What a great French bistro! We went there over the Labor Day weekend. The foie gras was cooked to perfection - crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside, plus the sauce was in perfect balance. Beef tartar was another delicious starter. Main dishes were great and didn't disappoint, especially the July duck and steak Diane. I also really liked the sweetbread dish but it's not for everyone :) Thank goodness there were four of us and I got to taste 4 different deserts. It would torturous to select just 1! Knowing what I know now, if I had to choose only one desert, it would be the soft almond meringue with hazelnut praline layer - to die for!
(5)
Lauren C.
Don't let the strip mall location fool you! This place is a diamond in the rough! I hadn't been here before, and I was part of a large party. And, of course, I'm gluten free (*sigh* I try really hard not to be the difficult one, but here I am...). I mentioned to the server that I am gluten free, and he said that he would talk to the chef to ask which items were safe. To my surprise, most of the items selected on the fixed menu were gluten free already! He was very informative and went line by line down the menu, informing me of which items were safe and which were to be avoided. I was served a homemade sorbet for dessert, and the biggest surprise of all was that they brought out gluten free bread with my soup! People, I ate BREAD at a restaurant with SOUP - two things that rarely happen!! The hostess (owner?) also assured me that they could accommodate any dietary restriction and was very helpful. I had a wonderful, stress-free meal because of the fantastic staff. Thank you!!
(5)
Johnny M.
A couple of my relatives in the NW suburbs recommended this French "bistro." We went with another couple and despite the service being really attentive and cordial, all four of us were underwhelmed by the food especially at the premium prices for a strip mall establishment. The main complaints: the soft-crab appetizer special tasted way too fishy so we had to sauce it up. The rib-eyes were a little tough and chewy. The braised goat special was saved by a decent sauce but you take your chances, you know. The bread and desserts were good enough to avoid the one star rating.
(2)
Teresa Y.
We have been to this place many many times and the food was good. However, I think the food quality is slipping as well as the service. Recently, we ordered one of the special bone marrow & foie gras as appetizer, the bone marrow was under done & their signature foie gras didn't taste as good as before. The main course Dover sole was fine & dessert was good. They then offered to take off the bone marrow from the bill. Service was ok and could be better, given that it's a French Bistro. I'm sad that the "wow" factor is gone, and I really hope that they will get back on track so we can continue to enjoy great food there!
(3)
Mike M.
Sooo, the Ruskies booked several tables at DJ Bistro for New Years Eve dinner and then dancing with DJ. I am going to look past all the NYE issues and just speak to the overall experience. The food is old school, bistro French, and they do a good job. Steak, Veal Shank, Lamb, deconstructed Caesar salad, Fois Gras, Mussel Soup, and Dover Sole ALL GOOD! They do need some saucier support because the French sauces were weak. My beautifully cooked Dover Sole was served with an unseasoned bland white ver blanc. DJ Bistro is in a strip mall in Lake Zurich, and if you are looking for French it is the best for 10 miles, and maybe one of the best restaurants in that far northwest burb area. It is not unreasonably priced for what is served, but expensive for area. The food is old school / uninspired, but it matches the clientele ... Old school.
(3)
Meg G.
Very good food, I had the goat cheese salad and was delighted with the sliced fruit that came with it. I also loved the salmon wrapped tuna tartare. My friend had eaten there once before and loved it but she had the steak last time and this time she had seared steak tartare, which confused us when we really started to think about it, because isn't seared just cooked? And indeed it looked a lot like a poorly cooked hamburger, so she wasn't as in love as she was with her first dish. However, they also have great service. Really great service, the opposite of French service but good French food. I would definitely go regularly if I lived here.
(4)
Chet M.
Oh my, what a yawner... Kind of the same ole restaurant from 12 years ago. Needs a menu and store update. Everyone's food IQ has been raised. We need more than steak frites and canned snails in melted garlic butter trivets.
(3)
james w.
Wow, has this place gone downhill. My wife ordered the crab cakes and they were dry and terrible tasting. i ordered the Steak Diane and the meat was tough. The brown sauce tasted like something out of a can. These owners are obviously bored and wanting to retire. They lost their passion for great French food
(1)
Alexandra S.
I had no idea there was a French restaurant so near to my house! The food here was, in my opinion, divine. From the bread to the chicken cordon bleu to the profiteroles for dessert, I ate as much as I could fit in because it was THAT tasty. I don't think I would have ever visited the location on my own (as it is in a nondescript strip mall at a busy intersection), but that would have been my loss. I am so glad we were invited to a birthday celebration here. I definitely intend to return to try more of the menu. The owner (?) was charming and informative and certainly improved the experience.
(4)
Kim T.
This is consistently one of the best restaurants anywhere. Prices are fair, food is always delicious and they have a nice wine list. We go here several times a month. Whether it's a special occasion or a Tuesday night it's always fabulous. 5 star service, 5 star food. I cannot say enough good things about this place!
(5)
Betty C.
We went on Valentine's weekend for a friend's birthday. The place was covered with heart shaped balloons. Festive but busy and not in keeping with the quaint French atmosphere we are used to having. We think they were overwhelmed with the crowds as the food was very mediocre and not at all up to their normal output. The lardon and frisee salad was underwhelming - watery frisee (was it even spun dry?) and minimal lardons created a watery and flavorless dressing once mixed with the egg. The tuna three ways came out with the blackened tuna way overcooked even though I had specifically said to "bring it swimming" if possible that's how raw I like it. They redid it and it was much better when returned. The poke version was the best but what doesn't taste good with soy, sugar and sesame oil added to it? The panko crusted chicken cordon blue was tepid and not crispy and the frites came out cold and had to be returned. Desserts were OK - a caramel ice cream had broken and did not have a smooth texture one could feel the grainy bits of milks solids in it. The crepes Suzette were OK - not buttery or orangey enough. The one solid dish of the night was the chicken lover pate with brioche toast.
(3)
Samantha D.
Everything was excellent. The oysters were fresh, and the wine and shallot dressing was unique compared to typical horseradish garnish. I had the duck risotto and my husband had the rabbit, both were well prepared and delicious. The desert and coffee were a perfect finish. Excellent service as well. Very enjoyable. Unexpected in its strip mall location.
(5)
Kristen D.
My favorite place for a special occasion. The owners are charming and greet every customer. The wait staff is friendly and knowledgeable. The food is absolutely outstanding - I have never been disappointed. I highly recommend the escargots and the braised leg of rabbit is to die for. Our last visit was for my husband's birthday. The pastry chef came to our table with a special sampling of treats and sang happy birthday along with the owner. It was a wonderful evening.
(5)
Christina L.
Favorite place to go for a date night! I am never disappointed. I recommend the cordon bleu. It is delicious! My boyfriend always orders the duck and if the skate wing is on special he highly recommends it! One of his favorite seafood dishes. Also, the atmosphere is nice and romantic. 5 stars all the way!
(5)
Harith R.
Great service, amazing flavorful food. Never had a bad meal there. Great desserts too.
(5)
Cletus T.
As I mentioned in my previous review, I've been back and it happened much the way I figured it would - dining companions wishing to go there - and I have to say that since the original review - they've wowed me with a Pheasant bisque or chowder of some sort that totally blew me away, along with the little beef medallions which were 10x better than whatever I was ambivalent about in the previous review. The Marlboro man may still be there, but our waitress did a fabulous job of taking care of us and we were visited by - - I believe she may be an owner? - - - who was awesome - checking to see how things were and talking about some of their selections. Really a nice follow-up experience. Glad I went back.
(4)
Joan S.
Oh my goodness! My sister took me here for a birthday dinner. I've always thought this place was more tapas and casual. I was surprised to find it was a very traditional French bistro with full - and quite excellent - dinner service. We split a goat cheese salad for an appetizer. These can be so bland, but at D&J, it had really lovely beets, pear and mango added, and the cheese was delicately fried in bread crumbs so it had that perfect, spreadable, warm texture. Really excellent! For dinner, she got a steak Diane and I had the Chateaubriand, two mini filets wrapped in pancetta with a delicate sauce I couldn't quite figure out - shallots, wine and some other things, I think. It was in the top five steaks I've ever had. My son ate my leftovers and said it was the best he'd ever had. So worth the money! At the beginning of the meal, my sister (a regular there) introduced me to the owner. When we finished the meal, they brought me a special birthday dessert plate - not requested, just showed up - with my NAME on the plate! Now that's attention to detail! The three little desserts (mousse, cheesecake, creme brulee in a cookie crust) were a perfect end to the meal. My sister tells me they love this place for the outdoor patio and DOG menu! She showed me afterward the little menu they have for dogs and it is so cute - rice and meat-based meals that are all just $5 or $6. Too cute that the dog can go with them too. It's in a strip mall and the outdoor tables face the parking lot. I expected it to be less special for this, but the truth is there's a little buffer around the tables that make you completely forget you're not in a garden somewhere. The only thing I regret is not having tried this restaurant sooner. Yes, prices are special occasion...but I will now choose this over just about any other special occasion restaurant we've gone to in the past. The food, the pace of the dinner, the incredibly attentive service, the unpretentious help with choosing a wine...all of it felt relaxed and casually elegant. P.S. Ladies, do not miss pornographic Jesus on the bathroom door. Rather out of character for this place, but still fun...in a guilty Catholic sort of way.
(5)
Renata P.
My favorite French restoraunt in this area. Portions are not huge, just right they are have to be. Delicious. Will celebrate my birthday there.
One of the best in the suburbs! Face it, good restaurants in the suburbs are few and far between. This is my go-to place out here in the northwest hinterlands. Good quality bistro food and a good value. They have a different 'true bistro dish' that changes every month, and there are always special on the menu to change things up. The cassoulet is my favorite 'true bistro dish' when it's available. Off the menu the 'Pasta J' and 'Pasta D' are my faves. Skip the steak tartare, it was a little disappointing. Great value on the wines! You'll need a reservation on the weekends unless you go very early or very late. There's always the option of grabbing a seat in the bar though.
(4)
Stephanie T.
OK, so it took me a long time to go back, but after a March trip to Paris, I just had to have some French food! Everything still stands from my prior review, and I was impressed with all the food we tried last night. The salad of the day was a delicious mix of golden beets, mandarin oranges, arugula, walnuts, with citrus vinaigrette and a goat cheese crustini. And not that kind of gritty goat cheese that's just OK, the really good creamy tangy kind. Really fresh and flavorful. I had to try their duck confit to compare with the amazing version I had in France, and I was pleasantly surprised! No, it was not the same, but really good and tender. The duck fell apart with a fork and had a rich sauce that complimented the wild mushroom risotto it is served over. The only thing I felt I was missing out on was the crispy skin that would push this dish over the edge, but the flavors were all there. My dining partner had pork tenderloin medallions which were fantastic! They were likely the best pork I can remember having in recent times- very moist and cooked perfectly. Also had a great sauce over them, smoky, but not overwhelming. I guess those Frenchies know their sauces! Didn't have any dessert as I usually prefer to drink my dessert, so polishing off the rest of the bottle of wine ended our meal. Again, I love that their wine list has different options from the usual, and really reasonably priced. The only negative was the absence of the bathroom chalkboard. Where did it go? Why did it leave? How can it not be a fun thing to leave messages for future bathroom users? And then addition of the strange painting of the naked man (important parts covered with a sash- you know you are going to check out my picture now) on the bathroom door was a bit jarring. I guess he is supposed to be drool-worthy, but I was just creeped out by how long his torso was. I estimated his pant size to be 32-26. I heard that the men's room had a similarly unclad woman as well, who also had odd proportions. I hate to hate on someone's hand painted efforts, but I really don't mind a plain old door, especially for the bathroom. This is a great place to return to as the menu changes seasonally and the food has consistently been really good. I'm also a sucker for being called "mademoiselle".
(4)
A A.
We love to frequent D & J and sit at the bar to enjoy a nice glass of wine with the lovely bartender. She is always very inviting and friendly, while being knowledgeable about the different wine selections. We had shared with her our experiences in Napa and were pleased to find that she knew quite a bit about the wines in the region! Highly recommended!
(5)
Chris B.
Outstanding food and service in the Chicago burbs. Maybe not quite 5 stars but close enough. The tuna trio was wonderful as was the duck. The feshest figs wrapped with bacon. We told the waiter we were from out of town and they knew we would not be back often, the owner came by, very impressive. What a find. How lucky not to have to drive down town for such quality food. There is nothing like it in Scottsdale. Too bad for us.
(5)
George H.
Went with my wife and this is my take on it, we both ended up with the same score though. I am a foodie - I have tried and eaten almost anything that has come my way. (As you could tell by looking at me, but that is a totally different conversation.) ;-) When I visited Paris one of the things I was told that I HAD to try was Steak Tartare - I never had it before going to Paris, but I loved it. When I saw it on the menu here, I had high hopes. It was a case of antici-pointment if I ever had one - it was ground so finely it had no texture. It also lacked any seasoning. For an entree, I had the seafood risotto - the mussels and clams were cooked well, but had quite a bit of grit in them and in one case, the beard was still attached to the mussel. The scallops were cooked beautifully but the shrimp were the opposite side of the spectrum - they were overcooked and rubbery. A perfect risotto is supposed to be creamy ans 'loose'. This was a big pile of 'starchy glop' in the middle of the plate that they put the seafood on. When I tasted the risotto, I felt like channeling my inner Gordon Ramsay and imagined going back to the kitchen and saying, "This is overcooked, you donkey!" I can't comment on my wife's entree, I didn't try it as I was not in the mood for tuna that night. The wine menu had a nice variety of wines and we selected a good one, unfortunately our waiter was very aggressive in refilling our glasses. We told him multiple times, we didn't want our glasses refilled yet he kept swooping in from angles where we didn't see him to keep topping us off. We had planned on bringing home half of the bottle to enjoy at home, but with his aggressive pouring style, that was not an option.
