Chez Francois Restaurant & Touche Bistro - Vermilion, Ohio

Shannon R.

My family and I went for my grandparents anniversary dinner. The staff went above and beyond— They were the sweetest people and even printed out menus that said their names! The atmosphere was straight out of a Parisian garden dream and every dish was delectable. The best experience I’ve had at a restaurant!

Rachel P.

This was my first experience with fine dining and French cuisine. Chez's was amazing all around. It was my son's 19th birthday. They made a menu for the table with "Happy Birthday Dylan" written on the top, they also gave him a card signed by the staff. We were running late due to traffic. When I called the restaurant, they were very polite and understanding and stated they would hold my table. THE FOOD!!!! Oh my word the food!! It was melt in your mouth delicious. Chez's was everything I expected and didn't expect at the same time. Thank you for making my first fine dining experience one I'll never forget.

Bennett C.

A unique and truly amazing gem of a restaurant! Wonderful food and service in a delightful setting. So much good stuff on the menu I'll need to visit about 15 more times to try it all! One of our favorite anniversary spots. Always amazing!

Kelly H.

My fiance and I are here for our anniversary back in October and were blown away. The pumpkin soup was incredible. Service was top notch, so attentive. Every other restaurant we have been to since pales in comparison. We plan to come back this summer after our wedding to celebrate our one month marriage anniversary and we are already excited!!!

Jonah L.

Probably one of the best restaurants in the area! The tea options were fantastic. For starters, we mainly ordered a variety of appetizers, including escargot, lobster Bisque, and artichoke hearts. The escargot was a favorite, and the bisque was generous with its lobster portions. We ordered the shrimp and scallop fettuccini which had great jumbo shrimp and delicious scallops. Lastly, our table had two different risotto’s, both of which were spectacular, with the vegetable risotto being an unexpected favorite.

Frank J.

Met our friends at the restaurant. This was their first time dining at Chez Francois and on their bucket list before a big move to St Louis (my wife & I have been there several times in the past). We were greeted by the owner and offered a table in the enclosed veranda overlooking the Vermilion River - beautiful early evening views. The lead waiter (Dave) & wait staff was extremely attentive, ensuring our dining experience was outstanding. We were presented an overview of the menu, offered wine pairing suggestions and tended by the wait staff for our every need. The food was beyond excellent and well worth the price. I started with a lobster bisque (topped w/puff pastry) loaded with tender chunks of lobster claw meat. This was followed by a fresh, expertly presented boutique salad and then a surf & turf main course featuring veal, a sea scallop, a jumbo shrimp, lobster meat & accompanied by a vegetable side. Our dinner companions had similar delicious gourmet dishes. It was definitely a bucket list-worthy evening! As I hinted; this is an expensive restaurant and proper attire is required (jacket for gents - no jeans). However, the price for experiencing delectable French cuisine at Chez Francois is still far less than a plane ticket to Paris. No more than 45 mins west of Cleveland; this is destination worth visiting!

Terry L.

If you’re looking for a truly remarkable French dining experience, Chez Francois is an absolute gem. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with one of the owners, Matt, gracefully managing the restaurant and engaging with every table. His charm and attentiveness make you feel right at home.

But tonight, I want to shine a spotlight on the unsung hero of this incredible restaurant—the chef, John, who is also the co-owner. The artistry and passion that go into every dish are nothing short of extraordinary. From the delicate flavors to the exquisite presentation, the food speaks volumes about the chef’s talent and dedication. Every bite is a testament to his skill and deep understanding of French cuisine.

We took several photos tonight, but as beautiful as the dishes look, they don’t fully capture just how delicious everything was. Chez Francois is a true collaboration between two amazing individuals, and while Matt’s hospitality is unmatched, let’s not forget the heart and soul behind the scenes—the chef, whose work deserves just as much recognition!

I come from New Jersey, and every time I’m in the area, I make it a point to stop at Chez Francois. The food, service, wait staff (a shout out to Susie), and atmosphere are always consistent, which is a true testament to the dedication and care they put into this restaurant.

Thank you, Chez Francois, for never failing to deliver a perfect dining experience. I can’t wait to see you in December.

WC S.

Chez Francois epitomizes the world-class dining experience; the presentation is impeccable, the staff incredible, atmosphere impressive, and the experience inspiring. The amazing cuisine and extensive wine list speak for themselves. Upon entering the beautifully enhanced historic space, we were greeted with heartfelt welcomes from the staff. Casual banter between my dad and the owner immediately put as at ease. And the hospitality expanded as we met our wait staff, enjoying engaging conversations with Oscar, our waiter. Admittedly, we were initially apprehensive about dining at this award-winning establishment in Vermillion; it's a fair drive from the East Side, we're not that comfortable in formal attire, and the current economy has not worked in our favor as of late. But we had a milestone birthday to celebrate, and we wanted it to be memorable. And it was! I share Matthew's enthusiasm and pride in placing Northeast Ohio on the culinary map.