We were in dire need of finding a place to eat around the area. My hubby listed a couple of restaurants to try and this one stood out from the rest. It was the name, ofcourse. So cute! So French! It was easy to find this tiny place. It's tucked away in an unassuming area that is right across from the beach. I knew right away when I saw this restaurant, that I was going to like it a whole lot. Luckily, we went on a weekday and so the place wasn't busy. I can just imagine how busy it would be on a weekend afternoon. We ordered an assortment of entree's. Quiche, Grilled Ham + Brie Cheese between a buttery croissant, Ahi Tuna Sandwich, Grilled Chicken Salad, French Onion soup, Clam Chowder soup and their special of the day soup, Sweet Potatoe and Jalopeno soup. Weird combo, I thought, but it wasn't all too bad. All of the food was delish coupled with the nice outdoor seating right across from the fountain. So soothing, it was. The customer service was very nice and friendly. Loved that. This place is a cozy place to come to when you want to have a nice brunch with close friends and/or family. Try to get the outdoor seating. It makes your entree's taste even better, I swear! read more

One of the few 5 star rating restaurants in Ventura. Location: Great view of the harbor. Sit outside, sip on a glass of mimosa, and enjoy the afternoon! Food: Delicate French food. I had the seafood crepe, escargot, and crab cakes. The crab cakes was standard, but the escargot was fantastic. I recommend dipping the bread into the buttery sauce in the escargot. The crepe was very savory. It's a hearty, saucy, cheesy dish. The crepe itself was very light though, but I think they can go a little lighter on the sauce. It comes with a baguette, which was really good! I would like to come back and try their pastries and sip on a cup of cappuccino. The only downside is the limited hours. They're closed on Mondays and dinner is only served on Wed-Sunday. And like many other restaurants in Ventura, they close relatively early for dinner. read more

The restaurant serves great food unfortunately it's ruined by horrible service. The gentlemen greeting folks at the door was extremely rude and lacked the ability to speak to people. Several people turned away from the restaurant do to his lack of kindness. read more

My family has been going to Le Petit while on vacation in the area for what seems like 20 years now. We love it, so I'm very surprised to read some of the low reviews. First, their breakfast. My favorite is the quiche. I order it every time with the potatoes au gratin and a croissant. It's my all time favorite breakfast. They definitely cook their dishes with butter in it, and it's very good. I don't think it's greasy, I think it's buttery. Honestly. If you're not a fan of butter, why are you at a French restaurant? Next, their lunch. I usually get the ham and cheese sandwich on a baguette or a croissant. Always delicious. The baguettes are so good and the croissants are always flaky like I like them. Finally, dinner. I've tried a few different dishes. Some heavier, some not. Crepes are awesome, lots of rich, creamy sauce on some -- which OK...maybe that's too heavy for some (e.g., light eaters or lactose intolerant/gluten free/diet obsessed types/picky eaters) but I think the rich sauce is what makes the meal decadent. A real treat to enjoy. I've never ordered a dish I didn't fully enjoy from La Petit. The restaurant itself has a sleepy, beachy, casual feel. It's not fancy or pretentious and doesn't pretend to be. I like the servers I've had over the years, sure... some have been better than others, and sure there were occasional missteps like being busy and forgetting to ask about refills. Not the end of the world, those things happen at all restaurants, so I don't agree with what others say about service. The owner, his wife, and the staff have always been casually professional and nice to us. It's at the very sleepy Ventura Harbor Village, not on the French Riveria or inside the Four Seasons. That's part of its charm. Last but not least, the bakery. I love popping in on occasion for fresh bread and some delicious pastries or cookies for dessert. Always good. This place has been a consistent favorite of mine and my family for years, and we fully expect it to continue to be that way for as long as they are in business...which is hopefully at least 20 more years. read more

The location is what brought me into this restaurant. It has a beautiful view of the harbor and quite a bit of seating. I brought my book and enjoyed a glass of wine and the Goat Cheese Baguette. While it the goat cheese to baguette ratio was a little off (in the goat cheeses favor) it was yummy and went well with my wine. I also ordered a house salad but the baguette came with a little greens on the plate so I probably could have done with out the salad. Either way I had a pleasant dinning experience and my server was also very nice. read more

Had dinner twice here while visiting Ventura for the first time with my significant other. It was a cute place with great service. The food hit the spot as well - the first dinner was the salmon and the salad de coure. The second dinner was the medallions. Both meals were delicious. Between those two meals we also stopped by the bakery - their baked goods (croissant and version of a bear claw) were great. Would definitely go back and hope to do so. Special thanks to our waiter Kevin! read more

