Cuisinett

Found this great French casual bistro in San Carlos of all places… Whenever I am in the South Bay, I find myself swinging by for an amazing smoked duck salad and a glass of French wine. Erin at the cashier is the friendliest and makes great wine recommendations… Be sure to say hello, and grab a table outside and enjoy amazing French comfort food al fresco!

Great food great people great atmosphere. For french food the price is actually quite reasonable.

Cuisinett was a wonderful experience! I came here on an early Saturday morning with my father for a weekend brunch; the food was delicious by every measure.
The service is very quick and sensible; the food delicious and memorable. My father ordered the quiche lorraine with a side of fries, and I ordered the chicken with a side of spinach.
Don’t miss out on this place! It offers great french fare at affordable prices. You won’t be spending much more than $ 20 at this place if you do ever decide to visit.

Celebrated a girlfriends birthday here and LOVED the food, however it’s so small that it’s hard to eat «family» style here. There was five of us and we were squished around a square table so 2 girls were on one side and because we ordered family style we were trying to wolf down the food to make room on the table.
The staff was very good about coming around to take the empty plates off but not so good at filling our water glasses. We had to wave them down a couple of times to get their attention to fill our water glasses.
Now for the food! I personally have never been to France however two of my girlfriends have gone MANY times so they provided a good gauge of how good the food was…
LOVE that they offer protein with different kind of sauces — the combo choices is AWESOME! We settled on the following:
* Pork Chop with Moutard Sauce (mustard cream) SO DELISH and flavorful — soaked up the sauce with EVERYTHING!
* Chicken with Champigons (mushrooms, shallots and bacon) — this is a «classic» I guess that’s available in France — and my girlfriends loved it.
* Ratatouille Crumble — SO flavorful and delicious — wished it came bigger!
* Moules Frites — This is their mussels and fries — and we totally slurped up the broth the mussels were in. BIG mussels with LOTS of flavor… And just the right amount for 5 of us to share.
*Lilloise Salad — Was perfect — with endive, beets, pear, blue cheese & walnut vinaigrette — even for picky eaters (same girlfriend who doesn’t like peas doesn’t like beets — but enjoyed this one!)
Our sides were the Petits Pois Carottes (which is peas and carrots) — this was absolutely delicious — and my girlfriend who does NOT like peas — LOVED this because they were the peite peas — sauted with herbs and butter! We also order their Legumes Du Moment — which is seasonal veggies with curry oil — OMG we almost ordered more — we had butternut squash, broccoli and cauliflower! SO GOOD!
HIGHLY recommend this — while I’ve never been to France — my girlfriends thought this was a great place with excellent food and cozy quaint feel. Not too good for big parties but nice for a date, double date or girls night!

Good simple homey French food. Service was great considering it’s a semi-​fast food type place where you order at the counter, then they bring the food.

Dear Unilocal Journal,
I lost my last place that served a good moules frite and yet there was a new place about 100 feet away waiting for me to discover.
This restaurant isn’t on the main downtown strip so it’s very easy to miss and I know the closer it gets to El Camino Real, the more you want to stay away, but don’t.
The people that work here are incredibly nice and their menu is simple yet playful.
You choose a protein, sauce, and a side. The combinations can lead you coming back here everyday just to try them all. The portions are good and you know you won’t overeat. It’s French food not fast food. It will take some time for your tender, moist, and delicious meal to get to you, so you should see what wines they recommend for you to enjoy while you wait. The owner is very passionate about what comes in and it’s always changing so it’s good to ask what’s new.
I’ve already been here twice. The moules frite are of course very good. The second time I came I had the pork chop and mustard sauce. My pork chop was so tender and there wasn’t a single piece of it that was not perfectly cooked and juicy. If you’re ever in a pork chop mood, I highly recommend it.

This place is adorable! Good place for a lunch date. I’ve never been to a casual French restaurant, but they need to have more of these!
Order at the counter and then pick your seat.
The chicken was delicious with spinach. Seems to be a popular pick and I definitely understand why. If I lived closer I would definitely be back here to try other things on the menu.
Open all day so that’s a plus as well.

I was so excited to find this casual French bistro! You got to come early on the weekend (before noon). The place is small and cozy, with a few outdoor tables and counter seating. We came at around 11:30 on Sunday and luckily got a table. We had the quiche Lorraine with fries. Pork chop with mushroom sauce, country pâté and bread pudding. Everything is tasty, especially the pork chop and bread pudding. The sauce was sublime and meat was juicy and fresh, and the bread pudding warm and sweet with just the right touch of caramel. The owners were very friendly and accommodated us and our toddler promptly. I think we were in France.

