Rene's Bistro
4.5/5
Opening at 4:30 pm
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Reviews
Location

Restaurant type

  • Bistro,

Cuisine type

  • International,

Products and Services

  • Restaurant,

Languages Spoken

  • English,
Location
38 Albert St, Stratford, ON N5A 3K3
Useful Information

Opening Hours *Holiday hours

Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
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Rates:

  • $11 To $25,

Methods of Payment:

Ratings & Reviews - Rene's Bistro

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Restaurantica12
By

Upscale food for people who enjoy a friendly environment

I highly recommend Rene's for anyone who enjoys fine dining but doesn't want to experience "sticker shock" when the cheque arrives. While I enjoy fine food, I don't tend to enjoy "upscale" restaurants. The staff are usually haughty, the portions wouldn't satisfy a hummingbird, and I'm supposed to be impressed just because they artistically drizzled some raspberry sauce along the side of the plate. Rene's Bistro was a very pleasant surprise! While the menu choices were creative and the food delicious, the atmosphere was bustling and friendly. If felt more like a neighborhood cafe, and there were obviously both a lot of locals and tourists there. Best of all: no sticker shock.

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Restaurantica12
By

Wonderful PEI Mussels

We took a chance on finding a seat in this crowded bistro at dinner time on a Sunday. Fortunately, we were squeezed in, although reservations are recommended. The deco is dark but elegant/bistro style and the crowd - on this summer evening - a mixture of theatre crowd and casual tourists. There are several varieties of PEI mussels on the menu - we ordered them Mouclade (with coconut curry and lemon grass). Paired with the pinot grigio available on the wine menu, these were nothing short of divine! The small mussels, characteristic of PEI, were sweet and cooked tender rather than rubbery. They arrived hot and steaming to the table. Unfortunately, they weren't served with bread to sop up the curry sauce - although we were provided with a basket upon asking for it. The rest of the meal was good, but not something either of us would likely order again. The seafood mac and cheese with butter poached lobster sounds more decadent than it is. Although there are a generous number of shrimp in the dish, there is only one lobster claw - which really only serves to whet your appetite for more lobster (smaller bits throughout would have been nice). The bechamel was rich, with a complementary hint of lobster and shrimp flavour to the delicate base - but I would have liked it a little thicker in order to cling better to the pasta. My spouse ordered the fettuccine, which came with spicy sausage and lamb. The sauce had a pleasant tomato base that complemented the sausage, but the taste of the lamb was drowned in the spiciness of the dish. Overall it was a nice meal, and we appreciate the extra lengths to which the hostess attended us - especially on such short notice. The mussels were what elevated the experience above others we've had lately. We're convinced we'll return when the urge for properly prepared and *real* PEI mussels hits. There are several other varieties on the menu we are looking forward to tasting!

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Restaurantica12
By

Why the hoopla?

We must have ordered the wrong things? As I'm not sure what the hoopla is about this place. Only ate there because of all these fab. reviews on here & other sites. The seafood mac'n cheese was one of the most disappointing things I have ever ordered - anywhere! At $19 I was hoping for something a little different, it literally had just ONE small piece of lobster & 5 shrimp. Reg. elbow noodles & its all in a bechamel sauce (milk, flour, butter). Not even a cheese sauce? So why call it mac'n cheese? There are SO many ways to actually make this "exciting" & better. Use a cheese! Bake it, get a nice crunchy topping on there. Actually use some lobster - stingy cook! Get some more flavouring & colour in there like sundried tomatoes, green onions, black olives, artichokes - really, just throw anything in to make it "pretty". My husband ordered the special, which was pork ribs, on a croquette with brie & some veggies. His was a way better choice then mine, however he basically ended up with a sliver of bone in every mouthful, so he ate real slow! I tried the ribs (I too got the bone sliver ) but they were in a good sauce & there were a lot of ribs. The croquette had gotten soggy & mushy in the middle. But it was a nice idea. For dessert we split the pecan tart. I was hoping for a more gooey pecan pie kinda thing, but its basically all nuts & some caramelized sugar. With vanilla ice cream. Our server(s) a guy, but then a girl delivers all the food. Were good, although the girl spilled the bread dipping oil on our table and didn't notice - so we made the guy wipe it up on his next walk by. Their bread was yummy, I'll give them that. But from what we ate, we would not return. Oh & where are the freshly grated parmesan & ground pepper? Shouldn't a restaurant that serves pasta have someone come around for this?

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Restaurantica12
By

Connor

I attended Rene's Bistro for a local birthday party. I was surprised to see how much the interior has changed and was very impressed. The food was excellent as usual and there are some new additions to the menu that I can't wait to try. All were impressed with service and most of all the food. The pasta dishes are unbelievable! I’m pleased to see Rene continues to make fresh bread as this adds to the experience. Hope to visit again very soon.

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Restaurantica12
By

Top Notch - not Top Price

Rene's has some lovely new additions to their menu for 2010 like a Seafood Pasta/Mac & Cheese dish which brings gourmet flourishes to a comfort dish. And they have the best Bruschetta I've ever had - as a local I think I'll spend a lot of time at Rene's this year just eating this. Rene's also remodeled their interior over the winter and the somewhat confining booths are gone and it will now be easier to gather there with bigger groups.

