La Bastide by Andrea Calstier

Grown especially fond of isolated, hyper-seasonal fine-dining spots in rural settings over the past year. Chef Calstier originally drew inspiration from southern France when he opened, and while North Salem isn’t exactly a postcard backdrop, the restaurant still felt intimate and romantic.

Ingredient-wise, there wasn’t a whole lot of narrative to unpack. It’s winter, and at this price point it’s probably hard to justify a menu built largely around hearty comfort dishes (which is usually the reality of a cold-season tasting menu). Still, the overall composition was solid, and several elements throughout the courses worked particularly well.

Bouillabaisse - The prawn head flavor was worked directly into the broth, which gave the stew a deep aroma without overwhelming the flavors. Black bass, ebi prawn, uni, and mussels were gently poached, and each ingredient retained its natural character. The mussel was borderline too seafood-y, but I personally enjoyed it even more that way.

Venison - Cooked almost like a beef filet mignon. Farm-raised, so there was no gamey aroma and none of the dryness. Might be the best venison steak I’ve ever had.

Cheese Cart - Not the usual, choose whatever you want from a boatload of cheese piled up on a cart, but a curated selection of six cheeses, three choices per person. My favorites were the makgeolli-washed aged cheese and Chef Calstier’s favorite 36-month aged comté. The former had a subtle fizz and creamy finish from the rice wine, which created a layered, savory profile that lingered so nicely. Could be one of my all-time favorite cheeses (Murray’s cheese)

Andoa Noa Grand Cru Chocolate - Chef Calstier’s signature dessert. Didn’t know a goat cheese base would pair so well with hot chocolate foam, but it worked. The cheese at the bottom anchored the dessert and softened the bitterness of the chocolate, and kept everything balanced through the finish.

Tucked away in the tranquil hills of North Salem, La Bastide is a true culinary haven that marries rustic French charm with refined, modern dining. From the moment you step through its doors, the serene atmosphere sets the tone — elegant yet unpretentious, with soft lighting, warm wood tones, and a pastoral view that feels worlds away from the city’s pace.

The food is nothing short of superb. Each dish feels both comforting and elevated — crafted with a clear respect for seasonal ingredients and classic technique. The flavors are bright, balanced, and deeply satisfying. Whether it’s a perfectly seared duck breast, a delicate seafood entrée, or a simple but heavenly dessert, every plate reflects thoughtful artistry and precision.

Service is another standout here. The staff manages that rare balance of professionalism and genuine warmth, offering attentive yet unobtrusive care. Every recommendation feels personal, and every guest is treated like a regular.

La Bastide is more than just a restaurant — it’s an experience of taste and tranquility. For anyone seeking an exceptional meal in a setting that soothes the soul, North Salem’s La Bastide is an absolute must-visit.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Verdict: Tasty, serene, and superbly served — a true delight from start to finish.

Le Bernadine and La bastide are my top two favorite restaurants! I travel often and eat well to recognize this caliber

An excellent dining experience worthy of its Michelin star and hopefully more to come. Having planned a trip to come to the area for Blue Hill two Michelin star restaurant but was unable to get a reservation. So instead I found La Bastide and cen dou which was there more casual restaurant which was also great. The overall service and dining experience at La Bastide was top notch and on par with other two and three Michelin star restaurants we’ve been to. Will definitely be tracking back to dine here.

The outdoor patio was beautiful and it was nice to have tea and the beginning bites out there. The white asparagus course and strawberry dessert course were my favorites. Along with the cheese course. A wide variety of cheeses from which you can choose from or have the waiter pick for you. The first couple of dishes did take a noticeable amount of time to come out but enjoyable experience nonetheless

We had the distinct pleasure of dining at La Bastide last Friday. It certainly lived up to its having one Michelin star. The food was outstanding, the decor beautiful and the sommelier extremely helpful. It’s pricey but worth every penny!