Léa French Cafe - Oak Park, Illinois

August G.

They’ve changed things around. Sandwiches are still great, I like how you can do more add-ons now. However, the “side salad” option that replaced the chips is so, depressing. Literally just a few lettuce leaves in a box with a tiny sauce container, they can do better. Also more iced coffee options would be nice.

Camille C.

Breakfast croissant sandwiches and the Croque Monsieur were immediate draws for our brunch choice at Léa, and they didn't disappoint.

Le LaFayette is an elevated egg/cheese/bacon (or veg) delight on a buttery, flaky croissant. I was impressed by the care in seasoning the omelet and the contrasting texture of the crispy bacon.

Speaking of that bacon, it's prominently featured on the Croque Monsieur. My husband complimented the bechamel, which was herby and not overly cloying. Paired with the saltiness of that lovely bacon, his sandwich was perfect for me to sample. It's certainly rich, as one expects, and it was more my speed sharing it rather than committing to the whole plate. Bags of chips were nice, just not a standout among the rest of our meal.

Our drinks were a well balanced lavender lemonade and a gingery Rishi Masala iced chai latte.

The pastry case and plentiful baguettes were entirely tempting, and several takeaway customers were there just for bread. Our Apple Tartlette was the right size for dessert. Glossy lattice pastry was the star, just salted enough and very tender. We would have loved a bit more apple filling to be on par with the pastry.

Seating inside was comfortable and overall we got a pretty chill vibe from this spot, though I could imagine a rush particularly in the morning. If it hadn't been sprinkling, the small storefront patio tables also looked pleasant since the street was surprisingly not chaotic either.

Order kiosks at the entrance were easy to navigate and pay. It wasn't busy and we could have approached the counter but I suspect the staff appreciates the kiosks, as they also seemed to be continually prepping online orders.

Our mid-morning Léa stop was perfect to fuel up before back-to-back Frank Lloyd Wright tours 😅 Merci!

A C.

Friendly and helpful service, Either place an order personally or type it in on the kiosk (two available). Great coffee and fresh bakery items. A comfortable atmosphere for couples, family and of course if you are on the go. No cash, credit card only.

Susan

One of our favorites and always excellent. The croissants and other baked goods are legit French and so good. Coffee is great (please don’t switch to Kribi like everywhere else around us).

Belle L.

Excellent choice for the area. Counter Service 👍👍. Limited choice for condiments, like Brown Sugar only. #Toast LOYALTY available. 👏 ♥️ the marble tables. Fresh housemade baguettes with artisan flour.

Quiche + Coffee + Apple Tartlette = $20. 😐

Firm Quiche is mostly egg with a few bits in a useless soggy crust. Bento Box tray with disposables (let's hope it's 100% biodegradable).

Default milk for CAFE AU LAIT is whole milk with Spicy Metropolis Coffee. With zero human interaction as I ordered from kiosk: (1) IDK if whole milk was the best choice for optimal coffee flavor, or it's just a "European" preferred milk; (2) IDK if Metropolis Coffee is dark roast or not.

I truly enjoyed APPLE TARTLETTE with caramelized edges. Yes, they did stick to my teeth for a moment.

1-star less: (1) Background music is from radio with ads and all, (2) when Printers print from kiosk orders, boy o boy, it feels like you are in a factory. Vibe is cold with excellent devotion to cleanliness, orderly and simplicity.

David H.

The service was non existent. Might as well be vending machines. If you do go here skip the tip line. The staff looked annoyed when asking for help as it took them away from their conversations.

The Croque madame was toast with egg and cheese. Croque madame is traditionally pan fried. It was also very dry.

Dmitry E.

Croissant and coffee were good. But without any dining service like plates, utensils, waiters, etc. it cost me 20 dollars what is overly expensive for this type of service.
I see on pictures that service was better before. It is inexcusable when business is using COVID as reason to decrease service level and at the same time raise prices.

Makeem Q.

My first time visiting this place. Food was great, croissant bacon breakfast sandwich. I asked for a few items after I ordered, lettuce and tomato. Felt like I was bothering them. Just a few more smiles and this place would be perfect