Bistro de Paris vs Les Chefs de France

[LSK]

What's the real difference between these two restaurants? I know Bistro is smaller, but is that it? Is Bistro also more expensive because it is more "excusive?" Or is it a higher caliber restaurant?

Also, if looking for a romantic evening out with your honey and the kids are at Neverland - where would you go for dinner?

We've been to Flying Fish, California Grill, Citricos, Jiko, and Le Cellier and we really enjoyed all 5 but want to try something new. We have an ADR for Narcoosie's another night this trip.

V&A really interests me, but I'm just not sure if my heart can handle the price tag. We'd probably have one night at V&A vs 2 nights at 2 other places.

So, I was thinking Bistro de Paris but I've read some less than stellar reviews and want to make sure I'm not overlooking a great restaurant we may like better.

 

[marsh0013]

i've personally never been to bistro, but my friend's parents who live in Celebration go there a lot, and they rave about it.

 

[CarolynK]

What's the real difference between these two restaurants? I know Bistro is smaller, but is that it? Is Bistro also more expensive because it is more "excusive?" Or is it a higher caliber restaurant?

Also, if looking for a romantic evening out with your honey and the kids are at Neverland - where would you go for dinner?

We've been to Flying Fish, California Grill, Citricos, Jiko, and Le Cellier and we really enjoyed all 5 but want to try something new. We have an ADR for Narcoosie's another night this trip.

V&A really interests me, but I'm just not sure if my heart can handle the price tag. We'd probably have one night at V&A vs 2 nights at 2 other places.

So, I was thinking Bistro de Paris but I've read some less than stellar reviews and want to make sure I'm not overlooking a great restaurant we may like better.

How about Blue Zoo at The Dolphin?? It's a must-do for us every trip. It's especially a good choice when you're without the kids. They are a step above Flying Fish (though we love it there, too-we have a favorite waiter) as far as food quality and choices. The atmosphere is definitely romantic, especially after dark when the lighting is low. And they don't rush you through, like all the WDW restaurants do.
We've tried Bistro two separate times, we just haven't been impressed with the taste of the food, though it for sure is nicer in atmosphere than Le Chefs.
We've also tried V & A - we weren't that impressed.
Bottom line, you're without the kids - try to find a place in WDW with the least amount of other people's kids

 

[Mackey Mouse]

I have been to both.....I would say Bistro is a bit more upscale French dining with a little more, how do I put this, emphasis on FINE French dining.. I would say that Chefs is more heartier food and less fancy.. Both are good and we have had some fine meals at both restaurants..Bistro more fancy I guess is a good way to describe it.

 

[chip 'n dale rule]

I was just at Chefs last week and it may not be a good option if you are looking for something intimate or romantic. We really enjoyed it but it was LOUD and crowded. But that works for us because we took our three DS's 6, 8 and 9 and I didn't have to worry about keeping them quiet. Our waitress spoke very little English so it was an adventure trying to order but that was part of the fun.

 

[Pakey]

I love Bistro de Paris and dislike Chefs de France. No comparison in the food, service or atmosphere. Bistro is very romantic and I have loved everything I've ever eaten there (maybe been there 5 times). However, I'm not sure how less expensive it is than V&A. We've done both many times and I think the end cost is not much different once you have appetizer and dessert at Bistro along with some wine.

If you do select Bistro, don't be put off by the waiting area which is very noisy and crowded. Once they escort you upstairs to the dining area, it is very romantic. Tables are closer together than they are at V&A but they have some tables by the windows overlooking the World Showcase lagoon which are very nice and romantic.

 

[UKDEB]

Bistro de Paris is head and shoulders above Les Chefs de France, but not up to some other restaurants on property. IMHO Chefs is, at best, only as good as most other Epcot eateries. Bistro is probably on a par with the likes of Artist Point, Citricos and Narcoossee's.

If it fits in with your itinerary, Bistro de Paris is worth a punt, but I wouldn't go out of your way to experience it. California Grill, Flying Fish, Jiko and bluezoo are all superior in my view. If you're real foodies, V&As simply can not be beaten. It doesn't win all the accolades for nothing. It took us a long time to cotton on, but since our first visit we've been back 3 times and we're booked again for January. It never fails to amaze. We've eaten at some of the best restaurants worldwide and it really is up there amongst the best.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) Bistro is one of only five TS locations at which we eat in WDW.
2) And, three of those five are not at WDW-owned eateries.
3) We feel Bistro has
. . . intimate atmosphere
. . . well appointed accoutrement's
. . . somewhat exclusive feeling
. . . food in a grand presentation
. . . excellent service

 

[disneydom]

I will have to agree bistro is on our must do list every trip ,we have ADR for this trip in Nov can't wait. the food is fantastic service top notch and you can take your time last time we left Epcot well after 10

 

[CarolynK]

1) Bistro is one of only five TS locations at which we eat in WDW.
2) And, three of those five are not at WDW-owned eateries.
3) We feel Bistro has
. . . intimate atmosphere
. . . well appointed accoutrement's
. . . somewhat exclusive feeling
. . . food in a grand presentation
. . . excellent service

I'm curious - would you mind listing the other four?

