Reviews of R Bistro & Pastry (Restaurant)

Christy Gamble

The barbecue shrimp are so yummy.

Brad Johnson

They've really gone to great lengths to prevent having obese people eat here so if you're terrified of large folks this place has a safe spot for you. It all starts with the outdoor seating options: heavy patrons will find the barbie doll sized tables and chairs to be too dainty to even think about trying to park their derriere on and if they did dare such a thing the chairs are equipped with a device designed to make the chair collapse leaving the overbese person on the ground. Then comes the entrance, if a hungry large person decides to venture inside they'll find it impossible to navigate thanks to strategically placed tables and chairs that make it too tight a fit to squeeze thru. In the unlikely event that one does slide thru with the help of a loved one they'll find no haven there either. The dining area is arranged so that even the skinnies are elbow to elbow and it is required that if a person's buns need more than one chair they must pay for each additional chair. Then there's the portions. The buffet lovers will be left hangry after cleaning their plates and will be forced to exit thru the back in shame after the gravy stains on their shirt cause them embarrassment.

Mike Francis

Consistent and delicious! We need more little restaurants like this.

Lynne Cary

Everything was delicious. Top quality all the way.

Stanley Canepa

Found this place just walking around - Food and service was good- small place but didn't feel cramped

Drew Knight

Everything about it is fantastic.

William Anderson

Food is excellent & desserts are amazing!

Stephanie Mansmann

My husband and I went to R Bistro for the first time for a lunch date, we tried the spinach salad with salmon, the soup of the day, quiche, and bama mud pie. Everything tasted great and our server was very attentive and friendly. I would rate 5 stars but it was pricey- over $50 for lunch for two, food only.

Cathy King

Atmosphere is nice, great food and wonderful place.Thank you

Megan Kinsey

The food is ok but the management stinks! When they fire you for getting your shift covered so you can spend time with your kids for once instead of working your life away making them money. Misty pretended to be nice to me so that I would continue working 12-14 hr shifts not knowing when she'd decide to fire everybody in the place because she was angry. Speaking purely from a former employees stand point, if I knew that the staff was treated as such, I would not give them my money. That's not even mentioning that I was threatened with an attorney for telling the truth.

Richard Kiefl

The best restaurant in Fairhope, make sure you save room for desert

Zen Viking

Wasn't impressed.

Amy Cope

Just passing through FairHope on a whim and read the great reviews on TripAdvisor. We decided to give it a shot while shopping and I’m glad that we did! Everything was phenomenal. We had the Maison salad and Gumbo with a glass of wine. The true star of the meal was the house made kalamata bread and whipped butter. So good that we had to buy some to take home!

Jenna B

This place is so lovely. The owners are so sweet and the food is definitely worth the price. Unique and delicious.

wander woman

Love the crawfish gravy with rice. The Maison salad with grilled shimp was excellent! Great experience, will return.

Jeff Hosterman

Just an excellent experience and menu. A must for lovers of great food when in Fairhope

Matthew Miranda

Fresh, moist grouper, paired with thin sliced sauteed potatoes....Commander's GOOD! Excellent service!!! Great drinks also...will be back!

Doug Schultz

Very cool place to eat. Great crawfish mac &cheese

Eve Greiner

The R Bistro has been in Fairhope for a number of years and they have a cross section of cuisine. I usually go for the Cajun dishes. Today I ordered the loaded gumbo which has more seafood than the regular gumbo. It was scrumptious and very fresh. I also ordered the crawfish stew, which is kind of heavy & cream based. It too was tasty. This cafe has the ambience and expertise to make it a "must" while you are in Fairhope.

Juli Bohm

Upscale food with genuine southern hospitality. We came for dessert the night before we came back for a meal. Pastries are the best we have had near or far, and no wonder as the pastry chef graduated from the French Pastry school in Chicago. Pure delight! Coming back for lunch the very next day, Joe the proprietor, welcomed us with tastes of his heavenly crawfish gravy and gumbo. Joe has an unparalleled ability to blend foods & flavors that satiate even the most discerning pallets. I can only speak for the foods I tried, including bbq shrimp, the shrimp & slaw with fries, crawfish gravy, gumbo, and just about any dessert. The only thing missing, was a nice port to go with dessert. Highly recommend this place - you won't regret it. We will be back!!

