La Belle Helene

La Belle Helene is physically beautiful with classy decor and upscale furnishings but the service and atmosphere do not match the aesthetics. A true French dining experience is about more than the decor: the mood, the vibe, and the ambiance are all key. The interior lighting is far too bright, and the noise level is disruptive to an intimate dining experience. We had a 7pm reservation and were not seated until 8pm. Albeit, the manager did comp some drinks and appetizers and that’s appreciated but it put a wrench in the tone of our evening because everyone was starving by the time we sat down. The server was not trained on French upscale dining experience by any means. The oystered were very fresh and delicious. The fish and beef were ok, nothing special. I would suggest this as a place for meeting colleagues or perhaps a get together with girlfriend but definitely not a romantic evening out or an intimate night.

A Perfect Thanksgiving Experience This year, we decided to spend Thanksgiving at La Belle Helene instead of cooking at home, and it turned out to be the best decision ever. They offered a prix-fixe three-course Thanksgiving menu that was absolutely perfect, with plenty of options to satisfy anyone’s palate. I opted for the turkey dinner since I rarely have turkey throughout the year, and it was exceptional. The showstopper, though, was the croissants—they were so delicious that I ordered some to go! The entire experience was stress-free, allowing us to simply enjoy the holiday. Our waitress was amazing—attentive, and friendly, and ensured we had everything we needed for a great meal. Because they nailed Thanksgiving so perfectly, I’d absolutely trust them with other holiday dinners. If you’re looking for a way to make the holidays easy and special, La Belle Helene is the place to go. The food, ambiance, and service were all top-notch. Highly recommend!

We loved the atmosphere, our waitress was very friendly and helpful. Instead of medium rare a stake was rare, but our waitress solve the problem. Food was good but not exceptional. It’s on a pricey side as you can expect. We spent 150$ with tips for two entries and a salad, no drinks or desserts.

Decided to do an impromptu date day and could not be happier with our choice. The atmosphere was beautiful and the restaurant itself brought us right to a small cafe feel. The food was delicious and we could not be happier. We actually got more than we expected for the lunch menu option overall. The french onion soup is by far the best we have found in the area!

Last Sunday, I had the best time catching up with a close friend over brunch while also squeezing in a bit of business. We picked La Belle Hélène, and from the moment we walked in, I was completely taken by the gorgeous French décor and cozy atmosphere—it was exactly what we needed. Our waitress, Wenipher, was an absolute gem—so warm and attentive. The crepes were everything I hoped for, but the real stars were the croissants—they were like little bites of heaven. Honestly, I can't recommend it enough!

Came for brunch.. Ginger came to our table and elevated our experience. Her menu knowledge led me to the perfect entree.. food was fresh and beautiful. I will definitely be back.

I had nothing but an excellent experience. The French onion soup was phenomenal, the French wine was great, and the beef was excellent. I would definitely go back and love the setting and elegant touch of the flowers as you entered the restaurant.

Incredible experience!!! I have Celiac Disease and am Vegan, and I really love how the chef is able to always prepare something safe for me to have! From a great salad to an exquisite dish, depending on the ingredients he has available he can put something together. Last night he created an incredible Vegan Mushroom Risotto that was celiac safe and out of this world delicious! Always a great experience and I have never had a reaction! They also have several options that are gluten free as well for entrees. Thank you so much to the chef!

High-end dining in Charlotte can sometimes be a hit or miss, so I felt like I truly hit the jackpot when I dined at La Belle Helene. From the moment I walked in, I knew I was in for something special. The food was outstanding, with every dish beautifully crafted and packed with rich, well-balanced flavors. The brunch menu offered a diverse selection, as well as amazing drinks both non-alcoholic and alcoholic, and everything we ordered was top-notch. The ambiance really sets La Belle Helene apart. It's a high-end space with sleek, modern décor, but there's a liveliness to it that makes the atmosphere feel welcoming and fun. Everyone was dressed to the nines, yet the vibe remained casual enough that we felt right at home. The restaurant even offers private areas and booths, making it an excellent choice for celebrations like birthday parties or baby showers. Service was excellent--our server was friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable. Even though there was a slight delay with our meal, and they even forgot our birthday dessert, they were quick to apologize and ensured we were well taken care of. Overall, La Belle Helene is exactly what you want in a special dining experience--delicious food, a vibrant ambiance, and attentive service. It's definitely a gem in Charlotte, and I'll be back for sure!