(2)
Kim L.
One of my all time favorite restaurants. Great service and quality food for the price. Nice atmosphere.
(5)
Margie D.
Excellent, authentic French food with great service. When we mentioned we were there to celebrate our wedding anniversary the owner and head chef surprised us with a beautifully designed plate of home made desserts. A very special place with wonderful service and amazing food. Highly recommend!
(5)
Ellen W.
Finally I find a reasonably priced wine list and great food!! We sat at the bar and shared a few appetizers and a bottle of wine. It was a great time. Delicious food and wine!
(5)
Molly M.
D & J is our favorite local restaurant. I'm a vegetarian and they have a nice vegetarian menu. I would also love to see a vegan choice now and then, although they are very willing to tweak ther dishes a bit to accommodate me. My husband eats anything and the lamb shank is a favorite. The atmosphere is casual, but you can also dress up and not feel out of place.
(5)
Elina K.
This place was fantastic. I wish I rememebr what I had here...I just remember it was all lovely. Really superb food. I came here with a date that was creepy and weird but am happy he showed me this place. Great french food in the burbs.
(4)
Suzanne T.
Sensational food. Lovely fois gras, escargot and fish. Salads prepared with fresh ingredients and delectable dressings. A treat!
(4)
Amber M.
When my husband and I sat down to figure out where we wanted to have our wedding reception, we both agreed that the only thing we truly cared about working out perfectly that day was the food. We're absolutely and 100% passionate about food. At first it was impossible to think of a single place (even in downtown Chicago) that we thought could pull it off. Until we remembered our favorite suburbs restaurant - D&J. From day one of reaching out, D&J's owners worked closely with us to propose the perfect reception menu and event details, working well within our budget. Without a doubt, planning for the dinner was the easiest and most fun part of our wedding thanks to D&J. That said - let me get to the good part. D&J flawlessly executed a five-course menu for over 80 guests which were made to order, as our guests had several choices for each course. Every. Single. Dish. Was. Perfect. In fact, we were delighted to notice that about a third of our guests actually requested to take their leftovers home (anyone else find that surprising for a wedding??). Beyond that, service was impeccable. D&J's friendly and attentive staff made the five most perfect hours of our day fly by. Above and beyond, both owners were there providing support and delighting our guests. At the end of the night, all of the staff proactively pitched in to help us clean up our wedding decorations/favors/etc. We were surprised to hear from our parents that many of our guests contacted them randomly days and weeks after the wedding, telling them how special the night was and how much they enjoyed the food. D&J was absolutely integral to the success of our wedding day. For that, we will be forever in debt to them. Thank you D&J from the bottom of our hearts! You will see us again very very soon! Side note - our favorites at D&J from that night (and always :-) include: escargot, beef carpaccio, Argentinean Sweet shrimp en brochette, Beef Chateaubriand and so many others!
(5)
Megan K.
Always wonderfully gracious hosts. My husband and I prefer week nights, as the weekend can get noisy and a bit behind sometimes. We have had many menu items and all have been delicious and fresh AND consistent. My husband loves the foi gras and the fish is always cooked perfectly. It's worth the price tag.
(4)
Caroline P.
Everyone is a little hesitant to go to a French restaurant in a stripmall. After you get over that, D&J is a great little place to try something new. We came here because they were very flexible with finding gluten free items on the menu. I called beforehand and talked about different options. My waiter seemed to be knowledgeable about it as well. The atmosphere is unique and they offer many menu items that are hard to find in the burbs. I enjoyed my seafood rissoto and goat cheese salad along with some great wine. Although the food could use a little tweaking, we enjoyed our overall experience. Their willingness to serve the GF community is a great thing as well!
(4)
Helen S.
The place looks deceiving since the words/font on the windows make it look a little seedy on the outside, so my bf and I were surprised by how fancy it was inside when we came here for dinner (it's not super sexy or anything, but the juxtaposition is notable). I don't know who said this place has a hipster ambiance, because it is anything but hipster. We were among the youngest people there, but we found that reassuring because older crowds tend to have better taste (dining-wise). We waited in the bar area for awhile before getting seated. I've never had French food so I didn't really know what to expect. We shared the mushroom tart (delicious), I ordered the braised rabbit (really good, like chicken), he ordered the skate (mine was a bit better), and we had the raspberry champagne dessert (a bit strong). I would give them a solid 4 stars since the service could've been better because we waited quite a bit, but I really liked the food.
(4)
David L.
Food: 4 Decor: 3 Service: 2 3.5 stars, rounding up. I came here for dinner with my gf at 8pm Friday night after my roommate and friend raved about this place. We showed up 5 min after, and we still had to wait 15 min or so before we were seated. We decided to get the prix fixe, 37 and an entree to share. 1. Wild mushroom tart yelp.com/biz_photos/KNZx… Yummy, even though I'm not a huge fan of mushrooms. I didn't care for the pita bread though. 2. Sauteed Atlantic skate wing grenobloise yelp.com/biz_photos/KNZx… Mediocre. Skate was rather dry. 3. Braised leg of rabbit, 17 yelp.com/biz_photos/KNZx… okay. Pasta was cooked well, and rabbit was pretty tender. 4. Fresh raspberry champagnoise yelp.com/biz_photos/KNZx… okay. Raspberries and whipped cream on top of a glass of champagne and some ice cream. Didn't work as well as I hoped, and the champagne was a bit overpowering. Total was about $70 after t/t. Service was disappointing since we had to wait so long, and the server forgot what I ordered for the dessert.
(4)
Ellie F.
Our parents' favorite spot! Very creative menu with an interesting variety! Good wine selection & a fun bar. This place has a great atmosphere. Perfect for a special night out without being pretentious. A must try!
(4)
Rita C.
Best French restaurant in this area. It is a hidden gem since the outside looks like a boring strip mall plaza. I've been living in Lake Zurich area for over 10 years and D & J Would rival their peers in any major city and even foodie city of Chicago. Prices are reasonable. We often take out of town guests here. The servers here are older men. The host maybe owner is French... Always very charming. The waiter cringes though when my husband asks for the ketchup.
(4)
Peter K.
Best real french restaurant, very creative and beautiful menu, excellent service, affordable prices, absolute our favorite restaurant!
(5)
Craig L.
Wife and I went to dinner with two other couples so we had the chance to sample a number of meals. As other reviewers have mentioned, the location and exterior are deceiving. The outside screams 'stip mall' but the inside whispers 'vous etes en la ville Paris'. It's a quaint bistro atmosphere that is French without being stuffy. Steak tartare as an appetizer and chateaubriand were excellent. Cooked fish main portions were also good. I had sweet shrimp that tasted excellent. The separate side of pommes frites was excellent - and cooked in the classic French style. They are thin and crunchy with a snap. That's an indication that good oil is used. Salads fell a little short but the wines around the table were good. The deserts didn't disappoint and especially the three-piece desert sampler - Je l'aime le Opera!! The prices are a little higher than typical stip mall dining but it's a good value because the food tastes like food. Even for the servicings that did not merit high praise, our group acknowledged that it least the food had taste. Service was great. We took a little extra time to order and sat around the table talking afterwards with the waitress accomodating all the time. A nice night and a sure-thing for the next time we want continental cuisine a short drive from home.
(4)
Rob W.
I've been eager to try this place and just have never gotten around to it. Well, I was recently in the area at lunchtime and decided to give it a go. To me this was good quality French food with good service. If they are trying to compete with a higher end French place - Le Titi for instance, I don't think they're quite as good. But my meal was pretty good. I enjoyed Potato and Leek soup along with a risotto with shellfish as my entree. Some of the shellfish (mussels and clams) could have been a tad hotter (temperature-wise). Other than that, the food was good, a decent portion was offered and the service was prompt. Definitely worth a return trip.
(4)
Tim E.
Nice evening out...... As a previous reviewer so eloquently mentioned "you do not usually put the terms "strip mall" and "French restaurant" together in a good way but at DJ's it works. The perception, as you drive up to what could easily be mistaken as a bad Greek diner, is quickly disintegrated as you enter the door. The restaurant tends to sprawl out in a maze of cozy spaces and nooks. There is a quirkiness to the flooring and the layout that gives it a back street French treasure feel. The menu is varied and after four visits now we have yet to experience less than stellar service. Wine is nice and not wallet busting and they keep the appetizer dollars down to invite you to indulge. Desserts are nice (I did not partake but my wife and friends liked it) and the evening was wonderful. The waitress got a little "quick" pulling our bread off the table as we finished but when we expressed an interest in packing that to go also she quickly replaced it with a warm fresh bag full. Class response that left a warm fuzzy feeling. DJ's is not 5 stars but it's also not 5 star dollars. They are a great dinner experience and they keep it affordable. They know what they are and stay the course doing what they do best. Special enough for a celebration and casual enough for a Tuesday meal, DJ's Is a worthwhile trip ...just don't prejudge the exterior! Go in and enjoy.
(4)
Seth B.
Excellent food and wonderful service.
(5)
Richard R.
I have been to D&J Bistro three times now. One time it was good; two times it was outstanding, which is why I've given it a 5 rating. While I'm hardly a wine expert, I thought their wine list was excellent and had several very reasonably priced wines. But, of course, the reason to come to D&J is for the food. Each time I've eaten here the meal has been wonderful (my less-than-outstanding experience was due to the service not the food). On my last visit, I wanted to try something different and had the 'Le Menage a Trois of Ahi Tuna'. It was incredible. My only mistake was letting my wife try it. I almost had to order another serving because she kept asking for another bite! :-)
(5)
Zhong Y.
There's little I can add to what already has been said about this fantastic gem of a bistrot located improbably in a strip mall in Crystal Lake. I've only had great meals here, the most memorable was a Moroccan classic: tagine of lamb shank and grilled merguez sausage, redolent of harissa, on a bed of couscous. Absolutely delightful. The moules can appear a bit overcooked, resulting in shrinkage inside the shell. That's the only flaw, I think, seafood. But otherwise les bon temps vous attendent ici!
(4)
Robert D.
Started off with the potato leek soup. I got the braised beef short rib and the wife got the duck breast. Finished it up with strawberry shortcake. Awesome. Service on a busy Saturday night between good and very good. Prices are what we expected, so people who whine about the prices must not eat out much. Oh, and make reservations on the weekend. Also, yes, I would go back.
(4)
Steve S.
We love D & J Bistro, frequenting the restaurant as often as possible. Last evening my brothers and sister celebrated my her birthday and four of the five meals met with the satisfaction and enjoyment of my siblings. My dinner, the Lamb Shank, which is a favorite was less than anticipated. Their was plenty of lamb but the disappointment was in how it was presented and what was lacking. The dish use to be served in a small iron skillet, which conveyed the bistro feel of the French countryside, last night it was in a dish....no skillet. What was lacking was the normal heavy sauce that was loaded with vegetables. The sauce and vegetables were normally a meal unto themselves, which enhanced the flavor of the dish...not last night. The appetizers, especially the cold, cured foie gras were outstanding and the desserts were top notch. The service was efficient and friendly and we were seated exactly at our reservation time. My only lament is a once favorite dish just wasn't what it use to be. A pity. It use to a unique presentation, loaded with flavor. If you had never had this dish before you would most likely find it more than acceptable. Unfortunately, I have had it several times and last evening was a disappointment. Go to D & J Bistro for the value, ambiance and great food and friendly people but if you're a lamb shank fan of how they use to serve the dish...try something else.
Overall our experience and the food met expectations and previous reviews. I started with the goat cheese salad and had the duck confit with mushroom risotto. I'm a simple salad girl and this actually had a lot going on but it was tasty. My duck and risotto was phenomenal. It had a strong flavor but wasn't overly salty which duck and risotto can be. My dining companions were also pleased but I must call out that the jambalaya special was so hot, temperature wise, that my boyfriend was unable to eat for at least 10 minutes. Once he was able to eat the entree he was a bit disappointed. He felt like a special would stand out more and it being jambalaya would have an intense flavor and in hindsight would have rather had the Steak Diane. The rest of the entrees were great. My mother had the pork medallions and my father had the swordfish. We opted out of dessert. The service was impeccable. And the wine list great. A definite return for us. We're sorry it took us so long to get here.
(4)
Dagwood S.
"WooHoo! As good as it gets!" is exactly what I say. We have been here several times over the years and only an excellent experiance each time, every time! It is truely excellent food at a reasonable price, which includes wine priced well below Chicago restaurants. I have the escargot everytime and love it! It may be in a strip mall, but inside is very quaint with very nice decor, not what you expect from the outside view. The service is exceptional and the choice of entrees are always unique to the area which make it an adventure for us to try something different. Great job and I will continue to make the drive out there. Keep up the good work!
(5)
vicky h.
