Pascalou has been a favorite neighborhood place of mine for years. Not sure what the old, snooty people comments refers to in someone else's review. I am neither, nor would I characterize the rest of the patrons that way. Granted this is not a hip and happening neighborhood, but that is part of its charm. The pre-fixe brunch and twilight dinner can't be beat. And it is as authentic a French place as one can find outside of Paris. I have always wondered at the wild popularity of Sarah Beth's across the street, which is overpriced and not very good, when you could be eating here. read more

I have visited this restaurant on and off for many years. But in the last few month it has declined. Entrees are overdone, piled too high with stuff, and one has the feeling of slopping around trying to get to the fish or whatever is buried underneath. Most recently the servers started to circle my guest and me with the check at 9:50 and we were scooted out by 10. On top of that, I became very sick overnight from something in the meal. Will try better, less cramped restaurants in the neighborhood. read more

This sweet, French bistro was across from our hotel. The lamb tagine and fillet of sole almondine dinners were only out done by the petite profiterole (French cream puffs in ganache) that we had for dessert. The staff were friendly and efficient and didn't rush us. Our waitress was so patient and kind to a group of elderly who were peppering her with questions (and requests for separate checks, etc...). Very affordable. I totally recommend this hidden jewel on the Upper East Side. read more

I'm impressed - this place is teeny-tiny, but really delivers! My sunday brunch french toast arrived with lightening speed and was absolutely delicious. Everyone in my party thoroughly enjoyed our food, service was great. I look forward to returning! read more

I had a really hard time deciding whether or not to give this place two or three stars, but I ended up going with two. Why? Although some of the food was pretty good, the space is horrible, the menu lacks creativity, and it's very much an old person establishment. I came here with my family and the BF to catch up before the folks headed off on vacation. I had been here a couple of times with older relatives due to its proximity near their apartment and ease of location for my mom (it's relatively close to the FDR Drive northbound to get to the 'burbs). The setup, however, is dismal: a small space on the first floor with a narrow set of stairs leading to a claustrophobic second floor dining area with low ceilings. It's trying to be romantic but feels tight and uncomfortable instead. The menu, additionally, lacks inventiveness and organization. There are regular items, specials, and then another page of specials. As my dad remarked, "It's like the additional page of specials was an afterthought of the chef". I started with the fresh mozzarella and tomato, which was a little off. Instead of big slices of beefsteak or roma tomatoes, the dish used cherry tomatoes: some sliced, some not (if this is their idea of being inventive, it failed). On top of that add only a tiny bit of mozzarella plus prosciutto and capers. It was served with both pesto AND balsamic vinaigrette, which added flavor but the chef should have just picked one sauce. For the main, I had a roasted lamb shank tangine. The lamb by itself was perfect: it was tender, juicy, moist, and the bones on the shank still had the marrow inside which helped elevate the dish ever so slightly. However, it was a huge portion and accompanied by a mishmash of sides (dry cous cous, a vegetable puree that I could not decipher, and something else that was worth forgetting) that made the dish overall seem heavy and burdensome. Too bad the sides didn't get as much attention as the protein. Couple these poorly executed dishes with an atmosphere that reeked of antiquity: the small dining space with the older crowd made up of seniors and older couples on dates. It doesn't exactly help improve the ambiance or make the place seem enjoyable and fun. If the food was good, it could maybe make up for the depressing environment, but the tired menu only adds to the already dated ambiance and feel. Pascalou's only other saving grace is the wine list: it's not that big, but features some good wines that are priced pretty fairly given the markup in New York. You can actually get a decent bottle of wine with dinner for between $30-$35. read more

Not very French. Ok food. Terrible service after the order was taken. Seems like a pattern in NYC. After the entree, no follow up for coffee or dessert. Odd. This place was an example. read more

I have no complaints with the food, nor the service, but the place is small and we were seated by the entrance and had our coats on the whole time. I did not feel comfortable and ultimately did not enjoy the dining experience as much as I should have. Warning to younger folk. This place draws an older crowd. If you are in your 30's or younger, you may feel out of place. read more

Loved the host. Liked the wine and the fish. The roasted artichoke salad tasted horrible. The waitress was really busy and wanted to be welcoming & nice, but did not even offer me dessert or coffee. She saw that I was done with my secondi, cleared and brought the check. No line (not that that would be an excuse) but an oversight. read more

