We have been dining at this magnificent restaurant for many years, and this is one of the rare restaurants which maintains the highest quality of the cuisine and the service. The ambiance is very cosy, people are very welcoming, and the cuisine is simply the best French cuisine in the region (we tried all the French restaurants in the area)! I cannot wait to be back! I highly recommend it! read more

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I would like to say that when they were on Madeira Beach they were amazing. We would dine with them every 6 months are so because they were a bit of drive for us. The environment was so cozy and magical. It was a wonderful feel and the food transported you to France. My spouse loved sitting in France outside and dining and the establishment reminded him of that. He lived there for several years. Then they moved to Indian Rocks Beach and since that move we had not been in. But a few months ago we found out where they moved to. Last night my son wanted to take us out to eat for Mother's Day since he has to work today. We happily drove 1 hour and 20 minutes to get there. The environment has lost its appeal and its mundane. Which is not the end because we came also for the food. My son ordered lamb chops which were one bite pieces of lamb on a the bone and there were 3. The gravey lacked any reduction and or flavour. It was pretty much tasteless. My spouse ate one of the chops to try it and agreed. I tasted the sauce off his plate. The cook on the lamb was good. My son was very disappointed as he loves lamb. When he said something to the women who owns it she brushed him off as it was no big deal and claimed no one has ever complained about the lamb before. Which is a blanted lie just look at the reviews. I personally find that hard to believe. I ordered Bouillabaisse, which is a personal favourite of mine. Due to her attitude towards my son I said nothing. I ate a few bites and took the rest home and threw it out. The scallops and shrimp are chewy. The monkfish was overcooked and the salmon was extremely fishy tasting. The only dinner item that was good was the Steak Diana that my husband ordered. After we ordered crème brulle missing its an upcharge for the flame it was served cold. The sugar crust was burnt and so thick it stuck to our teeth. We left part of it and all shared it instead of each of us ordering desserts. My son who paid thought maybe she didn't understand and thought he would say something before leaving because the meal at $190 with 1 beer in the mix was a bit high for food that was NOT good. She was cold and so what about it. So he left rather upset. Which upsets me. I find it hard to believe that being French or not one would care so little about their guests feeling were towards their food. For this reason we will not return. There are other French establishments that we can dine at and the fact that there is nothing I can't cook for myself. But sometimes I just like it made for me. It was for Mother's Day after all. read more

Such an authentic French experience from a place in an innocuous strip mall.the bread is fantastic.. the escargot interesting. My wife loved their duck.The desserts are special and created each day.. just get one Pricing is very resonable.We went back twice during our visit read more

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The food and service at Gulf Bistro is 5 stars!! We came in as a last minute party of nine and the woman who I'm assuming is the owner graciously accommodated us. The food I personally tried included the Escargots En Cocote (unbelievable, the sauce was so delicious), Onion Soup Gratine (the most perfect French onion soup), and the Linguini Aux Fruits De Mar (so much seafood in this dish and a rich lobster sauce). We were told this location opened a few weeks ago due to flooding from a previous hurricane, so I'd highly recommend supporting this amazing local restaurant for a delicious French dinner. read more

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Everything about Gulf Bistro - food, service, , ambience.- equates to a wonderful dining experience.

We live in California, and usually stay in the area three to four times a year. We were relieved that the family reopened the restaurant after it was destroyed at the original location. We always dine here every time we visit. The food, hospitality and the ambiance is truly 5 star plus. We always feel like being in a Paris bistro without having to travel to France. We wish the owners best of luck at the new location. We are grateful to Marie for making us feel like home every time we dine there. read more

as always the food was amazing, the atmosphere quaint, the staff superior and their wine selection is perfect. I encourage you to give it a try. read more

I love this incarnation of Gulf Bistro!! They're in the old Cafe Largo spot. The food is superb! We had the beet carpaccio which was lovely and delicious! Then we had the halibut/scallop special served with yellow rice and sauteed green beans and asparagus. The sauce was wonderful with savory bits of mushrooms, peppers and olives and garlic!! Yum!! For dessert we had a perfect creme brulee and profiteroles with vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup. Every thing was superb!!! read more

Gulf Bistro - Creme brulee! - French Near Me - Largo, Florida

Sweet breads were awesome as well as were the wine choices. Service was friendly and efficient.