After all the glowing reviews I was looking forward to a nice date night dinner with the husband. The place was jamming so maybe it's just me but... It was way too warm inside. I was uncomfortable and to the point of getting sleepy We ordered a bottle of wine, an appetizer and two entrees. The appetizer was meh, ok...Steak Tartare. Mostly tasted like admittedly well seasoned hamburger meat but none of the buttery creaminess that I've experienced with other places. Hubby got the seafood risotto - mussels and scallops were right on. Shrimp were overcooked and instead of the risotto being creamy it was a starchy glump. I got the tuna trio which was described on the menu as a tartare style, seared, and wasabi crusted. What came was two out of the three matching what I expected and I guess the wasabi crusted was what was breaded and deep fried. Not what I would expect from the menu description and a waste of a nice piece of fish. The other two tuna preparations were nice though. Finally the service. We were pacing ourselves on the wine and the waiter kept trying to top off the glasses. When we were at half a bottle he looked at it like he didn't want to cork it and bag it for us to take home. He filled DH's glass without waiting and I had to tell him three times to stop pouring on my 3/4 full glass, I didn't want more wine. So we had to leave a bottle about a quarter full and two almost full glasses when we left. I was not happy to say the least. So recap, 25 bottle of wine, one appetizer and two entrees for about 100 bucks. Not worth it and we will not be back.
(2)
Evelyn W.
Celebrated our 20 year anniversary last night at D&J , it was our first time and everything was very good . Staff was wonderful and knowledgable . The food was excellent . I order the steak tar tar for a starter, and it was extremely flavorful , my husband had the corn chowder soup also very good. The highlight of my meal was the skate wing. I've never had this entree before and it did not disappoint . Very lite and flavorful .
So freakin tasty. Went here for the first time ever last week and loved it. Then found myself still thinking about the deliciousness so I went again last night. They have a vegetarian section of the menu so that made it super easy for me. I recommend the root veggie salad, the goat cheese logs, the brie toast, the wild mushroom and eggplant risotto, and..oh man, the pear tart. The atmosphere is nice, relaxed, not stuffy, and the the servers are quite pleasant.
(5)
Kris L.
D & J continues to be the areas best French bistro. We met there on Saturday and were seated right at the time of our reservation. Our group had the escargot and the steak tartare for appetizers which were good. The tartare was very fresh and had good flavor without being overly spicy. The French bread is ok but not great, apparently their is not a bakery in 50 miles that makes great French bread or I'm sure D & J would have it. Their roasted duck was crispy and cooked properly. My wife had the blanquette du veau which was a tender veal in a white cream sauce and was very good. Another person in our group had the skate wing which was light, tender and perfectly cooked and the other had a pasta dish that was rich and delicious. You can't go wrong at D & J Bistro the owners are very nice, the service is good and most importantly the food is delicious and will make you want to go back again.
(3)
Kelly O.
I have to be honest as I write this review, the normally, "French" cuisine is not my bag. It's not that I really dislike it, it just doesn't hold any appeal for me normally. Kind of like Fried Chicken, I could live my whole life without ever eating it and yet sooo many people love it. So- that said, I was here for my niece's graduation dinner. I know that my brother and his family LOVE this place and have gone here for years. The place is indeed packed every time I've been there, so that says something. The service is very attentive but not invasive. Dirty martinis are EXCELLENT with the stuffed blue cheese olives. My sister and I had the Chateaubriand which was LOVELY. Served with exceptionally tasty garlic mashed potatoes. I ordered the salad with Dijon dressing first and THAT item did not win me over. It was served on Bibb lettuce and it was just a very Mayo-Caesar type dressing.....not my thing. We had cappuccinos and chocolate molten cake for dessert. Did NOT disappoint. YUMMY. I also tried the sushi for an appetizer- as a sushi addict, I didn't care for the interpretation- it was tuna on top of what seemed like crabmeat salad (think tuna salad). Again, please note......it was not "bad", just saying I think for people wanting sushi, this is not going to be what you think. I'm giving this restaurant 4 stars because the setting is great, the atmosphere is fun, clearly most everyone LOVES the food and the service is amazing. I'm someone that loves a great steak, sushi and Italian food.....not sure why I don't lean toward French food....and I only mention that here because I want anyone reading my review to realize much of my "not raving" has to do with my preferences in cuisine. If you love French food, this is your place. Overall, yes a lovely restaurant with amazing staff. You'll be taken care of here.
(4)
Chrisa H.
I can't imagine going anywhere in the area and getting a better meal. D&J is friendly, the food is amazing, and the location is...funky. If you're looking for traditional French cuisine, they have it. If you are in the mood for something unique, try the specials. The new bar menu is great if you're popping in with friends for a few drinks and apps. The steak tartar is wonderful, and the escargot is yummy. My husband always has the rabbit when it's on the menu and I am not a lover of small game, but I have to admit, it's amazing.
(5)
Imelda M.
Ate here for first time with Good friends. Wonderful is how I would describe our entree. Great wine list, Delicious appetizers. Delightful atmosphere, loved the 'buzz' of the Bar area Will return for certain. Returned for a second time this wkend March/5th. Even better than our first dining. Food, wine, ambience.......wonderful Marc our waiter, excellent job Merci
(5)
Mike W.
We moved back to IL recently. We only looked in Lake Zurich, to ensure proximity to D&J. Prices have edged up, but if you want the perfect meal, it's D&J or...well, really, no place else that we've seen. Even the kids' chicken strips and fries are off the charts.
(5)
Al M.
My wife and I had an early dinner last night at D&J Bistro. We have been going here off an on for many years it had been awhile since we visited. As usual the food was very good. My wife had the crab an brie croquettes with 3 sauces, and the skate, they were outstanding. I had the pate' plate and boeuf bourguignon which was tender and rich. For desert the apple tart and and the pumpkin mousse were both very good as well. I have to say, I do prefer when we have one of the french waiters, it truly rounds out the experience. Not that our server was bad, he just lacked the personality we come to expect. I always appreciate the wine list at D&J, while not extensive there are usually some unique finds at reasonable prices. We had a nice Bordeaux from Medoc.
(4)
Larry B.
went here Saturday nite for a birthday celebration with the wife and friends. we were seated right away. we had brought some nice wine and there is a 15 dollar corkage fee which is reasonable. i had the prix fixe menu with manila clams and mussels in a coconut curry for app. fantastic. my entree was the bouillabaise which is easy to screw up. this one was amazing and had a garlicy rouille to go with it. full of fish and shellfish and a stellar saffron broth. my wife had skate which was very nice and my friend had a huge lamb shank which he demolished. the only bump were the duck spring rolls which were kinda dry. all is all a pleasant nite. we will return soon.
(5)
Bill W.
Had heard about this place for a long time so we tried it....wine menu is extensive....had sea scallops they were very good.... We had the mini chateaubriand the presentation was great but the cut of meat was tougher than my expectation.... Probably will be awhile before we return
(3)
Eric T.
Great French restaurant in Lake Zurich. Try the Skate when they have it, it is worth the trip.
(5)
Lorrene C.
We had our wedding at D&J a few years ago, and everyone LOVED the restaurant. We are regular diners here and we decided to have our Holiday party there this year as a thank you to our staff for working hard and for years of dedication. We planned a buffet dinner (though they have many options) and thought of course, they would do an outstanding job. D&J went far above and beyond our expectations! We as well as the staff gives you 5 STARS for such a great time as well as great food. Thank you.
(5)
Michael P.
I wanted to try something I've never had before, and I wound up trying two new foods last night, rabbit (in a risotto), and foi gras (sauteed and paired with duck breast). I'm a fan of both, despite being totally against the production of foi. I figured just this one time, the goose was already dead etc. It really was delicious, creamy, buttery, crispy from the pan. The food was incredible, like they need another five star review but I'd like to add that it was nice to go into a restaurant and FINALLY see an involved and caring owner (most places feel like no one is in charge except a 20 year old hostess standing by the front door who probably couldn't find the front door if something when wrong). Looks like there's a few things on the menu added just for the suburbanites that don't really belong, even though I've only been here this one time, and once waaaaaaaay back when they opened, I'd say stick with the basic French fares. The owner couldn't have been nicer, maybe a bit too charming with his french accent and kiss on the hand ... Six flags. More flags, more fun!
(5)
Joanie T.
My cousin and her husband go here often but this was only my second visit. Hubby was out of town so it was just my cousin and me and we got there a little late, without reservations. The hostess said not a problem and seated us at a little table in the angle of a wall. I prefer beer to wine and they didn't serve my favorite, Hacker-Pshorr,so I told my waitress I don't care for hoppy beers and she brought me a sample of one of the two beers they had on draft. I didn't like it and asked about the other one which she promptly brought me a sample of. Success, and she was so sweet about the multiple trips to the bar! My cousin and I ordered identically; the fixed prix and I can only remember the choice we went with, which was goat cheese salad and hanger steak.The salad was superb with the goat cheese lightly breaded and lovely and warm. The hanger steak was melt in your mouth delicious. Good thing we didn't do the old you get one thing and I'll get another and we can taste each other's, because I wanted the whole thing for just me, me, me! We did differ on our desserts and since by then we were pretty well sated, sampled each other's. Her almond pastry was a heavenly cloud of almond cream in a lovely jacket of flaky pastry and I had a pistachio ice cream which was so rich, I didn't quite finish it! It was an excellent meal.
(4)
Jocelyn D.
French Bistro and Strip Mall are two terms I really don't associate as going together but D&J Bistro is a damn tasty dining experience and classy despite the location and tone of my review. I have been coming here for years but recently celebrated my birthday here last week. As hoped - everything was delicious as always. The restaurant is rather large but comfortable - so reservations are strongly encouraged as its always packed to the brim. Service is quick and spot on and food is outta this world! I had the escargot which is better here than any French places I have tried in the city (sorry Chicago I love you), roasted duck and foie gras and topped it all with several drinks including a glass of absinthe. I wish D&J Bistro was closer but I like it being a slightly hidden gem of the burbs.
(5)
Gail G.
We had heard about D and J from several people and finally went to try it. While the food was pretty good, our service was terrible!! We've had better service at a Chilis than this! Our server took forever to take our order and once our entrees arrived, we did not see him again until it was time for our bill. No one bothered to come and check on us except for the busser. We did notice that if you were a regular there, you seemed to get rockstar treatment, with everyone from the manager to the owner checking on your table and making sure everything was right, but we were virtually ignored throughout our dinner. It was impersonal and when we complained to the maitre d, he seemed ambivalent and unconcerned. The frites were limp and not crispy at all, although the venison my fiance ordered was superb. We also enjoyed the steak tartare appetizer. The service really brought down the entire experience for us. If you are going to spend that much money for a meal, you expect the service to match the quality of the food. Go to Barrington Country Bistro instead, where they actually take care of you whether you are a regular or not!!
(2)
JC O.
A great brasserie, good food, atmosphere, and wines. Our current local favorite! Steak frites is to die for.
(5)
Erin P.
I have read reviews for over a year about the "great French place in the strip mall" and was excited to finally give it a try last week when I was spending part of the turkey day weekend in the suburbs. As I had been warned, there it was, unassumingly between Gino's East and a hair salon. I guess the only good thing you can say about the location is that it has easy parking. As soon as we walked in we were greeted, in French by, the maitre'de and seated quickly there after. The wine list was informative, well rounded and inexpensive. (I guess if you get 20 miles out of the city and everything is cheap!) Starting with a glass of Kir Royal and I slowly sank into a nice cozy buzz that enhanced the rest of the evening. You gotta love the person who invented the idea of aperitif- booze to stimulate your palate, I like it! While I enjoyed my bubbly libation we shared the mussels, escargots and cheese platter. All amazing! The mussels were served in a lovely white wine shallot broth, the escargots came piping hot in a garlicky butter sauce and the selection of cheeses was relatively diverse, we liked two of them so much we saved their names for future reference. My main was a salade niçoise with seared tuna rather than flaked. I really enjoyed it. It was well dressed, and full of crispy haricort verts, potatoes, capers, olives and white anchovies which really added to the flavor. Of course they had many delightful items on the menu if you are not in the mood for salad; I just happen to be a sucker for both seared tuna and niçoise olives! Although I do not know if I would recommend driving from Chicago to Lake Zurich to eat here, if you happen to be in the area and want a great French bistro experience I would highly recommend D&J.
(4)
Sofia M.
I confess that we arrived late, after 8:30pm; but it should not have been the reason for bad service and less than stelar food. The goat cheese salad had only ONE piece! the sparagus plate consist of only 4 sparagus!!! Oh! and did i mentioned that the server was not only moody but broody too, i know we were at a French restaurant but come on! some service here please. I had been at the bistro twice before and this time i brought a French visitor, hoping to impress.... she was impressed alright, she tought we have no taste.
Don't let its location in a strip mall deter you from trying this place, as the food is excellent, and true to its French roots. The food is extremely fresh, and preparation is as expected in a fine restaurant. The bar is large enough to accommodate those likely to be cooling their heels waiting for their tables. The atmosphere is inviting, and diners tend to dress from casual to more dressy. There are a couple of odd steps to negotiate from room to room. The wine selection is decent.
(4)
Anne W.
I think this place has the most affordable French food I've ever had.. outside of the food I've had in France. I think the service is good but the food can be a hit or miss. My father got this pasta with beef medallions and it was just okay. I think the prix fixe is your best bet! If you choose the right things.. the meal can be delicious. Unfortunately you will miss the chance to get the duck pate which is good and plentiful.
(4)
W C.
the food was great, the bar poured a great drink. the only complaint was the noise level
(4)
Elizabeth A.
I have never had a bad meal or bad service at D & J. Their food is seasonal and fresh. I love to bring out of town guests and clients here!
(5)
Kiera D.
This place is great, but a little overrated. The food is yummy and the staff is very nice, but it is definitely not a 5 star restaurant. I live right near there so I come here often for lunch.
