$$$, Local Favorite, Notable Wine List, Outdoor Dining, Quiet, Romantic Dining
Escape culinary mundane and take a journey to the French countryside right in the heart of Dallas. The promise of a true elegant country French meal, moderately priced, with a fine, well-selected French wine and cocktail list is what makes l'Ancestral one of a kind. Outside, a quaint stone patio perfect for open-air dining. Inside, classic crisp earth tone tablecloths, in a softly lit dining room resembling a Country Inn. The daily menu delights any palate with an array of culinary French offerings. Melt in your mouth sweet breads, Steak au Poivre (filet with cracked pepper and cream sauce), Pommes Frittes (french fries) to name a few. Desserts offer up Pot de Creme Carmel, Floating Alian (soft meringue on a creme anglaise) and dark rich chocolate truffle cake. Romantic, quiet, selective. Discover true French neighborhood dining just outside your doorstep today.
I've never been in the dining room -- I always try to eat on the patio, ringed with potted plants, beneath the stars with a breeze blowing through. It's very romantic. While some might consider the service slow, it's more that it's European ... food is meant to be savored, company to be enjoyed, dinner isn't just one thing to do tonight, it's what you are doing tonight. The waiters have been doing this for decades and are pleased to make suggestions and guide your choices. The onion tart is unbeatable, the steak tartare probably the best in Texas, and the desserts are, well, French! Pastries and cremes abound, giving you delectable choices. Wines list is hefty with a few by the glass options. Underground or street parking. Cafe au lait is authentic and delicious.
Posted 05/09/09 | Report Abuse
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This is a great and true french restuarant! I love the Pomme Frites AKA french fries. The lamb chops are lovely. My dinner date loved the flan. Its in the heart of the magic of Travis Street.
Posted 06/06/05 | Report Abuse
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The best French cuisine I've had in the states. From the moment we walked in the door, the atmosphere was authentic, and relaxing. No overdecorated Americanized version of what a French restaurant should be. The owner and staff all French and extremely helpful and charming. My lamb was cooked to perfection in a sauce that wasn't too heavy but instead was just right and wonderful w/ the Chateauneuf Du Pape. After dinner they brought out a dessert liqueur that was frozen into a block of ice for our anniversary. Incredible. If we lived in Dallas we would go to this restaurant every weekend. Jacques from Cannes is welcome at our table in Houston any time he wants. Thank you L'Ancestral for a memorable dinner. It's hard to find these days.
Pros: Best French food I've had this side of the pond.
Posted 07/22/09
The Savoy room has some of the best food in Milwaukee. I've taken many out of town clients (from California to New York) there for dinner and the result is always the same - they rave about the filet (which I usually recommend they try) and the atmosphere. It is especially enchanting if you are familiar with the restaurant's history. I rate this restaurant as one of the best in the business
Posted 03/05/09
My boyfriend took me here for our first time the Friday night before this past Valentine's Day. It was not very busy, maybe 5 other tables were seated. Upon greeting our table it was obvious that the snobby waiter felt we were too inferior for kind and friendly service. He did not go over specials, hardly wanted to take our drink order, then when we asked what he recommended on the menu he basically (and very rudely) said order whatever the hell you want. He did not check on us once during dinner nor did he offer dessert. Perhaps if we had been sitting with the loud group of homosexuals at the table next to us we would have been more accepted by the stuck up waiter.
Pros: Good food (not sure how dessert is, wasn't offered by the rude waiter)
Cons: Worst service I have ever received in Dallas!
Posted 03/03/09
While the food was some of the best I have had in a long time, I must say the service was obviously better for the "obvious regulars" and was even a bit haughty. It took me asking three times to get more bread and when I inquired about an item on the menu, I was told that I should order it so I would not have to ask what it was if I EVER went to a French restaurant again. And then didn't even explain what it was., I had to ask him again and explain I wanted to know what it was. We were the second table of the evening and received much worse service than those regulars who came in. Think twice about a relaxing, fun evening out if you want to feel welcome.
Pros: great food
Cons: lousy service
Posted 02/12/09
L'ancestral is an old school super French restaurant. All the classics are here - soupe a l'oignon, steak tartare, leeks in vinaigrette ect. The food here is consistently good, although I wish they would change the preparation of their side vegetables (usually overcooked and mushy). I eat here a lot and usually order the steak tartare with a side of their perfect crispy frites, soupe a l'oignon, or the lamb chops. The house-made pate is very good too. Save room for the chocolate tarte which is wonderfully rich and smooth.
The service is friendly and professional, although they shouldn't make the servers wear those awful faux tuxedo aprons. The dining room needs some updating as it's a bit rough around the edges, but the prices are reasonable and the food is good.
This is the place to come if you have a hankering for some old school comfort French food. I used to live in Paris and this is where I like to get my fix.
Posted 01/15/08
This IS French cooking. Quiet and chic, though no dress code, L'Ancestral is always my choice for a special occasion dinner. Alain, Jacques and Ken are great hosts and the service is formal but not stuffy. I've lived in France several times, and this is the nearest to France that you'll find in Dallas. A great wine selection, too. If wine selection frightens you, ask your waiter for suggestions. Perfect dining option for the romantic in everybody's heart!
Pros: Easily accessible location, consistant quality, friendly staff.
Cons: Survey asks about large groups - I'd say no more than 8
Posted 10/14/07
Now I can go to the French countryside anytime! LAncestral is as authentic French as you can get in Dallas. Even the owner that greets you at the door has a beautiful French accent. It is clear that the wait staff, chef and owner all take pride in this gem of a restaurant. The straw cones on the wall depict the French country side and the beautiful surroundings are tastefully elegant, but not too formal, so you really feel comfortable in or out of a coat and tie here. The French onion soup was a true base and unlike any other found outside of France. Service excellent! Food excellent! The owner a true French man (Warm, inviting, divine ) that puts the stuffy reputation of the French to shame!. A MUST FOR YOUR SPECIAL OCCASIONS! Try them for a romantic dinner as well or a refined business lunch ( it will truly impress!).
Pros: Atmosphere! Service! Attention to detail on the dishes.
Cons: Hard to find, tucked in from the street. Knox parking :(
Posted 10/03/06
"This place is really a well hidden hole in the wall. After ..."
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