French Crust Cafe
915 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH, 45202
French Crust Cafe Menu
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Address :
915 Vine St
Cincinnati, OH, 45202 - Phone (513) 621-2013
- Website https://jrtable.com/french-crust-cafe/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :7:00 am - 4:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Brunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : No
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Hipster, Casual, Trendy
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
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Karen D.
I enjoyed a wonderful lunch with a friend at French Crust Cafe this week. The entire menu has a variety for all tastes - quiche, flat croissant, sandwiches and casseroles. Fresh croissants in Cincinnati mmm good to me - I selected the chicken, apple, mushroom and Kentucky sheep's cheese Les Flat Croissant, which came with a side of soup. I went with the soup of the day, which was a delicious ginger soup. The croissant was served warm with the cheese still bubbling - it was delicious every single bite. My friend enjoyed quiche, which was quite a large portion. The decor makes you feel like you stumbled upon a quaint Paris cafe. This is as true as a French cafe you can find in Cincinnati. C'est magnifique!
(5)Elaine W.
Small, charming space means you'll have to wait if you come during lunch/brunch rush hour. Chairs are conveniently located in front of the pastry case, so my friend and I had no choice but to stare at beautiful desserts before we were seated. It was cold out so we were feeling the casseroles and got the scallop vol-au-vent and the salmon with wild rice. My salmon casserole was steaming hot and very creamy, although I tasted random bursts of saltiness in the salmon (unevenly seasoned?). The portion looks small and dainty, but it will fill you up in no time. The women sitting next to us were crunching on croissant sandwiches. And I mean crunch, crunch, crunch. I know exactly what I'm getting next time. I'm so glad Jean-Robert opened this place (Jean-Robert's Table is a couple of blocks down). Would love to see more French cafes and restaurants downtown!
(4)Eric H.
Place seats approx 30, come early for great breakfast. Croissant and pain au Chocolat are to my eyes really close to French standards. Price are fair.
(5)Jenny D.
I went here once not long after it opened for my Tasting France class at UC. The chocolate and regular croissant are delicious and buttery. But it was too oily and rich for me, as my stomach hurt later on. I regret nothing though. The interior design is like a cute cafe in Paris. And it smelled like fresh baked bread and pastries. It's not too far from Findlay Market, also downtown.
(4)Victoria A.
Went there expecting great things from the reviews I'd read but.....10 dollars for a croissant the size of muy hand? And the si de "salad" was just greens with pepper, two dry cherries and four see through slices of radish. And don't get me started with the salmon un the croissant.....after that I decides not to try any pastries.....even the water tasted bad And the placer is not cozy but somber and kind of run down.....
(1)Maggie B.
Seriously adorable tasty French Cafe. The service was great. Our waitress gave awesome suggestions and descriptions of the dishes. The French Croissant Perdu is French toast made a Croissant topped with sautéed peaches for the summer. Do I need to say more? You should get it and experience the awesomeness for yourself. The Croque Monsieur is also very good. Savory and filling. And you just can't leave without checking out the bakery case. A Pain au Chocolat for breakfast the next day, don't mind if I do.
(5)Danae B.
This place is the tops! I wish we still lived down the street so that we could go here all the time. I had a lunch meeting and have been dying to check this place out. It is in the same spot that Burnell's used to use. Such a cool place. Check out the antique looking drop ceiling(I LOVE IT). We both had the tomato, avocado, brie croissant with a cup of soup. I had the du jour and my friend had the cream of chicken. Both soups were to die for and the croissants were a show stopper. Simple food done to perfection! I can't wait to go back
(5)Alisha W.
Such an adorable and fantastic place! The croissants are the best I've ever had. The service (Hope, the fabulous waitress) was fantastic, knowledgeable, and personable. The chicken soup was show stopping in the most amazing way. How can chicken soup be divine? I have no idea, but French Crust has a dirty little secret and I wish I knew what it was. Make sure you get there super early if you'd like a good pastry selection because they sell out fast (which only proves how amazing they are). Breakfast ends super early, so drag your butt out of bed. Totally worth it!
(5)Jordan T.
John Roberts has created a quaint small cafe right next to the public library and the Kroger building downtown. Anything and everything is amazing on this menu. Please be sure to check out the large variety of pastries in case by the register. You must get one! They also do pies and tarts for the holidays that are to die for. The only problem with this establishment is the location. The land lord is apparently an ass. The walk-in has gone down a few time and that leaves a limited menu for customers. Not cool. If the French Crust finds a new location just as small, and just as intimate; it will be one of the best places in the greater Cincinnati area. If everything I've already said hasn't convinced you to check this eatery out, imagine this: It is a cold blistering winter day. Snow is falling. Your stomach is growling with hibernation aches and you need a bite to eat. You walk in to a quaint cafe with foggy windows and the smell of fresh buttery croissants in the air. You sit down and order a press pot and a sweet pastry. Then you get a pipping hot le creuset that further adds to the steam fogging the windows beside you. You soon find yourself tightly interwoven with a warm, unctuous, caffeinated sweet winter hug.
