Gulf Bistro in Madeira Beach - Phone Number, Reservations, Reviews

Love french food. I'm sure that it was the owner serving me even though she sounds like she's only been here one month. Tucked away never would have known it was here, so now I found it.

This place was such a gem! The atmosphere was cozy and intimate, perfect for a romantic dinner with my husband. The food was satisfying in all the right ways. The onion soup was delicious, the chateaubriand melted in my mouth, and the creme brulee was the icing on top. It was such a great dinner option!

Food was the best we have had on the island. Service was great.

Highly recommend! Delicious French food, popular with local diners - be sure to make reservations!

As you would expect from a French restaurant owned by a French woman, the food is very good, the wine list is very nice, and the atmosphere and experience do reflect old world influences. If we're ever back in the area, I would definitely stop in again.

Highly recommend. The place is charming, the food delicious, the wine fantastic , and the service is way above average. Just came in for some onion soup and a glass of wine and was treated as though I ordered a 5 course meal by the server and the owner . Can’t wait to try the rest of the menu!

Atmosphere was very nice, very cute comfortable place to eat, service was excellent, never needed anything always there to check on us and offer information. Food was very good, the beef Wellington was good but the puff pastry was a little raw and had too much sauce. But overall experience I would definitely recommend

An outstanding dining experience. Id go here everyday if I could.

Excellent! A little loud, but acceptable...food and service A1! Just as enjoyable this time around!

A special place on Madeira Beach completely distinct from your average beach restaurant. The food and service are outstanding and the atmosphere is quaint and cozy. A truly exceptional dining experience!

What can I say about this treasure of a restaurant! The service the food the atmosphere is beyond fantastic. We come come to Florida twice a year from Canada and have now been to Gukf Bistro twice and we will continue to come back every time we are here. Highly highly recommend to anyone who enjoys great food and great service,

Great place all around. Very personal and friendly. Priced well and the food was amazing.

A very special French restaurant 😋

The union soup is a killer! I like it so much! The taste is delicate and harmonious. I like the dessert creme brulee flambe grand marnier (yes that one with flame). It's wonderfully delicious and broadened my intuition/specturm about desserts. Nice atmosphere for a couple night.

Just an incredible, delicious meal with excellent service. We were walk-ins and were lucky to get a table on a Thursday night but they were very accommodating and had us seated within 5 minutes. We enjoyed the 4-course dinner special. I had the lobster bisque, lobster penne and creme brulee. My husband enjoyed the onion soup, pork tenderloin and caramel ice cream. We also enjoyed a bottle of Beaujolais, always a rare find. What a treat for vacation and if we are ever back in the area, we will definitely return.

One of my favorite places, great food, relaxed quiet atmosphere, great chef!

A lovely surprise in this area. Top class.

My husband and I (locals) made reservations and went to this restaurant for a special occasion based on the outstanding reviews, but we do not understand the hype. I don’t know whether it’s because we look relatively young (mid 30’s) but we definitely didn’t feel well looked after, and the restaurant wasn’t extremely busy. There was another table of older folks who were definitely getting priority service, and that was offputting at best. I would like to say that we would give it another try, because maybe this was just a one off night…

Warm and friendly atmosphere with a wonderful staff. Food and service were outstanding. Went back f I r a second time in one week because my wife wanted our vacation to end on a memorable note. And, we did. Looking forward to going back.

The food is 10/10. it's a jewel hidden in Redington beach.

Even though we had to wait for a bit with an existing reservation, the food was exceptional!

Very nice French restaurant the escargot, the lobster bisque and the filet mignon was delicious just great atmosphere loved it definitely would recommend this place very nice French restaurant

Everything was delicious! Duck leg, filet minion, lamb chops, crème brûlée, profiteroles strongly recommended! Even the tea is special. This is a French family restaurant and the atmosphere here is cozy and European. Book ahead otherwise you won’t get a seat. Bon appetite!

We have lived very close to this restaurant for years and somehow had neglected to try it. Dined there for the first time tonight and it was absolutely fantastic! Wow, I can’t believe how many wonderful dinners we missed, but are looking forward to all the many dinners we will enjoy here in the future. Great atmosphere, terrific service, and truly delicious and amazing French food. You must try it if you’ve never been before. Bob Apetit!

