From the moment we were seated in a cozy spot, everything about Village Bistro felt thoughtful and genuine. Every detail--from our drinks and cheese board to the sourdough, steak frites, rigatoni alla vodka, chocolate pot de crème and cheesecake--was wonderful. Ending the meal with French press coffee was the perfectly wrapped bow on an already lovely evening. What made it truly special, though, was the service. We never mentioned that it was our anniversary, yet Sage treated us with such warmth, graciousness and care that you would have thought she knew. Nothing felt forced or overly formal--just genuine hospitality at its best. A beautiful meal, delightful dining experience, and such a lovely way to spend our anniversary. We'll absolutely be back. read more

Chester is an adorable town with many great spots to eat and drink at. I recently tried the village bistro and will definitly be back. The service was wonderful, the food was tasty and the ambience was lovely. The bathroom in particular was adorable and I wanted to steal the wallpaper. I specifically went here for the French onion soup and it did not disappoint. I had a burger which was good and the fries were delicious. I only wish I had tried dessert. read more

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We walked into an empty restaurant not one table occupied. After a minute or two some guy asked if he could help. I said table for two he asked if we had a reservation. Just surly and unfriendly. Stared at a computer screen awhile then sat us. Again an empty restaurant. I will say the rest of the service was friendly but that first impression. I will also say the food was tasty but I've never paid such high prices for so little. My wife and I both had pasta dishes. There was no dinner or side salad, no bread-the most basic to pasta entrees. If you go you must love the color copper. We won't be back. read more

The Village Bistro - This was supposed to be a $27 meal/entree. That's it. - Modern European Near Me - Chester, Connecticut

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Stopped by for lunch and had such a great meal. The drinks were also delicious and service was quick and accommodating to having a baby with us. We had the burrata with chili oil and blood orange to start 10/10 and duck Benedict which was delicious . Super cute bistro with ample indoor/outdoor space Tequila mockingbird & soju drinks read more

The Village Bistro - Burrata starter - Modern European Near Me - Chester, Connecticut

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Parking: none, street but if that is full there is a cemetery and post office 1/2 block away. The street is so cute, something out of old world charm or a movie Decor: very unique, almost posh but something else, let's say upscale cozy Staff: dialed in and friendly, great with recommendations and there for you if you need something, I missed my servers name but the receipt says Yuliya. She was nothing short of perfection s as nd working the entire front by herself!! Food: everything was tasty, a little more kick in spice in every dish even the vodka rigatoni had an after bite. I didn't take away a star, but I personally look forward to the after taste of the food rather than a kick. Price: about average with the amount of apps and food we got with wine too! Overall: I would go back but once you see the street, I want to try them all!! read more

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Outstanding service, charming ambience, and excellent food combined to make our experience here truly memorable our server Taylor went above and beyond in making our choices for our food and beverages informed and seamless. The cocktails were outstanding, and the food was exquisite. Will definitely come back to enjoy their excellent happy hour menu available Fridays through Sunday beginning at two and weekdays beginning at 4:30. read more

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Stopped in for an early dinner and were greeted as soon as we walked in. This is a small restaurant with a combination of seating, booths and individual seats/tables. There also appears to be extra seating at the back of the restaurant. The menu is small but has plenty of selections, both small and large bites as they call them. Our server, who was very friendly and pleasant as well as the other staff, took our drink orders and let us know what the fish was for the evening. We decided to order the sourdough bread, French onion soup, and two burgers with fries. This is a very relaxed atmosphere, a little in the dark side, and the seating was very tight between tables given the size of the restaurant but we adjusted the table and made it work. The bread arrived hot from the oven with their house butter which I couldn't quite figure out was in it. Almost seemed sweet as if it was a maple syrup base but can't say for sure. The bread was incredible and didn't last long. The French onion soup arrived in a large bowl with a number of crispy croutons and plenty of onions. The soup was very tasty with a little bit of a bit to it. The croutons were a very nice touch as they stayed crispy ti the soup was gone. The burgers arrived hot off the grill with large baskets of very crispy French fries. The burgers were large, cooked medium as requested, with nice slices of Grafton maple smoked cheese, bacon jam. Lettuce, and Dijon mustard. The burgers are very thick and the roll is soft and grilled nicely. The fries, which were right out of the flyer, stayed crispy through the whole meal. There are a couple of steps up into the restaurant so if you have mobility issues it might be a little bit of a challenge. All in all a great little restaurant with incredible food and great service. The next time we're in the area there may be a return trip. read more

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I've come here a few times now and can easily rave about how amazing Village Bistro is. The cozy, romantic atmosphere sets the perfect tone to celebrate any special occasion. We recently came to celebrate a birthday and they made our experience so perfect. From the Happy Birthday sign on the table, to Tirzah's 5 star service and obviously the food -- we left happy and full! Highly recommend the boule, with seasonal butter, the rigatoni, and the pad Thai was a hit too! read more

