Was recommended this place and tried it out on a nice weekend in Greenwich! The service was good, I loved the vibe of the restaurant, and the food was decent. We got the escargots to start alongside a salad, they also provide you with bread. We got the steak frites, mussel frites, and the steak tartare as mains and they were all solid options but nothing amazing. Prices were pretty high but overall an enjoyable experience and ambience. read more

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It's solid French food. Uncomplicated and well prepared with quality ingredients. Deserts were lacking, otherwise a good experience.

A terrific French bistro with classic bistro menu. Service was impeccable. Pkace was packed so reserve well ahead of time.

Food was fantastic, ambiance was a little more casual than expected, and the service was absolutely off the charts! It was so good, I sought out the manager to give him the feedback and compliment. read more

This was on our list of restaurants to try. Because I love food the concern I had was small portions in most French restaurants. The restaurant is cute, simple yet a comfortable setting. Staff was very friendly and attentive. The menu had some great options and our food was delicious, but portions were small. Dessert was yummy! I will return. read more

Le Penguin Bistro - French Near Me - Greenwich, Connecticut

We were seated at 12:30 for lunch and ordered our appetizers, The delicious escargot and yummy pate arrived at our table almost immediately. Then we waited and waited approximately 50 minutes while others who arrived after us were served. The Niçoise salad for $30 had three small slices of tuna. The burger that was to be medium, was rare. The filet mignon, that was to be rare was medium. The steak was accompanied with a peppercorn sauce that was definitely spoiled and we returned it to the waiter. Never did he offer an apology or offer a substitute to go with the steak. We paid our bill and went across the street to the bakery for coffee and dessert. read more

I've had venison loin that was more tender than the veal loin with truffles I was served at Le Penguin. It was not worth the price. The service is excellent, but the acoustics in the restaurant are absolutely horrible. It was difficult to carry on a conversation across a 2-person table. I won't be going again. read more

Very rude customer service. We ordered starters, as weren't sure what to order next, wanted to wait and see what else we would like and the waiter's response was that we can only order once. And once the order is placed that's all we get. Soup nazi in Greenwich??? When manager was called, he said- that's what the chef instructs waiters to do. Not a single apology from anyone. Disgusted by the service, we didn't even finish our food. We live walking distance and used to frequent the place (as well as affiliated Siren after a day at the beach), but obviously will not come back to either one. read more

Happy-ish Birthday Love the ambiance and the food at penguin, a favorite for over a decade. Moules Maison are special, likewise the duck. Birthdays are unique, except when they aren't. Unfortunately, one of the two owner managers consistently sits us in the worst seats in the house. Last night was one of several incidents given to this irritating pattern. Factually, We waited outside in spring chill for 20 minutes after an 8:45 reservation, which was fine. Dépite asking for a banquet on resy, in person in the afternoon, and a third time on checkin we were shown to a (my opinion) noisy center table with less comfortable chairs. I looked around and voila within two minutes of our seating two banquets (4x) were open. This happens so often, I discount poor timing, language barrier or any other explanation than caprice. So, while one owner manager consistently makes us feel special, heard, and well served, the other makes us feel dismissed, subordinated, and in some bizarre way punished (while we spend a few hundred per person F&B). I'm curious as to whether this is the intended effect on patrons, or it just comes naturally. PLMK M *I feel bad calling this out, as one is so good but the other consistently compares poorly so there it is. * read more

