Cafe Normandie

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1. L

   Ladyoneace

   Baltimore

   3 reviews

   4.0

   3 reviews

   Dined 4 days ago

   overall4food4service4ambience3

   Parking is an issue. Escargot was amazing. Bread to die for. Wish you had veal Marsala.
   

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2. B

   Barry

   Baltimore

   6 reviews

   vip
   3.0

   6 reviews

   Dined 5 days ago

   overall3food5service2ambience5

   This is a wonderful restaurant, and we eat here all the time. However, on this visit, the staff was overwhelmed. It took us almost 50 minutes to get our drinks. As usual, once we got the food, it was fantastic.
   

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3. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   New York Area

   10 reviews

   vip
   1.0

   10 reviews

   Dined 5 days ago

   overall1food1service1ambience3

   We had high hopes for this restaurant after reading other reviews; however, we were woefully disappointed in every respect: 1) just getting water was a colossal undertaking. Our glasses were always empty and at one point my nephew walked downstairs to borrow a pitcher of water just to refill our glasses - upstairs (which we dubbed the forgotten zone). 2) my nephew’s chicken was so over cooked that it was nearly inedible and profoundly dry. My scallops were served just a hair past completely raw. I sent the dish back and asked it to be taken off the ticket - which I’ve never done in my life. 3) Our service was horrendous. We waited over 40 minutes for bread and French onion soup to land on the table. Our table was never bused between appetizers and entrees. We did that ourselves - by loading them onto an adjacent empty table. It was ridiculous. 4) the balcony area was hot and we were basically forgotten. 5) I think the entire restaurant was oddly staffed. There appeared to be 3 hostesses and get the servers were spread way too thin and the the bus services was nonexistent. You could not pay me to eat here again. We will never be back.
   

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4. LG

   LizG

   Baltimore

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on May 24, 2023

   overall5food4service5ambience5

   Cafe Normandy has always been one of my favorites. This was yet another great experience. The only exception was the cream of crab soup. It was delicious as usual, but a bit light on crab for the price. I know how expensive crab is these days, so I can understand going lighter on it than usual, but for $16 I would expect more. Regardless, I will be back!
   

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5. LM

   LouisM

   Las Vegas

   33 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   33 reviews

   Dined on May 20, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   The food was fantastic and so was the service. Will be coming back soon
   

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6. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Baltimore

   2 reviews

   3.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on May 20, 2023

   overall3food3service2ambience3

   Dinner was ok, dessert was good, service was marginal. I wasn’t particularly pleased that the server did NOT point out that a 20% service charge was added to the bill. I always tip 20% or more as I bartended and waitressed for 15 years and always told guests if gratuity was added. My mother in law was paying and she couldn’t see the bill very well. She’s in her 80s. Thankfully I was sitting next to her to guide her with payment. She added a little extra to the tip which was nice of her, but ultimately she could have tipped twice which is completely inappropriate. I know servers only make $2-3 per hour and rely on tips, but a heads up would have been the moral thing to do as a server.
   

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7. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Washington DC

   10 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   10 reviews

   Dined on May 20, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   We have been going to Cafe Normandie for almost 20 years. There cream of crab soup is without equal. The service today was provided by Tatiana who is an expert waitress. Great lunch and ambience.
   

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8. J

   Jackie

   Washington DC

   94 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   94 reviews

   Dined on May 20, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   We go ad some brunch and some lunch items. Everything was delicious, especially the crepes. Buckwheat with ham and brie was amazing. The fruit plate was exceptional for this time of year
   

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9. AC

   AlanC

   New England

   31 reviews

   vip
   4.0

   31 reviews

   Dined on May 19, 2023

   overall4food4service4ambience4

   Excellent menu and very friendly staff. Onion soup outstanding
   

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10. CH

    CHESTERBNH1

    New England

    33 reviews

    5.0

    33 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The Cafe Normandie is now on our list of restaurants we will return to when we visit Annapolis again. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our dining experience. The food selection provided several options that I had not eaten before and the quality was excellent and portions just enough to be comfortable. The cocktail menu offered a great selection of refreshing warm weather drinks that really quenched my thirst after the long day of touring the Naval Academy and Annapolis historical sites.
    

