C'est La Vie

Name: C'est La Vie
Address: 18 N Market St, Lancaster, PA, United States, 17603
Telephone: (717) 299-7319
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.7

4.7

1035 Reviews

$30 and under

European

Top Tags:

Casual Fine Dining…with Character
Life is made of the places you go and the people with whom you go there. C’est La Vie is a bistro that invites you to enjoy the small things in life, in the company of good friends. Our inviting, playful atmosphere along with our delicate yet satisfying cuisine makes for a place truly like no other. We invite you to experience everything C’est La Vie has to offer — and watch the world go by with us.
Artisanal, yet casual, and above all deeply enjoyable — that is the philosophy at the heart of our food. At C’est La Vie we craft both large and small plates meant to excite the senses and appeal to a wide range of tastes. As another way to pay tribute to life in Lancaster, we source our ingredients from the rich community of local farmers, butchers, and more. Discover our frequently changing menu.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 30, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 24 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
European
Hours of operation
Lunch Tue–Sat 11:30 am–3:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu 4:30 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–9:30 pm
Phone number
(717) 299-7319
Website
http://www.clvlancaster.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Resort Casual
Owned/operated by
LGBTQ+
Executive chef
Daniel LeBoon

Location
18 N Market St, Lancaster, PA 17603
Neighborhood
Lancaster
Cross street
50 West Grant Street
Parking details
Public Lot
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

LGBTQ-Owned and -Operated Restaurants to Support in Philadelphia & New Jersey

Popular dishes

What 1,035 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.8Service
4.7Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Lancaster County
Best Overall
Lancaster County
Best Food
Lancaster County
Best Service
Lancaster County
Best Ambiance
Lancaster County
Best Value
Lancaster County
Innovative
Lancaster County
Healthy
Lancaster County
Hot spot
Lancaster County
Neighborhood gem
Lancaster County
Great for fine wines
Lancaster County
Great for outdoor dining
Lancaster County
Lively
Lancaster County
Most Booked

