Nouveau Bistro And Lounge

For our appetizer, we opted for the calamari, which was lightly breaded and paired with a decent sauce, though I didn’t see the need for the corn added to the dish. We also tried two lamb chops, which were cooked to a perfect medium-rare and seasoned wonderfully. I ordered the 18oz bone-in ribeye, and I must say that while it wasn’t bad, it certainly didn’t live up to its $60 price tag. There was a lot of connective tissue, making it more difficult to cut than I expected, and there wasn't much quality meat to enjoy. That said, it was cooked well and nicely seasoned. The side potatoes were nothing special, and the skinny asparagus left a lot to be desired; it seemed to be over-harvested, and I think a seasonal root vegetable would have been a better choice. My wife enjoyed her filet, which was good but not extraordinary. We had an EH Taylor bourbon for a generous pour at $13, with the wine prices reflecting the typical 50% markup. For dessert, we shared a crème brûlée, which was nothing memorable. The total bill came to $280, including tip, and we felt there are better places to dine for less money. The server did forget to bring us bread, but we didn’t feel it was a necessity. Overall, I would rate the restaurant a 3.9 out of 5. The food is traditional and done reasonably well. Service: Dine in Meal Type: Dinner Price Per Person: $100 Food: 3 Service: 4 Atmosphere: 3 Parking: Plenty of free parking available.

I visited Nouveau for Thirsty Thursday and had a great experience. I enjoyed a delicious caramel martini for just $9, along with a perfectly tender filet mignon and a side of Brussels sprouts. The restaurant is beautifully decorated, creating a luxurious atmosphere that feels welcoming rather than overly formal. Our server was friendly and struck the right balance, allowing us to enjoy our evening without too many interruptions.

The bartender, Christy, tends to gossip about customers to other patrons. Food: 2 Service: 1 Atmosphere: 1

As you approach, you might be surprised to find a large shopping center that doesn’t immediately suggest fine dining. However, just a few doors down inside the center, you’ll find the Nouveau Bistro Lounge. While it may not have the ambiance of establishments like Il Venetian or Chez Francois, don’t let that deter you—give it a chance. Upon entering, you’re welcomed by a friendly and efficient hostess, and your perception will begin to shift. The space is well-sized, providing enough seating for a good crowd without feeling cramped. One aspect I’m particularly sensitive to is noise level, as it can make or break the dining experience. In this case, it was very pleasant; the background noise and music were well-balanced, allowing for easy conversation at our table. One thing that became clear early on was the overly strong air conditioning—it felt like it was set to Arctic temperatures. Thankfully, after a quick mention to our server, it was adjusted immediately. Impressive service! Speaking of service, our server, Barb, made a significant impact on our evening. She was friendly, laid-back, professional, and responsive, with a great sense of humor. Her presence contributed greatly to our enjoyable experience. The wine list is extensive, offering a wide selection. I savored a wonderful Sangiovese. The menu is also excellent—there’s a nice variety of selections without being overwhelming. I began my meal with a shrimp cocktail that featured six large shrimp and a delightful sauce with just a hint of spice. Next, I enjoyed six lamb chops that were perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection. This was my third time ordering the lamb here, and it has been flawless every time, which speaks to the chef's exceptional consistency. To finish, we had coffee that was just right, followed by a delectable chocolate peanut mousse—a perfect ending. So to all you east siders: there’s no excuse for not enjoying a fine meal out. A great dining spot awaits you in Concord. Take someone special and enjoy; I guarantee you won’t regret it.

My favorite restaurant in Lake County! The food is excellent, and the service is fantastic. The staff is highly experienced, and they've been working together for a long time.