La Frite Belgian Bistro in San Antonio
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San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas, US
Site: http://www.lafritesa.com/
- Monday:Closed
- Tuesday:11:30AM–2PM
- Wednesday:11:30AM–2PM
- Thursday:11:30AM–2PM
- Friday:11:30AM–2PM
- Saturday:6–10PM
- Sunday:Closed
This is a very good restaurant, surprisingly busy on a Wednesday night when we visited. The various moules (mussel) dishes were authentic Belgian, and there was a good selection of other options to cater for other palettes. Theres no explicit kids menu, but the staff were happy to adapt the menu options to be child friendly. To complete the picture, theres a very good wine list, with a distinctive French bias. As Europeans visiting the US, we deliberately chose a US wine, a moderately priced Sonoma zinfandel, which was excellent.
Service was surprisingly awful. Our server was condescending and inattentive to the point that another server came to check in on us. Food was good and the servers that ran our food had a stark difference in demeanor from the guy that had our table. Came all the way from Austin, so it was a let down.
The food was amazing the atmosphere to die for and the staff so friendly and acomidating to our large loud family with small children and again THE FOOD my goodness it is a must try
La Frite is one of my favorite restaurants in Southtown! The regular menu is great, but I love trying the specials they have. If it’s your first time, always go for the mussels, either as an appetizer or the main course.
This place was great. We started with flight of Belgium Beers and it was a good selection. We chose the Steak and rabbit two ways(was the nights option). Both were hood choice. Steak had a perfect that provide an exceptional crunchy texture. The inside was nice and and tender. The rabbit my wife had had was delicious.
Atmosphere: Cozy, inviting bistroService: Knowledgeable, graciousFood: Good God! This was the most enjoyable meal weve had in a very long time. We started with the pear salad - a warm braised pear with fresh gorgonzola over lightly dressed greens - absolutely mind-blowing. The onion tart was caramelized deliciousness with melted brie. Their hanger steak entree with frites was perfectly prepared, with great flavor. Herb garlic sauce was a decadent accompaniment. Although we were well and truly stuffed, there was no passing up creme brulee or a lemon tart. Our spirits soared to the heavens with each creamy carb laden bite. So happy they were open and still spoiling patrons in the time of COVID! ❤Pricing: Moderate
Absolutely amazing, exactly the experience I was hoping and looking for. Felt like I was back in Europe. Amazing food quality and great service. I had the lightly fried flounder with lemon butter sauce and it was phenomenal, truly. My wife had the croque monsieur and tasted just like we were in France again. Great job guys. I would highly recommend and would love to come back.
Great place. Food was amazing as well as the service. Knowledge of the menu and good liquor pairing with food. Restaurant does remind you of Europe, great ambiance and good variety of food. Looking forward to tasting other dishes as there menu changes each season.
Website shows tablecloths and we were disappointed as it was a special occasion and the place is run down with no tabke cloths. Good is good. Service ok. Their response to lack of tablecloths: everyone just wants casual
A really cute place! The food was authentic belgian faire, right down to the sauces. We had the steak au poivre and the lamb shank. Both were delicious. My husband is from Belgium and it was wonderful to see his face light up after the first bite. Definitely check this place out.
The escargot was good. The mussels were way better. Pesto flavored. Fries were good. Friendly staff. Clean restroom and restaurant. Very expensive. In a up and coming side of town with other interesting places to see. 10% to bill for sharing plates. 🙄 otherwise overall nice place and good food.
Delicious food at modest prices. Nice selection of wines and beers. Great experience and worth checking out.
My boyfriend made a reservation at La Frite to celebrate Valentines Day, and relive our trip to Belgium this past summer. La Frite was seriously wonderful! We started with a nice bottle of wine. And our server, Klarissa, was the sweetest ever! She recommended the duck breast, which was delicious. And we also got the Vol-au-vent (seafood version), mussels, and frites. All of it was so great. For dessert we had chocolate mousse, but I ate it so quickly I didnt get a photo! Thanks for a lovely dining experience. We had a great trip to SA!
Oh My Goodness! This is certainly a Star of San Antonio. My partner declared our meal the best in a decade! Ha! A nice selection of French, CA, Italian wines by glass and bottle and a superb selection of Belgian beers including Chimay Red on draft. There are many preps of mussels and our generous appetizer portion of the thai variety was superb in both taste and spice. The beef bourguignon was rich in flavor and the smoked duck salad was a great start. Surprisingly, the prices were quite reasonable for both food and drinks. Highly recommend a visit to this wonderful little bistro.
I was very happy I stumbled upon the La Frite Belgian Bistro. After wondering the streets trying to find a place to eat I came across the sign for La Frite and I thought Id give it a try. I mean WOW! I should have been here sooner. The service here was impeccable, the wine selection fantastic, and the food was amazing. Next time I visit San Antonio La Frite will be the first restaurant I visit. I cant wait to eat there again.
There are very few places that with each dish consistently amazes me and has feeling a sense of awe. From the Brie and carmelized onions savory tart, to the caprese salad, escargot smothered in butter and topped with parmesan, to the Pork Ossobuco and bowl of mussels. All of it great from start to finish. There is only one place in the world that may do these dishes better and most may not find it. A solid 5 star review.
Our favorite restaurant in San Antonio. Never disappoints. The fish and mussels, wine and beer selection are superb. Even the veggies on the side are delish.
Amazing mussels! Highly recommend everyone to try them. The reverse cream brûlée was extraordinary as well! I wasn’t impressed by the taste of snails, but they worth trying just of the way they were served. One thing that was disappointing is no air conditioner, just fans. Although we were served right away, a couple that was seated earlier than us waited for their dish for 40 minutes, which was shocking. So I recommend ordering mussels if you want to be served right away.
Fantastic dinner! The server (Alex) was very friendly and helpful! The menu is fairly small, but has a good variety between heavy meals, and lighter dishes.And the food... absolutely amazing! The Steak Diane was terrific, and my wife had the Crepes Au Crab, and both were truly great. We caped it with the Chocolate Mousse, and it was a perfect dessert to close out on.And finally, the prices are well below what you would expect. About the same as a date night at Outback, or Olive Garden, but with good food!
