Mistral French Bistro

Reserve

Mistral French Bistro Review

Even on a dreary winter day, this sunny-yellow bistro is a bright spot in Vancouver's culinary landscape. Chef-owner Jean-Yves Benoît mans the stoves, while his wife (and co-owner) Minna welcomes guests, offers wine, and ensures that the dining room is running smoothly. Their menu emphasizes Provençal classics, including pasta topped with pistou (basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese), cassoulet (a hearty casserole of duck confit, sausages, bacon, and beans), and seafood bourride (a garlicky stew brimming with fresh fish, prawns, and scallops). The lunch menu includes soups and salads along with more substantial fare—the better to keep the rain at bay.