Amazing sandwiches with a really great service. It felt like a cafe in a European country. It was a bit small but absolutely quaint. The desserts are really tasty as well. I look forward to returning and trying something new.
(5)
Alexandra M.
I wanted a nice place to take my aunt to for Mother's Day brunch. A few days before I had had brunch in a french bistro a couple doors down from Cafe Pastis when this place caught my eye. I called to make a reservation because there was going to be 6 people in my party but they told me they don't take reservations during the day. Okay then. My party and I braved the crowds and were actually able to get a table right next the the front window. Not bad at all. The food was pretty good. I had the quiche with salad. Others ordered the special (pasta?) and a steak frites. The bread was fantastic and the coffee was delicious as well. The service was slightly slow, but I assumed it was probably because we were a larger party and they were pretty busy. I think Cafe Pastis is a hit for lunch. I'd like to try their dinner as well. I'll definetly be back.
(4)
Thien H.
My favorite item of the night was the creme brulee for dessert. One of the top five I've ever had. Slightly chilled, bits of raspberries, and rich but not overpowering. The bouillabaisse $24.50 was delicious and a small treasure trove of seafood until I got a huge bite of grit (probably from the mussels). That kinda ruined the rest of the dish for me. I would avoid dipping any sauce from the bottom of the bowl. The steak frites $24.50 were alright. Fries were crispy. Service was friendly although it felt awkward that everyone else were frequent customers. It was like we had crashed a family reunion.
(3)
J D.
The food is great!!!! The prosiutto and Brie sandwich is excellent. Its a great place for lunch or dinner.
(4)
H. Deborah S.
A little hole in the wall of a strip mall off Red Road. Stay away from here. I want it all to myself...hahhaa, just kidding. I just love when a new place pops onto my radar and the food is delicious. I especially love little restaurants with friendly staff. This is good old fashioned french bistro food. The endive salad was amazingly fresh and the ratio of walnuts and cheese was perfect. The soup was excellent too. We came for lunch and it was packed. I hear it's open for dinner too. Not a good place for a big group, as the space is tiny. There are some seats outside and all of them were taken. I will be back here soon - for dinner.
(4)
George F.
I'm so glad Cafe Pastis is there. For my wife and me, it's our default place to go for a dinner we know will be good. No guesswork. No disappointment. The staff are friendly and informal, and the food is excellent. They are very good with seafood and salads as well as their heavier entrees. The grouper is my favorite! For dessert, their tarte tatin is the gold standard, but if they have the chocolate pear tarte, don't miss it. It's a small restaurant, so for dinner it pays to call ahead and make a reservation. Incidentally, portions are large, so we usually split two appetizers and one main dish. The server has the main dish divided onto two plates for us--it's perfect.
(5)
Elizabeth G.
Extremely disappointed. Friday night, prime time, the waiter outside we first encountered didnt say a word. We enter and stand at the door since it is small and there is no hostess stand. A gentleman who looks like a manager very welcoming like points to the one table open and says "see that table, its all yours." Perfect! The waiter who is obviously swamped silently drops two menus, napkins, forks and knives on the table and leaves. Your busy, we understand. That was our last interaction.. unacceptable. Three tables are sat, one is served champagne, another who is a couple seated next to us is given water, for over ten minutes we did not receive so much as eye contact. Needless to say we got up from our table and left. After finding this little place on yelp and waiting allllll afternoon for our date.. we were quite upset with this experience. The menu looked yummy, unfortunately all we got from Cafe Pasties was a bad taste in our mouths. Luckily its is a location where there are plenty of other options.
(2)
Cristina S.
Lovely family owned and run French cafe serving delicious French bread sandwiches, salads and main course dishes. The Pom frites are perfection. A wonderful find.
(4)
Peter T.
Had roast grouper. Wonderful meal. Good service.
(5)
Abel I.
Miami and South Florida have no shortage of good food, but the food that I have at Cafe Pastis is undeniably one of the absolute best that you can find down here. I have had everything at Cafe Pastis from their French onion soup, to their quiches, souffles, fish, and the tarte tatins. Rarely do I eat somewhere where the food tastes as fresh and feels as home cooked as it does here. It's always an explosion of flavours in your mouth despite the simplicity of the preparation and presentation. The service is quick and the staff is very nice, it's rare at lunch for one of the owners to not come round and greet you or take your order themselves. The 15-45 minute waits to get in during peak lunch time are a testament to how good this hidden gem is. If you want authentic French (Provencal) cuisine, this is the best you're going to find in Miami.
(5)
Sarah G.
Great food, great prices, great service! One of my favorite place in South Miami! Highly recommend!
(5)
Israel S.
I love this place, it never fails. Escargot are wonderful with a splash of Pastis in the butter. The house salad is great. The bouillabaisse is exceptional and almost copious enough for 2. Steak frites perfect, the duck, it's all authentically delicious. Daily specials are good too. Desserts are major especially the tarte tatin. Chocolate mousse could be darker. : - ( The staff is courteous and efficient, all French. It's a bit cramped especially inside; we only go in the cooler months when we sit outside. Speaking of which, RSVP or you'll have to wait for a table. All around this is one of the few restaurants I would miss if I left Miami.
(5)
Belinda B.
Just did not enjoy my meal. Mushroom/Squash soup was a watery mystery that lacked squash!?? Complimentary bread and butter were cold?! Entree of fish was doused in a sweet sauce that needed acid. And I skipped dessert and coffee..30+bucks down the drain. Happy Holidays
(1)
Barbara S.
The food was amazing. The service was excellent! The fresh butter served with the bread is delicious. I highly suggest the Escargot and the Duck Pate; the best I have ever had. The bouillabaisse was very fresh and flavorful.
(5)
Pie E.
Excellent food, will return to sample some of the other dishes on the menu. Only negative thing I have to say, they don't accept AMEX.
(5)
Liz Z.
Completely satisfied. Loved my grilled shrimp salad and spent rest of the meal trying to figure out the couscous ingredients.
(5)
Persefoni V.
I love coming here! It has a charming vibe and the food is always consistent. I usually order their mussels with fries but last time I got their steak and it was good to perfection! The staff is very attentive and very welcoming. I would call ahead to make a reservation unless you go early then you'll be able to find a table easy. Be prepared to sit close to other tables or if they seat you in the communal table instead you will be rubbing shoulders with a stranger but that never bothered me as long as their fork doesn't end up in my plate! It will not disappoint.
(4)
Patrick L.
There was a time when I thought I disliked French food. Nothing against the French at all - I merely had the idea that their food was based on thick, disgusting, gloppy, cheesy, creamy sauces, so I avoided their restaurants. Of course, in my later evolution into the world of foodie-dom, I would learn that French cooking is, in actuality, not so easily pigeonholed or restrictive; in fact, it's pretty much the creative fountainhead of the Western culinary world, with far-reaching influence even beyond that. Not to say that those gloppy, heavy-handed sauces don't exist, but at South Miami's Cafe Pastis, they're easy to avoid. Pastis offers up more of a rustic flair to its dishes, which I'm all for. The place is tiny, hidden within a small shopping center on 57th Avenue. It may not exactly be the ideal setting for a French restaurant, but I swear, sit there for just a little bit, and it begins to feel less like South Miami, and more like....somewhere else, a little slice of what I'm guessing a Parisian cafe feels like. It feels more down-home and authentic than, say, Le Bouchon in the Grove. My raves are based on only one dish, because that's what I order when I come here - the lamb shank. It's a Fred Flintstone-sized hunk of succulent lamb that peels off the bone with a minimum of effort. Spiced with the right amount of thyme and sitting in a pool of lentils, this is fantastic country cooking, Old World-style. While the rest of the menu looks good (and probably is), I'm not certain I could ever see myself ordering something else.
(4)
Ross S.
Great little French Bistro in South Miami! Great food and great service always an enjoyable experience 5*****.
(5)
Alaina L.
Quaint little French bistro in the heart of South Miami.... We discovered this place while roaming around waiting for our late night showing of Gatsby to start. I was so hungry that I almost settled for a generic looking pizza place around the corner. But as I passed by this tiny little french place, it's low lit, romantic vibe drew me in. So, naturally I immediately YELP searched it. Needless to say, 4 stars had me sold! We stopped dead in our tracks & headed in. We were greeted very promptly, despite how busy this place was on a Monday night! I ordered a Kronenbourg beer & the onion soup. Very satisfying! I shared the Grouper entree with my boyfriend.....leeks, sundried tomatoes, roasted garlic, au gratin potatoes in herbs de Provence, with squash and zucchini....all cooked to perfection in a rich buttery Chardonnay sauce. Amazing! We will be back!
(4)
Rags M.
Rustic French in a postage-stamp-sized store front. Yes, it is pretty decent for what it is, but - by definition - its food can seem heavy and old-fashioned.
(3)
Denise M.
Had a great lunch with my girls. Food was good and service was GREAT. Will most definitely be returning.
Great lunch place in downtown South Miami. Authentic French Bistro with the best onion soup and Croque Monsieur I've ever had! The service is very French AND very friendly. Always busy but worth a 15 minute wait for a table.
(5)
Christina M.
Food is delicious!!! Love the pain baguette. Very cozy... Try the goat cheese Salad. It's wow...
(5)
June L.
Hole in the wall with tables close together and a few on the sidewalk - authentic bistro atmosphere. The bouillabaisse was outstanding. The special of the night not so much. They took their perfectly good mussels and added a strong curry flavor (not a Thai curry, rather an Indian slant). The escargots are topnotch. French waiters and owners are firstrate. I want to go back to sample more dishes.
(4)
Ena I.
Great place to dine or have lunch. Super cozy and great menu. Makes you feel you are in France.
(5)
Karen S.
I have to start by saying... They have the best onion soup I have tried, including the ones I had while in Paris! The onion soup was amazing, very creamy and tasty. I also loved the atmosphere! The place is cozy, more like a local Paris restaurant! Even though my boyfriend and I only came for the onion soup, everything we saw served around us looked really good and we would definitely be coming back for a full meal very soon! I also have to say our server NICO was extremely nice and made our meal very pleasant! :)
(5)
Food G.
Loved the quaint ambiance of this place. Staff was very friendly and made an effort. The food was just good. Steak was not prepared correctly and covered with sauce. Mussels sauce was great but small. Will definitely come back and enjoy a glass of wine but only venture to appetizers.
(3)
Carolina M.
The best l'entrecote I've had in this area...also, the fries are exquisite I would try everything here. I've been here several times (did not check-in) and never had a bad experience with the service. They say they're rude...never happened to me. I wouldn't mind, anyway. The quality of the food is good, I would always come back!
(5)
Brie B.
Despite the wait on a Saturday night, this place has delicious food. I've been fortunate to travel to Paris a few times and it's actually pretty comparable to the ambience, service and food quality. The escargot was superb. Definitely a nice change in the Sunset area. We'll be going there again.
(4)
Sergio F.
After my unimpressive lunch, I had to salvage my one hour of Sergio time in my Nine-to-Five. For some people, me time is retail therapy. For me, it's dessert! Since that's all I had here, this review will be short and SWEET! The name on the menu for the dish I had is called "Yummy Yummy" and that, my friends, is truth in advertising. The nutella was deliciously lathererd across the crepe bread (a little thicker and darker - whole wheat, perhaps - than the ones I had in San Francisco), and stuffed with pieces of fresh strawberries and bananas. Add a garnishing sprinkle of sugar, and my lunchtime palate was soothed. Tres bien Cafe Pastis!
(4)
Lester M.
Best onion soup I have ever had. Came here because my girlfriend was in the mood for French onion soup and we have heard good things about this place. It was a rainy afternoon and un-Miami-like it was not balmy and sauna-like outside so we grabbed a table outside. We asked for the onion soup and that's where we ended it. No need to go on. The onion soup was the beginning of all beginnings and the the end to all ends. This bowl of deliciousness, this pot of liquid gold is what awaits for you at the end of the rainbow. The soup was more creamy than brothy, had tons of tasty, caramelized onions, the bread was very fresh as it was not soggy in the soup. And cheese, tons and tons of melted goodness dripping all over the bowl. I have had onion soup in every place I have been that serves onion soup, even in every place I ate while in Paris. No one beats this one. One big thanks to our server Nico, he was beyond helpful. And even though we only had the soup, everything on the menu looked really good. We will definitely come back for a formal dinner.
(5)
Jessica F.
We came here for dinner after a few years and left very please. My husband said it is his new favorite restaurant in Miami. The trout with goat cheese was exceptional, the grouper and escargots both excellent as well. We were so full we had to pass on dessert. Its a fairly small space so we started off sharing a table, but then we parted ways when the table next to us cleared up. It was a bit hot because they leave the door open, but in the fall months it should be nice. I wish they had weekend brunch!
First time in Miami. First ever restaurant in Miami. I made a great choice if I do say so myself. All the food was delicious and light. The staff were charming, knowledgeable and kept things running very nicely. We didn't have long to wait for our food. We went around noon on Friday. By the time we left, the tiny place was packed. I might try to go again before we leave so I can try more on the menu.
(5)
Berta C.
Delicious food and friendly service. If you are in a hurry, this not the place to go. Every dish we ordered was perfect. I highly recommend.
(5)
Cliff W.
Small and unassuming location I had the croque m and onion soup which was some if the best I've ever had. Be prepared to wait a few minutes for your table
(4)
Sylvia Q.
Fantastic little French restaurant! Cafe Pastis offers a taste of Paris in Miami at a reasonable price. Items range from the expected, such as the escargot, to the divine, as with their preparation of local snapper. With plenty of plats du jour, you can try something new every time, or stick to consistently good meals. The establishment lends itself well to business lunches. It is busy, in a bustling area of South Miami/Sunset Place, but refined. The close quarters and encompassed dining area create an intimate fun & french atmosphere. Selections are paired with a small portion of mesclun greens and frites. The mussels are incredibly light, reminiscent of the South of France. I highly recommend them, as an entree or starter. Sweet endings, too, are possible; pair a delightful noisette with a just-baked tarte aux fruits, and you will leave seeing 'La Vie en Rose'.
(5)
Claudia J.
