Eager eaters are already packing downtown SR's newest French bistro, chomping to see what former Emile's Creekside chef Emile Waldteufel has up his sleeve. After an extensive overhaul, it's an amazing space dominated by a large wood bar and a sunny Left Bank vibe.The menu is tres Parisian fare: from onion soup and escargot to Steak Frites, Sole Meuniere and Boeuf Bourginon.
But stakes are high in this crowded field which includes contenders like K&L Bistro, Chloe's, Mirepoix and nearby Bistro 29 which have already proven their mettle. At first blush there's still some translation getting lost -- ho-hum frites, crackle-free creme brulee and some so-so sauces.
The good news: Service is spot-on, the location is great and with a bit of menu tightening, Rendez-Vous could end up a downtown classic, especially for late-nighters (they'll be open until midnight). The restaurant will open for morning croissants and coffee, along with a full lunch menu starting next week. 614 4th St., Santa Rosa, (707) 526-7700.
But stakes are high in this crowded field which includes contenders like K&L Bistro, Chloe's, Mirepoix and nearby Bistro 29 which have already proven their mettle. At first blush there's still some translation getting lost -- ho-hum frites, crackle-free creme brulee and some so-so sauces.
The good news: Service is spot-on, the location is great and with a bit of menu tightening, Rendez-Vous could end up a downtown classic, especially for late-nighters (they'll be open until midnight). The restaurant will open for morning croissants and coffee, along with a full lunch menu starting next week. 614 4th St., Santa Rosa, (707) 526-7700.

I went here a couple weeks ago. I wasn't impressed at all. The manager guy was rude when i asked him about the lack of knowledge of the waitstaff with there menu. The service was good however. I will not be back. My dish was served semi warm, the sauce seemed a little thin & my desert was tasteless. Go to bistro 29 if you want a real good dinner
I ate here last week and thought it was awful! Our food was just ok and the prices were WAY too high for the meal served. The cheese plate was a total joke. Our waiter couldn't remember the cheeses on the tray and we had to ask for bread to go with a cheese plate! I thought the service was slow and the food wasn't hot when it arrived. Plus they pre-make the crepes! They have about 20 crepes already made and when you order one, they put the crepe on the grill throw in whatever you ordered so when it arrives the dough is hard and crunchy. Ours was even black in some areas. Won't be back. I will choose Eloise or Bistro 29 any day over this place!
what a shame. Emile's was usually a great experience. Perhaps they just need to get the staff properly trained.
I loved it! Fun french cafe atmosphere. Solid Steak Fritz. My Creme Brulee had a nice thick top.
Of course in the beginning its going to be hit and miss, just think of it as a dining adventure, rather than expecting it to be the most perfect night ever, you'll have more fun, and then who knows, maybe it will turn out to be perfect after all.
I hope that the Late night promise stays true! I am always wishing for good late night options, and tho they promise, many restaurants don't manage to keep to it.
were there thursday night. good to see this place was hopping! had cheese platter, very good - though it'd be nice if we knew what they were. had Sole Meuniere, delicious - and the the crepes were excellent! friendly and attentive staff, nice ambiance. will be back!
...and oh, a carafe of wine is a nice alternative to buying a bottle!
What a wonderful dinner we had last night. Food not only perfect (being French we should know) but Renne our waitress was top. I was born and raiseed in the restaurant industry and think people need to make up their own mind once they eat there themselves.I went in with low expectations due to some of these feedback but glad I tried it and going back again this week for sure. Right away Nino the owner was not only nice to us but asked us for any feedback on his food , they alo give you a feedback form if you have comments. As Heather said he is still working on his fries but everything else was top. We had oysters;escargots;charcuterie plate;salad with goat cheese toast; steak frites;and crepe for dessert . Prices are more then fair and atmosphere was great . They were packed but nothing was missed by our waitress. Good for them , somewhere new to go without having to go to Yountville for a great French dinner.
I was very excited for this restaurant to open and don't get me wrong, I wish them well. But I can hardly wait for them to get their service act together. And fiqure how to make good tasty food. I saw in thes posts something about the crepes. I agree ours tasted like rubber. Also management doesn't seem to have a clue.
They have the right idea with the menu and this is just the kind of place I could go to a few times a week but this place has the potential to be just another bar, (they have more bar stools than regular seats) if they don't tend to the service and the food.
I have now eaten here three times. First for dinner Outstanding Fruits de Mer. Perfectly cooked scallops & shrimp over green lentils. Boeuf bourguignon was magnificent as anyone who ate at Hank's Creekside nightime Emile's can testifyl French cocktails were delightful. especially Lillet and the French Sunset. For lunch I tried the French onion soup. This was the only disappointment. It wasn't hearty beef broth. (Go to Bistro des Copains). Next for lunch we shared the salad with jicama & shrimp, follow by a special de jour of beef & linguini. Both were excellent. Haven't found room to try dessert.
Yummy!
I have now eaten here three times. First for dinner Outstanding Fruits de Mer. Perfectly cooked scallops & shrimp over green lentils. Boeuf bourguignon was magnificent as anyone who ate at Hank's Creekside nightime Emile's can testifyl French cocktails were delightful. especially Lillet and the French Sunset. For lunch I tried the French onion soup. This was the only disappointment. It wasn't hearty beef broth. (Go to Bistro des Copains). Next for lunch we shared the salad with jicama & shrimp, follow by a special de jour of beef & linguini. Both were excellent. Haven't found room to try dessert.
Yummy!