What an adorable little room. Feels very French. We started with the French onion soup and the sourdough boule. The soup was outstanding and the house butter for the bread was also delicious. Moved on to a creamy mushroom and Swiss quiche which was fantastic. The service was also very good as we were constantly checked on and even allowed to move to a better table. read more

WOW! This may be my favorite dining experience of 2024. Such an incredible meal, friendly staff and a dog friendly outdoor patio, right on Main Street in Chester. We have been meaning to visit for quite some time and getting a gift card over the holidays was the perfect push we needed. We ordered a little bit of everything as we had a party of 3 and wanted to share! The Sourdough Boule was the perfect starter and arrived at our table piping hot! The house butter was perfect and seems like it rotates based on the day/time of year. Our favorite appetizer had to be the Crispy Bao Buns - they were perfectly crispy and paired with a tasty buttermilk dressing. However, the French Onion Soup was my personal star of the show. I think it was the best French Onion Soup I've had to date, and I loved that it was served in a more shallow bowl for optimal cheese coverage. The Ricotta Gnocchi was a perfect entree and great for sharing. The Village Burger was also delicious and a little more affordable too. My mom couldn't stop talking about the Roasted Carrots as well. 10/10 dining experience and definitely a good spot to bring someone you want to impress. There wasnt anything we tried that we didn't like. I loved all the mismatched tableware and "tea party" vibe. Such a cute place and great first visit. We can't wait to come back! read more

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Adorable little date spot with copper-tin tabletops and dripping candles and a pretty good French onion soup and tuna nacho bites. The food itself isn't anything to rave about but the place itself is romantic and dramatic and adorable. read more

The Village Bistro - Modern European Near Me - Chester, Connecticut

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Such a beautiful spot. Wonderful setting exudes comfort. Drinks were made to perfection. I had one of the the best French onion soups I have ever had! Amazing place. read more

The Village Bistro - Bar - Modern European Near Me - Chester, Connecticut

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Unique menu executed to perfection. Our brunch was delicious -we loved the charcuterie and the Turkish eggs were fantastic! Staff were all sweet, helpful and the service was great. Our Valentine's brunch was a great start to the day, strolled the quaint town of Chester after brunch - may have left some of our money in the shops there! Don't miss the Chester art gallery across the street. read more

Cute place, cute town. Perfect fall day for a ride / visit. We went for brunch, started with the boule and flavored butter. Perfectly crisp and crunchy outside, soft inside. Then had the onion soup. Good thyme flavor. Wish the onions had been caramelized longer, and wish the broth was more flavorful. And it was ok. We tried the biscuits and gravy and duck eggs Benedict. Both were ok. The biscuit was hard almost like a biscotti not what we expected. I would say have the libations and enjoy. We will come back around the Dec holidays. read more

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The four of us had an amazing dinner last night. We started with the sourdough boule, which was the best we have had. We also had the coq au vin, pork chop and rigatoni vodka. All meals were lovely. The atmosphere is so cozy. Our server was wonderful. We will be back! read more

Overall it was okay. Definitely could have been our fault for eating outside (we had a dog). The ambiance inside looked very cute. We got a few small plates/apps. The French onion soup was a little watery and not that flavorful. The fried rice was good. Definitely recommend the sourdough with their house made butter (it was cinnamon something) and their ricotta. For the main I split lobster ravioli and a beyond burger with a friend. Ravioli was good - burger was okay. They have mocktails which is nice when you're pregnant or not drinking. Friends seemed to enjoy their wine. The service outside was fine. read more

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Cute bistro in an adorable town (Chester, CT). Food, drinks and service were very good. However, I can't give any place 5 stars that allows dogs into a high priced swanky restaurant. Spent our entire time in the quant courtyard while listened to a table with three dogs bark for an hour straight. I believe this whole town is pet friendly, but I think a nice restaurent like this one should consider whether it's worth accommodating inconsiderate people with annoying dogs to ruin their ambiance for others. Won't be back. read more

Wow... with Onion Soup like this, I can take a visit to France off the bucket list. I'm an absolute Onion Soup snob, and this may be my favorite EVER. I would have paid $25 for that. My wife liked her omelet... and I liked the Duck Benedict, which was interesting... though I wasn't crazy about the sauce.. Not sure if it was actually Hollandaise Sauce as you would usually find on a Benedict, but it was very thin and bubbly. It actually looked like yellow spittle. But I'll tell you what... that doesn't change my 5 star feeling for the place. The service was great, the place is adorable, quaint, and even the bathrooms are worth visiting! read more