(4)Cindy G.
French Crust Cafe you beautiful little thing you. I remember hearing rumors of this concept and thinking...holy mother of gawwwd. If Jean Phillipe and Jean Robert team up + bread + chocolate--WHAT ELSE IS THERE?! Well the dream has come true, and it really is a dream. This once dilapidated, boring, sterile space has been transformed into a romantic, and charming cafe you would see lining the streets of Paris. They are serving walk-ins at the counter with delicious breads, pastries, chocolates, desserts pretty much anything your little heart could desire. They start table service for breakfast at 7am and serve until 11am when the lunch menu starts. Honestly we were stoked for breakfast because it's my favorite meal of the day but peep the pics of the lunch menu it looks just as good!! We had the eggs benedict and the a tartine: which is a flat croissant puff pastry crust basically, filled with delicious goodies like onions tomatoes, garlic, mushrooms and herbs then topped with a fried egg and whatever meat. It was incredible! Fragrant, great texture, and the buttery pastry sent my taste buds over the top. Justin enjoyed his eggs benedict as well. The sauce was definitely on point. After the muffin top commenced, we figured it was time to scataddle outta there before being tempted by the pastries. Some things I really appreciated: the decor. The color palette was soothing and the wallpaper was gorgeous! The french music really set the mood. I don't think I have ever felt more relaxed! Love the food, the atmosphere, the service. 5 stars all the way--Jean Robert you have done it again!
(5)Ryan Z.
I was borderline devastated when Burnells closed down. As I was driving by their location today, I noticed it had re-opened as French Crust - with Jean Robert's name proudly adorning the sign. I had to try it. They renovated the inside - as much as the space contraints allowed - and set it up to look like an adorable little French cafe. The smells were intoxicating. I ordered the beef short rib casserole. It was served in a baby blue Le Creuset casserole pot... Very impressive presentation. The short rib was appropriately tender and complemented by a wide assortment of veggies. It was delicious! Jessica had the goat cheese quiche. It was tasty but certainly overshadowed by my meal. The service and timing need improvement. Our waitress had a couple hiccups. First, she never got back to us about the ingredients in the seafood casserole. She heard us ask and we watched her go to ask her manager, but the message must have been lost somewhere along the way. Worse though, she brought the CC receipt for me to sign and then stood there hovering over me waiting for me to sign it. I hadn't even finished my meal. She seemed new and I'm sure she'll get things figured out soon. Go for the food. Tolerate the service and long waits until they get the kinks worked out.
(4)KC K.
The food here is very very good....why the 3 stars? The space is small, cramped, cheaply done with faux tin ceiling and dinged up walls badly in need of paint. The first time I came here they had fans set up all over and no air conditioning....why? I was told they were in a dispute with their landlord and the A/C wouldn't work or be repaired. It was at least 90 degrees in the restaurant and totally miserable. This place just doesn't fit the Jean-Ro brand I've come to expect. Get a new location French Crust! My advice....go on a cool or cold day and enjoy their small but well done menu.
(3)Devika A.
French Crust is one of the best French cafes that I have been to. It's a little pricey but SO worth it. French press coffee and the pastries are always fresh. If you can make it for breakfast, their eggs benedict is amazing. Brioche is homemade. For lunch, I've had their salads, quiche, and casserole before which are all exceptionally unique. Everything used is fresh and not overwhelming. The serving sizes are pretty large too. It's busy on the weekends and closed on Sundays so get there early! It's definitely a tight spot - so recommended for a brunch date or somewhere to go when your mom visits!
(5)Sharon M.
Excellent food. We had the tart fine and chocolate almond croissant, both artfully prepared and delicious. Our cafe au lait was unimpressive, ordered because the espresso machine wasn't in service. The service was lackluster. Our server didn't let us know there was a special; we overheard her offering it to another table. She didn't pay good attention when we ordered, as she brought an incorrect item which had to be exchanged. We had to ask for the check, where an attentive server would have noticed us sitting with empty plates and cups, looking about for help. The service here is the kind that doesn't make eye contact when walking between tables, so one can't indicate with a smile or nod that assistance would be helpful. We will definitely return for the food and hope that service improves.
(4)Amanda M.
Amazing quiche Loraine. Just came back from two weeks in France and was going through withdrawals. This quiche made my day and even eclipsed the ones I had in France. Can't wait to come back and try something else.
(5)Tara F.
