I went in to dine this past weekend while staying at the Vanguard and I really enjoyed myself. The food was good with very good portions. I really enjoyed the short rib.
The service was great at well. Which I really appreciated as a solo diner. A lot of times when going solo you tend to get overlooked and I did not feel that way at all. I will definitely be returning!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Julia Lovejoy
Such a cute hotel restaurant! The service was very pleasant, and although it was a smaller portion it was very satisfying! Will return, especially to sit at the bar!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Afnan Abduljaber
I visited La Serre Brasserie today with two friends and had a very enjoyable experience overall.
They offer valet parking, and it was fast and smooth — the car was taken right away, which made arriving easy. We were seated quickly, and the restaurant has a lively, social atmosphere. It’s not a quiet place, but the energy feels intentional and welcoming. There’s also a fireplace, and if you reserve early enough, you can sit on couches next to it. That area looked especially cozy and warm — very inviting and home-like.
The highlight of our visit was definitely the food. Every dish we ordered was delicious, well-seasoned, and prepared with care and professionalism. I had the grilled chicken, which was perfectly cooked and full of flavor. One friend ordered the whole bone-in fish, which was beautifully presented and cooked just right. Another friend had the burger, and it was juicy, flavorful, and paired nicely with crispy fries.
We were served a small slice of bread with butter at the beginning. I personally felt the portion could have been a bit more, as it was just one small slice per person. That said, the staff did ask if we wanted a refill once it was finished, which was thoughtful and appreciated.
I would definitely go back again. For me, the main reason is the food. While the atmosphere leans more toward a bar scene and I don’t drink alcohol, the quality of the food alone makes it well worth the visit.
Highly recommended for anyone looking for great food in a vibrant setting.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lois Plantefaber
Thoroughly enjoyed celebrating our anniversary there. Our first, but definitely not last, time there and it did not disappoint. The food was outstanding, the service attentive without being intrusive and the atmosphere comfortably/casually upscale without being stuffy. Can't wait to go back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Susanne Navas
The food was delicious! The service was very friendly but a little off, probably because they were busy (understaffed?). They had run out of non-alcoholic beer (they only carry one kind, weird in this day and age where so many are sober). I would definitely return.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Andre Birotte
Place was nice and appetizers were good. Me and my girlfriends main courses were both sub-par though. My “Brasserie Sandwich” had so much salt on it that it was inedible and my girlfriend’s steak tasted like there was not an ounce of seasoning. Not to mention it was almost fully cooked when she asked for medium rare. Service was great but the main courses were super disappointing.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 5
JJ Crisostomo
Another wonderful Christmasy night at Ann Arbor listening to Handel’s Messiah at Hill Auditorium. For this night, we tried La Serre and it did not disappoint. Ordered the steak frites and it was perfect medium rare, juicy and well seasoned with French fry sticks. Also tried the mussels and they are as good. Quick and polite service. Located inside the new Vanguard Hotel. Valet parking if you wish. Highly recommended.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Stan Weiner
Underwhelming at best and certainly not up to its hype. Apart from food and service being mediocre, the place is so loud that it is nearly impossible to carry on a conversation with someone directly next to you.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Fei Fei Metzler
We were here Saturday after Thanksgiving. We were seated right away (we had a reservation). We each had cocktails and they were good but not extraordinary. Had the oysters which were briny and fresh. No shell chunks. For entrees, we had the branzino, steak au poivre, and lobster linguine. I would say the branzino was surprisingly great. It was moist on the inside and the perfect charring on the outside. Perfectly done. The potatoes and tomato confit were also expertly prepared. The fish was served whole but deboned. The lobster linguine was also very flavorful dressed in a lovely bright sauce. The lobster itself was nice and moist. The steak was good but in comparison, a bit ordinary. The pepper flavor was maybe missing a punch. Nothing wrong with it. Just could be more special.
We were seated next to a table of loud talkers and people who had apparently drank too much already (by 7pm). Maybe they’d been drinking all day due to football? A more refined ambience would have been preferred for our dining experience.
The wait staff was efficient and friendly. I think they were embarrassed by the table next to us. We were not accustomed to having dinner next to somewhat inebriated people but maybe that’s what you get in football Saturday.