Entered the restaurant at 7:45. They brought out the mussels fairly fast. But my other appetizer came out at 9:15!!! Then another twenty minutes for the entrees. Overall spent 2 hrs waiting for food, which in my opinion was worth the wait because it was fresh and delicious. But if you lost our ticket or know there is a back up in the kitchen you should let your table know and offer bread or something. If we were anyone else we probably would have left because the wait was so long.
This place has gone down hill. The food tasted horrendous and service was terrible. I would NEVER go here again. My mussels tasted very gritty and half of them were shut. The soup of the day was carrot soup and it tasted like it came straight from a can and popped into a microwave. Just DISGUSTING. I spent $52.00 on dinner and left very disappointed.If you’re looking for a romantic spot and wanting to eat mussels, I HIGHLY recommend Julia’s Bistro & Bar on Blanco. Their food is tastier, the bathrooms and restaurant is cleaner, and you get better service!! Plus, you get more bang for you buck.
My family and I have been going to La Frite for 15+ years and have loved the mussels. Tonight, the restaurant was crowded. The service was slow, but not unexpected, given it was a Friday night, and Covid makes hiring difficult. The mussels we ordered were dry and overcooked. I seldom send back food, but I did tonight. The replacement was somewhat better but not up to previous standards. Because of past GOOD experiences, I would go again on a non-weekend. If no better, I would not go again.
My husband has been wanting to go here so bad so he was super excited to go for his birthday. We arrive and are seated right away but after 10mins we still had no drinks, not even water. We had to track down another worker to get waters which he brought room temp. Our 3rd person was running late so we placed our order before she arrived. When she arrived they took her drink and food order, next thing we know her food arrives but not ours. We wait again but still no food or update. We looked to the kitchen and they were cleaning, the owners son grabs food off of the plate that had been sitting in the window as he looks over and sees we still have no food. From there they realize they missed half our order and he had eating off the other half. The waiter said they would make the food but we found unfair to the kitchen staff who had already cleaned, so we denied and asked for the check. The waiter came back to apologize and offer to cover the bill, which we appreciated but the e fitment had already beenruined. The owners son tried to make things right but he was very very clearly upset. And the female owner did not even bother to address us. Not a single word she never checked on us while there, just our 3rd party and everyone else around. Very unfortunate situation after such a built up of excitement to experience their unique foods.
So-so. Really happy to find a place with pure Belgian and French meals with a reasonable price but the flavors are far below our expectations.The mussels were not well cook and the sauce (Mariniere) was quite without flavor.Frites were ok, the endives salad too (but it seems they use pecan nuts ... Not really from Belgium).The desserts are really sweet but ... we still like that.Globally just ok.
Took my wife there for our 18th anniversary. I really enjoyed the food. More importantly my wife loved it!
Redfish was awesome as well as the duck , carrot soup and lobster tail
If you want mussels in San Antonio there is NO PLACE TO GO other than La Frite Belgian Bistro on South Alamo in Southtown. This quiet little bistro has a wide selection of fresh mussels with various styles of preparation and flavoring. I highly recommend the Bavarian mussels with blue cheese. They are simply AMAZING! The service is prompt and attentive. They also serve a good cup of coffee.
Finally, a place with quality food that you don’t need to be a billionaire to eat there!!Cozy atmosphere, friendly staff, and great food.The seafood puff pastry I had was fantastic, the frites were “ok”, overall great place.
We tried to get to another restaurant today. We are so glad we didnt get to go. Thats how we ended up at La frite belgian bistro. We went only for appetizers. Very chic and casual at the same time. We had crepes and they were delicious!!!! Definitely our vibe and taste.We enjoyed it so much that forgot to take pics at all.
I found this place to have the perfect local quaintness I didnt know I wanted or needed. Staff was helpful, pleasant and personable. Everything was prompt, and we spent so much time there with friends and werent rushed out. Food was attractive, cooked well, and excellent pricing. Would recommend and Ill definitely be going regularly!
Best restaurant in Southtown San Antonio. You can’t go wrong and the food is consistent.
We had not been to La Frite for awhile. Still great. Their specialty, Moules (mussels),are served with a choice of sauces. I chose Basque, which is a slightly spicy tomato based sauce with chorizo. Delicious. The mussels are the best in town. The other dish was a chicken/vegetable stuffed pastry, also great. Dessert was a pear crepe, which left us wishing we had ordered two. Prices are very reasonable, service is quick and attentive and the ambience pleasant. The only drawback is very limited parking by the restaurant itself, but there are lots and street parking nearby. We’re locals, and know about it, but really recommend it to visitors who want a great dining experience. Also near lots of other interesting places on South Alamo.
It was our first time and I truly hope it wont be our last. The SA mussels were hands down -- fantastic. Dont forget to ask for bread to dip in the sauce. Tim, was fabulous and gave us some great suggestions. If you like lemon tart, this place serves a fresh one your taste buds will be delighted.
Beautiful little bistro with fantastic food right on the edge of downtown. Parking can be difficult but it’s worth the trip. We have tried the mussels marimieres which are amazingly delicious! Any of their plates are delicious but a couple of my recommendations are the vol-au-vent with seafood, spaghetti carbonara & poulet picatta. The desserts are delightful so save some room for them. Floating island is basically meringue on créme anglaise, sweet and delicate. Their créme brûlée is also a great choice and was perfectly prepared. Enjoy!
La Frite is one of San Antonios little Southtown gems, boasting authentic, scratch made French/Belgian dishes, a wide wine selection, and a cozy, homelike interior. A European native, I bring my out of towners to this little bistro, to give them a taste of genuine Euro-cooking in Southern Texas. My favorite, in and out of France, is the chicken vol-au-vent. Highly recommend for lunch or an intimate, casual dinner.
Very limited options and pricey. The food took a long time to come out. Also the fritos (fries) and beer were not authentic and expensive
My family and I stumbled in here last night not knowing what a treat we were in for! The owner opened the door for us, welcomed us in and cleared off a table for us. He was so friendly and hospitable all while hosting us, and a full restaurant at almost 9 pm.On top and the wonderful hospitality the food was AMAZING!! I highly recommend you try this restaurant if you have the chance!
Belgian food? In San Antonio? Youd better believe it. The food here is delicious and they have a solid selection of Belgian beers to go with it. Parking can be a challenge, but I live nearby and its an easy walk.
