Sweetest most intimate dinning experience I've had in a long time! We arrived at 6:30 and didn't leave until well after 8. The good was exquisite and the owner kindly goes to each table to check on his guests and their satisfaction. If you haven't been I highly reccomend it!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Duck Breast, French Onion Soup, Les Escargots Bourguignons
Charla Hayen
I had dinner with friends here last week and it was wonderful! The atmosphere, service and the food was exceptional. I am coming back this week.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ted McFadden
La Niçoise Café - First, the pronunciation is Lah NEESE-wah, like talking to your niece and nephew. It translates to the Lady from Nice (again, “niece”), which is a city in the south of France. This restaurant focuses on Mediterranean French cuisine. So, all you seafood lovers, here’s a premier location to try. As it’s our fourteenth wedding anniversary today, try we did.
Understand that my background includes a fair amount of Cajun French cuisine and seafood from in and around New Orleans. This experience may include similar ingredients, and be equally amazing, but they are otherwise nothing alike. As I’m led to understand it, proper French cuisine is layers of complex flavor that unveil themselves at different times as one enjoys their meal. If that’s the case, this place sure delivers on that experience.
To start with, I had the French Onion soup, which is easily the best I’ve had. Even if the combination of cheese and carmelized onions isn’t normally your thing, try this at least once. It comes off like a savory chicken soup with crackers, and the onions have more of a noodle texture. My wife Renee opted to try the mussels, which came in fresh today. She says they were cooked fresh, and neither overdone nor underdone.
Dinner for me was was a mixed seafood crepe. Exactly as it sounds like, it had shrimp, scallops, and fish in there. The sauce really made this dish, tying all the ingredients together. Renee had shrimp and scallops over linguine, garnished in a pink vodka sauce. (That’s what the restaurant called it.) This is easily the best seafood we’ve had in Winchester, and even beats some we’ve had at costal communities.
Wouldn’t be an anniversary date without dessert! Renee had an apple tart a la mode. The tart itself was about the size of a pop-tart. Don’t let the little dollop of ice cream fool you — this ain’t your grocery store Breyers. Packed a disproportionate punch and rounded out the tart nicely, especially as the pastry itself was a little dry. (Perhaps warmed up a bit too long?) The Crème Brûlée I had was the cherry on top for the whole evening. The carmel crust cracked like an eggshell, mixing perfectly with the actual cream pudding underneath. I’ve never had crème brûlée like this. Astounding. Try it with black coffee.
Now for the “bad news.” Three courses of top shelf food comes with a top shelf price, and this place is no exception. All-in with everything was $112.50, before taxes or tip. (Our waiter was amazing, and I hope our tip reflected that.) So, while we may not be able to be regulars at a place like this, I’m very happy with our investment. It’s a great restaurant for special occasions, or an occasional splurge, and we do plan to come back. Just make sure to set up a phone reservation in advance, especially for busy days. The restaurant fills up fast.
If this is too rich for your blood, I definitely don’t blame you. But, check out Alex French Guy Cooking on YouTube, and you’ll eventually understand why this place is worth it. Aspirations never hurt. — eating dinner with Renee McFadden at La Niçoise Café.
Parking: No free parking nearby. Expect to pay for parking, or walk a couple blocks.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: French Onion Soup
Natalia Cummings
i stopped in today with my mother who is visiting, and is originally from Spain. the owner was doing it all, serving, cooking, clearing, ...and perfectly. we came in an hour before lunch service ended and were welcomed warmly. our drinks were perfect and our food was mouth wateringly delectable. as someone who grew up ( in part) on the Mediterranean myself, it was a flavor bomb of good memories. I cannot wait to return. thank you for taking such wonderful care of your place, the food,and of us. ❤️
Hannah Korrinlikeslomein
Attentive service, great wine, and delicious food. The warm apple tart a la mode was scrumptious. And of course the French onion soup was terrific!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Duck Breast, French Onion Soup
Reticle Titan
I had a wonderful experience. The owner was a very sweet man and the food was delicious!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: French Onion Soup, Cremebrulee
Tv Meta
The quantity is small and the taste is good. The mashed potatoes taste very good, but the service is a bit too slow. There is only one person in the restaurant, the chef, waiter, and front desk are all the same person.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3
Rebecca DeGroat
Fantastic food and great service! The French onion soup is phenomenal!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cheesecake, French Onion Soup, Cremebrulee
Chris O'Donnell
Very authentic French restaurant except tables are not as close together as in France. Food and menu are authentic. Food is well prepared. Server was the owner when we dined.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Brian Angell
Perfect meal and outstanding service. Shrimp and crab ravioli was perfect. So was the French onion soup. My wife had carrot ginger soup and loved it. The Pate was amazing. Chocolate mousse and Grand Marnier creme brulee was the perfect ending. Coffee was good.
