We came here with our two lil ones for an early dinner. The staff was kind, welcoming, and attentive. The food is tasty and the drinks were delicious! There was a musician playing the clarinet, which was extra special & unique. It looks like a wonderful place for a date night. Great night out for our family, too. We had some lavender lemonades to-go after dinner and strolled the town looking at the murals. read more

My husband and I love trying new restaurants. Tonight we tried Monets here in Exeter. A thumbs up to their wine selection and soup. The only complaint and reason we will not be returning, is the customer service. They are lacking a sense for their customers (who are not their friends) A part of our order we didnt receive, had to ask for Refills, and asked for our bread.That was disappointing. We love to contribute and support our small town, although that part of the business is lacking. Hopefully this can help improve their service. read more

While I still like this place, the prices are ...well...$60 for 2 take-out meals (pasta and the special- flank steak). As such, we rarely eat here. I do agree with some of the reviews about service. This is a small town restaurant, and I think they sometimes forget about the basics like greeting and checking on people. I think they just expect people to be assertive and speak-up to ask for what they want (like a water refill). For the $$$, though, this shouldn't be the case. read more

We had some big expectations. We were very excited for French food. The place is a quaint cafe with crowded seating so don't expect any privacy. It was cute and the staff was friendly. We took our kids and they ordered from the kid menu. Ravioli, there were only 3, so not for kids older than 4. My kid was very hungry still and had to eat off our plates. The baked Brie was ok. The server got my dinner order wrong and brought me the egg plant instead of the lamb which she asked how I would like it cooked. I ordered a glass of Cabernet but was steered towards a blend, which tasted good but I never got to try the Cabernet I was interested in. The food was underwhelming. Before my correct order came out, the server and manager both asked me if I would like it boxed to go. I asked if it would be alright if I ate it there. The lamb was cooked well but the seasoning did not do it any justice. Another person came to ask how our meal was, we told him the truth and they felt bad because they aim to please everyone. We got a free dessert to go, but like the lady next to us said, it was too sweet. Unless they change their menu, just don't expect too much. read more

Excellent Ambiance! Employees are so friendly. Food is amazing and there was live music (Clarinet player) I felt like I was transported to France for my evening out! Great relaxing memorable evening! We ordered the Fettuccine with salmon and warm spinach salad, delicious read more

Monets Wine Bistro - French Near Me - Exeter, California

Love the atmosphere that Monet's has, as well as, the service. It's so nice to be greeted and have friendly conversation before you order. I would highly recommend going on Saturday to hear Raymond play his clarinet! read more

What a delightful restaurant, with a great menu, attentive service, and delicious food. I highly recommend the "bento boxes." Today's lunch was the best restaurant meal I've ever eaten in Tulare county. read more

You would never expect this level of restaurant in a small town like this but there it is. Very gourmet with a wide ranging menu of French cuisines. Highly recommend this place any time you are in town. read more

Best Valentines ever. Loved the ambiance. The special menu and the fun staff. I had a great time. They were super busy but hello... it was Valentines Day!!! I had Lobster and OMG... to die for. I'll be back for sure!!! read more

Food was delicious! The service spectacular! And the ambience on point! Would totally go again.

This was some of the best salmon I have had in awhile. Crispy but yet still moist and flakey. Friends had the ribeye and really enjoyed it. Very quaint and intimate. Cool back room. read more

Monet's has long been one of my favorites. You feel like you're in a small European cafe, far away from the central valley. Unfortunately, Monet's is missing the mark with customer service. There is nothing worse than a $140 bill for 2 and terrible service. We had reservations and table was waiting. We had to ask for water after 10 minutes. No bread was brought to the table. It took 30 minutes for an appetizer (Ploughman's Tray) of meats and cheeses to be brought out. 4 tiny pieces of bread because bread was in oven. Another 10-15 minutes and finally bread delivered. Appetizer meant to be served with bread. Iced tea has grounds in the bottom of the glass. Had to ask for drink refills throughout the meal. Food was just okay. My plate was cold (lobster ravioli- 4 for $25). We ordered dessert and coffee. Another 15-20 minute wait. Dessert came. Had to wait for coffee. 2 hours later just so disappointed. The topper was when we got the bill, iced tea was $3 AND they charged us for each refill of iced tea. Sadly, we won't be back. Unorganized, lack of timely service, no apologies. Save your money and your time and go somewhere else.... read more

