Valentien's - Bakersfield

This is one of my favorite restaurants in Bakersfield. It is upscale dining experience perfect for a night out or a special occasion. The entrée menu can be limited in my opinion but you can pretty much count on what is there to be excellent. I have been twice and each time ordered both a steak tartar and seared scallops with black bean appetizer. The grilled bread toasts and quail egg served with the tartar is delish and the seared scallops were like butter. Over the summer they served an excellent heirloom tomato caprese salad with balsamic reduction to die for. The quality of the food and presentation compares with some of the finer dining experiences I have had in big cities (I lived in Seattle and San Francisco before this beautiful place). In comparison, I think the portions and prices are a steal! I do agree with other reviewers that the restaurant environment itself is lacking but I have to say the culinary experience is worth coming in for.

Excellent. Finally, fine dining in Bakersfield. All other Bakersfield restaurants, this is the mark now. Compares to restaurants in New York and San Francisco. Excellent wine list as well.

Atmosphere was not very cozy as some have stated. Menu is over priced for an average restaurant. Chairs at tables are very uncomfortable. Our Valentine's dinner was a huge disappointment! This establishment is not a very good example of fine dining.

I 've kept trying because I long for a fine dining experience. Nice atmosphere food quality is good, but portions are ridiculously small (7 mussels as a dinner entrée for $15...please and service is always spotty. Money 's not a problem for me when it comes to food, but I want to walk away satisfied. Two lunches and one dinner is enough. I 'm calling it quits! (The prior owner 's food was better! .

A Bistro style gourmet dining experience not like any other in Bakersfield.