Loved Loved Loved this little gem in downtown San Carlos. There are many restaurant choices in this charming neighborhood and I am so glad we picked this one. When staying overnight at a SFO hotel the night before our flight out, we are always looking to try a new neighborhood eatery. This one is very special. The owners and staff are so friendly and helpful. There are numerous choices of French comfort food. They have daily specials on the chalkboard as well. I chose the fresh salmon and my hubby chose the pork chop. Both meals were delicious and fresh as it gets. Give Cuisinett a try and I guarantee you will be going back again and again!

Fresh, tasty French comfort food in a casual dining area. Wonderful friendly well informed employees serve with a smile.
The daily blackboard special dishes are reliably & truly special.
The prices per dish seem quite reasonable. But keep in mind that this is no McDonalds. For us a shared appetizer, 2 main dishes, 2 glasses of wine cost $ 72. Still a good value for the high quality.
Recommended!

So very casual, so very French. No miss on anything we ordered. 5 stars on all dishes.

Delicious French comfort food, wonderful staff, and cozy/​casual décor, make this restaurant one of the best in the Peninsula. The owner is awesomely friendly; he’ll come greet you right when you come in, ask you if it’s your first time or not, will tell you what the specials of the day are, and instruct you on how to order (order at the counter first then grab a table). He also has a French accent, so you know that you’re in for a real French treat.
The reason why I love this place? It’s because it reminds me of my childhood and it’s always nice to speak your first language with someone else in a «foreign» country. Plus, the owner will walk around the restaurant and check on you to make sure that everything is good. That’s customer service! The staff is also courteous and friendly.
First and foremost, the food is mouthwatering. They usually have a specials of the day (plats du jour) menu and a more permanent one with various sandwiches, poulet rôti, salads, and mussels. The specials are worth considering, especially if you are feeling adventurous: I recently had the opportunity to try their cassoulet (my favorite dish of ALL-​TIME!) and their boeuf bourguignon stew! Hearty and so good!
If you are more in a hurry and just want something a little faster to eat, then get their sandwiches! The Parisian and the Merguez Frites are my favorites.
Good portions, tasty food, and welcoming staff & owner, make this place one of my favorite restaurants in the Bay. Would I come back again? Of course, I already did…

Do you like French food? How about a fast service, and really helpful host? If you answer no to either question, then don’t go here!
Best thing that I’ve noticed after going here for a couple of times.
Menu — they have a menu and another one that changes — you never know what you’re going to get!
Food — Tasty and delicious! They do put lots of butter/​oil in them, but that’s even better in my book!
Seating — They try to accommodate you as much as they can, but they don’t have a large area.
Will I go back here again? You bet I do!

Brie & fig grilled cheese —
The best grilled cheese I have ever had. Actually I don’t even know if I’d call it a grilled cheese because this sandwich is far more than just a slice of cheese in between two pieces of bread. This is one of those meals that instantly puts a smile on your face because of how good it is. The bread was PERFECTLY buttered and toasted, and didn’t lose its texture under all the melted gooey Brie. Actually, the bread stayed crisp throughout the whole meal. This is a special but the woman at the register said they could still make it even though it wasn’t on the menu. Don’t even get me started on the Brie. Words can’t even describe how delicious all of it was.

Came by for lunch the other day and was surprised that there wasn’t much of a lunch rush during the weekday and was able to be seated immediately upon arrival. Staff was very friendly upon arrival.
Grabbed a table outside and was surprised that they turned on the heaters when it was 70 °F outside… what a warm meal?!?
Ordered the Quiche Lorraine and it was very good. Fresh, light, and fluffy! The french fries were decent too!
$ 12/​head after tax and tip for lunch.

Quick, simple, delicious, with a simple inviting vibe. Me likes. Carrot Veloute soup was to die for, and I am not carrot soup fan. Well done.

Love this place! Causal French food is a blessing.
I always come on the weekends with my family and they are always busy. The food is great and the service is great so ofc it is packed.
The lovely owner was so nice to remember us! We absolutely love the personalized attention. All of the staff are extremely friendly. It is so easy to spark a conversation with them, especially if you are sitting at the bar (highly recommended).
A few items I would recommend are the ratatouille, veggie soup, and quiche Lorraine. I would also opt for the upgrade to truffle fries, so worth it.
Love love love

Get their quiche! It’s buttery, fluffy perfection. Their french fries are perfectly crispy and not greasy at all. They have a good range of options and everything that I’ve tasted has been on point.
Cute little location on San Carlos Ave, it’s always busy whenever I’ve come but I’ve been able to get a seat pretty quickly (space heaters outside makes it nice even on a cold night to sit and people watch.)

