Provence en Boite by Jean-Jacques Bernat

Brooklyn, United States

3.3

Open now

21 reviews

Accepts Credit Cards
Free Wi-Fi

Contacts

QR code, vCard

Telephone:
+1 718-797-0707
Website:
www.provenceenboite.com
Address:
263 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY, 11231
b/t Douglass St & Degraw St
Cobble Hill, Gowanus
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
830 ftCarroll Street (F,G)
0.3 miBergen Street (F,G)
0.5 miHoyt-Schermerhorn Streets (A,C,G)
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Bussiness info

Takes Reservations
Yes
Delivery
Yes
Take-out
Yes
Accepts Credit Cards
Yes
Good For
Brunch
Parking
Street
Bike Parking
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible
Yes
Good for Kids
Yes
Good for Groups
Yes
Attire
Casual
Ambience
Casual
Noise Level
Average
Alcohol
Full Bar
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Wi-Fi
Free
Has TV
Yes
Waiter Service
Yes
Caters
Yes

Today

Today 7:30 am – 10:30 pm
Open now
Local time (Brooklyn) 2:50 PM Tuesday, June 3, 2025

Business hours

Monday 7:30 am – 10:30 pm
Tuesday 7:30 am – 10:30 pm
Wednesday 7:30 am – 10:30 pm
Thursday 7:30 am – 10:30 pm
Friday 7:30 am – 10:30 pm
Saturday 7:30 am – 10:30 pm
Sunday 7:30 am – 10:30 pm

Description

Specialties

Provence en Boîte is a cozy patisserie and bistro anchored by Chef Jean-​Jacques Bernat. Step inside and engulf yourself in true Provence right in Brooklyn. We serve every meal of the day and have a fabulous weekend brunch. Our menu includes classic French fare, including café au laits and lattes, macarons, eclaires, croissants, croquet madam, French onion soup, cheese and charcuterie plates, foie gras, escargot, bouguignon, bouillabaisse, cassoulet, duck, and steak frites. Our wine list is heavily French and includes delicious champagnes, whites, blush, and red wines.

Provence en Boîte also offers private catering for any event, including weddings and business meetings. We also have a boutique where we sell high quality Provence staples, such as olive oil, honey, lavender, and linens from Provence.

Good food, good wine, friends and family around the table is the true Provence way of life, and that’s how it is here at Provence en Boîte.

History

Established in 2005.

Provence en Boîte is dedicated to bringing the Provence way of life to Brooklyn. Our head chef, Jean-​Jacques Bernat serves the best of true Provence fare, utilizing in season ingredients and the highest quality products available. We hope you find Provence en Boîte to be your simple escape to Provence right here in Brooklyn.

Meet the Business Owner

Jean-​Jacques B.

Business Owner

I want my Bistro to be a friendly and joyful place where all guests — not just customers! — as culinary enthusiasts enjoy our home made croissants, coffee and espresso, artisan breads, fine homemade pastries as well as lunch and dinner prepared in the traditional manner of the French country household, using simple, fresh ingredients specially chosen to enhance each meal. Chef Jean Jacques Bernat has received an award from the French gouvernment: l’ordre national du merite agricole .

He is a member of the Societe culinaire philanthropique and of the Academie culinaire de France

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21 reviews of Provence en Boite by Jean-Jacques Bernat