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11. RS

    RandallS

    Washington DC

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on May 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food and experience. Had the escargot and soft shelled crabs (!). Partner had the early bird dinner with pate and roast duck. Wine was half price on Wednesday.
    

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12. f

    foodfan

    Washington DC

    31 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    31 reviews

    Dined on May 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We started with a delicious order of Escargot with some crusty French bread - always a treat! Our entrees included the Roasted Corn Risotto with Sea Scallops and the Tuna Bearnaise. I cannot say which was more delicious, but my husband and I considered the entire meal absolutely memorable! Tatiana was our server and she was wonderful - helpful, informed and just lovely. We'll be back soon!
    

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13. p

    pollyanna

    Richmond

    19 reviews

    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on May 15, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    A delightful restaurant! Charming ambiance, wide variety of selections at different price points, authentic French/European cuisine. It’s hard to find French food in a more casual Bistro environment, so Cafe Normandie is a real gem.
    

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14. V

    Vasman

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall2food4service1ambience5

    Very disappointed. Booked this place weeks in advance for a Mother's Day brunch. No complimentary bread but was asked to buy it for $4 dollars as the kitchen is routinely backed up. Advised to order drinks, appetizers, and main meal right away due to the wait. 10 minutes after ordering, the main meals comes out before the drinks, the bread, and the appetizers. Also food was lukewarm and only came out for 2 of the 4 in the party. Not sure who this falls on but had to cancel the rest of the orders as it made no sense to keep the order for the bread, appetizers, and drinks when the main meal was already at the table. The food itself tasted great but I don't know if I'd give them a second chance.
    

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15. MJ

    MattJPark

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall2food3service1ambience1

    Sat with the family for Mother's Day lunch at the 6 high top near the door. The foul smell of sewage in that alcove was nearly unbearable. I mean just terrible smell worse than a porta potty. Why would you allow this in your restaurant? The rest of the place didn't smell as bad, perhaps there is some sort of sewage vent there or mold growing in the wine refrigerators. Totally gross and killed my appetite. The food seemed ok, not great. I initially wanted to order a Croque Monsieur but the waitress said, "our doesn't involve egg unless you pay an extra 2 dollars" -- really? So normally just a $16 grilled cheese? Service was terrible. When they post that sign out front "The Whole World is Short Staffed Be Kind to those that Showed Up!" It's pretty much a dead giveaway that service will be atrocious. They bring a drink menu, but then disappear for 25 mins, doesn't make a lot of sense. They did this twice, I ultimately never got a drink and my wife wasn't offered a second one until everyone was done eating. The younger waitresses spent a lot of their time screwing around at the hostess stand. Also they decided that it was ok to add 20% service charge to the check for 2 adults and 4 kids. I guess that is easier to do than to fix the service in the restaurant.
    

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16. n

    nancyg

    Philadelphia

    43 reviews

    5.0

    43 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We have been dining at Cafe Normandy for probably 15 years or more. Always reliably delicious, fresh food, in a traditional French manner. Tables are somewhat close together, but not uncomfortably so. And sometimes the noise level rises, but you can still converse with your dining companions, and adjoining tables, if it happens. Last night our server was very busy, but managed all of her tables with a wonderfully pleasant manner. FYI, the escargot are delicious.
    

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17. r

    renanb

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    We had a pleasant Sunday brunch with our friend . The menu was good and we selected delicious crepes, soft crab shell almandine sauce and tropical bomb as a dessert. This is our second time ( dinner once before, bouillabaisse was delicious ). We like the ambiance, service, and the food. We definitely recommend this restaurant.
    

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18. LG

    LG123

    Baltimore

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall5food5service3ambience3

    Amazing food, can't wait to come back! Calamari, Surf and Turf, Halibut, Scallop Risotto, all amazing!
    

