Canaille
"Though the name means 'scoundrel' in French, there's nothing too roguish about this petite bistro in Park Slope," says Metromix of this tiny French bistro on 5th Avenue.
Laurel A. Fantauzzo of New York magazine writes, "Canaille keeps a cozy house with ten tables...entrées feature Greenmarket ingredients and time-tested favorites, like a generous bowl of garlicky mussels with thin-cut, newsprint-wrapped frites; smooth puréed cod-and-potato brandade; and a fresh, colorful salad of local organic chiogga, formanova, and golden beets dressed with sherry vinaigrette."
Chowhound acemdin adds, "I can vouch for the brandade and braised short rib (and the frites). The wine list is short but carefully selected from boutique type importers. (It reminded me of the list at 360.) There is some emphasis on the South of France, and more than enough choices at $30-40." What do you think about Canaille?
Reviews (13)
10thStreetReno wrote a review on January 9, 2009 12:33 PM
We've been here a few times and the 3 course deal is great value. Food has been consistently good if not spectacular. Like the intimacy of the place and the owners are very social when we have been.
SlopeBuppie wrote a review on January 9, 2009 12:33 PM
I cannot compliment Canaille enough, as it has become my favorite restaurant in all of Park Slope. I'll start with the owners, Philippe and Marie, who fill the restaurant with comfort and love. Their warm and friendly personalities are what make Canaille feel like home. The menu is superb, my personal favorites being the seven-hour braised short ribs and the cous-cous (often the Friday "special du jour"). If you haven't had their french onion soup, just trust that it will melt the coldest heart on a blistery winter evening. Go to Canaille just once and you are family.
huxbnw wrote a review on January 9, 2009 2:36 PM
We love this place too. Probably the best French in Park Slope that we've tried. The moules marinieres (PEI) are the best I've had outside of Belgium. The wine list is great and Philippe is always ready to recommend a fantastic pairing. The prix fixe is an especially great deal. A consistent go-to restaurant.
northsloperenter wrote a review on January 9, 2009 4:22 PM
Hmmm, I take it a space this small makes it not a good place to take the little one...
Perhaps some night when his grandparents are visiting, we'll leave him home and check this place out.
PSGirl wrote a review on January 9, 2009 5:14 PM
On the contrary, we've been there a number of times when there are children (including babies) in Canaille. Philippe and Marie are very accomodating and seem to love children, and they both take the time to really get to know their customers.
I agree that their food is exceptional and the atmosphere is great. The moules frites are my favorite, but I haven't had a bad meal there yet!
dwarbi wrote a review on January 12, 2009 11:11 AM
My wife and I love this place! Over several visits, I've tasted everything on the regular menu, which is small but excellent. Let Philippe pick a wine to match your dish, and enjoy a relaxed dining experience... one of the best in Park Slope.
lee_maison wrote a review on January 12, 2009 12:10 PM
Au contraire is right.
I went to this restaurant early one evening on New Year's Eve. The appetizers were okay, but fish was dry and service was horrible. The couple that owns it seemed nice at first, but the guy acted like a complete jerk and was very rude as he practically threw us out so he could turn the table over. It was a two top! I love bistros, I love moutarde down the street and wish that this was another great addition to 5th Avenue. It pails in comparison to Red that housed it before and I can't wait til this restaurant is gone!
Topham Beauclerk wrote a review on January 12, 2009 12:36 PM
What an appalling name for a French restaurant. The word means scum, rabble, dregs etc. The owner's view of his customers perhaps?
lechacal wrote a review on January 12, 2009 2:41 PM
Best French in the Slope, and head-to-head with Al-di-La for best restaurant in the Slope. The owners are wonderful. Service is impeccable. Food is delicious.
superstooper wrote a review on January 12, 2009 4:43 PM
Topham: Oh, so literal. It's a bit like the difference between a person who is playfully mischievous and person who is unscrupulous and dishonest. These are also the definitions of rascal and scoundrel in English, no?
FatLenny wrote a review on January 13, 2009 12:51 PM
I only went once but tasted all four of our entrees and they were all poor. Bad concepts, bad execution. If the food were good the prices wouldn't be bad. But, alas, the food isn't good.
Topham Beauclerk wrote a review on January 13, 2009 4:51 PM
Superstooper, it's true that according to context the word canaille might be construed positively (cf The Little Rascals), but as the name of a restaurant it's not comme il faut.
pastoralia wrote a review on January 15, 2009 10:25 AM
My wife and I love this place. It's charming, the owners are always welcoming, and the food can be inspired. For the poster above who liked Moutarde over this? That's a little crazy. Moutarde only exists because of people who can't get into al di la. Canaille is a little gem that more people need to discover because I'd hate to see them go out of business in these tough economic times.
Post a Review and Rating
Please be patient while your comment is published. It may take a moment.