La Ville Lumière brings the charm of a Parisian bistro to Cleveland with thoughtfully prepared French-inspired cuisine, creative cocktails, and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re joining us for dinner, drinks, or a late night bite, every visit is meant to feel a little special.
Soph
Was super excited to try this spot especially because the menu was filled with everything I love! Unfortunately our experience was severely disappointing. We had reservations for two at 8pm. The hostess and server that greeted us at the door were very welcoming. We were seated and promptly ordered our drinks. Once those came out the server asked if we were ready to order. We asked for clarification on the caviar menu and what she recommends. The clarification on the caviar didn’t really help and the server said it was poorly displayed on the menu. The server was not able to give us a recommendation due to the menu just rolling out but from my understanding it’s been in rotation for at least a month. We asked for a couple minutes and then our server didn’t come back for 45 minutes. Another server towards the end of the 45 minute wait noticed us looking around and asked if we needed anything. We were never checked on prior to that. A minute later our actual server came to the table while my friend was in the bathroom and asked if we wanted to order or if she should come back. So at 9pm I was finally able to put in the order for the two of us which was chips & dip, the lobster pasta, and the steak frites cooked medium. By this time our drinks were empty and we weren’t planning on having more than one round but we still had to wait for our food. The chips and dip came out which was a bit shocking. They gave us two bags of TORRES chips that were poorly cut open and placed inside a metal basket. I guess I expected a different presentation and not be able to see that I just spent $32 on grocery store chips and essentially a tub of creme fraiche. You couldn’t taste any horseradish in the dip or any flavor in general. Another server delivered the appetizer and our actual server didn’t check in with us to make sure everything was okay or get another drink order put in. Our server finally came back when our entrees were delivered to ask if we’d like pepper. My friend took this opportunity to finally put in a drink order. She came back a minute later to ask how everything was and said she’d be back with the drink. It took around 15 minutes for the it to be delivered by another server. At this time the restaurant had cleared out and the bar was empty which left us confused as to why it took 15 minutes for a pear martini. I’d like to mention we didn’t have an issue with other people expoing the food or helping our server but it made it difficult to make corrections to enjoy our experience. The lobster pasta lacked flavor and had a fishy taste. The noodles itself did seem freshly made and the portion of lobster was more generous than most establishments. The steak was not cooked to the correct temperature, half was overcooked while the other was undercooked. It was also tough and chewy with no flavor. The fries were good and seasoned well. The dish came with three sauces which were ketchup, aioli, and LVL steak sauce. The aioli was just straight up mayo essentially while the LVL steak sauce was very obviously A1 sauce. With all that being said it was a very disappointing experience and we were really hoping to love it especially because of the menu options and their happy hour. My friend and I are both in the service industry so we understand people have an off night, but everything combined orchestrated a terrible experience.
… moreChampagne & French Fries
I was very disappointed in the food – I think with a better chef could benefit such a promising menu. I would love to see “French” inspired restaurants create more of a French experience for patrons who are Francophones. Otherwise, it’s just another dining joint.
… moreJoseph Haddad
This was my first time coming to La Ville Lumière. I had to wait around 20 minutes for an opening at the happy hour which is 4-6Pm to 10-midnight all days except Sunday. I ordered the Steak Sandwich and Mussels which I thought tasted pretty solid for the price. The place had more than just French options.
… moreKelly Schultz
The menu has changed since I last went, so what i wanted to order was not on the menu. They basically took half the menu and made it different weeknight specials. Loved the grand bread service and French onion soup is a flavor bomb. Steak was overcooked and my piece was extra fatty, even for a ribeye, which was disappointing because it was a premium price, thus the 4 stars. Server was good, but I couldn’t hear her over the bartenders shaking drinks as we were the closest table to the bar. Seems weird as we were only a 4 top, but I asked her to repeat, and still couldn’t hear her. Other than that, she was good as she took a drink off our bill because it wasn’t made correctly. If you like Pistachio, the Pistachio cake was to die for. If I go back, it will be for happy hour, because what I wanted to order is on the happy hour menu.
