Community Corner

Petit Robert Bistro Celebrates Five Years in Needham

This November, Petit Robert Bistro celebrates their fifth anniversary in Needham.

Though he worked his way up in the restaurant business, co-owner Jay Spencer did not start out dreaming of owning his own restaurant. At age 15, he worked in the restaurant business in New York doing dishes and kitchen preparation work. As an adult, he went into the finance and consulting industries, but eventually felt the need for a change. 

He originally wanted to open up a place from scratch, but he came across a location in Needham that called out to him called Indigo. He ate dinner there liked the feel and style of the restaurant. 

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“Needham is a destination-type town,” Spencer said of the people who eat in the Boston suburb. “It was a good model, it just needs to be consistent.”

Spencer bought the restaurant from the previous owner and decided he wanted to combine traditional french classics with modern takes. Together with co-owner and chef Jacky Robert, they do just that. Born in France, Robert began cooking at age 15. He worked at many a restaurant in France until his move to the United States. He went into business with Petit Robert Bistro in 2004.

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What makes Petit Robert Bistro stand out is that the restaurant features local food. They get their seafood from Wellesley, their meat from Brockton and their produce from Watertown.

“But everything is made here,” Spencer said. He also added that while there is no formal gluten free menu, patrons will be accommodated.

"It's something unique to the Needham dining scene," Spencer said. 

The signature dishes at Petit Robert Bistro are the escargot, lamb meatballs, French gnocchi, scallops and duck confit. As far as their bar goes, wine is the main attraction. They also make a good citron martini. Unlike many restaurants, their dozen or so desserts are also made in house. Popular desserts include the chocolate Nutella cake and souffles.

"It's a true Parisian experience," Spencer said. "The food is unparalleled." 

Petit Robert Bistro is also the only place in town with an outdoor patio that serves alcohol. The patio is kept open as long as people still want to eat outside.

“It’s refreshing to see a town that supports businesses,” Spencer said. “This town is very rewarding. It’s demanding too; they want good quality and good service. It keeps us honest.”

There are three Petit Robert Bistro restaurants, with one located at 45 Chapel St., Needham. It is open every day, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. For the menu and more information, visit http://petitrobertbistro.com/.


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