Tried this spot again after the worst experience for Valentine's Day since they were packed that night and out of most of the food. Tried calling to see if they use seed oils which their voicemail box was full. Got ahold of them on INSTAGRAM which seemed weird (also they have no link on their website to make reservations, you have to go through OpenTable). Went there tonight and we were the only people there (already bad sign). The host was rude and inattentive and almost upset that we walked through the door. Food is just doused in sauce that is WAY overpowering and the quality is not there at all ($65 New York strip in a pool of peppercorn sauce $35 for 5 small scallops drenched in dairy... no thanks) host/server never cleared any of our plates and when we had issues with some of the food started arguing with us that we didn't order it that way so basically we were stuck with it. Never going back and I guarantee by the empty seats this place will be a goner before summer comes.
Matt M
The food was delicious! The artichoke heart appetizer was excellent. Well prepared main dishes with wonderful flavors. Would recommend and will go again.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Had an amazing experience last night! From the wine to the appetizer to the entree! Everything was delicious. Our server was kind and had great suggestions/recommendations. I will definitely go again and can't wait to try something else on the menu.
Kyle Nelson
Great customer service, excellent food. Will be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
sdsd
Another wonderful dinner at Bistro D'Helene. The scallops were amazing (and I don't love scallops!) I appreciate that you never feel rushed. So, it is a great place for a leisurely meal.
What a culinary experience from beginning to end, and we tried just about every dish. Not a fancy looking place that should be rated higher. The scallops were perfect with an incredibly sauce. The tender delicious ossobuco meat fell off the bone. Their duck dish was just as amazing. Cannot wait to go back!
Cori S.
If you're looking for a restaurant with a sign indicating the location or an espresso machine - that's coming. The delicious, intentional food speaks for itself. Lobster ravioli and duck confit were inhaled by the 5 year old (she has good taste ). Come here expecting delicious food and good company, knowing that the details of the space itself are in progress. Get in while you can!
Kena M.
Wow where do I even begin! I've been here multiple times since this business has opened and I have been blown away every time. The food here is amazing, you can tell the chefs take pride in their work. Even when it gets busy the servers are always very kind and attentive. Highly recommend Bistro D'Helene!
LoverOfOpenTable
I chose this restaurant for a date night with my wife after walking past it the night before, and boy am I glad I did! Across the board everything exceeded our expectations. Ambiance, service, and the quality of our meal were all fantastic. My wife and I like to eat early and in doing so we were able to not only enjoy a quiet meal together, but also enjoy the lovely music in the background. We will most certainly be back soon!
Wayne J.
While the reviews left here made us hesitant, my wife and I tried Bistro Helene a few nights ago and we could not have had a better experience. Makena was gracious with her service, and we could tell she cared a great deal about the food and the restaurant. We sat at the bar and shared the two chef's specials, a salmon crudo with fresh grapefruit and caviar, and a tomahawk steak with perogi and mushroom sauce. The steak was too much even for both of us to share, but we were sure to take it to go so we could share a few bites of dessert. We were surprised we had not heard of this place before but it sounds like they are just getting started and we look forward to coming back for the croque madame for brunch.
On our most recent visit (that will probably be our last visit unless ownership changes), the owner was sitting down at one of the largest tables in the restaurant drinking wine and on her laptop during busy dinner hours, so they don't appear to be too interested in prioritizing customer seating. I was getting exhausted just watching our poor server struggle with their limited staffing. The food was okay but terribly bland and seemed pretty thrown together for the prices they are charging. Simple dishes you can make at home. Save your money for some of the places in town that are trying harder to keep their staff from quitting.
Don Beasley
Fabulous restaurant! The best cassoulet I have had in my life. Incredible wine list. Second largest wine list in Boise to Chandler’s. Very impressed.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tomderman
The restaurant looks very nice but there are some issues we had that we don't enjoy. The price of the food is too much for the portion and quality. The lasange is stored cold and they heat it in an oven until it is burnt all over. The flavor of the food was just alright. The bread was great but you have to ask for it, and with a party of 4, they would only give us two small pieces of baguette. They really love putting kale as a topping on everything.. not an issue but it doesnt need it.
Red Mango D.