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Place rating: 1
Brooklyn, NY
I went here on a Friday night. There was only one person working, the latino, and no owner. He was very nice, but not the brightest bulb. The food was not good. risotto was not tasty, steak was over cooked, dry and flavorless, cassoulet was boring, and it’s expensive! I had to argue with the employee and wait for him to call the owner about using the Unilocal coupon. Really? On a Friday night, this is how they do business? It l they seem popular for pastries, but I wouldn’t go here for dinner.
Place rating: 5
Brooklyn, NY
Looooooove the croissants, coffee’s great and please try the French Toast. Can’t wait to go back.
Place rating: 5
Brooklyn, NY
Just returned from Provence and am very happy to find this Bistro in my backyard. Took a group in last Saturday and everyone enjoyed their meal, the relaxed atmosphere and the service was on point. It was nice to not feel as though we had to rush to eat and pay the bill. I believe in supporting family owned businesses like this so will return because the experience was very Provence and the croissants tasted just like they tasted in France!
Place rating: 1
Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, NY
Cooked Food Probably OK but difficult to know because it arrives warm at best and sometimes cold. Why? It is simple: the waiters and the service ARE TERRIBLE. While the food is probably hot in the kitchen by the time the waiters think to check, then condescend to collect it, then amble to your table, it’s cold. Sometimes what you get isn’t what you ordered and what you ordered isn’t what you get and occasionally you don’t get anything! The waiters seem to affect a French attitude of total disdain for customers and presumably take short naps or maybe even mini-​vacations during working hours.
Trying to get water or a second cup
of coffee is clearly an affront to the waiters sense of self-​esteem.
Menu looks interesting but after three visits with appalling service, we’d prefer to go elsewhere on Smith Street.
Place rating: 5
Bayonne, NJ
A friend is moving to this area of Brooklyn and we were all out investigating the neighborhood when we came across this corner French bistro. I was attracted to both the menu and the fact that it wasn’t loud like some of the younger-​skewing places in the neighborhood. No, this place felt very authentic with family running the business. We got there very late and were still accommodated with no problem.
My husband ordered the cassoulet and it was great, he said it was fairly close to perfect. It was the classic recipe perfectly cooked and paired with some great wine. My friend had the choucroute, which he proclaimed to be perfect for such a chilly night. I stuck with the mussels mariniere and they were a delight! I loved the creamy goodness of the wine.
Service was great, I am surprised by the complaints on here. Very European, they gave us time to talk and enjoy our meals. If you’re looking to be somewhere in a rush you don’t go to a French (or Italian) place and expect to get out. You’re supposed to linger.
We had coffee and tea with dessert. My husband and I shared the crème brûlée, and our friend had a great Napoleon. We sat there talking about how we want to bring back other friends who would enjoy it as much as we did.
The owner told us that she’d originally had music planned for the evening but with the sad news out of Paris, she had canceled since it was not a night for celebration. We completely understood.
My only complaint is with Wells Fargo and not with the restaurant. They declined my debit card because I am not usually in that zip code. WTF? Luckily the owner was very understanding and waited while I called the bank to clear it up. We were there until closing and we were treated graciously. Loved the food, we will be back.
Place rating: 1
Manhattan, NY
Bad service and attitudes. Half the things I asked for never came. They would disappear and not check back.
Overpriced. You’ll pay out the nose for basic food like scrambled eggs and bread/​jam $ 16– nothing special.
Really don’t understand how they are staying in business.
Place rating: 2
New York, NY
Tonight the fryer was broken so no frites/​fries for the same price, without mention.
Owner was present and solely focused on francophone customers.
The only server was pleasant and a tad slow, but not bad and pleasant as I mentioned.
Also, I requested French wine and was served Italian Pinot Grigio. Plus, I was charged for an extra drink on my bill.
I’m not sure I’ll be back. But the mussels are still really good.
Place rating: 3
Melbourne, Australia
We stopped in for breakfast here, without knowing anything about it (even the name, which none of us took notice of). Everything was good — nothing to rave about, but everyone was happy with their meals. The sizes of some things are humerously huge — the coffee cup more of a bowl, and the meringue dessert pastry the size of a small child (well, almost).
Place rating: 4
Brooklyn, NY
I have a confession to make — I didn’t come here for their baked goods. Strange, I know, but I actually stopped by for dinner with a friend when we were looking for something on the heartier side. French definitely fits the bill.
It was a Friday night, and not very busy. We took a table on the sidewalk, because hey, that’s how the Europeans do it. The food menu had all sorts of fattening and delicious things on it, as well as some lighter fare like salads and crepes. Started out with the foie gras terrine, which was just as good as I’ve had at other French places. I followed it up with their poulet croustillant (basically a giant fried chicken thigh in pepper and cognac sauce). It was delicious, but way too big of a portion. Needless to say, it definitely scratched that «hearty food» itch.
Service is a bit on the slower side, especially for being mostly empty (again, European). And it took some prodding to get a drink menu (they actually have 3 beers on tap, but it’s not listed on their menu for some reason).
Stop by if you have the time for a casual, sit-​down meal and an empty stomach. I guarantee you’ll leave full.
Place rating: 5
Brooklyn, NY
