The space is very cute and retro with interior books and open spaces. It is a bit cramped inside but there is plenty of patio space. The river view isn't that great after looking at it for too long with a very still and murky green water, but the cafe and Water St itself is very charming. Breakfast is only served until 11a, and after that is the lunch menu. I greatly enjoyed my crab chowder and bacon and Swiss quiche with a generous side salad. In addition to a coffee with refills and the complimentary bread and butter, I definitely I got bang for my buck at less than $30 given I ate so much. The people who work here are so pleasant, I felt so comfortable and at home here compared to many places in San Francisco. It felt like I was part of the cafe community. I am very curious to try the bacon separately because it was quite good in the quiche, thick cut. The quiche itself is not a solid gravy thing but was so beautifully airy yet so filling. I want to come back to try their other menu options, from breakfast or the lunch sandwiches. read more

A friend got me up early to meet them for breakfast at Water Street Bistro. The place was exactly as I expected. Charming, authentic French cafe. Frequent by locals. I ordered a chorizo and mozzarella quiche and chose fruit to accompany it as well as regular coffee and an almond croissant to share. The coffee was outstanding, I believe they use Taylor, I'm a big fan of French roast so It was good. The quiche was very light and fluffy, I prefer mine to be a bit more dense. The fruit was cut in a decorative manner & a nice addition. The restaurant has been in business for many years in Petaluma and the charm and offerings is what brings patrons back. read more

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Everything about water Street bistro is excellent! It's a great place to meet friends, I have a cappuccino eat some fresh prepared organic food or just sit by the river, sipping your beverage and looking out over the river. Service is friendly and excellent. Note: don't be surprised if they ask you for a gratuity upfront before totaling the bill. It's an odd quirk of their payment system. Easy Parking is available over the footbridge at the Eagle shopping plaza. read more

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I can't believe I've never written a review for here, we've been enjoying the food here for many years! Enjoying is actually an understatement. The food is fabulous! The crab chowder is amazing! The pastries are incredible. The owner Stephanie is a very talented baker/chef. It's a very cozy French cafe, always busy but always delicious and with good service. I'm so sad that Stephanie has decided to retire and close the cafe. But happy for her, it's a well deserved retirement! read more

Water Street Bistro - Crab chowder - French Near Me - Petaluma, California

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I had another fabulous meal & experience here today. The bistro was the most crowded I've seen it in a long time, however Stephanie was so great at multitasking & patient with the customers I have to applaud her. The ambience of the restaurant is simply charming with many French accents throughout. I had one of the best quiches ever - so light & fluffy with spinach & feta. My friend loved her eggplant sandwich. And the complimentary bread is consistently delicious (served with real butter). The one and only issue was the salad dressing on my spinach salad. It was so incredibly sour I was unable to eat it. And I really wanted to. My friend tasted the dressing and completely agreed. I mentioned it to a staff person but he didn't say anything. It won't stop me from coming back, I can assure you! read more

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The sweetest owners, the best desserts and quiche! My grandma and I have been coming here for years and we absolutely love it. We're never disappointed. It has a beautiful view of the Petaluma River and an authentic French bistro feel. I always get a mocha and a slice of bacon and swiss quiche. I highly recommend Water Street Bistro to anyone in the area! read more

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The food as excellent, the service always good. The ambiance is funny. I like to sit in the bar area and it's right out of 1963. On purpose!

Want to know what's good here? E V E R Y T H I N G ! It's like visiting in someone's home in France, if that someone is a fantastic cook, that is. It's French country cooking at its best, and the pastries are authentic, top-notch. The owner is a truly creative cook. The staff are friendly and attentive. One of those places you'll remember always. read more

If you're in downtown Petaluma EVER check if they are open. There is no reason not to stop by. This bistro, I swear, is the heart of downtown Petaluma. They have the most delicious quiches and a great selection of pastries and deserts. The staff will try to remember re-occurring customers and to get to know you after you've spent lots of time here. Their latte also comes in like a gigantic bucket (a bigger than average cup--or bowl??). So if you want a gigantic latte there is that. You get the canale, you get the tomato and goat cheese pastry, you get a chicken salad sandwich, and you rejoice in the bustling ambiance of the kitchen. Water street bistro you will always be famous. read more

