Fabulous French bistro opens in Needham, Mass.

Wines from France, heavenly rich dishes and a reasonably priced menu were an almost unheard of concept until Petit Robert Bistro arrived on the dining scene. After much anticipation, the third location of acclaimed Chef Jackie Robert has opened in Needham Center. His two other locations in Boston (one in Kenmore Square and the other on Columbus Avenue) received rave reviews so we knew it would be just a matter of time before he came to the suburbs and we’re so glad he did. 

 

This fabulous date spot is a true hidden gem and is also a great place to meet up with your girlfriends for a few glasses of spectacular wine. I am probably doing a disservice to those who have already discovered Petit Robert Bistro but for those who haven’t, you’re in for a truly wonderful experience. At first glance, you might miss the French bistro if it weren’t for the Eiffel Tower aglow outside. A step inside and you truly feel as though you have entered a café in Paris without the stuffy and pretentious service often found in “traditional” French restaurants.

 

We were quickly greeted by our server (fluent in French) who brought over an extensive wine list and a basket of freshly baked bread with creamy butter. We started off with a sampling of the Escargots Bourguignons, a Staub pan of six sumptuous delicacies swimming in a pool of butter, wine, garlic and parsley. (Be sure to save some bread for extra dipping – you’ll be glad you did). Other appetizers included pan-seared foie gras with grapes, a trio of homemade pates and endives au jambon gratinees.

 

Next up for us was a crock of French onion soup loaded with sweet onions and topped with melted cheese. The bowl of lobster bisque was thick, creamy and flavorful. The baked beet and goat cheese salad sounded intriguing as did the smoked marinated herring filets with warm potato salad.

 

One of the evening’s specials was the monkfish, which my dining companion raved about. I sampled the panko crusted pork loin, which was perfectly prepared and deliciously juicy with a crisp crunch. There were some unique entrees on the menu, including golden brown Florida frog’s legs Provencale, pan seared sweetbreads in a creamy leek-mustard sauce and Tripes Provencales. Our server said the rustic dish chicken “coq au vin” served with buttered noodles was one of their more popular dishes.

 

Do not miss desserts here – the giant profiterole was the winner of the evening – an enormous pastry shell filled with creamy, vanilla ice cream and topped with warm, gooey hot fudge. The equally delicious warm apple tarte was sinfully decadent, topped with creme fraiche, the tastiest variation of apple pie that you could ever find.

 

Petit Robert Bistro is by far the best deal you will find in the suburbs. There are few places that can actually transport you to Europe over the course of a dining experience but Petit Robert Bistro has done just that. Generous portions, gracious service and reasonably priced entrees are just a few reasons we can’t wait to come back for more.