Gloria Gasser

This is a true gem in the Heart of Fairhope. Elegant yet casual. MISTY & Joe bring true Elegance & Culinary Class to this small town. The food is Always prepared to order with Love. I have had dietary issues and Misty & team always prepare with Love & care. Hat's off to the Best restaurant in Fairhope and beyond!!!!

David Harms

Had a wonderful meal here this evening. The service was prompt (thank you Ms. Audra) and the food was excellent. We will be back soon!

Vicki Maddox

Good food excellent pastries. Pricey

John Wilson

Very well done! Freshly prepared to order. Quaint and cozy.

teen siener

The mardi gras decor is fabulous!! Food fabulous!!

Chris Gaddes

Phenomenal food and service! I got the beef tenderloin stroganoff and it was absolutely delicious. My favorite restaurant in Fairhope.

Paul Yingst

Our favorite date night restaurant in Fairhope. The pastries and desserts are very good.

Allison Fisher

Stuffy and disappointing. Food was delicious, but they knew we were there for a birthday and did not seem to care. The owners introduced themselves to every table surrounding us. As newcomers to the area, we were impressed with the food but unfortunately do not plan to return. They obviously have a crowd to whom they cater.

dennis hopkins

Each time I’ve eaten here I’ve been treated like family with the owners circulating through the dining room greeting diners. The food is consistently exceptional and the deserts, prepared daily by a trained pastry chef are top notch. The ambiance compliments the delicious food. Reservations are a good idea. Highly recommend!

Diane larpenteur

First time in the lovely area of Fairhope, had lunch at R Bistro & Pastry's. Ordered the French Onion soup as my appetizer and have to compliment the chef, that was the best ever! Entree was fish and that might have been excellent except the server tried to serve all within a few minutes of bringing soup. Pastry dessert was delicious. Atmosphere elegant or casual I can imagine it at night. All was fantastic and I would love to go again. Server was new and just has to learn timing. Owner apologized for service. He has a gold mine.

Michael Besnard

My wife and I dropped in without a reservation but they welcomed us and treated us very well. The gumbo is fantastic! The staff is awesome! Keep doing what you are doing Joe and you will always be packed. Thank you for a very memorable experience.

Jessie Quarterman

If you love fine dining. This is your place! You can make a reservation online for a table or special event. Lovely Nice and Cozy, Comfortable, Excellent Service to top the Best Tasting Foods in Fairhope!

MarieN

Ambiance was pretty and they definitely know how to display their pastries. We were 5 people and ordered 5 desserts. They all looked very good but only 1 was worth the calories; the chocolate caramel tart. The cakes were okay, but the chocolate cake had MARSHMALLOW cream

Akash Jeedigunta

Me and My wife were on a roadtrip and had a pit stop and ordered a linguine and it's amazingly done..

Mike Dodd Mini Storage

One of the best filets I have ever had!

aautotowing and roadside

man me and the owner fought harder than i have ever to do a spare tire change on I65 N a little while ago he is a great guy.

Christie Ray Harrison

Go for the shrimp and grits with crawfish gravy... and stay for dessert! We had dinner here and loved it— got the crawfish beignets (unique and pretty good), crab cakes and shrimp and grits. Shrimp and grits was the real star, and expensive at $22 but quality so it’s worth it. And the “peanut butter bomb” dessert from the sweets/pastry counter up front was amazing. Great place for a nicer dinner or celebrating something, cozy but fun vibe, good service.

