Pot au Feu Bistro

Name: Pot au Feu Bistro
Address: 44 Custom House Street, Providence, RI, United States, 02903
Telephone: (401) 273-8953
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.6

4.6

1046 Reviews

$31 to $50

French

Top Tags:

A favorite of Julia Child - Pot au Feu Bistro is so much more than a restaurant... Established in 1972, our cozy Bistro is the oldest French Bistro in America. Pot au Feu Bistro kicked off the Providence Restaurant Renaissance being the first to offer something other than “steak, spaghetti and chow mien”.
Located in the Historic Downtown we are just minutes from all the hotels and convention center.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Oct 3, 2022

7:00 PM

Booked 5 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(401) 273-8953

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
French, Comfort Food, Vegetarian / Vegan
Hours of operation
Dinner Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(401) 273-8953
Website
http://www.potaufeuri.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Chef Spike Mikulski

Location
44 Custom House Street, Providence, RI 02903
Neighborhood
Providence
Cross street
Weybosset Street - 1 block from the Historic Arcade
Parking details
The Signs on the left side of the street say "Tow Zone" but that ends everyday at 5:00 so you can park there without risk anytime aftrr 5:00! Plenty of on-street and many parking lots in the area.
Additional
Banquet, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wine

Popular dishes

What 1,046 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.6Service
4.7Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Boston / New England
Romantic
Boston / New England
French
Rhode Island
Romantic

