Cafe Rabelais

Where's the host? He's not here. Oh, there he is, the rude man behind the bar who allows a line of 10 people to queue up at the door and ignored everyone for 14 minutes, including a gentleman in a wheelchair. The waiters walked past and didn't even so much as make eye contact despite walking past (and through) everyone rudely several times. We'll never go back. Oh, and don't try to call to make reservations unless you want the condescending host to tell you that "we're a walk in cafe, we don't take reservations." Pros: ample oxygen Cons: rude host, rude staff, non-existent service more

This was my first time ever eating at a French Restaurant, and it now, won't be my last. The staff made my wife and me feel comfortable, and it didn't seem to matter that we could not pronounce many of the items on the menu. The food was outstanding, and was very reasonably priced. We were given a brief lesson on how to choose a bottle of wine, and with a little help, it turned out to be great. The staff made me and my wife feel like regulars. Great experience! Pros: Staff, Food, Atmosphere Cons: No menu more

First point: City Search needs to update the location and map. It's one thing to find a parking place in the Rice Village, but twice for the same meal? Help us out here, folks!! Down to business: Cafe Rabelais is a very enjoyable venue for a pleasant lunch. After hearing three enthusiastic recommendations for this place, we decided to give it a try, and we weren't disappointed. This first time, we limited ourselves to salads, which were quite good, but I am eager to branch out the next time. The lunch menu offers good value: portions are ample, but not gluttonous, and the prices ($6-10 for the major salads) are reasonable. The service is attentive without being intrusive. The room is intimate and pleasant. We are already planning our return visit (I cant' wait to try the _moules_ and the smoked duck salad!) Pros: delicious food, intimate atmosphere, attentive, pleasant s Cons: The usual: Parking! more

I really enjoyed the food. I had a salade de chevre pane and a sandwiche brevette with really delicious grilled vegetables. The bread and butter were addictive! The only downside I would change would probably not fly well with those who enjoy the quaint francostyle menu boards. It was so dark with the candlelight, and the chalk writing was a bit illegible. This being my first time, I squinted and strained and finally gave up until the waitress curtly informed me that there were no paper menus to peruse. I then had to hover over the shoulders of the people sitting directly beneath the menu boards, which was uncomfortable. I had to wonder what they do for a legally blind person! But besides that inconvenience, I will definitely go back for more great French cuisine. Pros: Extensive wine list, Changing menu, Authentic atmosphere Cons: No table menu, Bad parking, Crowded/loud more

The rack of lamb tempted me to renounce all decorum and devour it right off the bone - all teeth and bare hands - who cares about forks, knives, and civility. I didn't go that far, but I did sop up every last drop of sauce with a chunk of fresh, warm french bread; and I swear, even the butter tastes better. Excellent value for high quality dining experience. Atmosphere: I adored the old location - an oasis hideaway reminiscent of old Europe where the weight of the metropolitan grind just melted away and you could enjoy a leisurely meal that transported you out of this world, or at least this city. At every opportunity, I hijacked people there for the food and that atmosphere. The new location has the same great food, but it's lost that je ne sais qua. Thus, it's now only recommended, not "highly" recommended. Pros: great food, reasonable price Cons: new location more

This is one of those times I wish I loved wine. I don't. I've tried. Cafe Rabelais is a cozy (yes, small) restaurant in with A LOT of wine. Everywhere. This and the menus on the chalkboard remind me of a small cafe in Paris. The service was impeccable. The food was fantastic! I has a striped bass in a kumquat sauce that was unique and delicious. They also offer an array of sandwiches for less than $10. They looked a little weak in the dessert area, but there are plenty of places for dessert in Rice Village. FYI, they do have a nice selection of beers. Not many restaurants carry Duvel. Parking in Rice Village sucks. The cafe is small and fills up quickly. We got there are 6:30pm on a Thursday and were seated promptly, but it does fill up by 7:30pm. I will be back! Pros: Food, Service, Prices Cons: Parking, Little Seating more

I didnt see what all the fuss was about. Food was average for the price and service was not that great. We arrived @ 6:15 ( they open @ 6) and there was an hour wait. We were encouraged to sit at the bar for our dinner which was a mistake- too crowded and uncomfortable. Wouldnt go again- disappointed! (They dont take reservations by the way.) Cons: crowded, poor service more

Upon entering Cafe Rabelais, you feel transported to a lively bistro in Paris. The ever changing daily menu is written on three giant chalkboards with items stricken off as they sell out. There are always interesting selections of beef, lamb, fish & various organ meats. The wine list is impressive - Cafe Rabelais received a Wine Spectator Award for Excellence in 2003. The food is inventive French bistro fare. I recently had beef medallions topped with a goat cheese & pine nut sauce - served with haricot verts & scalloped potatoes. The flavors were amazing. Dessert is good but not stellar (I've sampled profiteroles & creme brulee). Service is quietly attentive - bread & water are promptly replenished without interruption. We've never felt rushed. The restaurant is crowded & dinner usually involves waiting. Seize it as an opportunity to savor a French wine that probably isn't available elsewhere. Bon Appetit. Pros: Excellent Food, Amazing Wine List, Lovely Ambiance Cons: , Can Get Loud more

The place is a bit small and crowded but fancy and cosy. The prices are very moderate. I felt as if i was in European cafe as i looked through the menu in the wall. Nevertheless, the service was very poor and the place is so small that u can hear what people are talking two tables from yours. I had a tuna salad and it was the bomb!!! Pros: elegant, affordable, dark Cons: , slow service, loud more

We've eaten at Cafe Rabelais twice. Both times were just lovely. The food, the wine, the service. Everything. One thing that was especially nice the last time was that there was a driving rainstorm on the outside and the soft glow of candlelight on the inside. We can't wait to go back. more

Went again to Cafe Rabelais and can say again how wonderful it is. I feel like I'm in a small cafe or bistro in Paris. Service was attentive, the wine list is amazing for such a small restaurant (Wine Spectator should take notice!) and the food is wonderful. We are never disappointed here. Since it is so small and no reservations are accepted it is best to either go very early or go very late. Otherwise you are in for a wait. Just have a glass of wine and enjoy!!! more

Probably one of the better wine lists that I have ever seen in a Houston restaurant of this category. Some people complain that the place is too small...but if was larger it would be another Houston chain restaurant.....Ask the owner to help you choose a wine with your entree....you will not be disapointed !! The duck is delicious !! Pros: Food, Wine List, Staff Knowledge more

the only real drawback to this charming eatery is its size. Since there are not a lot of tables, there may be some waiting involved. But the experience is worth it so check it out. Great casual date place. Pros: Great Food, Great wine list, Cool waiters Cons: No menu, Some waiting more

My friends surprised me with a birthday dinner here. I could not have had a better time. The decor,the service and the food was superb! I felt like I was back in France at a charming Paris Cafe.I highly recommend Cafe Rabelais as a place to sit and savor a great dining experience. Pros: food, service, ambience more

Love this place and would definitely recommend it, however don't go if you are in a time constraint, and don't go if you can't have wine with your meal, because it would just be a waste. Very cozy, good, ever-changing menu and unobtrusive atmosphere and staff. Go shopping in the village and treat yourself to a lunch at Cafe Rabelais, you won't regret it. more

You must go to C.R. for lunch especially if you work in the med ctr-hou,tx. The sandwiches are superb & definitely for dinner if you want a delectable steak. The food is so fresh & delicious and the atmosphere is awesome! more