Bistro de la Gare

Dave D

A very nice sit down restaurant on the main street in Pasadena. Service was excellent and the wait staff were very knowledgeable about the menu. Food was excellent. Definitely my new spot when I'm in town.

Peter Chun

We had a wonderful dinner here last week to celebrate our anniversary. We sat outside and there was a nice vibe with the South Pasadena Farmer's market going on at the same time. Note, it happens every Thursday from 4 to 7 and parking can be hard to find. We started off with the chicken liver mousse and tempura prawns which were great. My wife had the brazino which was a special for the night and the skin was perfectly crispy. I had another special on the menu that night which was the beef cheeks. Very tender, almost like brisket in texture. Finished off with the apple tart. All delicious and had wonderful service. We'll definitely will be back.

Assia Austin

Being French you can trust me when I state this is the Best French Restaurant in Los Angeles County Each and every dishes was succulent, cooked to the perfection. We were served with the most impressive food and the most amazing service experience I ever had. We’ll be back over and over again. Thank to all the impressive professional staff. Chef Bruno and Fabienne extended the French tradition to the perfection

Tanya R

Phong and Chadi provided excellent service! My French American friend kept on exclaiming, "THIS is the BEST meal I've EVER had!!! 👏 🎉 ** Dessert photo is our two desserts that we. squished on one plate to share.

Jeffrey H.

My wife and I came here to celebrate our wedding anniversary. We have lived in the area for years but this is the first time we ate here. Everything was great, from the food to the menu to the parking. We can't wait to go back.

Dan C

Recommend for the food, service and setting. Made a reservation, on a Thursday same day as the farmers market. Parking was a little challenging due to the farmers market and had the bonus farmers market. We were seated promptly and the specials were reviewed. Staff are seasoned professionals, did not ever feel hurried to order a next course. Wine pairing options are available by the glass and again the staff is ready to help. Tried the steak and another special. Everything came out to order, well seasoned and good. The setting is inviting. Recommend for a nice dining experience and good food.

Zan Lee

A lovely little French bistro nestled in a residential neighborhood in South Pasadena. Parking is extremely easy as there is plenty of street parking available without meters or permits in this part of town. It’s a small place, but done well in that the tables are not too close together and they provide indoor and outdoor dining. Our server Fabienne was very polite and attentive, she did a great job. I love bistros and go them often so I came in already knowing what I wanted to get, but as usual was swayed by the chef’s special for my entree. I started off with the French Onion Soup and it was very good and done in the classic style, perfect for a cold winter night. We also ordered the cheese balls (goat cheese and Gruyère wrapped in prosciutto) and those were exceptionally flavorful; they had sold me once I heard goat cheese. For my entree I was going to get the trout but when I heard the Short Ribs special I opted for that and it was rich and delicious. I wish it came with more sauce as I ran out half way through, but still it was cooked perfectly and very tasty. An all around great bistro and I would recommend to anyone. It’s nice to get out of LA on occasion to mix it up so coming north to this quiet neighborhood and great service was a pleasure.

What a fantastic restaurant! A warm and welcoming team serving delicious French cuisine in a cosy atmosphere. Ask for the daily specials and let the chef bring you on a culinary trip to France -- just save room for a dessert surprise!

I’m French and this is one if not the most authentic French place I’ve been on this side of the pond! Amazing atmosphere and food. And the wine card is spot on.

Foods are great, chill vibe, kind and friendly services. My French gf wanted to take me to authentic French restaurant in LA, she picked this one et voila. We both liked it. Most of servers also were able to speak French.

Food was excellent. Every dish we had was perfectly seasoned and prepared to perfection. Salads were super fresh, well balanced in flavors and vinaigrette. Staff was so nice and attentive, ready to joke around and laugh with us. Overall, atmosphere was very loving & inviting. We will visit again for sure!

Romain Lacombe

What a fantastic restaurant! A warm and welcoming team serving delicious French cuisine in a cosy atmosphere. Ask for the daily specials and let the chef bring you on a culinary trip to France -- just save room for a dessert surprise!

Brigitte Isabella Curak-Posavec

Food was excellent. Every dish we had was perfectly seasoned and prepared to perfection. Salads were super fresh, well balanced in flavors and vinaigrette. Staff was so nice and attentive, ready to joke around and laugh with us. Overall, atmosphere was very loving & inviting. We will visit again for sure!

