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: 4.8

4.8

693 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

Jun 26, 2022

June 2022

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

7:00 PM

Booked 35 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(717) 299-7319

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

Popular dishes

Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail$21.00
Soup du Jour$12.00
Baked French Onion$13.00
Croutons, swiss, provolone, Gruyere
Tomato Crab Bisque$11.00
jumbo lump crab, cream, truffle butter
Mussels Beurre Monte$18.00
Provencal butter, garlic, shallots, parsley
Roasted Cauliflower$14.00
Yuzu Kosho vinaigrette
Mac & Cheese with Stewed Tomatoes$12.00
Three cheeses, organic tomato sauce, fresh basil, croissant croutons
Baked Brie$14.00
Plum bacon jam, micro celery, crispy brioche
Smoked Fish Cake$14.00
smoked sable & salmon, green onion, caper aioli
Loaded Tots$14.00
Cajun sausage gravy, bacon, chives, cheddar
Charcuterie$26.00
Assorted meats, cheeses, cornichons, fruit chutney
Tellstar Tuna Poke$18.00
Dragon fruit, mango, rice, cucumber, edamame, braised red cabbage, sesame seeds, rice, avocado, baby bok choy, scallions
- Courtesy of Chef Sarah$21.00
Wedge Salad$13.00
iceberg, blue cheese, tomatoes, hot bacon dressing
Caesar Salad$12.00
croissant croutons, white anchovy, Caesar dressing, Parmesan cheese
C'est La Vie Salad$11.00
mozzarella, pepperoni, tomato, cucumber with a creamy onion and sweet corn vinaigrette
Spinach Salad with Sesame Ahi Tuna$23.00
edamame, tomatoes, carrots, cucumber, hardboiled egg, creamy red miso vinaigrette
Roasted Beet Salad$16.00
vanilla champagne vinaigrette, golden & red beets, crumbled goat cheese, candied pistachios
Side C'est La Vie salad$11.00

Protein to Any Salad

Add protein to any salad above

Pan Seared Salmon
- 6oz$12.00
Ahi Tuna$10.00
Seared Chicken Breast
- 6oz$5.00
Seared Scallops$17.00
Impossible Burger$8.00
Beef Burger$5.00
Fish Cake$9.00

Sandwiches & Lunch

Croque Monsieur$14.00
Ham, Swiss cheese, croissant, béchamel sauce, fries
Curry Chicken Salad Wrap$15.00
apricot, almonds, chickpeas, curry, sundried tomato wrap, tots
Prime Burger$18.00
roasted cippolini onions, blue cheese, lettuce, tomato, brioche, tots
Roast Turkey Rachael$16.00
house made Russian dressing, coleslaw, brioche, tots
Impossible Burger$14.00
Lettuce, tomato, choice of cheese, Dijon cream sauce, brioche, tots
Tellstar Tune Poke$21.00
Dragon fruit, mango, rice, cucumber, braised red cabbage, sesame seeds, baby bok choy, scallions (courtesy of Chef Sarah)
Farotto$18.00
farro risotto, wild mushrooms, kale, lemon
Boeuf Bourguignon$19.00
Roast beef, onion, carrot, mushroom, cavatappi pasta, red wine, demi
Pan Seared Salmon$33.00
apple cider glaze, mashed potatoes, balsamic bacon roasted brussels sprouts

Dinner

after 4:30pm

Boeuf Bourguignon$25.00
Roast beef, onion, carrot, mushroom, potato, red wine, demi
Pan Seared Salmon$33.00
Atlantic salmon, apple cider glaze, potatoes, balsamic bacon roasted brussels sprouts, mashed potatoes
Farotto$18.00
wild mushrooms, kale, lemon
Chicken & Mushroom Croquettes$24.00
chive, truffle béchamel, asparagus, mashed potatoes
45 Day Dry Aged Strip Steak
sweet potato mash, sautéed swiss chard, garlic herb butter
- 14oz$54.00
Chef Daniel's Crab Cakes
Yukon mash, asparagus, Dijon cream sauce
- Market Fare
8oz Filet Mignon$51.00
roasted potatoes, baby carrots, mushroom au poivre
Coquille Saint Jacques$31.00
sea scallops, mushrooms, cream, Gruyere cheese
Smoked Seafood Pasta$34.00
smoked sable, calamari, shrimp, white beans, mushrooms, cream gouda sauce