I recently visited La Belle Helene for a celebration, and it was a wonderful experience. The decor immediately stood out--high-end and stylish, creating a chic atmosphere perfect for special occasions. Our waiter was incredibly friendly and attentive, providing top-notch service that made the evening even more enjoyable. I started with the French onion soup, which was rich and flavorful but a little too oily for my taste, so I couldn't finish it. The arugula salad, however, was fresh and delicious, a perfect balance of flavors. We were also treated to complimentary desserts to mark our celebration, which was a really nice touch. Overall, I'd definitely return, though I might try a different dish next time. The decor, excellent service, and thoughtful extras make it a place worth visiting for a special occasion.

Beautiful restaurant with an upscale, sophisticated ambiance. Our group of 6 made reservations here before a performance at the Belk theater down the street. They were running way behind, and they couldn't seat us until about 30 minutes after our reservation time. However, they allowed us to grab drinks at the bar and brought out some complimentary appetizers, which was a nice touch. Once we were seated, our waiter was wonderful and apologetic for the wait. My husband and I got the mussels, and I literally could've drank the sauce- it was so delicious! I had the crispy duck confit, which was yummy and flavorful. Us girlies ended the meal with a round of espresso martinis. Highly highly recommend! I was impressed by the menu and how many gluten free options there were. While the prices are high, it is a great place for a night out and super close to a lot of uptown attractions. Just give yourself plenty of time if they're running behind!

What a wonderful way to get a taste of France!! My girlfriend brought me here to enjoy a late brunch together and it certainly did not disappoint! As soon as we walked in I was speechless at the seemless replicated experience we had (after having just gotten back from Paris in October) it felt like I was walking back into an authentic brassiere. My friend and I both ordered the French soup, being that it was a cold and rainy day and we wanted to warm up. It was SO good! We also tried a variety of cheeses, had a desert like coffee treat, and enjoyed a French press and an N/A mimosa. The French press came with delicious macarons, and the cheese board was extraordinary! We certainly had a personal little feast and I was so grateful to get the chance. There was a baby shower taking place in the room next door with everyone dressing to the 9s and it completely elevated the experience. Our server, Winnifer, was also very kind and funny, and super knowledgeable about the menu, what was great in helping us decide on our brunch. While the espresso machine was out, some of the chairs had seen better days, and the bathroom doors probably could have used a little attention - it didn't really take too much away from this awesome experience. Overall I was so totally enamored with this spot, and would happily be back anytime!

Cost, location, and ambience cannot make up for lackluster food. My friends and I tried La Belle Helene during restaurant week. The owners have done a masterful job of design and decor. The restaurant is fantastic, you may feel like you're in a film. Our server was very knowledgeable and personable but the service was extremely slow. We were there for almost two hours. Their cocktail game is on point, but not with the cost for some. The BOUCHÉE À LA REINE was tough you had to cut the puff pastry with a knife. The bottom was also soggy and tough, an incredible feat. The BOEUF BOURGUIGNON was fine. The beef was cooked perfectly, but where was the depth of flavor. It lacked any complexity and fell short. The ENTREMETS AUX MYRTILLES had absolutely no flavor, it was sweet but I couldn't taste blueberry, almond or honey. I was so disappointed in the dessert. We spent nearly 100 per person for food that was below standard for this price point. My taste buds should have been tingling. French cuisine isn't bland, so I don't know why they serve bland food.

Unfortunately I did not enjoy my trip to La Belle Helene. To start, the service was very slow. We came for brunch and the restaurant isn't very packed but still took so long to get our food and drinks. I was absolutely shocked when I ordered a $15 grilled cheese and tomato soup and the grilled cheese was tiny, cold, and dry (see photo). I find it hard to understand why that was listed under the main entree portion of the menu, and why the waitress did not give a heads up that it is a very small meal. All in all, extremely overpriced and slow. I would not return to this establishment.

