Food was very good, as it should be for the price. Service was poor. Waited 15 minutes for the waitress to come to our table. She then approached us like we were ordering at a fast food restaurant. Seemed put out when we asked a couple questions about the menu. Despite the small fixed price menu she couldn’t describe how the food was prepared. Rarely checked in on us. Busboy brought an ice bucket to the table next to us and asked whether they wanted it on the floor. Really??? Just not acceptable for the prices they charge! Very disappointed.
HeyMan76
We have dined at Brian's on numerous occasions and have never had anything less than a wonderful experience and we will continue to come back. My review, however, is based on Brian's practice of "regretfully adding a 3.5% fee" for using a credit card. I hate when businesses pull this nonsense. If you can't absorb the fee banks charge you to take credit cards (which as a business owner myself is not 3.5%), then roll it into the prices you charge and leave it at that. We are practically a cashless society. In fact many businesses now won't accept cash as a form of payment and you want to charge more for it? All this does in the end is for me to reduce my gratuity to your hard working staff by an equal 3.5%. I hope the owner(s) take notice as I'm not the only one who feels this way
KNICKRD
Waitress manager was terrific. Amazing the quality of the food and service for such a small staff. Its BYOB. i does get crowded, so make sure you make a reservation
Mario B.
Dinner never disappoints at this small and romantic Lambertville restaurant. I had the fluke, wife had the salmon; both were superb. Our server Jamie was pleasant and attentive. A Friday night and by the time we left at 8:10 every table was taken, quite a statement considering it was such a bitter cold night (18 degrees outside). Lastly, even with a full house and an open kitchen the noise level was very low; a rare treat when you don't have to shout across the table to your dinner companion to be heard.
Matthew V.
Went here with my family for dinner. To start off, the risotto seasoning and flavor was good, but the rice was undercooked and in my opinion ruined the dish completely. After that, all dishes that came out had the exact same sides. The good news is that the mashed potatoes were delicious, and the vegetables were well seasoned. The problem was with the salmon, which seemingly had never seen a grain of salt nor flavor. It was cooked well at least, but I'd hope for that 65 dollars paid at least someone would know to put at least a little bit of seasoning to make the fish not as bland. Finally, the banana foster surprised me, in the fact that the bananas were not flambé'd, rather just cut up raw. Sauce wasn't the worst, couldn't tell there was much more than sugar in it but it wasn't the worst. Overall we will not be coming back and truly a disappointing dinner.
Judith Leon
Went here based on a family recommendation. Food was yummy,small portions but tasty. Service was lovely,friendly,warm. One downfall,hence the 4 star review. The one and only bathroom is disgusting. I did not want to use it based on the smell and appearance. Toilet and sink need a serious cleaning. I understand it was a Saturday and staff was busy. But it was gross and a turn off. Please be mindful of things like this..it really is a turn off.
Steven Markowitz
I wish there was a 4.5, this place was good, don't get me wrong, but it wasn't great. I would gladly go back, but it wouldn't be my top choice. With that, the food was good and the people were nice.
Ron L.
Not exceptional, nonetheless, tasty food. Ordinary presentation coupled with pretentious, rude, shabby service. For example, there were six of us. Adjusting the position of our round table (reserved for us by the restaurant), which was practically against the open kitchen serving area thereby rendering two of the six sears unusable, became a cause celebre because the curt staff decided any adjustment would cramp the adjoining table, which was empty and four feet away. Getting the table SLIGHTLY repositioned was akin to pulling teeth. Although the restaurant is BYOB, set up service was terrible. We brought champagne and wine. After waiting for some time, we had to request champagne glasses, were never offered an ice bucket, nor was there an offer to pour wine or champagne. Dinner bread was served one piece per person, more by request rather than offer. While the various courses were well prepared and tasty, the mis en place left much to be desired.. There is nothing about this restaurant that warrants a prix fixe price of $160-200/couple for dinner. ($65/person, + addl charge for some items, plus a compulsory 20% gratuity for six or more diners, as well as the chutzpah to charge a 3.5% surcharge for credit card use!) Bottom line, the whole cannot overcome the sum of its parts. We left with a bad taste our mouths.