Really excellent bistro with wonderful service. The owner was very charming and added to the experience. Will definitely come back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cheesecake, Ravioli
Ashley Doufexis
For those of you who long to be sitting outside on the streets of Paris eating traditional French food in an authentic atmosphere…this is as close as you’re going to get.The owner, Frederic Boukaïa, was everything you’d hope for.We dined for lunch and started off with a glass of rose—turned into two later on :)You MUST get the French onion soup to start your meal. We also got the escargot and it was fantastic. First time we’ve had escargot topped on mushroom rather than croissant/baguette. Phenomenal!For our entrees we chose:Leg of Lamb & Swiss sandwich on baguette. Perfect combination of succulent and crispy.Spinach Onion and Mushroom Quiche-we eat a lot of quiche and it was hands down the best we’ve ever had.So happy we decided to stop in Winchester for lunch here on our way back to DC. Only 1.5 hrs from DC! Well worth the drive. We will be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Quiche, French Onion Soup
Michael Trainor
Incredible taste, wonderful atmosphere, incredibly friendly staff. A treasure in Winchester.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: French Onion Soup, Merguez Sausage & Shrimp with Pesto
Aaron Winfree
This place is a hidden gem. It is a family run operation. The father is the cook and his daughter is the waitress. The food is simply amazing. The menu is small, as it should be and they do run specials. My lady got the fillet mignon and I got the Spanish style shrimp. Go ahead look at the pictures, lust all you want because I don't wanna share, it is that good. I rarely will go on about a place and its food but the man is firing on all cylinders. The shrimp and steak we cooked perfectly. Perfectly! Do you know how rare that is now a days? We also got the pate and two deserts, chocolate mousse and creme brulee. Guess what, they were slamming too. We shared all the food stuff, I only did this because I love my lady, I knew in the back of her mind she was doing the same. The food is that good. But what about price you ask surely it must cost and arm and a leg, maybe the soul of your first born? Nope! It cost double what McDonald's would run you for something that is incomparable in flavor. Now I was being a glutton so my bill was up there, but $25 for shrimp that are done correctly is nothing in my mind when Subway will cost you $18 for a sandwich. Be an adult and splurge the extra. It's like chunk lite tuna vs albacore. Just pay the extra quarter a can and enjoy your food and not hate yourself. Well surely the help must be wretched, because you are a nay sayer and think things must have a trade off. Nope! Our waitress was very nice and polite and the chef was fun and cheeky. Now that I've got you all built up you must be like there has to be something bad. There is, it's that you're jelly that you aren't there. Just shut up and give the man money and enjoy yourself. You're overcomplicating things.
Sweetest most intimate dinning experience I've had in a long time! We arrived at 6:30 and didn't leave until well after 8. The good was exquisite and the owner kindly goes to each table to check on his guests and their satisfaction. If you haven't been I highly reccomend it!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Duck Breast, French Onion Soup, Les Escargots Bourguignons
I had dinner with friends here last week and it was wonderful! The atmosphere, service and the food was exceptional. I am coming back this week.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
La Niçoise Café - First, the pronunciation is Lah NEESE-wah, like talking to your niece and nephew. It translates to the Lady from Nice (again, “niece”), which is a city in the south of France. This restaurant focuses on Mediterranean French cuisine. So, all you seafood lovers, here’s a premier location to try. As it’s our fourteenth wedding anniversary today, try we did.
Understand that my background includes a fair amount of Cajun French cuisine and seafood from in and around New Orleans. This experience may include similar ingredients, and be equally amazing, but they are otherwise nothing alike. As I’m led to understand it, proper French cuisine is layers of complex flavor that unveil themselves at different times as one enjoys their meal. If that’s the case, this place sure delivers on that experience.
To start with, I had the French Onion soup, which is easily the best I’ve had. Even if the combination of cheese and carmelized onions isn’t normally your thing, try this at least once. It comes off like a savory chicken soup with crackers, and the onions have more of a noodle texture. My wife Renee opted to try the mussels, which came in fresh today. She says they were cooked fresh, and neither overdone nor underdone.
Dinner for me was was a mixed seafood crepe. Exactly as it sounds like, it had shrimp, scallops, and fish in there. The sauce really made this dish, tying all the ingredients together. Renee had shrimp and scallops over linguine, garnished in a pink vodka sauce. (That’s what the restaurant called it.) This is easily the best seafood we’ve had in Winchester, and even beats some we’ve had at costal communities.
Wouldn’t be an anniversary date without dessert! Renee had an apple tart a la mode. The tart itself was about the size of a pop-tart. Don’t let the little dollop of ice cream fool you — this ain’t your grocery store Breyers. Packed a disproportionate punch and rounded out the tart nicely, especially as the pastry itself was a little dry. (Perhaps warmed up a bit too long?) The Crème Brûlée I had was the cherry on top for the whole evening. The carmel crust cracked like an eggshell, mixing perfectly with the actual cream pudding underneath. I’ve never had crème brûlée like this. Astounding. Try it with black coffee.