Nice grand restaurant in Charlotte NC. The decor is elegant and chic. Very friendly staff. They gave us free champagne for our anniversary. Food is fantastic. Love the mussels. The flavor is very unique. Fish was seared perfectly. The skin is crispy and the sauce compliments the fish very well. Highly recommend for a date night here.

The ambiance is classic chic and very fitting for a French cafe style. Walking into the restaurant, we were blown away by how large and beautifully decorated it was. The food is absolutely incredible. We went here for their brunch and everything was delicious. We sat at the bar and the servers were very helpful in explaining dishes and answering questions. I can't remember our server but she was very kind and had great recommendations! Highly recommend their brunch!

Some things were very good and some were meh. Of the meh it was disappointing that they weren't spot on such as the too sweet almond croissant and both crepes were not delicate. I think when you call yourself a specialized restaurant with a fairly small menu everything should be spot on. Also the 3% service fee for the kitchen is tacky. Either tell us upfront on the menu. Charge more for the food. Or figure this out on your own. Don't let me think we have an agreement on price and then give me the bill with a surprise amount. I know it's not much but it's the principal.

Our waitress was wonderful! Our group were placed in one of the private rooms which was a nice touch. The meal was delicious!

Beautiful restaurant and bar. I get cocktails here after work. I love their wine and French 75! Never had a meal here yet but the bar is lovely.

I absolutely enjoy this place. I always went for brunch in the past but we switched things up and went for dinner last Saturday. We were able to sit in the enclosed seating area this time, which we loved. I had the 3 course meal which included the appetizer, main course and dessert. I indulged in Beef Bourguignon while my date enjoyed a burger. I did not get any food photos..I was super hungry ‍ Everything was delicious as usual. The dessert was not my fave but it was a matter of taste, not quality or preparation. La Belle Helene has been consistent in amazing staff and excellent service, and the decor is impeccable. You will not be disappointed.

I was in Charlotte for a work meeting and we had team dinner at this super cool restaurant. We started with this small cheesy bread that was amazing. Then I ordered Le Lumiere which was a tequila base cocktail. I ordered off the $65 prix fix menu. I started with the mussels and it was super fresh. Then I split the Steak Frites and Carolina Trout Almondine with my colleague. Both were super tasty. The fries were crunchy and steak was cooked to perfection. The trout was fresh and also super light. The creme brulee was the perfect end. I would definitely come back and highly recommend it. My colleague got the duck confit and French onion soup and said both were good. The Le Citron was also super cool!

My daughter took me to this restaurant for my birthday. The salmon and sauce was highly seasoned and the French Onion Soup was too salty to eat. The host was friendly and the atmosphere was great.

My mom and I had a wonderful time at La Belle Helene! The atmosphere is so pretty to look at, and the service was so friendly and welcoming. There aren't that many vegetarian options on the menu, but they were able to make the tomato soup + grilled cheese appetizer into an entree portion for me. The tomato soup was so tasty! My favorite dish was the mashed potatoes, which were delicious! I could have just eaten that and been very happy. I enjoyed the green beans (haricot verts), which were made in the French style. The dessert, which the waitress described as an elevated Snickers bar, was so good and tasted exactly like that! The cuisine is more of a new take on French food than authentic French cooking, but it was very good regardless. I wish they would add more vegetarian dishes, but I had a great experience nonetheless. It was a fun place and beautiful to look at!

Incredible private rooms. The food and drinks are top notch. You feel as if you're in New York eating at a coveted restaurant. So happy we have it here in Charlotte.

Fantastic dinner! The service was impeccable and the food was excellent. Great wine menu and a good bar. They know what they are doing here and it shows! The space is stunning, albeit a tad loud. The duck was spectacular as was the sea bass. The mussels had a delightful white wine & Dijon sauce. The surprising stand out was the frisée salad, it was absolutely SUPERB. The shrimp cocktail was so perfectly cooked, the shrimp were very tender and not at all chewy or overcooked (as they often are at restaurants). I highly recommend this establishment!