1,035 Reviews

AW
AmyW
New York Area
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall3food3service5ambience4
Our food was late coming out and not very hot. Our waiter was very apologic but beyond his control. Meals were not hot. We had a show at the Fulton and had to eat and run.
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S
Sarah
Philadelphia
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
First time here and no complaints. Scott our server was wonderful...we were their for our Anniversary and when we walked in the host had greeted us by stating Happy Anniversary...later on in the evening Scott brought out Champagne and dessert to celebrate us..Thanks for making us feel special and having great customer service!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent excellent. Pork chop special was the best dish I ever had here! Burrata was also amazing. We frequent here and the menu keeps getting better and better.
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A
Aquavit
Chicago
63 reviews
vip
5.0
63 reviews
Dined on September 22, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Excellent food. Their usual flawless service was a tiny touch off due to two very large groups and a VERY busy Friday trade… including the Central Market across the street. I have dined numerous times and service is always five star!!!
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KM
KatMae
Raleigh
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience2
Good selection of choices on the menu. The ambiance was lacking, definitely more of a cafe for younger kids, but with an adult pricetag. The deviled egg app was terrible. Portions for entree were not large/good value for price. I'd stick with a salad or sandwich here and skip the appetizers and entrees.
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P
Pammymac
Naples
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a wonderful dining experience. Our server, Kyle, was exceptional! He was very knowledgeable and attentive and we enjoyed our interaction with him. The food was delicious and served in a timely manner. Despite the rain, we enjoyed our outdoor dining experience. A bit if France in Lancaster!
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MG
MarkG
Philadelphia
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on September 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our server Austin was excellent. The food was delicious and we had a delightful evening here.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great, one of our favorite places ! We love sitting outside.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 2, 2023
overall5food3service5ambience4
The staff are very kind and accomodating, the staff were my favorite part of the experience! Food is a little overpriced for portion size depending on what you get, but food was still great. With outdoor seating can be a little loud, however you are in downtown Lancaster so that is expected. Overall, a nice dining experience and a great place to stop by!
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SL
SteakLovers
Philadelphia
16 reviews
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on August 31, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was great! It’s our favorite restaurant.
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SD
StevenD
Philadelphia
89 reviews
vip
5.0
89 reviews
Dined on August 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Micheal was our waiter, and he is extremely professional. Food was wonderful for lunch.
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J
Jessica
Philadelphia
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on August 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Never disappoints. Sat outside on a quiet Tuesday evening. It was beautiful and the service was exceptional!
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BK
BethK
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience3
Everything was wonderful, but noise level is quite high.
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k
koolk
Philadelphia
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on August 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was a beautiful evening and our drinks were very good. We were celebrating our Granddaughters birthday and they handled that very well. We have been there many times and each visit is pleasurable. When we want to go out to eat C’est La Vie is top of our list. You can’t beat the ambience whether inside or out.
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LB
LoisB
Philadelphia
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We both ordered seafood and was very pleased with our choices.
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C
Caryn
Philadelphia
50 reviews
vip
5.0
50 reviews
Dined on August 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a great experience. Great service, fantastic food and nice atmosphere.
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SH
SoHaGal
New York Area
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on August 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We visited Lancaster in August, 2023 and ate twice at C'est La Vie, one lunch with another couple, and one late dinner with a single friend. In both cases, the food was excellent, as was the service. One time we ate outside, and the second time inside. In both cases, we were well-accommodated.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was great! Our waiter, Benjamin, was outstanding! Great value! We would definitely go back and get the fried oyster appetizer!
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MH
MichelleH
Philadelphia
20 reviews
vip
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on August 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a great experience. They have great salads and the waiter noticed I was vegan and pointed out items that would work for me. It is a very pretty restaurant and the service was impeccable.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on August 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was amazing as usual! Our server Michael was attentative and very pleasant.
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T
Trishtodd
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful place for our anniversary dinner. Benjamin was fabulous. Only wish we had room for dessert. Will most definitely be back. Thanks for a lovely night.
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LK
LynnK
Washington DC
54 reviews
vip
5.0
54 reviews
Dined on August 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our server Benjamin was excellent. Lovely date night dinner. My husband very much enjoyed the crab cake meal.
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KN
KimN
Philadelphia
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We celebrated our Anniversary-the staff greeted us with “congratulations “ and made sure to create a special experience for us. Everything was wonderful!
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DM
DougM
Naples
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We ate outside on a lovely day. Passxersby were never annoying. Food was delicious. Most of all waitress made the perfect suggestions.
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TL
TigerLily
Greater Boston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
C’est la Vie was excellent and we can’t wait to return. Both the hostess and server were fantastic, the food was excellent and tres francais and the ambience fin de siecle, with 1890s posters and art nouveau styling. There is outdoor seating on probably the best alley in Lancaster. We mussels were shelled and superb and the corn pizza with bechamel was excellent. We had the rhubarb pan a cotta, which elegantly plated and tasted as good as it looked. I would recommend c’est la vie to anyone. I was hoping for a special experience was my hopes were exceeded.
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C
Caryn
Philadelphia
50 reviews
vip
5.0
50 reviews
Dined on August 9, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Truly enjoyed our lunch inside, our server and the food. Nice, varied selection and beautiful atmosphere. Definitely will be returning.
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GT
GT6216
Philadelphia
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on August 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent service and we ALWAYS love the food on the menu. We will continue to recommend this establishment to family, friends and colleagues.
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KP
KellyP
Philadelphia
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
First time here and it was great. Benjamin was an awesome waiter and gave us a great experience. Will definitely be back again!
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DV
DianeV
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic menu, service was sublime. We were offered more bread to sop up our delectable mussels juice. Never have I experienced that. And what fab bread it was! And the pastry chef treated my hubby to a birthday dessert. Will definitely be back. Merci!
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GT
GT6216
Philadelphia
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on August 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
EXCELLENT FOOD AND EXCELLENT SERVICE! I enjoy eating at this establishment!
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MD
MD2020
Philadelphia
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on August 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food, the cocktails, and the service were excellent! Benjamin was very attentive, without being bothersome. We were celebrating my birthday, and he paid for my dessert! I haven’t had Coquille St. Jacques since I was a teenager, and it did not disappoint. 😋
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BC
BookClub
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service! Pizzas were delicious! Drinks outstanding!!
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A
Alan
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Experience overall was great. Thanks Casey
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LS
LancSB
Philadelphia
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 26, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
Had a nice dinner here on a weeknight evening. It wasn't too crowded or busy, and the food was delicious. Our server Michael was great.
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H
Ham98
San Francisco
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on July 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We each ordered cocktails and they were delicious, we both started out with a couple of different salads from the menu and they both were a hit! The entrees were equally as good and the desert was the best creme brulee' I've had in a long time! We will be back.
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D
Donna1714
Philadelphia
23 reviews
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on July 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I love everything about Cest la Vie!! Our server Kyle was great, our food was amazing. I was with 3 friends and never felt rushed as we stayed and talked after dinner. My Cest la Vie cocktail was delicious too!
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T
Theresa
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 22, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Great dining experience. Waiter was excellent. Highly recommend for a date night out.
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JE
JonE
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 22, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
We went to celebrate graduation as a family. The atmosphere was perfect. The food was delicious. Exactly the memory we wanted to create. Our only concern was the speed of serving the main course. Appetizers came out promptly. Then we waited almost an hour to get the main course (salads and sandwiches), and noticed people that came in after us had completed their meal and were leaving as our food was arriving.
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NM
NathanM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Perfect as always! Excellent food and service. One of Lancaster's best place's for lunch.
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PB
PaulB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent menu and prompt and knowledgably service. Great mix of small plates, handhelds, and entrees across the menu. Crab Cakes and Scallops were stars of our group, but beef and other items hit the mark as well! All 6 of our group who were all traveling from outside the area were impressed.
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FAQs

C'est La Vie offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (717) 299-7319.

C'est La Vie is rated 4.7 stars by 1035 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 30, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 24 times today

Order delivery or takeout

18 N Market St, Lancaster, PA 17603

Additional information

Cross street
50 West Grant Street
Neighborhood
Lancaster
Hours of operation
Lunch Tue–Sat 11:30 am–3:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu 4:30 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–9:30 pm
Cuisines
European
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Resort Casual
Parking details
Public Lot
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Owned/operated by
LGBTQ+
Executive chef
Daniel LeBoon
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.clvlancaster.com/
Phone number
(717) 299-7319

Featured in

LGBTQ-Owned and -Operated Restaurants to Support in Philadelphia & New Jersey

C'est La Vie

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Featured in

LGBTQ-Owned and -Operated Restaurants to Support in Philadelphia & New Jersey

Popular dishes

Calvados

Cod Sandwich

Seafood Chowder

Menu

What 1,035 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

FAQs

Does C'est La Vie offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is C'est La Vie restaurant rated?

Is C'est La Vie currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Featured in

LGBTQ-Owned and -Operated Restaurants to Support in Philadelphia & New Jersey