NOT RECOMMENDED! I gave this bistro one star for its location. It was the first time I invited friends and family to this place for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres . Our first encounter with the manager was a bit odd, he asked if we're going to have dinner? I told him that we're going to have cocktails and appetizers, then he proceeded to direct the hostess to seat us at another section. We overheard the manager telling the hostess that he gets more tips when people order full entrees. We got seated at a high top near the front entrance. A long moment went by, then a woman and a man walked into the restaurant and noticed us sitting there without drinks and food. The woman approached our table to introduce herself as Danielle the owner, then pointed to the man as her boyfriend. We exchanged conversations about our first time here and commented on how charming the place is. After Danielle realized that she didn't have enough staffing for the evening, she appointed the hostess to be our server. That poor young girl didn't know what to do but she did try her best. Even though two of our hors d'oeuvres came out lukewarm, and seeing how flustered the hostess was we didn't fuss about it. We also ordered cocktails and a bottle of wine. It took a good 30 minutes, asked for it twice the manager finally got on the step stool to get our bottle of wine ($65). Unfortunately, he pulled the wrong wine ($300) and didn't realize his mistake until after he opened it. He came to our table and insisted that it was the best vintage and that we should give it a try. I asked him if he would honor the price or at least discount it. The manager's tone and how he responded was extremely rude and unprofessional, he then mumbled under his breath that he and Danielle will drink it themselves and walked off with the wine. It took another 15 minutes for the hostess to figure out how to mix two cocktails. We hung out there for a while and noticed that the staff including Danielle completely ignored our table. Noone even come by to bus the dirty dishes after we finished. When it was time to pay, the hostess had to ask for help from her manager because she didn't know how to put some items into the POS. He scold her loudly, loud enough that we could hear it ufrom our table. In the meanwhile, the owner was sitting down drinking wine with her boyfriend at the table adjacent to ours, then two of her chefs came to the owner's table to gripe about how she's late in paying them and threatened to quit. They got loud and it was quite awkward witnessing their grievances. That explains why they didn't have adequate staffing, which resulted in serving cold food, rude staff, and the wrong wine served by a grumpy employee who was also greedy for big fat tip tables only. Very disappointed.
BryDay The 13th
Quite possibly the worst dining experience I've ever had. After walking in and being assaulted by acrid smoke, we should have left but the place seemed cute and the server/host seemed very welcoming at first.We ordered drinks and an Arancini appetizer. We got our drinks and after 20 minutes of waiting, asked about our appetizer and were told it was coming out very soon. She then asked if we wanted to order a main, when we replied "No, we don't have the time to wait around here all day," the server was not having it and proceeded to just ignore us. When she finally brought food to another table we acquired again about our appetizer, she became incredibly rude and informed us that she put our order in 23 minutes ago and there were other orders to be made before ours. At this point we got up to leave, the server said she'd take care of us up front but my boyfriend put the kibosh on that as we never got food, he didn't drink his wine and had terrible service.I have never walked out of a restaurant like this before, but this was warranted. My main question is, is the chef back there preparing one thing at a time? Doesn't seem too efficient. The three other couples in there also had quite a wait for their food. Definitely wouldn't recommend and will never go back.
Tried this spot again after the worst experience for Valentine's Day since they were packed that night and out of most of the food. Tried calling to see if they use seed oils which their voicemail box was full. Got ahold of them on INSTAGRAM which seemed weird (also they have no link on their website to make reservations, you have to go through OpenTable). Went there tonight and we were the only people there (already bad sign). The host was rude and inattentive and almost upset that we walked through the door. Food is just doused in sauce that is WAY overpowering and the quality is not there at all ($65 New York strip in a pool of peppercorn sauce $35 for 5 small scallops drenched in dairy... no thanks) host/server never cleared any of our plates and when we had issues with some of the food started arguing with us that we didn't order it that way so basically we were stuck with it. Never going back and I guarantee by the empty seats this place will be a goner before summer comes.
The food was delicious! The artichoke heart appetizer was excellent. Well prepared main dishes with wonderful flavors. Would recommend and will go again.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Had an amazing experience last night! From the wine to the appetizer to the entree! Everything was delicious. Our server was kind and had great suggestions/recommendations. I will definitely go again and can't wait to try something else on the menu.
Great customer service, excellent food. Will be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Another wonderful dinner at Bistro D'Helene. The scallops were amazing (and I don't love scallops!) I appreciate that you never feel rushed. So, it is a great place for a leisurely meal.
What a culinary experience from beginning to end, and we tried just about every dish. Not a fancy looking place that should be rated higher. The scallops were perfect with an incredibly sauce. The tender delicious ossobuco meat fell off the bone. Their duck dish was just as amazing. Cannot wait to go back!
If you're looking for a restaurant with a sign indicating the location or an espresso machine - that's coming. The delicious, intentional food speaks for itself. Lobster ravioli and duck confit were inhaled by the 5 year old (she has good taste ). Come here expecting delicious food and good company, knowing that the details of the space itself are in progress. Get in while you can!
Wow where do I even begin! I've been here multiple times since this business has opened and I have been blown away every time. The food here is amazing, you can tell the chefs take pride in their work. Even when it gets busy the servers are always very kind and attentive. Highly recommend Bistro D'Helene!
I chose this restaurant for a date night with my wife after walking past it the night before, and boy am I glad I did! Across the board everything exceeded our expectations. Ambiance, service, and the quality of our meal were all fantastic. My wife and I like to eat early and in doing so we were able to not only enjoy a quiet meal together, but also enjoy the lovely music in the background. We will most certainly be back soon!
