Artisan BistroHigh Quality in LafayetteThis restaurant continues to offer very good fare in Lafayette. When the weather is nice, opt for outside dining. This outdoor dining area has been well thought out. You'd never know it is located between a city street and parking lots. While the menu choices are not extensive, considerable thought has gone into each option by the chef. The restaurant has a good wine list that is compatible with menu choices. Wine prices are about two times retail which may seem high, but are a bargain by San Francisco standards. And parking is free and there is no bizzare "tax" for employee health plans.6/14/2013 12:00:00 AMUtter perfectionThere simply is no substitute. The care that goes into preparing a meal here is without compare. I've eaten here over a dozen times and have never experienced as much as a single misstep. True culinary perfection. If you have the good fortune to get a table here you should be prepared for a true 3-star experience. There isn't a dud on the menu and it changes often enough that you will never be bored if it's a return visit.6/11/2013 12:00:00 AMTop notch in every wayThat's simply what it was...the best. A brilliant chef, complimented by warm and capable staff.6/9/2013 12:00:00 AMArtisan Bistro is justplain greatArtisan Bistro continues to be our go to place for a good meal. It has a great patio and the menu changes as the seasons change. It's always full of fresh offerings. It's not a good place for kids. Tables are close together and it's a smallish dining establishment. People are often going out for an evening alone without their kids, the last thing they want to do is listen to yours.6/9/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent Lunch SpotMy wife and I went to Artisan Bistro for lunch, hoping to find a nice neighborhood spot with great food that's not too "heavy". That's exactly what we found. The sandwiches were excellent, the wine list was solid, and the service was efficient yet not overbearing. We're looking forward to visiting again soon...6/7/2013 12:00:00 AMDinner with friendsFood and service were excellent. Weather was very hot, so we ate inside, which is broken into small rooms which contributes to friendly, intimate feel and "just right" noise level.6/5/2013 12:00:00 AMBrunch SpotBrunch here is very good. it was nice to be able to sit outside on a beautiful day. French fries are the best! My husband was very pleased with his hamburger which was cooked perfectly to his taste. Our waiter was attentive and professional.6/2/2013 12:00:00 AMGood Service and a Great BartenderI invited two friends, one of whom was visiting from Los Angeles to Brunch. We had three of their "scrambles" for brunch, and everyone enjoyed the food. No morsels were left on the plates.
I remembered that I had torn a cocktail recipe out of one of those "in-flight" magazines. The drink was complex, and required Campari, one whole egg and demerara syrup. I asked the server, who was also the main bartender, to make the drink. To my surprise, he looked at the recipe, and said it would take him a few minutes to make the demerara syrup. It was perfect!
Service makes a difference, and so few restaurants or bartenders strive for perfection. I'm glad I found one such place, and one such bartender that does. I'LL BE BACK!6/2/2013 12:00:00 AMA summer evening delightArtisan Bistro has acquired a well-deserved reputation for creative food and a discriminating wine list. The chief attraction beyond the food is the outdoor dining, which on warm and windless summer nights is just about perfect. Indoors is another matter, even on cool evenings. There are too many tables too close together and the noise level in the warren of dining rooms can be quite high. It helps to reserve an outdoor table or, better yet, to arrive early enough not only to procure an outdoor table but to have a choice among them.5/31/2013 12:00:00 AMArtisan Bistro is a lovelyArtisan Bistro is a lovely local restaurant with excellent food and service. Great for special occasions.5/30/2013 12:00:00 AMA New FavoriteThe staff is outstanding and the food is inventive. Great place for a nice long lunch.5/30/2013 12:00:00 AMLong-Time FavoriteWe have enjoyed Artisan Bistro for brunch, lunch, and special-occasion dinners for a long time! It is our "go-to" place whenever we have guests.5/28/2013 12:00:00 AMenjoyed the lunch a lotAnd all the special birthday attention for my friend was wonderful. A bit pricey so can't return too often.5/26/2013 12:00:00 AM5 star food & service, slow kitchenWhen a sandwich and eggs benedict excel to the highest levels, the server & support staff operate perfectly...you expect the kitchen to produce the product sooner than the fifty minutes that we waited at 1:30 on last Saturday afternoon. First, this is our 2nd experience at Artisan Bistro, the 1st was dinner. All meals were fabulous...and we will return. In fact, we wish that they had a location in Pleasanton so we could visit more often. Some restaurants excel...There are layers of flavors and textures, ingredients that are wonderful. So simple...so perfect. We are hoping that the kitchen is able to deliver the food in a more timely manner.5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMDelightful dinnerWe hadn't been to Artisan Bistro for quite some time and just had a great meal there. The octopus starter (so tender and flavorful) and veal chop that I ordered were excellent! My husband enjoyed his potato soup and halibut too. The flavor in everything we ate was excellent. The only reason I gave 4 stars instead of 5 is that the fries (which I always order!) weren't quite as crisp as they should have been (and usually are). I know it's a small thing, but I'm picky about my fries. The desserts too, were great! The deconstructed carrot cake is not your usual cloyingly sweet dessert. The service was relaxed, but very attentive.
