Le Baccara Enghien-les-Bains Guide and Review
Located in the picturesque city of Enghien-les-Bains, Le Baccara is primarily known as a casino, but its restaurant often takes center stage in visitor feedback. Reviews paint a picture of a place with significant potential, boasting beautiful views, but also struggling with inconsistent service and potentially surprising hidden costs.
The Highs: Views and Culinary Delights ✨
One of the recurring praises for Le Baccara is its enchanting ambiance, especially for those lucky enough to dine on the terrace with a view of the lake. As one reviewer aptly put it, "Nice views there," and another noted, "If the weather is nice and you are lucky enough to be on the terrace, it’s magical."
When it comes to the food, the kitchen generally receives positive marks. Many guests have described the cuisine as "excellent" and "mastered," with a "good level map." Dishes like carpaccio and desserts are highlighted as particularly enjoyable. On good days, the service can also be a standout, with reports of "warm welcome," "impeccable service," and staff truly "taking care" of guests, guaranteeing a "good time." Some even consider it "Probably the best restaurant in Enghien."
The Lows: Service Inconsistencies and Unexpected Charges ⚠️
However, the experience at Le Baccara appears to be highly variable. A significant point of concern is the inconsistency in service. One detailed account describes a stark contrast between a first, excellent visit and a second, disappointing one where "all the other tables received little touches... except us." This included issues with basic amenities (bread without butter) and a "curt" and "contemptuous" attitude from a waiter when inquiring about a previously offered casino entry refund. The reviewer also felt there was a "stark" difference in treatment based on their company.
Another major drawback highlighted by guests is the additional charge for casino entry, which is applied to the restaurant bill. A reviewer noted, "what is added to the bill, just for lunch in this restaurant, is the Casino entry €16 per person." This can be an unwelcome surprise for those who are primarily there for the dining experience and not intending to gamble.
Furthermore, there are complaints regarding seating restrictions. Guests have been denied seating on the terrace even on suitable days (due to "uncertain weather" or being "too hot"), or at lake-view tables inside, being told these spots are reserved for dinner only, leading to frustration and a feeling of being unwelcome.
While food is generally good, some experiences point to occasional shortcomings, with dishes like Lebanese salad and Dorade described as "tasteless" and lacking seasoning, alongside a perception of "not much choice" on certain days.
Overall Recommendation
Le Baccara offers a potentially magical dining experience with beautiful views and high-quality food. However, prospective visitors should be aware of the inconsistent service standards and the mandatory casino entry fee of €16 per person that will be added to their restaurant bill, regardless of whether they use the casino facilities. It is advisable to clarify seating options and any associated costs upfront to ensure a smoother and more enjoyable visit. The noted difference in customer treatment based on perceived factors is also a concerning aspect to consider.
This was my second visit to this restaurant. The first time, I came with my husband and we were pleasantly surprised: the welcome was warm, a waiter and a waitress really took care of us, the service was impeccable, and everything went perfectly.That’s why I wanted to go back there with a friend. Unfortunately, this time the experience was very different. As soon as we arrived, we noticed that all the other tables received little touches (appetizers, side dishes, etc.) except us. They just brought us bread, without butter or anything else. I reported this detail to the waiter, but no special attention followed.As for the food, nothing to say, it was excellent like the first time.When paying, I requested a refund of €18 for the machine entry cards, as had been offered to us during my first visit. The waiter replied curtly that this was not done and that the menu was only used to offer drinks. I told him that he was the one who suggested this to us last time. His reaction was shocking: he looked down at me, with a contemptuous look.I can't help but think that the difference in treatment between the time I was with my husband and the time when we were two women is stark. It's disappointing. A restaurant of this standard should offer consistent service to all its customers, regardless of their gender or company.
Lunching several times a week in restaurants in Enghien and nearby.This restaurant, Baccara, is a super disappointment.No possibility of having lunch on the terrace,Tables not set (so-called uncertain weather, telling us that it is the same if it is too hot).Ebsuite, even inside on the platform near a window with a view of the lake, the waiter told us that it is only for dinner in the evening.So one star, really for showing leniency, and we will never come back again!Because moreover, on the menu for this Tuesday, August 20, not much choice (the waiter told us that the pizzas were excellent), but we did not come here to eat pizzas.We should have, because the dishes we chose, apart from the Carpaccio as a starter & the desserts. The dishes, the Lebanese salad, and the Dorade were tasteless (no sauce, and salad without a single drop of seasoning).Without forgetting to specify, what is added to the bill, just for lunch in this restaurant, is the Casino entry €16 per person.
Very friendly welcome and service. short but good level map. Probably the best restaurant in Enghien. If the weather is nice and you are lucky enough to be on the terrace, it’s magical
A huge thank you to the whole team!A welcome and service always at the top 😊A mastered kitchenA good time guaranteed!I recommend!See you soon 🤩