Address: | 91 N Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91103, USA |
Phone: | +1 626-792-9923 |
Site: | cafebizou.com |
Rating: | 4 |
Working: | Closed 11AM–2PM 11AM–2PM 11AM–2PM 11AM–2PM 11AM–2PM 11AM–2PM |
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Tiffany Cheung
I was looking for a place to take my parents during DineLA, and my mom mentioned she wanted to try a French restaurant. Looking at the reviews for Café Bizou, the food didnt seem "French", but we decided to give it a try. I know they have a set lunch menu even without DineLA, but my family took advantage of the DineLA menu and stuffed ourselves full of good food. Café Bizou has a parking structure a little down the street that offers first 90 minutes free (I believe). The café itself is not too big and is decorated with an eclectic style. We had to wait a few minutes before we were greeted and seated (despite our reservations and the many open tables in the restaurant). Our server was friendly and patient in explaining the different items to my family. We started out with baguette served with butter. The bread was nice and soft, and with butter, tasted really good. And we were given seconds without asking! Appetizers: -Lobster Bisque: Really creamy and filled with chunks of lobster. My parents really liked the soup and thought it tasted really good. -French Onion Dip: It was a little salty for me, but my dad really liked it. He said it tasted authentic. The cheese on top mixed in with the soup and chunks of bread inside went really well together. And we took the baguette to dip in the soup, too! -Caesar salad: Nothing special about it. I really like parmesan cheese, and there was a lot of it sprinkled on top of the lettuce. A good amount of dressing and croutons. -Baked mushrooms: This was my moms favorite appetizer. Unfortunately there were only two, but it came with a tomato dip that was tasty. The whole dish (along with the sauce) was good. I just wish there were more mushrooms! Main Dishes: -Cedar Planked Salmon: Highly recommend! I actually had salmon the night before, but this did not disappoint. The colors of the dish were vibrant and appealing to the eye. The salmon was soft and tender and melted in my mouth. Very fresh and the flavors were spot on. The vegetables on the side also added to the dish (in color and taste). -Filet Mignon Burger: I would have ordered this if my dad didnt. It was pretty big and came with Cajun French fries. The fries were really tasty, especially with the Cajun flavoring. The burger was also filling! I liked the horseradish mayo and caramelized onions. The brioche bun also was unique. -Grilled Lobster Avocado Panini: My sister liked her dish even though this was her first time eating lobster. She said it tasted good and would probably order it again, but it wasnt memorable. It also came with French fries, which was a plus. The Panini was actually too much for her and she only ate half. -Lobster, Sea Scallops, & Shrimp Pasta: My mom liked the flavor of the dish and the fact that there were lots of chunks of seafood. The dish also came with black tagallini pasta, which had a different texture from the pasta we normally eat. I thought the flavors of the sauce were okay, but I personally wouldnt have ordered it. Dessert: -Flourless Chocolate Cake: It was good, but really rich. Im not too big of a fan of just chocolate, which was pretty much this cake. If youre into chocolate, this would be the dessert for you. -Tiramisu: Really good! I wish the square was bigger, but the flavors were good and I could taste the hint of rum inside. I would recommend the tiramisu if you want dessert.
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Jill Weinlein
When the first location opened in the 90s in Sherman Oaks, it was the talk of the town. They branched out and opened in Pasadena. They offered a one dollar salad or soup with any entree. Today they still offer that special. Their carrot and ginger soup for one dollar is a deal. Its creamy, sweet and a lovely orange color. I always order the roasted monk fish on a bed of saffron and shrimp risotto with snow peas and fried carrots in a luscious lobster sauce. Again another deal for under $20. Last time I dined, they ran out of my crunchy fried carrots that tops this dish nicely. It just wasnt the same. I wish the waiter informed me before the dish arrived. I may have ordered my other favorite a New York steak au poivre with a Brandy cream sauce, french fries and asparagus for under $20. The decor is romantic with soft lighting and lots of booths. The service is pretty good. Its just the cuisine isnt as good as I remember 15 years ago or maybe my tastebuds have become more refined. Save room for the Apple Tarte Tatin with a scoop of ice cream. Park in the Raymond Parking structure and stroll around Old Towne Pasadena after dinner
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Susan Hallenbeck
Ruined our Thanksgiving with chaos and lying: 1)Went to try Thanksgiving Prix Fixe menu. Waiter told me they ran out of stuffing. It was only 8:00pm. 2)Waiter said they were out of the steak and lobster off the Prix Fixe menu. Leaving us to order off regular menu. Then I heard him tell another table of 12 people they only ran out of the lobster. They still had the steak. 3)Told waiter I had a spinach allergy and requested no spinach in my salad. Salad came out with spinach. They fixed it. 4)We waited 15 minutes for someone to get our empty salad plates. 5)Waited for entrées. Starving and annoyed. Entree came with extra sweet potatoes. Fine. But three overcooked asparagus spears. 7)Waiter never refilled our water. I asked for some before we left because I could wait any longer. Was thirsty. 6)Asked for dessert to go and paid check. I told waiter we were disappointed with our experience and he bit my head off...JERK!!! The waiters either lie or are told to lie about what they have. Either way, this place cares more about making money than its guests!
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Re becca
Ive been to Cafe Bizou a couple of times in the past but this past weekend I went for a Bridal Shower. A few things I felt was missed at a nice restaurant like this was the lack of SERVICE. I must of had to ask the waiter to fill up my wine glass about 2x till I decided forget it! They were serving about 15 of us with 3 waiters on hand, so this little misstep shouldnt had happened. Aside from that the food was ...not good. It wasnt just my plate of food but everyone around my area felt the same way about their pea soup and their entree. My pasta dish was drenched with white sauce that I literally dug around for that sun dried tomato to save myself from blandness! its unfortunate because I remember my time here in the past had always been pretty decent!
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Jon Morales
Was disappointed by their Thanksgiving day Filet Mignon. Ordered medium-rare and it came overcooked and dry. A bad grissly cut as well. They brought out another after I complained and it wasnt even filet mignon! The cut was very marbled and uncharacteristic of filet mignon. I mean this place is fairly inexpensive and all, but if your gonna sell something then give it some effort. Wifes Salmon dish was underwhelming also. Dont think well ever return here.
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A Private User
Its hard to beat Cafe Bizou in Old Town. We eat there several time a month and have always been pleased. At least to us the service is attentive, the food tasty and some dishes unique. Prices are more than competitive. I have enjoyed this restaurant since, oh, the early 1990s and it wears well. Try the stuffed mushrooms for a unique appetizer, or the tuna tartare.
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Anna Lesinski Sandberg
Had our Work Holiday Luncheon there. I had the Salmon, it was delicious. So tender. I wanted to save some for my husband, but each bite seduced me to have yet another, and before I knew it, it was gone. Sorry honey no leftovers. The Chocolate cake dessert was so smooth. Worst part of the experience was parking. But if you plan ahead for the Cost, then no problem.