Mila's Bistro: An Authentic French Bistro on the Lower East Side, NYC

Mila's Bistro Introduce

Mila's Bistro is a charming and authentic French bistro that serves as a hidden gem on the bustling Lower East Side of New York. It's a place that, according to loyal customers, could easily be mistaken for a little street-side cafe in Paris, thanks to its spot-on atmosphere and cozy vibe. This bistro offers a welcome escape from the typical New York hustle, providing a relaxed and intimate setting for a memorable meal. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted with a casual and trendy environment that is perfect for a date night, a solo meal, or a gathering with friends. The restaurant's menu and drinks are expertly matched to the ambiance, delivering a true French bistro experience that is both comforting and delicious.

The menu at Mila's Bistro is a culinary tribute to classic French fare, with a focus on delivering high-quality, flavorful dishes. For dinner, popular choices include the quintessential Steak Frites, a perfectly prepared Rack of Lamb, and comforting French Onion Soup. Seafood lovers can indulge in the Oysters, which are a highlight, especially during happy hour when they are a dollar each. The menu also offers a variety of starters like Calamari and Escargot, as well as classic salads like the Salad Nicoise. The brunch menu is equally inviting, with brunch staples like Eggs Benedict and Steak & Eggs, along with classic brunch drinks like Mimosas and Bellinis. While some customers have noted that the food can be inconsistent, with some meals being cold or service being inattentive, others rave about the quality, calling it a perfect French bistro with a matching menu. The a la carte options, such as the duck confit, are often praised for their authenticity and rich flavors.

Located at 81 Ludlow St, New York, NY 10002, USA, Mila's Bistro is in a prime location in one of Manhattan's most dynamic neighborhoods. The Lower East Side is a hub of culture, nightlife, and culinary innovation, making the restaurant easily accessible for both locals and tourists. The venue is conveniently located near several public transportation options, including the F, J, M, and Z trains at Delancey St-Essex St, and the B and D trains at Grand Street. This makes it a great spot to grab a meal before or after exploring the area's art galleries, vintage shops, and lively bars. The accessibility of the location is a significant benefit for anyone in the New York region. The option for outdoor seating is also a major plus, allowing guests to enjoy their meal while soaking in the vibrant street life of Ludlow Street.

Mila's Bistro offers a variety of services to ensure a flexible and convenient dining experience. Whether you're planning a full dinner or just a quick bite, the restaurant has you covered.

Dine-in: Enjoy a full meal in the restaurant's cozy and romantic setting.
Outdoor seating: A fantastic option for enjoying the lively Lower East Side atmosphere while you eat.
Delivery: Have your favorite French dishes delivered right to your door.
Takeout: Place an order and pick it up to enjoy at home or on the go.
Accepts Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations, making it easier to secure a table, especially during peak hours.

The features and highlights of Mila's Bistro are what contribute to its unique charm and popularity. The atmosphere is consistently praised for being "spot on," with music that adds to the overall pleasant dining experience. The bar onsite serves great cocktails, and the happy hour deals on oysters and drinks are a major draw. The restaurant is also family-friendly, with amenities that can accommodate groups and even solo diners.

Features / Highlights:

Authentic French Bistro Vibe: The atmosphere is a major highlight, with a cozy and romantic feel that makes it a true gem.
Happy Hour: The happy hour deals, including $1 oysters, are a fantastic value and a great way to start your evening.
Great Cocktails and Wine List: The bar offers a variety of well-crafted cocktails, along with beer and a wine list with options available by the glass.
Outdoor Seating: The availability of outdoor tables is a huge plus, especially during warmer months.
Inclusive Atmosphere: The bistro is LGBTQ+ friendly and welcomes groups, making it a comfortable spot for everyone.
Accessibility: The venue is wheelchair accessible, ensuring it is a welcoming place for all guests.

For reservations, inquiries, or to place an order, Mila's Bistro can be reached at their address and phone number. The physical address is 81 Ludlow St, New York, NY 10002, USA. The phone number is (212) 677-9383, and the mobile phone number is +1 212-677-9383.

What is worth choosing Mila's Bistro for your next meal? While some customers have had mixed experiences with service and food temperature, many have found it to be a "hidden gem" with great food and a staff that "couldn't have been nicer." The ambiance is a major selling point, with its cozy and authentic French feel. The happy hour is a fantastic deal, and the menu offers a solid selection of classic French dishes. The convenience of being able to get a seat right away, which is "shear luck" in this area, is a huge benefit for a spontaneous night out. The presence of a gender-neutral restroom is also a modern and welcoming feature. For those who appreciate a relaxed, romantic, and authentic atmosphere with a focus on classic French fare, Mila's Bistro is a worthy destination on the Lower East Side. It's a place where you can enjoy a comforting meal, a great cocktail, and a feeling of being transported to a Parisian street, making it a unique and valuable addition to New York’s dining scene.