(4)
Jenny R.
Celebrated my brother's birthday here this evening and were beyond impressed! By all means, make a reservation(not sure what it's like on a weeknight, but weekends seem super busy). Started at the bar with a drink-I tried a "Death in the Afternoon"(absinthe and champagne)-a wonderful surprise since I've only had it served the traditional way. There were 5 in our party and we split 3 appetizers: roasted portobello & grilled Asian eggplant tart, rabbit & mushroom risotto, and the special crawfish etoufee. All presented beautifully and tasted even better! The portions were just the right amount for us all to try a few bites of each. We all ordered different items on the menu and all tried a bite of everyone else's dish-everything was fantastic!!!! I would have been happy with any of them(menage a trois ahi tuna, pasta du bistro, filet, lamb shank casserole, and the duck with fois gras). I had a hard time deciding what to order, but I can't wait to try something different next time. We each ordered a different dessert, took a bite, and then passed the plate to the left. Each of the desserts was as perfect as our meals had been! Our service was wonderful-attentive but not cloyingly so. Our drinks were carried to our table for us from the bar when it was ready & there was always a staff member close enough to flag down if there was anything we needed. Will definitely come back many more times. Who needs to go downtown when this hidden gem is right here(it takes alot for me to say that since I do absolutely love the city)?
(4)
Susan L.
First rate staff and first rate food in an upbeat setting. In my opinion the best dining experience in all of Chicagoland, not to mention the best deal in town.
(5)
Jeff S.
Food is excellent. Our waiter was not friendly at all. I would have expected better service for $150/2 people.
(3)
Beryl C.
We were having a high hope on this place cuz we met a couple at Le Titi de Paris the night before and they told us they LOVE D&J. I would have to say -- both the food and the service were marginal. The service was horrible. We waited a good half an hour for our table despite the fact that we had a reservation. They sat us by the bar area which people were smoking cigar while we had an infant with us. I thought most of the restaurants ban pipe and cigar smoking. The prix-fixe is a good deal (with limited choices). I still think Marche, Le Sardine have the better deals though. I have ordered the prix fixe -- the mussels were okay -- not much of taste and kinda fishy. For entree, I had the beef tenderloin. The server didnt ask me how I wanted the meat to be cooked and when I got my dish, the meat was too rare for my taste. Then, I asked our server to bring it back to cook a bit longer -- she claimed they always cook their meat MEDIUM RARE unless YOU tell them otherwise. I think it's a bit odd how they expect new-comers know such a rule. Also, our server was not too attentive either. There were quite a few times she said she would bring us more bread and water and then she totally forgot about us. She was way too busy socializing with the other tables. I think our busboy was more courteous than our server. In my opinion, their food was not that authentic after all. If you ask me if I will go back, my answer is NO. There are too many better French restaurants in the city. I miss Le Loup on Sheffield -- it's been closed down for couple years now. I always wonder what happened to Claude (the owner).
(3)
Boones K.
I have had dinner here a few times and am impressed with the quality of food and service. I absolutely love that every month they put together a seasonal specials menu. It lets you try unique dishes that you would normally find. I've had the braised veal cheeks, pate, and escargot and all were fresh and flavorful. I have only had their seafood selections for dinner, which were perfectly prepared, but I will be back to try other selections on the menu. The prices are reasonable, so it does allow me to come back monthly and see what's new.
(4)
Sandra L.
The owners of this bistro used to be involved at Le Titi de Paris, one of the 5 star restaurants in the Chicagoland area. Dominic and Jeanette are lovely people and their food is exceptional. We ate there on a hot summer night and had cold cucumber soup that was wonderful and we've made it at home many times since we now live so far away. It's pricey but well worth for the quality if you want a romantic evening out, this is the place. The service is over the top and you feel quite pampered. They oocasionally have antique car shows in the parking lot and it's fun to stop by for a drink and listen to all the car buffs at the bar.
(4)
Brian B.
Amazingly fantastic French food. The best I've had since being in Paris, seriously. I've been here a few times and it's always consistently good every time. Great place to go impress someone like for a business dinner or a date. Very reasonable prices also. This place has real French owners that truly want to share their exquisite level of food quality that is uniquely French. The mini Chateaubriand is fantastic, so is the duck with seared foie gras. My favorites are the escargot, steak tartare and ahi tuna. Yes the portions are somewhat small as great French food always is. That leaves room for their wonderful desserts. So be prepared to order your salad, appetizer and sides ala carte. If you truly understand and appreciate real French food, I think you will really like this place.
(5)
Ron S.
Awesome French bistro, been coming here since the late 90s! I am in love with their special called the Skate wing I believe it is, but everything is great! You probably can't get any better French food in the northwest suburbs except for La Titi De Paris or Le France but those two are way more expensive and I think thats only because they have really upscale dining rooms while D & J is more casual, but its not even like the food is that much better
(5)
Patty R.
Nice nite out with the Hubby or Friends!
(4)
Kelly D.
Nice place with decent food. Superb French fries. I had a panko crusted chicken. Chicken was tender but it lacked sauce. Panko was powdery meaning I think they forgot the egg when they attached the panko. It didn't cook well. Started with fois gras which was good but way too big. Slow service but this is typical of the French. Husband had pork tenderloin which he really enjoyed. The fries saved my meal and I would return just for them.
(3)
Max M.
D&J's is a great restaurant nicely hidden in a small strip mall. The duo of a French owner (Dominique) and a Japanese co-owner-chef (Massato) make it a first generation fusion restaurant. You'll find there great dishes that are spiced up with a nice wasabi twist. The service is brilliant and the drink menue is also awsome.
(5)
Katy D.
The location is yucky, but the place is great! SO & I went for dinner on Friday - packed - fun, noisy, but oh, so French - even down to the special parking for antique vehicles. I probably would have liked a prix fix menu, but the menu was good anyway. I had the duck and he had fish, both beautifully served and very tasty. The bread was good, the wine list large, the bar fully stocked. Kinda' pricey for a bistro, but all in all, it was good. The waitress was not French, but spoke it fluently, which was a plus. Would like outdoor seating for summer.... oh, well.
(4)
laurie s.
As a non-meat eater ( fish is OK) I am always a little afraid of French restaurants but this one worked- great salads, wonderful appetizers and my entree was Mahi Mahi with that wonderful lick the plate beurre blanc sauce. The desert was also perfect- Citrus Tiramuse. Went with 5 other people and we could hear each other and talk while still enjoying the feel of dining in a European cafe. Excellent waiter too!
(4)
Colin W.
I have lived in Barringtron over 20 years and been going here since then...Great place. Well rounded menu at a great value. Go for the PreFix Menu. Great wines at a great price The bar is fun for the suburbs. Highly recommend.
(5)
Vicki K.
I have previous review, which was fabulous, but the last few times have been disappointing, especially tonight. The appetizers were good, but I had the Tuna Trio, and upon first serving I had to send it back because the seared tuna was dried out and the bok choy cold....like it had been sitting there for awhile. When I received the new serving, the seared tuna was good and bok choy steaming hot; however, the "fried" tuna (triangle of tuna rolled in panko crumbs and fried, was absolutely horrendous - I had to spit it out...don't know if I had the blood line, or what, but I had my son taste it to see if I was crazy....he also spit it out. The waiter did not come back to check on us, so when the busboy cleared our table, I told him to tell the chef that that particular piece of tuna was horrible. I don't think he understood what I said, nor told anybody. We paid our bill and left. It's very disappointing because D&J has always been our favorite and a place we'd go for special occasions. I don't know if they've lowered their quality of purchasing, or whether they have a new chef...but it was disappointing enough that I can't say whether we'll go back. In addition, my son's steak was FILLED with tendons and very chewy. I hope they can make some corrections and get back on track.
(2)
Bing B.
On my rotation of French restaurants here in the NW burbs. Amazing. Between this place, Barrington and Retro bistros you can't find better (even in the city). Highly rec. Avoid places like Le Titi de Paris like the plague, and go to one of these three instead. You and your wallet won't regret it.
(5)
Food L.
This is a hidden gem in the north suburb. A great french restaurant and reasonably priced. We like it better than many French restaurants in the city.
(4)
Bates N.
We've been eating at D&J since shortly after they opened in Lake Zurich. Have never been disappointed. Swift seating ... with a reservation. Excellent, unobtrusive, service. Interesting menu selections beautifully prepared and presented. Prix fixe is a bargain! Warm, pleasant ambiance. We are blessed to have D&J and Barrington Bistro for fine dining right in the neighborhood.
(5)
kb j.
We recently went to this restaurant on a weekend evening (we've been here a few times before, but it had been a couple of years since our last visit). It's a storefront French bistro restaurant located in a nondescript retail mall (in fact, you'll double check the address you've written down or plugged into your gps when you pull into the mall just to make certain you're at the right place). The storefront restaurant stretches through several store fronts and has been diced up into a few rooms. We arrived early and sat in the bar waiting for the rest of our party. Food service is available in the bar and the bartender was friendly. The bar was packed with a friendly crowd of what appeared to be regulars. We decided to order a bottle of wine. There are 2 wine lists (a wine list of value-priced options and a reserve list). In any event, the lists offer about 10-12 by the glass options (each of which is also available by the bottle) and a smallish list of bottle only choices. The wines were split between California wines and French choices (we thought that for a French bistro, the French choices were limited in number). When the balance of the party arrived we were seated in a well-lit room off of the main dining room. They have a standard menu as well as a changing set of specials that are available. The specials may be agglomerated into a a $35 (as of September 2009) selection that allows a choice of a starter (appetizer, salad or soup), entree and desert from the list of specials. The escargot, served in the traditional garlic-butter "soup", was outstanding and the crusty french bread served at the table was used to great effect to mop up the garlic-butter that accompanied the escargot. The tuna trio was very good (served in 3 different styles) as an entree. Portions are decently sized so that you can finish what's served in one sitting without feeling stuffed when you get up. The place was crowded (it was a weekend evening), but we were not rushed. Service was pleasant and efficient.
(4)
Tiffany T.
Yup - believe the hype - D&J is as good as everyone says. I had a bouillabaisse here last time that was better than any I actually had in France. One of the best restaurants in Chicago, in my opinion. Gets crazy busy on weekends, plan accordingly.
(5)
John M.
We are here with another couple. The food, drinks, and atmosphere were very good. The staff was knowlegeable and friendly. Who knew that such a good French Bistro would be in a Lake Zurich strip mall, but there it is!
(4)
hallie e.
It isn't Fine dining it is a bistro!!! The bistro specials are very much like they are found in France with sometimes a slightly Japanese twist to some of the items to match the chefs heritage and training. I recently had a Charcute plate which was very very nicely done and very pleasant. I am already excited by Novembers special and I look forward to one of my favorites cassoulette..... Every trip my family and I have been pleased, I recently took two friends to this restaurant and they lived up to my rave reviews. They are a fair value, with good service and we speak French and it is a nice added benefit that there are a few on staff who can converse especially Dominc the owner, a very pleasant owner operator. It is a joy to go to this restaurant and we hope to for many years. When it opened I was in the foodservice supply business and this was one of my most enjoyable openings working with a great family.
(5)
M M.
Great suburban restaurant. It really has that homey feel and you feel like you're being waited on hand and foot, literally. The bar area is super tiny, so if you're waiting for a table on a Fri/Sat night you will most likely have to stand- if you want a seat- get there at 4:30. 100%- MAKE A RESERVATION. There is no way you're getting a table here unless you do- esp. if you have a larger party. The food is great quality here, everyone at my table had something different, from chicken, to fish, to steak....and everyone left with a smile on their face. The owner is cute- a little French man, and he is always running around the restaurant. Makes you feel like they actually care, I love when the owner is around to socialize with the guests and greet them. The restaurant is really tiny so it has a very French, homey feel. Crowd is mainly suburban families and couples in their 40's-50's.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Romantic Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes
Katya K.
What a great French bistro! We went there over the Labor Day weekend. The foie gras was cooked to perfection - crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside, plus the sauce was in perfect balance. Beef tartar was another delicious starter. Main dishes were great and didn't disappoint, especially the July duck and steak Diane. I also really liked the sweetbread dish but it's not for everyone :) Thank goodness there were four of us and I got to taste 4 different deserts. It would torturous to select just 1! Knowing what I know now, if I had to choose only one desert, it would be the soft almond meringue with hazelnut praline layer - to die for!
(5)Lauren C.
Don't let the strip mall location fool you! This place is a diamond in the rough! I hadn't been here before, and I was part of a large party. And, of course, I'm gluten free (*sigh* I try really hard not to be the difficult one, but here I am...). I mentioned to the server that I am gluten free, and he said that he would talk to the chef to ask which items were safe. To my surprise, most of the items selected on the fixed menu were gluten free already! He was very informative and went line by line down the menu, informing me of which items were safe and which were to be avoided. I was served a homemade sorbet for dessert, and the biggest surprise of all was that they brought out gluten free bread with my soup! People, I ate BREAD at a restaurant with SOUP - two things that rarely happen!! The hostess (owner?) also assured me that they could accommodate any dietary restriction and was very helpful. I had a wonderful, stress-free meal because of the fantastic staff. Thank you!!
(5)Johnny M.
A couple of my relatives in the NW suburbs recommended this French "bistro." We went with another couple and despite the service being really attentive and cordial, all four of us were underwhelmed by the food especially at the premium prices for a strip mall establishment. The main complaints: the soft-crab appetizer special tasted way too fishy so we had to sauce it up. The rib-eyes were a little tough and chewy. The braised goat special was saved by a decent sauce but you take your chances, you know. The bread and desserts were good enough to avoid the one star rating.
