Bistro Le Cep

I have to admit that I have only ever been here at lunchtimes — but every time I have really enjoyed it. I am thinking that this little restaurant is about as close it gets to «authentic French» in Houston. It is a direct descendant of a fabulous restaurant (also in the Memorial Area) that I used to frequent when I lived here in the 1980’s «Rotisserie for Beef and Bird». It is my understanding from a close gourmet friend that the owner of Beef and Bird scaled back to a smaller venue in preparation for retirement and took his skill and chef with him.
As I recently posted (pic’s) they always have lunch specials and they are ALWAYS worth considering. Yesterday it was wild boar with mushrooms, wild rice and fresh asparagus, I took the house salad with that and the French breads and butter keep coming! All for $ 14.95, add a nice glass of red wine with that and it really does not get much better.
Of course all the pickings on the menu look good (I wandered from the lunch special occasionally — and can heartily recommend the calf’s liver entrée — yum!!! Although I haven’t tried for dinner yet, but we plan to and I am 100% confident that it will be great!

I am so tired of being rushed out of restaurants, having my appetizer arrive and moments later my entrée in an effort to clear the table for the next sitting. Bistro Le Cep is NOT one of those places thank God. If you want to enjoy a moderately priced country french restaurant this is the place. We had dinner there last night (10 of us) and we enjoyed time to drink wine before ordering and then the pace of dinner was leisurely — all while the waiters kept our glasses filled, which makes you feel so very well taken care of. Such a wonderful experience and only a 30 minute drive from Fulshear. We never felt we were rushed or that there was not time for dessert, a cup of cappuccino or an after dinner drink. Since moving to Fulshear our visits back to Le Ceps for dinner have been infrequent but I think we will now make the effort to drive in when we want to have a beautiful dining experience where you can actually hear the conversation and enjoy good food.

This was my anniversary dinner, I greatly appreciated this bistro. The wine list was very good and very affordable. There is another wine list (more expensive) but so far it was on that first one, as far as what I typically like to drink. I had the coq au vin which was great. From appetizer to dessert; great food and awesome service. I will definitely return.

Excellent dinner here tonight. French onion soup, coq au vin, South African Pinotage and Strawberries Romanov to finish up. Everything was prepared to perfection. The coq au vin was very well seasoned and better than the one I had in Paris in the Marais. The strawberries for dessert was among the best desserts I’ve had in my life. Can’t wait to go back.

This place is amazing! I grew up in a house where we had a home cooked Meal for dinner every night. This placed reminds more of home cooked goodness. It’s fabulous! A little o the pricy side, but my philosophy is, if I get what I pay for, I don’t mind spending the extra buck. Well worth the money!

Love the food, highly recommended the duck… and the black cherry in kirsch, wonderful.

The outside décor was a little uninspiring, but the food and service were excellent. We had a large group, but were seated promptly at a reserved table in the back. I had the potato– crusted baked fillet of Alaskan salmon and enjoyed it tremendously. The person next to me who had the Duck L’Orange said it tasted as good as it looked. The only downside was that this clearly is a place that is not accustomed to loud groups, and other tables seemed a bit taken aback that we had a table of 20+ people having a good time. All in all, great food means I give it a good review.

This restaurant is definitely one of my new favorites in terms of food and service.
We went here for houston restaurant weeks to celebrate my birthday. The staff is so friendly and welcoming. I made reservations for 4 people, but two friends kind of surprised us by joining and our 4-​top turned into 6. The staff immediately arranged a larger table without hesitation.
The atmosphere is very quaint and welcoming and there’s also complimentary bread and pâté (delicious!).