Peter J.
Dinner was wonderful, and the restaurant was cozy. Staff was knowledgeable and we had a really good time.
Jan J.
Wonderful service and food. A caring atmosphere upon entering and intimate cozy vibe. High end quality without the pretentiousness. Ample selection on the price fix coursed menu. The four of us enjoyed our choice and sharing a taste from each other. No disappointments. Oh, and easy parking which can be a worry in this area. Try it out.
Quaint little spot with spectacular food! Service was excellent. Their sister restaurant Hamilton Grille is also a real gem!
Lisa Y.
Great ! Food and service are always wonderful ! Usually only go to the area once or twice a year but always make sure Brian's is on our list of restaurants!
Jill M.
Overpriced and disappointing quality. We paid a $15 supplement, to an already overpriced $65 prix fixe menu, for steak, which was tough, gristly and chewy. It was totally bland - no sauces offered. Perhaps we ordered the wrong thing, but the steak was not properly seared or seasoned. Flourless chocolate torte was good, mixed berries w ice cream too sweet. Hostess and waitstaff were fine.
Samuel C.
Brian's has consistently served good French food over years. But I wonder whether it has gone down recently with it s expanded service. The price has gone up substantially which is a general trend these days. We ordered NY strip steak and halibut. Unfortunately the steak was a poor cut with a lot of fat and marble, although the cooking was done right. My wife's halibut was a tail piece, a smaller than usual portion. Now the desserts. I used to get their bread pudding or French toast, but they were not offered. The ice cream with berries and banana foster are just ice cream offerings, suitable for kids Although limited in selection, Brian's used to serve good quality food. We have noticed a decline in the post-Covid era. Hope this is not a trend and Brian's will uphold its high standing among its loyal customers.
Leslie S.
Wow was this fantastic! Let's start with the end. The bananas foster is fantastic. We also had the risotto starter and the lamb chops . The halibut and salmon were deeelish. Service was great. The only thing that I would recommend is NOT sitting at the table during winter near the door. There is quite a draft. Our waiter was Jamie who was really nice. Delicious delicious. Highly recommend. Go to Brian's now!
Food was very good, as it should be for the price. Service was poor. Waited 15 minutes for the waitress to come to our table. She then approached us like we were ordering at a fast food restaurant. Seemed put out when we asked a couple questions about the menu. Despite the small fixed price menu she couldn’t describe how the food was prepared. Rarely checked in on us. Busboy brought an ice bucket to the table next to us and asked whether they wanted it on the floor. Really??? Just not acceptable for the prices they charge! Very disappointed.
We have dined at Brian's on numerous occasions and have never had anything less than a wonderful experience and we will continue to come back. My review, however, is based on Brian's practice of "regretfully adding a 3.5% fee" for using a credit card. I hate when businesses pull this nonsense. If you can't absorb the fee banks charge you to take credit cards (which as a business owner myself is not 3.5%), then roll it into the prices you charge and leave it at that. We are practically a cashless society. In fact many businesses now won't accept cash as a form of payment and you want to charge more for it? All this does in the end is for me to reduce my gratuity to your hard working staff by an equal 3.5%. I hope the owner(s) take notice as I'm not the only one who feels this way
Waitress manager was terrific. Amazing the quality of the food and service for such a small staff. Its BYOB. i does get crowded, so make sure you make a reservation
Dinner never disappoints at this small and romantic Lambertville restaurant. I had the fluke, wife had the salmon; both were superb. Our server Jamie was pleasant and attentive. A Friday night and by the time we left at 8:10 every table was taken, quite a statement considering it was such a bitter cold night (18 degrees outside). Lastly, even with a full house and an open kitchen the noise level was very low; a rare treat when you don't have to shout across the table to your dinner companion to be heard.