Food was excellent. Service was atrocious. Slow, we were ignored for the first 13 minutes after we were seated. Not even water glasses filled. Got worse from there.... Ended up going to the bar to pay as the waitress could not be found anywhere....

The aesthetics of this place cannot be beat, one of the most beautiful restaurants in Charlotte, and the service is great from the hosts to the servers, but if i'm honest the food is painfully average and not worth the price.

Such a gorgeous restaurant! This has been on my list for a while and restaurant week was a great way to try it. The vibe is light, airy, and romantic and the staff was all very nice. We did not wait at all for our table. We all stuck to the restaurant week menu: Croquette de Jambon - table favorite for sure! Salmon Rillette - this was a bit mixed, if you like this type of dish, it was likely delicious but just not our thing Arugula salad - huge portion and was quite good Steak Frites - so good. We got one hanger steak and one filet, both were delicious. I recommend medium rare or below as my medium was more like medium well Le Steak Burger - AMAZING!! Carolina Trout Almondine - lovely dish La Ricane - MUST GET! Honey Cinnamon Mille Feuille - so delicious We tried a few cocktails and were all great - tried two French Sauvignon Blancs and they were also fabulous. Keep in mind that this is uptown so parking options vary from street parking to decks.

The hostess was very welcoming and friendly. The bar tender made my daughter an excellent mock tail and a wonderful cabernet for me as we waited for our table. The food was outstanding! We really liked the mussels and the dessert was sooo good! The ambiance is bright and modern but also warm and inviting. We will be back!

We came to see how well we liked Paris fare. They're known for how they cook and the quality of ingredients but not seasoning, and I can see why. The food was very salty and not well seasoned. I was underwhelmed with the flavor profile. The Rotisserie Chickens spinach was flat, potatoes overworked, chicken was actually brined, so it was moist and good. The Tomato Bisque was way too salty. We had to add a lemon slice. Who knew that cuts salt! It was yummy after that. I didn't see a spek of vanilla in the cream brulee. The sauce on the Salmon a La Plancha was good as was the jus for the chicken. I can see how sauces are a huge component to Parisian cooking. This wasn't my favorite restaurant, but it was decent for a calm dinner. The ambiance is bright! I loved that. Most restaurants guide with dim lights to see the tone, but the vibrant robust lighting is a statement upon itself. Our service was great. Christian was phenomenal. He was quick, efficient, professional, and polite. Ces't Manifique!

Walked by during the day, and took a look at their menu. Having had French last weekend elsewhere (disappointed), was intrigued by being in a new city and curiosity got the best of me. Made a reservation on the OpenTable app, and we were set for 8pm. What was a smallish patio with coated rattan French like chairs outside, very opposite from the inside. Through the large roundabout entry is a great tall venue. Bar to ceiling speckled mirrors that wow. Like wow, how did they get those in here? Across from the host stand was a high table filled with pink flowers, if not for Mothers Day in a couple days, it really set the scene. Lots of date night couples (we graciously obliged to be photographers for a couple seated by the entrance window). Was led to a small banquette booth meant for 3 with a view of the chefs line which was a nice touch. So much space between our table and the industrial ceiling, felt like we were in a church or something. Not like a squished NYC French restaurant experience. Actual comfortable seating. Table ready with menus, blue and white striped cloth napkins and water filled glasses. It had been waiting for us. A fair amount of starters, main courses, salads, etc. Wines/ cocktails on the opposite side. Normally my immediate go to is escargot or foie, but being in NC, knowing the crab is probably local, I opted for the Crab Louie of dressed lump crab, avocado, haricot verts, radish, lemon oil. $18. Priced right for the serving size. Set inside an avocado base, crunchy crisp green bean pieces, shaved radish and lemon oil, with a spicy but southern style type remoulade, it was quite plentiful. While the norm French for me is usually petite and not much larger a portion than an amuse, I actually couldn't finish this for fear it might stall my appetite. So I set it aside. Carolina Trout Almondine, Haricot Vert, toasted almond, shallot confit. Fish cooked perfectly, skin side down, fish is tasty and buttery, with a nostalgic green bean casserole on top. Green beans delicate but a slight bit stringy as I almost choked on the string parts caught in the back of my mouth. The "shallot" confit a much more moist version of those old skool fried onions from an Americanized casserole, but tastier. Some crunch and toasted almonds for texture and perfect complement to the fish. No bones at all which made me happy. Again, a slightly larger portion than anticipated, so I took some home. Mostly I needs a little space for dessert. As always. Crème Brûlée au Miel, honey Chantilly (aka slightly under whipped honey flavored whipped cream) placed by an offset plain tipped pastry bag for thick lines, halved raspberries, and honeycomb pieces, a flower petal. Crème perfectly cooked, and not sweet which made it amazing. Thick custard, thick sugar crust. Bathrooms have a communal sink with little doors for all sexes, however, an attendant would be nice, as my seat was up, and splatter from the previous patron all about the seat and floor. Mostly attentive servers. Placed a dish of alternative sweeteners, I asked for a sugar cube for my espresso, and the manager (who I asked) never came with it. It got cold but I drank it without anything. Do,until from a kitchen background it was nice to see a tip line for kitchen staff. I do sincerely hope they get every cent. I'm always dubious about that. I tipped the server 18% and the kitchen staff about 10% of the bill.