Brick Oven Pizzas

Cauliflower Crust Available

Margherita$13.00
Bacio cheese, organic tomato sauce, basil
Roasted Vegie$15.00
asparagus, mushrooms, tomato, fried parsnips & kale, roasted garlic béchamel
Meat Lovers$19.00
meatballs, capocollo, pepperoni, Bacio cheese, organic tomato sauce
Central Market Pizza
Chef's daily creation
- Market Fare
Soppressata$19.00
pepperoni, soppressata, spicy honey, mozzarella, organic tomato sauce
Fig, Balsamic, Goat Cheese$17.00
fig, balsamic, Bacio, goat cheese, arugula
Seafood$21.00
Calamari, smoked sable, capers, fried parsnips, Bacio cheese, organic tomato sauce

Desserts

Pear & Apple Cheese Cake$13.00
Chocolate Mousse Cake$12.00
Lemon& Raspberry Macaron$13.00
Chocolate Decadence$12.00
Crème Brûlée$11.00

Cocktails

The Lime Street$12.00
Stoli Vanilla Vodka, pear nectar, ginger beer, fresh lime
Mulberry Street$12.00
Hendricks's gin, elderberry liquor, tonic, rosemary, lime juice
C'est La Vie$12.00
Cuervo Gold, mango puree, fresh sour mix
The Central Market$12.00
Honey flavored Mishka vodka, lemon & thyme green tea, fresh lemon
50 West Grant$14.00
Solerno blood orange liquor, Woodford, basil, fresh orange
Duke & Vine$11.00
Ilegal mezcal, fresh lime, cranberry juice, club soda, ruby red grapefruit juice, cranberry salt rim
The Belvedere$12.00
Belvedere Vodka, Stoli Vanilla Vodka, Dark Creme De Cacao, fresh espresso
King & Queen$14.00
Penn Square Lavender Vodka, violet liquor, fresh lemon, club soda
That's Life$14.00
House made cranberry compote, Stoli Orange, triple sec, cranberry juice
Penn Square$14.00
Penn Square Lavender vodka, honey earl grey tea, fresh lemon
Ruby Street$13.00
Mishka Honey Vodka, pomegranate juice, fresh lemon, simple syrup, club soda

Wine by the Glass

White

Maison Idiart, Rose, France$14.00
Chateau de Jau Jau, Sauvignon Blanc, France$12.00
Gustave Lorentz, Riesling, France$14.00
Esperto, Pinot Grigio, Italy$14.00
Oak Vineyards, Chardonnay, California$9.00
Chateau Moulin de Ferrand, Bordeaux, France$14.00
La Fleur Amour, Chardonnay, France$12.00
Bouchard Chardonnay, France$17.00

Sparkling

Decoy, California$15.00
Cremant de Loire Brut, Rose, France$15.00
Valdo, Prosecco, Italy$15.00

Red

Oak Vineyard, Cabernet, California$9.00
Oak Vineyard, Merlot, California$9.00
Chateau Les Granges, Bordeaux$13.00
Le Grand Mechant Loup, Syrah, France$14.00
Quail Creek Cabernet, California$11.00
Justin Cabernet, Paso Robles$17.00
Linoel Osmin Cahors, Malbec, France$14.00
Pomesses, Pinot Noir, France$12.00
Peirano, Lodi, Zinfandel, California$15.00
Decoy Cabernet, California$20.00

Premium Coravin Pours

Golden Eye, Anderson Valley, Pinot Noir$30.00
Duckhorn, Napa Valley, Cabernet$45.00

What 693 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.8Service
4.8Ambience
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
Healthy
Lancaster County
Great for Lunch
Lancaster County
Neighborhood Gem
Lancaster County
Notable Wine List
Lancaster County
Vibrant Bar Scene
Lancaster County
Most Booked