The food quality and seasoning is 5 star quality. The sauces are great. However, the portions are almost child like. Based on portion size it is 3 star. The filet mignon and salmon were ok sized and really well seasoned. But the potato medallions and veg portions were so small it almost looked like leftovers. Really cheap of the restaurant unless they just screwed us for getting take out on New Years. It's a shame because the owner/chef seemed really nice and the food is good. But the portions are pathetically small. read more

Gulf Bistro - Filet mignon - French Near Me - Largo, Florida

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Love supporting local and post hurricane they need it more than ever. Lovely dinner tonight. Great food and drinks, attentive service.

The service was great and the owner was very friendly, walking around chatting with guests. The food was mostly amazing. Intimate setting. read more

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The best fine dining in Madeira beach, possibly even in all of Pinellas county. Food: Lobster bisque - I've eaten a lot of lobster bisque but I think this may be my favorite so far. Creamy and decadent with great flavor. The lobster chunks were perfectly cooked and as tender as butter. House salad w/ house dressing - the house dressing is so incredible! I only wish it was a bigger serving so I could've eaten more of it. Duck confit special - the rich balsamic port sauce paired perfectly with the tender, crispy duck. I had to stop myself from eating everything so I could save room for dessert. Crème brûlée - I finished off dinner with a favorite. The sugar was perfectly caramelized and the custard was wonderfully balanced. I sampled the chocolate mousse too which was delicious but very rich. Ambiance: The space is small and intimate but feels homey with beautiful decor. I loved that they have such unique and pretty plates. Every dish was beautifully presented. Service: Excellent service. The staff very clearly loves what they do and take pride in the restaurant. We'll be back soon! read more

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This newly reopened restaurant deserves 10 stars . We ate dinner there last night and the food was phenomenal. The menu is filled with all your favorite French choices. The service is friendly and warm. Decor is upscale. Parking is free and plenty. No matter what your choice of entree it will all be excellent, BUT save room for desert....best out of this world creme brulee. This is one restaurant to go to soon because I predict waiting a week for a reservation in the future. Note: This review written by me and I only review if it is extraordinary. At 82 i only want the best. Gwen Swinburne read more

The food is incredibly good...pleasing to both the eye and the pallet...the French sauces prepared by the chef to flavor the seafood dishes are the best I have ever sampled during a lifetime in pursuit of fine French dining... This was our second time dining here. We were accompanied by our close friends visiting from Atlanta to celebrate their 47th anniversary...they enjoyed the selection of this restaurant as much as we do... read more

Gulf Bistro - My wife Carol... - French Near Me - Largo, Florida

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An excellent restaurant the is owned and run by a family. The vibe is cozy and elegant. The food is outstanding and the service impeccable. We love going here! read more

This place is true 5 stars. Tremendous atmosphere great service and delicious food and dessert.

Our family tradition is that if it is your birthday, anniversary, special event ( graduation etc) we will go out to a restaurant of your choice. Well, we were a little behind, so combined 3 birthdays and our anniversary. My wife's choice was "a good French restaurant ." An extended Yelp search found Gulf Bistro. A chef friend confirmed our choice, saying "it's the best." Me, I love small plates and knew I could be vey happy without having an entree. My wife had lobster bisque. I started with onion soup. Our daughter had escargot. My wife and I shared. The onion soup was a little bland and could have had less bread. The bisque was very good, but told me the chef liked subtle flavors. My wife and daughter passed duck and red snapper back and forth, and raved about both. I had lobster salad (wow), escargot (good, I would have liked more garlic." And finally beef carpaccio, very nicely done and a large serving. We all finished it off with crème brûlée, which got 5 stars all around. Meanwhile, the service was attentive but not intrusive. The ambiance is quiet, light and fresh. The kind of place where you want to have a dining experience. A fact evidenced by the fact that most quests seemed be regulars. Definitely a 5 star experience. read more

We were exploring about an hour away from home and came across this restaurant on yelp. When we got there, they were just about ready to open for the evening and we waited in the parking lot. Just say that this place doesn't look like much from the outside is an understatement! We weren't sure we really made the right choice! When they opened, we went inside and were greeted in a very friendly manner. We thought the inside was very small, cute and quaint. It is a family run business with the wife and daughter working out front helping everyone, and the husband in the back as the chef. We were not at all disappointed. Our service was in impeccable and the food was delicious! I had the fillet with peppercorn sauce and it was delicious. My boyfriend had fish, I can't remember what but I think it was Seabass or possibly snapper. In any case he really enjoyed it. We definitely plan to make a return! read more

We were anxious to see the new location after the hurricane and were not disappointed. Like the original, the ambiance is an intimate setting, but without the stress of trying to find a parking space. The food and service of this family owned bistro is superb. This is our favorite restaurant. Bon Appetite. read more

Excellent food with warm friendly service! A must for anyone who enjoys authentic French Food!!