I went to La Belle Helene with some friends for our birthdays in mid-November. It is right downtown in a fun spot, just make sure you go a little early to find parking. The place is beautiful and meticulously designed and decorated with European elegance in mind. Everything we ordered was fabulous and perfectly prepared. Our waiter was attentive and polite. The bathrooms are weird, i prefer not to share the private space with the opposite sex, but that was the only thing i didn't like. I would come back here in a heartbeat! Excellent.

In the last couple of months I have had the pleasure of attending two holiday parties at La Belle Helene, and as much as I've admired it from outside, I have to say the restaurant is absolutely stunning inside. Modeled as a French Brasserie, the owners really put their heart into every detail making this a very elegant and sophisticated restaurant. It features a long welcoming bar, and private rooms for smaller events. While I was there I was very impressed with the level of service, and all of the food that came out was delicious. If you are looking for a special place to hold an event, or maybe a romantic date night, then La Belle Helen will certainly match that vibe. One thing to note is that the bathrooms are all single stall and unisex with a shared sink room for washing hands. If you walk in and see a member of the opposite sec washing their hands, don't panic, you didn't accidentally get all into the wrong bathroom. Several of my coworkers all had that experience so I thought it was worth mentioning!

The review from a regular customer: Food: The brunch menu is a delightful journey through French cuisine, featuring mouthwatering items like crepes and quiches. My absolute favorite, the Croque Madame, is a heaven for cheese lovers. I highly recommend getting a basket filled with a variety of pastries like croissants, pain au chocolat, savory cheese danish, cinnamon rolls, and other goodies. Each bite is a taste of perfection. Although, the coffee quality needs some work ‍ Service: What is worth noting as an area for improvement at La Belle Helene is the service. The restaurant tends to be crowded most of the time, which means you might have to wait for about 30 minutes just to get your order accepted, and another 30 minutes to have it completed. In fact, there was one occasion when we had to take our order to go because it took them a fair amount of time to prepare it, and we were already running late. So, if you're in a rush, it's probably best not to risk having a meal here. Ambiance: The ambiance at this restaurant is super fancy, reminiscent of a high-end bistro in Paris. Marble tables, tall vintage mirrors, beautiful lighting, and fresh flower compositions - you'll find yourself wanting to take pictures in every corner. The atmosphere truly elevates the dining experience and makes you feel like you've been transported to the heart of France. Desserts: And let's talk about the desserts - they are on ANOTHER LEVEL! La Ricane is a delightful twist on classic sneakers ice cream, and the Petite Gateau au Chocolat is a chocolate lover's dream, with each bite revealing new flavor notes. Le Citron is not only delicious but also incredibly Instagrammable, with its fresh citrusy mousse and crispy white chocolate velour shell. Yes, the desserts are a bit on the pricey side, but trust me, they are absolutely worth it. If you're looking for a fancy brunch with your besties or a charming morning date spot, La Belle Helene is a place. Make sure to save room for dessert - it's a must!