Had a thoughouly delicious dinner. Started with a cheese plate, which was good. Then had the Steak au Poivre. The sauce was terrific. My friend had the mussels. He even drank all the sauce. Finished with a creme brulee. Reminds me of meals I had in France. The downside was that the service was very slow. Got the cheeseplate with our meal. And it was very dark in the restaurant. Hard too see the check when it came.
Food was excellent as always. First time back since covid everything clean. Service not quite as good. Food came out separately and the bread arrived several minutes after the muscles. If we hadnt we had to keep asking and if we waited Food would be cold
So I guess a glitch in the online ordering system that handles La Frites pickup actually started taking orders an hour before they opened, but they accepted and cooked our meal anyway despite the fact that it probably got in the way of their prep. I really appreciate the cooks and the management for doing that. As for the food itself, amazing Duck Confit and savory crepes. A highlight of our vacation in San Antonio.
Hadnt been at La Frite since 2019 but were were anxious to visit our favorite restaurant. We were so disappointed in the changes. Gone are the white table cloths, complementery bread and apparently the welcoming attitude. Mussels were okay but not the level we were used to.
Its definitely one of the best restaurants in the city!
A welcome break from all the Tex Mex in San Antonio. The food was fantastic. There was a nice selection of wine, too. Very friendly staff. Intimate venue, very good choice for a date.
After a hour wait next to a window with the hot sun hitting us we never received our food and finally walked out. The waitress kept reassuring us our food was on its way and even almost gave us another couples food that had arrive after us. We ordered fries which I got the dipping sauces but no fries, a crab crepe and the duck. Pretty simple and easy dishes however we never had the chance to taste them. Very disappointed and not once did the manager come and apologize. Will let everyone I know my experience and will never recommend this place.
The most unique high-quality dining experience in San Antonio.
We love this place, especially today! We walked over in scorching heat and arrived early. We were going to sit in one of their outdoor bistro sets until they opened. Much to our delight they hurriedly ushered us in to sit in the cool while they finished getting the restaurant ready, oh and they brought us a glass of wine.Mussels are our favorite and La Frite never disappoints. Service is great, cozy atmosphere and great food!
Great food. Our party had duck, chicken, and salmon, all expertly prepared, and served with nice sides. All cooked exactly as requested. Nice wine selection. Cozy atmosphere.
Every trip to San Antonio includes a visit. My wife is from Antwerp so whenever there is an opportunity to have real Belgian food we’re going to do it. La Frite is authentic and delicious.
We went for dinner and had 3 amazing appetizer portions of the mussels, so we could try multiple flavors. Of course we had to have them while enjoying their delicious Belgian beer. The fries are perfection...especially when dipped in all 3 of the mussels broths that we devoured. Yummy! This is a must visit restaurant. Cannot wait to go back and bring more friends to experience the fantastic food and superior service!
What a wonderful surprise! We stopped by this spot because the menu looked good online and it was walkable from our hotel. The ambience was quiet and lovely; more upscale than I had anticipated. Daily specials were written in a large chalkboard above the kitchen and the scents were enticing. My Salmon dish was perfectly seasoned and cooked. The accompanying rice and vegetables were equally delicious. Didn’t have room for dessert but the ones on tables nearby looked scrumptious. My husband’s chicken with puff pastry and cream sauce was perfect as well. Delightful and delicious experience.
This is one of my favorite restaurants, and for many good reasons. There is a clear passion in every person that works there, from the servers to the chefs. Youre treated warmly from the moment you walk in, and the restaurant itself is very inviting. The food is amazing and well worth the price. Cant get mussels any other place that tastes so fresh and flavorful. They also have some of the best frites around. Sometimes their seasonal offerings are different and interesting too - this was the first place I tried rabbit and I loved it. Really a comforting place with comfort food, and great for a nice night out to even try something new.
We keep going back here because the food is unique and tastes great. Also service is good with overall dining experience being a good value. I have not found a better place for mussels anywhere.
Very nice, intimate setting. Our waiter was very attentive. I am so sorry that I didnt get his name. I got the blackened drum. It was delicious. Very pleasant dining experience I will be going back very soon.
Another lovely meal and experience. Such good food and atmosphere. Not pretentious at all. For me its the epitome of a bistro.
Was recommended by a few people do decided to try it for Restaurant Week...3 course meal for $35 but turns out the restaurant already has prix fixe for $39 as part of their regular menu.We got to our reservation late and they were really cool about it when I called to tell them we were going to be running late. When we got there, it wasnt too busy but began to fill up rather quickly. But overall their service wasnt all that great... Rarely checked on us (which isnt necessarily bad...) But just not very hospitable, which was weird because the same waiter was really friendly to the table next to us.Food was okay. Im not a French/Belgian food expert but as far as taste is concern, its good but not wow-ing. Ambiance is nice, chic for date night.
Went Last night and was reminded that this is one of the best dining gems in San Antonio.The owners are so delightful and accommodating as are the staff, who are gentle, pleasant, well mannered, and kind. The Price fix menu looks amazing but I have to go with the mussels meunière every time with the bread for dipping and the fries. Yum.Can’t wait to go back soon. Cozy Quaint and lively!!
Come here because we wanted to try out Belgian food. Every dish is amazing. The special is frite which is really crispy. We also order fried lobster, escargot, pancake, batter shrimps. We really enjoy it.
La Frite is always a great time. Their food is delicious and authentic (not to mention their beer list!) and the service is great. The whole experience brings us back to a small Cafe in Europe. Our go to place for date night or foodie friends who are visiting.
From the photos, this place looks unique and we decided to give it a try. For an appetizer, we order the mussels Marinieres style. The waiter said it was the most popular one and it was delicious. Not a huge fan of mussels, but these were tasty and had a great flavor.For my entree, I ordered the steak and frites. I was expecting some exotic fries, bit they were just French fries. They were cooked to perfection, just like my steak.I will be back.
The mussels with garlic and tomato were amazing. The sauce was so delicious we soaked it up with bread and were in heaven. The crusted lobster tail with butter sauce was scrumptious!!! The atmosphere is so welcoming and cozy. This will be our “go to” restaurant near King William district!!! The owner is super cool and welcoming!
The food is excellent; the service is very friendly - sometimes its a bit leisurely but not in a bad way, more like in a relaxed way; the ambiance is inviting and comfortable; the desserts are fantastic. Other spots in Southtown may be trendier, but they also come and go. La Frite is always a sure bet thats been around for 10 years. Its our go-to for dining in Downtown or Southtown.
