Mon Petit Cafe

I have been lucky enough to dine at Mon Petit for several years. Mon Petit is an oasis from the chaos of the city, chain eating, faux French cuisine and bad service.
I have sent clients and friends here. Everyone comes back and thanks us for the suggestion.
Dont miss this best of breed neighborhood landmark, pinnacle of affordable cuisine and first class service!

Pros: Great food, service and feel

Cons: Ned more outdoor seating

Posted 06/15/09

If you want authentic french cusine this is the place to go....the breakfast is amazing...everything is fresh and the service is couldnt be any better. I would definitely recommend it for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Posted 05/10/09

Went there for an anniversary with my fiancee and it was exactly what I was looking for a nice little French place. Quiet enough to be romantic without having to be in the dark (I like to see my food when I eat). Everything we had was good and I remember really enjoying dessert! This place is not for someone looking for gourmet or experimental food...
It is just good simple food in a quiet relaxing atmosphere.

Pros: Simple French food

Posted 02/22/09

I was there saturday night with a big group, 16 people. We were seated immeditely even if the restaurant was packed. Food was good and service excellent. It was my first time and definately not the last one...

Posted 06/14/08

Sitting outside you at one of the little tables can make you feel like you are really in France. And the Eggs Mornay Florentine are the best eggs I have ever had in my life. A cute, cozy little bistro, perfect during a day of shopping on the Upper East Side.

Pros: Atmosphere,Eggs Mornay Florentine

Cons: Capuccino needs works

Posted 06/05/08

I went for brunch on Sunday at noon with five of my girlfriends. The reason we chose this place was the $17.95 brunch menu.
Two of us arrived on time and they sat us a table of six right away. I think we were a bit lucky that there were three tables available next to each other that were combined. We waited another 15 minutes for the rest of the group and the wait staff didn't seem to mind that we didn't all arrive together. The wait staff was very friendly and accomodating. We had coffee and mimosas while we waited.
The coffee was good and the food was slightly above average. The eggs benedictine (which comes with smoked salmon on a croissant) were popular at our table and everyone enjoyed their meals. The restaurant was getting very crowded with lines out the door when we left around 1:30pm.

Pros: friendly atmosphere, pre-fixe brunch menu

Cons: small space

Posted 03/04/08

Cosy romantic French style cafe with French speaking waitresses. Good foods with great value for money.

Posted 10/31/07

The food always excellent; the service great. A wonderful place to meet friends on a weekend.

Always try the specials...

Pros: Food is always great

Cons: Sometimes hard to get in

Posted 07/17/07

I had been planning on visiting Mon Petite Cafe for the longest time, on a friend's recommendation. I finally made the pilgramage to the U.E.S. (not my usual stomping ground) last week and can honestly say it was well worth the trip. What I found was an intimate, charming bistro serving classic French fare and creative specials - I had the incredibly succulent pork tenderloin which impressed me no end and my friends (as romantic as it is, it's not just for gooey-eyed couples) both had the steak frites with an au poivre sauce that was out of this world! Our server was knowledgable and genuinely friendly without being over the top or intrusive. I f I had to pick fault with Mon Petite Cafe, I'd say it lies in the distinct lack of proffiteroles!!! Although, the creme brulee was pretty darn good as a substitute.

Pros: warm, inviting ambience and terrific classic French fare

Cons: no bloody profiteroles!!

Posted 07/05/07

Although the service was friendly and eager to please, my husband and I were rather disappointed by the steaks, we found them to be tough and of poor quality for the price charged. We were pleased with the wine selection but were to be brought down by the temperature and amount of wine served in the glass. My husband ordered an expensive bordeaux only to find the temperature to be offensively hot. The waitress went out of her way by chilling the glass but to no avail as it's obvious the restaurant does not have a proper cooling system. I ordered a glass of chardonnay and was brought a glass of wine just a little over half full. It's very unfortunate for the restaurant to have such a nice wine list and no know how on serving it.

Pros: Nice atmosphere, genuine service

Cons: over-priced

Posted 07/03/07

Mon Petite Cafe has a beautiful small garden party feel. The atmosphere can put your mind at ease while sipping your morning coffee or while eating one of their appetizers for lunch. The only con is that there menu selection is very limited. If you're not very familiar with french cuisine I would suggest you stick with the chicken.

Pros: Calming Atmosphere

Cons: Menu has limited selection

Posted 03/27/07

Mon Petit Cafe has become my husband and my favorite restaurant. It is candle-lit and adorable and around the corner from our house. The specialties are amazing, on Monday evening we ordered the Beouf Bourguinon and a bottle of St. Emilion and at $42/bottle the price is right. We really felt like we were in Paris, where his family is from. The provinvial decor is so inviting and not over the top like some French restaurants. We als o love that the restaurant is so small and quaint, though we don't like having to wait when they are crowded. The waitstaff all speak French and are so sweet. They are always extra accomodating and recognize their regulars. Not only is Mon Petit Cafe a neighborhood place, but, the food is delicious. The wine list is also quite extensive and well-priced wines start at $22/bottle. My husbands favorite is the Steak au Poivre. Merci Mon Petit.

