Lilly's

02/01/2008 Posted by Fooditude

In a nut shell: The watier forgot us, then forgot to submitt our order, then forgot our order, then forgot to submitt our order, then forgot to submitt our order a third time!! When we were ready to leave the waiter offered to comp us a dessert. When we passed (we had already been sitting for 3 hours) he brought us our check. Nothing was comped - not even our coffee!!! Skip it & go to Joe's or head down to main street. Maybe it was an off day, but even so, the food was only so-so.

Pros: Nice location & great space

Cons: No service, food not great

12/04/2007 Posted by georgesue

Well on the whole Lilly's was not worth it. First the staff was cold and disorganized, the food was fair to poor. The appetizers where weak, escargot lacked flavor, the lobster bisque had no lobster and was more like tomato soup and not good tomato soup. Entrees were a mix; I got the Fillet and it was passable. My wife got the ducks with orange sauce and it was gross and had no flavor. Dessert was especially disappointing as the profitereles were hard as rocks and had a piece of plastic/glass that I almost broke my tooth on. When I showed this to the waiter he didn't even react. They also over charged on the wine, but corrected that when I pointed it out. I my opinion you should save your cash and go to Joe's just next door a little more expensive but vastly better.

Pros: Back Porch

Cons: Everything else

06/30/2007 Posted by realesmith

I went to Lilly's for the first time for lunch. Our server was very nice, pretty and very helpful with the menu (the fact that she spoke French was very helpful). She recommended the artichoke, the Flamiche, the Tuna and the Ribs. Everything was delicious. The service was great and very friendly. My wife and I went back for dinner the same week and had the chance to get the same waitress again. The food was different and even better. Our waitress recommended the wine which was great! Don't miss it!

06/04/2007 Posted by foodkickinfood

I loved Lilly's, the waiters were really cool to us and the food was excellent. You really can't go wrong with the ribeye and bernaise sauce! Decadent, moist and delicious! I enjoyed the wine the waiter suggested. I think for a date spot, this place is great, it's not too pricy, middle of the road but the value of the food is expensive. The atmosphere is relaxed and romantic, if you come in right before closing, they will still serve you graciously. Everyone hangs out for a long time after closing and there is no rush, typical French attitude towards food, it's an experience. Almost everyone on staff is French. It's the real deal. Chocolate souffle was amazing. I am very picky and it takes alot for me to go online and write a review about a restaurant. I don't normally do it, but I loved this place and I can't wait to return.

02/20/2007 Posted by jakelawler

I will nto be returning to this place. I spoke to the owner before leaving to let him know what a bad experience I had. Truly not worth driving too or wasting an evening at. Wine list- no good, food was salty and or too cold. Wait staff...what wait staff?

Pros: Trendy locale in Abbott Kinney

Cons: poor value for your money

11/14/2006 Posted by andrewnvenice

Wonderful, authentic french bistro -- unfortunately this includes the standard-issue french attitude. Go for the fillet -- it is outstanding. Nice wine list. If possible, try to sit outside on the back patio.

Pros: food, wine, bar

08/01/2006 Posted by miriaml

I had to write after I saw something about poor service. Something about coming here always makes the night a little special. The menu is a mix of french brasserie and restaurant classics like juicy steak with french fries with some traditionals such as ceasar salad, and franco-cal dishes like goat cheese puffs that are pretty sublime. I don't generally go here to be surprised by unique dishes but to eat great food. Ie it's not innovative like Rockenwagner. The fish is also excellent. It's no inexpensive but seems well priced. The service: yes occasionally it seems slow, but it's part of the charm that they don't try to get you in and out in 1 hour. It's a different pace, and while I get antsy I usually find myself enjoying the extra time. The waitstaff are very professional and it's refreshing to have service that is not intrusive -- not "Hi, I'm so and so and I'll be your server tonight..." Very much like the excellent service at La Cachette, although obviously slightly more casual. They do what needs to be done and don't bother you all the time. What a nice change. Oh, and they know about wine, so if you are like me and not an expert on french wine, they can suggest wine for specific dishes. As the place gets fuller it becomes noisy, but not too loud. You can tell everyone is having a great conversation; in other words, not a place where people are worried about making connections in the biz, checking each other out; but intent on full enjoyment of a meal with their friends/lovers/family. PS I'm pretty allergic to cig. smoke. If you are or if you find it unpleasant then you should ask about it when you book; once they put me on the patio and I had to move. I think people smoke when they are outside. If you want to self-park there are many residential streets behind the restaurant that are fine for parking.

02/14/2006 Posted by carolftwin

I went to Lilly's with a friend. We were trying to find a place to have dinner. I never tried Lilly's and thought we should give it a try. The food was grea and so was the service. We had to wait a while to be seated, so we just relaxed at the bar and have a glass of wine. Dessert was also great. It was worth the wait.

01/16/2006 Posted by susan32

For a romantic outdoor dining experience, Lilly's is the place. The back patio is magical - (cue images of Midsummer Night's Dream); beautifully decorated with perfectly pruned trees, twinkle lights and intimate tables with crisp, white linen napkins and tablecloths. I ordered the Canard a la lavande, a roasted duck breast specialty, which was delicious. The one drawback: during our experience, service seemed to be an afterthought - sometimes the simplest, low-maintenance requests (like "more water, please?") took forever. By the end, we weren't sure who we should tip. Three people seemed to be on rotation, taking our order, delivering our food and refilling our glasses. What's more, we arrived after making online reservations, yet still had to wait 15 minutes to be seated.

Pros: Outdoor patio, Wine list

Cons: Service

10/09/2005 Posted by chefeclaire

The patio in the back is a charming place to have lunch or brunch. White table cloths and fresh baguette on the table perfect the French touch. The frisee salad with lardons and a poached egg is the best I've had outside of France, but some of the other salad dishes are simply average. The orange sorbet is delicious but the lemon tart is big enough and heavy enough for two to split. The service is friendly and prompt and the prices are very reasonable for such a charming setting.