Von Birch

Friendly nice relaxing atmosphere

Rachael Adams

The appearance on the outside is very misleading!! It looks like a quant little bakery shop, which is not bad at all, but the restaurant is hidden past the baked goods and the register. The staff (including the chefs), are the …

Jordan Davis

Went here for my birthday dinner and will be thinking about the food for weeks. Absolutely incredible ❤️

Angela Taylor

Such a pleasant surprise we found today! We had the steamed oyster appetizer that included some spinach, the Mac and Cheese was LOADED up with crawfish and the grouper Ruben wrap was fabulous! Side note: we took back to the Grand Marriott Resort several fresh, daily made pastries made by the Owner’s daughter who studied in Chicago as a pastry chef and makes all of them daily!!! Highly recommend this treasure!

Eileen Stoufflet

Hors d'oeuvres were excellent. Entrees were a little disappointing for the price. Service was fine. Last time we ate here everything was amazing so tonight may have just been a fluke?

Vanessa

Great place to eat in Fairhope, but if you blink, you'll miss it. Try the shrimp and grits and the crawfish gravy!

Bealle Dawson

Great, but pricey

Vickie Newell

Excellent in every area ....food was fantastic ...I had the chicken salad crescent and my friend had a specialty salad ....beautiful presentation and taste couldn't have been better!! Will definately do again!

Cathy Thompson

I recommend lunch and definitely dessert.

Daniel Okonski

Great food and service, highly recommend the shrimp and grits.

Stephanie Schutt

Flavorful food, excellent service. Our new favorite restaurant hands down.

Courtney Dorminy

Best. Dinner. Ever. The food was absolutely delicious. The waitress was so kind and attentative while giving us privacy. The atmosphere was wonderful. I cannot tell you how delicious the food really was! One of the best meals I have ever had. Will definitely tell friends and come again!

Daniel Thompson

Fabulous flavors. Save room for dessert!

Teresa Weaver

The food was good, but compared to other places in the area, I felt it was overpriced. I don’t mind paying for good food, but $15 for one drink was a bit much.

Zach White

The shrimp and grits really are phenomenal. The owner was also kind and apologized for an extended wait time on food.

Anthony Guthrie

Great steak and seafood I have never had a bad meal here. 5 star all the way.

Jon Boyles

Great food. Wonderful atmosphere and one of the nicest restaurants here in fairhope.

Kathy Estadt

We gathered friends and took our moms to R Bistro for Mother's Day. The brunch menu had a little of everything and everyone enjoyed their food. The guys ordered the creme brulee French toast and said it was the best they'd ever had. Two of us had the Bistro Benedict with perfect poached eggs, and asiago crusted tomatoes. Perfect. The chicken and waffles dish was also well received by one of the 90+ y/o moms. Service is great here and the owners usually take a moment to come out of the kitchen and greet their guests. It's a tiny place and this gesture is like you're a guest in their home. This is one of our favourite places in Fairhope.

Bruce Allen

Loved the food and great service

Kerry Lambert

Food, atmosphere, and staff are delightful. Will be returning very soon!

Caryn Janecky

Great food and atmosphere!

Jim Wright

Food was Delicious! Megan is a Great Waitress. Plan on going back soon.

Trey Davis

Good food

Austen McGee

I work Downtown myself, and any time someone asks for a restaurant recommendation, I automatically say R. Bistro. R. Bistro, I can't afford you on my measly I'm-26-And-Just-Started-Paying-For-My-Own-Health-Insurance Budget, but it doesn't even matter. I'm counting the pennies underneath my couch cushions for you. Stay gold, Ponyboy.

Kevin Sauer

Fantastic little bistro in downtown Fairhope. The food was delicious and moderately priced. Our server was very helpful and attentive. I had the chicken pot pie, which was a daily special, and it was great!

RW Journey

Special was delicious.

Nancy Grassley

Best place to dine in Fairhope.

Mary B McIsaac

Great food and atmosphere, waitress Beverly very good at her job and knowledge of menu. Had Moscoto Wine with Crab Cakes and Strawberry Grouper with shrimp & Artichoke risotto . So good. .....topped off with Carmel Cake. Recommend it to all. P.S. ask price of wine..was shocked at $12.00 a glass.