Small french little place that transports you to the French Riviera!! The menu is always good, we always have the escargots (they are the BEST with that oil and some french bread... yumi!) don't think you are eating snails... you are having a delicacy!!! Their Bouillabaisse is great, has lots of seafood, good to share with someone else! The NY Steak with french fries always a winner too!! Their seafood is super fresh, either be fish or shells - steamed mussells are the BEST (but be carefull for those that are sensitive to alcohol - the sauce has tons of white wine) also, good dish with bread!!! everything goes with bread in this place!! I always tend to see what other people are eating, it always a good indication that the food LOOKS, SMELLS and TASTE good. It's ambience is so cozy, decor great, owned and operated by french people. They actually have another place in the same shopping mall, they sell bread, desserts and sweet stuff - another place to stop by for afternoon bite!
(5)
Stephanie L.
Had heard rave recommendations about this place from a colleague and decided to check it out with my boyfriend for our anniversary. Found it where he had described...located in a nondescript shopping center across from Ace Hardware, it seemed like your average hole-in-the-wall. They have a tiny parking lot, but I wasn't too impressed. Then, we went inside and it was bright and cozy. We had reservations so seating was not a problem, although the tables were a bit close. Decided to share some wine and started with the french onion soup and the mussels. The soup was delicious! Cheesy, gooey top, with crusty bread, piping hot broth and yummy soft onions inside. Just the right amount of spices and flavors! The mussels too were extra fresh and came in a wonderful sauce. For the entree I went with the bouillabaisse and the boyfriend went with the lamb. Mine was huge (I ended up having some for lunch the next day), and was filled with an assortment of fresh fish in a delectable, savory broth. The boyfriend's choice of lamb was flavorful, well-seasoned and very tender. Neither of us were big lentil fans, but we tried those that came with it and were pleasantly surprised to discover how delicious lentils could be! For dessert we split the berry tart, which was the perfect ending to the meal. Light and creamy custard with fresh, bright berries it left us with a great taste in our mouth. I took French in high school and college, and I enjoyed getting the chance to use it with the waiters, whom I found to be helpful and friendly. All-in-all it was a charming restaurant and I'm sure I'll be back to get my French fix!
(5)
Customer A.
Authentic French food. The bread was amazing. Great service and very good charcuterie. I have a bit of a problem with the overall cleanliness of the place. Food is delicious.
(4)
Mary e.
Cute little spot. Loved the service and the food. Had The grouper with leek and cream sauce it was so good it didn't even need lemon. Little pile of field greens with balsamic vinaigrette and broiled zucchini. And the bread! OMG, how I adore French baguette with salty butter. Made my day. The only drawback is the table arrangements I hate to sit at tables where I bump elbows with the neighbors. But will I go back, absolutely I can't wait
(4)
Sylvie C.
belle. this incroyable little belle, the tiniest, most beautiful, 7 year old french waitress came to greet us at the door. table for two?, she asked, ever so sweetly. my friend and i were astonished at this 4 foot tall girl, playing dress up in an apron. the adorable waitress sat us, and we spent most of the following 90 minutes engaged in discussion about how freaking cute the family that owns this restaurant is. perfect glasses of chardonnay were consumed, leading to more discussion on the cuteness of the family. a delicious goat cheese salad was next, that defied all haters of salads. this salad was perfection. fried sticky gooey goat cheese spread on sweet olive bread with lightly dressed mesclun greens. belle. the unfortunate miss of the afternoon were the dry mussels, served in a watery broth with little taste. we ate them nonetheless, and were too distracted by the perfect ambiance to notice or really care. the frites were excellent however. my feeling is that the rest of the menu is superb, and I will certainly be back to check it out.
(4)
Andrea G.
we went last night for my husband's B Day and it was AMAZING!!!! the food, the service, the atmosphere everything was great.
(5)
Michael C.
French food has never been my favorite choice when going out. Granted I'm more familiar with it than British, but for some reason, for European cuisines I prefer Italian or German to French. Why this doesn't make sense is the rich tastes you get with simply superb French cuisine. I think my hesitation is based on also the rich cost. Ultimately you get what you pay for at Cafe Pastis, and you'll be paying a lot (and probably bringing something home, so bonus!). My family and I went to celebrate both my parents' birthdays. They used to be big fans for Bistro Bisou, which unfortunately has closed. However there was positive feedback on the only remaining French Bistro in Miami (yet oddly not the only French store in that block of shops) and as it has been around for 10 years, we all figured it couldn't be that bad. The place was packed when we arrived. We had a reservation, but still had to wait a few moments. Within 5 minutes, we were all seated within the tiny restaurant. The main room is both kitchen and dining area. And while you wouldn't expect it, those two chefs and the serving staff are able to accomplish delicious acts. After ordering we were quickly given a fresh baguette. Warm and delicious, I joked "If the bread is this good, how will the meal be?" We were then given our appetizer of the raviolis with goat cheese. It was great and we put that bread to good use sopping up the sauce. Then our meals arrived. The best was the duck my mother ordered. Such flavor and the meat was so tender. My father and I went with the bouillabaisse, joking that Flint would be able to tell the region. The soup was full of shrimp, craw fish, mussels and at least 3 different fish. It was filling and huge, with both my father and I should have been able to split one. Then came the dessert: the apple tart was sold out, so we went with the raspberry tart and the chocolate mousse. Everything was flavorful, filling and prompt. I had a wonderful experience, although the place is small, so only go on a date, and see if you can eat outside to enjoy more room.
(5)
Andy D.
I remember Cafe Pastis from years back. The food was to die for. Now the years have come and gone, and Cafe Pastis is still there. A very good sign. But, I sure wouldn't die for the food. The staff sat me all the way in the back, I was hoping that it was the best seat in the house or because it was busy, they had to sit me there. I had a little trepidation about eating at that table, as the station picked up all the negative odors. I guess today's odor was fish and bathroom smell. I'm hoping they cleaned the kitchen, at least once in a while. But, my nose finally got used to the smell. The wait staff was quick to take my order, the menu made everything look good. From pate, to smoked salmon salad. The menu was very French, and that brings me to what I fear the most (next to snakes, clowns and vomiting in public). ordering something that's no good. Well that kinda happened today, the soup incredible, the sandwich not! I knew I should have gotten something different! I ordered the roasted chicken and Harissa sandwich on a French beget, with a bowl of onion soup. All for a whopping $10.00. That for what I got was a decent price (if everything was good). So why the three stars, well Pastis' onion soup was excellent, I wanted more and more, but the roasted chicken sandwich was totally devoid of flavor, there wasn't even a slathering of my much anticipated Harissa sauce. Now I saw others being served remarkable entree's like the Pate I mentioned before, it was spectacularly plated, looked. Like art work. The salads looked fresh and bold with colors. I was so unlucky today. My soup was great, but the sandwich was flat. I'd go again, but I'd order way different.
(3)
Rebecca G.
We moved to South Miami about a month ago and have been checking out some of the local places. This place is awesome - authentic French cuisine. The owner greeted us and gave us a great table. The wait staff was attentive and accommodating. The pate was excellent, and our entrees and dessert were delicious. The place was very busy for a Thursday night around 8 pm! We'll certainly be going back!
(4)
Cliff F.
Pastis is a rare breed of Miami restaurant. Understated, hearty, and oozing with personality. Admittedly, I've only experienced their lunch service--but I can't imagine that such a special place would provide anything less than a stellar experience. The restaurant is intimate (read: small) and there are about six tables outside for parties of three or less. I prefer sitting outside, but inside is equally delightful. The kitchen is wide open for all to see and located in the middle of the dining room. Their sandwiches are SO. GOOD. I've tried a few, and my favorites are the homemade pate de canard sandwich or the smoked salmon and roasted red pepper pesto sandwich. Each is served with french fries (very FRENCH fries) and makes a really special lunch. You can also order a half-sandwich with french onion soup--which is second to none. Also, the service has never let me down. Its a small, family operation that feels as authentically French as their food. I can hardly wait to go back--and I'm determined to go for dinner soon.
(5)
Alex G.
I love Cafe Pastis!!!! The NY steak sandwich with brie is killer!!!!! And their fries just like the bread is from France!!!! At night I love their bouillabaisse reminds me of this old restaurant in the Port of Marseille. Simply devine!
(5)
Michael R.
So we read the good reviews and decided to go for a Saturday lunch with friends. BIG Disappointment. All I have to say is that the croque-monsieur was made with wonder-bread. Yes, WONDER-BREAD! The French onion soup lacked flavor, more like boiled water with yes, wonder bread! If you want a good French bistro/diner, try Frenchies in Coral Gables!
(2)
Chris B.
Very charming, very French with an imaginative menu. Wine list is very good although limited. Pastis should be a frequent choice.
(4)
Steph D.
My favorite restaurant in Miami; hands down. I have been dinning here since it opened- almost 15 years ago. The duck confit and all of the seafood dishes (Grouper, Dolphin, Salmon, Seafood Stew...) are amazing. The prices are very reasonable as well. Two suggestions: skip the chocolate desserts (the fruit ones are delicious) and bring your wine if you want something fancy.
Over the years, I must have driven by this place well over 1,000 times but had never stopped in. Mon dieux what a mistake! Last night I had a friend in town from the Northeast and he is very picky about his food, but likes "good French"...and Cafe Pastis did not disappoint! For starters, the management truly is French which is always a good sign. We shared a salad to start. Then he ordered the grouper and I had the moules mariniere. Both dishes were nothing short of excellent. For dessert we shared a raspberry tart which was light and served with real whipped creme and toasted almonds. We also had a bottle of wine and the bill came in just under $100, which I found to be very reasonable. Sacre bleu!!! Really fine French food in of all places, South Miami! Next time I will try the onion soup that other reviewers are raving about and of course, the mousse au chocolat.
(5)
sara r.
HOLY HELL, this place is good. Try the moules.
(5)
Elyse W.
This place is adorable. A good date place. Very European ambiance and for similar fare SO much cooler and tastier than George's right down the street (but I wouldn't want the crowd at George's finding that out). Service is also fantastic. The place closes kind of earlish (by Miami standards, at least) on a Friday, at 10:30, and a member of my party was a bartender and was working late and didn't actually show up until 10:30ish and the peeps at Cafe Pastis actually kept the kitchen open and tended to us without a trace of resentment for making them stay open later than usual. The owner actually made jokes about it, making us feel a little less like assholes we were for pulling that kind of stunt. Food was packed with flavor -- I had the roasted grouper with chick pea puree and pesto aioli which was very tasty. BUT I kind of wished I got the lamb shank. I took a few bites from someone else's and it was phenomenal. And it was a good size, looking pretty impressive presentation-wise. I had the chocolate mousse for desert and it's probably the best I've ever had. Highly recommend!
(5)
Grant S.
French cafe seekers can find better! If average food, slow inattentive (typically French) service and high prices are on your menu, then this is your spot! I would actually give these guys 3 stars if the prices weren't so outlandish and the location wasn't completely lacking in ambience. For this meal, we sat outside in the strip center parking lot. Pretty humdrum for a fancy restaurant, or at least at those prices. Were it a date, the parking lot wouldn't have cut it. For a French cafe, they have a stunningly poor selection of red wine by the glass, preferring to tap customers for a bottle if they can. At least the wine was average, though it arrived in the world's cheapest glasses. If you're a real connoisseur, you know that the glass counts - so watch out before you spend big bucks on vino in 50 cent glasses. The Moules (appetizer portion) was average, and the service provided a wine holder for the shells. There was the typical sauce with the typical flavors and cooked fine enough. I ordered the Tuna Tartare for my appetizer, which was the highlight of the evening for me. The lemon flavoring was crisp and overall the dish was pleasing, if slightly short on portion size. It only arrived with 2 toast slices, and a 3rd or 4th would have been appreciated. I suppose some people would appreciate having a small salad with this dish, but I would've preferred just a little more tartare instead. My real beef with this restaurant was their entree and the service alongside it. I am VERY reluctant to send a dish back to the kitchen - and in most cases, assuming it's edible, will just scarf it down and chalk it up to human error. Unfortunately, lazy service is one thing, but thoughtless service is entirely another. My dining companion and I both ordered a Strip Steak with peppercorn sauce and potato fries. Mine was ordered rare, his medium rare. The kitchen, or server failed to note which order was which led to the orders being switched. I tried a few bites, figuring that the small end of the cut was possibly overcooked, but as I got further in, would find a nice pink center. Instead, the meat kept getting drier as I went (not too far) and I looked in on my friend who was eagerly devouring my rare steak well beyond the point where a trade was in order. In honesty, it looked pretty good... I asked the server (this took a while) to please replace it, who of course was followed by the manager attempting to salvage my sadly overcooked piece of meat. As someone who's not a return to sender guy, having my request checked, THEN double checked was not much appreciated. Anyone could see that my meal was medium (yes, they botched my friends' order too) and not even close to rare. Then, they performed what I consider the ultimate sin in these circumstances. They undercooked the re-ordered rare steak. At that point I was fairly ravenous, and glad to have a seared steak rather than the previously provided Goodyear tire. I ate it, I was hungry, it was not very enjoyable, just some protein in the gut. The steak peppercorn sauce was 1000% unexciting, lacking distinct flavor. I've had this same sauce at numerous similar restaurants, and this seemed a deliberate attempt at thinning and bland-ing a sauce which could be exciting and spicy. The steak cut itself was fairly cheap for the price, the original being a tiny sliver which could not have been over 8 ounces and not very finely marbled. Overall, the steak was an FF for eFFort and execution. The fries they served with it were slightly overcooked and tiny. I mean, how can a French restaurant really butcher French Fries - one of the simplest items on the menu. I ate a few of the larger fries and left the rest on the plate. Their "aioli" mayonaise was also disappointing and tasted like a flat imitation of Helman's mayo, lacking any kick or excitement at all. Again, a simple dish prepared poorly and without thought of flair or distinction. The meal finished with a tasty home made Chocolate Mousse for me and a Cheese Platter for my friend which I could not even look at after eating a virtually uncooked steak. After the meal finished and we corralled the server for a check, I felt full in a sick, overfed kind of way - even though my portions were not huge - probably due to the undercooked steak. Overall, this restaurant would rate a C- minus were it not for the pricing, since you've got to expect some service sluggishness in a French cafe setting. I will never ever eat at this Cafe ever again, and suggest you do the same unless your car breaks down in front of it and you're too lazy to walk down the street to George's.