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19. PP

    PhilP

    Richmond

    80 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    80 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We came 1 hr to closing on a Saturday and it was packed. Service was par excellence. I had the CDP and it was just wonderful. Food came out at the right time, we were enjoying appetizers, and we never felt rushed. What a great place!!!
    

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20. F

    Foodie

    Tampa

    26 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4

    Really a great find. NOT a tourist trap. We ate both breakfast (brunch) and dinner, both were exceptional
    

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21. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    15 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall2food2service1ambience1

    Obviously understaffed. We watched 4 tables walk out after waiting for service too long. Staff that was present were obviously harried. Food was good but not inspired. Overall a solid meh.
    

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22. a

    av11

    Washington DC

    18 reviews

    4.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    favorite place but waitress didn’t remember full order
    

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23. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Baltimore

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on April 28, 2023

    overall5food5service3ambience5

    The food was wonderful but the staff was overwhelmed.
    

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24. J

    Joseph

    Baltimore

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 28, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    I'm not sure that I would call this place "romantic," as has been claimed, but it is eclectic and cozy with friendly service. The noise level and lack of adequate privacy detract from it being romantic, in my opinion. The menu is very good, and our party thoroughly enjoyed their cream of crab and French onion soups, roast duck with raspberry sauce, veal Normandie, and tarte tatin desserts but found the chicken Normandie a little tough and the Bronzini fish full of scales. The bill with two glasses of wine each, coffee and shared desserts averaged over $100 each (for anyone who has difficulty interpreting what $$ out of a possible $$$$ rating might translate into.) Overall, it was an enjoyable experience and worthy of its 4-5 star rating.
    

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25. D

    Drrkr

    Hawaii

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on April 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    For out-of-towners, be advised, this is a local favorite, so reservations usually are a good option. It is a top choice for regular repeat customers, as we have become. Interesting (delicious) offerings, while their portions are generous. Plan on sharing if you have no provision for a left-over take-away. The menu includes classic French dishes (cassoulet or coq au vin), along with international and local favorites (we had soft shell crabs, almondine), best ever. Service is friendly, knowledgable, efficient. Atmosphere, depending on crowd size, varies from "homey" to "pleasant bistro". They usually offer a discount "happy hour" for drinks and mains before 6:30 pm.
    

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26. JS

    JohnS

    Central Coast

    19 reviews

    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on April 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    My wife and I ate at Cafe Normandie on the evening of the day we were married at the courthouse 21 years ago. From time to time we have returned on our anniversary since then. On this occasion we were seated, quite by chance, at the same table as 21 years previously. Our meal was truly outstanding, exceeding even our memory of our first one. My Sea Bass Nicole’s was perfectly prepared with an abundance of fresh vegetables and a delicate sauce. My wife’s Cassoulet was hearty and chock full of a variety of meats, sausage and tender beans. Service by our server, Tatiana, was superb. We are eager for an opportunity to return in the near future whenever we may be in or near Annapolis.
    

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27. AB

    AndrewBat

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Excellent as usual. Our first choice every time we come to Annapolis
    

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28. BM

    BMoreDiner

    Baltimore

    23 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on April 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Always an enjoyable experience! The highlights this time were the veal sweetbreads and the soft crab. Jean-Louis even emerged from the kitchen to make sure we enjoyed everything. It was a delight!
    

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29. DM

    DonM

    Washington DC

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on April 25, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    Great place for a long lunch.
    

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30. JF

    JamesF

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Wonderful as always! Thank you We will be back! See you soon!
    

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31. W

    Watsson

    Baltimore

    69 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    69 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3

    We loved Cafe Normandie once. This time, not so much. Two in our party had the onion soup to start. Taste-wise, it was as good as ever. But the waitress who brought the soup to our table tilted the plates holding the fresh-from-the-broiler bowls at heart-stopping angles as she put them down. That none of us was scalded was a miracle. I opted for the duck confit starter. More plain roast duck than duck confit. My main was the Chicken Normandie. I found it to be dull. My wife went for an old favorite - the roast chicken. The fries were terrific, but the chicken was dried out. Maybe we just hit them at an off night.
    