Young Yoon

Foods are great, chill vibe, kind and friendly services. My French gf wanted to take me to authentic French restaurant in LA, she picked this one et voila. We both liked it. Most of servers also were able to speak French.

Marisol Grier

From a distance it looks like a quaint, unassuming restaurant. Open for dinner, farm-to-table, with plenty of parking perfect for what I wanted a nice dinner with my daughter visiting from college. In the evening, the bistro sets a stage with a warm glow coming through the windows drawing you, from the street, with wrap around inviting bistro-style table & chairs. Greeted by a sweet hostess, and our server, she was great, knowledgeable about the wines, entrees and helped us take the guesswork out of ordering which was nice. The staff run like a team together they keep things moving smoothly, with helpful runners when the server was away—no asking for refills or feeling unattended. We started with Shrimp Tempura (hands down the best tempura) and my daughter enjoyed the French Onion Soup, which surprised me by becoming my favorite version. They also have a must have yummm tuna tartare. Mains were Filet Mignon with shiitake mushrooms, Linguine with Clams and the deserts I usually go for chocolate but here it’s a tie between the tarte tatin and the crepes suzette scrumptious, truly delicious. Chef Bruno’s cooking reminded me of my grandmother’s (that is the ultimate compliment in my family) made with love, a passion for cooking, gifted hands that seem to know just the right amounts of seasoning without measuring and never rushed. Chef Bruno seems to have a deep sense of flavor profiles and a technique that brings out the delicate nuances in the ingredients that only comes from years of perfecting one's craft. Anyone can cook, but to create an emotional connection through food that makes one feel with every bite now that takes time, care and it’s in the details. That carries over into the atmosphere starting with the staff who are very polite, attentive and so kind it all blends together asking you to stay, savor, and enjoy the moment. I’ve now been three times, with my daughter, a group of best girlfriends for a special gathering, and this last time with my family. Upon this recent visit I brought my mama and to see her smile and nod after the first bite well that did it done, and sealed the five-star verdict was in. After everyone's reactions I realized I had to leave a review so consider this detailed monologue my long overdue praise of this little gem. Oh all of this and Dog-friendly too… C’est excellent! Would highly recommend for a relaxed, romantic, family, high end dining experience with great wine, fun cocktails and standout hospitality. Final takeaway This corner bistro balances cozy warmth, culinary depth, and thoughtful service. If you’re looking for a dinner that feels like a gift from a beloved family kitchen—without the rush—this is your spot. I can’t wait to bring more guests, I will return soon with Ginger (my fur baby) just to take pictures. I was too busy talking, laughing, indulging I know others did but hey any excuse to go back and enjoy the patio for another memorable evening.

Wandered out for a meal with a couple of possible destinations in mind. Arriving at this bistro, the quiet street, inviting tea lights and cozy corner lured me in (well out, as I had my dog with me). My total indecisiveness was met with patience and helpful input, so I landed on the Endive salad and the barramundi special. The flavors were well balanced, it was a rare meal where I did not need to ask for condiments and the portions were perfect. I highly recommend this lovely spot.

This is the place to get delicious French food in a non fussy setting. The hostess suggested we sit outside since there is no air conditioning in the main dining room. Our server was informed and attentive. The escargot was nicely flavored with garlic and herbs; the snails were almost as delicious as the one’s we had in Provence. I did not care for the pate but my family loved the combination of veal, pork, duck and hazelnut. The fillet mignon with peppercorn reduction was amazing. The confit de canard was crispy outside and moist inside. The seafood pasta special blew me away; the light tomato sauce blended well with the seafood’s juices. There was no room for dessert today. The dinner was perfect!

Leonora Valvo

Wandered out for a meal with a couple of possible destinations in mind. Arriving at this bistro, the quiet street, inviting tea lights and cozy corner lured me in (well out, as I had my dog with me). My total indecisiveness was met with patience and helpful input, so I landed on the Endive salad and the barramundi special. The flavors were well balanced, it was a rare meal where I did not need to ask for condiments and the portions were perfect. I highly recommend this lovely spot.

Susanna SS

This is the place to get delicious French food in a non fussy setting. The hostess suggested we sit outside since there is no air conditioning in the main dining room. Our server was informed and attentive. The escargot was nicely flavored with garlic and herbs; the snails were almost as delicious as the one’s we had in Provence. I did not care for the pate but my family loved the combination of veal, pork, duck and hazelnut. The fillet mignon with peppercorn reduction was amazing. The confit de canard was crispy outside and moist inside. The seafood pasta special blew me away; the light tomato sauce blended well with the seafood’s juices. There was no room for dessert today. The dinner was perfect!