Overall, I'm excited to go back!5/23/2013 12:00:00 AMOur lunch was delightful andOur lunch was delightful and our server was superb. Tony (?) made it a memorable experience. We all agreed we should return often. We will find something to celebrate.5/23/2013 12:00:00 AMShockingly good - better than HavenThe attention to detail is exceptional - from presentation and service to innovative combination of flavors. From appetizer through dessert, not one dish for four different people was anything less than outstanding. Sous vide veal, lamb chops, scallops...wilted little gem salad, beet salad, Yukon gold potato soup...each one done as well or better than the 4 and 5-star restaurants I've had the pleasure of dining in in NY, SF and LA. Exceptional everything, minus the "precious" attitude that so often accompanies the same. Loved it more than Haven, Gary Danko and others of that ilk. Floored to have found it in a little house on a side street in Lafayette.5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMArtisan Bistro is a true NeighborhoArtisan Bistro is a true Neighborhood Gem! Everything from the drinks to food to service is spot on! They use very fresh and seasonal ingredients. We had prawn and arugula salad to start then the seared scallops w/ risotto and fish tacos. Everything was cooked perfectly with really tasty flavors. We went there for a friend's b-day and they add a special touch for special occasions - name on the menu, dessert with a candle, b-day card and menu as a keepsake...5/15/2013 12:00:00 AMThe WaiterQuite honestly, though the food was outstanding, the wine list great, our best experience was with the waiter. The young man was as consummate stage actor, with all the attributes thereof.
Wonderful experience, food, wine and service.5/15/2013 12:00:00 AMI've been there several timesI've been there several times & am never disappointed. Fish tacos & lamb sandwich are delicious. Also had a wonderful cocktail with champagne. Will go back. Want to try the whole menu.5/14/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had a very pleasant Mother'sWe had a very pleasant Mother's Day brunch on the patio. The California Benedict was very good, the waiter steered us to a better wine and brought a sample of what we had chosen so we could compare--and see that his choice was better.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMA refreshing & memorable experienceArtisan Bistro lives up to its noteriety. The brunch menu & ambience are a perfect duality nestled in a hidden excursion. A delightful encounter.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMGive them applause!When Artisan Bistro opened I gave it a try - having been a customer of the previous establishment for many years. Blown away is an understatement. That is no cook in the kitchen - that is a chef!
I've been a customer ever since, happily sharing this gem with others. The food is excellent, totally not average. Leave all expectations outside, step in and expand your culinary horizon. Start with beet salad and begin the pleasure of working your way through the menu. It might take some time - a worthy gastronomical journey.5/8/2013 12:00:00 AMAnother spectacular soup--potatoAnother spectacular soup--potato and spring onion. The Croque Madam was excellent too, as were the french fries. Artisan Bistro does not disappoint.5/7/2013 12:00:00 AMWe received excellent, professionalWe received excellent, professional service and the menu featured several unique and interesting choices. Our food was good, but we thought the prices were a bit high.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMWow, right in LafayetteI live in Lafayette and have been wanting to go to Artisan Bistro for some time. Finally had lunch with firends/business associates. The food was incredible and the service outstanding. We sat outside (didn;t know they had a patio) and did not want lunch to end. Will defintely be back as often as I can.5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMFabulous food and great serviceMy wife and I had an excellent meal at Artisan Bistro. I was one of the first customers at 5:30a and the place quickly filled up. They have a quite large outdoor dining area which was not in use the day we were there as the weather was just too cold. But we agreed, it would be a great place to come back in the summer for lunch or dinner.
Our food was simply excellent. I had the scallops with pearl couscous and my wife had a beef dish, the name of which I cannot recall. The waiter said it was the California equivalent to Kobe beef and he was right. It was melt in your mouth tender, cooked perfectly and had a bone marrow sauce on top that was out of this world. My scallops were perfect as well.
All in all a wonderful place. We'll be b4/25/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had not been to dinnerWe had not been to dinner here in some time but we'll be back!!! All the courses were excellent-wonderful presentation and delicious. The service was a bit slow for a small restaurant with several servers, though. This is a charming place to dine in the east bay.4/23/2013 12:00:00 AMIt is always fun to read theIt is always fun to read the top of the menu and see that they've acknowledged someone for a birthday or anniversary. Such a nice personal touch. The food is always delicious, beautifully served and the portions aren't too large.4/23/2013 12:00:00 AMReturn treat!Came once before for lunch with children and grandchildren - loved the attention and ambience. Return trip for anniversary dinner reinforced previous experience: attentive service, great food and overall very good experience. Rabbit three-ways, crab in avocado, scallops and lamb chop all excellent. Thank you so much!4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMHidden gem continues to impressThe food here is amazing and seems to be getting better every time i go back. Friendly and very efficient wait staff too. Love this place!4/17/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful cuisine, yet theWonderful cuisine, yet the service was a bit spotty. Most likely due to an enormous lunch group which arrived just prior to our table and an unfortunate gentleman who was having a heated argument with his date in absentia, via iPhone and texts.