(2)
Jacqueline R.
I live rather far from this place but it is my go to French place. I take my doggie and we sit outside. They are dog friendly. The prices for authentic French food are the best in Miami. I love every dish I have tried there. Do try their house French wines. The escargot is great, their baguette delicious, loved the grouper thats my fav. The bouillabaisse is great especially for the price, other places charge much more for that dish and there is no difference. I want to go back for fries and mussels and goat cheese salad. The cafe au lait is lovely and not to be missed.
(5)
Bill A.
After 11 years this place is still excellent and that is a true complement to the owners! Please keep it up! We love a Cafe Pastis. Had my first date with my wife here, and we still go back when we can and if we can get a baby sitter. It's one of the most consistant places I have eaten at, year after year.
(5)
G-Funk G.
Maybe it's because I'm french, but I ADORE this place. Great authentic food, well priced, and French ambiance. Fries are too die for! Expect to wait if you're heading over for lunch, they are usually busy, but will seat pretty quickly. Haven't been there for dinner, but definitely recommend for lunch. Sandwiches are great, fries are phenomenal (make sure you ask for the aioli), and quiches are usually tops as well.
(4)
Eddy D.
When I was there, it took me back to the cafes of Paris. It's tight quarters in there, but the food is tasty and service is quick, though it might be in French. Even my Dad liked it and he hates most restaurants! Try the grouper!
(4)
Philip B.
Went here tonight for the first time because a friend recommended it to me. It really is easy to miss this place but I've been driving by for years and boy am I glad that we finally gave it a try. We got there a little before 6pm which is when they open, but they gave us some menus and we sat outside since the weather was nice. For starters we ordered the French Onion Soup and the Charcuterie. The soup was outstanding and had the right amount of onions and a nice bubbly layer of cheese on the top. The Charcuterie came with salami, prosciutto, tapenade and duck pate. The platter was very good. I'm not a fan of tapenade but this one was okay. The salami, prosciutto and pate were all great, however. For mains, we ordered the Roasted Duck with black currant and fig sauce and the Bouillabaise. The duck came with potatoes, zucchini and squash - all of which were excellent and cooked perfectly. The duck itself was excellent as well, as the sauce complemented it perfectly. They also put some fried onions on there which paired well with the duck. It is a great dish. The Bouillabaise came with shrimp, grouper, crawfish, lobster, and fennel with a great saffron fish soup. It also came with croutons and a nice spicy sauce to put on it which was excellent as well. It really reminded me of being in France and was an excellent dish. Finally, we ordered desserts. We ordered the Caramelized Apple Tart and the Creme Brulee. Both were absolutely wonderful and a pleasure to eat. They give you a nice large slice of the apple tart and the homemade whipped cream is a very nice touch. The Creme Brulee was absolutely perfect as well. It had berries in it and was nice and creamy as well as having the nice burnt brown sugar crust. This really was a perfect ending to a great meal. The prices are very reasonable and the service is wonderful. It's a nice quaint restaurant and is definitely out of the ordinary than the usual places in Miami. We will definitely be back!
(4)
Lourdes W.
This is a no-fuss authentic French cuisine restaurant in your neighborhood. The service is friendly and it's set up like, well..a cafe (hence the name) with small tables inside and out. It's in a strip mall, but I don't discriminate especially when the food is good. You must have the mussels. I've dined here a couple of times and I always order this dish. You can have a half order ($12) or a full order ($24). The half order seems like a full order. I don't even want to know what the full order entails. The white wine sauce that these mussels are cooked in is "to--die-for" and the mussels are hassel-free...they peel right off the shell. They also have one of the best duck pate's I've ever tried. It's part of the Charcuterie dish that also comes with prosciutto and french salami as well. It was amazing! I never have room for anything else. This is a solid french affair!
(4)
JC L.
Found this awesome little place by mistake and I am happy I did. The quality of the bread is excellent and the selection in their menu is great. Their pesto prosciutto baguette sandwich is delicious. Their "French" fries are not that tasty but who the hell goes there for "French" fries without expecting a punch right in the jaw for it... When I saw the option I ordered it with my sandwich, but I was afraid to ask the French waitress for ketchup, just in case it would be considered a rude "American peasant" thing to ask for. :-) The quality of the Brie cheese is also worth checking out since most places give you a very bad quality version of it. My colleague ordered the French Onion Soup and he loved it. I still like Buena Vista Deli a lot more for my French 'desires', but this is a great spot nonetheless.
I had the Bouillabaisse and was blown away! This balanced FRESH seafood stew brought me to a bistro in Marseilles. Heavenly! The service was comfortable and without attitude. How refreshing!
(5)
Tomas R.
This place is right on the cusp of 4 stars but I just can't do it. Although my rainbow trout stuffed with spinach and goat cheese was to die for, my wife's shrimp was over cooked and rubbery. My dad's lamb shank lacked flavor on a bed of undercooked lentils. The saving grace was that the escargot was the best I have had in Miami. If yelp had half stars I would give it 3.5, but we will be back since maybe it was an off day. The chefs are skilled and I have to eat the rainbow trout again.
(3)
Lindsay G.
I just spent 20 minutes searching for the name of this place so that I can someday return to it... and all I had was a salad. If that doesn't tell you something about the chef here, I don't know what does. The meal was rounded out with bread and red wine - both of which were delicious. But this salad reminded me of lunches I had in Paris and haven't had recreated since I've been back. Warm, tangy goat cheese, and sweet honey matched with a spicy vinaigrette - such a perfect combination, the lettuce is hardly necessary. The ambiance was lovely and unexpected in South Miami. Simple, authentic French food I can't wait to go back to!
(4)
Ivan M.
Please repair the A/C. If you own a business in Miami, "working A/C" is probably right up there with "view of the water" in terms of importance. I'll be happy to return the fifth star once it's cold inside, because the food is still fantastic.
(4)
Allie W.
This is a really great place to have any kind of lunch at. It's busy at lunch so come on the early side. I had the French Onion soup and french fries. I'm not going to lie-I wasn't as impressed with the French Onion soup as I expected to be, given the reviews raving about it. Also, the french fries looked incredible but were just "good" french fries. They were good, but not worth the calories.
(4)
Christie A.
I love this little local hole in the wall for lunch. Savory French onion soup, great sandwiches and salads, and fantastic mussels can all be found on their lunch menu. I know there are also other dishes available, but I usually stick to the "lighter" fare for lunch so I am not too familiar with those items. Be careful at what time you show up if you do come for your lunch break because right around noon this place gets packed since it is small. Be there around 11:45 or after 1PM and you should be okay. The service is always quick and attentive, and the prices are decent. Try any of their baguette sandwiches...they are fantastic. Word to the wise, ask for a side of pesto and smear it on any sandwich...talk about delicious condiment/addition to your lunch! The pesto is also awesome for dipping your basket of frites in to! Yum-o! I've heard dinner here is also very good, but I have yet to find that out for myself.
(4)
Danny F.
Now, I won't sit here and write to you explicitly indicating that i'm some sort of french food expert. I'd rather have Gordon Ramsay berate me until I prefer eating dog food and consider THAT good eating. But I do know jive, and this place has some. I came here for a creme brulee, and a glass of 1664. These frenchies could have been pretentious. They could have been lewd. But instead, they served me a nice creme brulee, and my glass of 1664, and left me to myself outside. After all was tasted and drank, they came back to me and asked me "Do you feel better?" You're damn certain I did.
(4)
Freddy G.
I honestly have to give this place a second try since everyone seems to love it so much. The reason I'm giving it 3 stars is simple. The food was not very good and Tania R. and I had to wait outside for over 40 minutes before we were seated. My steak was not tender and the sauce with which it came, I did not like. I must say, the service was good and the spot is cozy. When I go again I will update my review. Hopefuly second time is the charm. 3 stars!
(3)
Antuan D.
I was in Cafe Pastis a long time ago. The place is small and the service is not too quick. This will most likely bring your business down. Well, it was full of guests and they were all enjoying their meals. It is a classic French Bistro where the owner is one of the servers-cooks-host-andanythingelseyouneedhimfor. Food was good and I will comeback if I am in the area, I don't think it is my first choice, but definitely worst the try.
(4)
Remy H.
The only thing I order from the menu is the mussels in onion and white wine with fries. Everything else comes off the chalkboard based on the servers recommendations. Trust the server, you will never go wrong.
(5)
George G.
I only eat lunches here and there good! I love the french onion soup, and you can do a soup and salad for lunch. But don't stop at that or you'll miss out! Small spot & tight parking. It's worth it, this is real French food the way I like it! Great food not to pretentious!
(4)
Robert W.
We found this place from the zagat book. We always wanted to try French cuisine and boy this place is good. Its in a small strip mall. Parking might be a problem so you should try to go before it gets busy. The place is small. No joke! You will be sitting close to other customers, maybe even bumping elbows! The kitchen is also tiny and you wonder how they could make such wonderful food in such a small place but they do! The seafood is fresh and tasty. The Roasted Lamb Shank and Duck Leg is so tender and flavorful. The Bouillabaisse du Vieux Port (Saffron Fish Soup) is hearty and full of seafood. The flavor is intense of seafood, very fresh and sweet. This is where I first tried escargot! It really didnt have any taste, is that normal? I will have to try it at another french place to know for sure and ill update this. The apple tart dessert is incredible! Ask them to warm it up for you.
(4)
Ravi B.
If this place suffers from the trappings of the stereotypical pretentious French restaurant replete with snooty waiters, like some reviewers have voiced, I guess I am too stupid of an American to notice (and I always thought they were laughing with me - not at me!). This is a charming, intimate (very intimate - expect to be banging elbows with the patrons sitting next to you) cafe that serves absolutely delicious food without overdoing the cuisine's indulgences (butter, oil, more butter). Start with the snails (or call it escargot, if that will help you to not think you're eating a snail), soaked in enough garlic-y oil to distract your mind that you're eating a....well, you know. This is a great place to try some duck - they have a duck sausage special that is not too strong, but a little oily; duck legs with a nice fig sauce. For fish, trout is the way to go. Their (Moroccan style) chicken dishes are tasty as well. For dessert, there can only be one choice - apple tart! Incredible and, again, not too heavy on another French cuisine indulgence - sugar. If you go during peak lunch and dinner periods, expect to wait a long time and expect the place be loud - with a lot of conversations in French going on. After you eat, make sure you move your car from the small strip mall Pastis is located or the security Nazis will be very unhappy.
(5)
Krupa H.
I came here with my family and totally felt like I was in sidestreet cafe in Europe by the ambiance. I started out with the French Onion soup and the Gruyere cheese was oooey and gooey good. I had the cheese ravioli for dinner and surprisingly there wasn't much filling inside, but I think it was goat cheese on the side that you dip it in and it was soooooooo good. And of course you have to have dessert; so we had the chocolate mousse and the raspberry torte. They were both good, but not knock your socks of good. The raspberries were very fresh, so I would go for that or try something different the next time I go. My other family members raved about what they got which was the salmon and the braised ribs (the special). The only negative thing I have to say was that the service was a little slow at times, but the restaurant was packed and their outdoor seating was full as well. I am definitely going back for more.
(4)
Craig J.
Cafe Pastis is another of Miami's mediocre neighborhood French restaurants that fail to deliver in the food department. It's located in a strip mall near the Sunset complex with parking out front. The decor is appropriate for a small French place. Seating is very limited and tight - let's call it intimate - indoors as well. Service was solid, and the menu has a fair amount of variety. The wine list has some good variety and is pretty reasonably priced. I'd think about a reservation, or at least a call ahead, as it can fill up during peak times. The food is really unremarkable. It approximates the bistro classics you've come to know and love, but fails to really nail any of them. The cheese plate was another disappointment. It consists of random cheeses laying around in the kitchen used for other dishes - a soft goat's cheese used in the salads, blue cheese *crumbles* used elsewhere, etc. - arranged haphazardly on a plate. I'm not fooled. Some diners will enjoy the ambiance, and the location/parking is convenient depending on your location in town; however, there are ultimately better culinary options elsewhere.
(3)
Jenaia F.
Cafe Pastis has quickly become one my favorite neighborhood restaurants. You can set your watch to their food and service which always aims to please and is one of the main reasons why my husband and I always return. Have tasted many things off of their menu... their mussels, goat cheese and honey appetizer, the lamb shank, the duck, the trout... etc. All are GREAT, but my absolute favorite thing on the menu is their scallop entree and tuna tar-tar appetizer. Both are prepared perfectly and never disappoint. This is a great little restaurant for a date night or even double date. However, make sure that you call ahead for reservations if you want to sit inside.
(5)
Jeff B.
I have been there three times. Each time the food was amazing. The service is great. The only downside is its outside seating which is on a strip mall's sidewalk.
(4)
cristina o.
I love this place. Other reviewers hit the nail on the head by calling this place unpretentious.(although the waiters can be snooty - hence 4 stars there is never ANY need for consistent bad service) the food is simple, straigh tfoward, and consistently good. the desserts are always stellar.
(4)
Michael S.
Pastis is a cute little hole in the wall cafe with acceptable food. I don't mean to seem too harsh because it is heads and shoulders better than Town, right around the corner. It is just that it could be so much better. The owner was originally a waiter at Buchon du Grove when it was owned by George-Eric. He ignored me in the way that only French waiters can, every time that I ate there, which was fairly often back then. He is much more personable now that he has his own place. I go quite often because the alternatives are just so bad, Carrabas? Dan Marinos? Tratoria Sole? Casa Larios? Origin Asian Bistro? It is amazing that there is such a great concentration of mediocre restaurants in the center of one of the wealthiest areas of Dade County. Just goes to show you that money cant buy taste. If you are in South Miami, go to Pastis to eat your meal or to Fox's to drink your meal.
(4)
Rachel M.