I was in Exeter for 2 weeks last year. While there, I ate at Monet's at least four times. It was THAT good!!! The food was amazing, and I truly was not expecting that in such a remote place! The wine list was great, too, and all of the staff and the owner were incredibly hospitable. When I was driving out of town, I even stopped to get take away for the road because I knew I would miss it! read more

My family and I visited this restaurant for dinner to celebrate the birthday of my sister who recently passed away and WORKED at this restaurant for YEARS. Our server was rude from the start and when I informed her why we were there and who we were, her response was "I know" as she sat something on the table and walked away and continued to provide poor service and avoid our table. The owner was in the restaurant until she saw our family and disappeared without saying a word to us. which struck me extremely odd, being the relationship my sister established with everyone through the years she helped run this business and her knowing our family personally and not seeing us since her passing, seemed rude. My sister loved the food here and what was supposed to be a positive experience turned into a regretful one very fast. For their prices, being in a small town and small restraunt, I expected more a personal, good quality service and they definitely fell short of that from the very beginning. Very disappointing. read more

Amazing place! We went for our anniversary and the food was amazing! For sure we are going soon!

Decided to try Monet's for the first time as the destination for our 9th Wedding Anniversary. Called ahead to make reservations for 7:15pm on a Friday night. Recommend making reservations prior to arrival if you're also looking to land a table in this french inspired restaurant, as it is small and cozy. Seating is found indoors and out front on their patio. We were greeted by our waitress and seated promptly at our table with a placard on top of the table. Received wine menus, special menu, and the main menu. Noticed they had an extensive wine and beer list. Specials for a buttered lobster tail and other intriguing plates were shown on the Specials Menu. Ordered a bottle of vino, Opolo Zinfandel. Service was on point. She asked if I wanted to taste before pouring, I declined politely as I've enjoyed this label before. Received waters for each of us alongside, and service was excellent to ensure we never had an empty glass throughout the rest of dinner. We glanced over the menu as the restaurant began to fill. Ordered the "Lobster Toast" as an app, my wife ordered the Lobster Ravioli, I ordered the Ribeye w/Gorgonzola butter, potatoes rosette and side salad for our entrees. Lobster Toast came out with a balsamic glaze on crispy toasted french bread slices. Perfect beginning. Lobster was succulent and sweet, with a cheese melt to seal it to the toasted slices so as not run over the bread or create a mess as you enjoyed it. Perfect portion for an appetizer. My side salad was brought out by whom I assume may have been the owner. She was very nice and cordial. Asking how long we had been married and presenting me with a very fresh tasting spring mix salad. Very flavorful, with crispy roasted veggie slices mixed throughout the fresh cherry tomatoes to create a nice crunch in the salad. Very nice touch. Lobster Ravioli and Ribeye came out not long thereafter. Lobster Ravioli had large helpings of soft pasta ravioli with flavorful and soft portions of lobster, but perfect portions of sauce to pasta. Wife loved this dish. I was able to try this as well, and was very impressed with the flavor. The sauce was killer. Wish I knew what it was now, as I've forgotten from the menu. Ribeye was a perfect aged slice of beef, excellent sear, perfect medium rare. I felt that it was cooked nearly exact to how I prepare my own steaks on my grill. Large scoop of Gorgonzola Butter. Almost too large, on top of the steak. When I say Large, I mean like an ice-cream scoop large. Only complaint here was that the butter was too cold to melt quickly to the steak, so the butter made the steak cold and didn't spread. I moved it to the side of the plate and took slices of it with each bite, so as to still enjoy the meat warm vs. cold. The potatoes rosette had a layer of cheese but lacked the salt I prefer on my potatoes. I assume the butter serving size may have assisted in flavoring the potatoes better to achieve that flavor, but the butter was too cold to spread that direction on its own. After the meal we received dessert menus and offered coffee alongside our order. We closed the night out with Chocolate Cheesecake, a slice for each of us. The Chocolate Cheesecake slices were exceptional. Each slice topped with chocolate shavings and a dollop of rich whipped cream on the plate near it. I'm a snob for great cheesecake. I do not enjoy overly sweetened cheesecake either. There must be balance! This balance was found here; sweet, soft, velvet texture with excellent soft crust chocolate bottom crust. I was very impressed. Needless to say, I will be back. Very happy with the service, environment, and food and I think you will be too. Check them out for a romantic date night or social get together with close friends and be sure to check the specials on the menu. read more