Came here with a few coworkers for lunch this past week at a friend’s recommendation. It’s located right by all the trendy restaurants in downtown San Carlos, topped off by a colorful rooster at the front — you won’t miss it!
Like most reviewers noted, this is a super cute and casual French restaurant with each table seating about 2 – 4. We were greeted by the friendly manager as we walked in and he explained that we order at the counter then grab a table. The menu is in French with descriptions in English, and ranges from small entrees to salads and sandwiches.
I ordered the Sandwich Dijonnaise with a side of salad– creamy chicken, Dijon mustard, and sliced radishes perfectly sandwiched between a French roll. Loved it! The portions were a good size for lunch, and I left with a happy tummy. Will definitely be back to try their entrees and quiches!

When I first came here I thought it was going to become a regular spot.
The first experience was delicious – so delicious that we returned only a few days later for another dinner. The second visit was nothing like the first. I didn’t like my food (the chicken) and was disappointed because a good roast chicken is one of my favorite things. My friend got the fig grilled cheese (a special) and loved it. So far we’ve had very mixed experiences.

This little café, right off of El Camino Real is THE BEST! Seriously, it is outstanding! Chef Geoffroy knows his craft of cuisine. I met travel writer and author Carole Bumpus for lunch there yesterday (as she had recommended it) and EVERYTHING that the chef brought to me was delicious!
He recommended the pork stew. And, the moment I took the very first bite, it was like I was at home. My grandmother used to make a very simple but hearty lamb stew. This stew of Chef Geoffroy’s had that type of simplicity and comforting element. But it was also excellent as a finely made dish, fit to serve royalty. Seriously, the food at Cuisinett is at that level.
And, while the atmosphere is casual, you order at the counter and then sit down, the entire place is very clean, spacious and orderly. And, most of all, the service and the hospitality is wonderful.
I can’t say enough about this little gem of a place. And, the surrounding streets of downtown San Carlos make for a wonderful afternoon or evening out. Next time you are along the Peninsula stop in. It is worth the visit. I want to return to have other items on Chef Geoffroy’s menu.
Oh and don’t forget dessert! His Crème Brûlée is the most delicious! Oh so good!

Nice little restaurant, we sat outside which was kind of a mistake. It’s windy and there are a lot of people walking around, so it’s as difficult to hear people across the table taking as it is making our napkins from flying away.
I got one of their avocado sandwiches, and it was decent. There were a bunch of seeds on top that would keep falling off. Also, by sandwich, it’s actually just a piece of toast with toppings. So the construction of the sandwich is somewhat questionable.
If you’re looking for a hearty, meaty meal, this isn’t the place.
The good thing was that the staff were pretty nice… Pretty nicely looking! Haha! Service was good, is what I’m saying. Ok.

Casual French food! Yes !!! I am a fan :) the place serves tasty French dishes in an affordable and non-​pretentious way :)service was great and you get to pick your meat, your sauce and your side… I also tried the salad and sandwich and they were really good!
I also tried the macarons but wasn’t too pleased with it unfortunately but based on the food this place is a solid 5 stars for sure

J’aime beaucoup Cuisinett. Une cuisine simple, un chouia américanisée (il faut bien un burger dans le menu…), bien preparée et à des prix corrects. Bonne ambiance, le propriétaire est présent et attentif, le service sympa sans être excessif.
J’y viens pour les moules-​frites, mais aussi pour les soupes maison, le poisson ou les quiches… À vos assiettes!

We had a chance to try out this place last night. And we found it was a very pleasant experience. The host, could be the owner, was very nice, friendly and professional which made us feel very welcoming. He even let us try different wines until we found the one we like. Which restaurant on earth would let you do that? Cuisinett and only one!
We ordered Filet of Pork and NY Steak for dinner. These dishes were phenomenon. The pork was tender and juicy. Each bite was melted in my mouth. The steak was perfectly cook. We also had sautéed spinach, and it was the bomb. Their prices were very reasonable. Our dish was only $ 18 each. I would say it was too reasonable for quiet a high quality food like that.
The ambiance was friendly and casual. We love it. We are so glad that we found this place. Definitely go back for more of great customer services and delicious food.

