Bijou Restaurant & Bar, Hayward

Too litle food for too big prices and they do not even taste good! Large plate? - nothing like the description on the menu, none of it at all. So poor customer service, bad restaurant hostility. This is French food and some claimed that they have the best food in the world?? THE OLIVE GARDEN IS WAY BETTER IN EVERY WAY BUT THEY DO NOT HAVE TO BRAG!!!!

This place was soooo good. Once seated inside, It felt like a chic San Francisco restaurant, seriously, I forgot I was in Hayward. We ordered several small plates, everything we tried was delicious and fresh. Yes, it's pricey but what do you expect for artfully, delicious, freshly prepared food. This restaurant has it all great food, ambiance and great service. I'll definetly be returning.

I checked out this shiny, modern NEW Hayward bar & restaurant last night. The bottom line: All Style and NO Substance. Yes, the modern, chic, stylish Bijou stands out amongst aged 1970s-ear restaurants in Hayward... but that's about it. A glittering bar area is segmented from the dining area by a shimmering curtain. The mostly dark interior is roomy but rather cold and industrial. Don't get me wrong- Bijou has that whole IKEA design thing down pact. I'm just wondering if this is a good look for a restaurant. People want to feel comfy and relaxed- maybe more natural elements could be introduced (Bamboo, flowers, waterfalls). Food-wise, Bijou left me high and dry. We had the frisee and bacon salad, foie gras, salmon tartar, and the lamb chops with garlic mashed potatoes. All of the portions were super tiny- and super expensive. In a faltering economy, I wonder what the guys behind Bijou were thinking. The food was rather lackluster- average at best. I was expecting to be blown away- like going to one of Vegas' great gourmet places. Instead, Bijou really let me down with their forgettable menu. Service, on the other hand, is top notch. Our server really went out of his way to ensure that our dining experience was memorable. It's a shame that the food just wasn't up to par. Bijou is a terrible value- way overpriced for the teeny-tiny portions you receive. The foie gras plate is a joke- 3 thin slices of toasted baguette and two wafer-thin 1x2 slices of foie gras : $15. My tiny plate of 3 teaspoons of salmon tartar and 3 more of the baguette toast: $8. The cocktail menu has some great choices- my mint mojito was excellent, albeit overpriced at $8. If you're in Hayward and want to hang out at a yuppie-type place, the please feel free to visit Bijou. I'll be next door at Buffalo Bills brewpub having a great beer and a few slices of pizza.