Nice atmosphere. French onion soup delicious. Steak tasty. Solid 4 stars. Would return

Chez Max is located in an unassuming building on Patterson avenue. Plenty of parking. Inside you'll find linen table cloths, friendly servers, Edith Piaf's music playing softly and... really good French food! The menu has evolved in recent years, but my favorites continue to be the lamb chops, the duck, and the Dover Sole. It's a great place for a lovely meal and quiet conversation. Many local restaurants have closed on Sundays due to staff shortages - Chez Max is now open Sunday nights. A great way to conclude the weekend! read more

Excellent food, and a very nice quiet atmosphere. The steak and crab with the Demi glacé sauce is top notch. If you are looking for a nice place with good food and a nice romantic atmosphere put Chez max on your list! read more

Wonderful meal, wonderful atmosphere, superb service. Chez Max is one of Richmond's most regarded restaurants for a reason.

We had a wonderful meal there last night !!! The service was also excellent. I had made special requests in advance for my GF daughter. They were accommodated perfectly. This restaurant is a hidden gem in the Short Pump area. The filet was better than most of the big name restaurants.....and the escargots were great. They also made flourless chocolate cake for her birthday . Be sure to make reservations....they have a very loyal clientele ! read more

Had dinner there the other night . Not worth money at all. French onion soup tastes like the frozen one from costco . This place used to be good read more

Does not disappoint, a classic. The Sole was very well prepared as are the other entrees. Very enjoyable experience. What I would expect given its reputation in Richmond. read more

Chez Max is one of our favorite go-to date night locations. We tend to eat at the bar. Here is where it gets fun. They are updating the bar menu. I hear there will be Wagu burgers and charcuterie boards. They just introduced the pomme frites. They have a smoked salt flavor topped with shaved cheese. Served with a saffron horseradish aioli. So. Good. My husband got the filet mignon which was flavorful and perfectly cooked. I got the lobster bisque, which is the best in Richmond, and the avocado brie salad. Chef Skip Frazzano and his staff know how to deliver a quality meal. read more

Chez Max Restaurant - French Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Our first time last night with dear friends on his birthday and it was incredible! Awesome food and service! Distinguished crowd so dress appropriately WE WILL DEFINITELY COME BACK! read more

We went to Chez Max for Christmas Eve dinner. We were extremely disappointed in the food. The menu looks wonderful but it doesn't match the quality of the food. 2 of us are native to Belgium and France, and have a good knowledge of French food thus at first our excitement of the menu. For cocktails we had a Kir Royal which was served with a lemon skin in it....it made it taste very bitter. Barely any creme de cassis in it. The appetizers were ok, smoked salmon which was delicious but had a strange white sauce on the corner...still don't know what it tasted it like. I had the Rockfish which was burned under it, the mashed potatoes didn't taste homemade but rather a mix...had no taste whatsoever. My husband had the lobster which costed $50....it was very small. I could bought several lobster tails which were bigger at the grocery store. Our friends had the coquille st Jacques which tasted overwhelming cheesy, watery. Also the duck was thinly sliced, no flavor to it, which was too thin and is not served that way. The only thing that was good, were the wines and the dessert. Let's not even talk about the Irish Coffee....disaster, we didn't even finish them. When we talked to the manager/owner just to let him know what we thought, let's not forget 2 of our friends are chefs as well, he became extremely defensive and walked away from us. We only wanted to let him know so he could maybe be more successful in the future as I believe he is the new owner of it. It is sad to know that most people think it is great food when this type of food we were served yesterday would never be served in Europe or if served would go straight to the trash. The reason I gave it 2 stars is due to our waiter who was fantastic. The ease of making a reservation was great as well, prompt at answering back right away. I hope their food will improve and show people what real French food is supposed to taste like. read more

If you like French food then this it. Our go to place for special events. It's pricey but so good. The escargot is better than any I tried in France. Try the butter seared fillet of sole at least once. This place won't disappoint you. read more

Recently enjoyed a business dinner here. Chez Max delivered across the board. Prompt seating, solid balance of service and privacy. Food was top notch and portions were appropriate. Management worked with us allowing discreet parking and access to the rear of the restaurant. They also extended professional courtesy by ignoring George Yarid and his crazy talk about flying drones from the woods behind the restaurant. read more