Sort by

Filters

OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food and service was wonderful. The ambiance was fantastic.
MK
MissKate
New England
51 reviews
vip
5.0
51 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
We are never disappointed here. Good food and good wine. The servers are all knowledgeable.
T
Thad
New England
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Tres bien. Good service, great dishes. Lamb shank was perfecto.
m
moiraman
New England
5 reviews
vip
2.0
5 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall2food1service3ambience5
This place is Tired. The food was bland and overcooked. The salad was served with yesterday’s lettuce. It’s a lovely atmosphere and they are clearly coasting on their old reputation. I would highly avoid.
CR
ChaszmatazRI
New England
32 reviews
vip
5.0
32 reviews
Dined on September 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a great experience. Wait staff is fantastic and always thinking about making the customer’s experience a pleasant one. They actually make you feel you are welcome and important rather than you should be honored to dine with us. Unfortunately there seems to be a lot of local restaurants like that. I think it’s the experience of the wait staff. Food is second to none. If you are looking for a special place, this is it. Owner was there making sure everyone was happy. Very personal. Thanks for a great evening and looking forward to dining there again soon.
c
csoup1
New England
25 reviews
4.0
25 reviews
Dined on September 24, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
This is a classic old school restaurant. Food is good, they've been doing some of the Classics for years. No foie Gras is a negative. Classic French needs it. Service is very good, and timing between courses acceptable. All in all give it a try.
DO
DONHK888
New England
40 reviews
vip
5.0
40 reviews
Dined on September 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We rediscovered this gem after many years. One of the best meals I have had ! Te staff were attentive and very knowledgeable about the menu but the food was outstanding! We will definitely go back and are planning to invite friends for that special meal.
DL
DavidL
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was our first time dining at Pot Au Feu for our anniversary, but it won't be our last. From the appetizer, to the main dish, to our desserts and coffee, everything was fantastic. Beautifully prepared and delicious. Looking forward to our next visit.
L
Lynn
New York Area
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 17, 2022
overall3food2service4ambience4
We’ve been to this restaurant a number of times over the years and had always been very satisfied. Last night we were disappointed in the quality of food. Pot au Feu entree arrived cold and lacked flavor, salad appeared to be a handful of baby lettuce from a bag, bread was mediocre. I know the restaurant business is really tough these days with inflation and labor shortages, but cutting back on food quality doesn’t seem to be the way to go. I’d happily spend a few more dollars to have some tomato and onion in my salad.
WO
WilliamO
Philadelphia
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 17, 2022
overall3food5service2ambience5
The service was very disappointing, but the food was excellent.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Orlando
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We love this place! What a wonderful experience! We went for an anniversary dinner and we’re ‘drawn’ back by the ambience, the service, and the wonderful food! Julia Child was right all those years ago! She said, “It’s what one would hope a nice restaurant would be” and it’s ‘niceness’ envelopes you! Thank you to the chef, servers, and Bob Burke for a perfect Saturday night date!
MF
MFug
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 10, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
What an amazing experience! Wonderful food with exceptional service. Truly one of a kind restaurant in Providence.
JV
JimmyV
New England
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
Wonderful French food outside the buzz of Immediate downtown Providence. Love the subterranean feel to the restaurant. Very authentic and romantic. Bouillabaisse was sensational, crepes were a little chewy but overall will return again.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
I can’t think of a single aspect of my experience that could have been any better.
WR
WilliamR
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
CHARMING, AN ESCAPE, AND GOOD FOOD, WITHOUT A DOUBT. FRENCH ONION SOUP UNSURPASSED
P
Pace
New England
60 reviews
vip
5.0
60 reviews
Dined on August 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Antigone is the best waitress we’ve ever had. No wonder she’s been there over 25 years. The restaurant is right on the WaterFire route. Love the heated French bread with melted butter. The smoked salmon with cucumber salad is my new favorite appetizer. The salads with homemade mustard dressing and French bread are so large we had to split a filet with mushrooms. The mushroom expert’s selection is beyond belief. Crème Brûlée and Pot de Chocolate deserts are a must. We share them both.
RS
RuthS
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Each of us had something different and everything was absolutely delicious. We're coming back without a doubt to try even more items on the menu.
MT
MichaelT
London
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Pot au Feu has by far the best French food this side of Paris. The onion soup, chicken livers and duck were truly outstanding. The noise level was minimal and we actually spoke to each other without raising our voices. I would highly recommend it on every level
L
Lori
New England
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on August 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Went there with a group of friends and had an amazing experience- thanks for a great night!
BF
BaltimoreFan
New England
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Just about my favorite restaurant anywhere. As if the authentic food and ambience weren't enough, there is a lesson in American history that you won't find in textbooks (ask the owner).
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutley amazing. Food, drinks, and service was above and beyond! Great staff and just a memorable experience altogether. Will be coming back here again!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 19, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
Excellent authentic Parisian dining experience
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
vip
3.0
1 review
Dined on August 13, 2022
overall3food3service3ambience3
The food was average and over priced. The service was very slow and it was understaffed. The only reason it is in business is because of the history. The mushroom soup we had was excellent
DR
DanielleR
New England
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything about this place was amazing . From the food, setting and especially the service . Would definitely recommend this place to anyone in love with French food.
Z
Zman
Raleigh
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on August 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Superb authentic bistro, wonderful onion soup, crepes, salads, wine list all at a fair price with cozy atmosphere. Only 12 tables. Once graced by Julia Child, we can see why. Loved it and will return, what we have longed for but never before found around these parts
