Bistro Matisse

Why we hardly ever go anywhere else.

This was our first visit for lunch at Bistro Matisse and it was a tremendously favorable experience. The little restaurant is much quieter mid day than in the evenings on Fridays and Saturdays when we usually go. Bonus, - it offers wonderful food value as the prices are lower without any reduction in the chef's very substantial portion sizes or superb quality.
Both soups were first class renderings of traditional bistro items. The Potato Soup ($4.50) was based on a rich stock with ample mellow roasted garlic tones with nutty potato and Emmental cheese highlights. The Fish Soup ($5) could be misleadingly named as it is so full of fish it would be more appropriately called a stew and served as a main anywhere else. Covered with a large haddock fillet, the contents of the bowl contained several large pieces of salmon plus a handful of mussels along with many less distinguishable bite-sized pieces of white fish. In short, - an ample meal in a bowl. Best of all, the fish in the soup was firm, just cooked, not the usual mush other restaurants typically serve in soup.
Our entrement, a large platter of frogs legs ($8), were finished in a lusciously herbal Provencale sauce, rich with tomato, garlic and mushroom flavors. They were accompanied with a mixed greens barely blessed with a refreshingly light vinaigrette. Comfort-sized finger bowls with ample lemon pieces and lots of napkins for the necessary de-greasing were provided with this course. Why don't all restaurants offer this consideration with finger foods to their guests? Rogues, Piatto, Aiolli, are you listening?
Our main course of Braised Pork Shoulder in Mustard Sauce ($12) was a daily special ordered from the chalk board. We've learned through experience that Chef Jean-Jacques' specials really are just that and uniformly provide excellent value. We didn't complain that we received lean, inch-thick fragrantly smokey ham steaks straddling pools of a creamy Dijon sauce. A mound of perfectly crisp frites and more of the mixed greens finished the plates. The meat was so tender-moist without being watery and salty that it must be done on site. The only unfavorable element would be the large portion sizes served.
As always at Bistro Matisse, the friendly service was exemplary, totally competent, complementing a delightful meal.

Looking for a great dining experience in Clarkson, or anywhere in the general area? You can't do better than little Bistro Matisse. Superb food carefully prepared in the classical French manner, generous portions, moderate prices, plus friendly and competent service all combine to provide a memorable meal every time.

If you enjoy calf's liver, it's clearly the best ever here. All the seafood items are exceptional due to being impeccably fresh and their gentle treatment.

For your first visit to this restaurant, I strongly suggest you do so earlier in the week as it will be a much better first experience. Why? Because Chef Jean-Jacques works his culinary magic alone in his kitchen. It spite of his culinary wizardry, there are facility and human limits to his output. On busy weekend nights he can often be challenged with 50 or more items to prepare in an hour, nearly impossible for one man with one stove. Plus, there are just two waiters and a bus-girl to serve and clear so service can suffer at busy times. Early in the week there's a $27 table d'hote menu with soup/salad/appetizer, entrée and dessert.

So, kick the chain restaurant habit and enjoy the work of an exceptional French chef and his seasoned team.

In order to avoid the crowds, my bf and I made reservations for the day-after Valentine's. We almost missed the restaurant because it was tucked away in an unsuspecting strip mall.

I was quite impressed by the interior. The walls were decorated with Parisian-inspired art. Aside from that, the furniture, & other decor did contribute to the old world charm to this cozy resto. I was surprised to find a restaurant like this in Miss., as opposed to downtown.

As soon as I turned the servers (also owners?) away at the beginning, it took them a while to return. Which was okay 'cause I was just taking in the atmosphere. The older couple were the only servers that night.

The VDay set menu was $43+change/person, before tax+tip. This included a choice of appetizer, entrée, & dessert. However, I ended up ordering a la carte and it was only slightly cheaper.

From what I remember, the prices were quite reasonable for a French restaurant. Entrées were in the area of $20. If you ask me, I'd rather pay that and eat here as opposed to a larger chain restaurant.

So if you're looking for a special night out to try something new &/or want to take a fake trip to Paris, visit Bistro Matisse!

This is the third time I have frequented this establishment and I thought it was about time I wrote my own review. I truly believe Bistro Matisse is a hidden gem amongst the so-called elite restaurants in Mississauga. The atmosphere is small but quaint. The service extremely attentive. The food absolutely exceptional. And best of all, the prices are moderate. They have a limited choice menu but always have daily specials which are both interesting and delectable. The soups are especially outstanding. I concur with the other reviewers who have rated this restaurant a 9+. In my three experiences at Bistro Matisse I can truly say I have not had one bad experience.

I have been to Bistro Matisse numerous times with my husband/parents/sister-in-law. Their menu and specials are wonderful, the decor is authentic and the staff is friendly. I am bringing 13 of my son's schoolmates' moms there for dinner in the near future - that's how much I think of the food and service at Bistro Matisse.

My daughter and I went to Bistro Matisse for lunch. This was our third visit. Very reasonable prices for quality food and service. Great atmosphere.

best restaurant we have been to in long time.

Bistro Matisse is my absolute favorite place to eat. The food is fantastic and is all prepared by Jean Jacques the chef and owner. The service was fantastic and the atmosphere is very cozy and quaint. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone who enjoys eating fantastic food at very reasonable prices.

My wife and I and another couple tried out this restaurant as part of the Tastes of Clarkson. Let me start of by saying that the service was second to none and the decor was warm and charming. As for the food, I don't know whether they had new chefs or a problem with their oven but our bread, the top of my salmon and the bottom of my friends apple pie all came singed. And by singed, I mean BLACK. The waiter was only too happy to bring us some "less done" bread and I don't normally eat the skin from my salmon, anyway. The potato garlic soup was, in a word, bland. The rest of the sauces were very flavorful but a tad rich for my taste. I know, I know, thats the way French cuisine is supposed to be. Will we go back again, probably not. There are too many other restaurants to try in the area and closer to home.

I could not belive the food that was served it was almost inedible we needed to send back the food it was frozen cold. Obviously per made and frozen then taken out and heated up when ordered however this time the microwave must have broken down.