We enjoyed a gorgeous dinner last night as part of a double date, and everything we had was exquisitely prepared. The appetizers and dessert were the highlights of the meal: tuna tartare and hot foie gras for the former; tarte vieille and molten chocolate cake for the latter. If you've got a special occasion to celebrate and want charming ambiance, this is a great option. read more

My friend and I decided to try Chez Max out as one of our restaurant tour stops. This place is tucked back in the corner of a shopping center that makes it seem out of place. Almost like the building was an after thought. While there have been other restaurants in this specific location, this was the first time I have been inside the building. It was well decorated with a very cozy and comfy atmosphere. The hostess was very welcoming as soon as we walked in, even though it became immediately apparent we were probably underdressed. We still received excellent service even though we were in jeans and polos. Bottom line is this is a nice restaurant. Right on par with Buckheads or Ruth's Chris. The food was great. It really stood out for me. I had a bowl of the lobster bisque and one of their special entrees for the evening. I didn't know I was a fan of french food until after this visit as everything tasted great. It is pricey but once you walk in you will understand why. It's perfect for date night. I will definitely be back... with a date next time. read more

One of the best (if not the best) French restaurants in Virginia/D.C. We went to a top French restaurant in Great Falls (near D.C.) last weekend and Chez Max was far superior. Chez Max is not a flashy restaurant but the quality and consistency offered by the Chef's dishes keeps me coming back for more. I am also impressed by the professional attitude of the staff. * Make sure you make reservations, and not the day you intend to go. * Try and look nice for dinner. * You should find a babysitter. * Don't be in a hurry, but don't worry they are not slow. (Dined at Chez Max over 10 times) read more

Slow moving, and good. Best for special occasions Make reservations. read more

First of I saw a couple of negative reviews: those are delusional...:-) Had an exceptional dinner this evening at Chez Max. I travel a lot for business and really appreciated this rare French jewel in northern Virginia. Had a perfect steak with an amazing au gratin potato ring & French green beans & wonderful Bordeaux I highly recommend: perfect... read more

Chez Max is a true gem in our neck of the woods. We were greeted by the friendliest hostess and manager of the restaurant. He recognized our name from the reservation and made mention of our special occasion which was a cool surprise that he knew and chatted about it. We were seated by another friendly person who filled our waters and explained the special. Our server then brought over complimentary champagne due to it being my husband's birthday! Super wow, what a nice thing to do! The restaurant had a good amount of guests and for good reason. It's cozy, warm, beautiful, inviting, the service is impeccable, and the food is great. We had escargot (tender, garlicy, served with puff pastry), Ceasar salad (with anchovie shavings, optional), Dover sole, and rockfish. We were too full for dessert but I would have loved to try their crème brule. The house-made Cesar dressing and probably homemade croutons were delicious and the serving ample. The sauce on the sole was amazing, seriously so good I poured some on my entrée because I wanted to drink it. The tableside treatment of the sole was nice and well explained since we'd never had it (there was roe and the way it was all cut on the plate was impressive) The fish was rich and buttery, so good. My rockfish was well cooked, flavorful, and the bearnaise was great. I'd definitely get either of these again but probably the sole because it was so good and I had food envy. They have a wonderful wine menu that I wish I'd gotten in on but am fasting from wine right now. Give this place a try, you won't regret it. read more

We came early (5:30 pm) and didn't need a reservation, but it was packed when we left around 7:30 pm. The atmosphere and service were both great, until it got too loud, due to the large amount of people there. The food was pretty good for a French restaurant in the US - we'd just been to Paris a few months ago, so there's really no comparison. Enjoyed the lobster bisque, escargot, and salad. They let us split the lamb chops for an extra fee; maybe we're just not lamb chop fans, we weren't blown away. First time trying chocolate souffle, enjoyed it! Excellent place for a special dinner, if you don't mind the price. read more

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I've eaten at Chez Max four times and have had great French food each time. I even dared to try a plate of sweatbreads (veal pancreas) and they were clasically prepared and quite tasty... although one can only eat so much pancreas... The Venison, when in season, is excellent. Everyone I have dined with here has wanted to share their food with the rest of the table, which is a great sign. The setting is very Richmond. It looks like an old house converted into a restaurant. The service is comci comca... nothing to get excited about, but a small and respectable wine list awaits with fair pricing. read more

