Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great wine list
oChef » La Bonne Table – San Diego
La Bonne Table - San Diego
Photo from La Bonne Table
La Bonne Table at a glance
San Diego Hillcrest
- đ„ French Restaurant
âŹâŹ
Price per Person 61 – 70 âŹ
mentioned by 57 of the guests
#64 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#1 French Restaurant out of 3 in San Diego
Excellent
8.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
618
Reviews
91.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Excellent cuisine
- Attentive staff
- Intimate setting
Frequently criticized
- Small venue
- Slow moments
- Pricey experience
The restaurant La Bonne Table is a charming French Restaurant nestled in the heart of San Diego’s lively Hillcrest neighborhood. When you visit, you’ll discover a truly authentic experience, highlighted by their exceptional coffee.
It’s a perfect spot to immerse yourself in classic French flavors and a welcoming atmosphere.
Overview: Introducting La Bonne Table
La Bonne Table offers a delightful dining experience, often praised for its exceptional culinary creations and attentive service. Guests frequently highlight the perfectly prepared dishes and the staff’s welcoming approach, making for a memorable visit.
However, some aspects of the dining space, such as the `small tables` and occasional `crowded` feel, have been noted. While the overall experience is highly regarded, a few dishes might need refinement, and the `value` can feel a bit steep for some.
Excellent
8.8
out of 10
618
Reviews
91.3%
Satisfaction
26
negative
28
neutral
564
positive
La Bonne Table generally earns high marks, with an impressive overall score of 8.8 out of 10. This is strongly supported by an excellent Customer Satisfaction of 91.3%, indicating that most diners leave very pleased. These strong figures are based on a substantial 618 customer remarks, with a clear majority of 564 positive comments outweighing just 26 negative ones.
Diving deeper, the Service (9.1) stands out as particularly strong, closely followed by the exceptional Food (8.9). The charming Ambience (8.2) also contributes significantly to the positive experience.
While the Value (7.2) score is good, it’s a bit lower than the others, suggesting some guests find it a touch on the pricier side, though still generally acceptable.
What people like
- Exceptional Food Quality
- Impeccable, Attentive Service
- Charming, Cozy Ambiance
What people don't like
- Limited Seating Space
- Occasional Slow Service
- Perceived High Price
La Bonne Table comes highly recommended with a strong Recommendation Score of 9. If you appreciate expertly prepared French cuisine and attentive service in a quaint setting, this spot is definitely worth considering for an intimate meal.
However, be mindful of the potentially snug dining area and the price point, especially if you’re planning a larger gathering or are on a strict budget. For a delightful culinary experience where quality shines, La Bonne Table generally delivers.
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Verdict: Our expert take on La Bonne Table
Food (8.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines, boasting an excellent score of 8.9 and an impressive 92.4% customer satisfaction. Based on 339 positive remarks out of 367 total comments, diners consistently praise the authentic dishes, with the duck confit, French onion soup, and CrÚme Brûlée frequently highlighted as standout items. However, among the 12 negative comments, a few diners pointed out some minor inconsistencies.
There were mentions of overcooked steak, dry duck, and tiny escargot. Additionally, some found the brussel sprouts bland or a crepe a bit heavy on syrup, suggesting occasional slips in execution.
Food
367
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
12
negative
16
neutral
339
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic French food
- Exceptional duck confit
- Perfect CrÚme Brûlée
What people don't like
- Inconsistent steak cooking
- Dry duck issues
- Small escargot portions
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful. It's a quaint and quiet place with delicious food. The duck was fantastic, and the creme brulee was also a highlight.
- duck confitMy experience at this small French bistro was centered around their excellent duck confit. I love duck confit, and their duck confit is great. On one occasion, I ordered the Duck confit with sprouts, which was lightly-salted and creamy.
- duckThe duck was so tender I didnât need a knife
- escargotMy husband said his steak was the best one he's had in over a decade in San Diego. The only downside was that the escargot was so fresh and hot that I had to wait to get another bite. I can't wait to go back!
- cocktailsFrom the moment we walked in, we felt welcomed, like visiting a dear friend we hadnât seen in a long time. Within moments, we had perfectly made cocktails while browsing La Bonneâs menu. The PĂątĂ© Maison was creamy and luscious, gold standard patĂ©, perfect spread onto a warm baguette with Dijon and sea salt.
- crÚme brûléeThe crÚme brûlée was on point!
- drinkseverything is fantastic. From the drinks
- pork choptheir pork chop was the best pork chop I have ever had
- French onion soupThe service was professional yet friendly, with staff who made us feel at home. We started with a rich French onion soup, followed by a tender, juicy steak frites that was cooked to perfection. The ambiance was relaxed yet elegant, with a charming, intimate vibe that made our meal even more enjoyable.