I went to Cafe Pastis for lunch and was blown away by a number of things right off the bat: 1. Our incredibly helpful and friendly server 2. The sparkling lemonade. When the food came, it just kept getting better. My friend and I ordered: 1. Melted Goat Cheese and Honey on Crispy Olive Bread, Mesclun Salad, Rosemary Scented Oil$11.50, with Grilled Chicken $14.50. The flavors were superb. 2. Pesto Prosciutto and Baked Brie$10.50 I ordered this with a side of frites, and was in pure heaven. It was a large, and I was able to take some home with me. I will definitely be back, and I can't wait to come back to this place for dinner. The menu looked amazing, and the wine list is very tempting. We were told that reservations are recommended for the evenings because the seating is limited. (It is a small space, which makes it even more quaint.)
(5)
danielle b.
Came here the other night for a quick dinner, and had been here once before. The first time I had the shrimp and chickpea salad, this time I had the Moroccan chicken dish. First time I had the creme brule for dessert, this time I had the chocolate mousse. My criticisms: Essentially none except that the Moroccan chicken advertised a spicy couscous which was not spicy...good in flavor but not spicy, which is somewhat why I got it. Also I felt like the fruitiness of the apricot somewhat overwhelmed the spices for me. But again, Im big on spices, not big on fruit tastes in my protein. With that said here are my praises: Great service...Im the most annoying person to wait on ever because I ask a gazillion questions, ask for opinions and then pick the opposite, take forever, etc. However, the staff was really polite, really helpful, and one of the servers bought my boyfriend and I a glass of wine. Super nice. Food wise: Crab cake is phenomenal, chickpea salad was divine, boyfriends scallops were cooked to perfection and both times the desserts were amazing. We went with the mousse because they were out of the brule, glad we did. Only took off a star because of the couscous and fruitiness thing. I wish I had the option of doing a half star.
This restaurant proves that you can't judge a restaurant by it's location or outside appearance; In this case a strip mall in South Miami. Awesome food, great service and reasonably priced. Enough said!
(5)
Jeff J.
Went on a Friday night with my in-laws to celebrate a birthday. We had the best time. The service and ambiance was excellent. The food surpassed all expectations. Highly recommend.
(5)
Adam W.
Love this place. Very cozy (read small) with excellent food and staff. There really isn't much to the decor (it is a tiny little place next door to a tennis shop in a strip mall after all) but who needs decor when all you want is some delicious, authentic French cuisine for lunch? The steamed mussels are truly a delight - and the French fries! Oye! i recommend them highly. My girlfriend had the bouillabaisse which was also heavenly. Will definitely return.
(5)
Pema L.
An authentic French bistro. Warm and friendly service and always very delicious food. Thank you Phillipe :)
(5)
Rob C.
French bistro, seems like a lot of regulars come here french speaking staff and patrons :) small outdoor seating along a strip mall great menu choices, nice toasted baguette Steamed Mussels in White Wine and Shallots appetizer portion: excellent, nice light sauce with ~30 mussels of decent size, soft, flavorful (I could have stopped there) also had Grilled Tune Brushed with Maghreb Spices, Orange Harissa Sauce and Raisins: cooked appropriately, sweet but tangy sauce unfortunately, the service was poor -- they did not have enough waiters to cover the indoors and outdoors (got busy later at night), but they are quite friendly.
(4)
Amber E.
If you're not very open to 'exotic' fare, then don't waste your money. The only reason I'm giving this 2 stars is because they do not cater to the picky eaters like myself. There was ONE chicken dish on the menu which was pretty good, but I wouldn't go back just for it. Most of it was seafood, lamb, etc. Prices were reasonable for the type of food. The atmosphere is very very cute and one of the reasons we wanted to try it. It's a little crowded and you might have to get cozy with strangers at the next table, but it adds to the ambiance of the french (i think?) vibe.
(2)
anne g.
Love this place!!!! It never disappoints. The staff, food, atmosphere are great. They usually have room when the larger chain restaurants have long lines & no reservations available.
(5)
Gilles H.
Ok I tried another French place... This is really authentic french cuisine, really efficient service, it's a small bistro in the port of marseille, sorry coral gables i really like the atmosphere. The food is really good and the desserts are amazing bravo bravo I like it ...
(5)
Alexis Y.
This is a tiny little restaurant in South Miami that makes the best french onion soup I have ever had. I like the soup/salad/sandwich pairings and they have some great fresh baked goodies. Perfect for a party of two for lunch.
(4)
Alexis F.
I've been to Cafe Pastis for lunch quite a few times, and have always had the same experience - great food, horrible service. However, the former definitely outweighs the latter and that's why I'd recommend this restaurant. Be forewarned, most of the waitstaff are incredibly rude (rolling eyes, talking over you, making fun of your order, etc.) but if you don't mind dealing with it in exchange for a delicious meal, go here!
(4)
Stefanie S.
Although I have never been to Pastis for dinner, I can totally vouch for the lunch. All the sandwiches are served on crusty french bread and are absolutely scrumptious. I especially love the veggie and goat cheese. Also, the french onion soup is AMAZING! Just the right balance of saltiness complemented by ooey, gooey cheese...mmm. Since this is a French place you have to order dessert! The creme brulee is to die for! It has a few raspberries thrown into the mix. The tartness of the berries really helps to balance the richness of the dessert. It's big enough for two, if you are feeling generous. I usually eat the whole thing and have to take a long nap later.Gluttony never tasted so good! My only criticism is the fries. They are not consistent. I've eaten here numerous times and the fries are usually hot and crispy. However, on a couple of occasions they have been kind of soggy and tasteless. Still, everything else I have tried has been wonderful! This is a 4++
(4)
Chris B.
It's a Saturday night and after a great bottle of Pinot Noir, and a day of football, the wife and I decide that we are in the mood to try a new spot close to home. Thanks to Yelp we ended up at Cafe Pastis and loved it! A tiny French Brasserie located in a tiny retail strip center a block from Sunset Pace Cafe Pastis is a must try and perfect for date night. We were initially seated outside at a tiny table for two but the humidity was a little more than we could stand so after a five minute wait we were easily reseated inside. This was my first foray into French cuisine, I'm not proud to admit, and I was pleasantly surprised at the authenticity of the restaurant. The french bread at the table was delicious and fresh and we decided to keep the Pinot Noir train moving with a decent bottle. Although small the wine list is very affordable and our choice was a perfect pairing for our respective meals. Keep in mind that you can BYOB for a $15 corkage fee! I started with the homemade Goat Cheese Ravioli and the wife had the Escargot. The Ravioli was simple and amazing and, although I had never before tried Escargot, I ended up enjoying it to the point that the French Bread at the table became a tool to suck up the remaining sauce on my wife's plate. For our entrees I chose the Rack of Lamb with Lentils and the wife ordered the Duck. Both plates were perfectly cooked and the portion sizes were large so remember to bring your appetite with you when go. the table next to us had the NY Strip and Bouillabaisse which we decided were what we were going to be ordering on our next visit! The service was good but keep in mind that due to the authenticity of the place expect a more relaxed "hands off" European experience. Overall a perfect spot for tasty very affordable French cuisine and a perfect place to spend some time with your better half!
(4)
Peony S.
I've always heard that French people are notoriously rude, but this rule doesn't apply at Cafe Pastis. I go here about once a week to grab a sandwich and aside from the delicious food, the very best part is the customer service! There is the same french guy in there every time and each time he is SO nice. Can I get your a water while you wait? I'm sorry for the wait. Will you be returning tomorrow madame? A great place to grab a quick bite to eat and escape the usual cuban cuisine and Miami rudeness.
(5)
Hilary W.
Cannot find better French food! I used to eat here all of the time when I lived in Miami. I've tried to find French food as good in San Francisco, but to no avail, not even Plouf's famed mussels can compete. I love that the menu is based on the food of Southern France, which is much lighter than what is served in the North. It's small, with less than 40 seats, so unless you feel like waiting, call ahead on busy nights. On the plus side (kind of), its in a strip mall so you can always put your name on the list and wander around for a while. Do not fill up on bread - this is very dangerous, I am not sure what they do to it, but it is very addictive. Have one piece and hold out until the rest of the food comes. I'd recommend any and all of the starters, my favorites are the pear spinach salad, the shrimp salad, the mussels, and the daily soups, which are usually pureed whatever vegetable is in season (it sounds much nicer in French.) Go early if you want to try the daily soup because it usually sells out. For main courses, I would recommend the bouillabaisse, the steak served with peppercorn sauce and french fries, the chicken with apricots and couscous, the seabass, or the salmon. The menu changes often, and the specials are usually good.If anything, order the french fries, they are perfect. Definatly order dessert, I dont care if you are on a diet, share. The chocolate mousse and the seasonal fruit tarts are out of this world. They also make great coffee. The service can be, well, French, but they'll get to you eventually (the restaurant is not big enough for the service to be slow) so take a sip of wine and a bite of bread with butter, close your eyes, and pretend you are in Marseilles.
(5)
Laura M.
Great little French restaurant (few in Miami) with some really good treats. Parking is not that great but the food is well worth the effort. They are closed for a month in the summer.
(4)
Helen G.
I loved the ambiance of this place! Also, the food was great, not like spectacular, but definately worth the time and money. It is a bit slow, but they were packed when I was there. I enjoyed my meal, and the sparkling lemonade was fantastic.
(4)
Dan B.
This is a truly solid decision if you're longing for good French food in a nice atmosphere. Located in a Red Road strip mall, this cozy little restaurant with the doors open is a casual yet exquisite French restaurant. The servers are very friendly and amiable. The lighting is just perfect. The walls are well decorated with French art and parephernelia. The food is wonderful. A modest menu that can offer you anything from steamed mussels to biftec avec frites (Steak with french fries). I tried a salad that was surrounded by French bread with melted goat cheese. It was accompanied by grilled chicken, greens, and a delicate dressing. The cheese was absolutely amazing. I've also had the New York strip with fries. It's cooked to order and covered with a delicious sauce. The fries are of course wonderful. Great place overall.
(4)
Chuck L.
excellent. Overall it was a very good meal and is a restaurant that I would definitely return to.
(4)
Manny V.
If you enjoy bad service from a staff and owner that truly make you feel like they're doing you a favor by serving you overpriced and mediocre food in a dumpy strip mall with zero ambiance, then Cafe Pastis is the place for you. I enjoy French cooking as much as the next guy, but when it's not that exceptional and the service is unpleasant to boot, I can't see paying hard-earned cash for it. The place does seem to have a constant crowd, so either South Miami has a dearth of decent places to eat, or the local masochists get their kicks from the surly staff.
(1)
Paul S.
I went for dinner and was disappointed with the food. We had a reservation and were seated right away. The atmosphere is very much like a European cafe and service was fine. My only problem was with our food. Maybe we ordered the wrong things. We both had the soup of the day, carrot soup. It was ok, but I've had better. For our entrees, we had the Moroccan chicken breast, which was served with apricots, olives and spices. It came with cous-cous and vegetables. I did not like the dish and the combination of flavors. There was nothing flavorful or savory about it. Diners at other tables seemed to be enjoying their dishes. The most popular dish was the steamed mussels. Judging from the menu, seafood is their specialty and probably would have been the better choice.
(2)
cindy w.
This is a small French bistro in S.Miami that puts out some mouthwatering lunch menus; I had my first croque monsieur here and it was very good from the toastiness of the quality french baguette, to the slices of ham, drippy white cheese, it was all quality, baby, top notch at this cafe. Like French cuisine, this cafe serves up moderate proportions that one can easily finish in one sitting so no leftovers (which is a good thing). The location is a cramped strip mall near Sunset Place and has a few other French businesses nearby (creperie, bakery). The owners can be seen chatting with regular customers. The original menu item I wanted had ran out so like the reviewer said before me, get here sooner.
(4)
Marisol O.
Lovely little spot in South Miami. You think this wouldn't be possible in a strip of stores, but this place does it. Great decor, real atmosphere, and delicious food. Great for lunch or dinner. What holds me back from giving this place five stars is that they sometimes run out of their best dishes, so if you opt for a late dinner you might sacrifice getting the best food.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Street, Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Ambience : Romantic Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Martin M.
Amazing sandwiches with a really great service. It felt like a cafe in a European country. It was a bit small but absolutely quaint. The desserts are really tasty as well. I look forward to returning and trying something new.
(5)Alexandra M.
I wanted a nice place to take my aunt to for Mother's Day brunch. A few days before I had had brunch in a french bistro a couple doors down from Cafe Pastis when this place caught my eye. I called to make a reservation because there was going to be 6 people in my party but they told me they don't take reservations during the day. Okay then. My party and I braved the crowds and were actually able to get a table right next the the front window. Not bad at all. The food was pretty good. I had the quiche with salad. Others ordered the special (pasta?) and a steak frites. The bread was fantastic and the coffee was delicious as well. The service was slightly slow, but I assumed it was probably because we were a larger party and they were pretty busy. I think Cafe Pastis is a hit for lunch. I'd like to try their dinner as well. I'll definetly be back.
(4)Thien H.
My favorite item of the night was the creme brulee for dessert. One of the top five I've ever had. Slightly chilled, bits of raspberries, and rich but not overpowering. The bouillabaisse $24.50 was delicious and a small treasure trove of seafood until I got a huge bite of grit (probably from the mussels). That kinda ruined the rest of the dish for me. I would avoid dipping any sauce from the bottom of the bowl. The steak frites $24.50 were alright. Fries were crispy. Service was friendly although it felt awkward that everyone else were frequent customers. It was like we had crashed a family reunion.
(3)J D.
The food is great!!!! The prosiutto and Brie sandwich is excellent. Its a great place for lunch or dinner.
(4)H. Deborah S.
A little hole in the wall of a strip mall off Red Road. Stay away from here. I want it all to myself...hahhaa, just kidding. I just love when a new place pops onto my radar and the food is delicious. I especially love little restaurants with friendly staff. This is good old fashioned french bistro food. The endive salad was amazingly fresh and the ratio of walnuts and cheese was perfect. The soup was excellent too. We came for lunch and it was packed. I hear it's open for dinner too. Not a good place for a big group, as the space is tiny. There are some seats outside and all of them were taken. I will be back here soon - for dinner.
