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C'est La Vie, Lancaster, PA

C'est La Vie

4.7
4.7
1035 Reviews
$30 and under
European
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

2 people

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
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Resort Casual
  • Owned/operated by
    LGBTQ+
  • Executive chef
    Daniel LeBoon
  • 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

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

NoiseModerate

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
  1. 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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  2. 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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  3. 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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  4. 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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  5. 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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  6. 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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  7. 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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  8. 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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  9. 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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  10. 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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  11. 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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  12. 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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  13. 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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  14. 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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  15. 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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  16. 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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  17. 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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  18. 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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  19. 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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  20. 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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  21. 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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  22. 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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  23. 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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  24. 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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  25. 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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  26. 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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  27. 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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  28. 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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  29. 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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  30. 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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  31. 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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  32. BookClub

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service! Pizzas were delicious! Drinks outstanding!!

    Is this helpful?

  33. Alan

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Experience overall was great. Thanks Casey

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  34. 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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  35. 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.

    Is this helpful?

  36. 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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  37. 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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  38. 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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  39. 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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  40. 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

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 24 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for C'est La Vie

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
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