On the corner of the strip center with lots of parking. I had made a reservation for my moms birthday ahead of time thinking it might be a packed place, nope, there were barely any customers on a Saturday night! We sat down and waited… and waited. and had to ask for the menus. Where’s the service? We finally were asked and ordered a bottle of wine. You can tell who were their «regular/​VIP» customers as the manager frequented their tables often and not to any other guests in the restaurant.
They give some bread with a scoop of pâté as you wait for the food. We were a table of 5 and ordered a few bowls of French onion soup and the escargot to begin. The soup was real cheesy, which I like, but the soup flavoring was lacking and a bit weird. We’ve had much better French onion soup at even some regular places. Escargot didn’t actually come with the shells, but rather were 6 small pieces already taken out soaked in a herb garlic butter. My mom chose the pot roast rabbit that was highly recommended and it was dry, no flavor, and sadly displeasing for the birthday girl. My dad got the catch of the day which was the red snapper with lemon butter sauce with vegetables and for a person who loves fish, he didn’t even like it. The other dishes we tried were the angel hair pasta with crab cakes, which was just ok as the pasta was just regular and our other dish was the cod wrapped in parchment paper which was also not a standout. I decided on the half duck and was also dry and nobody at the table wanted more than a bite of it. The best thing on that dish turned out to be the cabbage :/​All I can say is, the best thing that night was the crème brûlée.
Overall, it’s too bad I didn’t have the experience some raved about, especially for a special event. The food was under-​raving and service was poor (we had to ask for our water refills!). I spent over $ 200 and expected way more, I’d recommend taking your money elsewhere where you can get much better food and experience.

My neighbor introduced this wonderful restaurant to me. We had a weekday lunch, but we arrived slightly later than the lunch time to avoid the crowd. I had the chef’s pasta creation, which was absolutely fantastic. The pasta and ingredients were fresh. My neighbor had the sandwich, which she loved it. Of course, we ended our lunch with a caramelized apple tart served with a small scoop of fresh vanilla ice cream. The dessert was fantastic. Will go back again to try the crème brûlée, which I heard is the recommended dessert. The service was excellent too. The waiters are very polite and the manager came by our table a couple of times to ask about us. They have Sunday set dinner that includes appetizer, entrée, and a dessert for $ 28.95, which is a pretty good deal. You can pay more — $ 32.95 for steaks. You have to love the cosy place, great ambience, good price, and excellent service.

If dining with the elderly and French country chic is your thing, then this is your restaurant since most of the clientele look about as old as the décor here. It is a quaint little traditional French country restaurant set in a very eclectic shopping strip alongside Asian karaōke bars and shipping stores. You can’t miss the front of the restaurant since it faces Westheimer, but just in case you don’t see it, there’s a very large statue of a cow out front to help you.
Getting to the restaurant is easiest if you are traveling west on Westheimer since there really isn’t an easy way to make a u-​turn or a convenient turn lane from the eastbound lanes. The parking is extremely limited directly in front of the restaurant and even more limited in the shopping center since it is a busy area. There is an empty lot right next to the restaurant that you can park in and is better suited for vehicles that don’t have a low ground clearance and preferably have all wheel drive.
Traditional French country is definitely what they were going for with the interior of the room since the space is small and the tables are packed in tight. There is very little room between tables to move and even less to have a private conversation. Distressed looking furniture, older carpet, and lace curtains give it an ambiance that you’re in grandma’s house and smells like her house too with the old ladies heavy perfume and the smell of all day French cooking lingering in the air.
Apparently most of the staff has been here for years and they’ve become very comfortable in their jobs because the service is almost too relaxed. It’s not the usual service I’m used to having in most French restaurants, and definitely more relaxed than most restaurants in town. Don’t get me wrong, the staff are friendly and nice, but they lack some of the «crispness» of remembering details about orders and requests.
The food says French country, while the portions say fat Texan. I realize that the portions aren’t quite as small with country French as they are with upscale Parisian, but these portions are so large that I was confused as to whether this was a chain restaurant or a local French restaurant. I enjoyed the escargot which was slightly chewy, but still very flavorful. I also had the beef bourguignon that I could swear they gave me the entire pot since it took up a platter sized plate. Needless to say, I didn’t even come close to finishing it. I ended up getting it boxed up and had four more servings from it. Fortunately, it was very flavorful and very tasty, so the leftovers were very good.
After my two first courses being way too big, I skipped dessert. I can’t remember the last time I skipped the dessert course in a French restaurant, but between the portions and the painfully slow service, I was ready to leave. It took almost three hours to have a couple glasses of wine and two courses. It was entirely too long to have a simple meal and the seating isn’t exactly comfortable, nor is it designed to be sat in for long periods of time. The food is worth coming for, the service needs to be stepped up, and the parking isn’t easy, so be prepared for these obstacles when you dine here.