(4)George F.
I'm so glad Cafe Pastis is there. For my wife and me, it's our default place to go for a dinner we know will be good. No guesswork. No disappointment. The staff are friendly and informal, and the food is excellent. They are very good with seafood and salads as well as their heavier entrees. The grouper is my favorite! For dessert, their tarte tatin is the gold standard, but if they have the chocolate pear tarte, don't miss it. It's a small restaurant, so for dinner it pays to call ahead and make a reservation. Incidentally, portions are large, so we usually split two appetizers and one main dish. The server has the main dish divided onto two plates for us--it's perfect.
(5)Elizabeth G.
Extremely disappointed. Friday night, prime time, the waiter outside we first encountered didnt say a word. We enter and stand at the door since it is small and there is no hostess stand. A gentleman who looks like a manager very welcoming like points to the one table open and says "see that table, its all yours." Perfect! The waiter who is obviously swamped silently drops two menus, napkins, forks and knives on the table and leaves. Your busy, we understand. That was our last interaction.. unacceptable. Three tables are sat, one is served champagne, another who is a couple seated next to us is given water, for over ten minutes we did not receive so much as eye contact. Needless to say we got up from our table and left. After finding this little place on yelp and waiting allllll afternoon for our date.. we were quite upset with this experience. The menu looked yummy, unfortunately all we got from Cafe Pasties was a bad taste in our mouths. Luckily its is a location where there are plenty of other options.
(2)Cristina S.
Lovely family owned and run French cafe serving delicious French bread sandwiches, salads and main course dishes. The Pom frites are perfection. A wonderful find.
(4)Peter T.
Had roast grouper. Wonderful meal. Good service.
(5)Abel I.
Miami and South Florida have no shortage of good food, but the food that I have at Cafe Pastis is undeniably one of the absolute best that you can find down here. I have had everything at Cafe Pastis from their French onion soup, to their quiches, souffles, fish, and the tarte tatins. Rarely do I eat somewhere where the food tastes as fresh and feels as home cooked as it does here. It's always an explosion of flavours in your mouth despite the simplicity of the preparation and presentation. The service is quick and the staff is very nice, it's rare at lunch for one of the owners to not come round and greet you or take your order themselves. The 15-45 minute waits to get in during peak lunch time are a testament to how good this hidden gem is. If you want authentic French (Provencal) cuisine, this is the best you're going to find in Miami.
(5)Sarah G.
Great food, great prices, great service! One of my favorite place in South Miami! Highly recommend!
(5)Israel S.
I love this place, it never fails. Escargot are wonderful with a splash of Pastis in the butter. The house salad is great. The bouillabaisse is exceptional and almost copious enough for 2. Steak frites perfect, the duck, it's all authentically delicious. Daily specials are good too. Desserts are major especially the tarte tatin. Chocolate mousse could be darker. : - ( The staff is courteous and efficient, all French. It's a bit cramped especially inside; we only go in the cooler months when we sit outside. Speaking of which, RSVP or you'll have to wait for a table. All around this is one of the few restaurants I would miss if I left Miami.
(5)Belinda B.
Just did not enjoy my meal. Mushroom/Squash soup was a watery mystery that lacked squash!?? Complimentary bread and butter were cold?! Entree of fish was doused in a sweet sauce that needed acid. And I skipped dessert and coffee..30+bucks down the drain. Happy Holidays
(1)Barbara S.
The food was amazing. The service was excellent! The fresh butter served with the bread is delicious. I highly suggest the Escargot and the Duck Pate; the best I have ever had. The bouillabaisse was very fresh and flavorful.
(5)Pie E.
Excellent food, will return to sample some of the other dishes on the menu. Only negative thing I have to say, they don't accept AMEX.
(5)Liz Z.
Completely satisfied. Loved my grilled shrimp salad and spent rest of the meal trying to figure out the couscous ingredients.
(5)Persefoni V.
I love coming here! It has a charming vibe and the food is always consistent. I usually order their mussels with fries but last time I got their steak and it was good to perfection! The staff is very attentive and very welcoming. I would call ahead to make a reservation unless you go early then you'll be able to find a table easy. Be prepared to sit close to other tables or if they seat you in the communal table instead you will be rubbing shoulders with a stranger but that never bothered me as long as their fork doesn't end up in my plate! It will not disappoint.
(4)Patrick L.
There was a time when I thought I disliked French food. Nothing against the French at all - I merely had the idea that their food was based on thick, disgusting, gloppy, cheesy, creamy sauces, so I avoided their restaurants. Of course, in my later evolution into the world of foodie-dom, I would learn that French cooking is, in actuality, not so easily pigeonholed or restrictive; in fact, it's pretty much the creative fountainhead of the Western culinary world, with far-reaching influence even beyond that. Not to say that those gloppy, heavy-handed sauces don't exist, but at South Miami's Cafe Pastis, they're easy to avoid. Pastis offers up more of a rustic flair to its dishes, which I'm all for. The place is tiny, hidden within a small shopping center on 57th Avenue. It may not exactly be the ideal setting for a French restaurant, but I swear, sit there for just a little bit, and it begins to feel less like South Miami, and more like....somewhere else, a little slice of what I'm guessing a Parisian cafe feels like. It feels more down-home and authentic than, say, Le Bouchon in the Grove. My raves are based on only one dish, because that's what I order when I come here - the lamb shank. It's a Fred Flintstone-sized hunk of succulent lamb that peels off the bone with a minimum of effort. Spiced with the right amount of thyme and sitting in a pool of lentils, this is fantastic country cooking, Old World-style. While the rest of the menu looks good (and probably is), I'm not certain I could ever see myself ordering something else.
(4)Ross S.
Great little French Bistro in South Miami! Great food and great service always an enjoyable experience 5*****.
(5)Alaina L.
Quaint little French bistro in the heart of South Miami.... We discovered this place while roaming around waiting for our late night showing of Gatsby to start. I was so hungry that I almost settled for a generic looking pizza place around the corner. But as I passed by this tiny little french place, it's low lit, romantic vibe drew me in. So, naturally I immediately YELP searched it. Needless to say, 4 stars had me sold! We stopped dead in our tracks & headed in. We were greeted very promptly, despite how busy this place was on a Monday night! I ordered a Kronenbourg beer & the onion soup. Very satisfying! I shared the Grouper entree with my boyfriend.....leeks, sundried tomatoes, roasted garlic, au gratin potatoes in herbs de Provence, with squash and zucchini....all cooked to perfection in a rich buttery Chardonnay sauce. Amazing! We will be back!
(4)Rags M.
Rustic French in a postage-stamp-sized store front. Yes, it is pretty decent for what it is, but - by definition - its food can seem heavy and old-fashioned.
(3)Denise M.
Had a great lunch with my girls. Food was good and service was GREAT. Will most definitely be returning.
(4)Ian T.
This little french restaurant tucked-away in a strip mall was a pleasant surprise for my wife and I. I would not claim to be an expert on the authenticity of French cuisine, but a good sign is that the chef and most of the staff are genuinely French -- as are, I noticed, a good number of their patrons. The atmosphere was definitely reminiscent of a small cafe you would find in Paris; the staff was attentive and helpful in the extreme. As for the food: great. The Onion Soup was rich without being overwhelming. The bread was firm and crusty on the outside and soft on the inside. My grouper was fresh and well prepared and my wife's goat cheese ravioli was tasty. Also, in each you can definitely taste the wine without being overwhelming. I must also add that the value is good. French restaurants tend to be notorious for their large prices and small portions. Café Pastis is the opposite: generous portions at a very reasonable price. A definite recommend.
(4)Nate H.
Great lunch place in downtown South Miami. Authentic French Bistro with the best onion soup and Croque Monsieur I've ever had! The service is very French AND very friendly. Always busy but worth a 15 minute wait for a table.
(5)Christina M.
Food is delicious!!! Love the pain baguette. Very cozy... Try the goat cheese Salad. It's wow...
(5)June L.
Hole in the wall with tables close together and a few on the sidewalk - authentic bistro atmosphere. The bouillabaisse was outstanding. The special of the night not so much. They took their perfectly good mussels and added a strong curry flavor (not a Thai curry, rather an Indian slant). The escargots are topnotch. French waiters and owners are firstrate. I want to go back to sample more dishes.
(4)Ena I.
Great place to dine or have lunch. Super cozy and great menu. Makes you feel you are in France.
(5)Karen S.
I have to start by saying... They have the best onion soup I have tried, including the ones I had while in Paris! The onion soup was amazing, very creamy and tasty. I also loved the atmosphere! The place is cozy, more like a local Paris restaurant! Even though my boyfriend and I only came for the onion soup, everything we saw served around us looked really good and we would definitely be coming back for a full meal very soon! I also have to say our server NICO was extremely nice and made our meal very pleasant! :)
(5)Food G.
Loved the quaint ambiance of this place. Staff was very friendly and made an effort. The food was just good. Steak was not prepared correctly and covered with sauce. Mussels sauce was great but small. Will definitely come back and enjoy a glass of wine but only venture to appetizers.
(3)Carolina M.
The best l'entrecote I've had in this area...also, the fries are exquisite I would try everything here. I've been here several times (did not check-in) and never had a bad experience with the service. They say they're rude...never happened to me. I wouldn't mind, anyway. The quality of the food is good, I would always come back!
(5)Brie B.
Despite the wait on a Saturday night, this place has delicious food. I've been fortunate to travel to Paris a few times and it's actually pretty comparable to the ambience, service and food quality. The escargot was superb. Definitely a nice change in the Sunset area. We'll be going there again.
(4)Sergio F.
After my unimpressive lunch, I had to salvage my one hour of Sergio time in my Nine-to-Five. For some people, me time is retail therapy. For me, it's dessert! Since that's all I had here, this review will be short and SWEET! The name on the menu for the dish I had is called "Yummy Yummy" and that, my friends, is truth in advertising. The nutella was deliciously lathererd across the crepe bread (a little thicker and darker - whole wheat, perhaps - than the ones I had in San Francisco), and stuffed with pieces of fresh strawberries and bananas. Add a garnishing sprinkle of sugar, and my lunchtime palate was soothed. Tres bien Cafe Pastis!
(4)Lester M.
Best onion soup I have ever had. Came here because my girlfriend was in the mood for French onion soup and we have heard good things about this place. It was a rainy afternoon and un-Miami-like it was not balmy and sauna-like outside so we grabbed a table outside. We asked for the onion soup and that's where we ended it. No need to go on. The onion soup was the beginning of all beginnings and the the end to all ends. This bowl of deliciousness, this pot of liquid gold is what awaits for you at the end of the rainbow. The soup was more creamy than brothy, had tons of tasty, caramelized onions, the bread was very fresh as it was not soggy in the soup. And cheese, tons and tons of melted goodness dripping all over the bowl. I have had onion soup in every place I have been that serves onion soup, even in every place I ate while in Paris. No one beats this one. One big thanks to our server Nico, he was beyond helpful. And even though we only had the soup, everything on the menu looked really good. We will definitely come back for a formal dinner.
(5)Jessica F.
We came here for dinner after a few years and left very please. My husband said it is his new favorite restaurant in Miami. The trout with goat cheese was exceptional, the grouper and escargots both excellent as well. We were so full we had to pass on dessert. Its a fairly small space so we started off sharing a table, but then we parted ways when the table next to us cleared up. It was a bit hot because they leave the door open, but in the fall months it should be nice. I wish they had weekend brunch!
(4)Monica S.
The staying power of some of the businesses along this mini refined strip mall is pretty awesome. Café Pastis is going on something like its 15th year and I still have memories from when it first opened. My dad's bestfriend was a Frenchman and our weekly joint family outing was to Pastis. More often than not, there'd be a table ordering 8 steak frites and maybe one order of escargot for good French measure. Today, my mom and I returned for nostalgia's sake and of course, the steak frites. The first sign of a solid experience, everyone there is still fully French and the owner continues to arrive for the night's service. For a neighborhood spot, I love the commitment he has for his diminutive eatery. Adorning the walls, you guessed it, French paraphernalia. Service was attentive and familiar and food was completely devoured. Vive Pastis!
(4)T W.
First time in Miami. First ever restaurant in Miami. I made a great choice if I do say so myself. All the food was delicious and light. The staff were charming, knowledgeable and kept things running very nicely. We didn't have long to wait for our food. We went around noon on Friday. By the time we left, the tiny place was packed. I might try to go again before we leave so I can try more on the menu.
(5)Berta C.
Delicious food and friendly service. If you are in a hurry, this not the place to go. Every dish we ordered was perfect. I highly recommend.
(5)Cliff W.
Small and unassuming location I had the croque m and onion soup which was some if the best I've ever had. Be prepared to wait a few minutes for your table
(4)Sylvia Q.
Fantastic little French restaurant! Cafe Pastis offers a taste of Paris in Miami at a reasonable price. Items range from the expected, such as the escargot, to the divine, as with their preparation of local snapper. With plenty of plats du jour, you can try something new every time, or stick to consistently good meals. The establishment lends itself well to business lunches. It is busy, in a bustling area of South Miami/Sunset Place, but refined. The close quarters and encompassed dining area create an intimate fun & french atmosphere. Selections are paired with a small portion of mesclun greens and frites. The mussels are incredibly light, reminiscent of the South of France. I highly recommend them, as an entree or starter. Sweet endings, too, are possible; pair a delightful noisette with a just-baked tarte aux fruits, and you will leave seeing 'La Vie en Rose'.
(5)Claudia J.
Small french little place that transports you to the French Riviera!! The menu is always good, we always have the escargots (they are the BEST with that oil and some french bread... yumi!) don't think you are eating snails... you are having a delicacy!!! Their Bouillabaisse is great, has lots of seafood, good to share with someone else! The NY Steak with french fries always a winner too!! Their seafood is super fresh, either be fish or shells - steamed mussells are the BEST (but be carefull for those that are sensitive to alcohol - the sauce has tons of white wine) also, good dish with bread!!! everything goes with bread in this place!! I always tend to see what other people are eating, it always a good indication that the food LOOKS, SMELLS and TASTE good. It's ambience is so cozy, decor great, owned and operated by french people. They actually have another place in the same shopping mall, they sell bread, desserts and sweet stuff - another place to stop by for afternoon bite!
