Bistro SK

273 City Island Ave, Bronx, NY 10464, USA

Address:	273 City Island Ave, Bronx, NY 10464, USA
Phone:	+1 718-885-1670
Site:	bistrosk.com
Rating:	4.4
Working:	Closed 5–10PM 5–10PM 5–10PM 5–10:30PM 5–10:30PM 11AM–3PM

Location

Photos 88

Reviews 24

Jack Aiello

Aside from my love for photography, I also love food. I have the love handles and the cholesterol levels to prove it. Ive also been a big fan of cuisine diversity for the Bronx and there are very few, if any, French bistros in this borough, so I was excited to try Bistro SK in City Island, write a glowing review and deposit my two cents into the ether. Everything about this bistro was gearing up to be a positive experience: the food was good, the reviews were uniformly 4 and 5 stars, and the owner nailed the decor perfectly. Ive never been to France, but this is what I would envision a small French bistro to look and feel like. Unfortunately, my Yelp review was less kind, and all because they committed the one unforgivable sin of poor customer service. Its a fundamental core of the restaurant experience and if you forget this, then who cares if your meal was 5 stars, or even 3, in this case? I can forgive a lot, but this one I didnt let pass. The Brunch menu was advertised with two price points: $10.95 with unlimited coffee or tea or $15.95 with unlimited mimosa. As long as you order from the brief list of Brunch menu items, you would be charged one or the other per person. My stepfather, mother and I proceeded to order coffee and orange juice, anticipating that the OJ might cost a bit extra. (The OJ, by the way, was not fresh squeezed - it was made from concentrate). The Brunch items ranged from 3 varieties of omelettes, Eggs Benedict, French Toast, Croque Monsieur, Croque Madame and ham and cheese crepes. Ordering within the menu, I had the Croque Monsieur which was solid, very tasty. The omelettes ordered by my family were good, but certainly nothing to rave about - their words more or less. We also decided on a dessert, which we also expected to pay extra since it wasnt on the menu. ($9 for a tiny ramekin of chocolate mousse, by the way). Throughout all of this, the restaurant was crowded and noisy - always a good sign. The service suffered a bit as it felt a little rushed and brusque. There was a decidedly clipped, impatient manner in which the waiter answered my stepfathers question. I didnt know it at the time, but I just discovered in my research that our waiter was the owner, Stephane Kane. Our request for a second round of coffee was ignored and we had to repeat the order. Not ideal, but forgivable - theyre having a hectic day. Unfortunately, when we received the bill, we were charged $15.95 a person. Calling over Stephane to question the bill, he became surly and defensive. "You all had orange juice, didnt you?", he scowled. "Well, yeah, but it wasnt mimosa", I replied, trying not to adopt a confrontational tone, "so I was just wondering why we were charged extra for this". "Well, you want me to charge you $6 for each of the orange juices you ordered?", he countered with a snap. $6 for a glass of orange juice from concentrate? This isnt Manhattan. But more to the point, he handled the situation poorly. Even if we were in the wrong, he should have adopted a diplomatic tone and explain that it was just easier to charge us each the $15.95 than separately charge us for the OJ, however overpriced it was. I was willing to amicably concede with just a simple explanation and polite attitude. Instead, he felt the need to shut me up - and for the time being, he did. ...Until now that Im writing about it. Adieu Bistro SK, je ne vais pas revenir.

Romanna Volosyanko

My family decided to enjoy a nice Saturday evening at this place. From beginning, the staff was friendly and attentive. The food was delicious, from sea food linguini to soft-shell crab to salmon. The burger was burned and over-cooked, although they didnt ask how we wanted it cooked. Towards the end of the evening, we decided to get desserts. The owner or manager (didnt introduce himself) has rushed through the menu and didnt give us a chance to clarify the options. He rushed off without any comment and returned after 10 minutes. When we asked to hear the menu again, his response that he was busy and whether we were kidding about hearing it again - has ruined a night - very rude and unprofessional. He hasnt returned to our table at all, hasnt asked how the service was. The cream brûlée was burned, the ice cream was without flavor. Overall nice atmosphere, design, background music and food, although with little unprofessionalism the night and mood has been ruined. Doubt Id return to this place. I understand that it was a busy night, but such response and attitude is not appreciated for such high quality service.

Perry Janoski

While City Island is prized for its numerous restaurants offering outstanding and abundant (sea) food, Ive been following the lead of knowledgeable locals who rave about this cozy tabernacle of French dining. Owner Stephane Kane, who left Alsace-Lorraine at 13, and more recently Manhattans Daniel, opened Bistro SK in 2011. He maintains a rigorous standard of authenticity, avoiding the trendy in favor of consistently exceptional yet original bistro fare. Expect a warm greeting from Stephane and his lovely wife Maria, both heart and soul of this cozy yet lively French bistro located at the center of this storybook island. consistently exceptional yet original bistro fare. He and his lovely wife Maria are the heart and soul of this lively and welcoming bistro.

Harry Dusenberry

Food was excellent and better than the food of most of the French restaurants in manhattans which I frequent. That is why I make the trip to city island. I found the service was good. But, again and most important the food was wonderful. Its worth making the trip out of Manhattan if you are serious about finding good French çuisine. Bon appetit!

Elena Metta

Amazing amazing amazing! So happy to have found this jewel in the middle of city island. Finally a real French restaurant! Food is great the owners are amazing. Thank you for making my birthday so special

Edward Horn

If I was an evil person I would give them a bad review just to keep this little gem from getting too crowded

Ms Sanders

Lovely, un-rushed time. Delicious food. Attentive servers. Will most definitely return and bring friends.

Janice Daley

Excellent food, very attentive staff, super delicious desserts. Make a reservation before going.

Brian Gilbert

Great atmosphere with exceptional cuisine. Staff was great and good came out better than expected

Bob Pargament

BSK is magical. The food is as good as any top shelf Bistro along any boulevard in Paris.

John Peransi

Charming decor, lovely staff and great eggs benedict royal..salmo. fume..ooh la la