Chantilly Restaurant

One of the finest dining experiences one could expect. Gus has always provided a top notch dining experience. The place is warm, romantic and extremely reasonably price when compared to new trendy top chef in places. I have been a customer over the past 10 years and its hard to find better food, better service and as nice an atmosphere as Chantilly Restaurant.

Attended a birthday party at this establishment this past weekend. I had trepidations about this restaurant as a native New Yorker and Italian, I was doubting the authenticity of the Italian food. Boy was I wrong!!! It was amazing! The food tasted authentic, delicious and plentiful. The drinks were superb. The service was fantastic!

This is fine dining at its finest. This place very well deserved all its stars.
I like the french aspect of this place because I am part french.
The prices are pretty good here and the meals are very filling.
I took a date here and she wore a very nice dress to go perfect with the excellent food.
I like how spacious the place is too. The ambiance, the décor, the lighting, muah the place is excellent.
I love the desserts.

The food is absolutely wonderful, however, the host (owner) is not. The last time we were in we were berated for not making a reservation, when in fact, we did. It must have been missing from their reservation book. The owner that placed us at our table came back multiple times telling us that we should have made a reservation, and that because we didn’t, the restaurant was short a table for dinner. At 85 years old, we have frequented this restaurant for years, and have always enjoyed the food, even since it was located in Palo Alto. Doubtful that we will return after realizing that our patronage is not respected, or appreciated.
Furthermore, they advertise in the paper the price-​fixed meal. However, when you are seated, they place the regular menu in front of you, with no mention of a price-​fixed menu. We specifically had to ask for it. For seniors like myself, this causes confusion, and mistrust.
Overall, the food is marvelous, as well as the wait staff, but the experience made me give this restaurant 2 stars.

Last night we came to the Chantilly to celebrate
our Daughter Victoria’s birthday. As every time
We come to this Restaurant I feel that the World
Of Class and Style is still around. Whoever wants
a loud casual and Cheap place. The Chantilly is
not the Place. The Food and service excellent.
Gus and Ali with their special Charm and Good
manners. The Lobster Ravioli Mushroom Soup
Carbonara etc. all wonderful. The Soufflé Grand
Mounier always to perfection. The Roses for
the Ladies and the Valet Parking just the last
touches of this wonderful Restaurant.

I attended a 2015 holiday party here. The food was decent. The flavors were good but not unique. Portion size was small to average. The bread was poor to average. It did not seem that fresh and the cuts were inconsistent.
The service was efficient but downright rude. First of all, they do not follow conventional rules for serving women/​older people first. Second, they took the orders in a curt and rude manner. Finally, there was one waiter who was yelling at the VP/​Treasurer of our company to move his hand so he could pour coffee. I had to move the cup myself to prevent a fight from breaking out!
I did not have to pay for the meal, and I suspect this would probably be a one-​star review if I found out how much it cost per person.

Excellent service, no loud, romantic or friendly, great food. One of the nicest places on the peninsula.

Average food, less than average service, undertones of pretentiousness and favorability. Food was only warm when it reached the table (cream sauce had congealed).
First time I’ve ever been told you can’t order an appetizer before submitting your entire order. Funny, because the regulars who sat down at the table next to us immediately had that option presented to them. So much for building the experience around the customers.
Thanks, but no thanks.

Food was delicious!!! And the service was great. The décor is a bit outdated. They give you a rose at the door when leaving, which made me feel good :-)