I had the salmon special tonight and it was seriously cooked to perfection! Perfectly flaky, super fresh, not over cooked, paired with perfectly picked seasonal grilled veggies and fresh capers! Yum! I will be back.
Place rating: 1
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
We have had lunch and dinner many times in the past, and never had a bad meal. However things change, had lunch today and the food was horrid. The steak was over cooked and had no flavor, the French fries were soggy and too salty. The burger was dry with no taste and the French onion soup was watery. Never going back, there are so many great places to eat in Brooklyn, this place should not be in the restaurant business.
Place rating: 3
Brooklyn, NY
Place is solid. Felt like we were in Europe for a minute with the outdoor seating. However, a few notes: service was so-​so, and it was quite pricey for Brokelyn standards.
Entrée-​wise, we had the salmon special and the filet. Both were delicious! We had the couscous salad appetizer which was also great!
Overall felt like the food quality was great, now if they service and pricing could get in line, this would be a stellar spot.
Place rating: 2
Brooklyn, NY
Very average, low quality and over rated !
The grilled salmon is soaked in cream and still has the skin, the gazpacho is over salted and lack flavor. An experience not to remember for sure !
Place rating: 2
Brooklyn, NY
The place has really dropped in terms of quality. The cold cuts were old and not very high quality, my soup was watery and the Branzino was not very fresh and a bit slimy.
The waiter was unprofessional, way too informal, couldn’t pronounce the name of one of the dishes, and messed up our order.
Unfortunately, I won’t be coming back despite being a customer for a few years.
Place rating: 4
Long Island, NY
I’m greeted by a nice hostess who reminded me of my mother in law, God rest her soul.
My buddies and I left this stupid bar that had no room for us. I’m walking by and I see a TV along with the cutest French lady. I tell her I want to watch the Yankees. She says sit, I put it on for you.
I ask her for a Jenlain beer, she shakes her head no and gives me another French beer. The French aren’t known for beer.
Aimez-​vous, you like you like? (I’m married to a Brooklyn French Canadian)
I say Si! and I watch the first inning and drink a beer.
Very cute place, I’ll be back!
Place rating: 5
Orlando, FL
Just enjoyed a bite here with family who live just around the corner. It. Is. Wonderful! I had the Croissant Sandwich and the sweet chocolate crepes and ate every bite. Their café au lait is on point. The servers are pleasant and attentive. The atmosphere was comfortable and not terribly busy for a Saturday. Please check this place out if you’re in Cobble Hill. You will not be disappointed!
Place rating: 5
Manhattan, NY
5 stars! Yes! The BEST napoleon in life, world, galaxy…
I’m a napoleon addict and I found the place for greatness.
I didn’t try other pastries but I highly recommend the napoleon. How many times I said napoleon already? Sorry, did I told you I’m a napoleon addict already?
Top 5 in the city:
Provence in boîte
La Bergamote
Café Angelique (closed) :-(
Martha’s Country
Almondine
Place rating: 4
Memphis, TN
I have been here twice and already I am a fan. I love the comfortable and relaxed atmosphere here. The display case is filled with beautiful treats and area is filled with interesting French-​themed décor. This is a great place to stop in and relax, have a bite and enjoy the company of friends.
On my first visit years ago, I had only coffee and a chocolate almond croissant. I’m not usually fond of croissants but this one is awesome! The coffee is really good too, and I’m picky about my coffee. On a recent trip to New York I stopped here again. This time my cousin and I decided to turn our experience into brunch. We ordered coffee and champagne and we split a savory croissant and sweet croissant. For the savory we went with the spinach, ham and Swiss cheese croissant which is served open faced and warm. For the sweet, we picked the chocolate almond croissant which was just as wonderful as I had remembered from my first visit.
The service is great. The young lady working there was very sweet. The food was served quickly… a plus since I was about to head to the airport and my time was limited.
Place rating: 4
New York, NY
A lovely little French spot in Carroll Gardens with a sweet outdoor seating area for sunnier days. We were greeted by a friendly older gentleman speaking in French and took in the warm colors of the rich wooden paneled walls and the copper tables.
I ordered the French toast, and it was perfectly sweet (as in, not too sweet with brioche, but just enough that you can taste it). I do wish there were a few more fruits on top since it made for such an aesthetically and tastefully pleasing dish. The dish comes out in the form of silver dollars, so not the best bang for your buck since it wasn’t the most filling, but it was yummy to say the least.
My friend ordered the toasted croissant sandwich with bacon and egg. It looked rather plain and honestly tasted like any other croissant sandwich I’ve had. Fortunately, for $ 8, the price tag matched what you were getting.
The mimosas were probably my favorite part! With just a little bit too much champagne, our fizzy brunch drinks were a perfect beginning (and end) to the chilly Sunday brunch. I was pleasantly surprised by this spot compared to the other reviews, but I can definitely see how I wouldn’t necessarily become a «regular» here.
Place rating: 4
New York, NY
I actually really enjoyed this place, mainly for the coffee. The latte was the best I have had to date. It wasn’t burnt and was at a nice luke warm temp. Apparently lattes are traditionally served in bowls, and this place does that which was surprising.
The décor isn’t modern, and the store itself seems to be mostly catered to local pick-​ups, which might explain the service other experienced since it seems they might be expecting a restaurant in the traditional sense.
Overall, give it a try, and I definitely recommend getting a latte if you’re there.
Place rating: 4
Barcelone, Espagne
A taste of france — perfect croissant!