Rarely do I come across a restaurant where I feel the need to call and brag to my foodie friends upon the end of my meal. Monet's is one of those places! ---The Food--- Monte Carlo Pasta w/ Flank Steak ($19.95)- One of the best pasta dishes I've had. This plate has fresh, hand made fettucine with herb goat cheese, roma tomatoes, wild mushroom pesto, pine nuts, and the most tender, delicious flank steak around. The pieces of steak had a semi-charred exterior that only heightened the taste as a whole. While the presentation could've been better, the smell and tastes reached a divine level that was extremely memorable. The portions were perfect, but I was left wanting more because the meal was THAT good. Tuscan Panini w/ Spicy Lamb ($16.50)- Another 5 star dish resides in this large sandwich that's built with herb goat cheese, roasted eggplant, red peppers, portabello mushrooms, spicy lamb and green olive tapenade. While it's more like a french baguette sandwich than a panini, the sandwich was exquisite, all-around. The lamb could've been more spicy, but it was incredibly supple, juicy, and a generous sized piece of meat. It didn't have that gamey taste or smell that often comes with lamb either. Served with a fresh side salad covered in sweet dressing. ---- Conclusion: Monet's is like a small piece of Europe that flew over the Atlantic Ocean and landed in this unassuming, tiny city of Exeter. It's a small restaurant that seats 20-24 people. The intimate atmosphere is unrivaled, even against restaurants in LA or OC; The decor of this wine bistro resembles the streets of Paris and a clarinet player intensifies that feeling two-fold, while you dine. I'm enamored with this establishment and if the rest of their meals are like the two above, I can't wait to try them all...especially their desserts! A must try when visiting the Sequoia's. Extra Notes: -Accepts credit card -Closed on Sundays -MAKE RESERVATIONS -Charges $2.50 to split plates -Not good for groups or kids, but the two tables outside are pet friendly -Has a bar that seats only two -Can dress casually -Great, suggestive service -Intimate inside with clarinet player on weekends and a slight mist in the air to exude a romantic/dreamy experience -Tiny restaurant could be a problem for those with claustrophobia -Parking not a problem -Restroom is clean read more

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Really authentic French food. Took my wife on a date here and the food quality was amazing. It made me fall in love with Exeter and its small town charm. Music, appetizers and dishes were great. I think they could use a more extensive wine list but we made it work. The only criticism was the air conditioning must have not been working because we ended up leaving early because it was so hot. Regardless, it was a great romantic experience and I was still able to get lucky. Mission accomplished... 5 Stars. read more

My friend Jennifer owns Monet's. Full disclosure, I never met Jennifer before I ate there but she's my friend now. I suspect most people who dine at Monet's would make the same assertion. This is a woman who loves not only food but also people who love food. We spent a long weekend in Exeter visiting Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks to celebrate our 27th anniversary. My husband once ate at Monet's while on a work trip and told me we needed to have our anniversary dinner there. He knew I'd love it. He was right. The restaurant is on one of the main thoroughfares of Exeter. It has a charming exterior with a few tables out front. When you walk in you're overwhelmed with the sheer charm of the place - the touches of France are everywhere, the bar is inviting, the dessert case is divine. They have a wonderful wine list filled with many central coast options. And we wound up eating there two nights in a row. First night (not our anniversary dinner) we shared the three course chicken special and the baked brie appetizer. The brie was fantastic! They set it on a warmer to keep the cheese perfectly ripe. The chicken started with a crab salad, went on to the entree with potatoes and carrots and ended with tiramisu. Everything was sumptuous! Delectable! Night two, our anniversary dinner, was fun. There was a lovely table with our name on it - one of three in the window. Each window table was taken by a couple celebrating an anniversary! We shared the fillo au fromage. I had the rib eye and my husband had the lobster ravioli. We had wine and lavendar cheesecake. We had port. It was fabulous, start to finish, a cullinary delight! After dinner Jennifer gave us a tour of the kitchen, which was about to be redone. She wanted us to see it before we left so that when we come back (AND WE WILL BE BACK!!!) we would be able to appreciate the changes. She sent us on our way with hugs and full tummies. Anyone who reads my review of Sodini's in North Beach (http://www.yelp.com/biz/sodinis-green-valley-restaurant-san-francisco) will understand my love of charming restaurants that treat us like family. Monet's has joined that small but much loved group. read more