Waiters, diners et al were involved.4/11/2013 12:00:00 AMDelightfully deliciousTook my sister out for her birthday. She had halibut, my wife had rack of lamb and I had scallops. All were exceptionally delicious. Medium size portions. We all had artichoke soup, which was outstanding. It was a bit pricey but worth it for special occasions. $190 out the door for 3 soups, 3 entrees and 2 desserts. No alcohol.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMVery good staff. MatchedVery good staff. Matched wine by glass for the food. Very nice.4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMEnjoyed the lunch entree --Enjoyed the lunch entree -- fresh and beautifully prepared.4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMIt was fantastic! All foodIt was fantastic! All food very well prepared, hospitality incredible. We go there often, especially with out of town guests or on special occasions !Thanks for a great time4/4/2013 12:00:00 AMThis is such a great additionThis is such a great addition to Lafayette. The food is excellent. BEST french fries ever!...Halibut was excellent...Great salads. The service was very efficient and friendly.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMIt is such a joy to have aIt is such a joy to have a restaurant east of the Caldecott Tunnel that is comparable to the best that San Francisco, Berkeley and Oakland have to offer. LaFayette's Artisan Bistro is exceptional in all meaningful ratings categories and is consistently so. Can I make a menu recommendation? Yes! Anything and everything that's being prepared on the day of your visit. You will, I'm sure, be very pleased ... even if you come east through the Caldecott Tunnel in heavy traffic.3/28/2013 12:00:00 AMWe've never had a bad mealWe've never had a bad meal here. Their food is always a cut above and the service is professional and friendly. We've often made this our place to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries.3/28/2013 12:00:00 AMArtisan Bistro has been ourArtisan Bistro has been our favorite local restaurant since its opening approximately four years ago. The staff is excellent, some of whom have been there since the beginning. The food is outstanding, whether for lunch or for a special occasion. We have gone for special menus on New Years eve and set menus on Wednesdays and Thursdays in February and March. All have been very fine. In warm weather we enjoy dining outdoors. The chef is particularly good in preparing flavorful sauces.3/27/2013 12:00:00 AMPerfect for a special occasionFabulous food and warm hearted service made for a room full of happy people. We will be back for our next special occasion.3/22/2013 12:00:00 AMArtisan bistro has becomeArtisan bistro has become our go to restaurant for special occasions... without kids! The food, service, and drinks are spectacular, and the ambiance is so personal. It's like dining in a cozy bed and breakfast. Try the"perfect Manhattan"....It's perfect.3/21/2013 12:00:00 AMOur second visit to ArtisanOur second visit to Artisan Bistro was as satisfying in every respect as the first. This time, however, instead of being there as a twosome, we invited another couple to join us, and enjoyed a three-course, prix fixe menu which included a bottle of wine for each
couple. Again, the quaint cottage-restaurant in our suburban town was an easy and welcome nearby choice, given its growing reputation of excellence.Beginning with the excellence of the wait staff, we were treated to a memorable experience from beginning to end. Highly recommended.3/21/2013 12:00:00 AMThis is an EXCEPTIONAL restaurant!This is an EXCEPTIONAL restaurant! We have dined here on several occasions and never been disappointed.3/21/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat as always! Come hereGreat as always! Come here often. Had special menu for 2.3/20/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had a small family reunionWe had a small family reunion dinner here the other night (party of 8. Everyone enjoyed his/her dinner from soup to dessert. We all went home full and happy!3/19/2013 12:00:00 AMWe have dined here severalWe have dined here several times and each time the food and service is great. This most recent time, I went with my wife for brunch to celebrate our anniversary. We sat outside in their secluded porch which is very pleasant. At the end of another yummy meal they brought out a artistic display of thinly sliced apple and white chocolate with Happy Anniversary written in dark chocolate - nice touch!3/17/2013 12:00:00 AMVery Nice DinnerWe enjoyed our Beet Salads, Stuffed Guinea Hen, and Venison Loin. All cooked to perfection.3/16/2013 12:00:00 AMI have eaten here severalI have eaten here several times and find the food consistently outstanding; Saturday night was exceptional even for them. Just about my favorite restaurant in the Bay Area right now.3/16/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent food. The serviceExcellent food. The service is friendly and attentive without being cloying or in your face. Highly recommended for a special night out.3/15/2013 12:00:00 AM