Le Patio Restaurant and Wine Bar

Reviews

Name: Zelick Gimelstein 
Occupation: Musician
Lives In: Miami
Restaurant Pick: Le Patio Restaurant and Wine Bar
Reviewed: Le Patio Restaurant and Wine Bar

Turning down NE 11th Ave. off "The Drive" in Wilton Manors, you would never expect to find one of the most unique, laid back, and delicious restaurants in South Florida. It's "off the beaten path" location just adds to the allure of "Le Patio". There's almost always a parking spot on this quiet street and if not, the surrounding businesses were kind enough to loan Le Patio the three parking spaces right on the side of the restaurant. Though weekdays are quieter at Le Patio, we always make sure to call ahead just to make absolute sure we can find a highly coveted table. As we walk up, it feels like we are entering a Paris Brasserie, with the sounds of music and smell of melting cheese and toasted bread emanating from the jalousie windows above the open kitchen. It takes owners, Jean and Vero about 15 seconds to welcome us in, give us an excited hug, and seat us at our favorite table out back on their secluded patio. The moment you walk into this place, you feel less like you are at a restaurant and more like you are at a friend's house.

Our cast iron table was located in the darker corner of the patio, nestled on a bed of pea rock, surrounded by antique hangings and garden plants. There were only a few other couples dining with us that night and while it was very romantic, there was still that breath of life in the air with the sounds of soft conversation and excellent music. It doesn't take long for a carafe of Merlot to appear on our table as Jean takes a moment to rattle off the specials for the night. The Goat's Cheese Lyonnaise, a cold appetizer of goat's cheese, yogurt, and magical herbs, catches my ear and we ordered one along with the must-have French Onion Soup. Served with fresh French Bread, the dip was out of this world delicious. Their French Onion Soup is quite literally the best I have ever had.... anywhere in the world. If you go to Le Patio and DO NOT order one of these, then you are doing yourself a great disservice. You would expect a huge bowl, but at Le Patio they do things more European, serving their soup in what would be traditionally seen by Americans as a "cup". But, truthfully, it is the perfect size for an appetizer. We also ordered a small plate of goat's cheese (see a pattern here?) stuffed mini peppers just to round it all off.

As we were finishing up our apps and onto our second glass of wine, Jean strides over to take our dinner order. "Let me guess?" she says. We have been coming here for years and we are what you call "reliable". Word on the street is that the first time you come to Le Patio, you MUST try their Lasagna or their Shepard's Pie. Those words must have resonated with us fiercely because that is pretty much what we order almost every time we go there. Le Patio's lasagna is more of a French take on the dish (thanks in part to owner Vero, a Lyon native), made with a creamy béchamel laced with ricotta and more of a Provencal tomato sauce rather than traditional marinara. Mouth-burning hot and bubbly, this dish will put you in a food coma of the sweetest kind. Their Shepard's Pie is quite simply the most wonderful comfort food ever. I mean, beef, mashed potatoes, carrots, peas, onion, all in a "slap yo momma" gravy, topped with cheese melted to a perfect crisp... what else needs to be said? Admittedly, we probably overdid it on the appetizers, so it was no easy task to get through our entrees, but we did so through sheer will and to be perfectly honest, it just tastes so DAMNED GOOD that it would have been a crime to leave any behind.

Jean must have noticed our struggle as she came over and poured the last of our wine for us and reminded us that is was "perfectly OK to take some home". Wouldn't be the first time we walked out with half of our entree and enjoyed it the next day. Leftovers from Le Patio are like leftover pizza... perfection in a go box. Needless to say, we passed on Dessert this go around, though I was almost tempted to sneak one of the girls' Creme Brulee, but honestly I may not have made it out alive. So, we grabbed our wine and moved inside to the bar to stretch our legs, ease the digestion process, and chat with Vero (who is typically stuck in the kitchen) before we pay the tab and take the long ride home back to Miami-Dade County. The check comes and, as always, we are grateful that we never have to break the bank when we come to Le Patio. Even with a bottle of wine, the bill is under $70. As we check the time, we see almost two hours have passed, but at Le Patio, this is status quo. It's like you are transported somewhere else. Outside of the hustle and bustle of life. Not at home, but still kind of like home. Where time is meaningless and all that matters is that you eat well, drink better, and leave happy.

