Cafe Rabelais

09/11/09

wish i had tried this when it was good

by seanofthefed at Citysearch

It seems like everyone used to like this place. I didn't read the reviews closely before I went, but there is clearly a point in time when people changed their minds about the quality of the restaurant. I can't speak to what it was because I just went for the first time recently, but the food isn't really good at all. And boy is it expensive.

If you're trying to decide whether to try this place, I'd recommend looking at recent reviews, as the restaurant I visited is not the one described in early reviews but matches the recent (scathing) reviews much more closely.

• Pros: none to speak of
• Cons: middling quality, poor value

08/30/09

trop le mauvais

by luckydad at Citysearch

unfortunately this adorable french restaurant has gone downhill since its early days. The original owners are not present anymore and the food has suffered. So you would do better to spend your money and time elsewhere.

• Pros: none
• Cons: waiting time, service time

08/28/09

ultimately unsatisfying

by cmk1126 at Citysearch

First, don't expect the dishes on the website to be available despite the promise that it's today's dinner menu. The actual menu is invariably different, which is annoying. I'm also annoyed that they don't take reservations. If I'm going to pay over $100 for dinner, I think you should keep a table open for me and not force me to wait around in a cramped space.

But my main complaint is that the food is just OK, but it favors the pricey side. I have been twice, and the dishes just aren't seasoned properly. Even the richer or fattier dishes are low on flavor (or are smothered in overpowering cheese), which makes me feel all the guilt but none of the delight. The first visit got me interested because, although the entree was basically flavorless, they used good mushrooms and had dishes with figs--both good signs. But the potential of the ingredients never materialized on either visit.

I also think the service is too slow. The servers are not lazy, but rather are spread too thin. We waited 17 minutes for dessert menus that never came while our waiter dashed around the restaurant. Finally, we got the check and left, likely for the last time.

I'm convinced that scrambled eggs with a little truffle oil and parmesan are better than almost anything a Houston restaurant will serve you.

• Pros: good wine at reasonable price; bread is nice
• Cons: food is only OK, service very slow

02/15/09

New Management, Not the Same

by emhouston at Citysearch

Beware that this restaurant has gone under new management. This place used to go above and beyond to look after their customers even though they didn't have to - given their location, atmosphere, and food. This has drastically changed. It's as if the hot girl is now self aware that she's hot.

The food is not as good, the service is very rushed, and the hosts are not accommodating anymore. It's a shame because this was one of the few places my wife and I could go to have a guaranteed nice dinner, but we are now dumping it. I spoke to several people last night and they all agree. Bottom line - if you've never eaten there, you may have a nice time; if you've eaten there, you'll be disappointed and be prepared to waste $100.

• Pros: Atmosphere, location
• Cons: new management, food, service

11/24/08

Excellent wine selection and food!!

by trendyfoodie at Citysearch

Cafe Rabelais is a divine dining experience enjoying fine foods in a more casual setting. The food is always superb from their Mussels in white wine to their duck Confit!! However, Reservations are not permitted and the wait can be 1-2 hours, but it's worth the wait!!

• Pros: Food, Service, Ambiance
• Cons: Cannot make Reservations

09/25/08

Love this place!

by SonRose at Citysearch

I absolutely LOVE Cafe Rabelais!!! Definately make reservations at this tiny restaurant though! The wine list and menu were great, I definately recommend the mussels, and the staff was very friendly and knowledgable. The french fries they give as an appetizer is a nice touch. This is a nice change of pace if you are looking for a romantic place to dine.I will definately go back :)

• Pros: Great Food and Service
• Cons: Parking

08/08/08

Great Atmosphere and Great Service

by shannon_shsu at Citysearch

This was my first experience eating French food and I was very pleased. The menu offers various types of dishes, meat, vegetarian, fish, which makes it hard to choose (prices range from $8 -$30+). I ended up having the pork sandwich, which was out of this world. The wine list was great too - lots of information about the different types of wine. Our waiter was attentive and did not make us feel rushed. All in all, a great choice for a meal out!

• Pros: Menu variety; service
• Cons: None

06/21/08

I love this place!!!

by opinion2008 at Citysearch

I'm so happy each time I come here. Everything I order is always wonderful and my dining companions are always equally happy. Service has always been very attentive and the staff is knowledgable about the food and wine. Since they don't take reservations, if there is a wait for a table, we give them our cell phone number, take one of their buzzers and have a beer at the Gingerman across the street. There are no menus. They have a large chalkboard on the wall with their menu on it. I've had lasik but still must be blind because I can never read this thing. Plus I feel bad standing over some diners who had the misfortune of getting the table under the menu. I always end up ordering a special that they've told me about at the table. That is my only complaint about this place and it's just how they do it, so I don't expect them to change it and it definately won't stop me from going.

• Pros: Everything else!
• Cons: The menu on the wall

01/26/08

Try the Mussels Rabelais!

by pilotjosh25 at Citysearch

I've been here several times. We usually just stop by for coffee and dessert. (Try the pear sundae!) - Last time I went it was for lunch. Plan on a slightly longer lunch as the service is slow (but good) - I had the mussels Rabelais which were amazing. No joke the biggest, most flavorful mussels I have ever eaten. It's a wonderful restaurant you must try.

• Pros: Delicious food, nice atmosphere, romantic.
• Cons: Parking a little tough, slow service if you are in a hurry.

11/24/07

SERVICE DOES NOT EXIST HERE

by reviewperson1 at Citysearch

The food is decent and the host person is knowledgable but the service is horrendous and they don't hire more people. We waited forever to even be acknowledged. They need to have real menus also so people can read them and you don't have to get up in front of someone's table to read a menu on the wall. The waitstaff are RUDE and the host is RUDE. THEY NEED TO HIRE MORE PEOPLE AND FIRE THE OLD.

• Pros: o.k. food
• Cons: service