La Nicoise Cafe

Bill RB

Expensive, food is not great, atmosphere very odd. Went there over 10 years ago, decided to give it another try, now I know why we have not been back. 1st, made reservations for 7. Showed up around :15 early, was seated. There were about 4 other couples/tables occupied. Interior is tired, not any particular style, but comfortable. As soon as we were seated, the waitress (who was obviously new), said there was a wait because there was only herself and the chef working. Not a problem, will order some wine and wait. Ordered a bottle, and she said the chef had to server it (maybe she is not old enough?). Anyway he showed up with the wine, made a couple of corny jokes, poured our wine and left. Long story, ordered appetizers then food. The appetizers took an hour to get (now close to 8pm). Very good escargot and some mushrooms, but the bread was very odd...not your typical wonderful french bread but tiny little squished looking pieces, almost as if it came from freezer bread, baked and squashed. Finally our food came, not impressed, fish was overcooked, a side of maybe 2 Tbsp of rice (not making this up), and the same couple tablespoons of mixed vegetables. The other couple with us ordered crepes, and what came out looked like a big burrito made out of crepe, stuffed with the filling they had ordered. Again, not your typical rolled up crepes, but a crepe burrito. All during this time the chef would pop up at our table, make more corny jokes, then disappear. Finally we were asked if we wanted dessert, which we ordered creme brulee and decaffeinated coffee. It was fine, not great, not bad. The weirdness came when after a few minutes, the chef came, asked how our dessert was, then proceeded to pick it up and walk away with it. My wife protested, asked for it back to finish, and he stood there while she was finishing it. After she was done, he picked up the dishes and left. We asked for the check, which was produced immediately, paid and left. Only after I got home did I find out the restaurant has very limited diner hours, only open until 8pm. Weird, as they had no issue taking our reservation for 7pm and never said anything until it became obvious they wanted to close up. My fault for not knowing it closed early, but since we didn't even get our food until 8pm, was taken back by the abruptness of "time to go" attitude. As I travel to Paris often, was disappointed in the quality, amount, and cost of the dinner. Also put off by the "time to go" attitude, where in France it is your table for the night (not that we were going to stay that long) The atmosphere is very odd, and the chef and his attempt at constant puns/jokes not any better. Would not recommend as there are plenty of other establishments in Winchester with much better food and service. Will not be back.

MsKatyAnne Schwandt

I trust this place..my guy had Salmon with orange chutney.. I've had before and tasted tonight, amazing. The scallop with blue cheese appetizer we shared was perfect. I was a bit disappointed with the crab/shrimp ravioli in mushroom sauce. Filling was minimal... And no seafood flavor present. Overwhelmed by mushroom sauce. I wish I'd ordered differently, but this is a favorite place.

Kim Reecher

Not impressed. Not a very friendly host, chef, owner. His “famous” onion soup was mediocre. Everything we had for lunch was below average. Don’t come back to me with comments about “French” cooking. Both my brother and nephew are trained chefs from one of the best culinary institutes in the world. Plus I have traveled the world and eaten in many places. Not sure how this little place has survived and don’t understand the rave reviews.

Richard Iwanowski

In a word this French restaurant is: EXCELLENT. Enjoy the food, wine, and the atmosphere.