Poulet Bleu Returns with Indulgent French Fare

Poulet Bleu has been one of the top spots in the city since it opened in 2018. There are very few French restaurants in Pittsburgh, and Poulet Bleu more than makes up for this with its Parisian bistro-inspired menu.

Steak frites is a must at Poulet Bleu

The restaurant recently reopened in October 2025 after being closed for almost three years due to extensive water damage. Foodies all over the city rejoiced when they announced their reopening. Even after being reopened for nearly five months, there’s still a long wait if you want to eat there. I had to make my reservation nearly a month and a half in advance. However, if you don’t mind eating early or late, there’s a chance you could snag a seat at the bar or a reservation for two.

The only noticeable interior change was that the space that was formerly just a run-of-the-mill patio has been transformed into an extension of their cozy dining room, complete with plants and a burbling fountain. Otherwise, the space once again exudes French charm with floral wallpaper and pastel tones.

The tuna carpaccio

The menu isn’t notably different, because Poulet Bleu learned you should never mess with perfection. Fan favorites, such as the French onion soup, bistro burger and steak tartare, are still on the menu. They also made sure classic French dishes, like the house-made pâté and escargot, were given a well-deserved spot on the menu.

I have so many beloved dishes on the menu it was hard to choose what to order. The house-made pâté seemed like a natural place to start. Everything about the pâté and its accompaniments screamed savory. The grilled bread added a smokiness, while the mustard and pickles added briny and acidic flavors. The smooth pâté and the crunchy, grilled bread created a delightful contrast of textures in my mouth. While this dish won’t be for everyone, I think if you want to feel like a true Parisian, it’s worth a taste.

I wanted to add a little contrast to my order, since Poulet Bleu is a very meat-heavy restaurant. I opted for the tuna carpaccio next. It was a nice hit of brightness with the roasted lemon and crunchy frisée on top of the thinly sliced tuna. The tuna all but melted in my mouth. My only complaint is that I would’ve liked the dish to be a bit bigger.

The Lyonnaise salad

A salad seemed mandatory, since I was consuming a lot of rich foods. The Lyonnaise salad definitely fulfilled my greens intake for the evening, and it did so in the most luxurious way possible. It almost felt like I wasn’t eating a salad. The frisée was topped with bacon lardons, a poached egg, croutons and a miso-mustard vinaigrette. It was like a savory breakfast in salad form. The bacon lardons and the croutons both brought crunchiness and saltiness to the salad. The bacon’s umami flavor was definitely enhanced by the tangy miso-mustard vinaigrette. When the soft poached egg mixed with the vinaigrette, magic happened. Every bite was luscious and custardy. Everything together was a harmonious symphony. The flavors present in this dish make you think you’re not even eating a salad, and that’s what I want.

The roasted chicken

Poulet Bleu has a lot of delightful grand plats, such as the roasted duck and gnocchi Parisienne, but the steak frites felt like a must-order for my first trip back to the restaurant in a long time. The dish is a fan favorite among patrons for good reason. You have a few choices when you order this dish, including the cut of steak and sauce selection. I went for the filet mignon cooked medium rare (the only way to order steak, in my opinion) with the béarnaise sauce. The filet was tender and cooked immaculately. Clearly, the Poulet Bleu kitchen staff know what they’re doing. Béarnaise sauce is always my go-to with steak, since it adds a little contrast to the meat with its creamy texture and bright, vinegary flavors. The frites were crispy and crunchy and tasted like an elevated version of the McDonald’s French fry (which, in my opinion, is a perfect French fry). If you’ve never been to Poulet Bleu, then you have to order this dish. It is the epitome of French bistro cuisine.

If you’re not a big steak person, then the other dish I recommend is the roasted chicken. One of my dining partners ordered this, and I snuck a few bites. The chicken was succulent and juicy, and the sauce and vegetables (kale and sunchoke) added an earthiness that rounded the dish out.

The chocolate soufflé is the perfect end to a meal at Poulet Bleu

You absolutely have to order dessert at Poulet Bleu, and they have a plethora of options to fit your fancy. My two favorites are the profiteroles and chocolate soufflé. I only had room for one on the evening I visited, and the chocolate soufflé is the restaurant’s iconic dish. You have to pre-order it when your diner arrives, because like any proper lady, she needs time to get ready. When the soufflé arrives at the table, it’s presented with a flourish and a variety of toppings, including homemade ice cream, crème anglaise and cherry confit. The soufflé itself is light and airy with rich chocolate notes. The ice cream and crème anglaise added a creaminess that delightfully contrasted the soufflé. The cherry confit was tart and paired well with the soufflé, but it wasn’t my favorite. If you love chocolate and have someone to share it with, then the chocolate soufflé is the perfect dessert.

Overall, Poulet Bleu seems to have recovered nicely. If you were there before the closing, then it’s the same spot you know and love, and if it’s your first time dining there, then you’ll be thoroughly impressed. Both the food and the service were immaculate; you would’ve never known they took a three-year hiatus. I’m already dreaming of when I can indulge in the steak frites and chocolate soufflé next.