La Frites was amazing! The mussels were delicious!! The steak frites was perfectly cooked with great flavor and delicious fries! I loved the atmosphere. The only missing thing is candles on the tables - would totally transform the atmosphere😊! The place is super cute and cozy otherwise.
We had the escargot appetizer which was spot on.We both had moules frittes. I had the basic Moulieres with white wine, butter, garlic & cream. My friend had the Bavarian with beer, bacon & blue cheese. We both loved ours, but I thought he ruined them. Lol. They have several flavor options and I will go back to try more.
Probably our new favorite place in SA. It’s not usual to find such outstanding quality at such a reasonable cost. It’s a true family run place with a great feel and amazing food.
This place was great. A wonderful little gem that my wife discovered. We went for the dinner service, we made a reservation, they prefer that. The service was impeccable and the food top notch. They try to use as much locally sourced and fresh ingredients as possible and it showed. The golden beat and goat cheese salad was great! I also had the roasted rabbit for my main course and my wife had a hanger steak, both were excellent! Great wine selection and fair prices for high end food. The décor was casual and comfortable. I highly recommend!
La Frite is always a treat. Simple, but yet not The staff is always wonderful. The mussels & frites never fail to hit the spot. Our favorites are the Basque and Provence versions. I wish the bread was a bit heartier so it would be easier to dial up to glorious broth, but heck... just drink it if you cant soak it up. Nice wine selection. Weve been enjoying La Frite for years, but are disappointed that they did away with their Happy Hour.
Food fabulous! Unfortunately twice we have been there and they have been closed. Their website stated they were open but upon arriving a handwritten sign said CLOSED.
I had the Moules & Frites Mariniere and my fiance had a hard time deciding between the crepes, the chicken scallopini and the Mahi Mahi. The mahi mahi won and both meals were perfectly consistent as usual. Then we topped it off with a honey pecan tart and a chocolate mousse. Both were absolutely amazing!
Always greeted with a smile. Amazing customer service. And the food is above expectations. A most stop for anyone looking for a night out on the town. Good food and plenty to see and do in the area.
The food was delicious. The crepe with crabmeat was very flavorful with a delicious sauce. It was a generous size and came with a salad of fresh greens. The frites, although not as crispy as I like, had great flavor, just the right amount of salt, and came with enough to feed at least two people! The prices are very reasonable here. I will definitely return here the next time Im in San Antonio.
Nice lil restaurant with excellent service, and a very homely presence 👌 staff are pleasant to speak with, and there is a variety of different foods to select from. Come in and enjoy new things!
Quiet, intimate atmosphere with absolutely delicious food. Great drink selection and top notch staff. Leave the kids at home for this one and book ahead for a larger party as the restaurant is on the smaller side. Wear something nice too, this place is on the fancier side. Great date location in my opinion. I look forward to going here and it never disappoints.
The food was amazing! Be sure to dress your best here or the hostess staff will treat you like garbage (if there is a dress code here I couldnt see it outside the establishment or in their website) she literally acted exasperated and stamped her foot when our waiter told her to seat us. Our waiter who was a nice man and the chef who made excellent food made up for the rude hostess. He was courteous, efficient, and exactly what a waiter should be. My husband and I ordered the muscles which were cooked to perfection and the fries that came with it were fresh and filling. Overall I would go back, but dont go if youre wearing tourist gear. Im not sorry we walked 2 miles to get there, but the hostess experience was enough to earn this easily 5 star experience without her 4 stars.
Great ambiance, friendly service, delicious food, good variety. Had the escargots, and the mussels,which were good, but the escargots were way better !!Will definitely go back, and recommend it to everyone who enjoys great food.
Great place and atmosphere. Reminds me of the bistros in France. Excellent food with good portions. Had the Steak au Poivre and Magret de Canard. Appears they have special dishes daily. Definitely going back to try more dishes.
Fantastic family-owned restaurant serving legendary moules & fritos (mussels and Belgian fries), among other dishes most folks might think of as French. San Antonio Express Food Critics picked La Frite as having one of the 10 best dishes in San Antinio (the moules Basque, which are fantastic).Other always excellent menu items include the hangar steak and floating island. However, regulars know to seriously consider the ever-changing blackboard of specials, especially the pre fixe menus. The staff stay long term, so you can rely on them for advice about the menu and wine and beer pairings from the well curated selected of both.The only negative is that parking may be frustrating to find, as it is for all of downtown and the southtown areas. Be prepared to walk a couple of blocks or pay at the lot just south. Otherwise, come earlier to be sure you get a spot in the restaurants own lot. The food is very much worth this minor inconvenience.
Perfect place to spend a birthday. My family and I had such a great experience here. We didn’t have reservations but that wasn’t an issue and they seated us right away. The service was perfect, the atmosphere low key and relaxed, and the FOOD WAS AMAZING. Definitely worth going back to.
The food was very good European style. The service was fast and pleasant with nice waiters the whole way. The table was a bit small, and we were sitting three at a table meant for four, but everything else was nice!
This was a bit of a treasure for me. We went here on a bit of a whim, and my party wasnt feeling it, but we were all very pleasantly surprised. Service was fantastic, very friendly. Food was excellent, especially the mussels and fries. (Thats their specialty) good selection of alcohol. Definitely recommend.
Really enjoyed myself here. The frites didnt exactly scream Belgium, but the food was quite good, and the atmosphere was pleasant. Good service all around
I love the atmosphere of this restaurant and the staff is very nice. However, this place is not very good for vegetarians. On my last visit, I specifically told the waiter I was a vegetarian and he pointed out that my only options were a salad or the tart. At his recommendation, I ordered the tart. After the first bite, I realized I was eating something covered in a meat gravy! The time before that, we went on an evening that only had a $60 a plate, prix-fixe menu. When I made the reservation, I explained that I was a vegetarian and asked if this would be a problem. The person taking the reservation ensured me that it would not be a problem and that they would prepare a vegetarian plate for me. However, it turned out to be a big issue, first to the waiter and then to the kitchen. They served me an all-starch plate: rice and two different kinds of potatoes, and it was overall a very unsatisfactory meal. I think this is a lovely restaurant that I would like to support, but is very UNfriendly to vegetarians.