I LOVE THIS PLACE! It has been one of my favorites for decades. I'm embarrassed that I took so long to recognize them. I've been going here since they opened 24 years ago. Stephanie and her crew are in an elite class. A huge range of regular sandwiches, salads, and delicious soups, complimented by a rotating host of daily specials make this place an easy choice. The dishes are always beautifully prepared and delicious. Pastries amazing, and they use Taylor coffees at the espresso bar. I really feel this is one of the most special places in Petaluma. It's at the top of my list of recommendations in Petaluma. Water Street Bistro is my home away from home. If you haven't been - put it at the top of your list. read more

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Really fantastic food at an inviting and fun venue. You can tell each dish is prepared carefully and portions are ridiculously large. I couldn't finish a cup of soup and half a sandwich, but my god I'm bringing home leftovers as the food is so good. Super friendly staff, not really much of a river view but who cares. Will return a lot. What a gem. read more

Food was great but you could not sit inside because there was too much smoke from the kitchen. The ventilation was very poor, so we had to sit outside in the cold weather. read more

The quiche were just alright. The service left more to be desired. I felt unwelcomed and the folks behind the counter were aloof and unfriendly. The cashier asked each customer, "Would you like to add a tip," as he rung you up. I replied, "Um, how about 15%?" He replied, "Why don't we make that $5.00?" I would've left a tip anyway, but it was off putting to be on the spot like that, especially considering the unfriendly service we received. read more

A sweet bistro cafe located in the heart of Petaluma...situated right by the water. Stand up and order fresh baked, prepared created and played delish menu items which change daily. Enjoy the infused flavors of farm to table ingredients. We enjoyed sharing the quiche plate and truffle Mac and cheese sipping on Italian water on a sunny Saturday afternoon. Tables inside and out. On this day the service was a bit slow but the food was worth the wait. read more

If you're looking for a place to go, that's cute and quaint and great service, this is it! Food and the service is fantastic here. It's definitely a local hangout. The inside is decorated really cute. Their baked items are to die for but you have to get there early they sell out fast. (Try the almond cookies). My husband had their waffles and I tried the quiche with asparagus and Parmesan. Delicious!. We are definitely going to go back and try their lunch menu. Can't wait!! read more

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We went for lunch here They bring you a really nice bread to start with I ordered grilled cheese with tomato soup my meal came and it had bacon so had to wait for another 10 minutes and the meal came back salad was smaller and grilled cheese had barely any cheese Tomato soup not my favorite Not many choices for what I can eat bummer Service friendly Ambiance great read more

outstanding food, sweet setting and community vibe. one of my very favorites for breakfast, lunch or pastry treat!! read more

Incredible Parisian cafe makes for the sweetest daytime date spot with food to die for and the best lattes! Service is friendly and attentive. read more

What a lovely place for brunch or lunch! We came here to celebrate Bastille Day and enjoy le lunch with French food. It was perfect! I love that they have outdoor seating with French touches. The staff is very friendly and very helpful. Along with their regular menu, they also have a specials menu. Make sure you leave room for dessert because there are lots of baked goods to choose from. For lunch we ordered: Pâté de Campagne - delicious delicious delicious!! Served with rustic bread, mustard, cornichons, olives and a small salad Crab Chowder - creamy and decadent Niçoise Salad - beautifully prepared, lightly dressed and loaded with tuna Smoked Duck, Peaches and Marcona Almonds Salad - What an amazing salad! The smoked duck was perfection! The peaches were super sweet! I'd order this one again! read more

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Beautiful and delicious selection of breakfast food from quiche to scones. Cozy and friendly interior that includes visitors like me and helpful locals! read more

Water Street Bistro has my heart. A great little place along the Petaluma river with tons of charm. I would come here multiple times a week if I could. The food is delicious and the prices are good. If you get the 1/2 and 1/2 deal with a sandwich and soup, you also get the little side salad. So much food for $13, and so worth it!! The watercress and cucumber sandwich is my favorite, but the chicken salad is equally as delicious. And the potato leak soup!!! Looks gross but it is so good!!!! If you're in the area -- I recommend this place 1000%. read more

