Cafe Bizou

It would be an understatement to say I've been eating my way through summer.  It is seriously a miracle that I still fit into all my jeans (for now).  But most of my meals have been shared with friends, old and new (as if that is some sort of justification for my gluttonous ways...).

Anyway, I recently had dinner at Cafe Bizou, a quaint French restaurant in Pasadena.  Apparently, there are two other locations in Sherman Oaks and Santa Monica, but having gone to neither, I can't offer any helpful comparisons.  What I can say is how lovely my meal was on Raymond Ave., Pasadena.

The unofficial theme of the night was seafood, partially because we don't eat enough of it in our everyday diets, but also because the seafood entrees all sounded scrumptious.  

Monkfish - $18.95

Served on saffron rice w/ snow peas and fried carrots in lobster sauce, this monkfish was fresh, light, and not "fishy" at all.  A+.

Salmon w/ Citrus Salsa - 14.95

This pan-seared fish offered a tangier bite with its refreshing citrus salsa.  The accompanying grilled eggplant and other veggies added a nice touch, though I think the eggplant could have been cooked through for a bit longer.  Tangy, but sweet, this salmon delivered.  A.


I also had the chance to sample the Alaskan Halibut, which according to one is, "the best halibut I've ever had."  A++.

Flourless Chocolate Cake

After two relatively "healthy" meals, we decided to close off our lovely dinner with a dessert that I knew was usually hit or miss.  But willing to take a risk, we opted for the Flourless Chocolate Cake, which sadly enough, did not deliver.  It wasn't terrible, but it certainly wasn't like a Flour-ful Chocolate Cake.  Still worthy of a B.  If you want a guaranteed good dessert, however, take a nice stroll down Colorado Blvd. to 21 Choices.  Hello, delicious fro-yo!


Whether you're having dinner with a larger group of friends or celebrating your anniversary or birthday, Cafe Bizou is a fairly accommodating place.  Definitely make your reservations ahead of time, though.


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cuisine: French
location: Pasadena

website: { CB | yelp }

attire: Casual 

parking: street or nearby lot
note: Get the Monkfish, Halibut, or Salmon