Wonderful atmosphere and really good food. I have only been here once but we were all giddy over our dishes. I had the salmon Dijionaise. I could have taken a bath in that sauce it was so delicious. I am dreaming of it now. Pricey but it was for a special occasion and we expected it. It held up to our expectations.
Very upscale yet affordable dining with European flair. Much-needed change of pace from the local glut of Mexican and Barbecue restaurants downtown. Havent experienced Belgian dining anywhere else in town and the wine and beer selection paired with the meals was great. My girlfriend and I had a wonderful meal before hitting First Friday in the Blue Star district.
Our favorite place for muscles & friets. Food is reliably great and the service is reliably disconnected. Not sure if the issue is the front of the house or the back of the house, but we have learned to expect it. We have been dining here for years as the meal is worth the wait.
Grossss; nasty; I just saw yall on Good Eats,,,,the stove is nasty, dirty, when was the last time it was cleaned ? And check out the OIL, right next to stove; looks dark, gooky and dirty nasty, do yall change your OIL every Day ? Please clean UP and represent SA.😡
Good place to take someone if you want to make a good impression. It is a tight squeeze in terms of availability so make your reservations. food is good. Bottle of red wine was around $50. Good atmosphere, good hostesses and hosts.
Great food & service!! We gad a restaurant week menu. Mai mai was really good. My hubby let me taste his new york strip steak. That was cooked to perfect. We will definitely go back.
Wasnt my cup of tea, had a strange atmosphere that I couldnt shake. The food wasnt up to par with the price and the soup left me questioning whether it was soup or a Aguas frescas.
Discovered this place just walking by. Classy, comfortable, simple, good food. Paid $15 Prix fix: appetizer (lentil soup), entree (braised duck leg and steamed vegetables) and dessert (tasty chocolate mousse). Best deal I had for lunch on that day, best meal I had the entire day. Service was excellent!
I made a reservation for my wife’s birthday in December 2016. First when I came there to make the reservation the place was closed. However a nice gentlemen let me in, went over the menu with me and made suggestions on what my wife might like. The night of the reservation everything was flawless, from the attentiveness of the staff, to the exquisite appetizers and entrees. I will be making another reservation for Valentine’s Day.
Great food, the mussels are delicious. The escargot was great. My only complaint was they were out of almost every beer. Other than that we will be going back.
This is my favorite restaurant in San Antonio. Its a cute location with killer food without a lot of snobbery. I crave their food!
Really enjoyed the mussels and frites but the true star was the chocolate mousse!
Mediocre food and poor service. Table wasnt ready for our 8pm reservation, so they told us to wait at the bar, where there was no bartender. Sat us 30 minutes late. The mussels were okay, the fries came out late, too hot, and greasy/soggy. Ordered creme brulee and they brought us a chocolate tart. 10 minutes passed, so I tracked down the waiter and asked him to cancel the order and bring us a check. The manager blamed the server for entering the order incorrectly, and asked us if we still wanted the creme brûlée. No apologies, nothing comped. Awful.
Its nice to go where people know your name and like to see you. The advantage of the family owned business. The food is amazing, you MUST try the steak au pau (sp?). great atmosphere
The food at this place is very good. I have been a long time customer for this reason. However, their customer service today was aweful and the owners sons reaction to my complain was completely unacceptable. The waitress was new and clearly inexperienced. I wanted to notify the staff about her inadequacies so that they could address the issue. When I asked to speak with the acting manager, the owners son, he was too busy drinking with other guests to speak with me. He was bothered by my request to converse with him and was unhappy I had a complaint to make and that my complaint interrupted his social visit. He was very disrespectful during my complaint and then accused me of yelling when I was not even upset, but desired to make my concerns known in a calm and respectful manner. He raised his voice to me and appeared to be intoxicated. The mistakes by the waitress were frequent and consistent though out the entire meal. This is even more unfortunate because Icy is lovely and I regretfully cannot return to a resteraunt who treats their customers in this fashion. I wouldnt have said anything about the service except the waitress lied to the manager/son about the problems near enough to my table that I could hear her comments and her disrespect of me and my request that her mistake be corrected. She tried to blame me for the mistake, so I felt she needed to be informed that she should not make complaints about guests where the guests can hear. I waiting tables for 8 years to work my way through college and law school and so I am very familiar with the industry and have a great respect for their position. I wanted to be respectful and even help this young lady improve her ability to provide appropriate service. However, I was treated like a problem instead of a welcomed customer. I was there this afternoon because I was showing off the wonderful food to a visiting attorney I greatly respect and the treatment and situation was appalling. The wonderful experience I intended was ruined by the sons complete and total disrespect. I cannot even understand why I was treated so disrespectfully when all I wanted to do was point out politely a few things that they should go over with this clearly inexperienced waitress. I was honestly trying to be helpful. It is extremely sad, because I have experienced such wonderful service in the past from this young mans parents.
We had the steak tartare and the duck with risotto and veggies, it was ok. The server was a bit strange and when we arrived the situation went from all reserved to we have a table right here in 5 seconds so communication between staff needs improvement.
We had an exceptional meal this evening. Crepe with crab, chicken with mushrooms in puff pastry, and grilled fish were memorable. Generous portions and a fine wine list made it complete.
I wanted to give 5 stars but parking was a bit of an issue. Not really a kid friendly place but both of my picky girls were able to find something and they both loved it. I had the blackened redfish and my wife had the crepe with ham, cheese and mushrooms ( dont remember the correct name)- both dishes were just fantastic we added this to our list of places to return to. If you are near here I would recommend stopping in.
Do yourself a favor and order either the curry or basque mussels and frites! SO good. This is one of those places where you cant really go wrong with anything on the menu and its always consistent. La Frite is one of my favorites, and Im from San Antonio so... :)
The Mussels were great, as was the creme brulee. Great wine recommendation by our server Alex, who was attentive and personable. Cant wait to tryore of the menu.
