L'Auberge Chez Francois

We chose the Prix-fixe menu. Enjoyed each course at a leisurely pace. Staff could not have been more welcoming. Couldn't resist ordering a soufflé for dessert. We were there for a special occasion, but any visit there would be special.

Why wait for a special occasion? We just wanted an elegant meal and impeccable service, so it was worth the drive. Note that you can request an a la carte menu if you don't want everything that's on the prix fixe. But I threw caution to the winds and uncharacteristically got dessert. Also, all the fish had a shellfish sauce or garnish, but you can get it without. Our server graciously subbed a beurre blanc. The food was superb and our servers were close to perfect (only one instance of trying to take one of our plates away before the other was finished). They even told us that just being there was a special occasion.

Another perfect birthday celebration at L'Auberge Chez Francois! Our server, Fredy, was a professional in every sense of the word. He was a huge part of our delightful evening. We also appreciated the attentiveness of the sommelier. Thanks for a very memorable night!

After almost 50 years in Great falls, the restaurant is still our go-to for a special celebration. Staff, food, and atmosphere are always top rate.

Always a pleasure to dine at L'Auberge. Our server, Eric, was our server, highly professional, knowledgeable, personable yet not intrusive. We enjoyed our meals, especially the dessert soufflés. Alex, the sommelier, is always helpful and attentive, and provides excellent guidance to try wines we might not otherwise choose. L'Auberge is a high-end dining experience, and one we enjoy every time we visit. Merci beaucoup!

Gorgeous spot - especially if you can sit outside. The food was not cooked consistently, my steak was cooked medium well, my neighbors was rare, and the waiters did not ask for the desired temperature (this was for one of their pre fix special event menus). The waiter rarely refreshed drinks and never asked how the food was. Was a very disappointing experience given the high price and pre-paid tip.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 2

Service: 1

Professional service. Mood is quiet. They cater to your tastes.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Creme Brulee

2024 update: After 32 years, L' Auberge Chez Francois continues to be my favorite restaurant in the world. If you have a special occasion to celebrate or THE romantic dinner or just an amazing multi-course dinner experience with excellent, well trained service, L' Auberge Chez Francois is in a class by itself.

Service is always excellent, and dinner was phenomenal as always.

For outside dining, they have a huge tent with fans in the ceiling corners. Plenty of fresh air. Plastic walls can be pulled in case of rain. The tables outside and inside are spaced apart to allow for privacy and safety when dining.

You can walk to see their gardens. They grow many tomato plants for their tomato salad and gazpacho, squash, cucumber ?, beans, and herbs. The gazpacho and tomato salad feature fresh tomatoes from the garden!

We love the cottage cheese spread and garlic bread with the House Aperitif, champagne, Chambord and a raspberry. The unique flavors wake up my taste buds to say, "We have arrived at L'Auberge. Prepare to have fun!" My husband also enjoys the beer with the orange liquor.

Dinner is Prix-fixe or you order your appetizer, salad, entree, dessert and everything is included.

We love the garlic bread and cottage cheese spread. The other bread and butter is delicious as well.

A soup course - it was split pea soup without it being green. Previously, it was tomato bisque.

Appetizers over various dinners that we have enjoyed:
- Trio de Saumons - Norwegian salmon, house made rillettes, smoked, salmon roe, capers. None of the salmon tasted fishy or too salmony. It had two toasted triangles and the salmon came with thin slices of red onion, capers and a cucumber salad. I have gotten this twice at least.
- Special appetizer not on the menu: Tuna Tartar martini - if you love tuna tartar, this will make you so happy! Fresh, a heaping of tiny cubes perfectly seasoned. Just perfect for the summer.
- Waygu beef cheeks in sherry base, looked like a stew. The beef were so soft and tender that truly melted in your mouth.
- Onion soup - my husband used to not like onion soup until he had it here. It is delicious and the recipe is available online.
- Roquefort cheese tarts with caramelized applies, cinnamon and Calvados is one my favorite appetizers. It can be a bit filling.
- Warm asparagus on Virginia country ham, cheese medley, quail egg. In 2024, it looked smaller but still was good.

La Salade de l'Auberge or Mixed green salad with garlic crouton or garden fresh tomato salad.

Fruit sorbet to cleanse the palette course. Sorbet - orange this year. So good! Passion fruit in 2023 - slightly fruity, slightly sweet and a gentle tart taste. Love it!

This year, I got the Papa Ernest which has half a lobster tail, and medallions of beef, lamb, and veal. I normally get the Le Homard du Maine or Maine lobster with jumbo lump crabmeat, citrus, Sauternes sauce. My husband gets the steak (such as the Beef Tornados) or wild Maine halibut. We also enjoy the Chateaubriand de l'Auberge (for two) which is the roasted beef tenderloin, baby vegetables, Bernaise, truffle sauce.

Our favorite dessert is the scoop of vanilla ice cream with the dark chocolate tart. I normally ask for the tart To Go, and the ice cream for the restaurant. It keeps the wonderful L' Auberge experience lasting one more night for a wonderful dessert. I also love the three sorbets or ice cream in a Tulip shell crisp cookie. The soufflés are also lovely - chocolate, Grand Marnier - you will need to order these when you order your dinner

Chocolate truffles before the bill

My tips are:
- make reservations
- eat very lightly that day or skip lunch
- If you wear high heels and do not want

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Trio of Norwegian Salmon, Maine Lobster and Haricots, Onion Soup Gratinée, Dark Chocolate Tart with Vanilla Ice Cream

Food, ambience, service everything was great.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Genuine and welcoming, L'Auberge chez François is a place you should not miss.
Upscale, but worth it.
Do not miss 'La Truite Amandine".
?

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Chocolate Souffle, Lamb Chops

Second time here It's a perfect place to celebrate an anniversary or just indulge yourself with the finest dining experience in the area. Top-notch service thanks to mustafa. Much appreciated suggestions.
Excellent steak( ternderloin) and seafood (main lobster)that are fresh and delicious, recommended wines paired well with the dishes, and even desserts at the end of the meal were perfect (pear tart )completing an amazing dinner experience!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Absolutely magnificent. Visited with the family a couple of months ago, and we were delighted afterwards. The food was delicious and the service was amazing. 100% recommend!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Trio of Norwegian Salmon, Dark Chocolate Tart with Vanilla Ice Cream

The service was impeccable.
Gorgeous ans quaint atmosphere.
I had a fresh tomato salad from the garden. For my meal I had the filet minon burger cooked to perfection; my first time enjoying filet minon as a burger.
Extraordinary restaurant. I would go back every week if I didn't live on Massachusetts

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

A first-class french restaurant! FABULOUS food and wine served professionally.

Wheelchair accessibility: On first floor. No stairs.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Trio of Norwegian Salmon, Lobster Bisque, Grand Marnier Souffle

Exceptional in every way. Sammy ensured our visit was extra special and loved our experience.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5