Bay Street Bistro

So after a nice day at the zoo on Valentine’s Day, we needed a place for dinner. So I started searching mind you it was already 5:30 in the evening. Scrolling down the list checking all the reviews and available times. We also have our little (1 yr. old son) So we needed a place ASAP. Then came across «BAY STREET BISTRO» read the reviews 85% good, time for availability was perferct (since our son feeding is at 7). While I drove my wife called and locked in 6:30. When we reached the place looks cozy not a big space but it was perfect for us. We sat down to look at the menu and there was a pre fixed menu (it was Valentines day). A very tasteful menu if I do say so myself. Started off with 2 glasses of red wine (1 for her and I) little guy had apple juice, they pour his in a tea kettle so we can keep refilling his cup (we thought that was amazing). Appetizers my wife had the bruscetta and I the smoke salmon roulade (can you say yuuummmmmmy) Next up we both ordered the tomato bisque soup «AMAZING» (yes our son ate from us and he loved it all) Now for our entrées my wife ordered the ozzo bucco pork and I the roast duck. Heavenly, amazingly good. Last but not least the desserts carrot cake and a chocolate mouse pie (I may have mention the wrong name on the second cake) It melted in my mouth. The service was amazing, they made us feel like we were family and our son well let’s just say he stole the night with everyone from the staff to the guest’s. We definitely will be back again and again thank you Bay Street Bistro.

Good food, lousy service.
I was here almost a week ago, and I’ve had mixed feelings about my visit, and mixed feelings on how to rate this place. I had the fresh catch of the day, which I believe was grouper, and the poached pear salad. Both were wonderful. Everyone at the table liked their food
Our visit was of a business nature, so we were not able to make our disappointment known when little things added up to an unpleasant experience. First, after we sat down our silverware and napkins were deposited in a pile in front of us. Not terrible, but not what I’d expect at a nice restaurant. Next, I ordered the only sauvignon blanc by the glass, and when it came out it was obvious that it was never chilled. If the wine you have isn’t ready to be served, either warn me, ask if it’s okay, or offer me another choice please. Our food was great like I said, but the waitresses never checked to make sure we were liking our meals. They also never refilled our drinks. I drank my water, then my husband’s water, asked once, then twice, finally got my water after I was done with my meal. My meal was a bit on the salty side, and it was hard to enjoy when I was thirsty the whole time. Also worth mentioning, we were one of two tables in the place, so it’s not like they were too busy.
I just believe when in the $ 35 – 45 a plate price range you’re paying for more than good food, you’re paying for a good experience as well. And I’m sorry to say, Bay Street Bistro did not deliver.

The atmosphere was nice.
This is the first restaurant in my life, where I didn’t eat either course of my meal. The soup was so salty that it could probably cause congestive heart failure on the spot. Next up was a ribeye, my absolute favorite cut of meat. I have never been disappointed with a ribeye. I guess there is a first time for everything. This was the most dry, tough steak that I have ever eaten. Not bad for $ 40 eh? As compensation for not being able to eat either course, I was offered two desserts… Only in America, right?! Worst $ 40 I’ve ever spent. My fiancé had the black grouper. She commented that it was quite average, possibly dry.
Normally I like to give places a second chance. After the «two dessert» reimbursement offer, however, I won’t be back.

The food was good but in my opinion, a bit over priced. For the $$$, I was expecting to like it more. No kids menu so families plan accordingly. Folks that work there are very nice and the chef came out to speak to some regulars. I have friends that like this place, so I suggest that you try it for yourself.

Food, service and location was great. Expect to pay $$ but was worth it. Went early at opening to see how packed it gets. Starts out empty but give it an hour and people start coming to fill up the place. Save room for dessert!

We are kind of new in town and we’re looking for a great dinner to celebrate our 25^th anniversary… we chose Bay Street Bistro based on a recommendation from a true «Lakelander» and I can honestly say that he did not steer us wrong. I knew as soon as we walked in that this little gem was different than anyplace else we’d been to in town. Small, quaint, romantic, artsy and eclectic… we were immediately reminded of our favorite little bistro in our previous town, which we’ve missed so much. The service was great, there when needed but invisible otherwise… your water glass is always full but you never notice anyone filling it up. Oh and the food… Amazing, fresh and delicious. We had stuffed portobello, carrot ginger soup, caprese salad, herb crusted lamb chops and Mediterranean grouper. It was so nice to really «go out for dinner», rather than just «out to eat»…there is huge difference difference. This is definitely going to the top of our favorites list.