Pros: Fantastic wine list, wonderful ambiance, attentive and friendly service

Cons: Sometimes a wait

Posted 11/17/06

Our favorite restaurant in New York, Mon Petit Cafe is charming, quiet, excellent food and menu, reasonable prices. The service is quick without being rushed. I love the French music which adds the perfect and charm and ambience. I appreciate the low lighting which usually is offered in very high-priced restaurants. Every night is a different special, and the regular fare is classic and wonderful. This is a treasure in New York--perfect for lunch and dinner. We commute from Connecticut and still feel like it is our neighborhood restaurant.n We also respect the owner greets you and truly cares about the quality of the food and experience--excellent customer service! We always smile during the experience and as we walk out afterward. Vive Mon Petit Cafe!

Pros: Menu, food quality, ambience, pricing, quick service

Cons: More salads on the menu would be good

Posted 11/17/06

I had learned about this place here on City Search and had dinner there the other night. The place was quite charming, a French bistro, tucked in busy Lexington Avenue. I had never been there before and am not sure if that night was just an isolated incident because this restaurant has certainly been getting a lot of praises. However, I wasn't very satisfied with my meal. The duck was too tough and was quite thrown off (if I had read their wine list correctly) that they charged $60 for a garden variety bottle of Louis Jadot Bourgogne which is $20 in a wine store. I understand restaurants mark up their prices but this was just way too much. I also don't mind paying a lot money for wine but the selections really have to wow me. The service was fast, in fact, too fast for a French restaurant and no it's not like being in Paris at all. Even though most of the friendly wait staff spoke French but then that is not enough to be impressive. Yes, they serve authentic French cuisine but it is not executed very well. For people to pay top $$$ for this place they have to sharpen their basic culinary and presentation skills.

Pros: Charming nook in Lex Ave, friendly waitstaff

Cons: Mediocre food, overpriced wines, rushed service

Posted 10/27/06

Recently visiting the city on business I stumbled upon Mon Petit. Its easy to see why loyal regulars, international visitors, and faithful new patrons visit this exquisite classic French restaurant with superior cuisine, service, and charming ambiance. Whether you choose to sit outside or inside, you will feel as if you have dropped in on a cheerful party at home with close friends. In my opinion, Mon Petit is just that special, local place in the city that you keep coming back for more.

Pros: menu, service, location

Posted 08/02/06

Paris has nothing on this place. I have been to France many times and I always make a stop here if I can't be in Paris. But the more I have a meal here the less I need to go to Paris. I can't say enough about the food, all the way down to the salad dressing. The atmosphere is wonderful and the service is fantastic. You feel very welcome in a wonderful french way. If you want good food and a romantic evening out, don't miss this. Thank you Mon Petit.

Posted 08/01/06

we regularly visit this extremely fine restaurant. The service is always first class, the prices are great, as is the food. The menu is varied and always excellent quality and fresh - we are never disappoined with the experience of dining at Mon Petit Cafe. We find the staff are particularly charming - It is always a very pleasuable meal and I highly recommend it for breakfast, lunch or dinner - it is my most favourtite restaurant in New York City

Posted 08/01/06

When you visit Mon Petit Cafe, you will step off Lexington Avenue and right into Paris! This quaint, authentically decorated French Cafe is warm and welcoming and the food and wine is PERFECTLY French! The small and intimate ambiance surrounds you with French music and French conversation and the service is pleasant, very attentive and never pretentious. Locals will want to make this their destination spot in the neighborhood and tourists will be very happy they stopped in. The menu is fantastic with something for everyone! I went for a late weekend brunch with my Mom and we wanted to sample everything! From traditional Eggs and deliciously inventive Crepes to the perfect Croque Monsieur or the delectible Chicken a la Dijonaise, your palate will be completely satisfied. The sauces are so tasty and be sure to have a glass of Pomerol! Stop in for Mussels and Live Jazz on Sundays and you and your friends will want to make it a weekly occasion. --Affordably priced and always delicious! Bon Appetite!

Posted 07/29/06

From all the french meals .. my choice would definitely be difficult ... with a preference for the Poulet à la Dijonnaise ... and the crabcakes (delicious) as specialty ..

Keep going there ... and bringing some friends from France who fell in love !
Very good place in the city, better to reserve, especially for the great brunches!

Pros: Atmosphere

Cons: Need to reserve

Posted 07/28/06

As a french person, I have to say that it is ALWAYS a real pleasure to go there and feel home again.......

Pros: Service, ambience

Cons: Parking

Posted 07/27/06

My wife and I eat here all the time simply because its the best and most authentic french restaurant in the city!Service is always with a smile and the food is always first class,and when it comes to value for money there is no place better than M P C!

