Cyrano's Bistrot and Wine Bar : User Reviews

Highly recommended. Bon appetit!
By Luke from Streeterville, August 1, 2008

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I first dined here the very first week this restaurant opened in 1995. Chef Durand, along with his lovely wife, greeted me as if I were a close friend. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and food then, and last night’s meal was just as superb. Over the years, I have been back many times. I must confess, it had been 5 or 6 years since my last meal here, but that has been solely due to always trying new restaurants (I eat out 7 days a week, so I am bit persnickety).

Last night’s meal at Cyrano’s was like pleasantly meeting up with an old friend I have regretted not seeing for so long. I was very happy the ambiance was the same: nothing has changed on the interior; it looks and acts like a true Parisian bistro in St. Germain-des-Pres, 6 eme of Paris.

More importantly, the cuisine remains a gastronomic delight! Fresh ingredients!!! My friend and I started with salads. She had mixed greens and I had Paris Salade (greens with pears, walnuts, and roguefort). Both arrived looking very appetizing and the portions were quite large (and reasonably priced). Entres included the half chicken, with fresh green beans sprinkled with the perfect cheese, for the lady; and I had the grilled tuna with a summer melody of vegetables. Again, as I remembered other visits, the portions here are large and do not skimp on the accompanying sides. The chicken was moist and very delicious, with just the right amount of herbs and seasonings. My tuna-steak was seared on the outside, while remaining medium-rare and moist on the inside. There was also plenty of traditional fresh French bread--- an addictively large baguette with an equally addictive butter infused with sun-dried tomatoes. For desert, we shared a fresh “summer brioche” with slices of peaches and 2 or 3 different kinds of berries (with an incredible chocolate sauce!). BTW: The wine list is quite good and reasonable priced, too.

What makes this place so special—besides the authentic French cuisine – is ALL the staff that works here. All my experiences with the staff have been very pleasant. In fact, I need to point that we were only half way through our entre last night at 10:15 pm when I asked the attentive (w/o being intrusive) server, Nadia, if I could settle the bill early since it was getting late. She looked at me with shock. She said: “No. Why do ask? I said: “Well, I thought you might like to leave, given the late hour.” Then she said: “No. I will leave AFTER you leave.” How fantastic is that! I have had equally excellent service at restaurants that are very expensive, but I never expect it at moderately priced places. Nadia, you made my return to Cyrano’s so memorable; you are the best!! Thanks again! I promise I will not let too much time pass between visits going forward.

Excellent Food, Atmosphere and Service
By Amphion from River North, July 22, 2008

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I have now dined at Cyrano's for the second time. As with my first visit, I had a terrific experience. Not being able to resist the duck, I ordered it again, savoring every bite. If you have an appreciation for well prepared culinary delights, served in a warm atmosphere by a friendly staff, place Cyrano's on your dining schedule.

Food, Wine, Service--all excellent!
By Giardinelliso from Gold Coast, February 18, 2008

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I am a long-time patron of this restaurant and dined there last Saturday 16 February to celebrate a birthday. The restaurant was the choice of the birthday boy who had dined there before, but aside from myself the rest of our party were first-timers. The verdict was unanimous: we love this place! As it is a chef-owned restaurant, here you get what you want. The food is authentically French and served with plenty of Gallic charm. I can highly recommend the wine selection, which is fairly priced with some real gems that complement the cuisine. It is a comfortable, welcoming place, and I have never failed to enjoy myself here. You will too…

CYRANO'S is the BEST!
By papercat89 from lakeview, February 12, 2008

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I cannot believe that someone is complaining about a restaurant that has been around so long and most of the waiters have been there forever! This is the best French restaurant in the city. Chef Durand is a true Frenchman and his food is exquisite and the service is ALWAYS performed with care each and everytime we have dined there!

Worst Customer Service Ever
By Dad from Elmhurst, February 7, 2008

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Our table of 9 at 7pm last Saturday night, finally finished eating at 10:30pm.
We found out after our meal, that our server was a food runner, who was asked to wait tables on this Saturday night. Our waiter was not knowledgeable about the menu! We had to ask for everything. A painful dinner to sit through. Although food was good.

Romantic dinner
By chupa from Suburbs, January 5, 2008

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What a charming find with a menu to tempt everyone! Upon entering we were greeted in French and led to the small but charming dining room. Everything was wonderful: We ordered a peppercorn steak, mussels, wild mushroom soup, and French onion soup. The only problem was the wait was extremely long. We dined at 7 and the place was empty when we placed our order. We didn't get our main meal until one hour after we ordered. Waiting 30 minutes between soup and main course seems a bit long, especially when we were so hungry. We should have been prepared for a French style wait since we were in a French restaurant. Next time we'll know better and come more relaxed, because this place is fantastic and well worth the wait! Planning a romantic dinner with a lot of gazing into each other's eyes? This is the place for you.

Cheap approach to food and service
By John from john, November 30, 2007

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This place could be good if the people who run it actually cared about quality. They cut every corner they can think of...and the service is horrible. There are plenty of other places close by that are a much better choice. Don't waste your time here.

cheesy decor, bad service (wine...
By Alex from chicago, IL, August 25, 2007

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cheesy decor, bad service (wine from 2000 or 2002, does it matter? yeah!), bad food (how do you screw a lamb rack...by adding bad mash potatoes), wine list looks good but is not. When you have Sardine, Bouchon, Brasserie Jo for the French bistrots and so many good americans with great service, why going there. They really need to put their act together instead of being like a bad/cheap touristy Parisian bistrot.

an unhappy French man.

The lunch specials--salad, quiche and...
By Emma from Chicago, IL, July 26, 2007

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The lunch specials--salad, quiche and frites for around $10--are a great value and so tasty!