Our everchanging blackboard menu is dedicated to the serving of local, seasonal products in an ambitious Bistro style. Stratford and our surrounding area are blessed with an astonishing array of producers with whom we maintain a close, personal relationship. This allows us to showcase the best of Perth County and beyond!more...See more text
Maybe I had unrealistic expectations? I don’t know. But for me, Bijou has been sliding down the slippery slope for a few years. Stratford is a destination for people who care about Canadian gastronomy. And there are better options to be had elsewhere in this theatre town. Last time I was at Bijou, I had the halibut and it was overcooked. What’s with that?
Bijou doesn’t pay attention to the kinds of details that matter…and it’s all in the details.
We had a great time at Bijou and I don't agree with any of these negative reviews. To me a chalkboard menu and higher prices reflect this restaurant's commitment to local food and keeping things interesting during changing seasons. I respect this restaurant for providing quality food and taking their time rather than taking a touristy "more bang for your buck" approach.
One that note though, I did notice the service was a little slow. Not really slower than I'd expect considering the care that goes into the food, but if you're rushing to catch a show this place is maybe not your best bet. When we had our Stratford trip we made our reservation on a night where we weren't seeing any shows and got to appreciate a slower paced and delicious meal.
Squirreled away off the main downtown parking lot on Erie Street, this culinary gem is well worth the price (a prix fixe menu (2 courses or 3)). The food items (both appetizers and mains) are fresh, tasty, complicated with a surfeit of interesting flavours, artfully plated and presented by a group of knowledgeable, warmly personable servers (if you ask for a name you get a handshake and are asked yours...and they will stop and chat).
DO try a cocktail. We had “French 75", a delightfully spritzy, refreshing mixture of gin, lime juice, simple syrup and champagne.
Order different appetizers and mains do share so you get to savour as many of the delightful assemblages on the blackboard as you have people in your group. Despite the silly complaints, the board is not difficult to read and allows for maximum daily flexibility of product. My trout app. was marinated in soya and sake and served raw accompanied by jicama, sesame and coriander (just to give you an example of the extravagant range of flavours and textures you'll discover here).
Wines are bottle/glass and in the regular price range.
For dessert we sampled the artisanal cheese tray. Two days later I can still remember the blue cheese from New Brunswick (go figure how someone sourced this).
This is one of those Stratford Restaurants that gives the town its reputation as a fine dinning destination.
We have eaten there twice now. Once about a year ago and again about 2 weeks ago. Both times were excellent. First trip we had the veal cheeks as our main course and they were melt in your mouth tender and wonderfully presented.
Second trip we had the Salmon appetizer. It was a piece of "cured" salmon with a very light sauce. Excellent flavour. The main was the pork tenderloin and was perfectly cooked. The atmosphere is a little spartan but it suits the space. The semi open kitchen is a nice touch. The menu is on a chalk board and changes regularly. It is however hard to read.
Although this is not a cheap place I found the food/atmosphere for money ratio to be quite within reason. Two courses each, a couple glasses of wine and the martini for just under $100.
Would dine there again in a minute! The food is wonderful and the atmosphere very intimate.
We go for our anniversary every few years and have not had a bad experience yet.
The staff is helpful and are willing to give as much time as you need to order and then to linger over your meal. No rush here.
Keep it up!