Too expensive to try. The food was alright but just not worth the price tag. The selection was good, not too much and not too little. The portions are also a bit too little for what it's worth, bread is also a bit dry. The black Angus strip steak was a little dry and the lamb chops were kind of too chewy. The service was of appropriate quality, prompt when necessary and friendly. Again, the price makes it not worth it. I would put two and a half stars but I don't know how to on my phone. read more

An excellent French restaurant in the 'burbs with food that is spot-on. I think it is surely as good as Auberge Chez Francois in Great Falls. The garlic mussels and dover sole were superb. Annie, the blonde French hostess, also owns the restaurant, and she could not be more lovely. Kristen commented that she and her boyfriend were appropriately dressed but stuck in a corner because of their skin color. I don't think she should feel offended. My husband and I have been in corners as well, and I have not taken it personally. I think the hostess does that for couples because corners offer more privacy. Romance! Amour! The man in the middle of the room was clearly entertaining clients and he was loud. I was happy to be off to the side. Definitely worth a visit, everyone! read more

Nothing special about this restaurant. The food is meh. The salmon was dry and the potatoes tasted plain. For the price, it's not worth going here. Way overpriced. read more

If a romantic and cozy atmosphere is what you're looking for, this is the spot. However food and wine failed to deliver. I had the escargot which was rather oily and lacking in taste; same goes for the French white wine that we ordered. The foie gras had more taste to it but nothing to get excited about. Creme brulee had a melt in your mouth creamy texture but quite unremarkable. Might give it another chance though, just for it's lovely ambiance. read more

Mediocre food. Hate to say it because I love to support local businesses. Kir Royale was lovely. Artichoke heart appetizer right out of a can. Steak clearly not a high quality cut of beef...no amount of buttered, creamy mashed potatoes can make up for that. Hubby had fish that was completely bland. Don't think I'll go back. Too expensive for average to below average food. read more

Good: Friendly owner/maître dee, quaint atmosphere, and decent appetizers. Bad: Horribly bland entrees (lamb chops, steak, and crab tartar), below average service, and overpriced for the quality of food/service. I had to move our bread and appetizer plates to the neighboring table to get them out of the way (they weren't cleared between courses). At $200 (appetizers and entrees), I was extremely disappointed. One interesting point: average age of 60 among a full restaurant of patrons (at 45, we were by far the youngest customers). Surprising considering we arrived at 9pm. read more

Had birthday dinner at Chez Max. What a great night. Everything was expertly prepared, and chef and owner came out to chat with us, a super fun night. Recommend the filet with Frites! Great atmosphere, excellent wine selection. read more

I really don't understand what the hype is about this place. It is close to our house and we have heard good things, so we decided to give it a try. We went on a Friday night and the place was pretty busy. We had a reservation and were placed into a random self-secluded room, which included us and two other couples, both who were EXTREMELY inebriated. The couples, who did not even know one another, yelled across the room to one another and spoke about hating millenials, while we were sitting right next to them...and we are "millenials." It was very uncomfortable and loud. Now onto the food - the house bread tasted as if it was purchased from Kroger, sliced, and placed into a basket. The house salad was basically a bunch of lettuce with a small squirt of pesto on the side. I ordered the crab cakes and my partner had the special saffron halibut. The crab cakes were just meh. I've had much better at other restaurants in Richmond for muuuuch cheaper. The halibut on the other hand was completely inedible - it tasted like it had been previously frozen and was extremely overcooked. Also, the plates that our meals were served on were heated to extremely hot temperatures. The desserts were okay - the tarte was nice but the chocolate souffle was awful and tasted like it was over baked and made with hot chocolate mix. The only positive was the wine selection. The waiter was nice and when we expressed concerns about the fish, they gave us our desserts for free. However, we would have preferred to receive the $40 fish for free as opposed to the $20 desserts. After spending over $120 dollars for two, we will not be returning. Bummer. read more

There are not many places you can order Duck and feel like Precious Pup with wrapping your arms around your stomach as you go Huuummmmm as you float in the air. read more

Chez Max Restaurant - My Wife's just Dessert: Creme Brûlée and Creme Caramel. She has this every time we visit Chez Max. - French Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Awesome. I had the escargot, the duck and sorbet for desert. The service was outstanding. Ade the food was the best.