I’m one of those people who tend to review a place only if I love it or hate it — I don’t usually get around to reviewing those places in between. (So quick thanks to those of you who do! :) So we pulled up to Chantilly and weren’t super wowed from the outside, but plenty of pretty amazing restaurants aren’t that impressive from the outside so no points lost there. We came in and the décor was nice but a little old school (sort of Victorian and, well, a little grandma-​ish) and the clientele seemed on the older side. We sat down and received menus soon enough with nice descriptions of specials, etc., from the waiter. We decided to go with three appetizers and to split an entrée since everything sounded good but the appetizers sounded especially appealing. First up was the carpaccio, which I have been trying to get my husband to try forever but he’s never been into the idea of raw meat. Well, he tried it here, and it was some of the best I’ve had. Lots of raw grated garlic and onions, so make sure you both eat it! Husband was a convert. Next up were scallops, fresh and done just right, which seems to be difficult for many restaurants to master, so high scores on that one. Third was the ahi, which my husband had not been too excited to try as it’s not normally a favorite for him. But this one, while still the standard raw in the middle, was seared to the point where the whole dish was warm and had a super tasty sauce. There was also a thick drizzle of wasabi sauce all the way around the perimeter of the dish, which we both thought was a little too overwhelming, but was easy to avoid so didn’t detract from the dish at all. SO good. At this point, we were wondering how we had never tried this place — every dish up to this point had been awesome! Next up was the risotto. When we ordered it, the server told us we could customize it any way we wanted — scallops/​prawns, mushrooms, vegetables, chicken… We went with seafood and mushrooms and it was SPECTACULAR. If I had to do it again, I wouldn’t have ordered the scallop appetizer if I was getting this (the waiter did mention this to us, so we had them go heavier on the prawns and lighter on the scallops) as there were scallops of the same quality in the risotto. Of course, next time I’ll probably try something else in the risotto since it was so good. But man, those mushrooms… Okay, moving on. Dessert was a baked Alaska that was unlike most I’ve tried in that it wasn’t on fire. In fact, it was frozen in the center with a meringue type topping that had been browned on top. Almost like a mud pie. Really good, for sure, but not a major standout like basically every single other thing we’d eaten. Again, multiple times throughout the meal, we said to one another, «How have we never been to this place?!» It may have been that glow of the first time to a good place when you’re in the right mood or perhaps we just so happened to order all the best items on the menu but, either way, it was a stellar culinary experience. The service was good — not up to Michelin standards, but good — and the ambience was nice. The tables were perhaps a bit too close together but not annoyingly so. Everything was very good but it was the food that was spectacular. To top it off, I was given a lovely long-​stemmed red rose on the way out, which I haven’t experienced in a very long time, so that part of «old school» was great! Oh, and the check total was $ 125 AFTER tip. Seriously. There was a slight up charge for splitting all of the meals — did I mention each appetizer and entrée came out on separate plates so I’m sure we also got bigger portions than we would have on single plates? Note that we didn’t have wine and ordered only one alcoholic drink (a lemon drop, which my husband said was the best he’d ever had — admittedly, we’re usually nondrinkers so take that with a grain of salt) but still, $ 125?! Heck, we’re coming here once a month!

I almost don’t want to write a review because it’s getting so crowded you have to make a reservation way in advance for a weekend anymore. It is the only quiet, romantic, serene and upscale elegant restaurant on the mid-​Peninsula in my opinion that has a prix fixe menu as well as a superb Continental menu, full high end bar and a Wine Spectator wine list… They even have my favorite Cabernet from Paso Robles… DAOU! If you go prix fixe for $ 35 you get a three course meal that is really excellent. And it’s available on weekends as well as during the week all night long. Gus the owner is very generous with this.
He has been greeting his guests like family for over 15 years at this location but I remember going to his first location downtown Palo Alto and geeze… I never have written a review yet!
Chantilly is truly a special occasion place if you want to go ON the town but not OUT of town. Last night I had the tournedos of beef medium rare which I believe is the eye of fillet with scalloped potatoes. OMG it was awesome with a red wine reduction sauce followed by a chocolate dessert that I cannot remember the name of. Pardon the preposition at the end.
Complimentary valet parking in the back and a beautiful longstem Rose presented by Gus upon your departure seals the deal for me!
Oh, one more thing. The waiters have all been there for years and that tells you a lot. For them it’s a career.

This old world restaurant never disappoints. There is something so special about waiters in formal vests and black bow ties who really care about your happiness. The food is always delicious and the Grand Marnier soufflé is the best outside of Paris. I love this place!