This quainte little downtown cafe has become a breakfast favorite! From the pastry counter, I ordered a creme brûlée, a perfect pair for my cup of coffee. I also ordered the scrambled egg with goat cheese, confit tomatoes and asparagus on a croissant from the breakfast menu. The croissant was beautiful, flaky, and buttery. I am definitely planning on going back. The eggs benedict are calling my name! Pros: Amazing food, great service, and beautiful pastries Cons: Nothing 5/5, nay 6/5!
(5)Nicole W.
Would I like an ooey gooey Croque Monsieur and a decadent croissant with sautéed blueberries for breakfast? You're damn right I would. And I did, obviously. French Crust is a teeny and quaint French cafe that will likely put a smile on anyone's face, even if you're not a morning person. While the menu is simple, the flavors and exeuction are spot on. My croque monsieur was flavorful and filling, but the croissant with sautéed blueberries was a total standout. Super sweet and flaky, and the perfect amount of sugar to send me on turbocharge throughout the day. Don't expect fancy coffee drinks (they don't even have iced coffee), but what they do do, they do well. For a little bite of French cafe-style breakfast, French Crust is tres bien.
(4)Lindsay T.
This little place is so cute! We came in for brunch the other day and it was a great decision. Even though we wanted to try everything on the menu, we all ended up ordering the scrambled egg with goat cheese. Delicious! My only complaint was that I felt the goat cheese was a little too much. The veggies were yummy and it came on a toasted croissant. It also came with fresh berries. I also tried a chocolate/coffee cake that was amazing!! It was so beautiful I didn't want to mess up the design, but so worth it. Next time I'm coming back for the macarons!
(4)Bianca D.
So the service was horrible today. And while I acknowledge that things happen sometimes, maybe they had an off day, I am still past the point of going back. ...and while the food is better than most places, it didn't exactly wow me either. My boyfriend and I chose to spend our rare Saturday morning off together at the infamous French Crust Cafe! It pretty much ruined our Saturday morning. We walked into a tiny and packed restaurant. No one says Hi or is aware that we are there at the door. All the tables were full so we waited until one of them freed up. But we didn't want to be rude and seat ourselves, and so we waited still another 10 minutes until a server waved us over to sit down. Right before we sat down another couple came in behind us. While sitting we watched that couple stand at the door for about 5-10 minutes. By the way, during this whole 10 minutes not one server acknowledged us. No water, silverware, plates, or drink offers were made. As soon as the couple behind us sat down a waiter rushed over to them and gave them all the things mentioned above and apologized about their wait, WITHOUT TURNING AROUND TO EVEN LOOK AT US. We were boiling at this point. We watched him help the couple, who came in after us, and then rush to bus a table about five times, without again even turning to look at us or even acknowledge we were there. Again and again this server rushed to help the couple while we sat there waiting with nothing at our table. They were served their food, drinks, and bill before we were. Meanwhile I was forced to walk up to the counter to get any service; to order our food and our bill, and for any other time we needed something. I could not believe it. We eat out often, we always tip very well, but not today. I was so heart broken after all the good things I had heard and read about this place. The pictures looked delectable...but the couple next to us happened to be older, while we looked younger. And we couldn't help thinking there was some bias or judgement there? Did we look like we didn't tip? Was this the reason behind our horrible service? Whatever the case, I cannot support a business that practices in this way. No way. The place is way too small to support it's popularity anyway, but I won't be one of those patrons. some other notes... my quiche was lukewarm in the middle. The chicken and wild rice soup was lack luster. Seafood crepe was good, it had big scallops and an assortment of quality seafood. The espresso drinks were delicious with thick foam. The almond chocolate croissant was our favorite, along with the creme brûlée. Some delicacies we unfortunately aren't going to be able to enjoy at this establishment again.
(1)Crystal M.
French crust cafe is a small cafe located on vine and it's perfect for an intimate brunch with a friend. They usually stop serving breakfast at 1030 and lunch begins at 11. However, they serve pastries at all times. I ended up getting the tarte fine. It was stuffed with mushrooms, bacon, and tomato, topped with a fried egg. I thoroughly enjoyed it! I also ended up getting a pastry since it all looked so appetizing. Honestly, it looked too pretty to be eaten. I got the fruit mousse, which was wonderful. You also have the option of boxing the pastry if you don't want to dine in. All in all, this is a cute brunch spot that I will definitely revisit.
(4)Joel B.