(5)Stephanie L.
Had heard rave recommendations about this place from a colleague and decided to check it out with my boyfriend for our anniversary. Found it where he had described...located in a nondescript shopping center across from Ace Hardware, it seemed like your average hole-in-the-wall. They have a tiny parking lot, but I wasn't too impressed. Then, we went inside and it was bright and cozy. We had reservations so seating was not a problem, although the tables were a bit close. Decided to share some wine and started with the french onion soup and the mussels. The soup was delicious! Cheesy, gooey top, with crusty bread, piping hot broth and yummy soft onions inside. Just the right amount of spices and flavors! The mussels too were extra fresh and came in a wonderful sauce. For the entree I went with the bouillabaisse and the boyfriend went with the lamb. Mine was huge (I ended up having some for lunch the next day), and was filled with an assortment of fresh fish in a delectable, savory broth. The boyfriend's choice of lamb was flavorful, well-seasoned and very tender. Neither of us were big lentil fans, but we tried those that came with it and were pleasantly surprised to discover how delicious lentils could be! For dessert we split the berry tart, which was the perfect ending to the meal. Light and creamy custard with fresh, bright berries it left us with a great taste in our mouth. I took French in high school and college, and I enjoyed getting the chance to use it with the waiters, whom I found to be helpful and friendly. All-in-all it was a charming restaurant and I'm sure I'll be back to get my French fix!
(5)Customer A.
Authentic French food. The bread was amazing. Great service and very good charcuterie. I have a bit of a problem with the overall cleanliness of the place. Food is delicious.
(4)Mary e.
Cute little spot. Loved the service and the food. Had The grouper with leek and cream sauce it was so good it didn't even need lemon. Little pile of field greens with balsamic vinaigrette and broiled zucchini. And the bread! OMG, how I adore French baguette with salty butter. Made my day. The only drawback is the table arrangements I hate to sit at tables where I bump elbows with the neighbors. But will I go back, absolutely I can't wait
(4)Sylvie C.
belle. this incroyable little belle, the tiniest, most beautiful, 7 year old french waitress came to greet us at the door. table for two?, she asked, ever so sweetly. my friend and i were astonished at this 4 foot tall girl, playing dress up in an apron. the adorable waitress sat us, and we spent most of the following 90 minutes engaged in discussion about how freaking cute the family that owns this restaurant is. perfect glasses of chardonnay were consumed, leading to more discussion on the cuteness of the family. a delicious goat cheese salad was next, that defied all haters of salads. this salad was perfection. fried sticky gooey goat cheese spread on sweet olive bread with lightly dressed mesclun greens. belle. the unfortunate miss of the afternoon were the dry mussels, served in a watery broth with little taste. we ate them nonetheless, and were too distracted by the perfect ambiance to notice or really care. the frites were excellent however. my feeling is that the rest of the menu is superb, and I will certainly be back to check it out.
(4)Andrea G.
we went last night for my husband's B Day and it was AMAZING!!!! the food, the service, the atmosphere everything was great.
(5)Michael C.
French food has never been my favorite choice when going out. Granted I'm more familiar with it than British, but for some reason, for European cuisines I prefer Italian or German to French. Why this doesn't make sense is the rich tastes you get with simply superb French cuisine. I think my hesitation is based on also the rich cost. Ultimately you get what you pay for at Cafe Pastis, and you'll be paying a lot (and probably bringing something home, so bonus!). My family and I went to celebrate both my parents' birthdays. They used to be big fans for Bistro Bisou, which unfortunately has closed. However there was positive feedback on the only remaining French Bistro in Miami (yet oddly not the only French store in that block of shops) and as it has been around for 10 years, we all figured it couldn't be that bad. The place was packed when we arrived. We had a reservation, but still had to wait a few moments. Within 5 minutes, we were all seated within the tiny restaurant. The main room is both kitchen and dining area. And while you wouldn't expect it, those two chefs and the serving staff are able to accomplish delicious acts. After ordering we were quickly given a fresh baguette. Warm and delicious, I joked "If the bread is this good, how will the meal be?" We were then given our appetizer of the raviolis with goat cheese. It was great and we put that bread to good use sopping up the sauce. Then our meals arrived. The best was the duck my mother ordered. Such flavor and the meat was so tender. My father and I went with the bouillabaisse, joking that Flint would be able to tell the region. The soup was full of shrimp, craw fish, mussels and at least 3 different fish. It was filling and huge, with both my father and I should have been able to split one. Then came the dessert: the apple tart was sold out, so we went with the raspberry tart and the chocolate mousse. Everything was flavorful, filling and prompt. I had a wonderful experience, although the place is small, so only go on a date, and see if you can eat outside to enjoy more room.
(5)Andy D.
I remember Cafe Pastis from years back. The food was to die for. Now the years have come and gone, and Cafe Pastis is still there. A very good sign. But, I sure wouldn't die for the food. The staff sat me all the way in the back, I was hoping that it was the best seat in the house or because it was busy, they had to sit me there. I had a little trepidation about eating at that table, as the station picked up all the negative odors. I guess today's odor was fish and bathroom smell. I'm hoping they cleaned the kitchen, at least once in a while. But, my nose finally got used to the smell. The wait staff was quick to take my order, the menu made everything look good. From pate, to smoked salmon salad. The menu was very French, and that brings me to what I fear the most (next to snakes, clowns and vomiting in public). ordering something that's no good. Well that kinda happened today, the soup incredible, the sandwich not! I knew I should have gotten something different! I ordered the roasted chicken and Harissa sandwich on a French beget, with a bowl of onion soup. All for a whopping $10.00. That for what I got was a decent price (if everything was good). So why the three stars, well Pastis' onion soup was excellent, I wanted more and more, but the roasted chicken sandwich was totally devoid of flavor, there wasn't even a slathering of my much anticipated Harissa sauce. Now I saw others being served remarkable entree's like the Pate I mentioned before, it was spectacularly plated, looked. Like art work. The salads looked fresh and bold with colors. I was so unlucky today. My soup was great, but the sandwich was flat. I'd go again, but I'd order way different.
(3)Rebecca G.
We moved to South Miami about a month ago and have been checking out some of the local places. This place is awesome - authentic French cuisine. The owner greeted us and gave us a great table. The wait staff was attentive and accommodating. The pate was excellent, and our entrees and dessert were delicious. The place was very busy for a Thursday night around 8 pm! We'll certainly be going back!
(4)Cliff F.
Pastis is a rare breed of Miami restaurant. Understated, hearty, and oozing with personality. Admittedly, I've only experienced their lunch service--but I can't imagine that such a special place would provide anything less than a stellar experience. The restaurant is intimate (read: small) and there are about six tables outside for parties of three or less. I prefer sitting outside, but inside is equally delightful. The kitchen is wide open for all to see and located in the middle of the dining room. Their sandwiches are SO. GOOD. I've tried a few, and my favorites are the homemade pate de canard sandwich or the smoked salmon and roasted red pepper pesto sandwich. Each is served with french fries (very FRENCH fries) and makes a really special lunch. You can also order a half-sandwich with french onion soup--which is second to none. Also, the service has never let me down. Its a small, family operation that feels as authentically French as their food. I can hardly wait to go back--and I'm determined to go for dinner soon.
(5)Alex G.
I love Cafe Pastis!!!! The NY steak sandwich with brie is killer!!!!! And their fries just like the bread is from France!!!! At night I love their bouillabaisse reminds me of this old restaurant in the Port of Marseille. Simply devine!
(5)Michael R.
So we read the good reviews and decided to go for a Saturday lunch with friends. BIG Disappointment. All I have to say is that the croque-monsieur was made with wonder-bread. Yes, WONDER-BREAD! The French onion soup lacked flavor, more like boiled water with yes, wonder bread! If you want a good French bistro/diner, try Frenchies in Coral Gables!
(2)Chris B.
Very charming, very French with an imaginative menu. Wine list is very good although limited. Pastis should be a frequent choice.
(4)Steph D.
My favorite restaurant in Miami; hands down. I have been dinning here since it opened- almost 15 years ago. The duck confit and all of the seafood dishes (Grouper, Dolphin, Salmon, Seafood Stew...) are amazing. The prices are very reasonable as well. Two suggestions: skip the chocolate desserts (the fruit ones are delicious) and bring your wine if you want something fancy.
(5)Elynn G.
Cue the Parisian café soundtrack....Ahh Café Pastis...you are un petit gem tucked in a non-conventional locale...a strip mall. I have been dying to come here because my friends have been raving about this place for years, and I finally got the opportunity to go two weeks ago. I went with a small group of voraciously hungry folk and we were not disappointed! We had a reservation and were sat in a timely fashion in the inside of the restaurant facing the kitchen. From our vantage point I swear I felt as if I was in a cafe in Paris. We started off with a rosé wine from Provence that was absolutely delicious. The escargot, cheese and charcuterie plates were next on the agenda..let's just say I had a religious experience with the escargot. It is all about the sauce and they are on point! You can't help but sop it up with the French bread. The appetizer plates were plentiful to share and delish! The Brie was my personal favorite...the table ordered a wide range of dishes from the mussels(omg perfectly seasoned) with pomme frites to the ravioli to what I had and enjoyed ...the Bouillabaisse which was chock full of fish and seafood in a star anise and saffron broth. As if that was not enough le piece de resistance was their chocolate mousse...we pretty much rolled out of the place in a gastronomic big O! I look forward to returning soon and trying their creme brûlée ! Bon Appetit!
(4)Margot B.
Over the years, I must have driven by this place well over 1,000 times but had never stopped in. Mon dieux what a mistake! Last night I had a friend in town from the Northeast and he is very picky about his food, but likes "good French"...and Cafe Pastis did not disappoint! For starters, the management truly is French which is always a good sign. We shared a salad to start. Then he ordered the grouper and I had the moules mariniere. Both dishes were nothing short of excellent. For dessert we shared a raspberry tart which was light and served with real whipped creme and toasted almonds. We also had a bottle of wine and the bill came in just under $100, which I found to be very reasonable. Sacre bleu!!! Really fine French food in of all places, South Miami! Next time I will try the onion soup that other reviewers are raving about and of course, the mousse au chocolat.
(5)sara r.
HOLY HELL, this place is good. Try the moules.
(5)Elyse W.
This place is adorable. A good date place. Very European ambiance and for similar fare SO much cooler and tastier than George's right down the street (but I wouldn't want the crowd at George's finding that out). Service is also fantastic. The place closes kind of earlish (by Miami standards, at least) on a Friday, at 10:30, and a member of my party was a bartender and was working late and didn't actually show up until 10:30ish and the peeps at Cafe Pastis actually kept the kitchen open and tended to us without a trace of resentment for making them stay open later than usual. The owner actually made jokes about it, making us feel a little less like assholes we were for pulling that kind of stunt. Food was packed with flavor -- I had the roasted grouper with chick pea puree and pesto aioli which was very tasty. BUT I kind of wished I got the lamb shank. I took a few bites from someone else's and it was phenomenal. And it was a good size, looking pretty impressive presentation-wise. I had the chocolate mousse for desert and it's probably the best I've ever had. Highly recommend!
(5)Grant S.
French cafe seekers can find better! If average food, slow inattentive (typically French) service and high prices are on your menu, then this is your spot! I would actually give these guys 3 stars if the prices weren't so outlandish and the location wasn't completely lacking in ambience. For this meal, we sat outside in the strip center parking lot. Pretty humdrum for a fancy restaurant, or at least at those prices. Were it a date, the parking lot wouldn't have cut it. For a French cafe, they have a stunningly poor selection of red wine by the glass, preferring to tap customers for a bottle if they can. At least the wine was average, though it arrived in the world's cheapest glasses. If you're a real connoisseur, you know that the glass counts - so watch out before you spend big bucks on vino in 50 cent glasses. The Moules (appetizer portion) was average, and the service provided a wine holder for the shells. There was the typical sauce with the typical flavors and cooked fine enough. I ordered the Tuna Tartare for my appetizer, which was the highlight of the evening for me. The lemon flavoring was crisp and overall the dish was pleasing, if slightly short on portion size. It only arrived with 2 toast slices, and a 3rd or 4th would have been appreciated. I suppose some people would appreciate having a small salad with this dish, but I would've preferred just a little more tartare instead. My real beef with this restaurant was their entree and the service alongside it. I am VERY reluctant to send a dish back to the kitchen - and in most cases, assuming it's edible, will just scarf it down and chalk it up to human error. Unfortunately, lazy service is one thing, but thoughtless service is entirely another. My dining companion and I both ordered a Strip Steak with peppercorn sauce and potato fries. Mine was ordered rare, his medium rare. The kitchen, or server failed to note which order was which led to the orders being switched. I tried a few bites, figuring that the small end of the cut was possibly overcooked, but as I got further in, would find a nice pink center. Instead, the meat kept getting drier as I went (not too far) and I looked in on my friend who was eagerly devouring my rare steak well beyond the point where a trade was in order. In honesty, it looked pretty good... I asked the server (this took a while) to please replace it, who of course was followed by the manager attempting to salvage my sadly overcooked piece of meat. As someone who's not a return to sender guy, having my request checked, THEN double checked was not much appreciated. Anyone could see that my meal was medium (yes, they botched my friends' order too) and not even close to rare. Then, they performed what I consider the ultimate sin in these circumstances. They undercooked the re-ordered rare steak. At that point I was fairly ravenous, and glad to have a seared steak rather than the previously provided Goodyear tire. I ate it, I was hungry, it was not very enjoyable, just some protein in the gut. The steak peppercorn sauce was 1000% unexciting, lacking distinct flavor. I've had this same sauce at numerous similar restaurants, and this seemed a deliberate attempt at thinning and bland-ing a sauce which could be exciting and spicy. The steak cut itself was fairly cheap for the price, the original being a tiny sliver which could not have been over 8 ounces and not very finely marbled. Overall, the steak was an FF for eFFort and execution. The fries they served with it were slightly overcooked and tiny. I mean, how can a French restaurant really butcher French Fries - one of the simplest items on the menu. I ate a few of the larger fries and left the rest on the plate. Their "aioli" mayonaise was also disappointing and tasted like a flat imitation of Helman's mayo, lacking any kick or excitement at all. Again, a simple dish prepared poorly and without thought of flair or distinction. The meal finished with a tasty home made Chocolate Mousse for me and a Cheese Platter for my friend which I could not even look at after eating a virtually uncooked steak. After the meal finished and we corralled the server for a check, I felt full in a sick, overfed kind of way - even though my portions were not huge - probably due to the undercooked steak. Overall, this restaurant would rate a C- minus were it not for the pricing, since you've got to expect some service sluggishness in a French cafe setting. I will never ever eat at this Cafe ever again, and suggest you do the same unless your car breaks down in front of it and you're too lazy to walk down the street to George's.