Best meal experience I have had. We were treated so well and the food was to die for...thank you!

Would give this place 10 ⭐ if I could. We just had a fantastic date night here! Food was all incredible, and the service was perfect. Will absolutely be back!!

Great casual French fare -- something a bit different than the usual tourist restaurants. A wide variety of choices at reasonable prices.

Hands down the best restaurant in Madeira Beach. Authentic French cuisine in a lovely atmosphere. Service is attentive and friendly and every mouthful of food a delight. We can’t recommend highly enough!

Amazing food, fantastic service, and great wine.

Tiny place with huge flavor and atmosphere,rare gem in Madeira Beach that is a must try

Last night was my first time to visit Gulf Bistro, even though it's been on my list since I moved to the area. The experience was very nice. My chef friend and I had really nice meals and good service. A French woman (possibly the owner) actively involved herself in serving our table and others. The service was fine, not snooty or pushy, but polite and prompt. The biggest problem I had was in trying to choose from the many clasdic French dishes which I already love. The sweetbreads won out, with a starter of pork and duck paté. All was delicious. Next time I hope to have the poulet grande mère. The beach has little to offer in the way of upscale restaurants. This place is comfortable and casual but offers a decent wine list, excellent classic dishes, without the attitude that people often accuse French restaurants of having. Looking forward to going back again.

Ya gotta try this at least once. The food is pretty great and very authentic. Small place so maybe call ahead on weekend nights, but worth the wait.

We have been here three times over past couple years when traveling to St. Pete. Always make it a point to eat here at least once. Authentic French cuisine in a low key atmosphere.

Nice atmosphere and excellent food! We need local restaurants like this. I will definitely be back and will recommend to friends and family.

We were nervous looking at the building from the outside but once you enter, you are brought into what I would imagine a French bistro would feel like. Greeted by lovely staff. Our wine was delightful. Food was amazing!!! Highly recommend!

Gulf Bistro is hands down one of our favorite restaurants. Service is amazing, super cute inside & authentic. The food is 10/10. Great portions. We split our lobster penne pasta & they actually split it for us. It even had chunks of lobster! Sooooo good! Thank you Fred & Marie & their daughter.

Very rude staff! Had the worst restaurant experience ever! Will never go again!

Extraordinary! Dined at this establishment recently. I read some reviews that were very positive so I was excited to go there. Gulf Bistro did NOT disappoint! The atmosphere is rather quaint. Like a small French bistro. My wife has some dietary restrictions and they were very gracious about accommodating her. The service was very good but the standout was the food. My wife ordered the filet and I had the bouillabaisse. The seafood was cooked to perfection and my wife said it was the best filet she had ever had...and she likes her steak! The sauce that covered the filet was so very delicious. All in all, a very pleasant experience. We will be back and soon!

This place was fantastic! It's a very small place and the location was deceiving but don't let that stop you. We tried escargot for the first time and it was delicious! The rest of our meal was also phenomenal (red snapper with shrimp in a lobster sauce and lamb t-bone in a tomato-based sauce). Wine, dessert, salad, bread, atmosphere, everything was perfect. We will be back the next time we're anywhere near the Madiera Beach area!

We have been going to the Gulf Bistro for years and it only gets better! Last night there were four of us and it was one of the best meals ever. Try the Sea Bass if the chef has it on the menu! The lobster pasta was sensational! The French family that owns and runs this restaurant takes great pride in it and it shows in the high quality food and exceptional service. Highly recommended.

Four of us are vacationing in the st Pete area and chose Gulf Bistro to eat dinner one evening last week. What a waste of time and money. The food was at best ok…. very small portions with very little taste and very expensive. But the food was not the basis for our unpleasant experience. It was the appalling behavior of the waitress. I asked her if anything came with the dinner and she said yes salad and I said ok we weren’t sure because it didn’t say anything about it in the menu. She got visibly irritated and stiffened her body, rolled her eyes at me and proceeded to point out something on the menu that had nothing to do with my original question so I told her that and she got even more upset. She ruined the evening for our table with her unprofessional childish condescending behavior. None of us dared to ask another question and just wanted to get out of there asap. We were shocked that her behavior is tolerated by the owners who are otherwise doing a great job serving the public!