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 6, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fine food and attentive service
C
Charly
New England
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 31, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
I haven't eaten here in years, yet the boeuf bourguignon is still the same delicious dish. I lived in France for many years and this is still the best boeuf bourguignon!
T
Travelkids
New York Area
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on July 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We are not usually patrons of French restaurants because we are hearty eaters and our past experiences have been quality food but small portions. But we were vacationing in Providence and it was close to our hotel, so we thought, what the heck, we'd give it a try. We are so happy we did. Pot au Feu has proven us wrong. Quality food plus very ample portions. I love chicken livers and my portion of Foies de Valialle Lyonnaise was so large, I could not finish it at one sitting, even though I tried because it was so delicious. We also had the Pot au Feu. Again, delicious and very sizable portion. In fact, everything we saw coming out of the kitchen that passed by our table looked and smelled great. Next time we are in the area, it will be a definite stop.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had said it was for a special occasion but the servers did not acknowledge it! They should check what the app says about the reservation to ensure a more pleasant experience! But overall the food was fantastic
K
Katie
New England
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on July 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We were lucky to get the chef’s table last night. The view of the kitchen provided an excellent show as the chef worked his magic. There was a private party in the back that slowed down the service a little but didn’t slow down the staff. You could see them all running around getting things done so the short wait for things was not disruptive to the experience. The slower pace made us relax and enjoy the food and drinks more. We got the Escargots a la Bourguignonne for an appetizer and Filet Mignon aux Champignons and Coquilles St. Jacques et Crevettes Lorraine for entrees. For dessert we decided on espresso martinis. The escargots were tender and tasty. The steak was a little smaller than expected but had a wonderful flavor and the truffle fries were delicious. The seafood was excellent in a rich cream sauce with ratatouille and dill potatoes. A wonderful dining experience enhanced by the decor and wait staff.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New England
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Even the bread is delicious. Every part of this restaurant is outstanding, from the food to the service to the wine, all of it is fantastic. 10 out of 10.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
1 review
vip
1.0
1 review
Dined on July 16, 2022
overall1food1service2ambience3
Food was overcooked, no scallops and they neglected to tell us. Filet mignon was tough.
GB
GeoffreyB
New Orleans
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Finding classic French country bistro fare is becoming more and more difficult. Pot au Fue is refreshingly authentic, well presented in a warm atmosphere. Perfect for date night.
RR
RichardR
New England
13 reviews
vip
4.0
13 reviews
Dined on July 15, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
Birthday dinner The food was good but nothing special.
JO
JohnO
New England
31 reviews
5.0
31 reviews
Dined on June 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had a lovely Anniversary dinner. I had the delicious bouillabaisse. My wife enjoyed the pot au feu. Ambiance is so pretty, service was excellent
P
Pauld
New England
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Everything was great. The crepes and duck were very very good.
PJ
PaulJ
New England
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 18, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience4
Perhaps the best Mushroom Soup ever created. And the Oysters app is something I would go back for every day if I could. We have tasted what I thought was all the ways an Oyster can be prepared - this one knocks every other one off the table. Perfectly cooked Duck. Nice server and an overall great dining experience.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on June 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
This place is consistently excellent. The service was great and the food was delicious.
P
Pace
New England
61 reviews
vip
5.0
61 reviews
Dined on June 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Filet de Saumon Cru is really homemade. The pickled cucumber is a great complement. Perfect thickness of salmon lightly smoked. This was a nice first course to Scrod fillet. My wife went with her go to the crepe of the day, beef and mushroom. The bottle of Beaujolais went well with both meals.
KV
KatyaV
New England
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on June 4, 2022
overall2food3service1ambience3
Place was very nice, very cute restaurant. Service was awful. Probably short on staff, but we had to ask for everything all the time. They forgot the bread, never checked on us after food was served. We were constantly looking for the waitress in order to get some more drinks. I never felt so unwelcome in the restaurant. Food was ok. It was our first time, we would have appreciated a little more recommendations on the menu. I would not return. Sorry for the bad review, but we had an awful experience.

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Sealed or wrapped utensils used
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
- Contactless payment available
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Diner temperature check required
- Staff temperature check required
- Contact tracing information collected

FAQs

Pot au Feu Bistro offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (401) 273-8953.

Pot au Feu Bistro is rated 4.6 stars by 1046 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

Oct 3, 2022

7:00 PM

Booked 5 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(401) 273-8953

44 Custom House Street, Providence, RI 02903

Additional information

Cross street
Weybosset Street - 1 block from the Historic Arcade
Neighborhood
Providence
Hours of operation
Dinner Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Cuisines
French, Comfort Food, Vegetarian / Vegan
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
The Signs on the left side of the street say "Tow Zone" but that ends everyday at 5:00 so you can park there without risk anytime aftrr 5:00! Plenty of on-street and many parking lots in the area.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Chef Spike Mikulski
Additional
Banquet, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Wine

Website
http://www.potaufeuri.com/
Phone number
(401) 273-8953

Pot au Feu Bistro

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information

Popular dishes

Boeuf a la Bourguignon

Steak Frites

Bouillabaisse Marseilles

Menu

What 1,046 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Sort by

Filters

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

Does Pot au Feu Bistro offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Pot au Feu Bistro restaurant rated?

Is Pot au Feu Bistro currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information