(2)Jacqueline R.
I live rather far from this place but it is my go to French place. I take my doggie and we sit outside. They are dog friendly. The prices for authentic French food are the best in Miami. I love every dish I have tried there. Do try their house French wines. The escargot is great, their baguette delicious, loved the grouper thats my fav. The bouillabaisse is great especially for the price, other places charge much more for that dish and there is no difference. I want to go back for fries and mussels and goat cheese salad. The cafe au lait is lovely and not to be missed.
(5)Bill A.
After 11 years this place is still excellent and that is a true complement to the owners! Please keep it up! We love a Cafe Pastis. Had my first date with my wife here, and we still go back when we can and if we can get a baby sitter. It's one of the most consistant places I have eaten at, year after year.
(5)G-Funk G.
Maybe it's because I'm french, but I ADORE this place. Great authentic food, well priced, and French ambiance. Fries are too die for! Expect to wait if you're heading over for lunch, they are usually busy, but will seat pretty quickly. Haven't been there for dinner, but definitely recommend for lunch. Sandwiches are great, fries are phenomenal (make sure you ask for the aioli), and quiches are usually tops as well.
(4)Eddy D.
When I was there, it took me back to the cafes of Paris. It's tight quarters in there, but the food is tasty and service is quick, though it might be in French. Even my Dad liked it and he hates most restaurants! Try the grouper!
(4)Philip B.
Went here tonight for the first time because a friend recommended it to me. It really is easy to miss this place but I've been driving by for years and boy am I glad that we finally gave it a try. We got there a little before 6pm which is when they open, but they gave us some menus and we sat outside since the weather was nice. For starters we ordered the French Onion Soup and the Charcuterie. The soup was outstanding and had the right amount of onions and a nice bubbly layer of cheese on the top. The Charcuterie came with salami, prosciutto, tapenade and duck pate. The platter was very good. I'm not a fan of tapenade but this one was okay. The salami, prosciutto and pate were all great, however. For mains, we ordered the Roasted Duck with black currant and fig sauce and the Bouillabaise. The duck came with potatoes, zucchini and squash - all of which were excellent and cooked perfectly. The duck itself was excellent as well, as the sauce complemented it perfectly. They also put some fried onions on there which paired well with the duck. It is a great dish. The Bouillabaise came with shrimp, grouper, crawfish, lobster, and fennel with a great saffron fish soup. It also came with croutons and a nice spicy sauce to put on it which was excellent as well. It really reminded me of being in France and was an excellent dish. Finally, we ordered desserts. We ordered the Caramelized Apple Tart and the Creme Brulee. Both were absolutely wonderful and a pleasure to eat. They give you a nice large slice of the apple tart and the homemade whipped cream is a very nice touch. The Creme Brulee was absolutely perfect as well. It had berries in it and was nice and creamy as well as having the nice burnt brown sugar crust. This really was a perfect ending to a great meal. The prices are very reasonable and the service is wonderful. It's a nice quaint restaurant and is definitely out of the ordinary than the usual places in Miami. We will definitely be back!
(4)Lourdes W.
This is a no-fuss authentic French cuisine restaurant in your neighborhood. The service is friendly and it's set up like, well..a cafe (hence the name) with small tables inside and out. It's in a strip mall, but I don't discriminate especially when the food is good. You must have the mussels. I've dined here a couple of times and I always order this dish. You can have a half order ($12) or a full order ($24). The half order seems like a full order. I don't even want to know what the full order entails. The white wine sauce that these mussels are cooked in is "to--die-for" and the mussels are hassel-free...they peel right off the shell. They also have one of the best duck pate's I've ever tried. It's part of the Charcuterie dish that also comes with prosciutto and french salami as well. It was amazing! I never have room for anything else. This is a solid french affair!
(4)JC L.
Found this awesome little place by mistake and I am happy I did. The quality of the bread is excellent and the selection in their menu is great. Their pesto prosciutto baguette sandwich is delicious. Their "French" fries are not that tasty but who the hell goes there for "French" fries without expecting a punch right in the jaw for it... When I saw the option I ordered it with my sandwich, but I was afraid to ask the French waitress for ketchup, just in case it would be considered a rude "American peasant" thing to ask for. :-) The quality of the Brie cheese is also worth checking out since most places give you a very bad quality version of it. My colleague ordered the French Onion Soup and he loved it. I still like Buena Vista Deli a lot more for my French 'desires', but this is a great spot nonetheless.
(4)Rafael L.
This place is my new favorite restaurant in. south Miami. Let's start with the service, I went there with my 2 kids (7 and 5) and the entire staff (including the owner) were super accommodating. We started with the goat cheese soufflés with poached pears and prosciutto, it was warm and perfectly cooked. Even the side arugula salad was eaten whole. The kids had chicken with fries and the mushroom soup. It was gone at the end of the meal. I ordered the bouillabaisse (which was huge) and again very good. All the seafood in the bowl was great if I had to critique one thing it would be The crawfish, which were just ok (cooked perfectly just not a huge fan of crawfish- would be better to replace with langoustines maybe?). My wife had the trout and that was amazing. Perfectly balanced and with crispy skin. Mmmmm. We finished our Meal with the tarte tatin and espressos. Perfect ending to a great meal. Will be back often. :)
(5)Denis B.
I had the Bouillabaisse and was blown away! This balanced FRESH seafood stew brought me to a bistro in Marseilles. Heavenly! The service was comfortable and without attitude. How refreshing!
(5)Tomas R.
This place is right on the cusp of 4 stars but I just can't do it. Although my rainbow trout stuffed with spinach and goat cheese was to die for, my wife's shrimp was over cooked and rubbery. My dad's lamb shank lacked flavor on a bed of undercooked lentils. The saving grace was that the escargot was the best I have had in Miami. If yelp had half stars I would give it 3.5, but we will be back since maybe it was an off day. The chefs are skilled and I have to eat the rainbow trout again.
(3)Lindsay G.
I just spent 20 minutes searching for the name of this place so that I can someday return to it... and all I had was a salad. If that doesn't tell you something about the chef here, I don't know what does. The meal was rounded out with bread and red wine - both of which were delicious. But this salad reminded me of lunches I had in Paris and haven't had recreated since I've been back. Warm, tangy goat cheese, and sweet honey matched with a spicy vinaigrette - such a perfect combination, the lettuce is hardly necessary. The ambiance was lovely and unexpected in South Miami. Simple, authentic French food I can't wait to go back to!
(4)Ivan M.
Please repair the A/C. If you own a business in Miami, "working A/C" is probably right up there with "view of the water" in terms of importance. I'll be happy to return the fifth star once it's cold inside, because the food is still fantastic.
(4)Allie W.
This is a really great place to have any kind of lunch at. It's busy at lunch so come on the early side. I had the French Onion soup and french fries. I'm not going to lie-I wasn't as impressed with the French Onion soup as I expected to be, given the reviews raving about it. Also, the french fries looked incredible but were just "good" french fries. They were good, but not worth the calories.
(4)Christie A.
I love this little local hole in the wall for lunch. Savory French onion soup, great sandwiches and salads, and fantastic mussels can all be found on their lunch menu. I know there are also other dishes available, but I usually stick to the "lighter" fare for lunch so I am not too familiar with those items. Be careful at what time you show up if you do come for your lunch break because right around noon this place gets packed since it is small. Be there around 11:45 or after 1PM and you should be okay. The service is always quick and attentive, and the prices are decent. Try any of their baguette sandwiches...they are fantastic. Word to the wise, ask for a side of pesto and smear it on any sandwich...talk about delicious condiment/addition to your lunch! The pesto is also awesome for dipping your basket of frites in to! Yum-o! I've heard dinner here is also very good, but I have yet to find that out for myself.
(4)Danny F.
Now, I won't sit here and write to you explicitly indicating that i'm some sort of french food expert. I'd rather have Gordon Ramsay berate me until I prefer eating dog food and consider THAT good eating. But I do know jive, and this place has some. I came here for a creme brulee, and a glass of 1664. These frenchies could have been pretentious. They could have been lewd. But instead, they served me a nice creme brulee, and my glass of 1664, and left me to myself outside. After all was tasted and drank, they came back to me and asked me "Do you feel better?" You're damn certain I did.
(4)Freddy G.
I honestly have to give this place a second try since everyone seems to love it so much. The reason I'm giving it 3 stars is simple. The food was not very good and Tania R. and I had to wait outside for over 40 minutes before we were seated. My steak was not tender and the sauce with which it came, I did not like. I must say, the service was good and the spot is cozy. When I go again I will update my review. Hopefuly second time is the charm. 3 stars!
(3)Antuan D.
I was in Cafe Pastis a long time ago. The place is small and the service is not too quick. This will most likely bring your business down. Well, it was full of guests and they were all enjoying their meals. It is a classic French Bistro where the owner is one of the servers-cooks-host-andanythingelseyouneedhimfor. Food was good and I will comeback if I am in the area, I don't think it is my first choice, but definitely worst the try.
(4)Remy H.
The only thing I order from the menu is the mussels in onion and white wine with fries. Everything else comes off the chalkboard based on the servers recommendations. Trust the server, you will never go wrong.
(5)George G.
I only eat lunches here and there good! I love the french onion soup, and you can do a soup and salad for lunch. But don't stop at that or you'll miss out! Small spot & tight parking. It's worth it, this is real French food the way I like it! Great food not to pretentious!
(4)Robert W.
We found this place from the zagat book. We always wanted to try French cuisine and boy this place is good. Its in a small strip mall. Parking might be a problem so you should try to go before it gets busy. The place is small. No joke! You will be sitting close to other customers, maybe even bumping elbows! The kitchen is also tiny and you wonder how they could make such wonderful food in such a small place but they do! The seafood is fresh and tasty. The Roasted Lamb Shank and Duck Leg is so tender and flavorful. The Bouillabaisse du Vieux Port (Saffron Fish Soup) is hearty and full of seafood. The flavor is intense of seafood, very fresh and sweet. This is where I first tried escargot! It really didnt have any taste, is that normal? I will have to try it at another french place to know for sure and ill update this. The apple tart dessert is incredible! Ask them to warm it up for you.
(4)Ravi B.
If this place suffers from the trappings of the stereotypical pretentious French restaurant replete with snooty waiters, like some reviewers have voiced, I guess I am too stupid of an American to notice (and I always thought they were laughing with me - not at me!). This is a charming, intimate (very intimate - expect to be banging elbows with the patrons sitting next to you) cafe that serves absolutely delicious food without overdoing the cuisine's indulgences (butter, oil, more butter). Start with the snails (or call it escargot, if that will help you to not think you're eating a snail), soaked in enough garlic-y oil to distract your mind that you're eating a....well, you know. This is a great place to try some duck - they have a duck sausage special that is not too strong, but a little oily; duck legs with a nice fig sauce. For fish, trout is the way to go. Their (Moroccan style) chicken dishes are tasty as well. For dessert, there can only be one choice - apple tart! Incredible and, again, not too heavy on another French cuisine indulgence - sugar. If you go during peak lunch and dinner periods, expect to wait a long time and expect the place be loud - with a lot of conversations in French going on. After you eat, make sure you move your car from the small strip mall Pastis is located or the security Nazis will be very unhappy.
(5)Krupa H.
I came here with my family and totally felt like I was in sidestreet cafe in Europe by the ambiance. I started out with the French Onion soup and the Gruyere cheese was oooey and gooey good. I had the cheese ravioli for dinner and surprisingly there wasn't much filling inside, but I think it was goat cheese on the side that you dip it in and it was soooooooo good. And of course you have to have dessert; so we had the chocolate mousse and the raspberry torte. They were both good, but not knock your socks of good. The raspberries were very fresh, so I would go for that or try something different the next time I go. My other family members raved about what they got which was the salmon and the braised ribs (the special). The only negative thing I have to say was that the service was a little slow at times, but the restaurant was packed and their outdoor seating was full as well. I am definitely going back for more.
(4)Craig J.
Cafe Pastis is another of Miami's mediocre neighborhood French restaurants that fail to deliver in the food department. It's located in a strip mall near the Sunset complex with parking out front. The decor is appropriate for a small French place. Seating is very limited and tight - let's call it intimate - indoors as well. Service was solid, and the menu has a fair amount of variety. The wine list has some good variety and is pretty reasonably priced. I'd think about a reservation, or at least a call ahead, as it can fill up during peak times. The food is really unremarkable. It approximates the bistro classics you've come to know and love, but fails to really nail any of them. The cheese plate was another disappointment. It consists of random cheeses laying around in the kitchen used for other dishes - a soft goat's cheese used in the salads, blue cheese *crumbles* used elsewhere, etc. - arranged haphazardly on a plate. I'm not fooled. Some diners will enjoy the ambiance, and the location/parking is convenient depending on your location in town; however, there are ultimately better culinary options elsewhere.
(3)Jenaia F.
Cafe Pastis has quickly become one my favorite neighborhood restaurants. You can set your watch to their food and service which always aims to please and is one of the main reasons why my husband and I always return. Have tasted many things off of their menu... their mussels, goat cheese and honey appetizer, the lamb shank, the duck, the trout... etc. All are GREAT, but my absolute favorite thing on the menu is their scallop entree and tuna tar-tar appetizer. Both are prepared perfectly and never disappoint. This is a great little restaurant for a date night or even double date. However, make sure that you call ahead for reservations if you want to sit inside.