The actual restraunt is outstanding. The service is great and so is the food. I had the French Toast, and was astonished on how great it was. If you are on a no-carb diet I suggest you do not order this, for for those who arent and want a great, sweet, breakfast, then this food item is for you. My Husband had a Mediterranean Salad and had enjoyed it immensly. The Bakery is just as great! We walked out with a Baguette and had also enjoyed it greatly. If would bring my kids here if they are into trying new and foreign foods! And I will definately be returning. read more

This is almost always a great place to eat. I haven't found that the food quite gets to "great" but it's good and the atmosphere and seaside location are fantastic. We had a tasty Croque Madame here - ham and cheese with a fried egg on top and a generous side of really good fries. I had the escargot with a salad and some crusty baguette. Really good. I had hoped the escargot would come on the plate with individual hollows for each snail, but it came mixed into a sauce of sorts with some mushrooms and other things in there. I didn't care. It was good and I ate every bite. I enjoy eating here but find it a little pricy for what you get. Nonetheless, we plan to be back soon. read more

Le Petit - Croque Madame - grilled ham and cheese with fried egg on top. French fries were delicious! - French Near Me - Ventura, California

Amazing place to eat if you are looking for a romantic get away. Very quiet and peaceful! The food was delicious! read more

Le Petit - California Pasta - French Near Me - Ventura, California

I you like French restaurants You may like this better than I do. Its a matter of personal taste. The Bakery alone earns the 3 stars. Beautiful and consistently delicious products. The food and the mood are very Parisian Even the menu is full of rules (charge for split plate, service charge for 5 or more, no separate checks) I love the location, at the Ventura Harbor but often the patio is too chilly. There are a few tables in the sun with "reserved" signs on them. We weren't allowed to sit there and they were never used. The service is good but not overly friendly or attentive. It is French food, very tasty but heavy on the sugar, butter and cream. The menu is heavy on spinach, ham and Swiss cheeses things I don't care for. I had Sweet Potato Jalapeno Soup. It was like Dessert. The Salad dressings are served on the side, I prefer a salad tossed with dressing, but that is just me. Both of the dressings, though delicious, were also sweet so the meal was kind of all one note. The baked goods are fresh and better than most served in any restaurant.. My croissant was sinfully good. Breakfast is very good but only available on week-ends, even in the summer. I love that they use fresh local ingredients, the food is wonderful, just not the low fat fare I try to eat. read more

Went for breakfast to find out they only serve breakfast on weekends. I don't live too far away from the harbor so it wasn't a big deal though the french toast sounded delicious. I ended up getting a pastry (cheese croissant) and my boyfriend got a chocolate croissant and it was amazing, warm and slightly crispy. I'm stoked to go back and try their breakfast. read more

Nice patio with a view of the harbor. Delicious food. They have a bakery on premises. Open for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Amazing service every time we've been here. read more

Le Petit - French Near Me - Ventura, California

Definitely the most incredible quiche, eclair and raspberry chocolate mousse we have ever experienced. All Homemade with perfect marriage of ingredients. The chef in thekitc knows what he is doing When in Ventura, do not miss this fantastic restaurant. read more

Le Petit - Chocolate Raspberry Mousse - French Near Me - Ventura, California

We ate at Le Petit Cafe Bakery for Easter Brunch. First, we ordered an omelet with NO tomatoes, but it came with tomatoes. We said "We asked for no tomatoes" and the waitress said, "Oh, the tomatoes are already mixed together in advance." We said, "You could have told us that, she has a tomato allergy." Then, as I bit into my eggs, I was horrified to find 1/2 a toothpick (with blue cellophane fringe) in my omelet. We asked to speak to the owner, Jean Luc came to our table but he was so rude. He took my plate away and made a new omelet, but we can never return. read more

Went there this past Saturday for brunch. Not super busy but the outdoor seating was at a premium. We were supposed to be a group of 4 but two of our friends could not show up. I think the waiter was annoyed which I can understand. But we sat there for an hour before our orders were taken. He said that he thought we were waiting on the others but I had already mentioned that they were not coming and we were ready to order. Off he went. Never came back. So I ended up ordering the seafood crepe. The cheese on top was so thick we were hardly able to pull it off of the crepe itself. It reminded me of mozzarella on top of pizza it was so thick. The cream sauce was also heavy and super salty. It did not taste like a mushroom cream sauce at all and kind of orange in color. So the whole thing came in as a cheesey / soupy /orangey glob. Presentation was awful. Also, only got scallops - no shrimp. I think the waiter was upset that we took a table for 4 when only two of us showed so that was our fault. But his ambivalence at our being there was on the verge of being rude. Two stars: 1 star for the location, it was a beautiful day and nice sitting outside, 1 star for the baguette that came with the crepe. Also, the hostess seemed nice. If a group went, I might go again. I'm always in for giving second chances. If it's better, I'll update my review. As for now, I wouldn't recommend going here and I wouldn't go on my own accord. read more