This restaurant is beautiful! Love the vibe and design. The food is extremely delicious. I ordered off the 3 course menu and it's honestly worth it. The price is was $60 but it's definitely a deal worth paying. Our server was extremely nice! I was having a hard time deciding between the tomato bisque and French onion soup that I ended up going with the French onion (which I have no regrets) but our server ended up bringing me the bisque for free. I was so thankful for that and thought it was extremely generous. If you're in the area of charlotte please stop by! You won't regret it

Despite having been extremely underwhelmed for my first and only visit years ago, I chose this place for my boys to treat me to a B-Day dinner. I know this place closed temporarily...and I figured they must have made some improvements? Besides, I was in the mood for French! Well, the place looked as posh as ever...and we were able to get seated right away, despite the fact we arrived 30 minutes prior to our reservation time (I over-estimated the traffic). We ordered the Oeufs Mimosa as an appetizer, then for our entrees, we ordered Le Steak Burger, Carolina Trout Almondine and Boeuf Bourguignon...and we all loved what we ordered! My hunch was right...they DID improve. This time, their foods matched their ambiance...which is STELLAR! Topping that, they even treated me to B-Day dessert...Creme Brulee!! BTW, they also offered complimentary sets of mini-pastries (one before our entrees, and one after our entrees)...and these were heavenly! Per our waitress suggestion, I ordered the Supernova cocktail...and it was truly a great choice! Service was friendly, attentive...right on point as well. Truly, I couldn't have asked for a nicer dinner experience. I had such mixed feelings on my 1st visit a few years ago...but this visit left me with no confusion, regrets or disappointments. So glad I chose this place to celebrate my birthday. Thank you for making our experience extra-special with the generous gift of dessert (of my choice)!

We enjoyed a business dinner here this week, seated at a gorgeous large table near the end of the restaurant by the kitchen. The interior is stunning, and all of the staff were attentive and friendly. Drinks were delicious, the menu is small but I actually saw quite a few things I wanted to try and there were several nice seafood options. I enjoyed the sea bass that was recommended by our server. Portions were perfect for me but a few folks at the table commented that their steak was on the smaller side. The only criticism I would have is that the vegetarian in our party had very few options other than the tomato soup or a side of green beans (so thankful for plentiful warm crusty bread and salted butter). The manager visited our table at the end of the meal and he did apologize for this. He said they are in the process of changing their menu and assured us that within a few days there would be more vegetarian options.

Great atmosphere and space. Had the Le Steak Burger - $23. Good concept for a burger with the caramelized onions, aioli, and fondue cheese, but they completely missed the mark using frozen ground beef patties. For $23, I expected something better.

Imagine the best dessert on earth. Then ask other people their favorites and their answers will be different than yours. From childhood snacks to grandparents' favorite recipes, beloved foods are deeply personal. This is especially true for desserts, which often feature in celebrations and traditional holidays. All the nostalgia for sugary snacks sometimes transcends the local flavor. Travel to any country and find tender Italian tiramisu on cafe menus, or sniff the creamy aroma of Hong Kong-style egg tarts in cities around the world. In some places, it seems to be a new trend to offer dessert at the end of a set meal.

Our server was absolutely phenomenal! Very sweet and on top of her game. She did everything in her power to make sure we had a good time. I wish I would have caught her name. The hostess on the other hand was just SO rude to my friend and I. The restaurant was not busy and we walked in at 4:30 (before dinner time) the first thing she said to us was "you can't take longer than two hours" there was no initial greeting or anything of that nature. We bought a bottle of champagne and still were in & our In less than an hour and a half. Multiple times throughout our visit we caught her staring and giving us the dirtiest look. I saw her do it at least 3 times and the friend I was with saw it at least twice. This was not our first time there, and also not our first time getting cold shoulder and short & dismissive interactions from staff here.