 

[webray]

Le Bistro for a romantic evening out is just perfect. We have eaten at both Chefs and Le Bistro many times. We enjoy both...and they are totally different experiences.

Chefs...family friendly, good food/service. Think homestyle french cooking. Meats, potatoes, etc.

Le Bistro..upscale, great good, excellent service. In this restaurant there isn't any rushing. There is time between courses to just enjoy each other and your wine. If the two of you have an evening alone and want to try a new place this is a very good choice. We consider it one of the best on disney property, along with Jiko, CA Grill, Artist Point. (We also enjoy V&A's of course..but that will be one step up again).

 

[LarryJ]

I love Bistro de Paris and dislike Chefs de France. No comparison in the food, service or atmosphere. Bistro is very romantic and I have loved everything I've ever eaten there (maybe been there 5 times). However, I'm not sure how less expensive it is than V&A. We've done both many times and I think the end cost is not much different once you have appetizer and dessert at Bistro along with some wine.

If you do select Bistro, don't be put off by the waiting area which is very noisy and crowded. Once they escort you upstairs to the dining area, it is very romantic. Tables are closer together than they are at V&A but they have some tables by the windows overlooking the World Showcase lagoon which are very nice and romantic.

We've eaten at Bistro, Chefs and V&A multiple times. I agree with your assessment of Bistro from the food, atmosphere, and service standpoint over Chefs ... no comparison IMHO. As far as cost between Bistro and V&A I disagree ... this is also w/o tip, if you go the wine paring at V&A you will pay $400 for two and you can get basically a similar meal less a couple of minor courses at Bistro with 4 different glasses of wine for around $200 to $300.

Until 2005 I thought V&A had better service and food, but no more. In 2005 we spent $450 including tip and wine paring for one V&A meal and could have "TWO" Bistro meals less some of the courses/wines, but wine still the same for the same price.

Now V&A is off our list and "BISTRO" is the must do for the two of us.

Larry

 

[LarryJ]

I love Bistro de Paris and dislike Chefs de France. No comparison in the food, service or atmosphere. Bistro is very romantic and I have loved everything I've ever eaten there (maybe been there 5 times). However, I'm not sure how less expensive it is than V&A. We've done both many times and I think the end cost is not much different once you have appetizer and dessert at Bistro along with some wine.

If you do select Bistro, don't be put off by the waiting area which is very noisy and crowded. Once they escort you upstairs to the dining area, it is very romantic. Tables are closer together than they are at V&A but they have some tables by the windows overlooking the World Showcase lagoon which are very nice and romantic.

We've eaten at Bistro, Chefs and V&A multiple times. I agree with your assessment of Bistro from the food, atmosphere, and service standpoint over Chefs ... no comparison IMHO. As far as cost between Bistro and V&A I disagree ... this is also w/o tip, if you go the wine paring at V&A you will pay $400 for two and you can get basically a similar meal less a couple of minor courses at Bistro with 4 different glasses of wine for around $200 to $300.

Until 2005 I thought V&A had better service and food, but no more. In 2005 we spent $450 including tip and wine paring for one V&A meal and could have "TWO" Bistro meals less some of the courses/wines, but wine still the same for the same price.

Now V&A is off our list and "BISTRO" is the must do for the two of us.

Larry

 

[LarryJ]

I love Bistro de Paris and dislike Chefs de France. No comparison in the food, service or atmosphere. Bistro is very romantic and I have loved everything I've ever eaten there (maybe been there 5 times). However, I'm not sure how less expensive it is than V&A. We've done both many times and I think the end cost is not much different once you have appetizer and dessert at Bistro along with some wine.

If you do select Bistro, don't be put off by the waiting area which is very noisy and crowded. Once they escort you upstairs to the dining area, it is very romantic. Tables are closer together than they are at V&A but they have some tables by the windows overlooking the World Showcase lagoon which are very nice and romantic.

We've eaten at Bistro, Chefs and V&A multiple times. I agree with your assessment of Bistro from the food, atmosphere, and service standpoint over Chefs ... no comparison IMHO. As far as cost between Bistro and V&A I disagree ... this is also w/o tip, if you go the wine paring at V&A you will pay $400 for two and you can get basically a similar meal less a couple of minor courses at Bistro with 4 different glasses of wine for around $200 to $300.

Until 2005 I thought V&A had better service and food, but no more. In 2005 we spent $450 including tip and wine paring for one V&A meal and could have "TWO" Bistro meals less some of the courses/wines, but wine still the same for the same price.

Now V&A is off our list and "BISTRO" is the must do for the two of us.

Larry