I give very few five star ratings, but this lovely restaurant nestled in an area full of restaurants serving fried seafood, pizza and fast food is fully deserving of recognition. This is a small place with 15-20 tables run by a husband and wife. The husband is in the back running the kitchen and the wife takes on all of the duties in the front of the house. She is charmingly friendly, welcoming and very efficient. The chef came out and visited tables and spent time with valued returning customers as well as us first timers. If you want a quick bite, i'd go elsewhere. But if you want to take the time to enjoy a meal prepared with care and attention to detail this is a great choice. Four of us dined together. My wife and I shared the country pate appetizer which was served with spicy mustard and small pickles. Our friends shared the lobster bisque appetizer. These were both accompanied with warm sliced baguette. A small salad dressed with oil and vinegar came with our entrees. Two of us had the confit de canard (duck confit) served with a peach and walnut sauce which complimented the richness of the duck. This was accompanied with some lightly cooked vegetables and a very nice puck of gratineed potatoes (thinly sliced potatoes cooked with butter and cream). The entree was well balanced, perfectly seasoned and very satisfying. My wife had a pork tenderloin dish. This was served as rounds of tenderloin topped with a slice of Brie and a berry sauce. Vegetables and potatoes as above. The slightly sweet, fruity sauce was a nice counterpoint to the lean pork and rich cheese. The fourth diner had a veal dish which she liked very much, but which I didn't get a good look at from across the table. I think it came with similar sides. For dessert our friends had the special pineapple upside-down cake which given the speed with which it disappeared must have been quite good. My wife and I shared the nougat glace...a frozen connection that was not too sweet but hit just the right spot to be a perfect dessert. We shared a couple of bottles of one of their featured wine specials which proved to be very drinkable and a very reasonable value. If you are in the areas and want a meal that really stands out from other local offerings you can't go wrong here This is a small place, so reservations are recommended especially during busy seasons. read more

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Off the charts! My friend brought me here saying he tries something different on the menu every time and it is always excellent. I have wanted to come to this restaurant for over 10 years but could never get in. Knowing that-- Now is the time to come here. The food is phenomenal and unfortunately due to this unpredictable pandemic is the reason they are empty, during the week. The food is still fabulous It is a romantic french restaurant, no bar, limited sitting in an L shape space. Quaintly decorated with French touch, lovely family run business with the father working hard in the back making beautifully prepared dishes. The menu options are plentiful & more than a small restaurant should offer. There is something for everyone I ordered Escargot and the duck, a complete "wow" fabulous meal and my friend had the blue cheese terrine and filet. He makes an amazing steak, it is like butter. Best steak ever! Tres bo The small seating is very romantic. Wonderful wine selection. Come early for parking is limited My beat tip, make a reservation early in the week read more