Name: Vanessa Pages 
Occupation: Realtor
Lives In: Miami
Restaurant Pick: American Social
Reviewed: Le Patio Restaurant and Wine Bar

The parking is limited but, luckily I found a spot in front of the restaurant. As you enter the restaurant you will see the bar. There are two tables indoors and an outdoor patio area; I sat indoors. The place is small, but comfy. I was seated in a corner table so, that was nice. As soon as we sat we ordered drinks and appetizer. The appetizer was so delicious. Our entrees came fairly quick. The restaurant is for adults only. But it’s a fun place to have an intimate lunch. There was music playing in the background but low enough to have a conversation. The restaurant was clean. The food is very delicious and perfectly cooked. The service was excellent the whole time. The bill was a little high for lunch. The bill included one appetizer, two entrées, one dessert, one glass of wine, one beer and a can of coke $110 including tip. The owner is very nice and funny.

Name: Laura Golden 
Occupation: Major Gifts Officer
Lives In: West Palm Beach
Restaurant Pick: Malakor Thai
Reviewed: Le Patio Restaurant and Wine Bar

We got to the restaurant and weren’t sure where to park because there is limited parallel parking out front. When we entered, we were immediately seated outside on the patio which had about 8 tables. We did have a reservation which is encouraged on the weekends and for parties of more than two people. The ambiance is romantic, dark and makes you feel like you are in the countryside in a small home. It is so dark that they provide you with a flashlight to read your menu, which actually makes it feel mysterious and adventurous. We ordered a bottle of wine from the wine list which was reasonably priced but not a great flavor. The soups were delicious. I had the Creamy Minced Mushroom Soup and my husband enjoyed the French Onion Soup. Both had great flavor, temperature and were very reasonably priced at $5. Then I had the Goat Cheese Salad which was tasty but not very satisfying for dinner. I would have rather ordered the ravioli, which my husband had. The Lobster Ravioli comes with a combination of spinach and lobster ravioli with scallops and a rich, creamy, cheesy white sauce. The raviolis were large and hearty. For dessert, we shared the Creme Brulee which the chef torched in front of us at the table. The Creme Brulee was good, but not the best I’ve had. The price was reasonably and the portion sizes left us very full. Overall, I’d recommend only coming with someone who is willing to try something outside of their comfort zone and I recommend sticking to their specialties which include the French Onion Soup and the Lobster Ravioli

Restaurant Information

Location: 2401 NE 11th Avenue, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 
Parking: Street Parking
Phone: 954-530-4641
Website: lepatiowiltonmanors.com
Restaurant Owners: Jean Dottery and Veronique Leroux
Executive Chef: Jean Dottery and Veronique Leroux 
Pastry Chef: Jean Dottery and Veronique Leroux

Type of Cuisine: European Comfort Food
Signature Dishes: Lasagna, Shepherd’s Pie, Scallops and Lobster Ravioli
Vegetarian Options: Yes 
Alcohol Served: Wine and Beer
Corkage Fee: $15
Bottle Limit: N/A

Restaurant Hours: 
Monday – Closed 
Tuesday – 11:30 AM – 2 PM – 5:30 PM – close 
Wednesday – 11:30 AM – 2 PM – 5:30 PM – close 
Thursday – 11:30 AM – 2 PM – 5:30 PM – close 
Friday – 11:30 AM – 2 PM – 5:30 PM – close 
Saturday – 11:30 AM – 2 PM – 5:30 PM – close 
Sunday – 5:30 PM – close

Meals Served: Lunch and Dinner
Prix Fix Menu: On special occasions
Take-Out: Yes
Delivery: No
Average Dinner Price Range (per person, full meal, tax, 20% gratuity, w/o alcohol): $30
Average Lunch Price Range (per person, full meal, tax, 20% gratuity, w/o alcohol): $20
Payment Options: do you accept credit cards and if so, which ones? All except American Express
Accept Reservations: Yes
Need Reservations: Recommended
How far in advance do you require reservations be made: one day

Accommodations for Children: No
Dining Style: Casual
Disabled Access: Yes
Restaurant Size: 30 Seats
Accommodate Groups: Yes, no more than 12 per table
Private Dining Room: No
Tables with Scenic Views: Romantic Patio
Outdoor Dining: Yes
Entertainment: Soft Background Music