MENU

French classics such as vichyssoise, escargot, paté, foie gras, seafood entrees such as lemon sole meunière, and meat dishes including duck, lamb and chicken. There are also specials including the first seating dinner, daily from 5 to 5:30 p.m., which includes three courses for $18.95: several choices each of soup or salad, meat entrees, and desserts, a few of which have upcharges of $2 or $3 apiece.

ATMOSPHERE

Despite its rich and high-quality food, Le Rivage is not a fancy, elaborate eatery. It’s a cute little white-on-white dining room in a storefront tucked away in a quiet strip mall off U.S. 1. When you walk in you feel almost as though you’re entering the apartment of a friend - a friend who is an amazing cook.

OUR FAVORITE FOOD/PRICE

The crab cake appetizer ($12.95) was deliciously fresh and had the perfect texture: slightly crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. The chopped salad ($7.95), with mixed lettuces, gorgonzola cheese, red pepper, artichoke hearts, walnuts and Granny Smith apple, somehow managed to taste decadent despite being a plate full of healthy stuff.

REASON TO GO

A taste of Old Paris in Boca Raton in a low-key, nonfussy environment.

SERVICE

Our waiter was friendly but unobtrusive, allowing my companion and me to enjoy what’s become a rarity in today’s restaurant scene: an unrushed meal and uninterrupted conversation.

NOISE LEVEL

Fairly quiet, especially considering how close together the tables are here. Despite a nearly full house, the patrons of Le Rivage seemed during our visit to instinctively talk in hushed tones, leading to a relaxed atmosphere.

KID FRIENDLY

Children are welcome. Although there is no kids’ menu, they will be accommodated.