Chez Vatel Bistro
| Address: | 218 E Olmos Dr, San Antonio, TX 78212, USA |
| Phone: | +1 210-828-3141 |
| Site: | bistrovatel.com |
| Rating: | 4.2 |
| Working: | Closed 11:30AM–2PM 11:30AM–2PM 11:30AM–2PM 11:30AM–2PM 5:30–9:30PM 5:30–9PM |
Location
Photos 20
Reviews 10
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Jeff Turpin
Chez Vatel Bistro is highly regarded by reviewers and critics alike (Zagat 28/30 for food, best restaurant in the city), and I can now see why. My wife and I recently visited for a special occasion. Having sampled over 300+ restaurants in San Antonio alone at this point, Im not easily impressed anymore. However, this was one of the best meals weve ever had in our lives. We sat down in a fine-but-casual atmosphere and were promptly brought iced water and fresh bread with butter. The bread was great, but the butter was even better. As Ive gotten older, I can see why Jacques Pépin always said that his last meal would be bread and butter: when you have high quality of each, theres really nothing better than this particular carb + fat combination. We ordered appetizers of raw oysters and the soup du jour, which was French onion soup. The oysters were as good as you can get in Texas: fresh and appetizing. The accompanying sauce took them over the edge. As for the French Onion Soup, if you expect Lipton French Onion Soup Mix with a cup or two of cheddar cheese, youll be disappointed. Rather, the broth was deep in flavor without being too bold, the onions were balanced with the other flavors, and the bread was appropriately garnished with cheese as it sat in the midst of the bowl soaking up all the goodness. Concerning the entrees, we had the mixed seafood grill and the beef tenderloin with Bearnaise sauce. The mixed seafood grill came with steamed veggies and fingerling potatoes (both excellent) as well as perfectly cooked lobster, shrimp, denver sole, salmon, and mussels with a bed of lemon butter sauce underneath. Im not sure that Ive ever tasted seafood cooked and flavored so well, at least in San Antonio, even in relation to Wildfish and Sandbar. More importantly, the wife was immensely impressed. For my steak, it was simply the best steak Ive ever had. Aside from being cooked to a perfect medium rare and surrounded by delicious Bearnaise, the meat was immensely flavorful, especially due to the crust that enveloped the entire steak. This was a thin, consistent crust of unami that Ive only seen partially replicated once in an old Cajun restaurant in Louisiana. I had potatoes with my steak, and while Im not certain of what they were, I do know they were amazing. They were essentially scalloped potatoes layered and formed into a square with a white sauce holding them together, probably a type of bechamel if I had to guess. We finished the night with two desserts, a creme brulee and a rose apple brulee tart. While neither are my favorite types of desserts, these were impressive. The creme brulee was technically perfect with an excellent flavor in the custard itself. The tart was layer-upon-layer of flaky goodness with custard and apples atop and drizzled with a red sauce. In short, Chez Vatel exceeded our hopes and expectations as we were hoping for very good food that wouldnt ruin our night. However, we received excellent food, some of the best weve ever had in our lives. I noticed some reviews are less glowing - its possible it was an off-night or they just werent a fan of the dish. Nonetheless, Id definitely recommend giving them a try and stick with the classics on your first visit.
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Bryn Harrington
I have been surprised that this French "bistro" in the Olmos Park area of San Antonio doesnt get more traffic. The food and the low-key atmosphere create a great intimate dining experience. I will say the vegetarian options are limited. I love the way Bistro Vatel does Coq au Vin (chicken dish). Their cheese selection is a great appetizer to share with friends (or Escargot is available for the epicurious). I have also tried the Beef Tenderloin with Bernaise Sauce, which was exceptional. My dining guest had the Grilled Quail and Proscuitto Risotto, which looks great as well. Be careful with the added fees. As with many upscale French restaurants, there is a $2.00 substitution fee, a $2.00 split charge, and a $30.00 Cork Fee. Note: they are open at rather European times. Lunch is from 11:30 to 1:30. Dinner is from 5:30 to 10 pm, and Sunday dinner is from 5:00 to 9 pm. Keep this in mind when making lunch or dinner dates.
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BK Yowsers
We were craving something we haven’t tried yet in SA, French food. After reading through the reviews, decided on Bistro Vatel. No disrespect for those that like this place, we felt the reviews are not accurate, or maybe we just don’t like French food. Soft shell crab, in tempura, better at the sushi restaurants and can’t believe it’s double the cost. Foie gras, one bite and didn’t finish, just had some really, really good dishes elsewhere. Bacon/poached egg salad, taste like egg over salad, nothing more. Had other dishes as well, maybe we missed the flavors, our palate was telling us the food here is bland and overprice. Overall, overrated and service was OK. Maybe because we were underdress and looked like we couldn’t afford it, but our waiter barely paid attention to us and was taking care of the other customers. But we call and ask if being in shorts/sandals is acceptable.
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Ernest Edsel
A visit to SAs Valero and Tesoro meant a business dinner at this fine restaurant. Que viva Chez Vatel! It took a long time but San Antonio finally has decent food other than lousy Tex-Mex joints or the old decent but boring reliables like Lubys Cafeterias (pecan or pumpkin pie anyone?). We loved Chez Vatel and its top quality food. One night I had a double order of the appetizers that are to die for (pate foie gras w/ apple pie; and, the lobster tempura); next night, a double order of the pear gorgonzola salad (and got a tatste of the divine lobster w/ asparagus). This is a great addition to the growing list of Texas fine dining.
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Larry Davis
Probably the best restaurant in San Antonio, if you are lucky they will have the sauteed soft shell crab. So good. The service is the best and the food is consistently good. Some reviews are not as glowing as mine. Keep in mind there were plenty of critics to Beethovens 9th symphony who complained they came to here a symphony and not singing. Enough said. LRD MD
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James Beswick
Probably the best French restaurant in San Antonio (the other candidate being LEtoile) - the bread is better than anywhere and the steak frites reminds me of Paris. There are some dishes on the menu that push the envelope - while they may not be everyones taste, theyre definitely worth a try. The wine list is reasonable too.
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Geoff Carl
Warm, knowledgeable service. Astute recommendations. Very nice atmosphere with inviting natural light. Excellent wine list, that complements the menu. The food is prepared in such a way that shows no stone has been left unturned. This place is all about attention to detail.
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A Private User
My wife and I have been here several times and its been excellent each visit. The service is nothing short of excellent. They know how to be attentive but not over bearing. The food has been excellent and the wine list has everything you need. Well be customers for life!
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A Private User
For San Antonio it is a good restaurant. Just something different then Tex-Mex. As for a European like myself it wasnt bad at all enjoyed it but it lacks the wow factor. Overall a pleasant meal though and not to bad pricewise. I might go there but then again maybe not.
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Annette Hicks
Went here for a birthday. Food is superior. The restaurant is clean, but just decor is a little quirky. Really enjoyed my meal. Husband really enjoyed his meal, too. We savored every morsel. Will definitely return.
