Norwegian Cruise Line Le Bistro Review: Including Menu and Prices
If you're planning a cruise on the Norwegian Cruise Line and seeking information about Le Bistro, you're in luck! This blog post will provide you with all the details you need, from delightful dishes to affordable prices.
Watch our experience of Le Bistro in 2023:
An Overview of Le Bistro on Norwegian Cruise Line
Le Bistro is a specialty restaurant on the Norwegian Cruise Line that incurs an additional cost. Found on most Norwegian Cruise Line ships, this small and intimate restaurant is particularly popular among couples seeking a romantic evening, though it is equally suitable for enjoying with friends.
As you step into Le Bistro, you're immediately greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere. Picture dark woods, comfortable seating, and softly dimmed lights. Norwegian Cruise Line promotes Le Bistro as a sophisticated establishment, and both the ambiance and menu definitely exude that vibe. However, it's worth mentioning that due to its small size, the restaurant can sometimes get a bit noisy. But hey, a little chatter adds to the lively ambiance, right?
Dress Code of Le Bistro
To maintain the sophisticated atmosphere, a smart casual dress code is enforced. Men are required to wear a collared shirt, and a polo shirt is acceptable. However, torn jeans and shorts are not permitted.
Le Bistro Menu
The menu at Le Bistro offers classic French dishes with a contemporary twist. Among the popular options are Baked Onion Soup, Escargot, Boeuf Bourguignon, and Coq Au Vin. Unfortunately, some favorite dishes, such as the chocolate fondue for two, have disappeared from the menu with recent updates. It's a shame, but fear not, because there's still plenty to indulge in.
Le Bistro's menu is divided into three main sections: soups, salads, and appetizers; meats, seafood; and desserts. From our experience, many of the dishes tend to be rich and hearty, so come hungry.
However, it's worth mentioning that the menu is not particularly vegetarian or vegan-friendly, as only one item is marked as Vegetarian, featuring goat cheese, which can be a divisive flavor.
View the Full Le Bistro Menu (PDF)
Prices at Le Bistro
As Le Bistro is a specialty restaurant, there is an additional cost associated with dining here. The items at Le Bistro are priced a la carte, meaning each dish has an individual price.
We found that the menu leans towards the higher end in terms of pricing. The appetizers are around $10, while main dishes range from $20 to a hefty $50. Personally, we would not consider visiting on an a la carte basis; instead, we recommend using one of the dining packages available.
Norwegian Cruise Line dining packages are accepted at Le Bistro, with the exception of certain items that carry an additional charge on top of the package cost, such as the Beef Tenderloin and Lobster. The dining package typically includes one main dish and unlimited starters and desserts.
Which Ships Feature Le Bistro
Le Bistro can be found on the following Norwegian Cruise Line ships: Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Sky, Norwegian Spirit, Norwegian Star, Norwegian Sun, and Norwegian Viva.
Our Experience at Le Bistro
We began our culinary adventure with the escargot, a popular choice among diners. The dish was plentiful and incredibly delicious, with a generous amount of cheese and garlic.
Next, we savored the baked onion soup, which offered a delightful twist on French Onion Soup. It was, without a doubt, the best onion soup we've had on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship. It had a rich and savory flavor, with an abundance of cheese on top. Unlike the sweeter soups we've tasted in the main dining room, this one had a deeper and more robust flavor profile.
We also indulged in the goat cheese croquettes accompanied by a beet salad, which was beautifully presented. The salad had a refreshing and crisp taste, thanks to the addition of apple and earthy beetroot. The croquettes were perfectly crispy on the outside and bursting with flavor.
For our main course, we ordered the dover sole with croutons and lemon zest, along with potatoes. Unfortunately, the dover sole was somewhat underwhelming. It lacked in flavor, leaning towards the blander side, and the fish itself was slightly dry.
However, the Coq Au Vin compensated for any disappointment. It was an incredibly rich and flavorful dish, with a sauce that was deep and full of taste. The combination of rich, salty, and sweet flavors was a true delight, and the chicken was perfectly cooked, falling off the bone.
The desserts were presented with equal beauty. The Chocolate Marquise was a light and silky indulgence, with the dark chocolate and raspberry sauce complementing each other beautifully. On the other hand, the Frasier dessert, while visually appealing, did not live up to its appearance due to an excess of gelatin in the dessert.
Is Le Bistro Worth the Cost?
Now that we have explored the ambiance, service, menu options, and pricing at Le Bistro on the Norwegian Cruise Line, the question arises: Is it worth the cost? While the experience at Le Bistro can be enjoyable, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and priorities.
If you are a fan of French cuisine and appreciate the intimate and sophisticated atmosphere, Le Bistro can be a worthwhile dining experience. The menu offers classic French dishes with a contemporary twist, and the quality of the food is generally commendable. However, it's important to consider that dining at Le Bistro comes with an additional cost, and the prices can be on the higher side so we recommend enjoying it as part of a Norwegian Dining Package.