The menu has a nice variety of flavors . I had the mushroom millefeuille for the app. It was served with greens and cranberry compote. It was enough for a meal and delicious . For the entree i had the seafood pot pie which was really nice with spinach and wild rice. I would have given 5 stars but i was seated upstairs and it felt very cramped. Next time, i will know to make an advanced reservation. There are a few outdoor tables as well. read more

What a lovely little spot! Great price fixe brunch, with really good carrot cake and tiramisu. Yum. Our waiter was attentive and friendly. Perfect lunch spot for after the Guggenheim. read more

Solid food at very reasonable prices, reminds me of bistros in paris. Highly recommend rack of lamb and soufle for dessert.

Excellent food. I loved everything we had. Party of two went into this restaurant without knowing anything, just because we saw a sign of "rabbit." A welcoming French gentleman seated us on the cozy 2nd floor. We had anchovies salad and goat cheese with pears, and braised rabbit for main. Everything was amazing and perfect. We told the waiter that we were going to share everything. Then he divided the main rabbit dish into two plates, even though we didn't ask him so. It was very nice of him. He was always attentive, and quick. We bith were very content after the dinner. This place is not trendy, kind of old fashioned, but cozy, warm, and welcoming place. I found that the crowds here are older, or families. We came on Saturday night at 6:30, and it was already pretty crowded. The location is inconvenient for me since I live on the west side... but it's worth to travel all the way to the upper east. Thanks for the great dinner Pascalou! read more

Very surprised that a place this mediocre can survive in NYC. It feels a little like eating in the restaurant of Fawlty Towers (youtube it if you don't know it). 'Best' seats would be downstairs at the front...whilst upstairs feels like you're in someone's loft, with low ceilings, no airflow and little space. read more

Not so impressed. Recently come for lunch and had the prix fixe. Service was slow, slow, slow. Salad was tasty as were my short ribs entree. Barely has room for dessert. However, I should never have to wave down a server EVERY time I need them. Only plan on going there if you have a few hours on hand. The food is good but you will be hungry by the time you pay your tab. read more

Lovely little cafe, pleasant wait staff. delicious Niçoise salad with toast salmon. Pleasant sidewalk tables. Lingered with coffee and prosecco for a sweet afternoon. Mom had the country pate and enjoyed it. read more

Very much like this place. The servers are very kind and the food is really well prepared with an extensive menu which is no small feat given the small size of the space. The space is cozy and very intimate and in a good way. They've managed not to make it feel cramped. read more

Worst Mother's Day brunch ever. Restaurant posted Mother's Day pre fixe last minute and led us to believe, even when called, would have regular menu. Vegetables were not fresh but frozen and smothered in sauce. Salmon was microwaved. Left aftertaste in mouth. Avoid at all costs and this was an expensive meal too. read more

Outstanding, authentic French bistro fare with a flair. Romantic, intimate setting. Consistently deliver. The crab cake, soft shell crab when seasonally available, and sole are superb. Try the delicious guacamole w crab. Very reasonable prices. read more

I love this place for lunch. I think that the quality of the food is great. They have fantastic salads and a nice wine list. The service is always efficient and pleasant. I only like to eat downstairs. Desserts are incredible. read more

A gem! Had a special Birthday dinner for my husband and it couldn't have been better. Quiet so everyone could hear themselves talk, intimate so you were part of the table's conversation and delectable in that ALL of the dishes were first rate. Even more special was the bottle of Champagne we ordered to start the evening came COLD and CHILLED exactly as you would want it. On top of this, the waiters couldn't be more helpful, the staff warm and delightful and the ambiance inviting. Definitely a restaurant we will continue to frequent many more times...... read more

We went for a brunch with friends, and while the prix-fixe was a nice option, the food was just average. I've heard their dinner is better, but I doubt I'll go back to try it out. read more

i love this place. My friends and I come here for brunch to reconnect. The place is small, but its cozy and intimate. The food is great and fresh. Food is portioned so we dont leave feeling disgustingly heavy, but content and satisfied. Great place! read more

Lovely little spot. And it is little. Tables are close. But the food and the ambiance are terrific. The food is French and excellently prepared and presented. Have never had anything but an excellent experience. read more

Food was barely passable but the host was a big league creep and super rude.