The Bay Street Bistro is without a doubt the best restaurant in Lakeland, Florida. It would also stand up against the best small bistros is New York, San Francisco or Paris. This is a true gem in downtown Lakeland, FL! They have a great selection of food. Really amazing considering the small size. Everything is perfectly prepared to order. The wait staff is attentive but not intrusive. The wine selection is very nice. The owner and chef will most likely come and ask you if you enjoyed your meal. The ambiance is wonderful! Unlike most restaurants where you almost have to shout to the person next to you, this is a place where you can enjoy a great meal and have a nice conversation. If you live in Lakeland or anywhere near Lakeland I would highly recommend this amazing bistro! Actually if you live in Paris I’d recommend you visit Lakeland just to check out this great bistro!

Went here for dinner last night. This place is adorable! It has a small, romantic feel. Awesome menu and amazing service. The food was top notch! Highly recommend!

Great little bistro and obviously a favorite in the area. The menu had a lot of variety and everything at our table was delicious. The Ooey Gooey dessert was a special treat.

So glad this wonderful place was open for Easter Dinner !!! It’s never a disappointment here ! Both the service & the food were outstanding !!!

This gem now tops our list of favorite places to eat in Lakeland. The meal was excellent, beginning with great and friendly service. The main courses we chose were all from the list of fours specials and did not disappoint. Each of us raved about how good they were. We’ll be back soon.

I would have given it a slightly higher rating except for the fact when we were there the A/​C was out and it was 85 degrees in the place. I can understand things happen but I didn’t receive one apology about it and when I made a comment the manager just smiled at me and stayed looking at football scores on a laptop. Also there was no discount on the food which was decent but overpriced.

My top favorite restaurant in Lakeland for an evening out! I LOVE Bay Street Bistro — every single thing about it! The baked Brie appetizer is delicious, the honey-​almond salmon is to die for, and every dessert is fresh and tastes decadently home made. We’ve taken friends a number of times and everyone raves about it. You will love this restaurant! Absolutely must go!

Met my aunt here during Thanksgiving holiday. We met at Mitchell’s coffee shop down the road and also walked in on their farmers market. The bistro had a stand and since it was lunchtime we stopped to chat. It’s definitely pricey, if you’re prepared for the quality to match the price you’ll be in for a treat. We had the Mediterranean salmon special, pear and goat cheese salad with chicken, beef tenderloin crêpe, carrot cake with blackberries, chocolate ganache, several microbrews and glass of Pinot Grigio. All extremely tasty, $ 95 with tax and tip. Definitely going back.

Discovered this restaurant while exploring the farmers market. Let’s just say that my husband and I have discovered our new favorite restaurant! I had the Polenta Pizzoleta… perfectly seasoned moist polenta with crisp yet tender grilled veggies, goat cheese, Parmesan and a lovely balsamic glaze. My husband had the Vegetarian wrap which he fell immediately in love with (and he even let me have a bite… albeit reluctantly). This place will definitely be on our short list for Saturday lunches (the only day they’re open for lunch I believe) or dinners any night of the week. Know some ‘foodies’ that are hard to please? Have no fear… bring them here.

I took my boyfriend to Bay Street Bistro for his birthday dinner and we couldn’t have been happier. The mussels were nothing short of amazing, and the Tuscan Chicken was the best I’ve ever had. I heard the blueberry pie was delicious, but I was far too full to even take one bite.
This wasn’t our first visit. Last time he had the Beef Wellington and I had the salmon. If you’ve never had salmon cooked the right way (medium rare) watch out! It will be very hard for you to eat it anywhere else once Kevin has cooked it for you! Other favorites are the tomato bisque, crab cakes, and eggplant rollitini (that’s probably spelled wrong). By far the most delicious food in Lakeland. The prices aren’t cheap, but the quality of the food warrants the prices. All of the fish is brought in fresh (and daily I think). The staff is great, the owner is great, and the food will blow your mind!!! Best place to impress a date!

Wonderful setting… Casual and smart. Great food… Wonderfully fresh selection. I’ve been here a few times and the food is consistently good. I love the creps here. Romantic setting in the evening…

My friends took me here for a birthday lunch, I wasn’t expecting much, but was pleasantly surprised.
I had the chicken salad and have to say, it is the best I have ever eaten. Not your typical grapes, nuts, relish …

Clearly, this is one if Lakeland’s finest dining venues! Ate the Beef Wellington Friday night — another SUPERB meal and wonderful service!
From the salad through the desserts, each course was perfect.

Bay Street Bistro’s soup and salad selection is overpriced and underwhelming. First of all, there’s no soup/​salad combo pricing. The Lobster Bisque is bland! The Tomato Bisque quickly redeemed that but it could have had a bit more flair to it. The Caprése Salad was decent but the mozzarella tasted odd. I was brought a basket of bread and an herbal dip but there was only one piece of bread in the basket and it was piping hot, as if microwaved. Overpriced and lousy; that’s my experience so far.