Went here with my family for dinner. To start off, the risotto seasoning and flavor was good, but the rice was undercooked and in my opinion ruined the dish completely. After that, all dishes that came out had the exact same sides. The good news is that the mashed potatoes were delicious, and the vegetables were well seasoned. The problem was with the salmon, which seemingly had never seen a grain of salt nor flavor. It was cooked well at least, but I'd hope for that 65 dollars paid at least someone would know to put at least a little bit of seasoning to make the fish not as bland. Finally, the banana foster surprised me, in the fact that the bananas were not flambé'd, rather just cut up raw. Sauce wasn't the worst, couldn't tell there was much more than sugar in it but it wasn't the worst. Overall we will not be coming back and truly a disappointing dinner.
Went here based on a family recommendation. Food was yummy,small portions but tasty. Service was lovely,friendly,warm. One downfall,hence the 4 star review. The one and only bathroom is disgusting. I did not want to use it based on the smell and appearance. Toilet and sink need a serious cleaning. I understand it was a Saturday and staff was busy. But it was gross and a turn off. Please be mindful of things like this..it really is a turn off.
I wish there was a 4.5, this place was good, don't get me wrong, but it wasn't great. I would gladly go back, but it wouldn't be my top choice. With that, the food was good and the people were nice.
Not exceptional, nonetheless, tasty food. Ordinary presentation coupled with pretentious, rude, shabby service. For example, there were six of us. Adjusting the position of our round table (reserved for us by the restaurant), which was practically against the open kitchen serving area thereby rendering two of the six sears unusable, became a cause celebre because the curt staff decided any adjustment would cramp the adjoining table, which was empty and four feet away. Getting the table SLIGHTLY repositioned was akin to pulling teeth. Although the restaurant is BYOB, set up service was terrible. We brought champagne and wine. After waiting for some time, we had to request champagne glasses, were never offered an ice bucket, nor was there an offer to pour wine or champagne. Dinner bread was served one piece per person, more by request rather than offer. While the various courses were well prepared and tasty, the mis en place left much to be desired.. There is nothing about this restaurant that warrants a prix fixe price of $160-200/couple for dinner. ($65/person, + addl charge for some items, plus a compulsory 20% gratuity for six or more diners, as well as the chutzpah to charge a 3.5% surcharge for credit card use!) Bottom line, the whole cannot overcome the sum of its parts. We left with a bad taste our mouths.
Dinner was wonderful, and the restaurant was cozy. Staff was knowledgeable and we had a really good time.
Wonderful service and food. A caring atmosphere upon entering and intimate cozy vibe. High end quality without the pretentiousness. Ample selection on the price fix coursed menu. The four of us enjoyed our choice and sharing a taste from each other. No disappointments. Oh, and easy parking which can be a worry in this area. Try it out.
Restaurantji Recommends
Quaint little spot with spectacular food! Service was excellent. Their sister restaurant Hamilton Grille is also a real gem!
Great ! Food and service are always wonderful ! Usually only go to the area once or twice a year but always make sure Brian's is on our list of restaurants!
Overpriced and disappointing quality. We paid a $15 supplement, to an already overpriced $65 prix fixe menu, for steak, which was tough, gristly and chewy. It was totally bland - no sauces offered. Perhaps we ordered the wrong thing, but the steak was not properly seared or seasoned. Flourless chocolate torte was good, mixed berries w ice cream too sweet. Hostess and waitstaff were fine.
Brian's has consistently served good French food over years. But I wonder whether it has gone down recently with it s expanded service. The price has gone up substantially which is a general trend these days. We ordered NY strip steak and halibut. Unfortunately the steak was a poor cut with a lot of fat and marble, although the cooking was done right. My wife's halibut was a tail piece, a smaller than usual portion. Now the desserts. I used to get their bread pudding or French toast, but they were not offered. The ice cream with berries and banana foster are just ice cream offerings, suitable for kids Although limited in selection, Brian's used to serve good quality food. We have noticed a decline in the post-Covid era. Hope this is not a trend and Brian's will uphold its high standing among its loyal customers.
Wow was this fantastic! Let's start with the end. The bananas foster is fantastic. We also had the risotto starter and the lamb chops . The halibut and salmon were deeelish. Service was great. The only thing that I would recommend is NOT sitting at the table during winter near the door. There is quite a draft. Our waiter was Jamie who was really nice. Delicious delicious. Highly recommend. Go to Brian's now!