Bistro V Serves Up Casual French Bistro Fare & All the Vibes in Greenwich

It’s been a couple of years since I dined at Bistro V on the Ave in Greenwich, and I was thrilled to have been invited for lunch last week. 

When Marc Penvenne noticed a for sale sign on the restaurant’s doors he knew that he had to step in and purchase it. The former Versailles was a fixture in the Greenwich restaurant scene and he couldn’t let the beloved establishment go. Penvenne had already established himself as successful restaurateur. The owner of another perennial favorite, Méli-Mélo, had been feeding guests there, just a couple of blocks away, for over 25 years. 

After a slight rebranding, facelift and name shift, Versailles became Bistro V, inspired by their memories of growing up with the classic bistros in France. Gone is the restaurant’s formality. The restaurant seats about 60, has a dining room that can used for private events, a bar area that can be enjoyed for cocktails or group Happy Hours, as well as for sports events with its large TV over the bar. The seating outside, with about 40 seats, is plentiful with umbrellas to keep diners cool beneath the sun’s rays. 

Guests have embraced the casual ambiance and the international cuisine with a distinctively French twist. The restaurant is a favorite gathering place among friends during the day, after work and weekends alike with its popular brunch menu with Bottomless Mimosas and Bloody Mary’s. Bistro V is a go to for its cocktail program and live music offerings. The vibe, both inside and out, is jovial and energetic and the food is good. It’s the type of place one can go to weekly and not be bored by the menu offerings which are plentiful and diverse. 

The Small Bites section of the menu is all encompassing, from its crispy, tender Calarmari tossed in a Thai habanero chili sauce with cilantro and a lemon aioli, to the sublime Foie Gras Terrine, served with fig jam, wild Swedish lingonberry jam, cornichons, and toasted 7 grain bread. Neither of these float your boat? There are Lobster Sliders, Burger Sliders, PEI Oysters, Leek Mac & Cheese, and more to select from. 

Moving on to the Entrées, select from decidedly French dishes such as Quiche Lorraine, Moules Frites, Ham & Swiss or Mushroom omelets or, behold, the incredibly decadent Croque Monsieur with ham, Swiss, Béchamel, mesclun, and a Dijon Vinaigrette. If you dare to step it up a notch, add the organic egg for an outrageous, sublime Croque Madame. Not quite what you’re looking for? You may prefer the Blackened Fish Tacos, the Chicken BLT, or one of their burgers, The Avenue or The B.V. These guys offer a solid burger. You’ll not be disappointed.

Just a few blocks away is Versailles Patisserie featuring cakes and pastries all made from their original recipes from France. Not to worry, there are patisseries available on site for those wanting to nosh on something sweet.

Bistro V is an all-day cafe serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everyone’s favorite meal – weekend brunch. Enjoy happy hour Monday through Thursday from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m

Bistro V is classic eats in a casual yet chic setting. Enjoy.

Bistro V 339 Greenwich Ave, Greenwich (203) 661-6634