I am so disappointed that my 53rd birthday dinner did not happen at La Frite. Being of Dutch and Belgian descent I was so looking forward to remembering the food of my childhood, sharing it with my fiancé and reminiscing about my Mom and Oma. We had a reservation for 2 at 6pm and arrive early. The restaurant was 95% empty and the first table the hostess went to seat us at was by the door! I politely asked if there was another table available and she had to go check. The restaurant was almost empty and there were numerous 2 person tables available. The second table was still in the main dining area and when ever the door opened, a cold breeze blew in. I once again asked if we could change tables and once again the hostess had to go and check. When she returned she told us there was ONE LAST OPTION but that we had to be one by 8pm. We decided to pass on dinner and found someplace else to celebrate my birthday. What is baffling is that there were numerous tables available. If a customer requests to move, they should be moved and if someone else has a later reservation, then give them the original table. The brief bit of service that we did receive seemed unorganized. Which basically consisted of water being brought to the table and the waiter explaining the pre fixe menu for the evening. I truly believe that La Frite Belgian Bistro does not want new clientele. I am disappointed that I was not able to share a very special part of my childhood with my fiancé.
The food at this restaurant is top notch. The service is impeccable and the family owned simple manner in which the service and food is prepared and delivered is fantastic. My suggestion to anyone is to do the combination meal for you to use an appetizer and entrée and dessert. Chef text extra care faring this selection of courses each evening.
This was such an unexpected treat¡ In a town known for Mexican food this place stands out as a fabulous departure. I ordered the soup de jour which was watermelon seviche and it was outstanding (perfect for this hot evening) followed by the Basque mussels - a home run all around. Staff is helpful and very attentive. Get there early so you can grab one of the few parking spots they have reserved! Make the effort to eat at this place.... its a hidden gem
Good restaurant just make sure you sit outside. Really good food and top notch customer service, but only 4/5 stars because its a really small restaurant with terrible acoustics that amplify the normal sound of conversation so that its a cacophonous mess. Plus the night I was there smoke was eking out from the kitchen making my eyes water. Luckily our waiter was able to move us outside.
Excellent service, delicious food, enjoyable ambience. Servers were well informed regarding menu items and guided us to our choices. We were well-attended to by everyone who were sure water glasses were filled and that we were enjoying our evening. Very personable.
The crepes were wonderful, onion tart delicious. We did take out and it held up well even after a 1/2 mile walk. I would surely return.
I told the server I couldnt decide between the curry or the chorizo mussels ... he informed me he had an off menu option that combined both. What?! I had to try. Total heaven! Im obsessed and have to go back! Get out there and support our local businesses.... they are killing it!
Ive been here several times and its always great. I went recently a year later and the whole place has gone downhill. The place was hot, empty, the cooks could be seen eating while cooking in the kitchen, and the food was terrible. Idk what happened to this place but I doubt Ill ever be returning with all the new places that have recently started nearby.
Wonderful place to have lunch or dinner. Food is absolutely amazing! You feel like you are transported to the streets of Paris.
Love the quaint spot. Mussels are great. Frits are delicious and charcuterie boards are a great intro to your dinner.
Boutique Belgian restaurant with excellent fresh prepared European fare. The mussels were a real treat. Staff is friendly and knowledgable.
I love this restaurant - I really do. Always a great meal and good service (sometimes a little slow). But I really cant go back. We were there last week. Something is not right with the ventilation system. I knew it right away but we were ready for a meal so I didnt bother to say anything. We had gone out for a nice evening, fresh outfits, etc and we left there reeking of the smells of the restaurant. I mean bad. We walked around for a bit and I kept smelling myself. We later went to meet friends for a nightcap. Man, where did you go? You stink!!!, Hey youre making me hungry!, and You smell like bunuelos was what I had to listen to for the rest of the evening. No amount of airing out or hanging out could lessen the smell on my clothes. I eventually gave up and drycleaned everything again. I think the ventilation system needs to be checked and repaired.......
Wonderful food, small venue, great service and convivial atmosphere.....all positives!! Local parking can be an issue - not the restaurants fault!
La Frite Belgian Bistro is a fantastic lunch option for anyone attending a conference at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center or a fancy dinner date. The food is very reasonably priced given the quality and the service was top-notch. The staff were more than willing to accommodate our large group and split the check without issue.I had the Crêpe au Jambon et Fromage (Ham and Cheese Crepe) and it was stellar and quite filling for only $12. Most of the people in my group got the mussels and raved about them. $14 for a substantial serving seemed rather popular.
Another fine meal at La Frite. What a jewel in Southtown. Im always please with the wine. Its a great selection.
Food was decent but the service was lacking. Had to ask for refills on plain water, ordered Sprite which they have in cans they poured half in a glass and waited drank the other garlic herself. Ordered a second can they let the half full can onthe bar never refillingmy glass. Not going back.
Pros: food was really good and service was pretty much standard service one should expect from establishment like this.I had Vol-au-Vent avec Fruits de Mer - and it was 8.0 out of 10 - lacked the saltiness a bit. Salad could use bit more lemon juice.Cons: when I walked in - there was no smell of food that one should expect to be hit by while entering a restaurant.Overall, 4 stars well deserved.
I didnt get the chance to visit La Frite while it was still a part of Vatel Group, but even under the new ownership it looks to be carrying its tradition of good eats well.I ordered from the specials of the day, beginning with white bean soup that had a nice mirepoix base and bacon providing support to the beans. I found it a little under-salted, possibly due to a compensation for the bacon which never materialized. Nevertheless, enjoyable.The restaurant prides itself on the fresh seafood. The tuna was what was on hand for the day, lending itself both to the tuna salad sandwich sandwich I ordered, as well as the Niçoise salad. Given the fresh fish, I would have liked my fillet to have been cooked a little less than the medium I received, but oh well. The fillets were served on a couple of toasted slices of their complementary fresh bread - which provided a tougher crust than I would have liked. It was augmented with a traditional coleslaw, which made it to be more like a deconstructed tuna salad, but I had no problems with this given the nice fillets.The sandwich arrived with a side of greens and their famous frites. Despite the name, the homeland of the fry is Belgium, so any restaurant claiming this origin must have some top-notch fries. Even more so when you name the place after the foodstuff. The fries I received were up there with the best of them, cooked well and dusted with a light sprinkling of kosher salt.The Donnellys may not have any previous experience running a restaurant, but when you maintain the high standards of food quality and reasonably-priced atmosphere, it doesnt really matter where you come from.
Check the excellent variety menu. Spouse and I will return. I think owner and some staff were of Belgian heritage = authentic Belgian servings. Delicious. Good service. Friendly.