About a week before our reservation at La Belle Helene we dined at a French restaurant in Wilmington Beach and I suggested that we try dining here based off the great reviews. Our server was kind and checked in with us periodically. She also coursed out or meal and did make entree recommendations when I asked. However, we were a little disappointed by the food and the the table we were given. I made a reservation the evening before and noted that we were celebrating my birthday. We were given a small cocktail table near the bar and I was expecting something a bit more intimate. I usually don't mind tables such as those, but if we were stopping in for a quick bite, without a reservation, I think that would have been more appropriate. We started off with mussels, shrimp cocktail and oysters. The shrimp cocktail and oysters were fine, but a lot of the mussels we were served were closed. A few of them felt like they had been pried open before making it to the table. I ordered the salmon for an entree. I went with the recommendation of the server as I prefer a medium to medium well salmon; however it was not the temp that was recommended and overcooked. They have a great wine selection, mostly in bottles. I do recommend that they offer more than 5-6 selections of wine in a glass. It's just not much to choose from if you're wanting to try different wines in different regions and varietals without purchasing a full bottle of each. We were so looking forward to this experience, but I'm not sure if we would be back based off of our experience with the food.

Beautiful location, but the food was average and the service was very slow, to the point that they forgot a glass of wine order on a slow day.

Gorgeous restaurant, recommended for ambiance alone! Have tried multiple menu options now, and every entree has been great. Delicious (and giant) French Onion Soup is a great app and Le Citron is a dessert that is not to be missed. Easily the most beautiful dessert concept I've experienced in person. Definitely my favorite Charlotte spot for special occasions.

Quite possibly the best French onion soup I've ever had. Maybe it was the solid espresso martinis talking but this was A+. Sat at the bar which was a nice experience as well. Bartender super friendly and loaded us up with the best cheese pastry's. This is a consistently beautiful, clean, and delicious option!

This spot is beautiful! I went with a group of ladies for brunch and the service was beyond superb! They went out their way to check jackets and consistently checking on us. The food was amazing and I had the best eggs I've ever tasted. I will definitely recommend and I am returning to try the dinner menu.

My friends and I came here for a ladies night and our night was amazing! One of the most beautiful restaurants here in Charlotte. I've been there before and didn't have great service so this definitely made my night. Our server Winnifer was so nice and gave great recommendations. I started with the Ratatouille, I didn't realize that this was served cold but was still delicious 7.5/10. Then, I had the Loup De Mer Barigoule, which is Mediterranean Seabass served with veggies. It was my first time having seabass and it was delicious, cooked to perfection! Next, for dessert I had the Crème Brulee. Also was a 10/10! Next time I come, I would love to try the brunch since I hear such good things about it.

Absolutely fantastic! Loved everything from the place to the food and service!!! 10/10 will recommend

This restaurant is lovely. You have to be willing to spend a little. I had the three-course meal, which has smaller portion sizes than the a la cart dishes. However, it was more than enough for me. The escargot with puff pastry and almond trout were amazing! This was followed by a cute, lemony, sweet and tart lemon-shaped dessert. I would recommend everything I ordered! The server was unbelievably nice and gave my dad a birthday dessert on-the-house. Definitely, reservations are a must. Just one odd point, they have a line for tips for the cooks. Maybe, they are not charging enough to cover their employees? The ambiance is moody and romantic.

Amazing time at La Belle Helene - with our group of 8, we got the prefix menu ($59 pp) that comes with an app, entree and dessert! Well all of my coworkers and I were blown away by the quality of the food. Even though my steak was a bit on the rare side of the medium (I asked for medium), the salad lyonnaise and the desserts were absolutely delicious. We also ordered some oysters and I had the Supernova cocktail which was delish! Our server , Jewel, was a gem indeed - she had great recommendations, never skipped a beat and was on her A-game (serving a group with separate checks is always tough !) Overall, everybody loved it - I would love to go back whenever I am in Charlotte . I forgot to take a photo but the interior also is top notch , so inviting and definitely feels French

We went for brunch on a Sunday without a reservation and it wasn't too busy. Ambiance is fancy and the inside is very quiet for a full restaurant. I got the mixed berry crepe (amazing!), my bf got the Le Burger with fries (soo good) and we got the croissants for dessert. Service was great! The staff is very kind :) J definitely recommend this place. I'll have to try it for dinner one night. La Belle Helene is also on the pricey side but it is well worth it!

