The French onion soup is better than the cold lobster and crab crème fraiche, which tasted fishy. The pork shank and steak fries were both great. Hazelnut chocolate cake was rich in flavor. Crème brûlée was good, but the sugar topping was thick and the custard lacked real vanilla bean flecks.
Easily one of the best meals I’ve ever had in San Diego. First off, the service was impeccable. Great recommendations by our server and attentive service from the entire staff as far as making sure that our water or iced teas or wines were topped off. The pate was delicious, but the snails were out of this world great. I would eat 47,000 of those escargots. The pork chop may have been the best pork chop that I’ve ever eaten in a restaurant in the last 20 years. The duck was really good, but definitely to me was second to the pork chop. The french fries were delicious as were the potatoes au gratin. Lastly, the crème brûlée was on point. But if you go, you have to get the escargot. If not, I will show up at your table and order it and eat it in front of you.
It was my first real french cuisine experience. They only have a few tables, so the vibe feels so cozy. Good for a special occasion, and their food is phenomenal. I ordered pork chop by their recommendation, and we thought pork chop would be weird in a french restaurant. But their pork chop was the best pork chop I have ever had in my life. The mushroom sauce is insanely flavorful. Escargot was very good and buttery, and their duck dish was also great. Also have their creme brûlée!
I enjoyed a wonderful early dinner here at La Bonne Table during a business trip.
The easily accessible restaurant reminded me of home cooking and I waxed nostalgic for the quaint house restaurant combination of Jean's in Colton, CA. The elements for the nostalgia were all present: well made classic recipes, friendly and accommodating service, and a clean and quaint ambiance. The weather and outdoor seating made La Bonne Table a better dining option. Also, Jean's closed when Jean passed away in his 80s. A true American immigrant success story.
PROS:
The deliciously decadent homestyle portions of homemade pate, tart cornichons, and sour mustard smeared across freshly warmed crusty baguette. The piping hot cassoulet with duck confit, talousse sausage, garlic sausage, and thick cut bacon with white beans filled me with beautiful memories from my 20s at Jean's and became a part of small Francophile gastronomic community in the Inland Empire. It tasted like home. Everything homemade and tasty. Dining next to me were old friends celebrating their birthdays, a family enjoying a reunion dinner, a couple on a date, and friends taking a meal on the terrace. The friendly and attentive servers worked as a team to help me feel welcomed in their home. The prices were extremely reasonable. I highly recommend.
CONS:
The only con is the local neighborhood being so close to the restaurant. It worked great until some random car alarm disrupted the quiet of the sonic landscape for over 15 to 20 minutes. People came in soliciiting or something. The restaurant staff did all they could to accommodate.
⚜️💚⚜️
If you’re in the mood for a cozy spot, this French restaurant is a winner! The duck confit is crispy and tender, the mussels are incredible, and the dessert—just perfect. Plus, the service is super friendly and makes you feel like family. Definitely worth a visit!