I am very disappointed. The service was very long ...and the entrees were not as good as mentioned in the different reviews we read. My Vol au vent was of medium quality, and the mousse au chocolat didnt taste chocolate at all. As french people, we cant tell this is one of the best french restaurant of San Antonio.
Mussels were awesome. Would go back again.
This was the best meal Ive had in a while. Great food, the owner was super nice - highly recommend!
Great European dining experience. Room is quite intimate i.e. cramped. The side we were put in was sweltering as well. At least 85 degrees F.Mussels are outstanding.
Great!! Couldnt find a place to eat on the river walk checked out this hidden gem def worth the walk from the river even got to ride a bird scooter all the way back which was fun ❤ definitely will come back
I had the lunch special which was pan seared drum with jasmine rice and sauteed vegetables. The drum (in buerre blanc) was cooked perfectly as were the vegetables. My wife had the quiche lorraine with a salad of field greens; a picky eater she left nothing for me to try.The beer selection is also outstanding. I will definitely be back.
French cuisine in upbeat atmosphere- fabulous food, friendly waiters. Great place for special occasions. Limited hours so check the schedule.
Fantastic authentic Belgian food. Great wine, beer and champagne selection. The spaghetti carbonara was spot on as was the selection of mussels and crepes dishes.
Really enjoyed this gem of a restaurant! Went with the restaurant week menu and it was more than welcoming to my need of good food and great atmosphere. It’s a family owned and ran spot.
Amazing. Had the Steak Frittes and was not disappointed. Surprised in fact at how tender the flank steak was. Fries and veggies were equally as good. Would go again in a heartbeat.
Stuck up staff. Overpriced, the only thing I can notice on the difficult to read Menu font. Dont bother if youre visiting for the weekend. You need a reservation, at least thats what we were asked, and apparently we were out of the dress code. Sorry to disappoint the owner and staff of a run down and health inspection failing establishment.
Service was great. The spaghetti most excellent. My friend was not crazy about them clams roth chorizo sauce.
The Entre, Coffee and Dessert were tasty however, the blonde older female (probably the Boss)serving wasnt genuinely welcoming to me however, try it for yourself!
Closed but they took the reservation. Booked it on opentable and when we arrived it was closed. There were others outside the restaurant also wondering why they traveled a mile away from Riverwalk with reservations as well. Guess we should have called to confirm, but not cool to have to transport 7 people in 32 degree weather to an area with limited restaurants.
Great mussels. Loved the garden salad. The owner was so kind and nice to talk to. Definitely recommend this place!
Very nice little bistro. White tablecloths & interesting as very good menu selection. Cozy atmosphere on Alamo street in Southtown. Reasonably priced.
They were out of trout and out of lemon tart at lunch time. Did not get bread until end of meal. Sporting service.
Loove this place! My husband and I went for the steak and frites to relive our honeymoon in Paris and we were not disappointed. The service was also fantastic! Will definitely be returning.
We jut ordered dessert and it was good. Place was crowded but friendly.
Ok spot for quality belgian food. I look forward to a return trip. The bill was good for how much you get. This place has good reviews for a reason.
Fun and casual Belgian place specializing in mussels. My duck was tenderabd tasty while my wife loved here seafood pastry.
The food and beer here is just amazing, truly. Every single thing on the food and drinks menu is worth a try.
Great service. It will hit the spot of youre looking for authentic Belgium food.
Wow! A must visit if you are in San Antonio. Superb food; everything we ordered was awesome. Staff was professional, responsive, and friendly. Ambiance was good.
Food was fantastic! They were super busy the night we went but were able to get us a reservation within an hour, the waitress was very attentive and helpful, well definitely be back!
This place is perfect for a nice romantic night out. Duck, mussels, wine, and La Frites where all wonderous! We will be returning!
Everyone was very kind, attentive, thoughtful and in unison. Well run resistant with authentic flavors. The mussels are a must try!
Enjoyed a great meal which was excellent value. The Mussels were fantastic. Its a busy and little chaotic place, but it adds to the charm
The Basque mussels, frites, and salmon entree are so delicious! Perfect atmosphere to eat somewhere casual with top notch food and service!
You cant go wrong here. Definitely try the fries and the crem brûlée. I would leave them 5 stars but they didnt have mimosas on Austin 3:16 Day.
First time at La Frite tried the mussels, so glad I did, they were so delicious love them. I will be returning.
Cute little place, one of the owners is always on hand. The spaghetti carbonara is to die for, along with the fries. Crouque Monsieur rocks!
Amazing! Smaller, cozy restaurant.Wine selection excellent & not too extensive. Pretty loud atmosphere, due to popularity . Cuisine is exquisite!
This is a small, posh, family run restaurant. I popped in after work, so they set me up at the bar and gave me the same level of service as the folks at the tables -- which I really appreciated.
Best selection of Belgian beers on tap in San Antonio. The food is excellent, though a little pricey.
Awesome food, nice atmosphere! Highly recommended for people who wanna experience great food beside the mainstream chains!
Every now and again the wife and I have a date night where we try the expensive side of San Antonio. This place isnt expensive and blows every other place weve been out of the water. Flawless food, great staff. Hands down the best place weve been for date night!
The food is incredible and there is a great wine selection. Top notch for a date night.
A pleasant surprise! Grew up spending my summers in Flanders. Eating at La Frite was a revisiting of tastes I love.
Delicious food and friendly staff. La frite is definitely a hidden gem of Downtown / Southtown.
Incredible gem in Southtown! Delicious food, very reasonable prices and wonderful ambience!
This is a very tempting restaurant but these days its unfortunately CLOSED
Exceeded expectations. entrees and desserts are decadent and well executed. the rabbit sausage is unbelievable. pricey but worth every penny.
Delicious food and great service
My favorite restaurant 🥰🥰
The mussels are the best and what I always get. Great service and wines.
Love this place! Delicious food and cozy atmosphere.
Outstanding experience - all around. From walking in and being served. The atmosphere was sophisticated, yet casual and the food was delicious.
Best mussels and frite in town. Awesome cozy atmosphere and a lot of options to experiment with food and wine pairings.
We had mussels and frites. Delicious! Good service and very pleasant atmosphere.
Service was awesome. Mushroom soup was divine. Fabulous wine list.
Another First Friday in Southtown!
Belgian food... quality stuff. Food was so fresh. Had a friend come into town and asked me to take him here again.