… morePhillip Dworken
Fantastic spot for a special occasion. Their French onion soup and massive bread plate are a great way to start the meal. My girlfriend got the sea bass and lobster and said it was outstanding. I ordered the bone-in ribeye, which was cooked perfectly medium rare. A small but significant detail: the knife made a painful, scraping sound against the plate when cutting through the fat.
Expect a leisurely pace, as it can take 2+ hours to get your appetizers and entrees. Be sure to plan accordingly. The food was delicious and worth the wait!
… moreChristine Fishman
We met some friends at this restaurant tonight and had a wonderful evening. Between the FOOD, the SERVICE, atmosphere, and the company, we couldn’t have had a better time. Rachel was so attentive and when we asked for recommendations, she told us about what people liked and what she liked. Honestly, it was a great experience for the four of us. Can’t wait to come back!
… moreJon E
Best French onion soup we’ve had in decades! Great up-tempo spot that has a fantastic menu, though you might consider asking your server to have kitchen back off on use of salt: On two occasions our fish orders were way over-seasoned.
During our first visit, service table-side was very attentive and professional; our second experience was at the bar, and the bartender’s stress level was on full display—though he was very polite.
Overall, this place is a great addition to the Cleveland dining scene, and, we suspect, it will only get better.
… moreG i Joe
La Ville Lumiere: Stellar Bar, Uneven Dining
We visited La Ville Lumiere last night for three birthdays, encountering stark contrasts: an excellent bar but a dining experience that “missed the mark” for its price.
The bar was a definite highlight. My escargot was excellent and flavorful. The bartenders were knowledgeable, friendly, showcased a great bourbon selection (like Blanton’s), and even impressively accommodated an off-menu bouillabaisse request.
In the dining room, the ambiance featured interesting decor but was very noisy, making it difficult for conversation and unsuitable for those with hearing sensitivities. The food was inconsistent. My French onion soup was unimpressive, with undercooked onions and lacking deep umami flavor. The specially requested bouillabaisse, while generously portioned with seafood (scallops, shrimp, mussels, lobster tail), suffered from a bland broth and a whole lobster tail that was messy to cut at the table.
Table service was also lacking. Our server never checked if our food was acceptable, and a birthday dessert promised by the greeter for our three celebrations never materialized. The wait between courses felt a bit long. However, the desserts we did order (cheesecake, carrot cake, and another) were a redeeming feature, unanimously “loved” by our party.
In conclusion, La Ville Lumiere was a perplexing mix. The bar service and appetizers there were excellent. However, the main dining room experience, with its inconsistent entrees, service lapses, and loud environment, didn’t deliver satisfaction for the price, despite the enjoyable desserts. It was an uneven experience overall.
… moreG m
Wife and I tried la ville yesterday for the first time. We were fairly impressed for being rookies to French cuisine.
We shared the French onion soup, which was very good, and they were nice enough to serve it to us in two bowls.
I tried absinthe for the first time, which was exciting. That being said, I would never order again. It tastes just like Jaeger.
My wife had a very nice barrel aged whiskey cocktail
I ordered the duck leg, while good, was underwhelming for the price. It should have come with some pom frites or something.
My wife had the special( swordfish) both of us were impressed with both the taste and portion size.
I will say, the biggest negative is they don’t include bread service with the meal. Our bill was $170 and I think charging $9 for bread service is criminal with those prices.
That being said, if we can get get some free time again, we will try and stop by to check out their happy hour.
… moreClarie H
I came here in December and absolutely fell in love with it, Food and service were fantastic. I was so happy to see a great restaurant go in whete Clifton martini & wine bar used to be,which was one of my favorites back in the day.
I saw the menu after the revamp at the beginning of the year and the price jumps in this economy to me are wild. While I’m sure the menu is delicious Im very disappointed.
It was already a bit upscale but accessie, now It goes from being once or twice a week neighborhood spot to an occasion.
… more