Le Penguin Bistro - Great wine too. - French Near Me - Greenwich, Connecticut

I dined at Le Penguin for dinner on a Saturday night and thoroughly enjoyed the food. Coming back from our honeymoon, during which we spent over a week in France, we were excited to enjoy more French food while sharing our adventures with family. As other Yelp reviewers have mentioned, it is true that the restaurant is overcrowded with tables, such that space is tight. It seems like the restaurant is trying to maximize tables per square footage. That said, we loved the delicious food and friendly service. Bread arrived warm in little bags. Unusual presentation, but at least baguette slices were fresh. For our appetizers, we ordered the roasted vegetable tart ($14.50) and the ravioli with wild mushrooms and pea shoots ($15). Personally, I enjoyed the mélange of vegetables in a light and airy puff pastry with tomato sauce more than the ravioli (only three). The ravioli is very good--the pasta texture is perfect--but personally I found the former more flavorful. For our mains, we shared the bouillabaisse ($32) and the halibut special. The bouillabaisse was accompanied by a small plate of crostini, cheese, and aioli. The broth was absolutely delicious, and the seafood tasty. I loved the halibut as well as the gnocchi, was also cooked al dente. For dessert, we shared the lava cake and praline ice cream cake. Both were incredible. The lava cake, which was accompanied by vanilla ice cream and strawberries, was definitely rich, but great for sharing. I also enjoyed the praline ice cream with raspberry coulis much more than I anticipated. Overall, we loved our meal experience at Le Penguin and would happily return. It was a bit loud, but the atmosphere was generally warm and cozy and made for a lovely dinner. read more

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On the side street off from the main drag. We sat outside on a nice summer evening. Had a delicious octopus appetizer, then the bouillabaisse and the duck, both were tasty and very good. Restaurant is twinned with Le fat poodle nearby which is truly excellent. read more

We made it to fancy Greenwich for the day! Our watch sales advisor recommended this restaurant during our day trip. I got a Sancerre to start and the escargot. For our mains we got the burger and moules frites with truffle fries. My husband enjoyed the burger and the mussels were ok- wish it had a little more flavor- like creamy garlicky flavor. Restaurant is pretty cramped and you are definitely feeling like you're in a super small bistro in Paris. read more

The food was tasty and ambience was lovely! We celebrated a birthday and the staff sang happy birthday for us read more

Le Penguin Bistro - Fish - French Near Me - Greenwich, Connecticut

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The food is not special. The price is high. And the noise is cacophonous, made worse by birthday celebrations that elevate the sound system noise. We went with a couple we haven't seen in ages, and we absolutely could not talk. We won't be back. read more

Very nice place if you would like French bistro food. Staff is friendly and efficient, and unlike other French restaurants you don't get the overly posh vibe. read more

Phenomenal place -highlt recommend if looking for a friendly home like atmosphere with savory food and amazing drinks! Got there around 6pm, was able to get in without the reservation! Lucky we:-) amazing beet salad, salmon and cooked to perfection duck! Service is a little busy and might have to wave to get attention, otherwise perfect! read more

Le Penguin Bistro - a person entering a restaurant - French Near Me - Greenwich, Connecticut

Visited for the first time this past Saturday evening. I've been trying to come here for awhile but finally made it as reservations are required well in advance. Our experience was perfect. The atmosphere from beginning to end was lively. The service was friendly and professional. The food was impeccable. I had the Country Pate followed by the Short Rib. I've had this combination at dozens of other French Bistro's throughout the world and none were as good as Le Penguin. Flavoring, portion size, visual presentation were all exceptional. I'm eagerly looking forward to a return visit. Hats off! read more

We were almost 30 minutes lates for our reservation due to bad traffic but we called and luckily they were able to accommodate us. The food was excellent. Nice cocktails and a good selection of wines by the glass. Good, classic French food: frisée salad with lardons, endive salad,, salad nicoise, French onion soup, tomato tart, etc. plus oysters and what I heard was a delicious burger. Desserts: also delicious! It was quite noisy during the lunch rush, so if that bothers you you might want to time your visit accordingly. Great service too. read more

One of the best neighborhood spots in Greenwich for a night out with another couple. Food is excellent, service great. The cocktails are strong and very good. I don't always like French food, but everything on the menu here is good. The interior is cozy but elegant with soft lighting. It's a loud restaurant like a good dinner party at someone's house would be. All around great spot read more

If I could give no stars I would. This place has gone way down hill since I last visited years ago. The food was fine, the atmosphere annoying at best. It was a rainy, cold Tuesday night in November at 6:30 and there were no less than 4 loud and obnoxious birthday celebrations which meant loud music (which I am generally game for) and a cow bell. Fine I get it. This is why people come. But it was like 1/4 of the time we were allowed to be there. Yes, I mean allowed. At 2 hours ON THE NOSE, the arrogant hostess came by and rudely said I'M SORRY BUT I NEED THIS TABLE PEOPLE ARE WAITING. For $250 I would expect at least a polite warning. On my way out I was so offended (which by the way takes a lot) I said to this delusional peon that my friend and I wouldn't be back. Her response? THAT'S FINE!! Like she yelled across the room. Please note, this is my first Yelp review. It was that bad. I really don't GAF in general but this sad woman is in the wrong line of work and has real dysmorphia about her role in the machine. I wonder if her manager also thinks it's fine? I venture a guess not. I only feel sorry for the waitstaff who were merely doing their jobs. The restaurant was half empty when we were essentially thrown out and we were at a two top. Never, ever again. read more