(2)Teresa Y.
We have been to this place many many times and the food was good. However, I think the food quality is slipping as well as the service. Recently, we ordered one of the special bone marrow & foie gras as appetizer, the bone marrow was under done & their signature foie gras didn't taste as good as before. The main course Dover sole was fine & dessert was good. They then offered to take off the bone marrow from the bill. Service was ok and could be better, given that it's a French Bistro. I'm sad that the "wow" factor is gone, and I really hope that they will get back on track so we can continue to enjoy great food there!
(3)Mike M.
Sooo, the Ruskies booked several tables at DJ Bistro for New Years Eve dinner and then dancing with DJ. I am going to look past all the NYE issues and just speak to the overall experience. The food is old school, bistro French, and they do a good job. Steak, Veal Shank, Lamb, deconstructed Caesar salad, Fois Gras, Mussel Soup, and Dover Sole ALL GOOD! They do need some saucier support because the French sauces were weak. My beautifully cooked Dover Sole was served with an unseasoned bland white ver blanc. DJ Bistro is in a strip mall in Lake Zurich, and if you are looking for French it is the best for 10 miles, and maybe one of the best restaurants in that far northwest burb area. It is not unreasonably priced for what is served, but expensive for area. The food is old school / uninspired, but it matches the clientele ... Old school.
(3)Meg G.
Very good food, I had the goat cheese salad and was delighted with the sliced fruit that came with it. I also loved the salmon wrapped tuna tartare. My friend had eaten there once before and loved it but she had the steak last time and this time she had seared steak tartare, which confused us when we really started to think about it, because isn't seared just cooked? And indeed it looked a lot like a poorly cooked hamburger, so she wasn't as in love as she was with her first dish. However, they also have great service. Really great service, the opposite of French service but good French food. I would definitely go regularly if I lived here.
(4)Chet M.
Oh my, what a yawner... Kind of the same ole restaurant from 12 years ago. Needs a menu and store update. Everyone's food IQ has been raised. We need more than steak frites and canned snails in melted garlic butter trivets.
(3)james w.
Wow, has this place gone downhill. My wife ordered the crab cakes and they were dry and terrible tasting. i ordered the Steak Diane and the meat was tough. The brown sauce tasted like something out of a can. These owners are obviously bored and wanting to retire. They lost their passion for great French food
(1)Alexandra S.
I had no idea there was a French restaurant so near to my house! The food here was, in my opinion, divine. From the bread to the chicken cordon bleu to the profiteroles for dessert, I ate as much as I could fit in because it was THAT tasty. I don't think I would have ever visited the location on my own (as it is in a nondescript strip mall at a busy intersection), but that would have been my loss. I am so glad we were invited to a birthday celebration here. I definitely intend to return to try more of the menu. The owner (?) was charming and informative and certainly improved the experience.
(4)Kim T.
This is consistently one of the best restaurants anywhere. Prices are fair, food is always delicious and they have a nice wine list. We go here several times a month. Whether it's a special occasion or a Tuesday night it's always fabulous. 5 star service, 5 star food. I cannot say enough good things about this place!
(5)Betty C.
We went on Valentine's weekend for a friend's birthday. The place was covered with heart shaped balloons. Festive but busy and not in keeping with the quaint French atmosphere we are used to having. We think they were overwhelmed with the crowds as the food was very mediocre and not at all up to their normal output. The lardon and frisee salad was underwhelming - watery frisee (was it even spun dry?) and minimal lardons created a watery and flavorless dressing once mixed with the egg. The tuna three ways came out with the blackened tuna way overcooked even though I had specifically said to "bring it swimming" if possible that's how raw I like it. They redid it and it was much better when returned. The poke version was the best but what doesn't taste good with soy, sugar and sesame oil added to it? The panko crusted chicken cordon blue was tepid and not crispy and the frites came out cold and had to be returned. Desserts were OK - a caramel ice cream had broken and did not have a smooth texture one could feel the grainy bits of milks solids in it. The crepes Suzette were OK - not buttery or orangey enough. The one solid dish of the night was the chicken lover pate with brioche toast.
(3)Samantha D.
Everything was excellent. The oysters were fresh, and the wine and shallot dressing was unique compared to typical horseradish garnish. I had the duck risotto and my husband had the rabbit, both were well prepared and delicious. The desert and coffee were a perfect finish. Excellent service as well. Very enjoyable. Unexpected in its strip mall location.
(5)Kristen D.
My favorite place for a special occasion. The owners are charming and greet every customer. The wait staff is friendly and knowledgeable. The food is absolutely outstanding - I have never been disappointed. I highly recommend the escargots and the braised leg of rabbit is to die for. Our last visit was for my husband's birthday. The pastry chef came to our table with a special sampling of treats and sang happy birthday along with the owner. It was a wonderful evening.
(5)Christina L.
Favorite place to go for a date night! I am never disappointed. I recommend the cordon bleu. It is delicious! My boyfriend always orders the duck and if the skate wing is on special he highly recommends it! One of his favorite seafood dishes. Also, the atmosphere is nice and romantic. 5 stars all the way!
(5)Harith R.
Great service, amazing flavorful food. Never had a bad meal there. Great desserts too.
(5)Cletus T.
As I mentioned in my previous review, I've been back and it happened much the way I figured it would - dining companions wishing to go there - and I have to say that since the original review - they've wowed me with a Pheasant bisque or chowder of some sort that totally blew me away, along with the little beef medallions which were 10x better than whatever I was ambivalent about in the previous review. The Marlboro man may still be there, but our waitress did a fabulous job of taking care of us and we were visited by - - I believe she may be an owner? - - - who was awesome - checking to see how things were and talking about some of their selections. Really a nice follow-up experience. Glad I went back.
(4)Joan S.
Oh my goodness! My sister took me here for a birthday dinner. I've always thought this place was more tapas and casual. I was surprised to find it was a very traditional French bistro with full - and quite excellent - dinner service. We split a goat cheese salad for an appetizer. These can be so bland, but at D&J, it had really lovely beets, pear and mango added, and the cheese was delicately fried in bread crumbs so it had that perfect, spreadable, warm texture. Really excellent! For dinner, she got a steak Diane and I had the Chateaubriand, two mini filets wrapped in pancetta with a delicate sauce I couldn't quite figure out - shallots, wine and some other things, I think. It was in the top five steaks I've ever had. My son ate my leftovers and said it was the best he'd ever had. So worth the money! At the beginning of the meal, my sister (a regular there) introduced me to the owner. When we finished the meal, they brought me a special birthday dessert plate - not requested, just showed up - with my NAME on the plate! Now that's attention to detail! The three little desserts (mousse, cheesecake, creme brulee in a cookie crust) were a perfect end to the meal. My sister tells me they love this place for the outdoor patio and DOG menu! She showed me afterward the little menu they have for dogs and it is so cute - rice and meat-based meals that are all just $5 or $6. Too cute that the dog can go with them too. It's in a strip mall and the outdoor tables face the parking lot. I expected it to be less special for this, but the truth is there's a little buffer around the tables that make you completely forget you're not in a garden somewhere. The only thing I regret is not having tried this restaurant sooner. Yes, prices are special occasion...but I will now choose this over just about any other special occasion restaurant we've gone to in the past. The food, the pace of the dinner, the incredibly attentive service, the unpretentious help with choosing a wine...all of it felt relaxed and casually elegant. P.S. Ladies, do not miss pornographic Jesus on the bathroom door. Rather out of character for this place, but still fun...in a guilty Catholic sort of way.
(5)Renata P.
My favorite French restoraunt in this area. Portions are not huge, just right they are have to be. Delicious. Will celebrate my birthday there.
(5)Brooke C.
Already planning on coming back for next special occasion since the price is not for everyday meal. We were not disappointed from start to finish. Escargot & braised rabbit risotto were unforgettable. The Atlantic salmon was cooked perfectly. Bouillabaisse was the highlight tonight! The seafood was fresh, the broth was flavorful but not heavy. Desserts marked the happy ending! My kids think it was the best Crème brûlée they ever had.
(4)Kevin R.
One of the best in the suburbs! Face it, good restaurants in the suburbs are few and far between. This is my go-to place out here in the northwest hinterlands. Good quality bistro food and a good value. They have a different 'true bistro dish' that changes every month, and there are always special on the menu to change things up. The cassoulet is my favorite 'true bistro dish' when it's available. Off the menu the 'Pasta J' and 'Pasta D' are my faves. Skip the steak tartare, it was a little disappointing. Great value on the wines! You'll need a reservation on the weekends unless you go very early or very late. There's always the option of grabbing a seat in the bar though.
(4)Stephanie T.
OK, so it took me a long time to go back, but after a March trip to Paris, I just had to have some French food! Everything still stands from my prior review, and I was impressed with all the food we tried last night. The salad of the day was a delicious mix of golden beets, mandarin oranges, arugula, walnuts, with citrus vinaigrette and a goat cheese crustini. And not that kind of gritty goat cheese that's just OK, the really good creamy tangy kind. Really fresh and flavorful. I had to try their duck confit to compare with the amazing version I had in France, and I was pleasantly surprised! No, it was not the same, but really good and tender. The duck fell apart with a fork and had a rich sauce that complimented the wild mushroom risotto it is served over. The only thing I felt I was missing out on was the crispy skin that would push this dish over the edge, but the flavors were all there. My dining partner had pork tenderloin medallions which were fantastic! They were likely the best pork I can remember having in recent times- very moist and cooked perfectly. Also had a great sauce over them, smoky, but not overwhelming. I guess those Frenchies know their sauces! Didn't have any dessert as I usually prefer to drink my dessert, so polishing off the rest of the bottle of wine ended our meal. Again, I love that their wine list has different options from the usual, and really reasonably priced. The only negative was the absence of the bathroom chalkboard. Where did it go? Why did it leave? How can it not be a fun thing to leave messages for future bathroom users? And then addition of the strange painting of the naked man (important parts covered with a sash- you know you are going to check out my picture now) on the bathroom door was a bit jarring. I guess he is supposed to be drool-worthy, but I was just creeped out by how long his torso was. I estimated his pant size to be 32-26. I heard that the men's room had a similarly unclad woman as well, who also had odd proportions. I hate to hate on someone's hand painted efforts, but I really don't mind a plain old door, especially for the bathroom. This is a great place to return to as the menu changes seasonally and the food has consistently been really good. I'm also a sucker for being called "mademoiselle".
(4)A A.
We love to frequent D & J and sit at the bar to enjoy a nice glass of wine with the lovely bartender. She is always very inviting and friendly, while being knowledgeable about the different wine selections. We had shared with her our experiences in Napa and were pleased to find that she knew quite a bit about the wines in the region! Highly recommended!
(5)Chris B.
Outstanding food and service in the Chicago burbs. Maybe not quite 5 stars but close enough. The tuna trio was wonderful as was the duck. The feshest figs wrapped with bacon. We told the waiter we were from out of town and they knew we would not be back often, the owner came by, very impressive. What a find. How lucky not to have to drive down town for such quality food. There is nothing like it in Scottsdale. Too bad for us.
(5)George H.
Went with my wife and this is my take on it, we both ended up with the same score though. I am a foodie - I have tried and eaten almost anything that has come my way. (As you could tell by looking at me, but that is a totally different conversation.) ;-) When I visited Paris one of the things I was told that I HAD to try was Steak Tartare - I never had it before going to Paris, but I loved it. When I saw it on the menu here, I had high hopes. It was a case of antici-pointment if I ever had one - it was ground so finely it had no texture. It also lacked any seasoning. For an entree, I had the seafood risotto - the mussels and clams were cooked well, but had quite a bit of grit in them and in one case, the beard was still attached to the mussel. The scallops were cooked beautifully but the shrimp were the opposite side of the spectrum - they were overcooked and rubbery. A perfect risotto is supposed to be creamy ans 'loose'. This was a big pile of 'starchy glop' in the middle of the plate that they put the seafood on. When I tasted the risotto, I felt like channeling my inner Gordon Ramsay and imagined going back to the kitchen and saying, "This is overcooked, you donkey!" I can't comment on my wife's entree, I didn't try it as I was not in the mood for tuna that night. The wine menu had a nice variety of wines and we selected a good one, unfortunately our waiter was very aggressive in refilling our glasses. We told him multiple times, we didn't want our glasses refilled yet he kept swooping in from angles where we didn't see him to keep topping us off. We had planned on bringing home half of the bottle to enjoy at home, but with his aggressive pouring style, that was not an option.
(2)Kim L.
One of my all time favorite restaurants. Great service and quality food for the price. Nice atmosphere.
(5)Margie D.
Excellent, authentic French food with great service. When we mentioned we were there to celebrate our wedding anniversary the owner and head chef surprised us with a beautifully designed plate of home made desserts. A very special place with wonderful service and amazing food. Highly recommend!
(5)Ellen W.
Finally I find a reasonably priced wine list and great food!! We sat at the bar and shared a few appetizers and a bottle of wine. It was a great time. Delicious food and wine!
(5)Molly M.
D & J is our favorite local restaurant. I'm a vegetarian and they have a nice vegetarian menu. I would also love to see a vegan choice now and then, although they are very willing to tweak ther dishes a bit to accommodate me. My husband eats anything and the lamb shank is a favorite. The atmosphere is casual, but you can also dress up and not feel out of place.
(5)Elina K.