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Filters

T
The3rdgiraffe
Philadelphia
24 reviews
vip
5.0
24 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great place to bring friends to experience Lancaster!
SD
StevenD
Philadelphia
66 reviews
vip
5.0
66 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Michael was our server at lunch, absolutely Fantastic he was. Service impeccable and a wonderful personality.
A
Anastasia
Philadelphia
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food4service5ambience4
Excellent food enhanced by excellent service. Highlights recommend.
MS
MaraS
Atlantic City
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
It is always great! Get the cod...the stewed tomatoes and mac...you really can't go wrong! Pizza is good too!
J
Jayy
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
We loved another great night here! Enjoyed eating outside!
DT
DianaT
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything that we ordered for lunch was delicious!!
MC
MariaC
Philadelphia
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined 7 days ago
overall3food3service4ambience3
The food was okay, but nothing you could make at home easily and overpriced. Very nice food server.
TL
TomL
Philadelphia
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on June 18, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience3
Way too loud inside. I wish we ate outside... Food was very good.
C
Cpboop
New York Area
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on June 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing wait staff. Michael was great. The house salad was superb. The dressing should be bottled. The shrimp cauliflower and Marguerite pizza was also delicious Thanks
BL
BethL
Philadelphia
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
I have dined here on several occasions. I took my friends there from out of town and they loved it.
j
jeng
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Service was great. Meal was amazing!
W
Wally
Las Vegas
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
A great lunch and dinner spot for any occasion. we really enjoy the food, staff, and the character of the space.
LK
LoriK
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food & atmosphere! Our server was attentive and knowledgeable about menu items. Her recommendation for the mussel appetizer was spot on. The brick oven pizzas were piping hot when brought to our table. They even comped us 2glasses of champagne as we were celebrating our anniversary- a thoughtful gesture.
SP
SP4199
New York Area
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on June 11, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
The food was very good but it could've been better. The service was really nice. We had the poke bowl and the margarita pizza. The pizza was very basic for the price and a tinch bit salty.
ML
MicheleL
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was delicious and the service was excellent.
DG
DianaG
Philadelphia
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on June 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had an excellent dining experience from start to finish. The service was excellent. The bar and kitchen were fast with their preparations of drinks and food. The server was welcoming, efficient, and accommodating. Food presentation was lovely. We got in and out in plenty of time to get to our show at the Fulton.
j
jeng
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Dinner with a dear friend!
S
Sandy
Philadelphia
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on June 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was delicious. Our server, Michael, was fantastic--attentive and friendly. It's a beautiful setting. Highly recommend.
RF
RebeccaF
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
There is no better place to eat downtown that can beat C’est la Vie in charm. Beautiful location, beautiful venue inside and out and fantastic food. The service is top notch and the menu has something for every budget.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Michael was a great waiter from beginning to end. Food is always top notch as is the atmosphere
NI
NICKY
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Aside from the slightly snarky person who seated us, all of the staff was perfectly lovely, especially our server, Josh. We had the deviled egg mushrooms - unexpectedly fab!, charcuterie board - perfectly paired meats and cheeses, a short rib special over polenta, the scallops in a mushroom sauce, a strawberry rhubarb cheesecake dessert special, and the raspberry macaron. We sampled a few drinks on the menu, and special requested a couple. We can't say enough good things about this place. I loved the decor and even the music. A lovely early dinner. We are rarely in the area but would make a special trip to return to this restaurant again.
GG
GwenG
Philadelphia
27 reviews
vip
4.0
27 reviews
Dined on June 3, 2022
overall4food2service5ambience5
The ambiance was great. Sat outside which was very nice. Drinks were good but food was only okay. I will try it again in case it was an off night.
b
bnick1807
New England
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on June 2, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Solid French 75 and the chef’s crab cake dinner is great!
JO
JoeO
Philadelphia
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on June 1, 2022
overall4food5service5ambience4
Our first time and we were very pleased. The service was excellent, the advice and explanations of each dish was great. The food quality, appearance and taste was exceptional. A little noisy but it is a Bistro. Would definitely recommend and will be going back.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
C’est La Vie was excellent! Loved the vibe and the food was delicious! Thank you for having us.
AF
AdamF
Baltimore
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on May 28, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food, attentive staff, modern ambiance… had a great time!
G
Gary
Philadelphia
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 28, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Decor and food presentation was excellent. Upscale casual eating. Location next to Central market and downtown venues was perfect. Server was very attentive to our table.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 28, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Excellent food and service. Will definitely visit again!
JT
JoanT
Tampa
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on May 28, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We are in town for the a couple of days for business…. The chef’s choice of ingredients, table spacing, noise level & most of all service. An excellent meal, good choice of wine list & great atmosphere. Truly an experience!
C
Camryn
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
My partner and I had a wonderful date night with amazing food and drinks, a lovely server, and a nice ambience! I would definitely recommend C’est La Vie for date nights, a special occasion, or just a nice night out.
NF
NatalieF
Philadelphia
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Inside or outside weather permitting the food is delicious. The servers are excellent and will answer any questions you may have! I have been there many times and never disappointed!!!
L
Lucylongo1
New York Area
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on May 21, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fabulous food! Had Chef Dans Crabcake… beyond delicious 😀
OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 21, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
Great atmosphere. Knowledgeable waiters. Great experience
K
Kozimmer
Philadelphia
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on May 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Michael was an excellent server. Friendly and very accommodating. Austin makes the best drinks! There was a beautiful young lady who was clearing the tables and I wish I could remember her name but she was very funny and personable. She has long dark hair and apparently is a second grade teacher. She should definitely be a server because her personality was amazing. The c’est la vie salad was amazing as was the farro risotto. We had chocolate martinis for dessert which were amazing! Will definitely go back for that salad!
LU
LUCIANNE
Philadelphia
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is one of my favorite restaurants in Lancaster. The food is always excellent, the servers charming, cocktail creations yummy and the various sections of the restaurant make a very large space seem comfortably intimate. The decor is lovely. The outdoor space is my favorite if the weather is okay. My only reservation is that the interior spaces can be a little noisy.
A
Aquavit
Chicago
55 reviews
vip
5.0
55 reviews
Dined on May 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wait staff was perfect!!! The open French doors ( where are table was located) was delightful and felt very safe!
DA
DonnaA
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The tomato crab soup is at the top of the list!
M
Michelle
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Chose C'est La Vie for a business outing. Beautiful tranquil atmosphere. Wonderfully made cocktails and delicious hors d'oeuvers.
JF
JeffreuF
Philadelphia
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on May 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a great place for lunch! Great location, good food and service.
L
Lisa
Philadelphia
49 reviews
vip
5.0
49 reviews
Dined on May 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We stopped for lunch and really enjoyed the opportunity to have a casual but elegant meal. There’s lots of delicious choices in the market right across the courtyard of course, and we walked over there for some sweets after :)