Le Penguin is better than the madeleine that sparked Proust's remembrance of things past. I was immediately and without effort in Paris. Everything, really everything in Le Penguin is superlative. Attentive and responsive European service, an accommodating environment, a warm and convivial atmosphere and food that transports you to France. My Caesar salad, steak frites and mousse chocolat were truly memorable and it was altogether one of the best meals I've had in years. Vive Le Penguin ! read more

Had a dinner reservation for 3. They sat us at a table for two with an extra chair on the aisle. Very tiny and Too close to the next table. Waiters kept Bumping into our chair on the aisle, making it unpleasant to say the least for the guest seated there. Not one apology. Super noisy and hard to hear each other Evan at our little table. Then we ordered after dinner drinks. One pour was so stingy we told them it was unacceptable. They took it back and added to it and charged us for two shots. The diners waiting for tables were hanging on that same chair and practically in our laps. We had to tell the woman closest to us and in our way to let us get up from our table so we could leave. She was nasty. Food is excellent. But service was inconsiderate at best. Never again. read more

Went to a private dinner party at La Penguin.... 2nd time to the restaurant and it didn't disappoint! First of all the wait staff was AMAZING! They staff was always present with food, drink orders and anything we needed. When it was time for the sit down dinner, my water was always full and the food came out in perfect time. And of course the food was incredible!! Everyone was super nice!! Thank you for another great experience ! read more

Went for lunch a day ago and had a lovely time. We enjoyed great food and attentive but not overbearing service. We had oysters, tuna tartar, steak frites and filet mignon. It was all delicious. This is now my new favorite spot. read more

Food was ok nothing special , service was very nice as was the ambience but the mussels were not good.

We came by Le Penguin on a Saturday, right when they opened at 5pm (place was empty). We had a small dog with us, and asked to sit outside (all of the outside tables were empty, the weather wasn't truly ideal for dining outside, but hey, we wanted to!). We were told by the maître' d that they did not allow small dogs, even though their tables are...on the sidewalk (and I'm referring to the tables that are on the sidewalk, and not their tables that are under a tent, next to the restaurant). Unfortunately, the maître' d was rude, snobby, and just generally unpleasant. We wanted to try Le Penguin, as a request by our parents, as an option for our rehearsal dinner (30+ people) prior to our wedding in the fall, but I suppose since we weren't able to try it, we'll have to go elsewhere for our festive rehearsal dinner! Seems like such a shame of an opportunity for the restaurant... all over a policy that seems so poorly thought out... their tables are on the sidewalk, not in an enclosed patio or anything... Every other restaurant with outdoor seating in downtown Greenwich allows dogs... Guess we'll take our business to one of those fine establishments instead! Your loss, Le Penguin! read more

We ate outside and had lovely French food., including a Ile Florine for dessert. A very nice restaurant

Came here on a Saturday afternoon as it was highly rated by someone I know in the area. The place itself was nicely decorated and I loved the Penguin with the martini glass. As for the food, we were a party of 2 and ordered a burger and beef tartare. The food was good but not out of this world. Burger was standard and juicy, fries were really good. Overall, it was a nice and relaxing spot for decent price but food was nothing spectacular. read more

Le Penguin Bistro - French Near Me - Greenwich, Connecticut

Good food, good wine, easy to get a table at lunchtime. Large relatively cheap car parking nearby Overall so much better than Darien/new Canaan places which have got worse post covid read more

Excellent. Wine list was very good. The duck was excellent. The escargot was delicious. The service was attentive. Definitely recommend.

Ambiance servers restaurants all good. Lots of room for improvement. Prices are too high. They need a happy hour menu!!