Oooh la la! Monet's is a little slice of something special. Why wasn't this place here when I lived in Exeter? Ah well. I will just have to satisfy myself when I drive through every so often. While visiting an old friend, it was suggested that we meet here for a light lunch and a glass of wine. Just like the charming little downtown in which it is situated, Monet's is quaint, lovely, and welcoming. It is also tiny...but so is Exeter. After all, why have a big place in a town with light night life? We were the first people in for the day, but the staff immediately stopped their remaining prep work, made us feel welcome, and seated us. Service continued to be friendly without being overbearing. A quick glance at the menu made my ordering decision easy. While it all looked good to me, I was immediately smitten by the Chocolate-Berry Salad. I am not joking! Healthy and decadent all on one plate! All of us were happy with our food except for me. I was in ecstasy. This salad is addicting. I could not stop eating it. Spring mix topped with toasted pecans, fresh berries, goat cheese, with a drizzle of raspberry dressing and dark chocolate shavings to top it off...someone is speaking my language of love. Attentive service, a charming ambiance, a wonderful wine selection, and that salad! Oh, that salad. L-O-V-E on a plate. read more

I love going on road trips and supporting local businesses in quaint small towns. Exeter is such a place. There were kids cart-wheeling, playing with dolls, racing each other, riding skate boards outside. Inside adults are eating, drinking, and enjoying good conversation. I loved people watching and just enjoying the atmosphere. ANYWAYS BACK TO THE FOOD! Service: Excellent, everyone was very nice, and prompt. I loved their bread with a balsamic syrup and olive oil. Mmm... They get a 5 because its the best dinner I had while there. Food: If all you read is "THE FOOD IS GREAT" then you are ready to go. 3 courses for under $40. Started with a salad: smoked salmon over spring mix that was so flavorful adorned with mango and kiwis. Entree was a crispy duck confit with amazing parsley-garlic potatoes and carrots-asparagus, and I finished with a piece of German chocolate cake. I wanted to go the next night and try their other menu items, but alas I was car-sick and in bed. :( My friend got the Escargot that was full of fresh garlic, butter, and herbs and a eggplant Parmesan with prosciutto, peppers, and fresh mozzerella. Other freshly made desserts in the case: strawberry cheesecake, almond-raspberry tart, apple-caramel tart, Gran Mariner chocolate mousse. They also make fresh crepes: banana chocolate, berry, berry chocolate. They have beer and wine and are probably the only place open "late" in Exeter. read more

This is the cutest romantic place! Small, quaint and the food was amazing! All homemade and the servers were wonderful! Prices are right for the deliciousness you'll get. Celebrated my birthday there and had a great experience. Guitar player was awesome. read more

Monets Wine Bistro - French Near Me - Exeter, California

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Excellent crepes and salads! Small selection of some good Belgian beers.

