Bernard Decanali has outfitted many of Manhattan's better-known French bistros, like Lucien and Casimir, but had always resisted the expat Frenchman's impulse to open one of his own. He caved in and christened the garden of his former Boerum Hill antiques shop Robin des Bois. Now he serves light French fare like an open-face poached-egg-and-ratatouille sandwich, and the Sherwood Special, a shareable charcuterie-and-cheese assortment presented on a handmade rustic board. Funky seating arrangements include a (well-scrubbed, we presume) carved bluestone Turkish toilet excavated from a French castle. — Rob Patronite and Robin Raisfeld
Brunch
Sat.–Sun., 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
Note Reservations are accepted only for groups of 6 or more.
6.0
"Mixed Reviews" Average Reader Rating on a Scale of 10
The food is well-prepared. Nothing spectacular, but better than average.
The din of other patrons and the loud music can make it a bit hard to hear someone not sitting next to you. I'd describe the decor best as "cluttered" - no real theme to it.
Service could use some work - there was a bit of attitude from about 3/4 of the staff we encountered. Eye rolls if you don't immediately order a drink, having to dig the specials out of the waitress ("Do you have any specials? What is the soup of the day? What about the quiche of the day? And the couscous of the day?" - all answered as if incredibly difficult tasks) that sort of thing. Meal was well paced, though we did get a few glares when some members of our group decided to visit the restroom at the end of the meal (adding to turnover time).
Prices of both food and alcohol were pretty good. That is probably the saving grace of the place.
I'd go again if invited, but I won't suggest it when making plans.
the place looks like a diner....and the hostess was a snob! the food was eh ya know...okay. the worst part about the whole expirience was the hostess. she was more consernd about her coversation with her coworker then serving the customers. boo!