- cassouletcassoulet, which is a rarity on menus, much less executed perfectly with duck confit AND sausage AND pork belly
Frequently criticized
- Cote de Poreit was cut too thick
- Mousse au ChocolatNeed a little more effort on the Mousse au Chocolat.
- brussel sproutsThe duck was dry, and the mustard sauce accompanying it was bland. The duck skin was nicely crisp, which was the highlight of the dish, but the brussel sprouts were bland and uninteresting. The crÚme brûlée was the best part of the meal; the berries were sweet and pleasant, and the top of the brûlée was crisp.
- creme brûléeway better than the creme brûlée!
- crepethe crepe is a bit heavy on the syrup
- custardthe custard wasnât rich.
- duckThe duck was dry and the mustard sauce accompanying it was bland.
- escargotThe escargot was tiny, smallest Iâve ever had.
- escargotsescargots which was not tasty like many tears ago
- foie grasThe service was great, and the food was generally good. While the duck confit was great, the foie gras was too cold and stiff.
If youre craving authentic French cuisine, this restaurant is a strong contender and likely wont disappoint. While a few minor dish inconsistencies were noted, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests a delicious and satisfying meal awaits.
Service (9.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 72% of the guests
Youre in for a treat when it comes to service here! With an excellent score of 9.1 and a stellar 95.6% customer satisfaction, its clear guests are consistently impressed. Based on 109 positive comments out of 114, diners rave about the awesome staff, attentive service, and impeccable service, often highlighting how friendly and accommodating the crew is, making every visit feel special.
While overwhelmingly positive, a mere 4 negative comments noted minor hiccups. A few mentioned service was a little slow or an odd waiter experience, and one felt empty plates lingered too long. However, these seem to be isolated incidents in an otherwise stellar performance, not detracting from the overall excellent impression.
Service
114
Reviews
95%
Satisfaction
4
negative
1
neutral
109
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive staff
- Impeccable service
- Friendly crew
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Odd waiter
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was truly outstanding. The atmosphere was quaint and cozy, complemented by impeccable service. The food was exceptional, with the duck confit, a house specialty, being absolutely exceptional.
- staffThe chief, staff, and FOOD were beyond more than I expected.
- ServiceLocated in a historic house in Hillcrest, it exudes a timeless vibe that invites romance, intimate conversation, and of course, appetite. From the moment we walked in, we felt welcomed, like visiting a dear friend we hadnât seen in a long time. Within moments, we had perfectly made cocktails while browsing La Bonneâs menu.
- serversEven 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.
- waiterThe waiter came by often and refilled my water glass
- great staffenhanced by the great staff there
- wait timeMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic. We were told a reservation was needed, but we were seated promptly and even given a choice of tables. The dinner was delicious and the service was excellent.
- Lovely employeesLovely employees
- attentiveI came here for a birthday dinner and I absolutely love this place! The service provided by Yo was amazing; he was very attentive, offered great recommendations, and was very sweet. The food was also amazing.
- attentive serviceThe attentive service enhanced the overall experience
Frequently criticized
- empty platesempty plates are staying too long
- serviceService was a little slow
- service was a little slowThe service was a little slow
- waiterAll the dishes were hearty and rich, incredibly delicious, and beautifully presented. The only aspect that detracted from the experience was our waiter, who was just kind of odd and made us feel awkward and out of place.
If you value top-notch hospitality, this place is a definite go. You can expect genuinely friendly and attentive staff who go the extra mile, making for a truly memorable dining experience. Don't let the rare minor delay deter you from what is consistently excellent service.
Ambience (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 71% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a good score of 8.2 and delighting 85.8% of customers! With 109 positive comments out of 127, guests consistently praise the coziness, intimate atmosphere, and charming restaurant vibe, often calling it a cozy spot perfect for a special evening. While overwhelmingly positive, a few of the 127 opinions noted some minor drawbacks.
Concerns included the small dining room, uninteresting decor, and feeling crowded with small tables, which might not suit everyone.
Ambience
127
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
8
negative
10
neutral
109
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy intimate vibe
- Charming atmosphere
- Great patio
What people don't like
- Small tables
- Crowded feel
- Uninteresting decor
Often praised
- atmosphereI tried the onion soup, the pate, and the boudin noir (which was the special that night), and everything was simply amazing. The atmosphere inside is so cute, and I will definitely be back.