Cathy Estes

The food is the best ever! R Bistro is a dining experience to repeat as often as possible! It also provides a warm friendly environment with Joe and Misty, the owners, usually present!

marit-karen glaser

Great service, great atmosphere, and the food was amazing!

Tyler Sabrio

The crawfish mac n' cheese app and Korean bbq flank steak entree amazing!

Kat F

Mini Salmon Burgers were wonderful but didn't care for the coleslaw. Ambiance was great.

Mark Thomas McQueen

Wonderful food. Incredible family owned staff. Enjoy getting to know Robby at the bar.

Flo

We had dessert and it blew us away...so so good...great coffee too.

william griffin

Best service and the deserts are to die for. Highly recommend these guys.

Melanie Olson

OMG!!! The Shrimp and Cheesy Grits were amazing. The size and quantity of the shrimp were like nothing I have ever seen in a restaurant before. And it is then topped with their "famous" crawfish gravy. I thought I had died and gone to Heaven. Their desserts are magnificent.

Marta Stauts

My husband made reservations for lunch for us to celebrate Valentine’s Day and I was very excited because I love their food. We arrived on time and set at our table ignored for at least 15 minutes. I had to asked one waitress to find us a waiter to take care of us. He finally came and took very good care of us but customer service was not there at the beginning. I was very disappointed and upset because service is always excellent. It will be awhile before we go back.

Sean O'Neill

Service was great. The BLT is well ... ridiculously good. Pay the extra $3 for the pimento cheese y'all ... it just makes it that much better.

Kenneth Adler

Excellent gumbo and salads. Great service. Reasonable prices.

Brian Piechocki

Terrible service. Food didn't taste bad, but took so long to come out and was served cold. Wait staff was snotty about it and acted as if we were an inconvenience for even asking about the delay. Really disappointing. Steer clear of this place.

Joshua Freytag

Slow service, my sliders were excessively salty, and my mother's quiche's bottom crust was not fully done

Bud Pommer

Great food , service, atmosphere! My favorite Fairhope restaurant!!!!

E J Fielding

Very accommodating, great atmosphere, friendly staff.

bellaire riley

Takes carb cakes to another level!! Wife had Beef Benedict unbelievable Deserts Chocolate Cake and Carmel Cake as good as Its gets, Going back tomorrow

Andy Park

This place was recommended to us, and now we're recommending it to anyone that wants a good experience, a great drink, and delicious eats!

robert darnell

Great food, killer desserts.

tina eaves

I recently moved to Plash Island,Alabama and decided to explore the area with my husband . Someone referred us to Fairhope, Alabama. It is a quaint town with an amazing bistro! My husband is from Europe and said their quiche was spot on...and I agree! We also had thier famous Crawfish gravy...it is heaven in a bite! The service was excellent and atmoshere was casual elegance. We would highly recommend having a meal there any time and will definitely go there again!

Randy Kelly

Had the spinach salad with grilled chicken, it was delicious! Really nice place.

Chris Conroy

From the warm welcome to magnificent desserts, our dinner was more than delicious. Scott was a very attentive server bringing samples of their famous crawfish gravy and their gumbo. Owner Joe could not have been more social and welcoming. The beef tenderloin stroganoff with rice was a delicious change and my husband loved his Steak Fritz (au pouive) The lemon meringue pie and Carmel layer cake were so good you'll want to take an extra home. Make a reservation whether you think you need to or not. We were early and lucky!

Joe Kipilla

Strolled in for dessert after not getting my fill down the street , for pastry and a cappuccino , fast friendly service , Lisa was fantastic, met the owner Joe , who was very friendly and offered samples of signature dishes , shrimp and grits, with crawfish gravy which was absolutely amazing and a lobster stuffed wanton oh my!!! Highly recommended, Joe from Jersey (and we're not easy to please)

Bcast

Amazing food!!! I don't think I have enough exclamation marks to describe the experience. Service is equally good. If you are in the area and need to try an excellent shrimp and grits... This is the place. The environment is very homie, great place for a good romantic date. If you need space for a big group call ahead since the place is small and homie, like I said, BUT they will arrange it for ya. (CALL AHEAD) you won't regret it.