This place was fantastic. I wish I rememebr what I had here...I just remember it was all lovely. Really superb food. I came here with a date that was creepy and weird but am happy he showed me this place. Great french food in the burbs.
(4)Suzanne T.
Sensational food. Lovely fois gras, escargot and fish. Salads prepared with fresh ingredients and delectable dressings. A treat!
(4)Amber M.
When my husband and I sat down to figure out where we wanted to have our wedding reception, we both agreed that the only thing we truly cared about working out perfectly that day was the food. We're absolutely and 100% passionate about food. At first it was impossible to think of a single place (even in downtown Chicago) that we thought could pull it off. Until we remembered our favorite suburbs restaurant - D&J. From day one of reaching out, D&J's owners worked closely with us to propose the perfect reception menu and event details, working well within our budget. Without a doubt, planning for the dinner was the easiest and most fun part of our wedding thanks to D&J. That said - let me get to the good part. D&J flawlessly executed a five-course menu for over 80 guests which were made to order, as our guests had several choices for each course. Every. Single. Dish. Was. Perfect. In fact, we were delighted to notice that about a third of our guests actually requested to take their leftovers home (anyone else find that surprising for a wedding??). Beyond that, service was impeccable. D&J's friendly and attentive staff made the five most perfect hours of our day fly by. Above and beyond, both owners were there providing support and delighting our guests. At the end of the night, all of the staff proactively pitched in to help us clean up our wedding decorations/favors/etc. We were surprised to hear from our parents that many of our guests contacted them randomly days and weeks after the wedding, telling them how special the night was and how much they enjoyed the food. D&J was absolutely integral to the success of our wedding day. For that, we will be forever in debt to them. Thank you D&J from the bottom of our hearts! You will see us again very very soon! Side note - our favorites at D&J from that night (and always :-) include: escargot, beef carpaccio, Argentinean Sweet shrimp en brochette, Beef Chateaubriand and so many others!
(5)Megan K.
Always wonderfully gracious hosts. My husband and I prefer week nights, as the weekend can get noisy and a bit behind sometimes. We have had many menu items and all have been delicious and fresh AND consistent. My husband loves the foi gras and the fish is always cooked perfectly. It's worth the price tag.
(4)Caroline P.
Everyone is a little hesitant to go to a French restaurant in a stripmall. After you get over that, D&J is a great little place to try something new. We came here because they were very flexible with finding gluten free items on the menu. I called beforehand and talked about different options. My waiter seemed to be knowledgeable about it as well. The atmosphere is unique and they offer many menu items that are hard to find in the burbs. I enjoyed my seafood rissoto and goat cheese salad along with some great wine. Although the food could use a little tweaking, we enjoyed our overall experience. Their willingness to serve the GF community is a great thing as well!
(4)Helen S.
The place looks deceiving since the words/font on the windows make it look a little seedy on the outside, so my bf and I were surprised by how fancy it was inside when we came here for dinner (it's not super sexy or anything, but the juxtaposition is notable). I don't know who said this place has a hipster ambiance, because it is anything but hipster. We were among the youngest people there, but we found that reassuring because older crowds tend to have better taste (dining-wise). We waited in the bar area for awhile before getting seated. I've never had French food so I didn't really know what to expect. We shared the mushroom tart (delicious), I ordered the braised rabbit (really good, like chicken), he ordered the skate (mine was a bit better), and we had the raspberry champagne dessert (a bit strong). I would give them a solid 4 stars since the service could've been better because we waited quite a bit, but I really liked the food.
(4)David L.
Food: 4 Decor: 3 Service: 2 3.5 stars, rounding up. I came here for dinner with my gf at 8pm Friday night after my roommate and friend raved about this place. We showed up 5 min after, and we still had to wait 15 min or so before we were seated. We decided to get the prix fixe, 37 and an entree to share. 1. Wild mushroom tart yelp.com/biz_photos/KNZx… Yummy, even though I'm not a huge fan of mushrooms. I didn't care for the pita bread though. 2. Sauteed Atlantic skate wing grenobloise yelp.com/biz_photos/KNZx… Mediocre. Skate was rather dry. 3. Braised leg of rabbit, 17 yelp.com/biz_photos/KNZx… okay. Pasta was cooked well, and rabbit was pretty tender. 4. Fresh raspberry champagnoise yelp.com/biz_photos/KNZx… okay. Raspberries and whipped cream on top of a glass of champagne and some ice cream. Didn't work as well as I hoped, and the champagne was a bit overpowering. Total was about $70 after t/t. Service was disappointing since we had to wait so long, and the server forgot what I ordered for the dessert.
(4)Ellie F.
Our parents' favorite spot! Very creative menu with an interesting variety! Good wine selection & a fun bar. This place has a great atmosphere. Perfect for a special night out without being pretentious. A must try!
(4)Rita C.
Best French restaurant in this area. It is a hidden gem since the outside looks like a boring strip mall plaza. I've been living in Lake Zurich area for over 10 years and D & J Would rival their peers in any major city and even foodie city of Chicago. Prices are reasonable. We often take out of town guests here. The servers here are older men. The host maybe owner is French... Always very charming. The waiter cringes though when my husband asks for the ketchup.
(4)Peter K.
Best real french restaurant, very creative and beautiful menu, excellent service, affordable prices, absolute our favorite restaurant!
(5)Craig L.
Wife and I went to dinner with two other couples so we had the chance to sample a number of meals. As other reviewers have mentioned, the location and exterior are deceiving. The outside screams 'stip mall' but the inside whispers 'vous etes en la ville Paris'. It's a quaint bistro atmosphere that is French without being stuffy. Steak tartare as an appetizer and chateaubriand were excellent. Cooked fish main portions were also good. I had sweet shrimp that tasted excellent. The separate side of pommes frites was excellent - and cooked in the classic French style. They are thin and crunchy with a snap. That's an indication that good oil is used. Salads fell a little short but the wines around the table were good. The deserts didn't disappoint and especially the three-piece desert sampler - Je l'aime le Opera!! The prices are a little higher than typical stip mall dining but it's a good value because the food tastes like food. Even for the servicings that did not merit high praise, our group acknowledged that it least the food had taste. Service was great. We took a little extra time to order and sat around the table talking afterwards with the waitress accomodating all the time. A nice night and a sure-thing for the next time we want continental cuisine a short drive from home.
(4)Rob W.
I've been eager to try this place and just have never gotten around to it. Well, I was recently in the area at lunchtime and decided to give it a go. To me this was good quality French food with good service. If they are trying to compete with a higher end French place - Le Titi for instance, I don't think they're quite as good. But my meal was pretty good. I enjoyed Potato and Leek soup along with a risotto with shellfish as my entree. Some of the shellfish (mussels and clams) could have been a tad hotter (temperature-wise). Other than that, the food was good, a decent portion was offered and the service was prompt. Definitely worth a return trip.
(4)Tim E.
Nice evening out...... As a previous reviewer so eloquently mentioned "you do not usually put the terms "strip mall" and "French restaurant" together in a good way but at DJ's it works. The perception, as you drive up to what could easily be mistaken as a bad Greek diner, is quickly disintegrated as you enter the door. The restaurant tends to sprawl out in a maze of cozy spaces and nooks. There is a quirkiness to the flooring and the layout that gives it a back street French treasure feel. The menu is varied and after four visits now we have yet to experience less than stellar service. Wine is nice and not wallet busting and they keep the appetizer dollars down to invite you to indulge. Desserts are nice (I did not partake but my wife and friends liked it) and the evening was wonderful. The waitress got a little "quick" pulling our bread off the table as we finished but when we expressed an interest in packing that to go also she quickly replaced it with a warm fresh bag full. Class response that left a warm fuzzy feeling. DJ's is not 5 stars but it's also not 5 star dollars. They are a great dinner experience and they keep it affordable. They know what they are and stay the course doing what they do best. Special enough for a celebration and casual enough for a Tuesday meal, DJ's Is a worthwhile trip ...just don't prejudge the exterior! Go in and enjoy.
(4)Seth B.
Excellent food and wonderful service.
(5)Richard R.
I have been to D&J Bistro three times now. One time it was good; two times it was outstanding, which is why I've given it a 5 rating. While I'm hardly a wine expert, I thought their wine list was excellent and had several very reasonably priced wines. But, of course, the reason to come to D&J is for the food. Each time I've eaten here the meal has been wonderful (my less-than-outstanding experience was due to the service not the food). On my last visit, I wanted to try something different and had the 'Le Menage a Trois of Ahi Tuna'. It was incredible. My only mistake was letting my wife try it. I almost had to order another serving because she kept asking for another bite! :-)
(5)Zhong Y.
There's little I can add to what already has been said about this fantastic gem of a bistrot located improbably in a strip mall in Crystal Lake. I've only had great meals here, the most memorable was a Moroccan classic: tagine of lamb shank and grilled merguez sausage, redolent of harissa, on a bed of couscous. Absolutely delightful. The moules can appear a bit overcooked, resulting in shrinkage inside the shell. That's the only flaw, I think, seafood. But otherwise les bon temps vous attendent ici!
(4)Robert D.
Started off with the potato leek soup. I got the braised beef short rib and the wife got the duck breast. Finished it up with strawberry shortcake. Awesome. Service on a busy Saturday night between good and very good. Prices are what we expected, so people who whine about the prices must not eat out much. Oh, and make reservations on the weekend. Also, yes, I would go back.
(4)Steve S.
We love D & J Bistro, frequenting the restaurant as often as possible. Last evening my brothers and sister celebrated my her birthday and four of the five meals met with the satisfaction and enjoyment of my siblings. My dinner, the Lamb Shank, which is a favorite was less than anticipated. Their was plenty of lamb but the disappointment was in how it was presented and what was lacking. The dish use to be served in a small iron skillet, which conveyed the bistro feel of the French countryside, last night it was in a dish....no skillet. What was lacking was the normal heavy sauce that was loaded with vegetables. The sauce and vegetables were normally a meal unto themselves, which enhanced the flavor of the dish...not last night. The appetizers, especially the cold, cured foie gras were outstanding and the desserts were top notch. The service was efficient and friendly and we were seated exactly at our reservation time. My only lament is a once favorite dish just wasn't what it use to be. A pity. It use to a unique presentation, loaded with flavor. If you had never had this dish before you would most likely find it more than acceptable. Unfortunately, I have had it several times and last evening was a disappointment. Go to D & J Bistro for the value, ambiance and great food and friendly people but if you're a lamb shank fan of how they use to serve the dish...try something else.
(3)Brett F.
Now, now my city dwellers... Don't get yourselves in a tizzy, I'm certainly not suggesting you pack up the station wagon, fill the canteens and head out to the NW burbs anytime soon... However, if you do find yourself looking to entertain some in-the-know suburbanites or hear the grumblings of an empty belly when in or near Lake Zurich, D&J Bistro is a spot not to be missed! If you can get past a few shortcomings like their cheesy strip-mall locale with the less-than-thrilling décor to match, you'll be pleased to find warm and friendly service, authentic french bistro cuisine, fabulously affordable wine and trés délicieux fromage!! A few standouts are their mussels in a classic white wine broth; light and tasty, and the delectable escargots bubbling and sizzling away from their little pools of melty Pernod garlic butter - Oh Baby, all I needed was bread and some privacy!! Don't be shy and ask your server to fix you up a cheese plate... it's not really on the menu, but what's a French meal without your cheese course?? That's like Peanut Butter without the Jelly, A Fat Kid without Cake, Birds with no Bees. Enjoy being served a beautiful and decadent 6 cheese sampling complete with grapes, fig cake and that wonderful warm, crusty French baguette. Do not miss this lactose feast!! The entrees are just as fantastic and inventive as anything you'd find in the big, bad city... tangy and piled high salad nicoise, kobe waygu beef, steak frites with shallot butter and roasted black mission figs wrapped in pancetta over a boursin tartine. OMFG!! See, I told you to get past the strip mall. If you can make room for dessert after that decimation, I hear the warm pecan and sweet potato tart with house-made ice cream is good enough to make you scream in French. Oui! Oui!
(4)Kristen D.
Overall our experience and the food met expectations and previous reviews. I started with the goat cheese salad and had the duck confit with mushroom risotto. I'm a simple salad girl and this actually had a lot going on but it was tasty. My duck and risotto was phenomenal. It had a strong flavor but wasn't overly salty which duck and risotto can be. My dining companions were also pleased but I must call out that the jambalaya special was so hot, temperature wise, that my boyfriend was unable to eat for at least 10 minutes. Once he was able to eat the entree he was a bit disappointed. He felt like a special would stand out more and it being jambalaya would have an intense flavor and in hindsight would have rather had the Steak Diane. The rest of the entrees were great. My mother had the pork medallions and my father had the swordfish. We opted out of dessert. The service was impeccable. And the wine list great. A definite return for us. We're sorry it took us so long to get here.
(4)Dagwood S.
"WooHoo! As good as it gets!" is exactly what I say. We have been here several times over the years and only an excellent experiance each time, every time! It is truely excellent food at a reasonable price, which includes wine priced well below Chicago restaurants. I have the escargot everytime and love it! It may be in a strip mall, but inside is very quaint with very nice decor, not what you expect from the outside view. The service is exceptional and the choice of entrees are always unique to the area which make it an adventure for us to try something different. Great job and I will continue to make the drive out there. Keep up the good work!
(5)vicky h.