While the reviews left here made us hesitant, my wife and I tried Bistro Helene a few nights ago and we could not have had a better experience. Makena was gracious with her service, and we could tell she cared a great deal about the food and the restaurant. We sat at the bar and shared the two chef's specials, a salmon crudo with fresh grapefruit and caviar, and a tomahawk steak with perogi and mushroom sauce. The steak was too much even for both of us to share, but we were sure to take it to go so we could share a few bites of dessert. We were surprised we had not heard of this place before but it sounds like they are just getting started and we look forward to coming back for the croque madame for brunch.
Restaurantji Recommends
On our most recent visit (that will probably be our last visit unless ownership changes), the owner was sitting down at one of the largest tables in the restaurant drinking wine and on her laptop during busy dinner hours, so they don't appear to be too interested in prioritizing customer seating. I was getting exhausted just watching our poor server struggle with their limited staffing. The food was okay but terribly bland and seemed pretty thrown together for the prices they are charging. Simple dishes you can make at home. Save your money for some of the places in town that are trying harder to keep their staff from quitting.
Fabulous restaurant! The best cassoulet I have had in my life. Incredible wine list. Second largest wine list in Boise to Chandler’s. Very impressed.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The restaurant looks very nice but there are some issues we had that we don't enjoy. The price of the food is too much for the portion and quality. The lasange is stored cold and they heat it in an oven until it is burnt all over. The flavor of the food was just alright. The bread was great but you have to ask for it, and with a party of 4, they would only give us two small pieces of baguette. They really love putting kale as a topping on everything.. not an issue but it doesnt need it.
NOT RECOMMENDED! I gave this bistro one star for its location. It was the first time I invited friends and family to this place for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres . Our first encounter with the manager was a bit odd, he asked if we're going to have dinner? I told him that we're going to have cocktails and appetizers, then he proceeded to direct the hostess to seat us at another section. We overheard the manager telling the hostess that he gets more tips when people order full entrees. We got seated at a high top near the front entrance. A long moment went by, then a woman and a man walked into the restaurant and noticed us sitting there without drinks and food. The woman approached our table to introduce herself as Danielle the owner, then pointed to the man as her boyfriend. We exchanged conversations about our first time here and commented on how charming the place is. After Danielle realized that she didn't have enough staffing for the evening, she appointed the hostess to be our server. That poor young girl didn't know what to do but she did try her best. Even though two of our hors d'oeuvres came out lukewarm, and seeing how flustered the hostess was we didn't fuss about it. We also ordered cocktails and a bottle of wine. It took a good 30 minutes, asked for it twice the manager finally got on the step stool to get our bottle of wine ($65). Unfortunately, he pulled the wrong wine ($300) and didn't realize his mistake until after he opened it. He came to our table and insisted that it was the best vintage and that we should give it a try. I asked him if he would honor the price or at least discount it. The manager's tone and how he responded was extremely rude and unprofessional, he then mumbled under his breath that he and Danielle will drink it themselves and walked off with the wine. It took another 15 minutes for the hostess to figure out how to mix two cocktails. We hung out there for a while and noticed that the staff including Danielle completely ignored our table. Noone even come by to bus the dirty dishes after we finished. When it was time to pay, the hostess had to ask for help from her manager because she didn't know how to put some items into the POS. He scold her loudly, loud enough that we could hear it ufrom our table. In the meanwhile, the owner was sitting down drinking wine with her boyfriend at the table adjacent to ours, then two of her chefs came to the owner's table to gripe about how she's late in paying them and threatened to quit. They got loud and it was quite awkward witnessing their grievances. That explains why they didn't have adequate staffing, which resulted in serving cold food, rude staff, and the wrong wine served by a grumpy employee who was also greedy for big fat tip tables only. Very disappointed.
Quite possibly the worst dining experience I've ever had. After walking in and being assaulted by acrid smoke, we should have left but the place seemed cute and the server/host seemed very welcoming at first.We ordered drinks and an Arancini appetizer. We got our drinks and after 20 minutes of waiting, asked about our appetizer and were told it was coming out very soon. She then asked if we wanted to order a main, when we replied "No, we don't have the time to wait around here all day," the server was not having it and proceeded to just ignore us. When she finally brought food to another table we acquired again about our appetizer, she became incredibly rude and informed us that she put our order in 23 minutes ago and there were other orders to be made before ours. At this point we got up to leave, the server said she'd take care of us up front but my boyfriend put the kibosh on that as we never got food, he didn't drink his wine and had terrible service.I have never walked out of a restaurant like this before, but this was warranted. My main question is, is the chef back there preparing one thing at a time? Doesn't seem too efficient. The three other couples in there also had quite a wait for their food. Definitely wouldn't recommend and will never go back.