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Do not go here - took over 2 hours for a lack luster vodka rigatoni and over cooked burger. Not only did a find a disgusting black hair in my food - the waitress lost my card and "couldn't find it". Not only did she not apologize - she just seemed like it was my fault for the lost card. Do not recommend this place - far better restaurants to spend my money on. read more

Another fantastic meal at the Village Bistro tonight! We tried a few different things this time and they were all outstanding. The beet salad was delicious and refreshing! The shrimp on crisped rice was inventive and very tasty. And I was totally surprised by the steak frites- I was expecting a piece of steak (sirloin?) but instead was presented with what I believe was skirt steak perfectly cooked and covered in a light cream/peppercorn sauce. The meat was tender, flavorful- delicious! One of the best pieces of beef I've ever eaten. Keep up the great work, Village Bistro! read more

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The attention to detail in decorating and the attention to detail in service is incredible. Love the vibe of this restaurant. However, the food and cocktails are the main attraction. Their personal twist on dishes and desserts makes every visit memorable! Great place to treat yourself. You won't be disappointed!! read more

I'm torn about this place. Kim and I were excited to try it for dinner-- we did not have reservations but we arrived at 430pm and were told they could accommodate us as long as we were done by 6pm-- sure, no problem. The interior is absolutely gorgeous, lots of vintage elements and very romantic atmosphere. Service from there was a little off-- had a woman who has def worked there for a while and she seemed less than thrilled to take care of us. The menu is small, limited options. We started with the sourdough boule (which is really half a boule)-- came out warm and toasty. Kim had the roasted chicken and I had the pork chop with 898 bacon squash hash, wilted greens, cajun apple BBQ. The flavor of the hash with the bbq was fantastic, nice and tangy-- unfortunately, the pork was overcooked and tough. This dish might be more successful if it was bone in pork to keep it moist. With only two dessert options, neither of which intrigued us, that was the end of our evening. I'd love to bring my husband here, but not dinner (maybe brunch since no lunch offered). read more

The Village Bistro - Modern European Near Me - Chester, Connecticut

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I love this place! Very solid food for a small town and fantastic service. The ambiance is also very dreamy and cozy. I will say, Chester has below the bar service at most of the restaurants but this place is a stand out! 10/10 recommend. read more

An amazing experience from start to finish. We sat outside- but inside looked adorable as well. Our server, Taylor, was so attentive and personable. She was helpful when we asked about sharing starters and a large plate. The tequila mockingbird drink was so delicious- definitely recommend. The crispy shrimp rice, mussels, vodka rigatoni and crème brûlée cheesecake were all amazing. No complaints. We cannot wait to return. Highly recommend! read more

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The food was very good and the service was exceptional towards our party!!!.. We loved the cozy atmosphere!!

Another great evening at the Village Bistro. My wife and I are visiting my mother-in-law and we often come here for dinner. The atmosphere is warm and cozy, especially in the library. Our server Ruby was a delight. She was affable, attentive, and prompt with her service, which goes a long way to contribute to the warmth of this restaurant. Between us we had raw oysters (small but balanced brininess), steak tartare (excellent), tuna tartare (excellent), the fig and burrata special (outstanding) and the coq au vin (delicious). Every time we visit Chester (been doing so for 50 years) we have a few good restaurants we regularly frequent and the bistro has become one of them. Did I mention the service is terrific? read more

The apps are exceptional/japanese, etc....no joke...hidden gem..50 year local .....jim

We came here for dinner after attending the Terris Theater. Everything was excellent , food delicious, service top notch and wonderful atmosphere . We will definitely come Back to this gem of a restaurant. read more

First time dining at the VB. We had a wonderful table. The service was top notch. The food was excellent. The ambience was just right. It was a perfect nite. read more

The restaurant looked charming when we arrived. When we arrived the waitress asked if we were seeing the show at Goodspeed. We told her yes that we'd have to leave in an hour and a half. The appetizers and drinks came quickly and all of us were happy with our first course. Then there was an inexcusable wait for our main course. At the 90 minute mark they managed to slap 4 of our 5 entries on the table and we rushed to eat. Most seemed reasonable but my BLT salad was just a huge wedge of lettuce with a few scattered tomatoes, some "ham chips" that seemeed like basic bacon and a little blue cheese. We rushed to eat in 5 minutes. My wife never got her entry. Worst we got no appology and no reductions on our bill. Suffice it to say we won't be back. read more

The Village Bistro never ceases to amaze! The special three-course Mother's Day brunch was incredible. Creative. Beyond delicious and beautifully presented. It is not hyperbole-the meal was one of the best I have ever enjoyed. Not to mention the cozy atmosphere and the top notch service. Betsy Sandberg Essex, CT read more