Cuisinett is a great location if you want to try some real French food in the Bay area — and there are so many fake French restaurants, this means a lot! I would have give them 5 stars if it wasn’t for the price. I mean, the place sells «comfort food» (so, brasserie/​bistro food) at a «restaurant price». Too bad for them, if their prices were more realistic, I would be eating there everyday, ha ha!
I would recommend any kind of main dish served with some potato side; either french fries or plain potato, they taste absolutely delicious! We went several times there and had the Mussels, the French Grilled Cheese, the Poulet Roti (Roast chicken), the Merguez Frites (sausage and french fries) and the French Burger. Everything was very good and I recommend this place, if you are looking for real French food :)

3.5 star for this cute & simple French café! Kinda pricey for lunch though if you’re going for the entrees (the quiche and sandwiches are cheaper options)
Order up at the register then find a seat, service is friendly & quick!
—ratatouille: comes with one side so i choose a salad! the roasted veggies in this ratatouille were good but nothing amazing
NOTE: Cute sidewalk seating and nice open windows

Casual, calm environment for some French comfort food. Located in downtown San Carlos just off of Laurel Street. You order and pay at the counter and then find your own seating. A ‘fast food’ sort of way to get your food, but without the fast food environment!
The restaurant is very clean and well put together. Seating is a bit limited but I had no problem finding a seat at dinner time — a friend and I opted for the counter seats that looked into the kitchen.
My friend ordered the lamb sausages with salad, and I ordered the Chicken Dijonaisse sandwich with fries. Like everyone else has said… the fries are fresh and crispy! :) The sandwich was good too, except the bread was so hard to bite into. Not exactly a bad thing, but it just made my dinner harder and slower to get through.
I liked how simple my meal was and how the restaurant was set up. There were some other good options for food, but the menu wasn’t as extensive as I expected. A bit pricey, but still affordable especially in the wannabe fancy streets of d.t. San Carlos.

A very friendly Frenchman, who was the owner greeted us upon us entering and sitting down. Which makes me think: I’m not in France any more. This does not happen in France. It is part of the charm, really, to dine in French restaurants back at my adopted home in Burgundy, you get good food with a bit of a French attitude. I really kind of like it. This caught me off guard, however. Seriously off guard. And you begin to think hard what to order so you don’t come off like an uneducated tourist.
The owner tells us the way to order and welcomes us to his spot.
I began to thank T silently because he chose the place near his work and I was again, doubting his taste because how could he know what I like? Turned out I never gave that man enough credit. This spot was spot on for brunch.
Started with mushroom soup. We shared. He loved it. It’s odd, really, who likes mushroom soup but me? But he liked it. Ended up with my usual nicoise salad. It’s plentiful, fresh and perfectly balanced. Salad dressing, which I had requested to be on the side, completely unnecessary if you ask me. Perfect meal and great portion to boot. T got his roasted chicken which was organic and quite substantial. I had some.
The restaurant had a nice feel to it. Big wooden windows opens up for a great summer mid day.
Staff filled coffee and water promptly. The wonderful restaurant owner who took pride in his creation and welcomed everyone who ate his place, made an impression on us. You don’t see that much in France, and you don’t see that much in America. It’s very old school. It works. And it’s completely underrated.
I’m not familiar with San Carlos. This was a nice find. I am somewhat familiar with France. I miss my home in the heart of burgundy, and I would like to return to it before winter comes. Until then, this will do just fine.

Cuisinette was a very quick, satisfying dining experience. My wife and I walked in on a Saturday evening to find ample seating.
We ordered the duck salad, a burger, and an order of mussels and split everything. The duck salad was quite tasty, and came with a good portion of duck. The burger was good, came with three to four slices of brie with sauces and onions on the side. It was well cooked and seasoned. The mussels were very tasty as well, and came in a great sauce with a few slices of bread.
The staff was all super friendly and attentive. I never had to ask for extra water, which was amazing.
Overall a great, quick dinner.

I almost didn’t come here. It’s located on a very busy corner street with virtually no street parking. I drove around and around and almost gave up! But I’m so glad I didn’t give up. This place was so worth ever hassle.
This restaurant teleported me directly to Paris. It has a very casual atmosphere, kind of like a back country, homey kind of feel. Very chic. Something you’d find down a small narrow street of Paris. A hole in the wall.
You have to order at the register before you can sit. The menu was kind of cool. You get to pick what sides you want, which entrée, what kind of sauce.
The food was SO amazing. It’s French comfort food so it’s not fancy at all… But even though I’m not French, I totally felt comforted. The food tastes simply and flavorful. I ordered peas as my side dish and they were SO fresh and bursting with freshness with each bite. My chicken was cooked to perfection — well done but juicy and tender. This restaurant did a wonderful job of capturing the French culinary style.
I look forward to coming here for years to come!