I have to really commend the service here. The wait staff was really great and attentive. My water glass was never empty and the guy (i didn’t get his name) who recommended we try some of the raisin bread he was serving was so friendly and took really great care of myself and my husband.
We had the coq au vin and the rabbit for entrees and crème brûlée for dessert. Everything was really delicious and satisfying. My husband devoured his coq au vin. The rabbit was so tender it just fell off the bone. The crème brûlée was so smooth and had a really nice vanilla flavor. I’ll definitely be back here and maybe I’ll bring the in-​laws.

I came here during HRW and was thoroughly surprised at how much I enjoyed my dinner! I got three courses for $ 35 on the prix fixe menu. My meal started off with the seared scallop, which was delicious… although they only gave me one? For the main course I had was the filet mignon wrapped in bacon. The steak was cooked well, but the meat was not as tender as you would imagine a filet to be. Finally, I had the cherry kirsch with ice cream. This was a comforting and fruity dish. The highlights of my family’s meal were the duck breast and escargot. The duck breast my mom had was cooked to perfection and had amazing flavor as did the escargot (which erred more to the pesto-​y side). Give this place a try! It has a quaint provincial feel on the inside and on Sunday nights you can get a 3 course meal under $ 30.

Just tried this place for the first time and… IT IS AMAZING!!! From the tasty French onion soup to the fruit sorbet perfection in champaign to the mouth watering pan roasted duck and to the delectable crème brûlée…topped with some of THE BEST service I have ever encountered. Needless to say, I am one happy customer! I will certainly be returning. :)

Nestled away in the Westchase area lies Bistro Le Cep– imagine neighborhood French bistro meets country-​style home cooking and it cannot get better than this. I had a company dinner holiday party here years ago and had amazing service and food. Deciding to dine here for HRW, I expected nothing short of amazing.
I was early for my RSVP and waited at the bar for my dinner date to arrive. Both the bartender and manager were cordial. The manager even helped me pick out my wine since I was indecisive with the options. I felt very welcomed upon entering the restaurant and while I sat at the bar (which by the way was right next to the kitchen, and the enticing aroma of food was beckoning me or was that the wine talking…)
After being seated, we opted for the HRW menu. Complimentary crostinis with butter and pâté were brought to our table. The pâté was sheer and utter perfection– by far one of the best I’ve ever had in a restaurant. Then, magically, a fresh basket of complimentary specialty breads arrived, from which we made selections. I did not mind having these little treats while waiting for our food.
Seared scallop appetizer: This was only ONE pan seared diver scallop served with tossed spinach and a sweet and sour saffron gastrique. The scallop was tender, moist, sweet, buttery and melted in my mouth. I was left wanting a couple more!
Intermezzo: A fruit sorbet (mango sorbet with a slice of strawberry) with champagne was brought out as a palate cleanser– a palate pleasing treat!
Poisson du jour entrée: Pan-​roasted red snapper in lemon butter sauce with capers, served with grilled corn on the cob, potatoes, and broccoli. Again, the fish was cooked just right and tenderly flaked away with the gentle touch of a fork. The grilled vegetables still had their bright colors and a nice crunch factor (just how I like it because I hate eating soggy veggies).
Mousse au chocolat: The chocolate mousse dessert ended dinner on a positive note– it was neither too sweet nor rich and complemented the strawberry slice and chocolate candy garnishes.
Crème brûlée: One spoonful of this dessert was a decadent combination of caramel (from the top layer caramelization), smooth, creamy, and rich flavors with a custard-​like texture. It was so good that I wanted to lick the ramekin clean!
Overall, our HRW experience was indeed outstanding, with attentive service throughout dinner. The staff were very professional and welcoming, tending to our dining needs in a quick manner, without being too obtrusive. All of the food was exceptional, as expected. Bistro Le Cep continues to deliver excellence in every way and I can’t wait to come back! J’adore Bistro Le Cep– c’est magnifique!!!