After all the glowing reviews I was looking forward to a nice date night dinner with the husband. The place was jamming so maybe it's just me but... It was way too warm inside. I was uncomfortable and to the point of getting sleepy We ordered a bottle of wine, an appetizer and two entrees. The appetizer was meh, ok...Steak Tartare. Mostly tasted like admittedly well seasoned hamburger meat but none of the buttery creaminess that I've experienced with other places. Hubby got the seafood risotto - mussels and scallops were right on. Shrimp were overcooked and instead of the risotto being creamy it was a starchy glump. I got the tuna trio which was described on the menu as a tartare style, seared, and wasabi crusted. What came was two out of the three matching what I expected and I guess the wasabi crusted was what was breaded and deep fried. Not what I would expect from the menu description and a waste of a nice piece of fish. The other two tuna preparations were nice though. Finally the service. We were pacing ourselves on the wine and the waiter kept trying to top off the glasses. When we were at half a bottle he looked at it like he didn't want to cork it and bag it for us to take home. He filled DH's glass without waiting and I had to tell him three times to stop pouring on my 3/4 full glass, I didn't want more wine. So we had to leave a bottle about a quarter full and two almost full glasses when we left. I was not happy to say the least. So recap, 25 bottle of wine, one appetizer and two entrees for about 100 bucks. Not worth it and we will not be back.
(2)Evelyn W.
Celebrated our 20 year anniversary last night at D&J , it was our first time and everything was very good . Staff was wonderful and knowledgable . The food was excellent . I order the steak tar tar for a starter, and it was extremely flavorful , my husband had the corn chowder soup also very good. The highlight of my meal was the skate wing. I've never had this entree before and it did not disappoint . Very lite and flavorful .
(5)Ali L.
Awful place. Too bad these owners have no idea what good French food is. Heck, they've probably never even been to France. The décor is suburban tacky. The service is unacceptable. Thank goodness I speak Spanish so I could order for my mom and myself because our server could not understand us. Worst steak and frites I've ever had. Taco Bell sells better quality meat. Save your money for a quality meal with knowledgable and friendly service elsewhere.
(1)Krystal W.
So freakin tasty. Went here for the first time ever last week and loved it. Then found myself still thinking about the deliciousness so I went again last night. They have a vegetarian section of the menu so that made it super easy for me. I recommend the root veggie salad, the goat cheese logs, the brie toast, the wild mushroom and eggplant risotto, and..oh man, the pear tart. The atmosphere is nice, relaxed, not stuffy, and the the servers are quite pleasant.
(5)Kris L.
D & J continues to be the areas best French bistro. We met there on Saturday and were seated right at the time of our reservation. Our group had the escargot and the steak tartare for appetizers which were good. The tartare was very fresh and had good flavor without being overly spicy. The French bread is ok but not great, apparently their is not a bakery in 50 miles that makes great French bread or I'm sure D & J would have it. Their roasted duck was crispy and cooked properly. My wife had the blanquette du veau which was a tender veal in a white cream sauce and was very good. Another person in our group had the skate wing which was light, tender and perfectly cooked and the other had a pasta dish that was rich and delicious. You can't go wrong at D & J Bistro the owners are very nice, the service is good and most importantly the food is delicious and will make you want to go back again.
(3)Kelly O.
I have to be honest as I write this review, the normally, "French" cuisine is not my bag. It's not that I really dislike it, it just doesn't hold any appeal for me normally. Kind of like Fried Chicken, I could live my whole life without ever eating it and yet sooo many people love it. So- that said, I was here for my niece's graduation dinner. I know that my brother and his family LOVE this place and have gone here for years. The place is indeed packed every time I've been there, so that says something. The service is very attentive but not invasive. Dirty martinis are EXCELLENT with the stuffed blue cheese olives. My sister and I had the Chateaubriand which was LOVELY. Served with exceptionally tasty garlic mashed potatoes. I ordered the salad with Dijon dressing first and THAT item did not win me over. It was served on Bibb lettuce and it was just a very Mayo-Caesar type dressing.....not my thing. We had cappuccinos and chocolate molten cake for dessert. Did NOT disappoint. YUMMY. I also tried the sushi for an appetizer- as a sushi addict, I didn't care for the interpretation- it was tuna on top of what seemed like crabmeat salad (think tuna salad). Again, please note......it was not "bad", just saying I think for people wanting sushi, this is not going to be what you think. I'm giving this restaurant 4 stars because the setting is great, the atmosphere is fun, clearly most everyone LOVES the food and the service is amazing. I'm someone that loves a great steak, sushi and Italian food.....not sure why I don't lean toward French food....and I only mention that here because I want anyone reading my review to realize much of my "not raving" has to do with my preferences in cuisine. If you love French food, this is your place. Overall, yes a lovely restaurant with amazing staff. You'll be taken care of here.
(4)Chrisa H.
I can't imagine going anywhere in the area and getting a better meal. D&J is friendly, the food is amazing, and the location is...funky. If you're looking for traditional French cuisine, they have it. If you are in the mood for something unique, try the specials. The new bar menu is great if you're popping in with friends for a few drinks and apps. The steak tartar is wonderful, and the escargot is yummy. My husband always has the rabbit when it's on the menu and I am not a lover of small game, but I have to admit, it's amazing.
(5)Imelda M.
Ate here for first time with Good friends. Wonderful is how I would describe our entree. Great wine list, Delicious appetizers. Delightful atmosphere, loved the 'buzz' of the Bar area Will return for certain. Returned for a second time this wkend March/5th. Even better than our first dining. Food, wine, ambience.......wonderful Marc our waiter, excellent job Merci
(5)Mike W.
We moved back to IL recently. We only looked in Lake Zurich, to ensure proximity to D&J. Prices have edged up, but if you want the perfect meal, it's D&J or...well, really, no place else that we've seen. Even the kids' chicken strips and fries are off the charts.
(5)Al M.
My wife and I had an early dinner last night at D&J Bistro. We have been going here off an on for many years it had been awhile since we visited. As usual the food was very good. My wife had the crab an brie croquettes with 3 sauces, and the skate, they were outstanding. I had the pate' plate and boeuf bourguignon which was tender and rich. For desert the apple tart and and the pumpkin mousse were both very good as well. I have to say, I do prefer when we have one of the french waiters, it truly rounds out the experience. Not that our server was bad, he just lacked the personality we come to expect. I always appreciate the wine list at D&J, while not extensive there are usually some unique finds at reasonable prices. We had a nice Bordeaux from Medoc.
(4)Larry B.
went here Saturday nite for a birthday celebration with the wife and friends. we were seated right away. we had brought some nice wine and there is a 15 dollar corkage fee which is reasonable. i had the prix fixe menu with manila clams and mussels in a coconut curry for app. fantastic. my entree was the bouillabaise which is easy to screw up. this one was amazing and had a garlicy rouille to go with it. full of fish and shellfish and a stellar saffron broth. my wife had skate which was very nice and my friend had a huge lamb shank which he demolished. the only bump were the duck spring rolls which were kinda dry. all is all a pleasant nite. we will return soon.
(5)Bill W.
Had heard about this place for a long time so we tried it....wine menu is extensive....had sea scallops they were very good.... We had the mini chateaubriand the presentation was great but the cut of meat was tougher than my expectation.... Probably will be awhile before we return
(3)Eric T.
Great French restaurant in Lake Zurich. Try the Skate when they have it, it is worth the trip.
(5)Lorrene C.
We had our wedding at D&J a few years ago, and everyone LOVED the restaurant. We are regular diners here and we decided to have our Holiday party there this year as a thank you to our staff for working hard and for years of dedication. We planned a buffet dinner (though they have many options) and thought of course, they would do an outstanding job. D&J went far above and beyond our expectations! We as well as the staff gives you 5 STARS for such a great time as well as great food. Thank you.
(5)Michael P.
I wanted to try something I've never had before, and I wound up trying two new foods last night, rabbit (in a risotto), and foi gras (sauteed and paired with duck breast). I'm a fan of both, despite being totally against the production of foi. I figured just this one time, the goose was already dead etc. It really was delicious, creamy, buttery, crispy from the pan. The food was incredible, like they need another five star review but I'd like to add that it was nice to go into a restaurant and FINALLY see an involved and caring owner (most places feel like no one is in charge except a 20 year old hostess standing by the front door who probably couldn't find the front door if something when wrong). Looks like there's a few things on the menu added just for the suburbanites that don't really belong, even though I've only been here this one time, and once waaaaaaaay back when they opened, I'd say stick with the basic French fares. The owner couldn't have been nicer, maybe a bit too charming with his french accent and kiss on the hand ... Six flags. More flags, more fun!
(5)Joanie T.
My cousin and her husband go here often but this was only my second visit. Hubby was out of town so it was just my cousin and me and we got there a little late, without reservations. The hostess said not a problem and seated us at a little table in the angle of a wall. I prefer beer to wine and they didn't serve my favorite, Hacker-Pshorr,so I told my waitress I don't care for hoppy beers and she brought me a sample of one of the two beers they had on draft. I didn't like it and asked about the other one which she promptly brought me a sample of. Success, and she was so sweet about the multiple trips to the bar! My cousin and I ordered identically; the fixed prix and I can only remember the choice we went with, which was goat cheese salad and hanger steak.The salad was superb with the goat cheese lightly breaded and lovely and warm. The hanger steak was melt in your mouth delicious. Good thing we didn't do the old you get one thing and I'll get another and we can taste each other's, because I wanted the whole thing for just me, me, me! We did differ on our desserts and since by then we were pretty well sated, sampled each other's. Her almond pastry was a heavenly cloud of almond cream in a lovely jacket of flaky pastry and I had a pistachio ice cream which was so rich, I didn't quite finish it! It was an excellent meal.
(4)Jocelyn D.
French Bistro and Strip Mall are two terms I really don't associate as going together but D&J Bistro is a damn tasty dining experience and classy despite the location and tone of my review. I have been coming here for years but recently celebrated my birthday here last week. As hoped - everything was delicious as always. The restaurant is rather large but comfortable - so reservations are strongly encouraged as its always packed to the brim. Service is quick and spot on and food is outta this world! I had the escargot which is better here than any French places I have tried in the city (sorry Chicago I love you), roasted duck and foie gras and topped it all with several drinks including a glass of absinthe. I wish D&J Bistro was closer but I like it being a slightly hidden gem of the burbs.
(5)Gail G.
We had heard about D and J from several people and finally went to try it. While the food was pretty good, our service was terrible!! We've had better service at a Chilis than this! Our server took forever to take our order and once our entrees arrived, we did not see him again until it was time for our bill. No one bothered to come and check on us except for the busser. We did notice that if you were a regular there, you seemed to get rockstar treatment, with everyone from the manager to the owner checking on your table and making sure everything was right, but we were virtually ignored throughout our dinner. It was impersonal and when we complained to the maitre d, he seemed ambivalent and unconcerned. The frites were limp and not crispy at all, although the venison my fiance ordered was superb. We also enjoyed the steak tartare appetizer. The service really brought down the entire experience for us. If you are going to spend that much money for a meal, you expect the service to match the quality of the food. Go to Barrington Country Bistro instead, where they actually take care of you whether you are a regular or not!!
(2)JC O.
A great brasserie, good food, atmosphere, and wines. Our current local favorite! Steak frites is to die for.
(5)Erin P.
I have read reviews for over a year about the "great French place in the strip mall" and was excited to finally give it a try last week when I was spending part of the turkey day weekend in the suburbs. As I had been warned, there it was, unassumingly between Gino's East and a hair salon. I guess the only good thing you can say about the location is that it has easy parking. As soon as we walked in we were greeted, in French by, the maitre'de and seated quickly there after. The wine list was informative, well rounded and inexpensive. (I guess if you get 20 miles out of the city and everything is cheap!) Starting with a glass of Kir Royal and I slowly sank into a nice cozy buzz that enhanced the rest of the evening. You gotta love the person who invented the idea of aperitif- booze to stimulate your palate, I like it! While I enjoyed my bubbly libation we shared the mussels, escargots and cheese platter. All amazing! The mussels were served in a lovely white wine shallot broth, the escargots came piping hot in a garlicky butter sauce and the selection of cheeses was relatively diverse, we liked two of them so much we saved their names for future reference. My main was a salade niçoise with seared tuna rather than flaked. I really enjoyed it. It was well dressed, and full of crispy haricort verts, potatoes, capers, olives and white anchovies which really added to the flavor. Of course they had many delightful items on the menu if you are not in the mood for salad; I just happen to be a sucker for both seared tuna and niçoise olives! Although I do not know if I would recommend driving from Chicago to Lake Zurich to eat here, if you happen to be in the area and want a great French bistro experience I would highly recommend D&J.
(4)Sofia M.
I confess that we arrived late, after 8:30pm; but it should not have been the reason for bad service and less than stelar food. The goat cheese salad had only ONE piece! the sparagus plate consist of only 4 sparagus!!! Oh! and did i mentioned that the server was not only moody but broody too, i know we were at a French restaurant but come on! some service here please. I had been at the bistro twice before and this time i brought a French visitor, hoping to impress.... she was impressed alright, she tought we have no taste.
(3)Carolyn L.