Very tasty food, but service was agonizingly slow. Very friendly and kind server was clearly overwhelmed trying to cover the entire room herself, and the kitchen didn't help: 45 minutes to get our food after we ordered. Catching up with good friends meant we delayed making our choices. Atmosphere was a bit noisy, lacking in soft materials to absorb sound in a small space.

Alan M Solomon

Very tasty food, but service was agonizingly slow. Very friendly and kind server was clearly overwhelmed trying to cover the entire room herself, and the kitchen didn't help: 45 minutes to get our food after we ordered. Catching up with good friends meant we delayed making our choices. Atmosphere was a bit noisy, lacking in soft materials to absorb sound in a small space.

Well-established neighborhood French bistro has quite a reputation to uphold. Chef-owner Bruno Morin has been serving up his Italian French affair for over 15 years. There have been tweaks and changes to their menu with seasonal ingredients and everyday favorites. Everything is done well. Sauces are on point usually, and dishes are delicious. I recall in years past the cuisine here had a larger French flair. The introduction of Italian-inspired entrees is certainly a new take. There are menu specials that may include accustomed menu items, but I do miss a simple Steak Frite. Portions are fine dining and plated elegantly. There is much care to most everything served. The Escargot is buttery good, and the baguette is a commercial standard. All in all, the French influences are in each dish. The dimly lit dining room with moderate noise is most evenings. Weekend crowds can have lines; thus, reservations are suggested. Pricing is touching into the fine dining realm, and not true to a traditional bistro. On some visits, the question of value may linger on your palette. Parking is street only in a very sedate neighborhood and on a semi-busy Mission Boulevard just adjacent to the Metro Gold Line.

James

Well-established neighborhood French bistro has quite a reputation to uphold. Chef-owner Bruno Morin has been serving up his Italian French affair for over 15 years. There have been tweaks and changes to their menu with seasonal ingredients and everyday favorites. Everything is done well. Sauces are on point usually, and dishes are delicious. I recall in years past the cuisine here had a larger French flair. The introduction of Italian-inspired entrees is certainly a new take. There are menu specials that may include accustomed menu items, but I do miss a simple Steak Frite. Portions are fine dining and plated elegantly. There is much care to most everything served. The Escargot is buttery good, and the baguette is a commercial standard. All in all, the French influences are in each dish. The dimly lit dining room with moderate noise is most evenings. Weekend crowds can have lines; thus, reservations are suggested. Pricing is touching into the fine dining realm, and not true to a traditional bistro. On some visits, the question of value may linger on your palette. Parking is street only in a very sedate neighborhood and on a semi-busy Mission Boulevard just adjacent to the Metro Gold Line.

$225 and two hours of my life I can't get back. My husband and I were very excited to try this restaurant for our anniversary. We have made it a mission over the last ten years to try every French restaurant in Los Angeles, and other places we visit. First off the extended list of specials was very indulgent but we tried to listen and retain all the vast options. I ordered the Last Word cocktail because it was supposed to be green, and our anniversary is St Patrick's Day but when it arrived it was basically an Aviation and the glass had been spilled so it was very sticky. We did order the tempura tiger shrimp appetizer which was delicious 😋. The vibe is a little pushy, only offering still or sparkling mineral water, asking if you only want one appetizer, saying things to my husband like, you don't want anything? We ordered our entree's my husband ordered the branzino and I ordered a filet mignon medium rare, or mid rare, which I guess the server did not understand. I received my filet in two pieces? And one was almost well and the other was barely medium rare. My husband's fish was cooked well, but nothing was seasoned and basically all tasted like the carrot puree under the fish. The big problem was my filet has pepper sauce, which I completely understand is a traditional French dish but it is not described as such in the menu. Had the menu been accurate I would have never ordered it. When I explained this to the server I was met with, "well it is a steak..." Needless to say at this point we are disappointed. As all this unfolds the Chef is socializing with his friends at the bar. He never took a moment to check on the situation even though it was obvious she let him know we were unhappy. There were only about 25 people in the restaurant at this time, seems like he could have made the effort. Steak comes back, I try it and I guess the punishment for sending it back was no seasoning, oh wait! Nothing else except the appetizer was seasoned to perfection while the rest of the menu was tossed aside I guess. Glad your creative but consistency is also a priority, salt is pretty basic.