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32. LH

    LoriH

    Vancouver

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food was wonderful! I ordered the house specialities, French onion soup, trout almondine and crème brûlée. Felt like was eating in a Parisianne cafe. Was a lovely way to spend lunch in downtown! Highly recommend!
    

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33. RM

    ReservationMom

    Baltimore

    46 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    46 reviews

    Dined on April 20, 2023

    overall3food2service3ambience4

    It might have been an off night. Service was quite slow. We were finally given some sliced bread with butter pats wrapped( one per piece of bread) I had the avocado and crab appetizer. The avocado was brown and mushy. The crab was rather tasteless( needed Old Bay) and was mainly mayo. My guest didnt like the filet( although the server did offer to replace with another choice). The veal was tender but greasy( i dont think this was supposed to be the sauce. For such high ratings, it was a little disappointing. It may have just been an off night. Our server though was very nice.
    

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34. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Host and server greeted us with Happy Anniversary upon our arrival and seating. Our server, Amanda, was very friendly and attentive. They gave us a free little dessert at the end of our meal with Happy Anniversary written in strawberry sauce. Overall it was a wonderful meal and dining experience. We would definitely recommend!
    

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35. ST

    SylvieTravels

    Chicago

    16 reviews

    1.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on April 19, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1

    An old establishment who’s decor needs to be updated (very dark booths and surroundings) and menu needs to be revisited. Food was terrible! We ordered an artichoke/crab dip dish that was improperly prepared making the artichoke tough and hard to eat. The presentation did not take into consideration this is a finger food and it became very messy very quickly as we struggled to pull the artichoke leaves off without getting the very greasy crab dip on our hands. I was embarrassed that I chose this place for a friend reunion. But it can be saved if the owners take a good hard look and “lighten” things up (decor and food!). Start with simple recipes and quality produce!
    

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36. WH

    WilliamH

    New York Area

    103 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    103 reviews

    Dined on April 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Was the best French restaurant we have been to in years in the US! Spectacular! Staff was awesome 👏
    

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37. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 14, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience3

    1) Having to put a $125 deposit down to hold a reservation was concerning. 2) Not being able to order appetizers before selecting our entree was unheard of and disappointing. 3) No one in our party of 5 was completely satisfied with their meal. Something was off with the chef that night. Our food was average and not up to par. 4. We were at the restaurant for 2 grueling hours. Our waitress literally disappeared after our meal was delivered to the table. We waited 20 minutes for our plates to be cleared. Then another 20 minutes for the check. 5). It will be a long time before we return.
    

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38. NH

    NealH

    Washington DC

    20 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on April 14, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience3

    Server was not particularly helpful when I asked for a recommendation of one of three entrees: salmon, quail or venison. She said the salmon and quail were excellent, and then simply recited the ingredients which were printed on the menu. When I asked about the venison, she replied that she “didn’t like it”. When I pressed why, it became clear she wasn’t a meat-eater, so again, not really helpful. I ultimately ordered the quail, which was fine, though ultimately I was reminded that though I like the flavors, it’s a lot of work to get little morsels of meat off the tiny birds (no fault of the restaurant, obviously). More problematic was a customer who apparently was watching a TV show or YouTube video on their phone. I asked three employees (server, hostess, and someone else) to request that customer turn it off, as it was disturbing other patrons (including another couple at an adjacent table who also complained). One of the staff came back and said the offending people were “getting ready to leave”, yet this went on for 15 minutes, with no further involvement by the employees. Not clear why it was so difficult to get them to address this, and for that reason I won’t be returning.
    

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39. DM

    DMA3

    New England

    18 reviews

    4.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on April 12, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience4

    The Cave is always good. The food is up to expectations. We frequently come when we ate in Annapolis. It was very loud tonight, it’s usually not quiet but tonight was much louder than normal. Our server was not too attentive, she spent a lot of time talking to other servers. We will return because the food is worth it.
    

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40. M

    Mike

    Baltimore

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We had a wonderful lunch at Cafe Normandie. We highly recommend it.
    

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