First time here I was pretty impressed– I had french onion soup that was really good– a salad Nicoise– ok it wasn’t very nicoise but it was good. Dessert an excellent chocolate mousse and I am not a huge mousse fan. Also the house wine was very good– not french thought :/

Beautiful little French restaurant off of Westheimer close to the Beltway. The hostess is cool and waitstaff attentive. I came for an earl lunch and had the braised roasted duck. scrumptious
Cannot say enough about this place! Good french cuisine is hard to find at these prices
Visit soon. visit often!

It has been a while since we were here last. It was once our go to place in the neighborhood for a nice dinner out. Then I discovered Unilocal and the wife and I have gone crazy trying all kinds of new places around town.
But for our 3^rd anniversary we decided to return to one of our favorite date places to celebrate. You don’t really need reservations here except for their special dinner days — like Mother’s Day or Easter. They don’t seem to be as busy as they once were during dinner.
I absolutely LOVE their red cabbage. So no matter what I order I always ask for it to be subbed for some side on my entrée. They don’t blink an eye. And trust me. I could eat this cabbage everyday! The free little pâté app they bring is always a nice treat. The choice of bottomless breads also is a nice touch.
The escargot is still my favorite of anywhere I have ever had them. Plump little snails drenched in melted garlic butter. Be sure to get plenty of French bread to soak up that garlic goodness!
The wife usually gets the Coq au Vin and has always raved on it. The little pearl onions this time were off putting and she picked them out. She said they seemed more like cocktail onions accidentally fell into the dish. But once they were out she loved it!
I either get the duck or the rabbit. Both cooked perfectly. The portions seemed to have returned to the old sizes. Last time we were in they seemed to be cutting back a bit.
But I have never had anything not cooked well. Pork dishes are always good. Desserts are basic and we often skip that and run across the street to J Alexander’s for their amazing chocolate cake and coffee.
But the service is still spot on. Friendly, quick, personal and professional. I am terrible here with asking for substitutions and there has never been an issue. Wine… yes…thank you. A nice by the glass menu. I never get a bottle but the list is extensive. Full bar too.
Lovely décor for a date or dinner with family or friends. Plenty of parking too.

The ending of a perfect week in Houston. This place is unbelievably good and reasonably priced. They serve hearty portions for a French restaurant. Everyone was very happy with their meal. They serve fresh crusty bread, including a wonderful raisin bread that will be in my memory bank until I can make it back here. The trout, vegetables, salad, and soup were great. If you are watching your diet there were some selections that work with modifications. The cappacino is served with biscuits. You will not leave hungry or dissatisfied. The service and ambiance was spot on, as well.

The Sunday 3-​course dinner is unbeatable, price-​wise. Service is friendly and attentive, and the helpful staff does deserve the 20% gratuity, which is mandatory if you are having the Sunday 3-​course meal. Interior setting is warm and cozy, with cute rooster & chicken décor here and there, which feels like a small, rural French home! Food is nicely presented and tastes pretty good as well.
For appetizers, the avocado stuffed with crab meat and shrimp is fresh, appetizing and delicious; mussels in white wine broth is savory, flavorful and served in good portion size that is enough for 2 people to share; however, the smoked salmon seems boring and hmmmm… i just dont like it *shrugs*
For entrees, my calves’ liver done medium-​well is tender and not bloody, and the fried bacon alongside is crispy and yummy! That’s right, bacon makes everything taste better! Bouillabaisse à la Marseillaise is such good comfort food, hearty and full of seafood flavors; the boyfriend has enjoyed it very much. «Sauté de Veau de Lait aux Carottes» that comes with 2 small cutlets of veal in mushroom sauce with carrots, green beans, and spatzle on the sides is kind of disappointing though; the pasta is bland and the meat just tastes like some soggy chicken fried steak strips.
Then, the best comes last; Dessert time! Poached pear halves are not too sweet and fruity-​refreshing, and the meringue is crunchy & airy and just melts in my mouth! I seriously have fallen in love with the meringue dessert at the first sight for how it looks so adorable like a super white beehive!
Will I return to Bistro Le Cep? Oh YESH!