I can not rate this place highly enough. Went there today for lunch with my dad and his girlfriend, neither of whom have very refined palettes, nor much tolerance for "unwarranted expense" on the menu. I was a little worried the servings might be too small, the presentation too "artsy" for their tastes, but all my fears were easily alleviated. The seating is limited (though it wasn't an issue when we arrived at 1), and the menu is small, but the options... god everything sounded so good. Every one got something different; my dad the soup, his girlfriend a flattened croissant sandwich (chicken and apple), and myself the beef short rib casserole. We all absolutely loved every bite of food. It was all delicious, with perfect balance of richness and flavor, without being overindulgent. The prices were extremely reasonable, the wait staff attentive without "hovering", and the atmosphere felt very welcoming to our hour and a half lunch/chatting that happened after. The pastry case was tempting, and we each chose a selection as well (though I've yet to try mine), all told for the three of us we spent about $60, with tip. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this cafe for anyone that wanted a great dining experience, no matter their tastes or preferences. Personally I can't wait to go back and try one of the three other things I was debating getting today. Oh and to bump it up even further - their bathrooms stock the good toilet paper (I had to blow my nose alright?!). That's rare in some people's houses, let alone a tiny cafe. Edit: Went back today with my mother and little sister, had one of those things I was craving (Salmon quiche) and a cup of the broccoli vegetable soup of the day. Was without a doubt the best quiche I've ever had, and my family loved their meals yet again. Does yelp offer a 6th star?
(5)Brittany S.
I probably should have started my day with a giant bowl of vegetables but instead I started the day with a fresh croissant topped with eggs, roasted tomatoes and goat cheese. Sue me. That croissant was worth an extra visit to the gym. If you are considering a visit to French Crust Cafe, here are a few things to expect: -exceptionally good looking waiters -a case filled with gorgeous pastries, croissants and other French sweets -standard French offerings like quiche and light salads (tossed with an amazing horseradish-based dressing!) -no air conditioning in the indoor space and only two tables on the exterior -coffee options like cappuccinos -meals priced between $9 - $14 (breakfast and lunch)
(4)Nevena K.
Beautiful in every way!!! The cappuccino and the latte are both fantastic. Coffee-god-guy is a master (hence the name). I have loved every pastry and dish we have eaten here. Wifey is a little more picky, but loves the Croque Monsieur and the Croissant Perdu. The dining area is a little warm, but the service and food make it all worthwhile. Especially when a Saturday breakfast means that we also buy some delicious pastries for the rest of the week. This is my favorite breakfast/brunch place, but you have to get there early since they do run out of the yummy stuff around 10am.
(5)Richele B.
This is a very quaint place. Place was delicios ,coffee excellent and service was good despite the AC being out during our visit. Will come again if in area!!
(4)Justin M.
This is just what Cincinnati needed. You are transported to Paris the moment you step foot inside this place. I've been a fan of Jean-Robert the moment I ate his scallops at Pigall's in 2008. After the tragic closing of Pigall's he opened Jean-Robert's Table which had me going banana's at his return. Then, maybe the best news of all was the introduction of a breakfast/lunch cafe from Jean-Robert and Jean-Phillipe. I was not disappointed at my experience to say the least. Before I even stepped foot into French Crust I knew what I wanted. Eggs Benedict. And this is what I got and this is what I devoured. There is something about this food that makes you appreciate great chefs. There is a delicate touch to it that is highly noticeable. Along with the Eggs Benedict we ordered the quiche which was delectable. The food here is simple, but executed perfectly. The artwork and decor were done by JR's wife and make you feel like your actually in France and if you were to step outside you would see the Eiffel Tower. Calming music, hospitable staff, and authentic French fare even complete with a French press for tea and coffee. Another cool aspect of this tiny cafe which only seats about 20, is the open kitchen that gives you full view of the happenings behind the scenes. Also, don't forget to stop by the pastry counter which is curated by Jean-Phillipe, for some out of this world items. Everything about this quaint little cafe makes me giddy with excitement. The food, the atmosphere, the staff - the experience really - is exactly what you would hope for. Great job JR and JP! You've got a customer for life.
(5)John Henry E.
The experience was ok, server seemed to have attitude.
(3)Emily W.
If you're in the neighborhood and you've got the time, you MUST make a stop into the French Crust Cafe. I was in Cincinnati for a conference and stayed at the Hilton Netherland Plaza. A colleague noticed this restaurant on Yelp and insisted we eat there. It was a bit of a hike from the hotel, but I enjoyed the walk. The restaurant feels much like a small French bistro...I wasn't sure I was still in America. Each of the five of us was happy with what we ordered. I had the short rib cassoulet (melt in your mouth goodness!) and others had quiches and salads. My only complaint was that my food was so hot, even by the time I got to the bottom of the dish, it was still steaming. It tasted so good...so rich. Others in my party opted for dessert as well and I got the chance to try the caramel walnut torte. It was so thick that cutting into it was difficult, but the caramel was so good! I'll definitely be back if I'm in the area.
(5)Joel L.
I went on a Sunday afternoon and it was about 50% full. I usually don't return to restaurants (because there are so many more to try) but French Crust Cafe will surely be an exception. The food is amazing! I haven't seen this rare mix of good presentation, good service and good quality in quite a while. The menu is sophisticated but not too arrogant. There are quite a lot interesting options. The server was attentive and offered good options. I wish they served wine, champagne, alcohol, etc. here but that's ok.
