Dining Panel review: Cafe Bel Ami

For those of you who refuse to go downtown for anything but work, Cafe Bel Ami will change your mind.

This is a delightful place situated off Broadway and William that will impress any time you go. Cafe Bel Ami is a quaint restaurant perfect for a quick business lunch or a romantic dinner. I have visited Bel Ami several times in the past and always have loved it.

On my most recent visit, I ordered the scalloped bouchee ($6.50), an appetizer that features scallops tucked away neatly in a pastry shell with a garlic cream sauce that will make you want to lick your plate clean. This might be frowned on, so order a side of bread to sop it up with. We also tried the hummus appetizer ($4.95), which was good but was not something that will set the culinary world ablaze.

Every time I visit Cafe Bel Ami, I order the filet au poivre ($21.95), which is one of my favorites in town. The filet is cooked to perfection, and the peppercorn cream sauce that accompanies it is amazing. I also love the restaurant’s fattouch salad with grilled lemon pepper salmon ($15.95).

Service at Bel Ami is nothing short of spectacular. The staff is knowledgeable, friendly and takes excellent care of clients. One recommendation: Make reservations for evening trips. On evenings when there are theater events at Century II, the restaurant can fill up fast.

This is definitely a place that is worth the drive downtown to visit.

This story was originally published November 16, 2012 at 7:24 AM with the headline "Dining Panel review: Cafe Bel Ami."