The food is top notch French with impeccable attention to detail. Service is excellent. Atmosphere is cozy but a little cramped; if even one diner is loud/obnoxious there is not escaping it in this restaurant. Their crab rillettes are a hidden gem.
The duck is fantastic. The space is cozy and feels quite intimate. Though the sound can bounce quite a bit depending on company. Mostly, I appreciate the genuine warmth of service. Very welcoming, discreet, and understated. Everything feels authentic and down to Earth.
The classics of French cuisine are faithfully presented here, from paté to perfectly cooked filets to several of the most-loved desserts (please add profiteroles!). There are also less common but very authentic choices, like a rich, savory cassoulet. Even more impressive than the delicious food is the impeccably professional service. The servers manage to attend to your every need without ever being intrusive, such as discreetly topping off your water glass. I love that they offer tap water as the default rather than trying to guilt you into paying too much for a bottle of imported water. This is a perfect place for a special date, or really, for any lover of French food.
La Bonne Table in Hillcrest is a delightful culinary escape to the heart of France. Our dining experience was nothing short of extraordinary. The Soupe À L'oignon was a comforting start, the classic French onion soup with croutons and melted gruyere was rich and flavorful. Les Escargot, served with sizzling garlic butter and parsley, was a delicious and aromatic delight. The Steak Et Frites, featuring hanger steak with hand-cut fries and peppercorn sauce, showcased the perfect balance of tenderness and bold flavors. The Moules Marinieres, steaming Carlsbad mussels in a broth of garlic, shallots, and white wine served with fries, was a seafood lover's dream. To cap off the culinary journey, we indulged in the Crème Brûlée – a decadent and perfectly caramelized dessert. The attentive service enhanced the overall experience, making it an ideal choice for a romantic date night. La Bonne Table is a true gem in Hillcrest, offering an intimate ambiance, delectable French cuisine, and impeccable service. It's a must-visit for those seeking an authentic taste of France in the heart of San Diego.
This is what all good restaurants should be like!
It's such a delight to return again & again! A tiny corner that brings the French arrondissements cuisine to S.D. La Bonne Table is well-known for their consistency and French authenticity. A delight with a true representation of traditional dishes. I love that its vibe lets you come as you are; fancy or buz-casual, but the no rush personal & intimate space let you feel like you're personally attended to.
A small French bistro. I love duck confit, and their duck confit is great. One time I ordered the Duck confit with sprouts. It’s lightly-salted and creamy. The other time I tried the casserole, which also had a duck confit. I prefer the casserole one because it is salty, but honestly both are pretty good. That said, this is not a cheap place :)
La Bonne Table is a wonderful French restaurant, and my absolute favorite in San Diego. For starters was the a l'oignon, the entrée was the Cote de Porc Forestiere it was cooked to perfection, absolutely delicious They also have a plethora of wines, the Haut-La Pereyre is a must. Absolutely exquisite French cuisine, the very best in San Diego.