(4)Carolyn B.
We found French Crust Café to be a great surprise and wonderful value. The restaurant is quaint, small, but very appropriate for the location. As my husband is French, he felt like the wall decorations were a collage of different posters of French words and scenes - a bit touristy, but we did not come here for the décor. Nothing special except for the long mirror over the cooking area and an authentic Madeleine pan used as art. When my husband's order of Eggs Benedict arrived, the preparation looked very appealing and was served hot. Surprisingly, he found it to be lighter than usual, perhaps because of using real brioche on the bottom and the hollandaise sauce wasn't too heavy, which tends to make you feel stuffed by the end of the meal. He preferred it that way! I ordered the Croque Monsieur with two fried eggs which is technically a Croque Madame. Unexpectedly, it arrived without any béchamel sauce on top! Even without the sauce, the ham and cheese sandwich is usually grilled - mine was basically dry as if it were just toasted. Very disappointing! The tables were simple and high off the ground with metal bar stools. My husband would've preferred a chair with a back thus giving us a place to put our coats since aside from the one coat rack (that could only handle four coats) there is no place to put your coat. As you can imagine, it would make it very inconvenient to enjoy your meal. We do understand the space constraints would proclude this. On the bright side, the service was excellent. Our waitress was very attentive to our needs and kept checking back without being overbearing. While waiting for our meal, we browsed the pastry display which was very uniquely French, beautiful in presentation and mouthwatering. After our meal, we selected 4 different types to take home with us - chocolate eclair, fruit tart, pear tart and a chocolate mousse garnished with 3 macaroons. We enjoyed them later in the day and found them to be excellent. My husband clearly stated that FCC deserves an encore as he wants to try all the other selections on the menu and I do too. A nice jewel in downtown Cincinnati without the typical expensive fare that accompanies a great French meal. To be fair, I would've rated it a 3.5 based on my meal alone, but taking into account how much hubby enjoyed his meal and the fabulous pastries I bumped it up to a 4.
(4)Jeff M.
First time in- Great little place for a fantastic breakfast. The coffee is bold, and the food delicious. Not the biggest place, but that is part of the charm. Service is exceptional!
(5)Laura S.
Went to French Crust for breakfast. Fed our coins into the meter and went in. While I was trying to decide wether we should sit outside on the flimsy plastic chairs or inside on the uncomfortable looking stools, we were met by a server. She told us they were out of breakfast. (This is at 10:30 on Saturday morning.) She said lunch would be available in a half hour and we could order coffee and pastry in the meantime. We left. And we won't be back.
(1)Mary C.
French Crust Cafe for breakfast: Don't you love it when you get to a place too late for breakfast and are told "don't worry about it, we can still do breakfast". Wonderful croissants (the primary reason the four of us were there. Then, two ordered Eggs Benedict, one had a Puff Pastry with local goetta, poached eggs, & Hollandaise, and our one conservative eater had bacon & eggs (-: The croissants were outstanding, the Eggs Benedict quite good (hard to compete with New Orleans), the local mystery meat (goetta, a mixture of oats and meat, usually pork) had an interesting flavor and chewy texture. We had an excellent server, a young woman who had moved up from South Carolina 17 years ago and had still not tasted goetta. Our only regret was that we had not noticed the French Press coffee on the menu. That would have been the perfect complement to the meal. That, and the fact that the rehearsal dinner had been at Rhinegeist Brewery the night before. Would love to go back to The French Crust.
(5)Sarah F.
A charming Parisian cafe tucked in to Vine St. in Cincinnati. The interior is cozily small and the walls are covered with French art, posters and other miscellany. (It was also uncomfortably warm when we were there, but here's hoping the A/C is working reliably by the time summer really arrives). Our server was gracious and very knowledgeable about the menu and provided detailed recommendations with explanation when asked. At her suggestion, I ordered a croissant sandwich with salmon two ways (smoked and poached) and egg mimosa (like an egg salad spread) and avocado. It also came with a small salad on the side with a deliciously mustard-y vinaigrette. The sandwich was delicious, especially the smoked salmon and the croissant was exactly the buttery, flaky crescent of deliciousness I was expecting. My friend raved about her quiche--she actually had a hard time concentrating on anything else when she got to the pastry crust. We also got dessert because, hey, there were fresh French pastries to be had! The crust of my apple tart was very good but I was somewhat disappointed by the apple part--just a few par-cooked apples sitting on top instead of the unctuous buttery cinnamon apple melange I was hoping for. I pretty much wanted to order every single thing on the menu, so I will definitely be back for breakfast, brunch and/or lunch sometime soon!
(4)Anita B.
