Le Mistral Sherwood is a charming French bistro and wine shop situated in the heart of Sherwood, Nottingham. The restaurant offers a variety of menus, including an a la carte menu, lunch options, express lunch, and regularly changing blackboard specials. Guests can enjoy a range of tempting offers alongside authentic French cuisine. The interior boasts a warm and inviting atmosphere, reminiscent of a Parisian bistro, making it an ideal spot for romantic dinners, family celebrations, or casual coffee gatherings. The establishment is part of the Ever So Sensible Group, known for its commitment to high-quality food and excellent customer service.
What each source says
- Tripadvisor 4.5 1,220
- Google 4.7 906
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-26.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Excellent, authentic French cuisine Le Mistral consistently delivers high-quality French dishes, with many diners praising the authenticity and delicious flavors. Many reviewers feel the food is of great quality and consistently delivers.
- Friendly and attentive service Numerous reviewers highlight the exceptional service provided by the staff. Servers are consistently described as friendly, helpful, and attentive, enhancing the overall dining experience.
- Good value for money Le Mistral offers a range of menus, including lunch specials and early bird options, that are considered very reasonably priced. The quality of the food and service is seen as exceeding the cost.
- Ideal for celebrations The restaurant is frequently chosen for special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries. The staff goes above and beyond to make these events memorable, providing attentive service and creating a welcoming atmosphere.
- Warm and welcoming atmosphere The restaurant boasts a cozy and inviting ambiance, reminiscent of a traditional French bistro. The intimate setting, often enhanced by live music, makes it perfect for special occasions or a relaxed meal.
Criticised
- Can be very busy As a popular restaurant, Le Mistral can get very busy, especially on weekends and evenings. It's essential to book in advance, and even then, expect a lively and potentially crowded atmosphere.
- Food quality can be inconsistent Although generally excellent, some diners have reported that certain dishes occasionally fall short of the restaurant's high standards. Lamb dishes were sometimes fatty, and chicken was occasionally dry.
- Menu doesn't vary hugely Although daily specials are offered, the core menu remains relatively consistent. While the food is reliably good, those seeking constant variety may find the choices somewhat limited on repeat visits.
- Paying by card The restaurant may not accept cash payments, and leaving a tip when paying by card may not be possible.
- Portion sizes can be small While the quality of the food is generally praised, some reviewers have noted that portion sizes, particularly for the price, can be on the smaller side. This may leave some diners feeling unsatisfied.
The longer read
Le Mistral Sherwood is a well-established French restaurant consistently praised for its authentic cuisine, warm atmosphere, and friendly service. Many reviewers highlight the restaurant's cozy and intimate setting, reminiscent of a traditional French bistro, making it suitable for both casual lunches and special occasion dinners. Several reviewers specifically mention the ambiance being enhanced by features like soft lighting and live music (female guitarist). The restaurant is described as unpretentious and welcoming.
Numerous reviewers rave about the quality and authenticity of the French cuisine, with specific dishes frequently mentioned including the French onion soup, beef bourguignon, mussels, and pork belly. The Sunday roast and lamb shank also receive high praise. Many appreciate the freshness and delicious ingredients used in the dishes. Reviewers also find the portion sizes to be generous and the prices reasonable, particularly the fixed-price lunch menu and early bird options. The menu is noted to offer a good selection of dishes, with options for various dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free.
The service at Le Mistral is consistently described as outstanding, friendly, and attentive. Several staff members, including Oliver, Helen, Adam, Cait, Felipe, Charlotte, and Daniel, are mentioned by name for their exceptional service and warm hospitality. Reviewers appreciate the staff's knowledge of the menu, their willingness to cater to special requests, and their ability to create a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience. The staff are often commended for going above and beyond to make guests feel welcome and looked after. Many reviewers note the staff's attention to detail and their genuine care for customers. Numerous reviewers point out that the staff makes the experience special.
Le Mistral is a popular choice for celebrations, including birthdays and anniversaries, with reviewers noting the restaurant's ability to create a memorable experience for special occasions. Many reviewers express their intention to return, highlighting the restaurant's consistency in delivering excellent food and service. The restaurant is also described as a
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 115 911 6116
- Website
- lemistral.co.uk/sherwood
| Mon | 11:00 - 21:15 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 11:00 - 21:15 |
| Wed | 11:00 - 21:15 |
| Thu | 11:00 - 21:15 |
| Fri | 11:00 - 21:15 |
| Sat | 11:00 - 21:15 |
| Sun | 12:00 - 20:15 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.6 against a median of 4.5 across the 6 places to eat we hold for Sherwood, and the most-reviewed of them.
Still deciding?
- What types of dishes are featured on the à la carte and blackboard specials at Le Mistral Sherwood?
- Does Le Mistral Sherwood offer express lunch or set lunch menus and what are the typical pricing and timings?
- What kind of French wines and other varieties are available in the wine shop at Le Mistral Sherwood, and are there pairing suggestions?
- How would you describe the interior atmosphere and decor of Le Mistral Sherwood and is it suitable for romantic or family dining?
- Can Le Mistral Sherwood host larger parties or celebrations, and what reservation policies apply for group bookings?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.