Came here for hubby's birthday dinner and had to bring our son! We couldn't find a sitter so had to bring our son! Out waiter was soo accommodating and even suggesting things for our toddler! The food was really good and can't wait to go back!

The restaurant's interior is fun and fresh. It's well lit and tables are separated with plenty of seating. We were seated in a half circle table off in its own room, which was quiet. The drinks were fine. The table ordered the French press coffee which was excellent, Bloody Mary, mimosa, and lattée which were all fine. The waiter brought out a small bowl of madeleines which were great. The food was incredibly average and overpriced. The petit déjeuner was 17$ for eggs, potatoes, and a small tomato without seasoning (and the toast was forgotten on 2 plates). The croque madam was fine but was 27$ but was overall an average grilled cheese with sauce and an egg. None of the plates were visually appealing. Service was ok. The waiter was not able to answer questions about the menu. The toast on 2 plates was mistakingly left off and another plate was entirely incorrect. These mistakes were corrected but not necessarily with any concern for timeliness. It was also 10AM so there were very few customers inside.

This was my first time visiting La Belle Helene. I had heard so many wonderful things and was so excited to finally get to experience it. We had a reservation and unfortunately due to traffic, we were late. When we arrived, we were told they had a strict 15 minute grace period before they gave away our table. We were outside of that 15 minute window and while it stinks, we understood. We asked the hostess if there was anyway they could seat us. She asked us to step to the side while she got her manager. During this time, another couple arrived 20 minutes after their reservation time and guess what, they were seated. So much for that "strict 15 minute grace period." Almost 20 minutes later, we remained standing by the hostess stand, still waiting for her to circle back with us. We finally approached her and it was clear she had forgotten about us while we were standing 10 feet from her... she said they couldn't get us a table but a group at the bar was about to be seated and the bar was first come, first serve. We snagged two seats at the bar and then once again, we waited. Again, 15 to 20 minutes pass before someone even ACKNOWLEDGED us. They asked if the plates, glasses, and food in front of us (left by previous customers) was ours. He cleared the plates and said someone would be with us in just a minute. Guess what, we once again had another wait. Thankfully it was only 10 minutes this time before someone finally spoke to us and took our order. Some quick math for y'all, conservatively we had to wait 45 minutes for someone to actually help us. DISAPPOINTED is an understatement. I understand it was a Saturday night and you all were busy... but too busy to ask if we've been helped? Too busy to tell us you'll be with us in just a minute? Too busy to even glance in our direction? You charge a high price for your food (which was good) but your customer service is definitely not at the same level.

The food is delicious! The decor is beautiful. It is pricey. Great selection of pastries. The almond croissant was the second best I have ever had. Outdoor and Indoor seating. Parisian style bathrooms.

Probably the worst food I had ever had. The atmosphere was great and it was beautiful Inside. But everything we ate was just not so great. The Nutella crepe was soft like that batter was not cooked correctly. The tomato bisque was very very very salty. Also you would not be able to get your parking validated. I typically dine out uptown and seem to always to be able to get my parking validated because it is out of my control the restaurant does not have parking. Parking was about $20.00 on a Saturday at the parking deck.

French Bistro nestled downtown in Charlotte - how perfect! La Belle was super chic, great for large parties, and has so many traditional French dishes. I was looking for something light for lunch so I went with their trout almondine - my friend opted for the burger. The food came out really quickly and the trout was delicious, light, and really filling! It had a sautéed green beans, toasted almonds, and crispy onions all on top of a large fresh piece of trout. The burger and fries was the star of the show though. It was cooked to perfectly (slightly pink inside) and topped with minimal ingredients so the burger itself could really shine. The fries were hand cut and crispy but all they needed was a light aioli for dipping! One of our new favorites in CLT!

WOW ! You notice the attention to detail as soon as you walk in the door. We were there for a wedding rehearsal dinner and it was just absolutely lovely. Don't skip on the french onion soup!!! YUMM. The drinks, the food, the dessert... all of it made me want to come back again!