This place is by far amazing! Best little secret in town. It's very small and intimate. Great food, amazing staff, 5 stars just isn't enough.
(5)Carrie R.
Absolutely loved it!! The service was great, they all knew about food. I ordered an open faced sandwich of sorts w melted cheese, chicken, apples, mushrooms over a croissant w their side salad. The meal absolutely melted in my mouth. My husband ordered a nice croissant sandwich w avocado, roasted chicken, cheese, & I'm missing something. He had a chicken soup as the side. Magnifique!! The creme brûlée was enjoyed my my infant, husband, & myself. My husband ordered a coffee ole to go & yum. It's just creamy enough & not a hint of sweet. There's no coffee like it around. The a/c was out but that just made us reminisce about our trips to Spain prior to marriage. The French Crust is a diamond in the rough.. We'll be returning!!!
(5)Devan and Brian N.
This was a lovely lunch option, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. That being said, if you arrive as I did at 1:30 in the afternoon you hardly expect them to be out of half of their menu. Two out of three quiche options were gone, down to three total croissants, out of Niçoise salad, and so on. Come early! I ordered the salmon casserole with wild rice and mushrooms, and it was very good. The side salad I ordered with it gave a nice acid balance to the richness of the salmon. Unfortunately they chose to use canned corn in the casserole, which in August in Ohio I find hard to forgive. The service was good and the place is charming. I ordered a berry tart to go and will keep my fingers crossed that it is as good as it looks! PS the ac is currently broken. Ew.
(4)Nicole L.
The croissant lunch with salad was fresh, tasty, well prepared, and with presentation. The arugula on the salad with thinly sliced radish was crisp and yum. The seating is limited and uncomfortable. Sitting on stools that hurt your rear end after 15 minutes. The staff super helpful and nice gave us water often BUT oddly enough no ice cubes in the glasses. The clincher: is the lack of AC. Sat by the open door and still over heated. Unfortunately I felt sick for an hour after leaving there because I must have just made myself sick from the high stale temps in the small space.
(4)Erich W.
After being in Quebec City recently I was looking forward to a French Cafe type of breakfast.....amazing pastries and coffee. The almond croissant was delicious but the coffee was just average. Don't expect to have a Mocha as they don't offer it. I had a side of Goetta and it was oddly dry with a unappetizing crust. My Girlfriend got the scrambled eggs with goat cheese on a croissant. The eggs were creamy and had a good flavor. I may go back if I am in the area but nothing I would seek out
(3)Martha Z.
After eating at Table we had to try French Crust cafe and I'm very happy we did. The place is small but perfect. The waiter was very nicely went over the menu with us and was very helpful. I decided on the French Croissant Perdu which is their version of a French toast topped with Carmelized peaches. It was delicious and the portion was perfect. They French toast was thin yet dense and had a crunchy outer texture which was really nice and the peaches were a tasty sweet add on along with maple syrup. If I wasn't super stuffed I would have had a pastry to go. Very happy I came here!
(5)Tom H.
Let me know if there is a better Eggs Benedict in Cincinnati. Paired with the french press coffee, I recommend this when you have the winter blahs in Cincinnati. Kudos to this place for doing it right! I'll be heading down again soon.
(5)Brooke M.
Soooo good!! A pleasant surprise for a Saturday brunch! The food was great and the French press coffee was a huge plus! We sat right by the desserts, so definitely had to grab one before we left!
(4)Jessica D.
Cincinnati needed a cute French cafe, and the French Crust satisfies this need to a "T." The menu is short and sweet. Dispel any correlation to Bob Evans or First Watch with five pages of menu options. Unlike the aforementioned restaurants, the entrees are savory, but not gluttonous. Served in le crueset dishes, the French inspired dishes literally melt in your mouth with a rainbow of tastes, textures, and innovation. I ordered the Eggs Benedict --never had it before--and let me tell you, I doubt any eggs Benedict in all of cincinnati has the potential to top this dish. It's decadence is unparalleled. Silky eggs cooked over easy atop a warm crumby biscuit, dressed in a thin blanket of light brioche sauce filled me with the warmth of hot chocolate and mom's kisses on a cold winter's day. If I was feeling a little less indulgent and a bit more sophisticated, I would have opted for one of French crust's many pastries. Accompany your meal with a cup of coffee, and you have yourself the perfect start for the day. And now, French crust is opened on Saturday ! Our server mentioned it is mobbed on saturday, so try to head down during the week.
(5)Monika N.
French Crust Cafe is the only place in the states where I've had a decent croissant. You can tell they're made by true frenchmen because they've gotten both the taste and the texture perfect! Brings back memories of sitting on a park bench savoring a delicious croissant in Paris. Aside from the delicious pastry, each dish I've had at French Crust has been delicious! The dining room is tiny - yet I've never had to wait more than 5 minutes for a seat. Even with the tables being a precious commodity, I've never felt rushed to finish my meal by a server. Honestly my only ding on stars is due to the higher price vs. amount of food and small space that could result in quite the wait if you show up at the wrong time. But really, I'm happy to pay the price for food of that quality!