Went here for lunch. Gave the person working the front our name and he stated it would be a 15-20 minute wait. This was fine, what was not fine was 2 other couples walking up and being seated immediately. When I inquired about this all they said, was they were A little disorganized. They were not disorganized, they were just plain not paying attention. It was Like list, what list. Needless to say we left. Will not be going back. read more

We love this place. Come here often for breakfast. Delicious food and friendly staff. read more

Le Petit - Cute place - French Near Me - Ventura, California

Went for the first time this last Saturday (6/6) Purchased a few deserts. The older man behind the counter was so rude and very sarcastic for no reason. Will never go again I rather spend my money on businesses that treat customers with respect and offer customer service. The deserts were good but to many other places to go to buy sweets and that appreciate your business. read more

My brother lives out of state and the first place he wants to go when he's in town is Le Petit! The omlette's are by far the best in ventura- and where else is it perfectly acceptable to order a bottle of wine with breakfast?? LOVE IT LOVE IT! Everytime I eat there, it is a perfect dining experience.. EVERYTIME!! This place gets pretty busy on the weekends, but TRUST me, its worth the wait! read more

We drive an hour and a half to get to Le Petit Cafe but it is worth every minute. Best baguettes outside of Paris. Excellent escargot. Especially like Mediterranean Salad with fresh fish and Croque Madame. Never leave without having a pastry to finish. read more

This place is awesome! The have amazing croissants, always freshly baked. The inside of the restaurant smells so good from all the croissants and the outside area is very nice as well. Also, they put their croissants in many of their menu options. They have eggs Benedict with croissants instead of English muffins, French toast made with croissants instead of bread, and even a hamburger with s croissant bun! And most items on their menu come with a croissant on the side. They open kind of late though, at around 9. So basically if you like croissants go here. Croissant. I don't think I've ever typed that word so much in my life! read more

A most excellent place for Sunday Brunch. Great food, excellent service and a beautiful spot to enjoy it. Weekend dinners are marvelous, too. But call for reservations. read more

A great place to enjoy the harbor and get some really great food. Everything I have tried here has been really good, not one bad experience yet and we have eatten here many times as the harbor is a great place to go when the valley gets too hot. I recommend the turkey and cheese sandwhich on a croissant with the side salad. The homemade dressings are awesome and the fresh baked breads and goodies are always good. read more

I can't even begin to describe the awesomeness that is Le Petit Cafe. The only time I've had French food this good was in Paris, kids...everything is amazing. Even the fresh baked bread (baguette or croissant) that comes with most meals is incredible. The place is small, so plan on a wait, but it's absolutely worth it. The chef/owner has been there every time I've been...running between the kitchen and bussing tables, seating people, interviewing servers, ringing up baked goods at the bakery counter...this is HIS place, and he obviously cares about it, and it comes through in the food. Service is always nice, and often funny and sarcastic, the patio is a lovely place to eat, and don't forget dessert! read more

Amazing! Brunch on the patio was perfect in every way. Great seafood crepe, quiche Lorraine and side salad. Pastries from the bakery were as good if not better than bakeries in France. The macaroons and almond pastry could not have been better! read more

Ate here while wandering around Ventura Harbor Village. Had the Seafood Crepe: crepe filled with shrimp and scallops with a fresh spinach and mushroom cream sauce - baked with gratinee of cheese it was wonderful! It was huge and I could only eat about half of it but it was fantastic. Had a very nice view of the marina while I ate outside as well. Would definitely visit again. read more

Le Petit - Very nice view of the harbor marina while I dined. - French Near Me - Ventura, California

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Was there today and was very disappointed.. I paid almost $50 dollars for a croquet monsieur for lunch, my nieces ordered chicken strips witch were grilled they thought breaded.. small pieces for $11 dollars each.. My croquet was HORRIBLE and was on a mushy croissant.. it looked like it was thrown together.. The fries were all hard and crunchy, I like some crunchy but not like that.. If you want people to patronize your business make quality food.. I know we have had a pandemic but please care about the food you make.. read more

Not the best breakfast. Service was okay but lacked some attention to customers. I'd prefer to dine at one of the many other ventura establishments read more

they have the best fries. ever. love the potatoes au gratin. awesome bakery. desserts are a must. sandwiches are yummy...paired with the fries and french onion soup great location in ventura harbor! small, intimate and outdoor/ indoor seating! enjoy =] read more

Le Petit - French Near Me - Ventura, California

I went here for lunch recently. Ordered torte de Paris. Had salmon in it, and it was so fishy, even trying to eat around the fish didn't help. The gross flavor permeated through the whole dish. So disappointing. It was also oozing with cheese. Not good. The croissant wasn't done well at all either. It was dense and not flaky. The staff were nice, and the bakery items were pretty good. Just too bad about the food. Go for the bakery only if you must, I suppose. read more