Better than before. New management is Pettit chef expire new menu items. This is the best French restaurant in the area. Food is great. Wine list is acceptable (but lacks depth). Service has a touch of Southern hospitality. Highly recommend. read more

This was my first french restaurant and all I can say was that the meal was amazing. I had the parmesan crusted rockfish that was really fresh and cooked to perfection. The molton chocolate lava cake was also great and homemade....not the frozen mess like that of chain restaurants. I plan on going back soon! read more

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CONSISTENT. Not a lot of change, and you know what you are going to get but it's really good so that's just fine. read more

This is absolutely the best for special occasions like a Sunday night with friends! Service is always great and the food is stellar! Love everything about it! read more

Authentic, classic but unpretentious, outstanding friendly service. Delicious cocktails! Best dinner in Richmond! Feels safely spaced and warm, cozy atmosphere. This is our go-to date-night restaurant and it never disappoints, wonderful evening every time, thank you!!! read more

My wife and I had been wanting to stop by for the longest time, we finally made it there after 8, they close at 9. Annie was very kind and found us a table, even though we did not have a reservation. We ordered the French onion soup and the tuna tartar appetizers. The wait staff provided first class service. The French onion soup was a classic with a hint of cabbage in the consommé, the fresh raw tuna was chopped and presented with delicate greens, shaved ginger, and the plate was admirably arranged. My wife ordered the calves liver entree, and thoroughly enjoyed it. I ordered the sweetbreads and I must compliment the chef for the whole plate, it was prepared to perfection, the accompanying fresh spring green beans, the spinach and the whipped potatoes provided an experience to the taste buds with every mouthful. Thank you, we will be back to try the other dishes. read more

Very disappointed. Small portions, high prices, horrible service. The bar was empty on a Saturday night. We understood why halfway through our meal we had to take an IRA out for. Never again. read more

The food here was amazing. I had the lobster and crab and my husband had the Dover Sole. Everything was fast and service was prompt.

We are not local to this restaurant and were in Richmond just for the weekend. We drove a bit out of our way to try this place for one of two nice dinners that weekend. Being unfamiliar with the area, we drove past it and had to turn around down the road as the highway is divided there. We stood aside politely and patiently in the tiny lobby as a large party exited the restaurant, found their coats in the closet, etc. Everyone was gracious and smiling and it was the most delightful encounter I had while there. After they cleared out, we finally got a chance to check in. The hostess indicated that since we were late (we were in the end after all this about ten minutes late for a 7:30 res) they had given our table away (fine) but she could have a table for us in ten minutes (good but confusing). So she did have a table ‐ what's the difference? Why say all that? Why not simply say "We'll have a table for you in a few minutes."? Why publicly announce this other than to stick it to us that we were late? Would the restaurant want all their patrons to be equally unforgiving of the restaurant? Probably not. Does the staff deserve to be shamed immediately upon first meeting? No. We ordered a couple of drinks in the bar, talking, laughing, no problem waiting, not a single complaint voiced from us to her. We were interrupted by the hostess to be given a two minute warning on the table. I've never experienced this type of notice before and see no practical use for it. Again, not sure of the purpose of this other than to practice a snobbish attitude and demonstrate her own importance. Perhaps next there would be a ruler or paddle produced... maybe a stop watch? oy, lighten up, lady. We were seated among at least 3 other empty tables. I can forgive the overdone shrimp and still say the food was excellent. Our waiter was excellent. However the restaurant is not perfect and I've enjoyed better. The hostess should stop acting like it is perfect, as if she's doing us a favor by allowing us to pay for food there. Honestly the music was annoying, the lot and lobby are too small, and the roses were just trying too hard. Again, the food was excellent. However, I won't be back. read more

Very underwhelmed. Waited for 10 minutes at the door for the hostess to acknowledge us (we were the only people there). Getting our water refilled was torturous! And the food was just blah. Nothing special. When I'm paying $17 for a small appetizer that has 3 bites to it, those 3 bites should blow my mind! These didn't even entice me to finish the other 2 bites. Ordered the special, which was swordfish that was completely flavorless other than the grill is was cooked on. Splurged and got the chocolate soufflé, which was flat, runny & cold in the middle. Also, had the Lava cake which had no lava cause it was overcooked. Food wasnt disgusting is the only reason I'm giving it 2 stars. read more