My only criticism of Gulf Bistro is that it's too far from Philadelphia for me to go every night! Thank you Fred and Madame for many many years of excellent food. When I think of the beautiful Treasure Island beaches, my very next thought is of the wonderful sauces coming out of Fred's kitchen.

This is an absolutely wonderful French Bistro. The food was beyond excellent and the staff was friendly and attentive.

Wonderful food, staff and service. Definitely will return.

Visited Gulf Bistro on March 15, 2022 with friends . Each of the four of us had different menu items all of which were awesome. The service was wonderful and the atmosphere was so pleasant. Certainly one of the finest restaurants that I have had the privilege of visiting.

I enjoyed the service, Madame goes a long way to make you feel comfortable. It's quiet so you can have a romantic dinner here. Wine selection is good and reasonably priced. That said, they do not have a full liquor license so don't expect to get a Pastis for aperitif or Calvados for digestif. My suggestion If you make your own blue cheese, don't ruin it with fruit. I just can't understand how other customers like it but it must be because of their lack of exposure to other cultures. The entrecote was medium-rare on one side and well done on the other. Despite that it was tasty, the brown sauce helped. The chocolate mousse was nice since they don't use American "chocolate".

Over priced, food is average at best with very small portions. Really small cramped location with stuffy supper club atmosphere. Waitress complained about separparating the bill. Not a spot to eat for a tourist you will find alot better.

It's a very cozy place and everyone is friendly. The seafood gratine app is delicious and the filet mignon was cooked perfectly. It's definitely a place we will frequent.

If you're looking for a romantic French dinner under candlelight with French background music this isn't your place. Very tight quarters, bright fluorescent lights, loud patrons and no music. Knowing you're going to drop $150 a couple for dinner you kind of want all the above. I had the frog legs appetizer which were very good. Even though I only got three legs. I think that's a frog and a half haha. Not to mention the prices were higher than posted online. I had the ribeye steak which was very tasty. Unfortunately I ordered it medium rare and it came out medium well done. My wife ordered the lobster pasta. Pretty skimpy on lobster for the price. Could have ordered an entire lobster tail for the same price at a upscale seafood restaurant. The staff was very friendly which I think was the owner. The restaurant was very clean. Limited parking.

The food was outstanding from the lobster bisque to the three desserts we ordered! Mary and the crew were delightful! Very attentive and personable. I felt like we were back in France! We will definitely add it to the list the next time we come to Madeira Beach!

Absolutely amazing food. Nice location if your staying on the beach and probably some of the absolute best service that Florida has to offer!

We have passed this place for years and were always hesitant as it doesn’t look like much from the outside. Don’t judge a book.... it was EXCELLENT and such a great surprise. We will be back.

My wife and I went to dinner last Saturday 4/22. We had appetizers, main course , dessert and a bottle of wine which was excellent and reasonably priced - nice to see. Everything exceeded our expectations since this was our first time there but won't be our last. The service was great considering they were short handed that night. Look forward to returning.

This was our first time at Gulf Bistro. I have looked for French resturants in the past and some how never came across the gem. We called for a dinner reservation for the same evening, and were surprised when they were able to accurate us. This turned out to be a small, friendly and quite busy place. The menu had an extensive range of choices and they had daily specials as well. The service was friendly and efficient with out being intrusive. It was quiet so we could talk easily. The food was exception. It was tasty and visually appealing. The wine list was very nice with a good selection of wines and a range of prices. A really excellent experience but remember to save room for desert.

Amazing French cuisine. Good fresh seafood and the creme brulee was the best we've ever had.

The best! We've been going there since they opened and have NEVER been disappointed. We go there for every special occasion and in between too. Sauces are Fredericks speciality and they are unbeatable. His wife Marie takes care of the front of the house and their two daughters are now old enough to wait on customers. A real family business! Can't say enough good things about this truly fabulous French bistro. Food, atmosphere, wine list, service are all superb.

We had a great meal here. We were walk-ins, seemed like everyone had made reservations and were getting busy when we were finished. We had the full meal of appetizer, salad, main course, and dessert and it was all delicious. My husband's favorite was the fruit crepes Ala mod and my favorite was the lobster bisque. Also, the crusty French rolls were fantastic. Definitely some where you should try if you find yourself in Madeira Beach.