(4)Dawn B.
Oh this place is so quaint. A small dining space filled with so much charm that it gave me a warm and fuzzy feeling just by being able to enjoy my surroundings. And the food is out of this flippin' world...wow. The almond croissant was fabulous! I also enjoyed the pear tarte, and goat cheese, zucchini and tomato quiche which was served with soup of the day. The quiche is large enough for two to split. Unless of course you're really, really hungry.
(5)Kristan H.
Short version: - Nice café ambiance, great French-inspired brunch/lunch menu, friendly service. - Fave dish so far: short rib "creuset," no mushrooms. SO GOOD! - I'm dying to try their macarons! Haven't been available on my 2 visits so far. - Their soup of the day gets delivered by sister restaurant Jean-Ro Table -- just an interesting factoid. Tips: - Small space, so go off-peak or be prepared to wait. - There are a couple chairs for waiting back by the dessert case. - You can ask for a hook for your purse and/or jacket. - If you can't find street parking out front, there's usually space on Court Street.
(4)Maggie T.
Best croissants outside of France. Everything I get here is sublime.Try everything.
(5)Alissa S.
I had such a lovely experience at the French Crust Cafe this morning. I walked in and was very warmly greeted even though I was only getting coffee and pastries to go. The woman behind the counter explained each of the pastry options while someone else jumped to make my latte. The almond croissant, as another reviewer said, was fabulous!
(4)Vicki J.
I had the pleasure if tasting Jean Phillipe's macarons awhile back, so I couldn't wait to eat at French Crust. I finally had the chance today with my sister. She ordered the scallop and shrimp vol au vent and I had the salmon quiche with soup of the day (butternut squash). I will never be able to each quiche anywhere else now - perfectly fluffy with just the right amount of asparagus - and that soup was the bomb! My sister said the vol au vent was delicious too. (We both ate every morsel) I topped off lunch with the pumpkin mousse...I couldn't resist with that macaron on top. I was absolutely delighted when Jean Phillipe himself stopped by our table to say hello! Summary: great food, great atmosphere, great service. I'm looking forward to trying breakfast next.
(5)TM M.
I've been here several times now. Mostly for breakfast. First, THERE'S NO AIR CONDITIONING. It's really uncomfortable to eat here with the summer heat but I found my early spring experience to be a pleasure. (BTW, they'll feed you some crap about how the building is too old and they can't turn on the air... I would say stop with the excuses and get more fans). Second, the one time I went for lunch, they were out of everything which they only told me once I sat down and ordered. It was very frustrating to have my first, second and third choices sold out. Third, the staff is not the friendliest I've encountered. I have to say though, if I was working in a hot box I would be grumpy too. Still, the food is good and comes out quick. I will be back.
(4)Maria M.
Pleasant atmosphere with delicate pastries and savory breakfast choices. I had an omelet with ham, goat cheese and asparagus that was divine. Fresh fruit on my son;s buttermilk pancakes. Delicious and hearty coffee. I would love to spend every morning here but my waist would not be able to handle it.
(4)Lauren B.
Ate here on a ladies lunch outing. Was disappointed that they were out of the quiche lorraine, so ate some sort of decadent macaroni thing that I liked a lot. My mom accidentally spilled salad (with dressing) on my new purse, so that was honestly the most memorable part of the meal. D-: I really liked the lemon tart, like a lot. I was bummed that I had to share it. Very cute ambiance here, very intimate, and apparently with an authentic French feel (moi, je ne sais pas, mais m'amie dit que oui). Would return!
(4)Donna E.
Out of breakfast food but could wait 1/2 hour for lunch - not a good way to run a business MAJOR FAIL.
(1)Dan S.
Best coffee near Court Street! Pastries looked amazing. Can't wait to go back and try them!
(5)Kim W.
Went for brunch on Saturday at 11 only to find the kitchen stops the brunch menu and serves exclusively from the lunch menu at 11. Our server was not very attentive. When asking about the soup of the day she said "carrot ginger, you couldn't pay me to try it." I ordered a croissant sandwich and cup of the soup, despite her advice. The cup of soup was served with a black HAIR draped over the cup. When the server finally returned I showed it to her and asked for a replacement. Then, to my surprise, the second cup had a black hair in the cup as well. GROSS!! I don't know if she attempted to remove the hair and failed before serving the same cup instead of preparing a fresh one, or what, but the server should have been more attentive to this. This item (as well as everything else in our order) still appeared full price on the bill. Guess I should have taken her advice and stayed away from the soup! Unfortunate to have this poor experience because the pastries looked nice and I otherwise would have been happy to come back.