A quiet, thoughtful and wonderful dinner! I was by myself on a Monday evening. The service was unhurried and perfect. The wine I ordered, a specific Pouilly Fuisse, was out so they gave me a much more expensive bottle at the same price. I had the scallop appetizer (it was heavenly) and the Dover sole, which was superb. I had the apple tart for a perfect end to a perfect meal. Expensive? Yes, But worth every penny!
The next time I’m in Redwood City I’ll be back!!!

a bit of a strange experience here.
if you are 60+, affluent, dresses well and white, you will feel right at home in Chantilly.
we are none of those. in fact, i almost made the mistake of wearing jeans.
the food was decent but not wow. definitely above average but nothing to write home about. the prices are unfortunately too high for the quality.

We had lobster ravioli, rack of lamb, and duck. All were amazing! The seared ahi was ok. The crème brûlée was good not great. Cheesecake was better. The service was really good, our server was very sweet and accommodating. Would come back!

Hi Sir? I’m looking for my grandma? Haha JK. Though my grandma’s house never looked as nice as this restaurant, this place is very old school with with the printed and floral wallpaper and old fashion tables and chair — a very elegant homey feel. Despite my jokes about the décor, the food and service is pretty good here. I came here with my company and we ordered the whole appetizer, entrée and dessert round and our waiter was really good at accommodating everyone’s orders and specifics.
I tried a few appetizers (scallops and lobster ravioli) and they were pretty good. As my main course, I got the Veal Chop and despite my love for meat (sorry vegetarians) and my constant brag that I’ll eat almost any animal part (chicken feet and cow brain, anyone?), I don’t think I’ve ever tried veal before. No shocker there — I thought it was pretty good. It was cooked well and it was really tender and I liked the Porcini mushroom sauce, though I felt that the flavor was a little bit on the light side. Nothing a little pepper couldn’t fix though.
Overall, I enjoyed my meal. I probably personally wouldn’t come back myself, but I would recommend it for celebrating something or want to spend a romantic night with someone.
They also handed out fresh roses to all the ladies at the end of the night which was nice and note that there is complimentary valet parking (I forgot the street the entrance is on, but it on a side street off El Camino).

We love Chantilly! Gus and his staff are wonderful professionals-​that beautiful blend of professional yet friendly that only old school pro’s can pull off. Many negative reviews seem to focus on the age of the clientele so I’ll mention we’re in the 45 – 55 range (LOL…depending on which one of us you card). Food is beautifully prepared, pace is set to allow conversation and the ambiance is elegant.

Oysters were amazing. Carpaccio was out of this world. Lobster was to die for. Lava cake was… don’t even get me started! Service was impeccable and waiter was super nice. Definitely coming back for Valentines Day.

Man this old school place keeps chugging along. I remember when they were in downtown Palo Alto (which is now a jewelery store). If you want old world service and dishes, this is the place to go. Man do I feel like a toddler here. there are thousands of years of experience that go through here. The mix of French and Italian is interesting but I think since it’s so hard to find, the French is the way to go.
–Georges Bank Sea Scallops — on truffled potato, veal reduction
–Veal Sweetbreads — sautéed demiglace with mushrooms
–Warm Apple Tartlet — almond cream & apricot icing
All fairly delicious. I think the server looked at us funny at first since we didnt look like their type of food people but they couldnt be more wrong. They warmed up to us a little but the other patrons seem to look at us out of place too. Nothing I can do about that but enjoy the food. A surprisingly good place to see a snapshot of dining frozen in time.

Chantilly is a nice restaurant with a fancy ambiance, but lacks the food quality to match the prices and pretension.
Together, we shared:
– Succulent Roast Mapleleaf Farm Duck — Not good at all; very overcooked and glazed in a rich orange sauce that made it inedible.
– Lobster ravioli — The best dish of the night; the ravioli was creamy and delicious, and the lobster serving was generous. I’d definitely order this again.
– Asparagus soup — Tasty and filling, but nothing too special
– Baby lettuce with orange, candied walnuts and blue cheese — I’m not a fan of blue cheese, so I mostly munched on the walnuts, which were quite good, but sadly sparse.
– Tiramisu Chantilly — Their signature dessert, but sadly a let down. Like the soup, it was good, but nothing special
– Dark chocolate mousse decadence — Filling, but far too rich and heavy
They usually offer valet parking, but I find it easier to park along El Camino Real or in the nearby neighborhood. Just be sure to watch the street cleaning times and other parking signs.