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Restaurantica12
By

In for a quicky

We would like to Thank Margaret and Rene , we were late getting to the restaurant and had to order quickly to get in and out and still make are performance. We just had the special( Beef Stew) " I can't spell Bourgignon?". anyways it was out of this world ...then came the warm chocolate cake THE BEST...we will be back, this time a little earlier

Atmosphere: 5/5
Food: 5/5
Service: 5/5
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Restaurantica12
By

The new Pickwick

The space is long and narrow and has a small bar at the front near the door. It is pretty much where the cash was in the old Pickwick. Speaking of which...the red tiles from the old pickwick are still on the floor as are the marks from the old counter stools. As is the front window, entry doors and a number of other Pickwick era reminders. Much and all as the food was good and the service pleasant, I just couldn't get the Pickwick out of my head in this place. The menu the night we were there was limited and no doubt that was because they literally opened a week or so before. Not withstanding that, the selection suited us and the presentation and flavours where first rate. The menu was a blend of contemporary cuisine with a little italian flair tossed in. The place was quit though with only one other couple in the booth behind us. Now I like a booth, but these still had the high sides and that cocooned feel to them. A readjustment of the booth arrangment would do this place wonders. Keep the boothes by all means, just bring them into the 21st century.

Atmosphere: 2/5
Food: 4/5
Service: 3/5
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Restaurantica12
By

Something to write home about

This was quite possibly the tasitest restaurant meal I've had in quite some time. The presentation of the food was very artistic, which only added to the enjoyment of the meal. The service was great -- although we had to wait about 20 minutes for a table to be ready, the hostess gave us regular updates so that we never felt forgotten. And our theatre tickets were taken into consideration, allowing us to have a relxing meal, but still make it to the show on time. Overall, great experience!

Atmosphere: 5/5
Food: 5/5
Service: 4/5
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Restaurantica12
By

Very Very Enjoyable

This is a wonderful restaurant with great service, great food and great atmosphere. We will be back.

Atmosphere: 4/5
Food: 5/5
Service: 5/5
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Restaurantica12
By

Excellent service

Good food, good location, good time - what more could you want! Definitely be a regular here.

Atmosphere: 5/5
Food: 5/5
Service: 5/5
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Restaurantica12
By

8 people from ohio

We came up for 4 days and had a great time the shows were excellent the parks and river area were beautiful.. too much rain though..But the highlight we think of the trip was the dinner at Rene's bistro!..We had such a great time there everyone was so friendly, and the food was amazing. Will be back in the fall and thats where we are eating..thank you

Atmosphere: 5/5
Food: 5/5
Service: 5/5
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Restaurantica12
By

excellent job

thank you so much for everything. best mussels I have ever had, halibut ws cooked perfect and the was a melt in your mouth favourite. Will be back

Atmosphere: 5/5
Food: 5/5
Service: 4/5
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Restaurantica12
By

we love the new place

We found this restaurant on line and decided to try it out. It was amazing, everything was cooked perfect, my husbands beef was the best he's had. The creme brulee...to die for!...will be back.thank you Margaret and Rene

Atmosphere: 5/5
Food: 5/5
Service: 5/5
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Restaurantica12
By

A Great Attempt

We just ate dinner at Five Senses and I have read the previous review. I do not know what they are talking about. Everything was absoultly wonderful about our meal. The service, the atmosphere, and the food was amazing. The people that own the restaurant work very hard and it shows. We will be back and I wil recommend all of my friends.

Atmosphere: 5/5
Food: 5/5
Service: 5/5
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Restaurantica12
By

A good attempt

We found this restaurant through an internet search and worked out fine after a festival matinee. A few small issues like cork in the wine, overcharged one item and uncertainty over ingredients were handled adequately. The bruschetta was unusual but good. Tenderloin was well cooked and yummy. Trout as the daily special was uninspired. Desserts were great. Good taste and well garnished. Server indicated a name change is in the works due to some copyright issue with the word "sense" so name could change.

Atmosphere: 4/5
Food: 4/5
Service: 4/5
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Restaurantica12
By

stratford getaway

We came from bracebridge to Stratford for 2 days last week. We stayed at the Arden park hotel..Nice place..We ate at five senses and loved everything. The food was the best we have ever had.. We tried to convince the chef to come home with us and be are personal chef but I guess he has a restaurant or something..lol..we will be back for sure

Atmosphere: 5/5
Food: 5/5
Service: 5/5
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Restaurantica12
By

Outstanding

In town for Hamlet and dined at five senses..Outstanding

Atmosphere: 5/5
Food: 5/5
Service: 5/5
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Restaurantica12
By

In town for Cabaret

Some initial confusion regarding "misplaced" reservation -- however were promptly seated streetside by window -- more confusion when name of restaurant on menu did not coincide with Five Senses -- shared PEI mussels as starter which were outstanding -- generous portion in light wine broth -- server did not bring extra bowl for used shells making it ackward to dispose of them -- we each ordered the salmon entree -- nicely presented with vegetables and potatoes, a tad over cooked for my taste, though fine for my partner -- we shared a non traditional tiramisu (more cake like) served in a martini glass -- through no fault of the restaurant was seated next to four ladies who after finishing dinner (and several drinks) lingered and lingered and were quite noisy and rude creating an uncomfortable environment for us -- the server was aware of this when we mentioned it to her, however she was unable to address the situation

Atmosphere: 3/5
Food: 4/5
Service: 4/5
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Restaurantica12
By

meh

This place is rather small, and the bathrooms are downstairs which made it hard for my pregnant wife to head to freshen up. The food was ok, but a little cold, as our appitizer came out late. I think I would come here again, to see if they have improved their service times. The server had very bad breathe.

Atmosphere: 1/5
Food: 3/5
Service: 1/5
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Restaurantica12
By

It was so good!!!

Thank you to five senses, everything we had was amazing...We came to Stratford for the weekend from Ohio, and wanted to try the new restaurant. WoW, The crab cakes, soup and ceasar were so good , Rene's gazpacho was an explosion of flavor. The beef melted in your mouth, and the roughy.well the best fish I have eaten in a long time. The service was very friendly and smiley...We will be back next time we re in town..thank you

Atmosphere: 5/5
Food: 5/5
Service: 5/5
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