A hit-and-miss experience for dinner, I wouldn't return for dinner, but would gladly come back to try lunch. The wine list was very encouraging with some nice and affordable bottles from Paso Robles. The appetizer of phyllo triangles filled with four cheeses and served with a side of pesto was also encouraging. Then the dinner entrees arrived where we had to grin and bear it. The Monte Carlo pasta with overcooked fettucine and grainy sauce was an odd combination of herbed goat cheese and flank steak. The raclette also had clashing ingredients. The Humboldt Fog cheese went well with the sliced potatoes. The flank steak went well with the mushrooms. But all four together didn't work. I loved the Jack Daniels pecan and chocolate pie. Although not set as firmly as most pecan pies and the crust was a little lifeless, the filling flavors were outstanding. The German chocolate ganache cake didn't compare to the pecan pie. The ganache was stiff and gummy. Being in a small farm town, there are understandably a lot of flying insects. Many of them are found here - specifically drowning in my glass of wine (sounds like a good way to die). The problem seemed specific to Monet's because we didn't have similar problem at other Exeter establishments. read more

Very cute and quaint place. The inside was alot smaller than I imagined, it wasn't an issue. The night we went was super busy. We had an appetizer with baked brie and peaches, so delicious! I ate my husband's side salad which was so fresh and tasty! My husband ordered the ribeye steak, which did NOT taste like a ribeye, more like a sirloin, tough. He also ordered it medium, it came to the table WELL done. I ordered a pasta with Salmon and received chicken instead. The manager or owner was very nice to offer to have the salmon made but stated since it was a busy night it would best to accept the chicken. She offered a free drink or dessert, which we accepted, we'd had already been there for over an hour. Overall food was good minus the hiccups. We would try this place again but definitely not get the Steak. read more

Complete gem in Exeter! So happy a place like this exists here. Amazing food, fantastic wine list, and great people running the place. Jennifer and Jack are lovely. Go and then go again. read more

Walking into this cafe is like being transported to a small bistro in some French village. The food is delicious... fresh... and can stand toe-to-toe with any gourmet cafe in LA, San Francisco, and Chicago. All their items are delicious. I especially enjoyed their steak salad and gourmet pizza. I would highly recommend it as an escape from mundane food. Its great seeing such refined culinary skills in central CA. read more

Monets Wine Bistro - Steak salad - French Near Me - Exeter, California

Awesome food! The rustic salad was one if the finest salads i've EVER had. Perfect temperature and arrangement IMO. The eclair for dessert was also very good. Finished things off with a tastily-balanced Vietnamese latte, not too sweet, just right :). Mmmmmmm Especially If you're vegetarian, can't recommend more!! read more

Monets Wine Bistro - Mmmmmmm - French Near Me - Exeter, California

This restaurant was on my "bucket list" for places to eat while living here and I was pleased all around with this visit. My husband made sure to call and reserve a table 2 weeks in advance and requested a table by the dessert display case. They had mentioned that they were unable to do so and if that table was available the day we came in, they would gladly seat us there. Not disappointed with that answer, we went for my 30th birthday, however, when we asked about the table located in front of the dessert case, they said it was reserved for another party.. I wasn't terribly upset, but I wasn't happy about it either. That is one reason I only gave 4 stars. Food wise: Wonderful! We ordered the baked brie and pear for our appetizer and it came out with a blueberry and walnut salad as well. Both excellent! For entrees, my husband ordered the special of the day, Snapper over risotto with a creamy sauce (spinach, cream, and cherry tomatoes). He said it was delicious! I ordered the Grilled Salmon and Portabella Ravioli. The ravioli was great, but my salmon didn't have the crusty grilled outside like I was hoping it would, it was rather soft, so I was a little disappointed with that. I also ordered the salted caramel chocolate torte and the lavender cheesecake to go. Both were sinfully delicious. We both got italian sodas.. my husband ordered the strawberry and I got the sugar free raspberry.. mine was amazing! My husband also got a white chocolate mocha at the end of his meal which he said was really good and hit the spot. Service: it got busy really quick and as a result, it took a little longer for the food to arrive, but the ambiance was lovely. The front seating is a cozy little room with a few tables. They have more seating in the back room, but I didn't venture back there to see how many it can fit. I believe it's used for larger parties, but again, not completely sure. The staff was great and attentive. All together it cost $110, so make sure if you plan on visiting Monet's, make a reservation ahead of time, and be willing to spend a little more! read more