Pros: No better french restaurant in the city

Cons: None

Posted 07/27/06

Never been to Paris but I've been to "Mon Petit Cafe". It is quite exquisite. The food is superb and simply delicious. Located on the upper east side it's the perfect restauraunt espescially after spending all your money at Bloomies. Be sure to try the steak and if not the duck. Au Revoir!

Pros: Never crowded, Inexpensive

Cons: Tough parking, small

Posted 05/25/05

I have been dining here for about 10 years now. As with wine this place has aged beatifully. Located 2 blocks north from Bloomingdales this is a perfect place to enjoy a Kyr Royal after a long day of shopping. If you have worked up a big enough appetite I must suggest the Steak Appoive served with fries. Also the shrimo scampi is another one of my favorite dishes. The staff and service are phenominal. This is a perfect place for a romantic date, the ambiance is radiant. But be prepared to lick your plate clean. The food is to die for! Thank you Mon Petit! :)

Pros: Delicious Food, romantic, great service

Posted 10/05/04

For a Sunday brunch this little place two blocks from Bloomingdales on Lexington Avenue is a real find. The service was efficient and polite, the food was hot and great and the atmosphere very Parisian. A great little touch of Paris on Manhattan's upper East side.

Pros: food was hot, food tasty, Service great

Cons: , no parking

Posted 05/01/04

I wish I lived in the East 60's. This would be my kitchen and dining room. I have never had a bad meal here. The worst I had was fine, many very good on on occasion they were fantastic. There are no holes in this menu. I wish it were open Sunday nights. What a perfect way to end a weekend!

Pros: great steaks, fresh fish, good breakfasts

Cons: noisy when crowded, always crowded, i guess noise is good

Posted 11/10/03

This is my favorite place to eat at in all of NY. Reminds me of some of my fav places in france. this service is great and more importantly food is unbelievable. pretty good wine list too. I recommend this place to everyone.

Posted 02/13/03

This is a very small yet intimate French restaurant. The Les Crêpe au Suprèmes de Volailles Crêpes filled with chicken in a Mornay sauce with side of mixed greens was very good. Although there was not enough salad dressing. My husband had the
Le Steak au Poivre Flambé shell steak in a brandy, peppercorn, light cream sauce which the sauce is EXCELLENT! I would not recommend this restaurant for large group of 10+ since it's very small and intimate.

Posted 02/11/03

What's up with all of these pretentious French places that have overpriced dishes tasting like crap? Dropped $80 for dinner for two and the only half decent thing was a bowl of the frensh onion soup.... Wine is overpriced as well, anything cheaper than $8 a glass is plain vinegar.

Pros: overpriced, bad food

Posted 12/10/02

My wife and I go to New York just to eat at Mon Petit Cafe.

Posted 11/06/02

Cute little place. Reminds me of a real Paris bistro. Most dishes were very good, but not all. Appetisers were all very good. My steak was delicious. Shrimp scampi very tasty and a large portion. Calves liver was chewy. Our French waitress was very good -- attentive without being annoying. Really was sorry that the liver was a disappointment and accomodated by offering a different entree. Prices are fair for both food and wine.

Pros: Reasonable, Feels like Paris, Food very good

Posted 08/06/02

Tucked two blocks north of Bloomingdales is this Manhattan secret called Mon Petit. This lovely French restaurant delivers superb meals, excellent/ friendly service, and a wonderful atmosphere. It is great!!!

Posted 07/09/02

I've been 7 years in NYC and go out for lunch and dinner about 4 times a week. I always come back to this charming French Bistro in Lexington Avenue at the corner of 62nd Street. The food is excellent: Good French home cooking that never failed to excite me, served by friendly good looking young (French) people. Great location, lots of windows that allow you to watch the busy street life while you are enjoying a Boef Bourguignon or a Steak au Poivre with a glass of Cabernet. And the prices are right in this family business: Good value for your money. I feel very comfortable in this almost traditional (12 years) place in NYC.

Pros: Constantly good food, fair prices, friendly service

Cons: at (lunch)times crowd

Posted 07/09/02

Not only is the food excellent, but the staff is wonderful. Friendly, and quick, this restaurant is the perfect place for any meal! If you are there for lunch, the Chicken Crepes are top choice!

Posted 07/07/02

I have never had a nice thing to say regarding a French restaurant until I dined at Mon Petit Cafe. The mood, set by gentle lighting, French music and subtle earth tone decorations, lends too easily to the hushed, conspiratorial whisperings of lovers. The steak frites is my personal dish of choice. I've had it twice now, and it is perfect each time. The steak is moist and tender, and the frites are golden and crispy. This is the dish that even the staunch haters of French food will love, just for the thrill of a perfect steak. Follow it up with an excellent espresso and a little dessert, the fresh berries in whipped cream if they're serving it that evening. I regret only that I never learned of this bistro when I was younger and dating. Mon Petit Cafe is definitely the perfect place for a memorable date.

Posted 06/04/02