Now for the “bad news.” Three courses of top shelf food comes with a top shelf price, and this place is no exception. All-in with everything was $112.50, before taxes or tip. (Our waiter was amazing, and I hope our tip reflected that.) So, while we may not be able to be regulars at a place like this, I’m very happy with our investment. It’s a great restaurant for special occasions, or an occasional splurge, and we do plan to come back. Just make sure to set up a phone reservation in advance, especially for busy days. The restaurant fills up fast.
If this is too rich for your blood, I definitely don’t blame you. But, check out Alex French Guy Cooking on YouTube, and you’ll eventually understand why this place is worth it. Aspirations never hurt. — eating dinner with Renee McFadden at La Niçoise Café.
Parking: No free parking nearby. Expect to pay for parking, or walk a couple blocks.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: French Onion Soup
i stopped in today with my mother who is visiting, and is originally from Spain. the owner was doing it all, serving, cooking, clearing, ...and perfectly. we came in an hour before lunch service ended and were welcomed warmly. our drinks were perfect and our food was mouth wateringly delectable. as someone who grew up ( in part) on the Mediterranean myself, it was a flavor bomb of good memories. I cannot wait to return. thank you for taking such wonderful care of your place, the food,and of us. ❤️
Attentive service, great wine, and delicious food. The warm apple tart a la mode was scrumptious. And of course the French onion soup was terrific!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Duck Breast, French Onion Soup
I had a wonderful experience. The owner was a very sweet man and the food was delicious!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: French Onion Soup, Cremebrulee
The quantity is small and the taste is good. The mashed potatoes taste very good, but the service is a bit too slow. There is only one person in the restaurant, the chef, waiter, and front desk are all the same person.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3
Fantastic food and great service! The French onion soup is phenomenal!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cheesecake, French Onion Soup, Cremebrulee
Very authentic French restaurant except tables are not as close together as in France. Food and menu are authentic. Food is well prepared. Server was the owner when we dined.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Perfect meal and outstanding service. Shrimp and crab ravioli was perfect. So was the French onion soup. My wife had carrot ginger soup and loved it. The Pate was amazing. Chocolate mousse and Grand Marnier creme brulee was the perfect ending. Coffee was good.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Ravioli, French Onion Soup
Restaurantji Recommends
Really excellent bistro with wonderful service. The owner was very charming and added to the experience. Will definitely come back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cheesecake, Ravioli
For those of you who long to be sitting outside on the streets of Paris eating traditional French food in an authentic atmosphere…this is as close as you’re going to get.The owner, Frederic Boukaïa, was everything you’d hope for.We dined for lunch and started off with a glass of rose—turned into two later on :)You MUST get the French onion soup to start your meal. We also got the escargot and it was fantastic. First time we’ve had escargot topped on mushroom rather than croissant/baguette. Phenomenal!For our entrees we chose:Leg of Lamb & Swiss sandwich on baguette. Perfect combination of succulent and crispy.Spinach Onion and Mushroom Quiche-we eat a lot of quiche and it was hands down the best we’ve ever had.So happy we decided to stop in Winchester for lunch here on our way back to DC. Only 1.5 hrs from DC! Well worth the drive. We will be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Quiche, French Onion Soup
Incredible taste, wonderful atmosphere, incredibly friendly staff. A treasure in Winchester.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: French Onion Soup, Merguez Sausage & Shrimp with Pesto
This place is a hidden gem. It is a family run operation. The father is the cook and his daughter is the waitress. The food is simply amazing. The menu is small, as it should be and they do run specials. My lady got the fillet mignon and I got the Spanish style shrimp. Go ahead look at the pictures, lust all you want because I don't wanna share, it is that good. I rarely will go on about a place and its food but the man is firing on all cylinders. The shrimp and steak we cooked perfectly. Perfectly! Do you know how rare that is now a days? We also got the pate and two deserts, chocolate mousse and creme brulee. Guess what, they were slamming too. We shared all the food stuff, I only did this because I love my lady, I knew in the back of her mind she was doing the same. The food is that good. But what about price you ask surely it must cost and arm and a leg, maybe the soul of your first born? Nope! It cost double what McDonald's would run you for something that is incomparable in flavor. Now I was being a glutton so my bill was up there, but $25 for shrimp that are done correctly is nothing in my mind when Subway will cost you $18 for a sandwich. Be an adult and splurge the extra. It's like chunk lite tuna vs albacore. Just pay the extra quarter a can and enjoy your food and not hate yourself. Well surely the help must be wretched, because you are a nay sayer and think things must have a trade off. Nope! Our waitress was very nice and polite and the chef was fun and cheeky. Now that I've got you all built up you must be like there has to be something bad. There is, it's that you're jelly that you aren't there. Just shut up and give the man money and enjoy yourself. You're overcomplicating things.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chardonnay, Cremebrulee, Shrimp Espagnolle
This is always a top-notch evening! Everything is impeccably prepared and delicious! The service is friendly and attentive! Reservations recommended.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Grilled Salmon with Orange Chutney, Cremebrulee, Crab and Shrimp Ravioli with Mushroom Sauce, Duck Breast
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