Alright guys, super basic "I studied abroad in Paris so I know what I'm talking about" post coming up. You've been warned. I love this establishment. I remember the first time we stumbled in like I remember my first time falling in love with the wrought iron balconies and red geraniums dotting the Latin quarter in Paris. Anyway, back to the Ventura harbor... We walked in, unprepared for what we were about to experience-the delightful smell of authentic, buttery carbs baked to perfection. I couldn't help but wonder, Could I order the cappuccino of my #basicamericangirlinparis dreams and actually find satisfaction? Yes. It tasted pure, foamy, and incroyable. It even made me reconsider my stance on drinking dairy milk in my coffee. And the pastries-oh, the pastries. They look and taste like the real deal. The chef obviously knows his stuff here. I wanted to go back in the kitchen and ask him to teach me how to properly crack an egg a la Sabrina Fairchild. I still want to win the lottery so I can hire him to bake me fresh baguettes every day. That's just the bakery side of things. The actual restaurant is also awesome. We've only been for breakfast-and it's almost not worth eating breakfast anywhere else in the U.S. once you've been here. My favorite is the goat cheese omelette (which comes with potatoes au gratin, which are super delicious but I can only eat a few bites and usually opt for pommes frites or fruit.) With any of the omelette or Benedict options, you also get your choice of baguette, croissant (which are gigantic and contain probably a stick of butter each, you can imagine how they taste), or bread pudding. The side of fresh fruit is even delicious-no hard cantaloupe or honeydew here, mon amis, you'll find fresh, seasonal fruit). My SO always orders the smoked salmon Benedict, which he's ordered 3x and can be quoted as follows: "dude. It's my new favorite breakfast. It's been fantastic and consistent every time. And the price is spot on for what it is." Also, the eggs Benedict comes on a croissant-because why not? If the weather permits, sit outside and enjoy the beautiful ocean air and kitschy fountain-they even draw pigeons so you can feel even more as if you're sitting at a real French cafe. Other friends we've dined with have ordered the crab cakes Benedict, which was highly reviewed. I would recommend steering away from the French quickie. For some reason, it just doesn't deliver in the same fashion as the omelette/Benedict options. We plan on returning again after we've successfully lost the ten pounds we probably collectively gained from a visit. People of Ventura County, particularly Francophiles, you're in good hands here. Don't miss out. read more

Great place for breakfast with a nice view if you sit outside. I had the crab cake omelette and it was delicious. Portions are big so if you're not a big eater, you could share one meal with your company. I've only been here once and my friend said that most of the time he was here, they never opened in time. I experienced it myself since they open 15 minutes late when we were there. That's the downside of this restaurant, but overall, the food is good as well as the service! read more

Le Petit - Crab cake omelette, yummy! - French Near Me - Ventura, California

Food was great. Owner needs a little work. Also a lot of rules. No split check, split plate fee, corkage fee, etc....I'm surprised there wasn't a cover charge at the door. Server was friendly and French onion soup as well as the salads and dressings were great. I just feel they would get more stars and customers if they were more customer oriented. Food defiantly saved them from a worse review.. read more

Came on Valentine's Day for brunch and had to wait about 45 minutes. We were seated on the patio in the sun. When I asked for the umbrella to be put up at our table I was informed it was broken. When we received our food, my husband's omelette was undercooked. They did take it back and cooked it a bit more. I was a bit disappointed as I had heard good things. Probably won't come back again. read more

I just had the best dinner!!! Outstanding! Great service and great martinis!!! I will be back again soon. Highly recommended!

The crepes were delicious. It's a really large portion but they were so good, I practically inhaled the whole thing. The outdoor patio is also really nice with a beautiful view of the harbor. The service was a bit slow considering the amount of people but other than that, excellent all around. read more

We just randomly picked this place to try since French food is not every where to be found. It turned out to be a hidden gem. The French baguettes were freshly made with a thin crust. It went well with the clam chowder and seafood crepes. My family ordered the chicken primavera and mussels pasta. I must say the chicken was very soft and juicy. The mussel pasta was served in a huge pot with plenty of mussels. Great choice read more

Great bakery.. spend at least $30 for bakery items and a coffee for the wife. According to her they serve a great espresso. It is located on the side of the restaurant. Family owned for years. The owner is actually from France. If you show up later in the day most of the bakery items are gone. Places like these are disappearing in Ventura .. so please support them.. I don't wanna see a Starbucks replace them!!!!!!! read more

This cafe was such a lovely and serene find. The quiche was wonderful and the view of the harbor from the patio was spectacular! I was also impressed but the owner's hospitality. He made a a sparkling orange juice for me upon request and let me stay quite a while finishing my work. I will definitely come back next time I am in Ventura! read more

Beautiful lil cafe for breakfast by the harbor.beautiful views of the boats and less than a mile from harbor cove beach also pet friendly.