So difficult to find a place to meet a local friend have a bite and a cup of joe with COVID restrictions. Sir Winston was getting groomed nearby at our grooming spot. And so was our friends "Poppy". So she suggested we grab either a savory or sweet snack here since she already spied our "four-bucks" cups nestled in the Whips cup holders. Everything baked in house. The staff and locals tried to mingle and process orders as socially distanced as possible. Bae ordered a macaroon dipped in chocolate and the muffuletta, because our friend did too. Not the Nawlins version I'm used to but man it was an inch thick with alternating ham cheese turkey and both sides of the crunchy roll has a generous spread of olive tapenade on both sides. Came with side of greens and dressing. We split the Sami and the macaroon. There are a number of benches right outside on the river that provided a sweet spot embibe. Some folks brought their own chairs. This is a obviously a "thing" to do here in Petaluma. A quaint and delicious way to engage COVID responsibly on a beautiful Day by the river in Petaluma. read more

Water Street Bistro - Bae checking out the scene - French Near Me - Petaluma, California

Today, Thursday March 28, met a couple friends in Petaluma - we had plans on going to another restaurant but as my friends walked by this place, " Water Street Bistro," a lady whom was eating there spoke to my two friends and spoke very highly of the food here - so we all met up and my friends had told me what happened so we thought - let's go there for lunch! We arrived here, Water Street Bistro, around 11:45 am - place was busy, we got in line - we met the owner - Stephanie she was at the register, she was very nice - we stated this was our first time here - she walked us thru the process. I ordered the, "Smoked Salmon Toast," cappuccino, and a Mimosa. Friend ordered the same other then Mimosa and other friend ordered the quiche. We sat outside - sun shinning - cool breeze at times - just BEAUTIFUL!! With an approximately 10 minutes, our drinks came out, the cappuccino, mimosa, awesome, the mimosas was made with champagne and blood orange - coffee drinks were delicious, presentation awesome! Food arrived, see pictures, presentation was awesome, food was DELICIOUS (all capital letters!) See pics !! Stephanie, the owner stated that the bread was made there- cookies - freshly baked pastries - all food. Seating, indoors, and/or outdoors ! Location, ambience, all excellent! CHECK THIS PLACE OUT ! ITS A MUST !! Thanks , I will be back! read more

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Tucked away at the corner of Water St. & Western near the pedestrian footbridge that crosses the Petaluma River, close enough to the main drag to be super accessible and convenient but far enough to seem removed from the hustle and bustle of Petaluma Ave, you'll find the quaint Water Street Bistro. The menu is decidedly French Bistro, but with many lighter salad options, and the food is delicious and affordable (by Petaluma Ave standards). When the weather is nice, it's a great spot to sit outdoors, enjoy your meal and a bottle of wine, and people watch! They have many wines by the glass and bottles for around $30 (!!) and all of the wines we've had have been awesome. With BTG pushing $30/glass at some places in town, it's refreshing to see an owner/buyer that is focused on finding the really great valued hidden gems that are still super affordable. I wish they'd open for dinner service! read more

Great soups, fresh tasty quiche options and plenty of delicious baked goods to try. Not open past lunch, and if you want the waffle you've got to come before 11. This is definitely a "locals place" - not visible from the street. Great group of people eating here, they seem to almost all be well acquainted with the staff. It doesn't have a restaurant vibe, nothing feels rushed and the entire experience is nourishing. The staff provide great service and there's something uniquely genuine about the customers, food and the staff. Their website's description of it being a "hidden gem" could not be closer to the truth. read more

Such a cute spot near the water down a little alley. Very accommodating and friendly service. The freshest ingredients and very flavorful. We enjoyed it! read more

My daughter and I had lunch at the Bistro. I had French Onion, one of the best. It had a rich broth, lots of cheese and was very flavorful. My daughter ordered the yogurt with granola and fresh fruit. When it arrived it was a work of art and very delicious. The staff and owner are fast, efficient and welcoming. I recommend this establishment, highly. read more

This is actually a 4-1/2 Star review. The Quiche I had was excellent. Outside seating only. Very nice outdoor seating area right next to the waterway. Their pastries looked amazing. I would highly recommend this place. read more