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Very good place to go with friends and family to celebrate special occasions. The staff were very friendly and attentive. Food was awesome, particularly the baked brie! It's perfectly made. read more

Really good food and venue!!! Love music by rich too!! I ordered the lobster and mushroom salad, the lobster bisque soup, French onion soup and a chocolate cake for dessert. The lobster bisque soup is definitely my favorite. read more

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Shame on you, Monet's! I haven't been to your little hole in the wall since you first opened. So this evening I thought I'd try it out again. We sat in plain view of the server who so attentively waited on the table next to us and didn't even acknowledge our presence, even though she practically was stepping on us. Two other couples came in well after us and both got water and service from another equally rude server, but still not even a glance our way..I waited to leave when you had to strep aside for me to get by. I guess what would have been more than $20 tip wasn't good enough to even give me mediocre service. We want to La Fayette and got top notch service and tipped our server very well for the effort. Shame on you snooty Exeter--Losers! read more

Initially I was a little taken back at how quiet and cozy the restaurant is. I did like the sprite music in the background, and the parquet flooring and the copper and rust tones on the walls said simple yet elegant styling. Our waitress Hope started us off with a delicious and addicting bread cocktail of olive oil and aged balsamic...yummy! Hope recommended the Cajun panini, but my wife and I were both drawn to the crepe dishes. I ordered the French Rivera and my wife devoured the chicken mushroom crepe. We did "upgrade" our side salads to the insanely delicious steak flambe salad, thanks for the recommendation Christian H. My wife and I were tickled when Hope said our dishes were going to be a bit longer to come out because the chef had to make the crepes from scratch...we were delighted to say the least to have fresh crepes. I will be coming back to try the pizza and paninis. By the way, the water was great. I know, should have had a glass of wine since we were in little Paris, but it was 11am. This is NOT fast food, take your time and enjoy your meal. Steve Out. read more

Monet's is lovely. You must try the lavender Brie; it is exquisite! The lavender cheesecake is also perfectly done. This is a small restaurant, and it is very popular, so definitely make a reservation. Actually, you really shouldn't bother going on a weekend if you don't have a reservation. The chef, Fred, is a phenomenal French chef. Hope makes divine desserts. The owner, Jen, is a delight. And the wait staff are diligent and professional. Not to mention hot. The waiter, Caleb, is sexy! I just might marry that man! read more

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Food was absolutely delicious! Small in the best way and beautiful! Great environment and perfect for a romantic date!

This place gets it right. The food is amazing. The ambiance is welcoming, comfortable and relaxing. So many other people have written better reviews than this, but I wanted to add my two cents because I have had consistently great food and service at Monet's. read more

This was the worst diner I've ever had. Was expecting classic French. Got I don't know what. Spinach salad w warm bacon dressing sounded delicious but got a tomatoes w onions and croutons and not even a hint of bacon. Tried the classic capris salad, and it arrived with pesto and less than a drizzle of balsamic. As we ate the bread got so stale I couldn't even chew it. Or cut it, with a knife. DONT WASTE YOU MONEY. GO ACROSS THE STREET! read more

Inattentive waitress.... What a shame. The food was great. The restaurant small, clean and somewhat romantic. The Jazz player was awesome. The waitress left our dirty, used plates on the table for over 1/2 hour as we waited for desert. The wine bottle finished yet we were never offered another or a third glass. Finally, desert was delivered (yum), but then the check immediately followed. We were never asked if we needed anything else. Would have loved to order more food to go (for my in-laws who were caring for the kid) and enjoyed the the live music over a second bottle of wine.... But guess not. On the positive side, I returned home with $200 which I was planing on spending for dinner. read more

You've got to try the lavender cheesecake. It's unbelievably good. I also got one of the pizzas which was on a baguette and it was delicious. They also had a singer songwriter performing - Reb Furman. Such a gem. read more

We love Monets! Always a fun time with wonderful service and yummy food. Great atmosphere whether you're on a first date or just hanging out with friends. Their lavender desserts are my weakness! Ask Jennifer for a wine to pair with your meal for an added experience bonus. We can't wait to come back! read more