(5)Jeff B.
I have been there three times. Each time the food was amazing. The service is great. The only downside is its outside seating which is on a strip mall's sidewalk.
(4)cristina o.
I love this place. Other reviewers hit the nail on the head by calling this place unpretentious.(although the waiters can be snooty - hence 4 stars there is never ANY need for consistent bad service) the food is simple, straigh tfoward, and consistently good. the desserts are always stellar.
(4)Michael S.
Pastis is a cute little hole in the wall cafe with acceptable food. I don't mean to seem too harsh because it is heads and shoulders better than Town, right around the corner. It is just that it could be so much better. The owner was originally a waiter at Buchon du Grove when it was owned by George-Eric. He ignored me in the way that only French waiters can, every time that I ate there, which was fairly often back then. He is much more personable now that he has his own place. I go quite often because the alternatives are just so bad, Carrabas? Dan Marinos? Tratoria Sole? Casa Larios? Origin Asian Bistro? It is amazing that there is such a great concentration of mediocre restaurants in the center of one of the wealthiest areas of Dade County. Just goes to show you that money cant buy taste. If you are in South Miami, go to Pastis to eat your meal or to Fox's to drink your meal.
(4)Rachel M.
I went to Cafe Pastis for lunch and was blown away by a number of things right off the bat: 1. Our incredibly helpful and friendly server 2. The sparkling lemonade. When the food came, it just kept getting better. My friend and I ordered: 1. Melted Goat Cheese and Honey on Crispy Olive Bread, Mesclun Salad, Rosemary Scented Oil$11.50, with Grilled Chicken $14.50. The flavors were superb. 2. Pesto Prosciutto and Baked Brie$10.50 I ordered this with a side of frites, and was in pure heaven. It was a large, and I was able to take some home with me. I will definitely be back, and I can't wait to come back to this place for dinner. The menu looked amazing, and the wine list is very tempting. We were told that reservations are recommended for the evenings because the seating is limited. (It is a small space, which makes it even more quaint.)
(5)danielle b.
Came here the other night for a quick dinner, and had been here once before. The first time I had the shrimp and chickpea salad, this time I had the Moroccan chicken dish. First time I had the creme brule for dessert, this time I had the chocolate mousse. My criticisms: Essentially none except that the Moroccan chicken advertised a spicy couscous which was not spicy...good in flavor but not spicy, which is somewhat why I got it. Also I felt like the fruitiness of the apricot somewhat overwhelmed the spices for me. But again, Im big on spices, not big on fruit tastes in my protein. With that said here are my praises: Great service...Im the most annoying person to wait on ever because I ask a gazillion questions, ask for opinions and then pick the opposite, take forever, etc. However, the staff was really polite, really helpful, and one of the servers bought my boyfriend and I a glass of wine. Super nice. Food wise: Crab cake is phenomenal, chickpea salad was divine, boyfriends scallops were cooked to perfection and both times the desserts were amazing. We went with the mousse because they were out of the brule, glad we did. Only took off a star because of the couscous and fruitiness thing. I wish I had the option of doing a half star.
(4)Sebastian E.
Café Pastis...the best! Well, every French restaurant will claim they are the best. Pastis is definitely up there. This is not your parisienne type French place. If you have gone, you will have noticed the links to Marseille... it is a fishing village and this a bit of a different side of France from the other, more Paris type places, like Buchon, Nisou, Bisou or Les Halles... Here seafood reigns and you must try their muscles! They really are the best. Of course the previously noted crème brulee is exquisite as are the escargots... also try their daily specials. The owner is almost always there...at least when I go and the staff is always friends and remembers you. Prices are good and since they have been here as long I can remember, they must be doing something right... a chantee!
(5)Mario J.
This restaurant proves that you can't judge a restaurant by it's location or outside appearance; In this case a strip mall in South Miami. Awesome food, great service and reasonably priced. Enough said!
(5)Jeff J.
Went on a Friday night with my in-laws to celebrate a birthday. We had the best time. The service and ambiance was excellent. The food surpassed all expectations. Highly recommend.
(5)Adam W.
Love this place. Very cozy (read small) with excellent food and staff. There really isn't much to the decor (it is a tiny little place next door to a tennis shop in a strip mall after all) but who needs decor when all you want is some delicious, authentic French cuisine for lunch? The steamed mussels are truly a delight - and the French fries! Oye! i recommend them highly. My girlfriend had the bouillabaisse which was also heavenly. Will definitely return.
(5)Pema L.
An authentic French bistro. Warm and friendly service and always very delicious food. Thank you Phillipe :)
(5)Rob C.
French bistro, seems like a lot of regulars come here french speaking staff and patrons :) small outdoor seating along a strip mall great menu choices, nice toasted baguette Steamed Mussels in White Wine and Shallots appetizer portion: excellent, nice light sauce with ~30 mussels of decent size, soft, flavorful (I could have stopped there) also had Grilled Tune Brushed with Maghreb Spices, Orange Harissa Sauce and Raisins: cooked appropriately, sweet but tangy sauce unfortunately, the service was poor -- they did not have enough waiters to cover the indoors and outdoors (got busy later at night), but they are quite friendly.
(4)Amber E.
If you're not very open to 'exotic' fare, then don't waste your money. The only reason I'm giving this 2 stars is because they do not cater to the picky eaters like myself. There was ONE chicken dish on the menu which was pretty good, but I wouldn't go back just for it. Most of it was seafood, lamb, etc. Prices were reasonable for the type of food. The atmosphere is very very cute and one of the reasons we wanted to try it. It's a little crowded and you might have to get cozy with strangers at the next table, but it adds to the ambiance of the french (i think?) vibe.
(2)anne g.
Love this place!!!! It never disappoints. The staff, food, atmosphere are great. They usually have room when the larger chain restaurants have long lines & no reservations available.
(5)Gilles H.
Ok I tried another French place... This is really authentic french cuisine, really efficient service, it's a small bistro in the port of marseille, sorry coral gables i really like the atmosphere. The food is really good and the desserts are amazing bravo bravo I like it ...
(5)Alexis Y.
This is a tiny little restaurant in South Miami that makes the best french onion soup I have ever had. I like the soup/salad/sandwich pairings and they have some great fresh baked goodies. Perfect for a party of two for lunch.
(4)Alexis F.
I've been to Cafe Pastis for lunch quite a few times, and have always had the same experience - great food, horrible service. However, the former definitely outweighs the latter and that's why I'd recommend this restaurant. Be forewarned, most of the waitstaff are incredibly rude (rolling eyes, talking over you, making fun of your order, etc.) but if you don't mind dealing with it in exchange for a delicious meal, go here!
(4)Stefanie S.
Although I have never been to Pastis for dinner, I can totally vouch for the lunch. All the sandwiches are served on crusty french bread and are absolutely scrumptious. I especially love the veggie and goat cheese. Also, the french onion soup is AMAZING! Just the right balance of saltiness complemented by ooey, gooey cheese...mmm. Since this is a French place you have to order dessert! The creme brulee is to die for! It has a few raspberries thrown into the mix. The tartness of the berries really helps to balance the richness of the dessert. It's big enough for two, if you are feeling generous. I usually eat the whole thing and have to take a long nap later.Gluttony never tasted so good! My only criticism is the fries. They are not consistent. I've eaten here numerous times and the fries are usually hot and crispy. However, on a couple of occasions they have been kind of soggy and tasteless. Still, everything else I have tried has been wonderful! This is a 4++
(4)Chris B.
It's a Saturday night and after a great bottle of Pinot Noir, and a day of football, the wife and I decide that we are in the mood to try a new spot close to home. Thanks to Yelp we ended up at Cafe Pastis and loved it! A tiny French Brasserie located in a tiny retail strip center a block from Sunset Pace Cafe Pastis is a must try and perfect for date night. We were initially seated outside at a tiny table for two but the humidity was a little more than we could stand so after a five minute wait we were easily reseated inside. This was my first foray into French cuisine, I'm not proud to admit, and I was pleasantly surprised at the authenticity of the restaurant. The french bread at the table was delicious and fresh and we decided to keep the Pinot Noir train moving with a decent bottle. Although small the wine list is very affordable and our choice was a perfect pairing for our respective meals. Keep in mind that you can BYOB for a $15 corkage fee! I started with the homemade Goat Cheese Ravioli and the wife had the Escargot. The Ravioli was simple and amazing and, although I had never before tried Escargot, I ended up enjoying it to the point that the French Bread at the table became a tool to suck up the remaining sauce on my wife's plate. For our entrees I chose the Rack of Lamb with Lentils and the wife ordered the Duck. Both plates were perfectly cooked and the portion sizes were large so remember to bring your appetite with you when go. the table next to us had the NY Strip and Bouillabaisse which we decided were what we were going to be ordering on our next visit! The service was good but keep in mind that due to the authenticity of the place expect a more relaxed "hands off" European experience. Overall a perfect spot for tasty very affordable French cuisine and a perfect place to spend some time with your better half!
(4)Peony S.
I've always heard that French people are notoriously rude, but this rule doesn't apply at Cafe Pastis. I go here about once a week to grab a sandwich and aside from the delicious food, the very best part is the customer service! There is the same french guy in there every time and each time he is SO nice. Can I get your a water while you wait? I'm sorry for the wait. Will you be returning tomorrow madame? A great place to grab a quick bite to eat and escape the usual cuban cuisine and Miami rudeness.
(5)Hilary W.
Cannot find better French food! I used to eat here all of the time when I lived in Miami. I've tried to find French food as good in San Francisco, but to no avail, not even Plouf's famed mussels can compete. I love that the menu is based on the food of Southern France, which is much lighter than what is served in the North. It's small, with less than 40 seats, so unless you feel like waiting, call ahead on busy nights. On the plus side (kind of), its in a strip mall so you can always put your name on the list and wander around for a while. Do not fill up on bread - this is very dangerous, I am not sure what they do to it, but it is very addictive. Have one piece and hold out until the rest of the food comes. I'd recommend any and all of the starters, my favorites are the pear spinach salad, the shrimp salad, the mussels, and the daily soups, which are usually pureed whatever vegetable is in season (it sounds much nicer in French.) Go early if you want to try the daily soup because it usually sells out. For main courses, I would recommend the bouillabaisse, the steak served with peppercorn sauce and french fries, the chicken with apricots and couscous, the seabass, or the salmon. The menu changes often, and the specials are usually good.If anything, order the french fries, they are perfect. Definatly order dessert, I dont care if you are on a diet, share. The chocolate mousse and the seasonal fruit tarts are out of this world. They also make great coffee. The service can be, well, French, but they'll get to you eventually (the restaurant is not big enough for the service to be slow) so take a sip of wine and a bite of bread with butter, close your eyes, and pretend you are in Marseilles.
(5)Laura M.
Great little French restaurant (few in Miami) with some really good treats. Parking is not that great but the food is well worth the effort. They are closed for a month in the summer.
(4)Helen G.
I loved the ambiance of this place! Also, the food was great, not like spectacular, but definately worth the time and money. It is a bit slow, but they were packed when I was there. I enjoyed my meal, and the sparkling lemonade was fantastic.
(4)Dan B.
This is a truly solid decision if you're longing for good French food in a nice atmosphere. Located in a Red Road strip mall, this cozy little restaurant with the doors open is a casual yet exquisite French restaurant. The servers are very friendly and amiable. The lighting is just perfect. The walls are well decorated with French art and parephernelia. The food is wonderful. A modest menu that can offer you anything from steamed mussels to biftec avec frites (Steak with french fries). I tried a salad that was surrounded by French bread with melted goat cheese. It was accompanied by grilled chicken, greens, and a delicate dressing. The cheese was absolutely amazing. I've also had the New York strip with fries. It's cooked to order and covered with a delicious sauce. The fries are of course wonderful. Great place overall.
(4)Chuck L.
excellent. Overall it was a very good meal and is a restaurant that I would definitely return to.
(4)Manny V.
If you enjoy bad service from a staff and owner that truly make you feel like they're doing you a favor by serving you overpriced and mediocre food in a dumpy strip mall with zero ambiance, then Cafe Pastis is the place for you. I enjoy French cooking as much as the next guy, but when it's not that exceptional and the service is unpleasant to boot, I can't see paying hard-earned cash for it. The place does seem to have a constant crowd, so either South Miami has a dearth of decent places to eat, or the local masochists get their kicks from the surly staff.
(1)Paul S.
I went for dinner and was disappointed with the food. We had a reservation and were seated right away. The atmosphere is very much like a European cafe and service was fine. My only problem was with our food. Maybe we ordered the wrong things. We both had the soup of the day, carrot soup. It was ok, but I've had better. For our entrees, we had the Moroccan chicken breast, which was served with apricots, olives and spices. It came with cous-cous and vegetables. I did not like the dish and the combination of flavors. There was nothing flavorful or savory about it. Diners at other tables seemed to be enjoying their dishes. The most popular dish was the steamed mussels. Judging from the menu, seafood is their specialty and probably would have been the better choice.
(2)cindy w.
This is a small French bistro in S.Miami that puts out some mouthwatering lunch menus; I had my first croque monsieur here and it was very good from the toastiness of the quality french baguette, to the slices of ham, drippy white cheese, it was all quality, baby, top notch at this cafe. Like French cuisine, this cafe serves up moderate proportions that one can easily finish in one sitting so no leftovers (which is a good thing). The location is a cramped strip mall near Sunset Place and has a few other French businesses nearby (creperie, bakery). The owners can be seen chatting with regular customers. The original menu item I wanted had ran out so like the reviewer said before me, get here sooner.
(4)Marisol O.
Lovely little spot in South Miami. You think this wouldn't be possible in a strip of stores, but this place does it. Great decor, real atmosphere, and delicious food. Great for lunch or dinner. What holds me back from giving this place five stars is that they sometimes run out of their best dishes, so if you opt for a late dinner you might sacrifice getting the best food.
(4)jeanette d.
the snapper sandwich is to die for.. trust me.
(5)