Lovely little bistro. Excellent lunch with wine. Only complaint is there is only one bathroom and it's a steep flight of stairs up to it. Would definitely go back. read more

Held a babyshower here for 20 people this past weekend. Called right around christmas to book, spoke with Lottie the manager who was so very helpful. Lottie called me several times to update me with changes i requested, she worked out a special menu for our party and was an overall pleasure to work with. I had never been here before so I really didn't know what to expect. Got there day of party and was pleasantly surprised to learn we had top room all to ourselves. I highly recommend this restaurant, the food was great, the price can't be beat and lottie and the staff went above and beyond taking care of us. I look forward to having more parties here. read more

Charming decor , scrumptious salad .... miss or hit spot. Love it and will return again.

Has nothing to offer for a family with kids who wants to have lunch. No kid's menu. Slow and sloppy service. Forgetible food. Wouldn't go back. read more

I had had a nice lunch at Pascalou two years ago and was looking forward to a repeat on this return visit yesterday with my wife. We both love French inspired food and we very much looking forward to our lunch "date" without our son, who was at home with friends. Upon arrival there were several people waiting in front and I was prepared to have to look elsewhere for a table but was pleasantly surprised when we were told that a table would be available in a minute or two as the party in front of us was seated. A few more minutes passed and the manager came out to say the table would be just a few more minutes. A few more minutes passed, another couple appeared beside us and the manager came out again to say that the table would not be available for some time as a new order had just been placed even after the check had been delivered. He then proceeded to say that a table was available in the even tinier upstairs, noted that we had been there first and asked us if we wanted it. We said yes and began following him upstairs as did the other couple who had apparently been told the same thing. Much to our surprise, the manager seated the other couple at the table for two, looked at us, shrugged and brought us back downstairs again. We asked why he had given them the table he had offered us. No explanation was forthcoming other than another shrug, an apology and a promise that all would be put right with a better table downstairs. A few more minutes passed and he came out again to offer us a table upstairs right next to the one we had been promised five minutes before. We declined and asked to wait for the promised downstairs table. Ten minutes later, the downstairs table finally opened up, some 25 minutes after we had first arrived and been promised a table in a minute. He was very apologetic about the wait and at this point, I was expecting an offer of a glass of wine or something else to make up for the string of broken promises. When none was forthcoming, I asked the manager for a glass of wine. He complied and we turned to the menu with eager expectations of a good meal after the wait. Having spend a long time staring at the menu out front, we were ready to order. Unfortunately, we were kept waiting another 10 minutes. When our waiter finally came to our table, he informed my wife that the Tuna Nicoise advertised on the outside menu was not available. Pas de problem, she changed to the salmon nicoise. Fifteen minutes later, the waiter re-appeared to inform me that the Sole Almondine I had ordered was not available. He offered soft-shell crab as a replacement. I accepted. Ten minutes later, the food arrived. The cold poached salmon nicoise proved to be very good. The single soft-shell crab, however, proved to be a small portion with muddy flavors not worthy of the restaurant's reputation. We decided to order desert to salvage the meal. Another waiter came by and offered us a choice of two desserts that we had not seen on the menu outside. We chose the Linzer Torte, surprised to have been offered it. A few minutes later, the original waiter came by to offer us dessert. We explained what we had ordered and he replied that that was only available with the prix fixe. We were surprised as we had seen no mention of a prix fixe menu available for lunch nor been offered this choice by the server. We ordered the warm apple tart instead, expecting something resembling our favorite tarte tartin. When dessert finally arrived, we were surprised that the crust was dry and crumbly with little flavor as opposed to the chewy flavor filled crust we had been expecting. To be fair, the dessert was not bad, but it was not good either. We were nonetheless prepared to leave disappointed but ready to try again on another visit when the bill arrived and we were hit with another disappointment. Not only had the two glasses of Sancerre we had asked the manager for as we were seated on the bill but we were charged $12.50 for each of them adding $25 to the bill for a lunch that was now clearly not close to being worth the price. Worse, we had spent an extra 45 minutes or so of time waiting and were now late to our next destination. This is one of the few times in our lives that we have sworn never to return to a restaurant. read more