Mila's Bistro Menu

Dinner
Rack of Lamb $30.00
Steak Frites $30.00
French Onion Soup $12.00
Oysters $1.00
Calamari $15.00
Escargot $12.00
Salad Nicoise $22.00

Brunch
Eggs Benedict $18.00
Eggs Norvegienne $18.00
Steak & Eggs $30.00
Pancakes $18.00
Mimosa $10.00
Bellini $10.00

Drinks
Margarita $10.00
Wine by the Glass $10.00
Cocktails $12.00
Stella on Draft $8.00
Blue Point on Draft $8.00

Mila's Bistro Details

Service options
Outdoor seating
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great cocktails

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible seating
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Comfort food
Happy hour drinks
Happy hour food
Hard liquor
Late-night food
Small plates
Wine

Dining options
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Gender-neutral restroom
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Mila's Bistro Photos

Mila's Bistro Location

Mila's Bistro

New York New York County New York Ludlow Street

81 Ludlow St, New York, NY 10002, USA

Mila's Bistro Reviews

An average rating of ★4.3 from 137 user reviews.

oystershappy hourduck confitatmospheredinnerfrenchgembardessertsteak

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Guys don’t bother coming service and food have gone WAY DOWN. What u pay for a meal you can go elsewhere.. Staff is inattentive if you are a party of one or two. The waitress Agatha is terrible she shouldn’t be a waitress , didn’t check on my food , didn’t come back very inattentive terrible service and the food was cold. I ate it because it was late and I was hungry. Disney have a problem paying but after my complaint it should have been an option to send it back which it was not. Very lazy staff especially with the dining room empty
August 27 · BR BR
What a hidden gem. The perfect French bistro with matching menu and drinks. Food was great and staff couldn't have been nicer. We got a seat right away which in this area tends to be shear luck! Great music. Atmosphere is spot on...easily could have been in a little street of Paris. Only thing missing was an espresso,but I'm looking forward to coming back for sure!
October 19 · Sebastian Lux
Very Very disappointed in the service here, would not recommend, especially for parties over 2. As the place has 20+ small round tables ( for a party of 2). We were a party of 5, and had the worst service in years. We had a reservation (7pm) but was not needed as place only half full this Sat night, We were seated when we got there, at 3 tables pushed other (1 square and 2 small rounds) by who we thought was our waiter ( male) not sure now if we actually had an assigned waiter.( Note: small Round tables pushed together don’t make a great seating arrangement for large party there).Note: there was a party of 10? Sitting at a bunch of tables together which may have caused service issue, not sure)Then we waited , 15 minutes go by and one in our party got up and ask the person at host podium (our waiter ?) if we could get some menus, received them a few minutes later.Now this place is small, one room 25’ x 25’, with a bar on one wall, and some tables outside (still only 50% occupies) Staff looked like one bartender and 3 others.15 minutes after we got the menus, the waiter? that seated us came to the our table to ask for our drink and food order (with his electr device) . Please understand that this was the first time anyone came to our tables in 30 minutes to check on us. But all the wait staff passed our tables to handle others in the room and outside over last 30 min. First thing I asked for was some water, the plastic water glasses were already on the tables when we sat, but no water was offered. Water was provided after we gave our orders. I realized later that water was just at the bar in old wine bottles, I should have just gone and picked it up my self, instead of waiting 35 min for water.Please understand other parties came in after us, one was a party of 4 , (15-20 minutes after us) , who were given menu's, water and had the orders taken before us ( by the other wait staff) and some eat and left before we ever got our meals.I was wondering if we should just leave, but we were hungry, and the person that recommended this place to us, was with us and getting upset what was happening and started tearing up.Also Unfortunately they were out of oysters , which was one reason we came ( was told they were out when we ordered)Food was delivered in acceptable time but by the other staff, even the bartender was helping, but our waiter? was no where to be seen, until he came over for payment ( more said on that later)Drinks and food was fine, heard no complaints or accolades.After we had finished , we then sat with dirty plates , for 15-20 minutes. As no one came by to asked us anything. One in our party I believed flagged someone down to clear the plates. The place was now less full than when we arrived.Our waiter did the last 2 plates after we plated some lefts overs in a provided container.Our waiter? came by with the electronic Order/ bill machine in his hand, asked if we wanted desert, we declined and stated will get at the fest ale 6 blocks away. He then totaled the bill and provided the machine to be for payment, 8 inquired if there was an itemized receipt? We then stared at each other for a second and then I said never mind , and paid the bill with a CC. He did not get a 20% tip.We then left and a a great time at the festival with received wonderful service at the booths for our dessertsSome items were simplified to prevent this being a 10 page review :)
September 14 · Barat
I was initially headed to a nearby restaurant, but when I arrived, it was a scene with a waiting line... after 30 years in NYC, I don't do lines! So I walked just a few blocks away looking for another place and happened to see Mila's neon sign and the quaint, familiar yellow and red bistro exterior. I took a quick look at the menu and they happened to have salmon and mashed potatoes which is just what I was in the mood for that night! Inside, the restaurant is cozy with a romantic, candlelit atmosphere, and a European café vibe. I quickly fell into conversation with the server/host, Agatha, and when we discovered we had a shared Hungarian heritage, the place felt like home to me! My salmon came perfectly cooked and the dish was a good-sized portion so I was pleased. The only improvement I would suggest is that they expand their dessert selection as there are only 2 items to choose from.If you're looking for a comfy, neighborhood place with good food and warm, inviting service, give Mila's a try!
June 15 · Gale Grant
I visited MILA’S BISTRO for the first time in May and stopped by for a quick bite and a cold beer on a hot day. The atmosphere is super authentic with a bit of a retro vibe — very charming and relaxed. The staff were sweet and helpful, offering great suggestions without being pushy. I left happy and definitely plan to come back!
July 29 · Taras Richter