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 4.8 stars by 693 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

Jun 26, 2022

June 2022

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

7:00 PM

Booked 35 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(717) 299-7319

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

C'est La Vie

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information

Chef Daniel's Crab Cakes

Baked French Onion

Caesar Salad

Hors d'oeuvres

Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail$21.00

Soup du Jour$12.00

Baked French Onion$13.00

Tomato Crab Bisque$11.00

Mussels Beurre Monte$18.00

Roasted Cauliflower$14.00

Mac & Cheese with Stewed Tomatoes$12.00

Baked Brie$14.00

Smoked Fish Cake$14.00

Loaded Tots$14.00

Charcuterie$26.00

Tellstar Tuna Poke$18.00

Wedge Salad$13.00

Caesar Salad$12.00

C'est La Vie Salad$11.00

Spinach Salad with Sesame Ahi Tuna$23.00

Roasted Beet Salad$16.00

Side C'est La Vie salad$11.00

Protein to Any Salad

Pan Seared Salmon

Ahi Tuna$10.00

Seared Chicken Breast

Seared Scallops$17.00

Impossible Burger$8.00

Beef Burger$5.00

Fish Cake$9.00

Sandwiches & Lunch

Croque Monsieur$14.00

Curry Chicken Salad Wrap$15.00

Prime Burger$18.00

Roast Turkey Rachael$16.00

Impossible Burger$14.00

Tellstar Tune Poke$21.00

Farotto$18.00

Boeuf Bourguignon$19.00

Pan Seared Salmon$33.00

Dinner

Boeuf Bourguignon$25.00

Pan Seared Salmon$33.00

Farotto$18.00

Chicken & Mushroom Croquettes$24.00

45 Day Dry Aged Strip Steak

Chef Daniel's Crab Cakes

8oz Filet Mignon$51.00

Coquille Saint Jacques$31.00

Smoked Seafood Pasta$34.00

Brick Oven Pizzas

Margherita$13.00

Roasted Vegie$15.00

Meat Lovers$19.00

Central Market Pizza

Soppressata$19.00

Fig, Balsamic, Goat Cheese$17.00

Seafood$21.00

Desserts

Pear & Apple Cheese Cake$13.00

Chocolate Mousse Cake$12.00

Lemon& Raspberry Macaron$13.00

Chocolate Decadence$12.00

Crème Brûlée$11.00

Cocktails

The Lime Street$12.00

Mulberry Street$12.00

C'est La Vie$12.00

The Central Market$12.00

50 West Grant$14.00

Duke & Vine$11.00

The Belvedere$12.00

King & Queen$14.00

That's Life$14.00

Penn Square$14.00