French heritage. American heart.

Located in the heart of downtown Exeter, California, Café Lafayette blends old-world ambiance with small-town charm to create a dining experience that feels both elegant and inviting. Beyond the beautifully crafted front gate, guests are welcomed into a shaded brick-lined patio perfect for intimate dinners, private celebrations, and memorable gatherings shared over exceptional food and wine.

Inside, the warm atmosphere continues with cozy dining spaces, a full-service wine and liquor bar, and a charming banquet room complete with an onsite wine cellar. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet evening for two, meeting friends for drinks, or hosting a special event, Café Lafayette is designed to make guests feel comfortable enough to slow down and stay awhile.

Our menu is thoughtfully curated to satisfy every craving. Café Lafayette features rotating lamb, steak, and salmon entrées, fresh soups and salads, hors d’oeuvres, specialty coffees, premium wines and spirits, and local ales and IPAs on tap. Guests also enjoy weekly favorites like Wednesday night tacos and flights, Sunday brunch, and indulgent desserts including croissants, crepes, and lava cake.

From the intimate indoor dining rooms to the garden-style patio, Café Lafayette is more than a restaurant...it’s a place to gather, celebrate, and create unforgettable memories.

Our Menu

Our Chef

Owner and chef Fred Imbert grew up in the town of Évian-les-Bains in the French Alps, where his passion for cooking and dream of owning a restaurant first began. After spending a year in London refining his craft alongside seasoned chefs, he made the move to California and began building a culinary career defined by versatility, leadership, and dedication to hospitality.

Over the years, Fred managed kitchens of every scale, including roles at the Radisson Hotel in Visalia, as Executive Chef for Kaweah Health, and as owner of his own bakery in Hanford for five years. He also spent seven years as head chef at Monet's Restaurant, further establishing his local reputation for exceptional cuisine and warm hospitality.

After more than two decades devoted to his culinary journey, Fred actualized his lifelong dream when Café Lafayette officially opened its doors in Exeter, California, on January 3, 2015.

Our Owner

Owner Ashley Imbert is a California native whose warmth, creativity, and dedication have become an essential part of the Café Lafayette experience. With more than 20 years of experience in hospitality and restaurant operations, Ashley oversees the day-to-day rhythm of the café, helping create the welcoming atmosphere and attentive service that guests have come to love.

Known for her deep connection to the Exeter community, Ashley brings people together through thoughtfully curated events, memorable gatherings, and the personal touches that make Café Lafayette feel both elevated and familiar. From coordinating celebrations and community events to ensuring every guest feels genuinely welcomed, her influence can be felt in every corner of the restaurant.

Behind the scenes, Ashley’s commitment, organization, and passion for hospitality help shape Café Lafayette into more than just a dining destination. She makes it a place where community, connection, and meaningful experiences come together.

Our Name

Our restaurant is named after General Marquis de Lafayette who traveled from France hoping to aid General George Washington in the revolutionary cause. He brought with him a determination and spirit that impressed General Washington and together they built an alliance between France and America at a very important time for both countries.It is with this same determination and spirit that we bring to our customers a French influence on American food. We believe that cooking is a way to show creativity and do this through our ever changing menu.