If Skaneateles has a most romantic dining experience, this is almost certainly it. The Bistro & Wine Bar sits at the heart of Mirbeau Inn & Spa. The property draws its inspiration from a French wine country estate, and the restaurant delivers on that promise completely.
The name Mirbeau translates loosely as “reflected beauty.” You feel that the moment you arrive. The dining room features crisp linens, gleaming tableware, fresh flowers, and stunning artwork throughout. But the real showstopper is the outdoor terrace. It overlooks the Monet-inspired gardens and ponds, and the kitchen heats it during the cooler months so the season never gets in the way of a great evening. It’s the kind of setting that makes any occasion feel special — even if the occasion is simply a Tuesday night and you felt like treating yourself.
The menu draws its inspiration from French bistro cuisine. It also weaves in the best of what the Finger Lakes has to offer — locally sourced produce, meats, and cheeses, in-house dry-aged beef, fresh seafood, and house-made breads and desserts from Mirbeau’s own bakery. Dinner might start with French onion soup or lamb lollipops with smoked tomato jam and goat cheese crostini. Breakfast, meanwhile, brings things like mascarpone French toast and the Mirbeau Cristo — house-made brioche, gruyère, ham, and scrambled eggs that make a compelling case for never leaving. Additionally, Sunday brunch is its own event entirely and well worth planning a trip around.
The wine bar is also a destination in its own right. It’s cozy, fireplace-anchored, and stocks a thoughtful selection that leans into Finger Lakes producers alongside bottles from further afield. Furthermore, Mirbeau produces its own exclusive blends — the Mélange Red and the Monet Rosé — which are reason enough to pull up a stool.
The Bistro & Wine Bar is open to the public seven days a week. You’ll find them at 851 West Genesee Street. Reservations are recommended — call (315) 217-4135.
Looking for the perfect base to explore everything Skaneateles has to offer? Our vacation rental The Cattails puts it all within reach — browse, eat, and explore at your own pace.