There is a fantastic French restaurant in Lake Zurich that you can always count on to please your palate. D&J Bistro has been around since 1987 serving wonderful classic French cuisine with some modern twists. The other day, for my second visit, I decided to try the special dish of Prince Edward Island mussels in a coconut curry sauce with angel hair pasta. The portion size was just right and the sauce, although not something I would typically find in France, was perfectly seasoned and scrumptious. The mussels were fresh and abundant. My mother and I had already split the chicken liver mousse paté as an appetizer with garlic toasted baguette. That's always our chosen hors d'oeuvre. For her main dish, she had a bowl of the day's corn chowder, which was also delicious. The wine list is long and impressive; we each had a glass of the Vouvray Domaine Pichot Loire white wine, described as having an "off-dry and flattering taste with quince, fig, and pear flavors". The Daily Herald recently wrote a story about the uber-talented head chef, Chinese-Japanese Masato Suzuki. As long as D&J Bistro keeps producing French cuisine at this caliber, I'm sure they will be around for another 20+ years!
(5)Yakuza G.
Don't let its location in a strip mall deter you from trying this place, as the food is excellent, and true to its French roots. The food is extremely fresh, and preparation is as expected in a fine restaurant. The bar is large enough to accommodate those likely to be cooling their heels waiting for their tables. The atmosphere is inviting, and diners tend to dress from casual to more dressy. There are a couple of odd steps to negotiate from room to room. The wine selection is decent.
(4)Anne W.
I think this place has the most affordable French food I've ever had.. outside of the food I've had in France. I think the service is good but the food can be a hit or miss. My father got this pasta with beef medallions and it was just okay. I think the prix fixe is your best bet! If you choose the right things.. the meal can be delicious. Unfortunately you will miss the chance to get the duck pate which is good and plentiful.
(4)W C.
the food was great, the bar poured a great drink. the only complaint was the noise level
(4)Elizabeth A.
I have never had a bad meal or bad service at D & J. Their food is seasonal and fresh. I love to bring out of town guests and clients here!
(5)Kiera D.
This place is great, but a little overrated. The food is yummy and the staff is very nice, but it is definitely not a 5 star restaurant. I live right near there so I come here often for lunch.
(4)Jenny R.
Celebrated my brother's birthday here this evening and were beyond impressed! By all means, make a reservation(not sure what it's like on a weeknight, but weekends seem super busy). Started at the bar with a drink-I tried a "Death in the Afternoon"(absinthe and champagne)-a wonderful surprise since I've only had it served the traditional way. There were 5 in our party and we split 3 appetizers: roasted portobello & grilled Asian eggplant tart, rabbit & mushroom risotto, and the special crawfish etoufee. All presented beautifully and tasted even better! The portions were just the right amount for us all to try a few bites of each. We all ordered different items on the menu and all tried a bite of everyone else's dish-everything was fantastic!!!! I would have been happy with any of them(menage a trois ahi tuna, pasta du bistro, filet, lamb shank casserole, and the duck with fois gras). I had a hard time deciding what to order, but I can't wait to try something different next time. We each ordered a different dessert, took a bite, and then passed the plate to the left. Each of the desserts was as perfect as our meals had been! Our service was wonderful-attentive but not cloyingly so. Our drinks were carried to our table for us from the bar when it was ready & there was always a staff member close enough to flag down if there was anything we needed. Will definitely come back many more times. Who needs to go downtown when this hidden gem is right here(it takes alot for me to say that since I do absolutely love the city)?
(4)Susan L.
First rate staff and first rate food in an upbeat setting. In my opinion the best dining experience in all of Chicagoland, not to mention the best deal in town.
(5)Jeff S.
Food is excellent. Our waiter was not friendly at all. I would have expected better service for $150/2 people.
(3)Beryl C.
We were having a high hope on this place cuz we met a couple at Le Titi de Paris the night before and they told us they LOVE D&J. I would have to say -- both the food and the service were marginal. The service was horrible. We waited a good half an hour for our table despite the fact that we had a reservation. They sat us by the bar area which people were smoking cigar while we had an infant with us. I thought most of the restaurants ban pipe and cigar smoking. The prix-fixe is a good deal (with limited choices). I still think Marche, Le Sardine have the better deals though. I have ordered the prix fixe -- the mussels were okay -- not much of taste and kinda fishy. For entree, I had the beef tenderloin. The server didnt ask me how I wanted the meat to be cooked and when I got my dish, the meat was too rare for my taste. Then, I asked our server to bring it back to cook a bit longer -- she claimed they always cook their meat MEDIUM RARE unless YOU tell them otherwise. I think it's a bit odd how they expect new-comers know such a rule. Also, our server was not too attentive either. There were quite a few times she said she would bring us more bread and water and then she totally forgot about us. She was way too busy socializing with the other tables. I think our busboy was more courteous than our server. In my opinion, their food was not that authentic after all. If you ask me if I will go back, my answer is NO. There are too many better French restaurants in the city. I miss Le Loup on Sheffield -- it's been closed down for couple years now. I always wonder what happened to Claude (the owner).
(3)Boones K.
I have had dinner here a few times and am impressed with the quality of food and service. I absolutely love that every month they put together a seasonal specials menu. It lets you try unique dishes that you would normally find. I've had the braised veal cheeks, pate, and escargot and all were fresh and flavorful. I have only had their seafood selections for dinner, which were perfectly prepared, but I will be back to try other selections on the menu. The prices are reasonable, so it does allow me to come back monthly and see what's new.
(4)Sandra L.
The owners of this bistro used to be involved at Le Titi de Paris, one of the 5 star restaurants in the Chicagoland area. Dominic and Jeanette are lovely people and their food is exceptional. We ate there on a hot summer night and had cold cucumber soup that was wonderful and we've made it at home many times since we now live so far away. It's pricey but well worth for the quality if you want a romantic evening out, this is the place. The service is over the top and you feel quite pampered. They oocasionally have antique car shows in the parking lot and it's fun to stop by for a drink and listen to all the car buffs at the bar.
(4)Brian B.
Amazingly fantastic French food. The best I've had since being in Paris, seriously. I've been here a few times and it's always consistently good every time. Great place to go impress someone like for a business dinner or a date. Very reasonable prices also. This place has real French owners that truly want to share their exquisite level of food quality that is uniquely French. The mini Chateaubriand is fantastic, so is the duck with seared foie gras. My favorites are the escargot, steak tartare and ahi tuna. Yes the portions are somewhat small as great French food always is. That leaves room for their wonderful desserts. So be prepared to order your salad, appetizer and sides ala carte. If you truly understand and appreciate real French food, I think you will really like this place.
(5)Ron S.
Awesome French bistro, been coming here since the late 90s! I am in love with their special called the Skate wing I believe it is, but everything is great! You probably can't get any better French food in the northwest suburbs except for La Titi De Paris or Le France but those two are way more expensive and I think thats only because they have really upscale dining rooms while D & J is more casual, but its not even like the food is that much better
(5)Patty R.
Nice nite out with the Hubby or Friends!
(4)Kelly D.
Nice place with decent food. Superb French fries. I had a panko crusted chicken. Chicken was tender but it lacked sauce. Panko was powdery meaning I think they forgot the egg when they attached the panko. It didn't cook well. Started with fois gras which was good but way too big. Slow service but this is typical of the French. Husband had pork tenderloin which he really enjoyed. The fries saved my meal and I would return just for them.
(3)Max M.
D&J's is a great restaurant nicely hidden in a small strip mall. The duo of a French owner (Dominique) and a Japanese co-owner-chef (Massato) make it a first generation fusion restaurant. You'll find there great dishes that are spiced up with a nice wasabi twist. The service is brilliant and the drink menue is also awsome.
(5)Katy D.
The location is yucky, but the place is great! SO & I went for dinner on Friday - packed - fun, noisy, but oh, so French - even down to the special parking for antique vehicles. I probably would have liked a prix fix menu, but the menu was good anyway. I had the duck and he had fish, both beautifully served and very tasty. The bread was good, the wine list large, the bar fully stocked. Kinda' pricey for a bistro, but all in all, it was good. The waitress was not French, but spoke it fluently, which was a plus. Would like outdoor seating for summer.... oh, well.
(4)laurie s.
As a non-meat eater ( fish is OK) I am always a little afraid of French restaurants but this one worked- great salads, wonderful appetizers and my entree was Mahi Mahi with that wonderful lick the plate beurre blanc sauce. The desert was also perfect- Citrus Tiramuse. Went with 5 other people and we could hear each other and talk while still enjoying the feel of dining in a European cafe. Excellent waiter too!
(4)Colin W.
I have lived in Barringtron over 20 years and been going here since then...Great place. Well rounded menu at a great value. Go for the PreFix Menu. Great wines at a great price The bar is fun for the suburbs. Highly recommend.
(5)Vicki K.
I have previous review, which was fabulous, but the last few times have been disappointing, especially tonight. The appetizers were good, but I had the Tuna Trio, and upon first serving I had to send it back because the seared tuna was dried out and the bok choy cold....like it had been sitting there for awhile. When I received the new serving, the seared tuna was good and bok choy steaming hot; however, the "fried" tuna (triangle of tuna rolled in panko crumbs and fried, was absolutely horrendous - I had to spit it out...don't know if I had the blood line, or what, but I had my son taste it to see if I was crazy....he also spit it out. The waiter did not come back to check on us, so when the busboy cleared our table, I told him to tell the chef that that particular piece of tuna was horrible. I don't think he understood what I said, nor told anybody. We paid our bill and left. It's very disappointing because D&J has always been our favorite and a place we'd go for special occasions. I don't know if they've lowered their quality of purchasing, or whether they have a new chef...but it was disappointing enough that I can't say whether we'll go back. In addition, my son's steak was FILLED with tendons and very chewy. I hope they can make some corrections and get back on track.
(2)Bing B.
On my rotation of French restaurants here in the NW burbs. Amazing. Between this place, Barrington and Retro bistros you can't find better (even in the city). Highly rec. Avoid places like Le Titi de Paris like the plague, and go to one of these three instead. You and your wallet won't regret it.
(5)Food L.
This is a hidden gem in the north suburb. A great french restaurant and reasonably priced. We like it better than many French restaurants in the city.
(4)Bates N.
We've been eating at D&J since shortly after they opened in Lake Zurich. Have never been disappointed. Swift seating ... with a reservation. Excellent, unobtrusive, service. Interesting menu selections beautifully prepared and presented. Prix fixe is a bargain! Warm, pleasant ambiance. We are blessed to have D&J and Barrington Bistro for fine dining right in the neighborhood.
(5)kb j.
We recently went to this restaurant on a weekend evening (we've been here a few times before, but it had been a couple of years since our last visit). It's a storefront French bistro restaurant located in a nondescript retail mall (in fact, you'll double check the address you've written down or plugged into your gps when you pull into the mall just to make certain you're at the right place). The storefront restaurant stretches through several store fronts and has been diced up into a few rooms. We arrived early and sat in the bar waiting for the rest of our party. Food service is available in the bar and the bartender was friendly. The bar was packed with a friendly crowd of what appeared to be regulars. We decided to order a bottle of wine. There are 2 wine lists (a wine list of value-priced options and a reserve list). In any event, the lists offer about 10-12 by the glass options (each of which is also available by the bottle) and a smallish list of bottle only choices. The wines were split between California wines and French choices (we thought that for a French bistro, the French choices were limited in number). When the balance of the party arrived we were seated in a well-lit room off of the main dining room. They have a standard menu as well as a changing set of specials that are available. The specials may be agglomerated into a a $35 (as of September 2009) selection that allows a choice of a starter (appetizer, salad or soup), entree and desert from the list of specials. The escargot, served in the traditional garlic-butter "soup", was outstanding and the crusty french bread served at the table was used to great effect to mop up the garlic-butter that accompanied the escargot. The tuna trio was very good (served in 3 different styles) as an entree. Portions are decently sized so that you can finish what's served in one sitting without feeling stuffed when you get up. The place was crowded (it was a weekend evening), but we were not rushed. Service was pleasant and efficient.
(4)Tiffany T.
Yup - believe the hype - D&J is as good as everyone says. I had a bouillabaisse here last time that was better than any I actually had in France. One of the best restaurants in Chicago, in my opinion. Gets crazy busy on weekends, plan accordingly.
(5)John M.
We are here with another couple. The food, drinks, and atmosphere were very good. The staff was knowlegeable and friendly. Who knew that such a good French Bistro would be in a Lake Zurich strip mall, but there it is!
(4)hallie e.
It isn't Fine dining it is a bistro!!! The bistro specials are very much like they are found in France with sometimes a slightly Japanese twist to some of the items to match the chefs heritage and training. I recently had a Charcute plate which was very very nicely done and very pleasant. I am already excited by Novembers special and I look forward to one of my favorites cassoulette..... Every trip my family and I have been pleased, I recently took two friends to this restaurant and they lived up to my rave reviews. They are a fair value, with good service and we speak French and it is a nice added benefit that there are a few on staff who can converse especially Dominc the owner, a very pleasant owner operator. It is a joy to go to this restaurant and we hope to for many years. When it opened I was in the foodservice supply business and this was one of my most enjoyable openings working with a great family.
(5)M M.
Great suburban restaurant. It really has that homey feel and you feel like you're being waited on hand and foot, literally. The bar area is super tiny, so if you're waiting for a table on a Fri/Sat night you will most likely have to stand- if you want a seat- get there at 4:30. 100%- MAKE A RESERVATION. There is no way you're getting a table here unless you do- esp. if you have a larger party. The food is great quality here, everyone at my table had something different, from chicken, to fish, to steak....and everyone left with a smile on their face. The owner is cute- a little French man, and he is always running around the restaurant. Makes you feel like they actually care, I love when the owner is around to socialize with the guests and greet them. The restaurant is really tiny so it has a very French, homey feel. Crowd is mainly suburban families and couples in their 40's-50's.
(4)