This Bistro is a hidden gem on Gulf Blvd. From the wonderful service to the impeccably prepared meals, Gulf Bistro does not disappoint. Great location for a special occasion but will be a regular destination for us! Thank you to Mary and Lucy for a spectacular dining experience.

I’ve been to Paris and this is by far the most incredible food I have ever had in my life. My fiancé’s steak could have been cut with a butter knife and the lobster in my pasta dish melted in my mouth like candy. I didn’t even know it was humanly possible to create food that tender. I could go on and on forever. We are blown away. I don’t think any food will ever compare.

I’m nervous about posting this because this is my family’s favorite hidden gem. Every dish we’ve ever eaten here is delicious and the ambiance and service is make this a can’t miss dinner destination. Grab some friends or a date, come hungry and enjoy a simple wonderful evening.

This place is amazing. I and my wife came here for our anniversary since we got engaged in Paris and thought that it would be nice to have some french cuisine. What a surprise we got, the place is very nicely decorated, makes you feel like you are inside the living room of a french cottage add to that, That owners are your server which makes the experience more hospitable and cozy. However the real treat is the food OMG, everything is so perfectly balanced, I had the onion soup and confit de canard (duck) and was amazing everything was cook to perfection, my wife has one of their specials with lobster and the lobster would melt in your mouth. Honestly never imagined that I would eat this good especially for the price.

Outstanding food and service! Hidden gem!

This place is elegant, the service attentive and the food is amazing. We had foie gas ( oh my, soooo good!), duck magret and veal liver . Dessert, grand marnier soufflet. Everything was absolutely delicious.I highly recommend. Remember to book a table, it's a small place.

Very authentic french restaurant. Family of 4 and we all thoroughly enjoyed our dinners. The restaurant itself is quaint and the service was exceptional.

Gulf Bistro is a cozy, little French restaurant in an almost hidden corner of Madeira Beach. Step inside, and immediately you are transported to Paris! The service was impeccable; the food was exquisite in taste, preparation, and presentation. We spent an absolutely delightful evening there! Thank you for a lovely experience!

AMAZING! The most authentic French food I’ve ever eaten in the US. Can’t say enough good things!!!

The best French restaurant in Pinellas! The owner/operators are great and the owner/chef is on point with his classical French sauces. Definitely, take the time to visit and enjoy the classic French country decor and some of the best French cooking this side of the pond. It is one of me and my wife's favorite places and we go all the time.(FYI I teach classic French cuisine)

We had a truly special evening, dining at the Gulf Bistro tonight. The service and food are unmatched. We enjoyed frog legs and escargot to begin, shared an array of entrees from veal to duck to seafood, and ended with creme brulee and mousse. A spectacular experience we hope to replicate some day!

Excellent, food was great an atmosphere was good I will be back....

Very classy, clean restaurant. The atmosphere was comfortable and the staff was extremely friendly. The food was good but overpriced for what you get. We all enjoyed our meals - there were 4 of us so that is an accomplishment!- and the bread is some of the best I’ve ever eaten. The food was fresh and delicious. Just a bit pricey for what you get.

While on vacation we decided to look for places nearby to eat , this was the first place to come up! We didn’t even know it was French just made a reservation and arrived! This was the most awesome pick , the beer and food was delicious! I was not sure what to order at first but the lady was so sweet to help and explain everything on the menu. Sometimes you have to go out of your comfort zone and try new things! We didn’t see many business here so we recommend people who are unsure of this place to give it a try , we have to support our small businesses in this hard time. &’ this place is definitely worth the money and time! Thank you Gulf Bistro🙂

WOW!!!! Don't sleep on this spot!

Insanely good. Husband and wife with French county cuisine

Tiny little gem tucked away in a strip store on Gulf Boulevard. Beautiful new looking homestyle ambiance with French flavor. Great service. Upscale food. Good portion sizes. Very good experience.

Excellent food and service, comfortably spaced tables, staff wearing masks.

Absolutely delicious food. Great quality, great service, great atmosphere

Wow, great experience, the food was authentic and delicious, and service outstanding! Can’t wait to come back!