La Serre was overall a good experience. I would come back.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Roz Jaffer
Prices are too high . Food is really average and the burger and other items on the menu are below average, service is terrible cause you’re too busy and don’t even have average service. And you still have an expected tip of 20% , do you really expect 20% on services when service is below average?????? Pay for your own employees and don’t expect the customer to pick up that OK
The only thing good about your operation. Is the DJ in the front playing excellent music
Just another hotel restaurant and bar. Was expecting a higher level of food and service. Olive appetizer came out so cold that the lovely dressing was congealing and my steak arrived cold and tough. We ended up cancelling our wine order because we finished our dinner and it had not arrived yet.
Squash soup was perfect! Everyone was nice.
Savannah Peterson
It’s not often I write a review for a restaurant in a hotel but La Serre is such a gem I had to. Absolutely outstanding French onion soup. Wonderful mussels. Tasty bubbles. And the best bartender in Ann Arbor. I believe her name is Alyssa (the fun one with cool tattoos) and she took the best care of me. I travel 200+ days a year for work and I felt so at home sitting at the bar alone. Thank you 1000x over - already looking forward to coming back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Carol Chan
It was our first dining experience there, for a date. The decor and ambiance is elegant, understated, and very welcoming. The staff were very courteous and attentive. We were very impressed with the croquettes appetizer and Zingerman’s bread— but unfortunately our entrees were disappointing.
We ordered the chicken paillard and lobster linguini. Both were oversalted for our taste— for the paillard, it was the salad atop the chicken— strangely too salty. The chicken itself was quite dry and tough in texture. For sure it was overcooked. For the lobster linguini, the saffron lobster cream that accompanied the pasta— again overpowered by saltiness, and wasn’t as creamy as we expected. The sauce also tasted almost too strongly of lobster flavor, and didn’t notice the saffron.
Normally we don’t like to complain, but when the staff asked us how we liked our entrees, we hesitantly shared our honest opinion, especially because of the high reputation and price point of this restaurant. They probably also noticed that we only picked at the food and there was a lot remaining. They were nice enough to offer a free dessert— which we gladly accepted, because we were still hungry! We had the pumpkin creme brulee, which was delightful. Overall a positive experience, despite the disappointment with the entrees.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Jamie Lewis Holt
We had 3 separate meals here (only photos of first meal shown which was the best). The French toast with a croissant was the show stopper and I’ll explain why later. The rolled omelette is superb. The ROLLED omelette is delicious. The potatoes that come with it are average but not a fan of potatoes. The onions were a bit over sautéed but overall a delicious option for breakfast. For dinner the side of carrots (trust me) is a meal all of its own and don’t judge it when it comes to the table looking like some of the pieces are burnt. They are not. Trust me. Eat it. The signature salad with blue cheese and candied pecans was also delicious but this is hard to screw up. The service staff are all the shinning stars of this place.
Now the cons. This is NOT a French restaurant. For starters the croissant they bring you is made with a brioche dough that taste of Crisco to save on cost and would (does) make a fine base for frying for French toast. This is NOT a French croissant. Do not label it as one. Nothing is crisp. Nothing is airy. It is a chemical sponge that squishy and then springs back to the original form. Not a croissant. Second. The open-faced omelette is not French by any means. It is a hot pan with egg dumped in with ingredients dumped and then plopped on a plate. They add a very big scoop of butter (which is very good but pull it off and save it on the side for the toast) and then expect you to eat this thing that is a heap of defrosted spinach (not mixed in) in one spot and a tire (they call bacon something) in another. It’s a crap shoot as to what your mouth will experience and it is not favorable. At one point I asked my husband to eat it because his steel cut oatmeal that is really more Quaker instant oatmeal than not, looked more desirable and for him to eat the mystery omelette because the flavor was not mixed or inviting and the dish lacked refinement; the dish lacked skill; the dish lacked a sauce that would bring it together; the dish was an American adaptation that failed. Do not call this French cuisine. I have bee to France (all over) and nothing here reminds me of anything I ate there. The chairs are comfortable. The service is wonderful. Plenty of seating. Order accordingly. Now the meh: The crème brûlée. This is not like any other I’ve had and I always order it anywhere I go. It’s more of a pudding consistency than anything. The flavor is good but I don’t expect some of it to slide off my spoon. I expect it to be set up enough to hold its shape when I tap the sugar crust. Overall a delightful dish for the flavor- but not a crème brûlée in my opinion just because you crystallized some sugar on top.