Unreal food and very cozy atmosphere....feels like you are in someones home. Excellent beer called Kwak.
Great to find authentic European food. Delicious.
La Frite is a delight! Any of there food is good, but I go for the mussels since they are the best in town!
Awesome food terrible servers with awful attitudes. Go elsewhere with a better vibe
I love this spot! Food is great and Wes (server) makes great recommendations. Highly recommend, ask for Wes if possible.
Lovely place. Food was delicious and staff very friendly.
Delicious food. It transported my tongue to Belgium. Exquisite!!! I recommended beef or pork dishes.
Authentic Belgium cuisine and European flair. Great food. Highly recommend as a date night.
Visited most recently during Culinaria event - delicious menu and top service. Will definitely be returning!
Always come here for the mussels. They do need to provide something for those who cannot drink alcohol, sodas, and tea - besides lemonade.
Lovely place, fresh and delicious meals, and very accommodating staff.
They live up to their reputation. Excellent food in an excellent atmosphere with excellent service! Highly recommend!
Excellent food! Worth the trip downtown.
Great restaurant. We had great French / Belgian food and a great time.
Rude managerDont be fooledByThe smoke and mirrorsOrThe fancy nameAs soon as I sat downAt the barI wasGreeted by a roachPlace is filthyAndReflectsThe owner and this establishment
Total reviews rating 4.6
199 Reviews for La Frite Belgian Bistro 2023:
Review №1
2021-08-14Received a recommendation to try La Frite Belgian Bistro, so came out on a Friday night after making a reservation. Very nice, intimate restaurant in Southtown. Only about 15-20 tables and it keeps the experience very personal. Was immediately greeted at the door and seated with my reservation. Waiter came to explain their menu, daily specials, Prix Fixe offering, and wine selection. With that, started off with a bottle of Grand Cru Riesling, escargot, arugula salad, watermelon salad, mussels, and some frites. I had to try a little bit of everything since it was highly recommended. They also recommended placing the main meal orders at the same time so they could pace all the food out. I appreciated that as you didnt feel rushed and was able to enjoy each course.Was able to enjoy all the appetizers over a glass of wine. Both salads were very light and refreshing. The mussels were probably my favorite. They were served in a mix of the Basque sauce and the Marinieres. It was a nice mix for the wine, shallots, garlic with a little heat of the pepper, chili, and paprika. The escargot was a close 2nd as it was served in a very flavorful butter sauce. All the appetizers were well-portioned and presented nicely.For the main meals, had the lobster, Prix Fixe (lamb, scalloped potatoes, mixed veggies), rabbit two-way (daily special). The timing of food was perfect as had plenty of time to enjoy the appetizers with some wine. All were plated in an appealing manner. I cant say which was my favorite as all were really good. I had the lamb since theres limited options for lamb in San Antonio. It was cooked perfectly by being juicy and flavorful without the gamey taste. The lobster was nice large and meaty portions that were lightly breaded. I didnt get to try the rabbit, but they said it was very good. It mustve been good as they forgot to share around the table.For desserts, had the crème brulee, Belgian waffle, and floating island. All were good portions to share. The crème brulee had nice, hard caramelized top with a light, fluffy custard below. The Belgian waffle was my favorite as it had a nice balance of the dough topped with the sweetness of chocolate, sugar, cream, and strawberries. The floating island was a delicious meringue served on top of custard sauce.This place was highly recommended and glad I listened. From the setting, service, food, and desserts, it was a great experience and I highly recommend to the next person.
Review №2
2021-07-08This place is very small and intimate. My only 1 complaints would be that it was very warm in there. I actually enjoyed the food. The appetizer I order was the shrimp fritters I think and the sauce it came with was delish! I tried the onion tart and I have to say I did not like it much because Im not a big onion person, but I was offered to replace it with the watermelon salad and oh boy was that yummy in my tummy 😋. I had the Mahi Mahi fish w/ rice and veggies for my entree and wow the fish was very flavorful for sure. My friends also enjoyed their food and had no complaints which is a good thing because they are very picky eaters. One of my friends had the mussels and she said that their the best she has had in a while. Oh and a lady came over to check on us and had some good convo as well not sure if she was the owner or not but it was very welcoming. The only thing we didnt like was the dessert which was the chocolate mousse wish they had more options for dessert. We would definitely recommend this place to others and go back in the future 🙂
Review №3
2021-11-18The food is absolutely amazing!!! We will be going back again tomorrow!! I want to try it all and the service was awesome too!! Definitely stop here, you wont be disappointed! And the best fries Ive ever had!!
Review №4
2021-10-16Food was amazing, mussels, ham and cheese crepe, fritze with real curry sauce!!!!! It took me back to Brussels 😍🥰. Staff was amazing as well.
Review №5
2021-11-07Just an all-around GREAT place to have a wonderful meal and be served by top-shelf staff. Nothing stuffy or affected about this place at all...just delicious food, awesome Belgian beers...on DRAFT too...and great times await! Go here and not some pretentious cafe/bistro/trattoria run by a faceless mega corp. or some trendy chef with only a first name who named the resto beet-root or the foam kollectiv.
Review №6
2022-06-18Every single thing we had was amazing! The mussels are fresh, fries are so damn tasty, steak cooked to perfection. Do not hesitate, worth the reservation and price!
Review №7
2021-10-15Very lively restaurant, the manager was extremely attentive and helpful. the mussels are amazing, i would recommend the mariniere over the provencale broth. we also had the steak au poivre and onglet avec frites...... i recommend the onglet.....oh my goodness so flavorful. a great restaurant and we will come back when we are in san antonio again. a little on the pricey side to make a regular visit if we were living in the city
Review №8
2021-08-21It felt like a bistro in Europe. Great atmosphere, the mussels were delicious as well as the pommes frittes. The owner & waiter took special interest in making sure we were ok. Excellent Belgian beer too. Visiting from Houston. Will be back.
Review №9
2021-10-07Absolutely wonderful and very busy but you can have some French wine and enjoy your wait. The mussels are a Yes! The Fromage, as well as the Duck. I cant wait to go back!
Review №10
2020-10-20This place is still open in the south towns of San Antonio. Great Belgian cuisine! Duck, lobster and lamb cooked to perfection. The veggies were done very well aswell. The garden salad has a very earthy taste that I enjoyed but my wife was hopeful for more.