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My second trip to gulf bistro was equally as awesome as the first. First trip was years ago and I don't remember what we had. As it is French, I am sure my meal was mussels to start and some duck entree and creme brûlée for dessert. We came with another couple-one of whom is French, and he gave this restaurant a 5 star review too, though full disclosure, he also thinks Fuddruckers is the end all and be all of eating (love ya buddy :-) ). Nevertheless, that was a fantastic experience. The owner/chef is French herself and as warm and welcoming as you could hope. The restaurant is a beacon in a dark sea of beach side burger places that trade on location but not quality. Gulf Bistro is as warm and cute as any restaurant in Paris (I can say that, I was there last year) and the quality of the food is top notch. This second trip was during this COVID19 awfulness and Gulf Bistro is doing a limited menu for takeout, but it changes weekly. I chose here because we wanted a French meal to celebrate the anniversary of getting engaged in Paris last year. While I would probably put Mise en Place at the top of my favorite French restaurants, Gulf's limited takeout menu was much better than Mise. Also, with Mise being in downtown Tampa and frankly, near a lot of businesses and million dollar condos and homes, I felt Mise will be fine. Was much more concerned about restaurants we love that are smaller mom/pop restaurants that are in real danger and I would hate to see Gulf Bistro succumb to this disaster. You have to call in your order before 5:30 for a scheduled pickup between 5:30 and 6:30. I ordered 2 meals starting with 2 lobster bisque, a monkfish and artichoke entree for Melissa in a butter lemon sauce and a pork tenderloin entree for me in a sherry or port wine sauce (I forget which it was). Both had some veggies on the side and a salad. Also got a creme brûlée and chocolate profiteroles for dessert. Came home with it all and put everything in the oven or on the stove to warm it up (it's a 30 minute drive from the beach when google maps takes you over Johns pass just as the draw bridge is opening) and we enjoyed some delicious French cheese and champagne from another business and then had our awesome meal. I can't possibly express how delicious everything was. The bisque is one of the best I had. Both entrees were amazing-the sauces perfect. The desserts could not have been better unless Melissa made the creme brûlée because frankly she should be a French dessert chef specializing in creme brûlée. What this meal taught me is that every meal from gulf bistro, take out or eat in, is going to be excellent. I hope our next tome here is a romantic meal inside the restaurant but if this craziness continues, I am sure we'll be back for more take out. Owner and I spoke for a few minutes when I picked up the order-again, just a lovely person struggling to stay open. I hope this review convinces a few of you to help support her to stay in business. You absolutely will not regret this meal. read more

What a gem. We went here based on yelp reviews and were not disappointed. I had the lobster penne Alfredo which was a special and was fantastic. Deserts were perfect - crème brûlée and chocolate mousse. Highly recommend. Nice atmosphere and the service was great. read more

Definitely french bistro atmosphere. The tables are well placed, so you can have conversation with your dinner mates. We had a bottle of the house wine (very nice; also available by the glass). We were served a (tiny) basket of a very small baguette, cut into 4 small portions. You can refill for $4. The baguette was tasty and crunchy, but the butter was Not good. Tasted like it had turned. I usually love french butter, but not this. But the FOOD! So many good things to try- I'll have to return at least 10 more times. My husband loved his sautéed frog legs. He had it for his entree. There was enough on the plate, which combined with a few bites of my entree and salad, was satisfying. I had veal medallions with a mushroom and brandy sauce-just writing this made me salivate! It was accompanied by a small square of potatoes gratin, a couple asparagus spears, and a bell pepper compote. Sounds skimpy, but it wasn't; my husband had at least 3 bites of my meat. He thought it was great too. Finished with creme brûlée-wonderful. Prices are reasonable, the food tasted fresh and cooked well. We'll be back, and will bring our guests. Our new fav restaurant! read more

So wonderful to have a great French restaurant here. The food was marvelous, service impeccable. Staff all wonderful! Can't wait to go again! read more

Outstanding! The ambiance is so refreshing. Tastefully appointed decor. Enough space between tables to enjoy a quiet evening. A perfect evening for a special occasion. Every course was delightful. Meal for four including dessert was about $250. read more

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Only after having a dissapointing experience with another American-French restaurant, I decided to post a review for this one. I didn't want to post a 4 star review and hurt their rating but after dining in another local American-French resraurant, I think this one stands out, in a positive way. I loved the service, Madame goes a long way to make you feel comfortable. It's quiet so you can have a romantic dinner here. Wine selection is good and reasonably priced. That said, they do not have a full liquor license so don't expect to get a Pastis for aperitif or Calvados for digestif. Biggest dissapointment was the cheeseplate. If you make your own blue cheese, don't ruin it with fruit. I just can't understand how other customers like it but it must be because of their lack of exposure to other cultures. The entrecote was medium-rare on one side and well done on the other. Despite that it was tasty, the brown sauce helped. The chocolate mousse was nice since they don't use American "chocolate". I would love to give this place a 5 star review but I just can't. I haven't lost hope in finding an authentic local French restaurant that deserves it more. read more

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Outstanding, authentic French food. Friendly and warm staff. One of my must visit restaurants when in town. New site is spacious and inviting. read more