The service and ambiance of the restaurant were very nice, however, the entrees my wife and I had should have been sent back. My sparse lamb shank was served on a bed of mashed potatoes and tasteless. My wife's boeuf bourguignon was dry and tough and she chose not to eat the beef. The menu is rather expensive but the entrees did not warrant such prices. We went with friends who recommended the restaurant but we will never go back. On a positive note, the frisse with egg and lardons (bacon) salad was excellent.

Megan Miller

$225 and two hours of my life I can't get back. My husband and I were very excited to try this restaurant for our anniversary. We have made it a mission over the last ten years to try every French restaurant in Los Angeles, and other places we visit. First off the extended list of specials was very indulgent but we tried to listen and retain all the vast options. I ordered the Last Word cocktail because it was supposed to be green, and our anniversary is St Patrick's Day but when it arrived it was basically an Aviation and the glass had been spilled so it was very sticky. We did order the tempura tiger shrimp appetizer which was delicious 😋. The vibe is a little pushy, only offering still or sparkling mineral water, asking if you only want one appetizer, saying things to my husband like, you don't want anything? We ordered our entree's my husband ordered the branzino and I ordered a filet mignon medium rare, or mid rare, which I guess the server did not understand. I received my filet in two pieces? And one was almost well and the other was barely medium rare. My husband's fish was cooked well, but nothing was seasoned and basically all tasted like the carrot puree under the fish. The big problem was my filet has pepper sauce, which I completely understand is a traditional French dish but it is not described as such in the menu. Had the menu been accurate I would have never ordered it. When I explained this to the server I was met with, "well it is a steak..." Needless to say at this point we are disappointed. As all this unfolds the Chef is socializing with his friends at the bar. He never took a moment to check on the situation even though it was obvious she let him know we were unhappy. There were only about 25 people in the restaurant at this time, seems like he could have made the effort. Steak comes back, I try it and I guess the punishment for sending it back was no seasoning, oh wait! Nothing else except the appetizer was seasoned to perfection while the rest of the menu was tossed aside I guess. Glad your creative but consistency is also a priority, salt is pretty basic.

Dick Wolfe

The service and ambiance of the restaurant were very nice, however, the entrees my wife and I had should have been sent back. My sparse lamb shank was served on a bed of mashed potatoes and tasteless. My wife's boeuf bourguignon was dry and tough and she chose not to eat the beef. The menu is rather expensive but the entrees did not warrant such prices. We went with friends who recommended the restaurant but we will never go back. On a positive note, the frisse with egg and lardons (bacon) salad was excellent.

We visited Bistro del Agare in South Pasadena to celebrate an important birthday, and unfortunately, it was not the experience we hoped for. We ordered a variety of dishes — burger, escargot, trout, kids’ filet mignon, onion soup, and mushroom soup. The biggest disappointment was the mushroom soup; for a French restaurant, I expected it to be one of the highlights, but it was bland and simply not good. The rest of the dishes were average at best, nowhere near the high prices they charge. The space is very small, with little to no decoration, and it doesn’t offer the charm or ambiance you’d expect for the cost of the meal. Service was okay, nothing special, and the dessert was forgettable. We were hoping for a memorable dinner for my husband’s birthday, but the overall experience — from food to ambiance — just didn’t justify the high prices. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a great choice for a celebration, especially with kids.

Luisa Duque

We visited Bistro del Agare in South Pasadena to celebrate an important birthday, and unfortunately, it was not the experience we hoped for. We ordered a variety of dishes — burger, escargot, trout, kids’ filet mignon, onion soup, and mushroom soup. The biggest disappointment was the mushroom soup; for a French restaurant, I expected it to be one of the highlights, but it was bland and simply not good. The rest of the dishes were average at best, nowhere near the high prices they charge. The space is very small, with little to no decoration, and it doesn’t offer the charm or ambiance you’d expect for the cost of the meal. Service was okay, nothing special, and the dessert was forgettable. We were hoping for a memorable dinner for my husband’s birthday, but the overall experience — from food to ambiance — just didn’t justify the high prices. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a great choice for a celebration, especially with kids.

Debbie Holt

We were looking for a local south pasadena restaurant to celebrate my husband birthday. It took 45 minutes after our cocktail order to flag dowm wait staff to take our order. The french onion soup was not good and his short ribs were terrible. The owner came over to apologize saying it was the quality of the meat. Not so... We were very disappointed. I hope others experience's are better. .