Captain Ronnie Black

Good service and great food! Would recommend to everyone.

Kristopher Gaylord

The pastries are phenomenal, service is good and they have some creative options.

Hank the tank Pratt

Stopped in for desert and wine. Sat at the bar and Jason took good care of us. Deserts are amazing!! While we were there about 5 more people came to enjoy deserts to-go.

Sally Duke Hyman

The bread is the finest textured bread ever. Delicious. The shrimp and Gouda grits were truly the best ever!!! Wonderful experience.

Beth McT

So AWESOME! FRIENDLY. BLUEBERRY MUFFINS are the best I have ever eaten. I bake but NOT like R BISTRO.....INCREDIBLE SWEETS. I know they are known for their lovely lunches and dinners but also pop in just for dessert or a sweet treat to take home.

Virginia Barnes

Awesome restaurant, food and proprietors.

Beverly & Alex Araman

his so called best steak in the south was tough , my filet knife would be needed--- other dishes just OK this place is overrated

Chris Durden

Always excellent! Shrimp and grits with crawfish gravy

Pam Williams

Great friendly service. Food wad above average

Allanda Small

From the bread to the gumbo, salad and dessert....all of it was delicious! And all of this was made even better by the top notch service!

Brian Janis

Come in sit relax and enjoy. So nice to find a place like this. Selling gumbo to a South Louisianan when you're in Alabama, not easy to do, but Joe can do it. Food is awesome. Don't pass this one up!

Busaba K.

Delicious French patisseries. Friendly staff. Good coffee.

Brett Foreman

Amazing food and service. Definitely worth the extra drive.

Rawle Cameron

Amazing presentation and flavor

Mary Pariseau Slaton

Cozy and the ultimate in comfort food. Love this place.

mike&leahanne brimhall

Love this quaint Bistro! I highly recommend the Bama Mud Pie! It's sinfully decadent ❤

Thomas Walker

The food is delicious and so exquisitely prepared. Do not miss the experience of dining at this wonderful restaurant. The pastries are beyond description.

Jamal Allen

The perfect little quaint place for lunch or dinner. You can't go wrong been going to place since it first opened and it's gotten even better.

Katrina Brown

Beef Stroganoff was delicious.

Daniel Campbell

This is absolutely one of the best restaurants n Fairhope - a city with a lot of exceptional dining options. They are not fast but that is because they prepare your food for you not to sit and wait for someone to order. The crawfish gravy is one of the best things I have ever eaten. The gumbo is definitely one of the best you can for no anywhere and I have been to most all the noted restaurant in New Orleans to compare. Best to get a reservation or go at an odd time.

Carissa Nichole Smith

waited 15 minutes, 2 waitresses walked by me like I never existed....did not appreciate my intelligence insulted in this manner....

karen page

This was our first time to R Bistro but will definitely not our last. Service (Zach was our waiter) was prompt and efficient and food was top notch. I had the shrimp and grits and they were some of the best I've had....and I've tried them at many places in the area in the 9 months we've been here. They had a bit more spicy flavor than some but not over the top. My husband had the seared tuna salad and enjoyed it immensely. We also split a triple chocolate caramel tart which was simply decadent, but surprisingly not super heavy. We will be returning there soon.

Jeff

Lovely small bistro with an excellent menu and wonderful service. I can’t say enough good things about this place. We stumbled upon this place by accident when on vacation. When walking by after dinner at another place, we spotted the desert case and resolved to eat there the next night.

John Shafer

Wow, this meal blew me away. Everything, from the bread to the dessert, was incredible. They take it seriously here, all while being friendly. It's small, so they can concentrate on each meal. This is now one of my favorite restaurants ever.

William Sams

Excellent cuisine with an elegant presentation. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable and efficient.

Dawn Parnell

Definitely save room for dessert.

Anthony Welborn

One of the best meals I have ever had!

kirstin whitten

Great food

susan buice

Beautiful little restaurant! Great food with exceptional service! Definitely will be back! Thank you!