Wonderful step into a French cafe greeted with warmth and friendliness one would hope to encounter. Menu is loaded with excellent choices much like a Parisian twin. Escargot and French Onion soup are a must. Excellent choice of home cooked entrees and the finishing touch of excellent desserts, chocolate mousse is a must! Bon Appetite! read more

Dined last Saturday with a party of four and was looking forward to an amazing meal with all the positive reviews. The restaurant was sold out all tables full. All four of us were not that impressed with the food. It wasn't bad it just wasn't "oh my god this is awesome". Two split the chateaubriand 4 small pieces and looked and tasted very boring for $80 it was very unimpressive. I ordered the halibut and the 4th ordered the pork. Portions were small and all felt the food was not very flavorful for a French restaurant and presentation was boring on all dishes. The wines by the glass were good and priced very reasonable. We ended with a dessert of Profiteroles which was kind of a messy presentation that tasted store bought. All in all we won't be back it just didn't add up to what we all perceived a French restaurant to be. read more

The main courses are excellent and so is the service. Their salad is sparse but could be much better with a little imagination

We went to Gulf Bistro tonight and we were so grateful we could get in. The service was amazing, Marie took such good care of us and the food was beyond delicious. I cannot say enough nice things about this beautiful gem we found. Will be back and recommending to all our friends & family. We got the escargot (beautifully prepared), lobster bisque (deeelish), farmer salad (perfect). I got Ris De Veau Paname (veal sweet breads) and my son ordered the La Soupe Du Chef "Bouillabaisse Way" AND WOW!!! All I can say is the food was impeccable. Dessert was Creme brûlée, and Nutella crepes... and YES we ate waaay too much and it was worth every calorie. Can't wait to visit again. Thank you for our charming, delectable meal. We WILL be back. Ps we would've taken more pics but we ate it too fast! read more

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Finding French food in the beach was a big surprise to us and Gulf Bistro did not disappoint. The food was amazing. The sauces were all legit and the Bouillabaisse was perfect. Great service and a lovely, but casual ambience. read more

If your in the mood for some amazing French food look no further. Everything is delicious and worth savoring every bite. Very small place so reservations are a must however I haven't ever seen it completely full when I have been. There is also only 1 waitress so just be patient. The bread is excellent to start with and if they have it go for the duck confit. It is fall off the bone and the sauce with it matched perfectly. They don't always have it so I would call ahead of time to make sure. And you can go to a French restaurant without finishing with a crepe which they have many options to choose from. When it comes to crepes I'm simple and just like a chocolate crepe, sometimes with bananas. Worth it. read more

Wow!! I'm old and have eaten in some of the finest restaurants. I must say that the lobster bisque was excellent, the sea bass was perfectly cooked And I especially like the sides of mixed vegetables and scalloped potatoes. It was a perfect meal. I was able to take a tour of their kitchen. It's remarked that they create such a spectacular feast in such a small kitchen. Anyone spending time in Madeira Beach, FL should make a reservation to partake in the fine culinary feasts that they offer. One note... they serve fine wine but no hard liquor. Have drinks on the roof deck of the Cambria Hotel down the street and talk a stroll or very short drive up the street. Can't wait to enjoy another fine meal there. read more

Intimate, romantic... with five-star food and service. Large selection of wine, plus beer. We loved it. Make a reservation or you might miss out. read more

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This restaurant is a hidden jewel within the ruins of Florida "society". From the escargot in a cream butter sauce -which I have never experienced- to a lightly dressed vinaigrette salad, to a beautiful main course of scallop and shrimp in a sauce flavored with anise (add more butter!) to the dessert of chocolate mousse- a wonderful experience. It was a really really good! I returned from France 5/2 and this is right there with the restaurants I experienced and that I enjoy. The negatives are that the waitress was kind of a cold girl - not the owner- and we did not like what we were seated. But overcall I will be back here as much as my arteries allow. Tres bien!! read more

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There's nothing bad I can say about this restaurant. The place was lovely. An unusual surprise in a beach town. The food was superb, the service as wonderful and as I said the food was the very best French food I've ever had. I started with their homemade blue cheese terrine, a house salad, a perfect rare duck and profiteroles. Everything was served beautifully, and tasted amazing. There were 6 of us and each and everyone felt the same way about their meal. read more