Le "Bistrot" est un excellent ambassadeur de la cuisine traditionnelle française et en plus c'est tellement excellent. Pour qui aime se régaler, à consommer sans aucune modération. Le service est rapide et efficace ; les vins sont variés et bien choisis ; l'ambiance est cosi. L'adresse à ne pas oublier. Merci à eux pour le talent...

Intimate French dining. Friendly family business. Delicious

Wonderful desserts and wine , and for food maybe too expensive for that price , service good . Merci !

By far the best meal I have ever had! Very small family owned business and 100% authentic. There is no other place around like it. I am looking forward to coming back and bringing our guest to share such an experience.

Authentic French cuisine. Delicious and extensive menu from appetizers to dessert so hard to choose. If Beef bourgigone is a daily special try it as very very good. Excellent Wine choices available. Attentive friendly service. Entrees run around $30. Hidden treasure.

Kind of tucked away, but worth looking for, as the food was excellent and service was great! The owner stopped by to make sure our meals were satisfactory and thanked us in French. Our group had duck, bouillabaisse, potato-crusted salmon, and pork tenderloin. Each person raved about their selection!

So, so, so good! Had the Duck l'orange. Superb! Ambience is great. Very quaint. Excellent service.

Enjoyed another splendid evening with great friends introducing them to my secret world of glorious French cuisine. No where else in Pinellas can you order sweatbreads and they were subline as ususal! The staff truly considering you like a guest in their home.

The food and service was excellent!

A favorite date night spot of ours for years! Celebrated several anniversaries here.

Great menu, delicious food, great service. A true gem of a place. We will return

Always perfect food and service. An amazing romantic date or special occasion place.

Gulf Bistro is a wonderful 'slice' of France on Madeira Beach- authentic, but approachable French cuisine, quality French wines, and warm but non-intrusive service by Marie, one of the owners. Each component of each dish (the protein, the sauce, the vegetables, the starch) is so fresh and prepared with so much care, resulting in a delicious meal that really will make you feel like you're eating in France. The portions are perfect, including dessert. Try the chocolate mousse or the crème brulée flambéed with Grand Marnier! Reservations recommended as this is a cozy, intimate restaurant where you can relax and enjoy the dining experience. Très magnifique!

My wife and I had an excellent dinner this evening and both entrees were delicious. I had the veal medallions and my wife had the calves liver evening special. My only complaint is that both desert's were to large and neither of us could finish them. The prices were very reasonable given the number of courses and a bottle of wine. I would highly recommend The Gulf Bistro to anyone.

Incredible French food and ambiance. Portions are generous. The bouillabaisse and Steak Diane are the best we have had - even better than in France.

Great food, great atmosphere and great service. Our go to restaurant

Best steak I have ever had. The atmosphere was extremely authentic, and the service was fantastic.

Absolutely amazing French cuisine!! Hostess is great with handling questions about the selection!!

Omg..go here for a special meal!

Fantastic food and excellent service

A little French bistro, minimal seating, reservation necessary. The two staff members were very conscientious, asking repeatedly if we were content with each course. My wife had the lamb shank, which she loved and my pork dish was one of the best I've ever had. That said, why only three stars? My only complaint - albeit quite annoying - is that we told them it was our anniversary, we wanted a quiet table, we booked a reservation early, but they sat us at a small booth. Not too bad until a couple arrives and they sit them next to us. Tables so close you could hear their every word and they ours. NOTE: There were at least six other booths where they could've been seated. At 6:30, when we arrived, there were maybe six people in the entire restaurant. It's your anniversary, you want to talk about past experiences, your romantic beginnings, personal things...but not last night, not here. We had to whisper, almost descending into pantomime. If you visit this restaurant, pick one of the tables in the much quieter back area. Especially if it's for a romantic occasion. Or, take a crash course in sign language.

You would never guess just from walking past this place but it has some lf the best French food I have ever had. Ever dish I have ever had from there has been so perfectly cooked. Also the Creme Brulee is my favorite! Please if you have a chance eat here!!

This is a PERFECT place for a perfect evening! First of all the food is OUTSTANDING. If you love french food this is the real deal. I love escargot and this was one of the most delicious and unique I've ever had. The service cannot be beat either. The owner, Marie, was our server and she is kind, funny and extremely helpful. Her suggestions were spot on. But the best part of the evening was the restaurant itself. It's cozy, warm and inviting. It would be a great place to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or special occasion.