise everyone! Delicious meat and wine read more

D&J Bistro - Good - French Near Me - Lake Zurich, Illinois

Met someone for a business dinner here. It was a fantastic evening. Really felt the Bistro experience, not rushed and fantastic food. I started with a French 75 made with Cognac. Very light and very refreshing. Great on a hot summer day. We started with the Escargot as well as the Shrimp and Crab cakes. The Shrimp and Crab cakes were good, definitely fresh, but for me, not my favorite texture. My friend loved them. The Escargot were so flavorful and fresh, some of the best I have had, period. It's worth coming here just for that and a cocktail when you need a break from a long day. For Entrees we had their Iberico Pork and a special of a Half Roasted Duck. Both dishes were so moist and flavorful. The duck was done perfect and sooooo good. Served over rice with some unbelievable flavors. The Pork was served over wild rice (if I remember correctly) and it was done well. So flavorful and so much food, especially for the Bistro experience. The waiter suggested a wine to pair and it was fantastic. I will definitely be back and bring the family. So many dishes I'd like to try. It was an awesome experience and a great find. read more

Great place! One of my favorite place to eat in Lake zurich. Great atmosphere and friendly service, I just love it the authenticity of this French restaurant. My favorite dish is definitely the risotto! I highly recommend this place read more

Fine. Very fine! 5 star fine! A friend who has been a fan of this restaurant suggested an early evening dinner to celebrate a series of birthdays. Great suggestion. The two birthday girls ordered Risotto of Seafood and Duo of Duck--thumbs up reviews by them. I had the Chilled Cucumber and Avocado Soup and Chicken Cordon Bleu. All were from the daily menu. The soup was lively, freshness and taste delightful. The chicken entrée requires chef artistry for success and success there was. read more

Sure miss Chef Masato and co-owner of this lovely French Restaurant. I used to frequent this delightful place several times throughout the year (once a month) and celebrate special occasions 3-4 times in July and 2 times in August. This past Bastille Day celebration, I was never so upset with the service!!! We were pushed through all 3 courses in less than one hour! Had my stomach in a knot and sick all night until the following afternoon. Had to call two times to try to get Manager and Owner Stephen to return a call. I really don't think he cares for his patrons as much as I thought. It's too bad, we really enjoyed Co-Manager and Chef Masato's Culinary Creations which the new Sioux Chef is trying to replicate closely. Seeking new French Cuisine elsewhere! Quality Service and cuisine go hand in hand! All his new hirers (a lot of new hires) need to be trained for Fine Dining experiences. 50-55 minute dining and taking your entree and half bottle of wine as a "Doggie Bag" is not quality dining! And having an upset stomach through the next day...is deplorable!!! Very Disappointed and truly used to enjoy this restaurant! :(. read more

A hidden gem out in the burbs! Excellent food and friendly staff. A great welcome for those new to French cuisine! Definitely do not pass up the chance to try anything made in-house, like their bread and pate. Portions are generous and make for delightful sharing for each course. I adore their goat cheese salad, which is a must for every visit! They offer a great selection of vegetarian items, but not necessarily vegan. I think someone gluten free might also have a hard time with the menu. However, the chef might be able to make accommodations I was not aware of. The staff are happy to answer any questions about the menu and make suggestions. They take their COVID safety seriously. All staff were masked and tables were spaced. They also had outdoor dining in a tent for extra distance. All very appreciated! The location is cozy, but not crowded. It is welcoming and decorated like a classic French bistro. Perfect for a bright afternoon brunch or a date night! Only draw back is a rather large drink menu with many things on it, but not all are treated well. My tip would be to stick to wines, hard liquor on the rocks/neat, or classic French cocktails. Looking forward to many happy returns! read more

This is our "spot"! The food is incredible. The ambience is wonderful. The service is top notch. Tons of gluten free and dairy free options. Super accommodating and wonderful! read more

D&J has been a family favorite for a while now. The food is consistently good, with a rich depth of flavor and lovely textures. Service was on the slow side, but understandable given how busy the restaurant was. Overall lovely experience! read more

D&J Bistro - Striped bass, pasta J, duo of duck, risotto of the sea food, surf & turf - French Near Me - Lake Zurich, Illinois

I have been to D&J Bistro a couple times throughout the years. I went this past weekend. The ambience is nice and cozy. The wait staff was attentive/on point. The French martini was good but the pomegranate martini was even better. They also offer a large wine selection. I ordered the goat cheese salad that was excellent, the lamb shank was good. Next time I will instead order the chicken Cordon Bleu that looks fantastic. The black cherry custard type dessert was amazing! I will definitely be back! read more

The vegetarian menu is loaded with the food I love. My favorite place when I' m not at home. read more

We have not been to D&J in quite a few months--but it's always been a fav. Lamb was excellent vegetable served with it not so much. French onion soup tad salty but still good. Salmon and vegetables, salmon dry no sauce, had to request beurre blanc and helped A LOT! Vegetables were awful. Shrimp crab cake good; salty. May have been the sauce(?) but still good. The deserts HEAVENLY! It was late on a Friday and possibly why salt was more concentrated. Would recommend nonetheless. WARNING! --the plates when they come out are HOT like burn yourself hot! Watch kids. They'll hurt themselves. Overall, it's a nice neighborhood eatery. read more

D&J Bistro - Lamb and it's excellent! - French Near Me - Lake Zurich, Illinois

What can we say ... every time we visit it's better & better! We love the service & the servers ... the menu in fabulous & love having different specials to select from each visit! No one rushes you to finish your cocktails ... finish dinner or even stop chatting ... we love dining here and a blessed to have such a wonderful place so close to us. read more

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Always a classic. Great service and fine cuisine. We love everything about this restaurant.

Hello, Other Yelpers: This is a French restaurant. You wouldn't notice this restaurant from the outside, because it's just one more little restaurant in a suburban strip mall. However, looks can be deceiving. I don't know how authentic it is because I've never been to France. That said, all of the food is really yummy. They have two menus running concurrently: a "standard house menu" that encompasses all of their best dishes, and a "seasonal menu" that makes for some wildly creative dishes that are superb. It's pricey, so I've dined there about once a year for many years. In all those years, the quality has remained the same. The last time that I was there was August 2023. I owed a good friend a great meal and this is a "go to" place for that. I use a mobility scooter and both the staff and the other patrons were very friendly and helpful in moving seats and chairs to allow me to get in and out. Despite the kerfuffle, the staff was still warm and accommodating. We had an AMAZING dinner. I'm not used to savoring each bite, but that's what their menu calls for. And the ATMOSPHERE--it was truly marvelous! There was just a low thrum of quiet conversation going on around us. It was like a quiet background music to our dinner. As usual when I dine here, I must eschew the lovely desserts that they offer due to my low-carb diet. So I order "off menu" a cheese and fruit plate to my dietary specifications. That, and a glass of dessert wine (helpfully guided by their expert staff) makes a wonderful end to a wonderful meal. In August 2023, I spent like $100-$150 ( including tip on this INCREDIBLE DINING EXPERIENCE for two. If you're middle-class, this might be your "go to" place for a celebratory meal. If you have more means, this would be a great place to impress a date. I'm a cat lover and family and friends say that I must be "half-cat." That said, I found myself internally "purring" after our meal. It was that good a dining experience. read more