I went in to dine this past weekend while staying at the Vanguard and I really enjoyed myself. The food was good with very good portions. I really enjoyed the short rib.
The service was great at well. Which I really appreciated as a solo diner. A lot of times when going solo you tend to get overlooked and I did not feel that way at all. I will definitely be returning!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Such a cute hotel restaurant! The service was very pleasant, and although it was a smaller portion it was very satisfying! Will return, especially to sit at the bar!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I visited La Serre Brasserie today with two friends and had a very enjoyable experience overall.
They offer valet parking, and it was fast and smooth — the car was taken right away, which made arriving easy. We were seated quickly, and the restaurant has a lively, social atmosphere. It’s not a quiet place, but the energy feels intentional and welcoming. There’s also a fireplace, and if you reserve early enough, you can sit on couches next to it. That area looked especially cozy and warm — very inviting and home-like.
The highlight of our visit was definitely the food. Every dish we ordered was delicious, well-seasoned, and prepared with care and professionalism. I had the grilled chicken, which was perfectly cooked and full of flavor. One friend ordered the whole bone-in fish, which was beautifully presented and cooked just right. Another friend had the burger, and it was juicy, flavorful, and paired nicely with crispy fries.
We were served a small slice of bread with butter at the beginning. I personally felt the portion could have been a bit more, as it was just one small slice per person. That said, the staff did ask if we wanted a refill once it was finished, which was thoughtful and appreciated.
I would definitely go back again. For me, the main reason is the food. While the atmosphere leans more toward a bar scene and I don’t drink alcohol, the quality of the food alone makes it well worth the visit.
Highly recommended for anyone looking for great food in a vibrant setting.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Thoroughly enjoyed celebrating our anniversary there. Our first, but definitely not last, time there and it did not disappoint. The food was outstanding, the service attentive without being intrusive and the atmosphere comfortably/casually upscale without being stuffy. Can't wait to go back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food was delicious! The service was very friendly but a little off, probably because they were busy (understaffed?). They had run out of non-alcoholic beer (they only carry one kind, weird in this day and age where so many are sober). I would definitely return.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Place was nice and appetizers were good. Me and my girlfriends main courses were both sub-par though. My “Brasserie Sandwich” had so much salt on it that it was inedible and my girlfriend’s steak tasted like there was not an ounce of seasoning. Not to mention it was almost fully cooked when she asked for medium rare. Service was great but the main courses were super disappointing.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 5
Another wonderful Christmasy night at Ann Arbor listening to Handel’s Messiah at Hill Auditorium. For this night, we tried La Serre and it did not disappoint. Ordered the steak frites and it was perfect medium rare, juicy and well seasoned with French fry sticks. Also tried the mussels and they are as good. Quick and polite service. Located inside the new Vanguard Hotel. Valet parking if you wish. Highly recommended.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Underwhelming at best and certainly not up to its hype. Apart from food and service being mediocre, the place is so loud that it is nearly impossible to carry on a conversation with someone directly next to you.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
We were here Saturday after Thanksgiving. We were seated right away (we had a reservation). We each had cocktails and they were good but not extraordinary. Had the oysters which were briny and fresh. No shell chunks. For entrees, we had the branzino, steak au poivre, and lobster linguine. I would say the branzino was surprisingly great. It was moist on the inside and the perfect charring on the outside. Perfectly done. The potatoes and tomato confit were also expertly prepared. The fish was served whole but deboned. The lobster linguine was also very flavorful dressed in a lovely bright sauce. The lobster itself was nice and moist. The steak was good but in comparison, a bit ordinary. The pepper flavor was maybe missing a punch. Nothing wrong with it. Just could be more special.
We were seated next to a table of loud talkers and people who had apparently drank too much already (by 7pm). Maybe they’d been drinking all day due to football? A more refined ambience would have been preferred for our dining experience.
The wait staff was efficient and friendly. I think they were embarrassed by the table next to us. We were not accustomed to having dinner next to somewhat inebriated people but maybe that’s what you get in football Saturday.
