10/29/09

old school french

by slinki

I have been here several times over the years, the last time being July 2009. I appreciate this place for it's very well executed traditional French fare and casual atmosphere. It is cramped, but that contributes to the cozy, almost exclusive (in a good way) feel. I have generally found the staff very personable and professional...with one unfortunate exception. I don't know if she's still there, but she seemed to be in some parallel universe at the time she served us, barking at us to hurry up and order and being rather unpleasant overall (eg. coughing on us. Isn't that a health code violation? Well, it should be). And no, she was not French. She seemed rather to hail from some highway diner off the Jersey Turnpike. I do not like having to say a negative word about this place, and I hope it thrives as long as the owners want to run it. But something has to be done about that server!

• Pros: authentic yet unpretentious
• Cons: cramped, one staff member

10/18/08

delicious provencal french home cooking

by racheloves2eatout

an adorable cozy romantic sentimental restaurant with delicious savory south of France recipes that make your mouth water. This place serves one of my favorite bouillabaisse'. this dish is large however so order that for two. great foie gras, escargot, sweetbreads, and pretty much anything we have ever ordered.

• Pros: The food is great
• Cons: very grumpy bartender (grandson of the chef :) I have been to this restaurant more than a dozen times but i have never seen him actually smile and greet a customer. oh well.

Editorial Review

by Contributor

This cozy midtown spot stakes its authenticity on the French "grand-mere" in charge of the kitchen.

07/16/07

Cute Cozy French Place

by gripdxd

I walked in for dinner and was immediately seated. It's a tight small place that decorated in an original design. You get the feel as if you are in France and not in NYC. It has a homey feel with a good story. My meal was good and dining experience great. Try this place for something different and out of the ordinary; it can be a romantic special one as well :D

• Pros: Original, Cozy, Authentic, Romantic
• Cons: Small it can get tight

07/02/07

Bad

by charlesmstam

I went here with a large group of friends for an end of year party. The waitstaff was sassy and out of line, the food was overpriced and tasted bad, and the decor was revolting. The whole thing left a sour taste in my mouth and I will not be returning. Not recommended.

• Cons: Foul food, Staff Needs to Learn Their Place, Revolting Decor, Overpriced

06/16/06

Best Old School French in New York City

by roastbeef9

Finally, a french restaurant where traditional french is done right. I went here last weekend and really enjoyed it. The wait staff was good, and the sauces for the entrees were beyond perfection. I would highly recommend this to anyone who appreciates finer classical french food.

The restaurant itself is not the most beautiful nor large but the food and red house wine surely make your other senses too busy to care.

• Pros: Food, sauces, wait staff
• Cons: Ambience

01/04/06

Poor Customer Relations

by crouterb

Maybe it's because they are so very French. I called before Christmas to see if they would be open Jan 1, New Year's Day. I asked twice -- and was assured they would be open, and they took my reservation. When I arrived in New York -- NOT OPEN! When I called, I was told that no one there would make such a mistake and it was not they're problem. I was disappointed -- and I know I didn't make the mistake -- someone at the place gave me bad information. The real frustration was that they wouldn't just say they were sorry for the mistake -- even when I asked for that -- they just told me I was wrong and it wasn't their problem. If that's how they treat you before you get in the door -- they can keep that door locked all the time!!

04/23/05

Best French Food in Manhattan

by mr_happy

My girlfriend and I were 'this' close to writing off French Food entirely. We had been to a few places around Manhattan and ALL of them were CRAP. So today was our 3 year anniversary and we were looking for a place to go for a romantic dinner. She said "Chez Napoleon?" So we looked up the menu and said to each other "This is IT. If this place can't make a good French meal, then there is NO French Food in Manhattan!" Well, the food was great. "OK" I thought, "this is GOOD FRENCH FOOD!" Finally. After dinner I thanked the bartender and told him how this was the only good French food we had found in Manhattan. He said "Thank you, it IS my grandmother cooking back there, so you understand that it IS going to be true French food." Great place. I'll come back.

• Pros: Mom & Pop type place, Great Food, Charming

02/27/05

Cosistently Great Experience

by andmig

We like and frequent this place for several years. Our friends from France, who we took there , confirmed my impression both food and atmosphere wise. We like their veteran waitress a skinny lady, who walks briskly like a ballerina and has a cute uptight angular properness.

The food feels very authentic. We liked everything we tried. My favorites are cold Foie Gras, Bouillabaisse and Souffle. They dont decorate dishes much, which I think is a plus because it harmoniously complements the experience.

The service is fast and friendly with a dash of polite aloofness, which I crave sometimes, especially in the Times Square area.

The surroundings are pleasant. Soft French background music and themed wall features definitely feed your nostalgic half. Unobtrusive restaurant scenery matches the encounter. Sometimes their matriarch chef Grand-mere takes break at the bar silently sipping her wine. Occasionally PBS-type celebrities pop in.

• Pros: Food, Service, Ambience
• Cons: Don't Know Any

12/16/03

Il Faut Bien Manger Pour Vivre!

by jesuisfier

My wife and I have dined at this wonderful French bistro several times and we love it. Charming, romantic, and definitely authentic. If you'd like to practice your French language skills, go right ahead, because the wait staff are all French speaking. This bistro is not overpriced like other French restaurants and it is not trendy either. I've travelled to France and I can truthfully say that Chez Napoleon is the closest I've seen in New York to match the restaurants in France.

This is a family owned and operated business and the head chef is an old Frenchwoman who manages to whip up some amazing sauces for the meat, poultry or seafood dishes that are on the menu.

Allez a Chez Napoleon toute de suite!

• Pros: Romantic, Authentic, Friendly
• Cons: Small