Le Relais de l’Entrecote’s menu simplifies dining to one perfect choice: steak-frites with their signature sauce. If you are looking for le relais de l entrecote menu prices, you have come to the right place. This article breaks down everything you need to know about costs, what you get, and how to plan your visit.
The concept is famously simple. You walk in, and there is no menu to flip through. You order steak and fries, and that is it. But the price, the quality, and the experience vary slightly by location. Let’s get straight to the numbers.
Le Relais De L Entrecote Menu Prices
Before we dive into specifics, understand that the price is not the same everywhere. Le Relais de l’Entrecote has locations in Paris, Geneva, London, New York, and other cities. Each sets its own price based on local costs and currency. However, the core offering remains identical.
At the heart of the experience is a fixed-price menu. You pay one set amount for a complete meal. There are no starters, no main course choices, and no desserts unless you add them. This makes budgeting easy.
What Is Included In The Fixed Price
When you order the standard meal, you get two servings of steak and fries. The first serving arrives with your salad. The second serving comes when you finish the first. The waiter brings a fresh plate with more steak and fries. This is a unique part of the experience.
- A green salad with walnuts and mustard vinaigrette
- A generous portion of tenderloin steak (first serving)
- Unlimited fries (they keep bringing them)
- A second serving of steak (same cut, same sauce)
- The famous secret sauce (butter, herbs, and a touch of white wine)
The sauce is the star. It is a creamy, greenish sauce that is slightly tangy. No one knows the exact recipe. The waitstaff will not tell you. But it is what makes the meal memorable.
Current Price By Location
Here is a breakdown of typical prices as of 2024. These are estimates and can change. Always check the official website or call ahead. Prices are in local currency.
| Location | Price (Approx) | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| Paris (Rue Marbeuf) | €29.50 | Euro |
| Geneva (Rue du Rhône) | CHF 45 | Swiss Franc |
| London (Marylebone Lane) | £29 | Pound Sterling |
| New York (Lexington Ave) | $39 | US Dollar |
| Tokyo (Ginza) | ¥4,500 | Japanese Yen |
Note that these prices are for the main meal only. Drinks, desserts, and coffee are extra. The price is per person. There is no sharing option because the meal is designed for one.
How The Second Serving Works
Many first-time visitors are confused. You order one meal, but you get two servings of steak. Here is how it works step by step.
- You sit down. The waiter brings a small green salad with a simple vinaigrette.
- After you finish the salad, the waiter brings your first plate of steak and fries. The steak is sliced thin and covered in the secret sauce. The fries are thin, crispy, and golden.
- You eat the first serving. The waiter watches your progress.
- When your plate is empty, the waiter returns with a second serving. This is a fresh plate with more steak slices and more fries. The sauce is poured on top again.
- You eat until you are full. If you want more fries, just ask. They will bring them.
This system is efficient. The kitchen knows exactly how many steaks to cook. The waitstaff knows exactly when to bring the next plate. It keeps the service fast and the food hot.
What Affects The Price
Several factors influence le relais de l entrecote menu prices at different locations. Understanding these helps you plan your budget.
Location And Rent
Restaurants in prime areas like central Paris or Manhattan pay higher rent. This cost is passed to you. The Geneva location on Rue du Rhône is in a luxury shopping district. That is why the price is higher than in Paris.
Currency Exchange Rates
If you are traveling, the exchange rate matters. For example, the London price of £29 might seem similar to the Paris price of €29.50. But after conversion, the London meal is often more expensive for US tourists. Check the current rate before you go.
Inflation And Supply Costs
Beef prices fluctuate. The restaurant uses tenderloin, which is a premium cut. When beef prices rise, the menu price goes up. The restaurant does not change the portion size. They adjust the price to maintain quality.
What You Pay Extra For
The fixed price covers the steak, fries, salad, and sauce. Everything else costs extra. Here is what you might add.
- Desserts: Usually around €8 to €12. Options include crème brûlée, chocolate mousse, or profiteroles.
- Wine: A carafe of house red or white is about €15 to €25. Bottles start at €30.
- Coffee: An espresso is around €4. A cappuccino is €5.
- Soft drinks: Coke, water, or juice are €4 to €6.
- Service charge: In France and Switzerland, service is included. In London and New York, a tip of 15-20% is expected.
If you order a dessert and a glass of wine, your total bill will be about 50% higher than the base price. Plan accordingly.