La Serre was overall a good experience. I would come back.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Prices are too high . Food is really average and the burger and other items on the menu are below average, service is terrible cause you’re too busy and don’t even have average service. And you still have an expected tip of 20% , do you really expect 20% on services when service is below average?????? Pay for your own employees and don’t expect the customer to pick up that OK
The only thing good about your operation. Is the DJ in the front playing excellent music
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 1
Restaurantji Recommends
Just another hotel restaurant and bar. Was expecting a higher level of food and service. Olive appetizer came out so cold that the lovely dressing was congealing and my steak arrived cold and tough. We ended up cancelling our wine order because we finished our dinner and it had not arrived yet.
Squash soup was perfect! Everyone was nice.
It’s not often I write a review for a restaurant in a hotel but La Serre is such a gem I had to. Absolutely outstanding French onion soup. Wonderful mussels. Tasty bubbles. And the best bartender in Ann Arbor. I believe her name is Alyssa (the fun one with cool tattoos) and she took the best care of me. I travel 200+ days a year for work and I felt so at home sitting at the bar alone. Thank you 1000x over - already looking forward to coming back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
It was our first dining experience there, for a date. The decor and ambiance is elegant, understated, and very welcoming. The staff were very courteous and attentive. We were very impressed with the croquettes appetizer and Zingerman’s bread— but unfortunately our entrees were disappointing.
We ordered the chicken paillard and lobster linguini. Both were oversalted for our taste— for the paillard, it was the salad atop the chicken— strangely too salty. The chicken itself was quite dry and tough in texture. For sure it was overcooked. For the lobster linguini, the saffron lobster cream that accompanied the pasta— again overpowered by saltiness, and wasn’t as creamy as we expected. The sauce also tasted almost too strongly of lobster flavor, and didn’t notice the saffron.
Normally we don’t like to complain, but when the staff asked us how we liked our entrees, we hesitantly shared our honest opinion, especially because of the high reputation and price point of this restaurant. They probably also noticed that we only picked at the food and there was a lot remaining. They were nice enough to offer a free dessert— which we gladly accepted, because we were still hungry! We had the pumpkin creme brulee, which was delightful. Overall a positive experience, despite the disappointment with the entrees.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
We had 3 separate meals here (only photos of first meal shown which was the best). The French toast with a croissant was the show stopper and I’ll explain why later. The rolled omelette is superb. The ROLLED omelette is delicious. The potatoes that come with it are average but not a fan of potatoes. The onions were a bit over sautéed but overall a delicious option for breakfast.
For dinner the side of carrots (trust me) is a meal all of its own and don’t judge it when it comes to the table looking like some of the pieces are burnt. They are not. Trust me. Eat it.
The signature salad with blue cheese and candied pecans was also delicious but this is hard to screw up.
The service staff are all the shinning stars of this place.
Now the cons. This is NOT a French restaurant. For starters the croissant they bring you is made with a brioche dough that taste of Crisco to save on cost and would (does) make a fine base for frying for French toast. This is NOT a French croissant. Do not label it as one. Nothing is crisp. Nothing is airy. It is a chemical sponge that squishy and then springs back to the original form. Not a croissant.
Second. The open-faced omelette is not French by any means. It is a hot pan with egg dumped in with ingredients dumped and then plopped on a plate. They add a very big scoop of butter (which is very good but pull it off and save it on the side for the toast) and then expect you to eat this thing that is a heap of defrosted spinach (not mixed in) in one spot and a tire (they call bacon something) in another. It’s a crap shoot as to what your mouth will experience and it is not favorable. At one point I asked my husband to eat it because his steel cut oatmeal that is really more Quaker instant oatmeal than not, looked more desirable and for him to eat the mystery omelette because the flavor was not mixed or inviting and the dish lacked refinement; the dish lacked skill; the dish lacked a sauce that would bring it together; the dish was an American adaptation that failed. Do not call this French cuisine.
I have bee to France (all over) and nothing here reminds me of anything I ate there.
The chairs are comfortable.
The service is wonderful.
Plenty of seating.
Order accordingly.
Now the meh:
The crème brûlée.
This is not like any other I’ve had and I always order it anywhere I go. It’s more of a pudding consistency than anything. The flavor is good but I don’t expect some of it to slide off my spoon. I expect it to be set up enough to hold its shape when I tap the sugar crust. Overall a delightful dish for the flavor- but not a crème brûlée in my opinion just because you crystallized some sugar on top.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 5
The best thing
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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