Water Street Bistro - Quiche - French Near Me - Petaluma, California

Happened to stumble upon this place. Apparently it is a local favorite with great food and reasonable prices. Service is personable albeit a little slow (probably to staffing shortage). Nice river view and outdoor dining. A must stop next time I visit read more

An absolute treasure in Petaluma You are transported to the south of France. Stephanie Bastetter the owner has been holding court for almost 2 decades. A favorite place for the locals read more

One star is too generous. My friend and I had brunch here today for a little holiday celebration. The food was ok, the place is a bit "tired" and the staff is the worst. After our meal and finishing our coffee, we were asked to vacate the table so they could sit other people. We were not quite done with our coffees and about to order some pastries. As a paying customer (about $25 pp so far) I respectfully refused to be pushed out. The waitress said to me "I don't like you" and disappeared. Within a minute, here comes another waitress to demand we empty the table for other customers to have it. Rather than argue, we got up and told them I would be writing a bad review. Their answer "we don't care". This is unbelievable arrogant and rude service. NOTE: Earlier today I wrote a bad review for them on Google and they removed it, so do not believe reviews as they manipulate them. This place is awful. read more

It's a delight to be able to find a French bistro here, and not just one that tries to imitate a French Bistro but one that actually offers some authentic French food in a lovely outdoors setting. Poulet à la Moutarde - Simply translates to mustard chicken, which may not sound very appetizing but this rustic French dish tastes absolutely amazing! Thankfully I was also given some sourdough bread to sop up the tasty broth. Somehow the French just know how to elevate simple fresh ingredients. It was melt-in-your-mouth chicken braised in caramelized dijon mustard and dry wine. A dish I would definitely order again. Salad with smoked duck, roasted peaches and Marcona almonds - Delicious slices of smoked duck breast on a bed of fresh salad greens and light dressing. Zucchini bread with ginger and cardamon - This is a daily special pastry that is super-flavorful, not too sweet and has a nice crusty topping. Apple turnover with super flakey pastry and a thick filling that tasted more like quince than apple. read more

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Very delicious food with generous portions. Chocolate croissant was out of this world for us to be on the outside soft on the inside with very high-quality chocolate! The latte was served in a small bowl, which was large enough for two people. The fruit platter with the quiche was arranged beautifully, and had very fresh fruit. The crab chowder was also amazing, so rich! Will definitely be coming back. read more

Water Street Bistro - Crab chowder and heavenly bread - French Near Me - Petaluma, California

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8 am PST - Boxing Day - standing in front of Della Fatoria and find it closed until Jan 3rd, 2021. Bummer!!! Well 2020 another parting jab, just like someone else who is on the way out But guess what! We found the Water Street Bistro close by and guess further..... we were not disappointed !! We ordered a spinach n cheese Keish quarter and a Chocolate Croissant Both were made very well and very fresh! Warmed for eating pleasure in the wet cold weather! Next time we will be here for a pit stop on our way to Bodega Bay! read more

Everything was a bit off for me. They focused on looks and not flavor. From the salad to the desert, was not impressed. The chowder tasted good but it was all soup missing the substance. Could at least fill it with potatoes. read more

This charming, cozy bistro just feels like home. And the food is superb; everything we tried was carefully and expertly crafted. Quiche was heavenly + melt in your mouth, and the salad was just perfect. It was our first time here and we were treated like family - if I lived in the area I'd be here every day! read more

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Always amazing! So many hidden gems on the menu. Stay for a while and enjoy the ambiance

Seasonal & fresh French pastries, quiche and home baked breads add a homey feel to menu. Their sandwiches include a side and generous! Good value...plus seating in courtyard on riverfront path is cozy & scenic. Staff is always welcoming. read more

Wandered into this eclectic bistro after a day of shopping around downtown Petaluma and we're so happy we did! The food was amazing - everything, especially the crab chowder. The 50/50 soup & sandwich was the way to go. The staff was full of life, they made the experience all the more wonderful. We'll be back (again and again!) read more

The lattes and pastries today were excellent but we were horrified that the cashier used her bare hands to handle the pastries, both to pick them up and to put them in the warming oven. The cashier should absolutely have been using either gloves or tongs. Using her bare hands is a health code violation and needs to stop. We will not be back unless this behavior changes. read more