There’s a new French bistro in Westfield showcasing fresh ingredients and authentic cuisine prepared in-house. Le Bistrot prepares a mix of familiar dishes alongside specials and desserts the owner grew up enjoying in France. In fact, the owner’s unique path to becoming a restaurant owner in New Jersey is nearly just as interesting as the food.
The 920-square-foot Le Bistrot can seat 40 guests indoors and 12 outdoors on the sidewalk seasonally. “It’s warm, cozy, and authentically French, inspired by the atmosphere of a traditional Parisian bistro. We want guests to feel comfortable and welcomed, as if they’ve stepped into a little piece of France.” says owner Redha, better known as “Red”.
Listen to The Best of New Jersey Podcast!
A True Taste of France
Popular menu items at Le Bistrot include escargots (snails baked in garlic and fresh parsley butter); French onion soup (slow-cooked onions in a savory broth topped with melted cheese and served with toasted bread); steak frites (grilled flank steak served with fries and green salad); and beef tartare (freshly seasoned hand-cut raw beef served with fries and green salad). In particular, Red recommends the pork tenderloin, served with Dijon mustard sauce and mashed potatoes.
“Our focus is simple, generous, and comforting French food,” Red explains. That also includes dessert, with homemade French classics such as crème brûlée. Their authentic profiteroles – pastries filled with vanilla ice cream and drizzled with warm chocolate sauce – are a must-try.
From Protecting & Serving to Cooking & Serving
Prior to opening Le Bistrot, Red was a police officer in the counter-terrorism division in France. Following 9/11, his work gave him the opportunity to collaborate with the New York Police Department. “That experience profoundly impacted me, making me realize how precious life is,” he says. “Today, I want to bring that same perspective to Le Bistrot—full of joy and with the desire to make every customer feel happy and welcome.”
But Red is no stranger to the restaurant world, as his parents owned bistros in France. “It was always my dream to open a bistro of my own in the US.” After Red and his family moved from Paris to Westfield in 2023, he and his wife, Dominique, began bringing that dream to life together. “Since we live in Westfield, opening Le Bistrot here is especially meaningful to us.”
Visit Le Bistrot at 103 Quimby St in Westfield. Look for them online to learn more.
See the Latest Restaurants Open in New Jersey.
Le Bistrot FAQs
All Photos: © Le Bistrot