(2)Becca H.
Lord have mercy, I have never enjoyed a croissant as much as I enjoyed the one I had this morning at French Crust Cafe. I had the Scrambled egg with goat cheese, confit tomatoes and asparagus on a croissant $8.50, which was served with a mixed greens salad that was delicious. My girlfriend had a croissant and a side of bacon, which was cooked to perfection-- crispy but not burned. We both enjoyed delicious coffee, and got a dessert to go to enjoy this evening-- a chocolate mousse with raspberry and a hazelnut crunch crust. There was plenty of metered parking out front on Vine St, but the real gem was the service. Our server was quick and attentive, friendly without being an irritation, and did an amazing job selling us on dessert and totally showed us the lunch menu so we'd make plans to return. I look forward to a return visit for some affordable french breakfast.
(5)Wendy R.
Great little place - feels very quaint. We visited with the kids and everyone loved their dishes as well as the croissants. Hindsight I should've gotten a few more to go. Staff was friendly and even brought a few crayons they had behind the counter for my kids. Will need to go back soon and try a few more of their pastries!
(5)Jenna C.
A truly authentic French cafe, from the quaint little location (and interior) to the pain au chocolat. If you haven't been there for lunch, you are missing out on some exceptional quiche and croissant sandwiches. These two French transports are such a welcome addition to the Cincinnati cafe scene. J'adore, French Crust!
(5)Red P.
I started volunteer training today at the Freedom Center and since it wrapped up at 1:00 I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to try the French Crust Bistro. It was a cozy fall day, chilly and damp, but I decided to walk down and see if I could squeeze in for a bite. It was further down on Vine than I thought but I enjoyed the walk. When I arrived there was a few people waiting but since I was a party of one they added me to a "communal" table where four ladies were enjoying their lunch. I didn't mind since I was hungry and it was a window seat so I gladly accepted. The ladies didn't seem to mind and they were deep in conversation and seemed to be enjoying the place. I already knew I wanted to try the quiche Loraine so I ordered right away and was delighted that they still had the soup of the day- winter squash. It was perfect to warm up my bones after the chilly, brisk walk. I have been eating winter squash every chance I get (check out my recipe for winter squash soup) since it is my seasonal favorite. The quiche came out quickly after my soup and it was the best I have ever had. A huge piece that vanished before my eyes and melted in my mouth. It was exquisite and I can't wait to try the other dishes. My lunch companions all had Les casseroles and they appeared to be a perfect portion of comfort goodness. Although I took a few photos of my food I wasn't brave enough to ask their dishes to pose! I couldn't resist taking an almond croissant to go but ended but giving it to a homeless lady I met in Macy's ladies room. I decided she would enjoy it and I had enjoyed plenty of french goodness at lunch. Next time I will see if they have the chocolate croissants! The place is "very" cozy which in real estate means tiny! Seating accommodate around 26 guests. It was a lively bunch of ladies lunching, couples, and business people hashing out a deal. It was very charming and the food was scrumptious. I will absolutely visit again and hope to see you there!
(4)Lesley C.
It PAINS me to give FCC 2 stars. But "meh" was my impression today. I guess I had super high hopes, as a rabid fan of all things Jean-Robert. But it was just incredibly average. I had the shrimp and avocado salad, which was good. The other guests at the table each had quiche. Quiche was fine. Not the best, but nothing to complain about. I asked for bread with my salad. Got a little roll after an "Oh, you want bread?". Upcharge: $1. (Pure blasphemy in a French restaurant, especially in a bakery!!) Chicken soup to go with quiche (quiche includes soup or salad), upcharge: $1. It was good soup, but I didn't see the need for the upcharge. Dessert: not a whole lot of variety in the pastry case. Kids got pain au chocolat, it was really quite overdone and bordering on dry. Disappointing. In all, the meal was good, I left satisfied, but I've definitely experienced better cafe meals, and the upcharges left a bad taste in my mouth. Not sure it's worth the trip. SO sad about this review. I wanted to love it beyond all measure. Oh well, maybe I'll try again another day.
(2)Sam N.
Stopped in for a delicious Christmas Eve breakfast while in town for the holidays. The food was excellent as was the coffee. For a small busy place, I was impressed with the service, especially since our waitress Darcie said she usually doesn't work breakfast. My scrambled eggs on a croissant really hit the spot. They were a bit peppery, but the cheese and veggies balanced it out. I missed the flakes of the croissant though since the scrambled eggs made it soggy. The mixed greens salad was dressed simple enough to pair perfectly. Lastly, the cup o joe was incredibly smooth and always topped off. Overall a tad expensive for breakfast, by well worth the treat for the holidays.
(4)