I was so excited to come here based on recommendations and it didn't disappoint. I'm not a huge fan of brunch menus (don't send hate mail) but I loved that we arrived midday on a sleepy Sunday. The decor is quaint, very Hemingway-esque which totally fills my soul. We sat at the bar and the owner who waited on us was kind and super attentive. I was hesitant to order what I did - pork belly and gulpivers travel cocktail BUT Loooordy Lord both were amazing! I've only had pork belly 2-3x before bc it's usually laden with fat and this was the perfect texture: meaty, crispy, fatty - kudos.. more importantly I was mind-blown with the cocktail. I don't like Prosecco, but I do love all the other ingredients but was afraid it would be too sweet and this my friends was a perfectly balanced cocktail. Woot!! My only regret was not ordering a second cocktail but of course this is assurance that we'll be back and I'll be imbibing my way through the cocktail menu.. read more

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From start to finish this whole dinner was perfection. First the space - cozy, warm, romantic - absolutely perfect for a date night. The service was excellent; the waitress checked in often and we always had everything that we needed. The Hucklecherry Finn cocktail was absolutely perfect, fruity but not too sweet. The food - just amazing. The French onion soup was some of the best I've ever had. The bowl was huge, topped with three pieces of bread and tons gooey crispy cheese. The steak frites entree was amazing - tender and delicious. Nothing could have been better, will absolutely be back. read more

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The ambiance and overall aesthetic is top-notch. We love it. The drinks tend to be absolutely perfect. Now, right there, you have a great night out already. I just wish every other aspect was equally exceptional! It's so annoying and disappointing! The food is remarkably lackluster, with a great menu concept but poor execution. It should also be noted that anyone wanting a lighter, more fresh or brightly-flavored meal will be disappointed. The service is also incredibly inconsistent and sometimes just...weird. Maybe the 5-star ratings are from people who are just high on the vibes and drinks before digging into their meals? In summary: If you want a great drink in a cool setting this is your place, but anything above that...I'd say restrain your expectations. read more

I can't say enough good things about this place. The food is amazing - fresh ingredients, unique creations, and beautifully plated. The inside is decorated beautifully, I love the intimate setting of it. The staff and owner are incredibly nice and extremely helpful. Everything we had - appetizers, dinner, cocktails, desserts were all delicious. I'll definitely be back for sure! read more

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Romantic, dreamy, whimsical. These words come to mind to describe The Village -a true gem. I had such a great time with my party of five that night. I tried the Hucklecherry Finn with Bombay Sapphire gin, elderflower, cherry, almond and lemon and the Gulpiver's Travels with Zubrowka bison grass vodka, lychee, egg white, prosecco. Both of these drinks were so perfect. Two amazingly delicious drinks! And with desserts like these...Cookies & Cream Pots de Crem with oreo crumble and marscapone- wow! Fried Reese's Peanut Butter Cup with orange, granola and cereal milk ice cream- omg! Grilled Zucchini Bread with blackberry syrup, marscapone and buttermilk ice cream- this one was great! Village Bistro in Chester features locally and regionally sourced menu items that highlight creative New American Cuisine with a touch of European flair. Their culinary menu is complemented by signature cocktails, both classic and rare wine pairings and select craft beers. Enjoy dinner in their main dining room or their intimate library lounge. That library lounge is so cool! Can't wait to visit again- the owners are absolutely wonderful and so genuine. Such good energy here. read more

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On our first visit to downtown Chester, we had a lovely dinner at the charming Village Bistro! My fiancé and I were sat sweetheart style in an adorable spot near the front window. I loved the historical feel here, and felt like it was a more relaxed, yet elegant spot, for fine dining. We tried some dishes that were new to us, like the plum toast and roasted squash, and enjoyed some classics with a flair, like the rigatoni alla vodka. This version had Calabrian chili in it, which gave it a nice flavor without being overly spicy. The duck breast was cooked perfectly, and the whole meal had an essence of fall flavors. The grilled plums and cookies and cream pots de creme with both great for dessert. I would love to bring my mom here sometime for a special occasion, or to explore downtown Chester again, because it's totally her vibe! We will absolutely be back. read more

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Great food, ambience and service. Owner Chelsea is fabulous, and is very creative. We love this place.

I had the pleasure of visiting @thevillagebistroct in Chester last weekend and enjoy their unbelievable inspired menu! They are located in a 200 year old building that was previously the legendary du Village! They serve American cuisine with a French flair in a cozy, historic atmosphere! They use seasonal ingredients sourced from several local farms in the area! I highly recommend visiting this restaurant on your next date night! You will absolutely not regret it! read more

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I've been to restaurants at this location under at least three different managements serving different cuisines--they have all been VERY GOOD! But this iteration is wonderful. We sat at the bar--which we love--we got to talk to the friendly owner as she came and went from the computer located near us. The decor is rich and comforting--even the view out the front window up the side street in the charming town of Chester makes the dining experience extraordinary. The food was exceptional. This will be our go-to whenever we visit the Norma Terris Theater. read more