Excellent French food, good service and fun atmosphere but the space is small and when it's crowded it can be loud. Overall, it's worth checking out. read more

Food amazing-especially the classics like Cajun chicken, frisée salad with lardons, steak frites, steak tartare and all fish specials. Service very attentive, no complaints. Ambience is sometimes "electric", other times "intimidating" if you are bothered by the "Greenwich vibe". read more

The Penguin is a nice, busy French bistro. They have a good choice menu, including classics like the lboulliabaise, steak au poivre, Moules frites and pate de campagne, tasty and well prepared. The stuff is friendly and the owner always around. The only downside is that the tables are extremely small. Actually there is not enough space to set your fork and knife down. Additionally, it can get extremely loud especially under the tent outside. Overall, a descent solution for French in Greenwich. read more

Consistently great Brunch at this French Bistro off the beaten path with celebrity locals and Popular with NY restaurateurs . The ravioli wild mushrooms dill transport you to Epicure Land , well executed with a light lemony broth and wild mushrooms well served it beats the overpriced truffles pasta in fashion in most Italian restaurants. The Burger is a great classic with grass fed beef and real French Fries try it out with the Grey poupon . The Bloody Mary is one of the best I drank in the land made with premium vodka and fresh condiments . Service is friendly and attentive and the customers family and kids look all like having a great time It must be the French touch of the "master des lieux " Monsieur Antoine Bon appétit PascalPicks ***** read more

Le Penguin Bistro - French Near Me - Greenwich, Connecticut

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Arrogant Maitri'd wouldn't seat us until other couple arrived.. never ever heard of this! Nothing was said about this policy when they confirmed Didn't even offer a drink while we stood there Not sure the point of that as they lost money we would have spent getting a drink at the table Terrible business strategy No other restaurant in town does this Mediterraneo, Terra, Douro, Miku All seat you when you arrive read more

Employees don't seem too happy and very cold while waiting on tables, no smiles, not very welcoming. Food is just OK it's not great, the fish is not tasty. Very small place and gets crowded easily. Tea is good however they give you such a small cup of water and don't ever ask if a refill is desired. Seems like all they care about is making the bill higher read more

Truly fantastic experience. I had the pleasure to experience le Penguin prior to Covid and the inside is quite nice and cozy. I went back last week end and had such a fabulous time outside. Definitely a must see when in Greenwhich, even more since the Terrace has been open. My recommendation is the frisee aux lardons, I ordered an extra egg and with these 2 eggs yolk melting with the salad... paradise read more

Love the steak and fries!!! Have been 4 times already ordering the same thing because it's just amazing!! I've also celebrated my birthday and they were really caring singing happy birthday to me!! read more

Le Penguin Bistro - I've been 4 times to the restaurant and I always ordered the same dish because it is just amazing!!! - French Near Me - Greenwich, Connecticut

My future mother-in-law and I came here for lunch while Christmas shopping. It was the first time either of us had dined here, and we decided to come based on someone highly recommending Le Penguin to us. We entered in the small but cute building and were greeted by a gentleman who asked if we had a reservation or not. He then promptly sat us at a table. After no more than a minute, we were greeted by our server who asked about our water preferences: still, tap, or sparkling. He also took our wine order at this time. They have a nice selection of wines available. I went with a rosé and my MIL went with Sancerre. For our meals, I had the veggie burger without goat cheese, and my MIL had the tuna tartar. She enjoyed the tartare, and said she would come back and have it again, which is high praise to receive a nod from her. I also enjoyed the veggie burger and side salad. The ingredients were fresh and the lemon dressing tossed on the side salad was tart and savory all at once, the salad was not overdressed, and quite frankly I am obsessed with this vinaigrette! The veggie burger was unique, it was not a patty, but really just fresh vegetables layered on a multigrain bun. They were cooked and seasoned well, flavors worked together. It was a tad messy to eat, so I attacked it with a fork and knife. Overall, we will come back for lunch on our girls shopping day we take when I visit. The experience was quick, service was prompt, and the food was tasty. Though it is small inside, it is cozy and does not become too loud or obnoxious. The only thing I dropped a star for was the lack of eye contact from wait staff. They were prompt and efficient but they did not create a personable relationship. However, we will be back and I recommend for lunch! read more