Is The Price Worth It
This is a common question. For the quality of the steak and the unique experience, many say yes. The tenderloin is high quality. The sauce is addictive. The unlimited fries are a bonus. But it is not a cheap meal. It is a special occasion meal for most people.
Compare it to a typical steakhouse. At a regular steakhouse, you pay $40 for a steak, $10 for a salad, and $8 for fries. That is $58 before a drink. At Le Relais, you pay $39 for all of that plus a second steak. It is actually good value for the quality.
How To Save Money
If you want to keep costs down, here are some tips.
- Go for lunch instead of dinner. Some locations offer a slightly lower price at lunchtime. Check before you book.
- Skip the wine. Drink water. It is free and the meal is rich enough.
- Skip dessert. The steak and fries are filling. You will not miss dessert.
- Share a dessert if you want one. The portions are generous.
- Go with a group. The experience is more fun and you can split a bottle of wine.
One more tip: Do not order extra steak. The second serving is included. Some tourists think they need to order more. You do not. The two servings are enough for most appetites.
History Of The Menu
Le Relais de l’Entrecote started in Paris in 1959. The founder, Paul Gineste de Saurs, had a simple idea. Serve one dish and serve it perfectly. The menu has not changed much since then. The sauce recipe is a family secret passed down through generations.
The name “Entrecote” means rib steak in French. But the restaurant actually uses tenderloin, not rib steak. This is a common misconception. The tenderloin is more tender and lean. It works better with the sauce.
The concept spread to other cities. Each location is independently owned but follows the same formula. The prices vary, but the food is consistent. That is why people line up outside the door.
What To Expect At The Restaurant
The atmosphere is lively and busy. Do not expect a quiet, romantic dinner. Expect noise, chatter, and fast service. The tables are close together. The waitstaff wears traditional black and white uniforms.
You will likely wait in line. There are no reservations at most locations. You show up, put your name on a list, and wait. The wait can be 30 minutes to an hour at peak times. Go early or late to avoid the rush.
Once seated, the service is quick. The waiter takes your drink order first. Then the salad arrives. Then the steak. The whole meal takes about 45 minutes to an hour. It is efficient.
Vegetarian Or Dietary Needs
This restaurant is not for vegetarians. The menu is steak and fries. There is no vegetarian option. If you do not eat meat, this is not the place for you. Some locations offer a fish option, but it is rare. Call ahead to check.
For gluten-free diners, the steak and salad are fine. The fries are fried in a dedicated fryer at some locations. Ask the waiter. The sauce may contain flour. It is best to ask about ingredients.
Comparison With Other Steak Frites Places
Several restaurants copy the concept. Here is how Le Relais compares.
- Le Relais de l’Entrecote: One dish, two servings, secret sauce. Price: $39 in NYC.
- L’Entrecote (Paris): Same concept, different owner. Price: similar.
- Le Relais de Venise: Another chain with the same idea. Price: slightly higher.
- Local steak frites spots: Often cheaper but lower quality beef.
The difference is the sauce. The sauce at Le Relais is unique. It is creamy, herby, and slightly sweet. Other places try to copy it but fail. That is why people keep coming back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the price the same for lunch and dinner?
At most locations, the price is the same all day. Some locations in Paris offer a lower lunch price. Check the specific restaurant’s website.
Can I get a third serving of steak?
No. The menu includes two servings. You cannot order a third. But you can ask for more fries. They will bring them.
Do I need to tip?
In France and Switzerland, service is included. In the UK and US, tipping is expected. Tip 15-20% of the total bill in those countries.
What is the secret sauce made of?
The exact recipe is a secret. It is known to contain butter, white wine, herbs, and possibly chicken liver or veal stock. No one knows for sure.
Can I make a reservation?
Most locations do not take reservations. You wait in line. A few locations in London accept reservations for large groups. Call ahead.
Final Thoughts On The Price
Le Relais de l’Entrecote offers a unique dining experience. The fixed price covers a salad, two servings of steak, and unlimited fries. The price varies by location but is generally good value for the quality. If you love steak and want a no-fuss meal, this is a great choice.
Remember to check the exact price at your chosen location before you go. Currency exchange and local taxes can change the final cost. And do not forget to bring cash or a card that works internationally.
The meal is simple, fast, and satisfying. That is why it has been popular for over 60 years. Whether you are in Paris, London, or New York, the experience is the same. And the price, while not cheap, is fair for what you get.
So next time you see a line outside a restaurant with a green awning, you know what to expect. A salad, steak, fries, and that amazing sauce. And now you know exactly what it will cost.