- ambianceAmbiance was wonderful. Dining room with its low ceilings and creaky floorboards felt like a converted living room in rural France
- placeThe place is nice, small and makes you feel welcome and comfy
- restaurantcoziest, most genuine feeling restaurant
- settingwas the perfect setting for this delicious dinner
- vibeWe started with a rich French onion soup, followed by a tender, juicy steak frites that was cooked to perfection. The ambiance was relaxed yet elegant, with a charming, intimate vibe that made our meal even more enjoyable. This place is a must-visit for anyone looking for authentic French cuisine!
- ambienceWhat sets it apart though, is the ambience - quaint and cozy
- cozy vibeThe restaurant has a cozy vibe
- parkingMy experience at this wonderful French spot was truly delightful. The easy evening parking made arrival a breeze. The menu offered a fantastic selection, and the service was impeccable.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
Frequently criticized
- comfynot the most comfy
- decorThe decor was extremely uninteresting.
- dining roomThe dining room was almost as small as the escargot.
- large groupRounding off the experience is a good selection of wines and cocktails. It's a tiny place, so reservations are highly recommended, and it's not really a great choice for a large group.
- local neighborhoodI 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.
- placethe place is crowded
- restaurant setupOnly downside is the setup of the restaurant
- tablesTables are very small
If youre seeking a warm, intimate, and charming setting for your meal, this place is definitely worth a visit. Its ideal for a cozy date or a relaxed evening with friends, though be mindful of its small size if you prefer more spacious dining.
Value (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 8% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.2 and a customer satisfaction of 70%, its clear most diners find the pricing quite good. Many appreciate the `reasonable price` and `value for price` paid, noting `drinks price` and even the `corkage fee` as fair.
However, out of 10 customer remarks, while 7 were positive, 2 did point out that its `not a cheap place`. Some found the overall `price` to be on the higher side, especially when dining with a group, suggesting it can feel `quite pricey` for the experience.
Value
10
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
2
negative
1
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable pricing
- Good value
- Fair corkage fee
What people don't like
- Can be pricey
- Not cheap
Often praised
- corkage feeReasonable corkage fee
- drinks pricedrinks at the right price
- priceNot inexpensive but worth every penny
- pricesThe friendly and attentive servers worked as a team to help me feel welcomed in their home. The prices were extremely reasonable. I highly recommend.
- pricingModerate pricing
- reasonable priceat a reasonable price
- value for pricevalue for price paid
Frequently criticized
- priceThe place was also quite crowded. For 3 people and a bottle of wine, the bill came to over 300 bucks, making it quite pricey.
If youre looking for a place where the `pricing` is generally fair and offers `value for price`, especially for drinks, youll likely be pleased. Just be prepared that it's `not a cheap place` and can add up, particularly for larger parties, so manage your expectations accordingly.
How are the prices at La Bonne Table?
Youâre looking at roughly 70 per person â reported by 57 diners. That puts it in the 61 – 70 ⏠category. For a French Restaurant in San Diego, itâs comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average sits at 70, our data shows that prices are quite spread out, with many guests opting for experiences in the 71 – 80 ⏠and even 101 ⏠– ranges. So, there’s a mix of options, from solid mid-range to more premium choices!
Hereâs a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 57 reviews.
Compare the value for money of this restaurant against similar ones in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a French restaurant in San Diego. It offers a good balance, allowing for both a classic mid-range experience and the option to indulge a bit more.
Customer Reviews: what people think about La Bonne Table
Price per Person
- 61 - 70 âŹ
Service Intent
- Romantic Date
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0â5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Wonderful Birthday Dinner Experience
My experience at this restaurant was amazing! I had the best french onion soup and pork chop. I took my girlfriend here for her birthday, and the staff truly made the night so wonderful.
They even offered free bread and port wine for dessert. Small gestures like these mean a lot, especially when paired with such a wonderful meal.
- french onion soup10
- pork chop10
- staff10
Price per Person
- 91 - 100 âŹ
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6â15 min.)
9
Delicious Dinner with Thoughtful Service
We love going to North Park for dinner. We got lucky in parking, as it's normally hard to find. Upon arrival, they were ready for us and very patient, even though we were a little late.
A waiter noticed we had trouble reading the menu and kindly brought us a pair of reader glasses. The service was fairly quick, and our dinner was so delicious.
- parking8
- patient10
- reader glasses9
Price per Person
- 51 - 60 âŹ
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0â5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
An Unforgettable Culinary Experience!
My experience at this restaurant was easily one of the best meals Iâve ever had in San Diego. The service was impeccable, with great recommendations from our server and attentive staff ensuring our water, iced teas, and wines were always topped off. While the pĂątĂ© was delicious, the snails were out of this world great â I could have eaten 47, 000 of them!
The pork chop might have been the best Iâve eaten in a restaurant in the last 20 years. The duck was really good, but I personally found it second to the pork chop. Both the french fries and the potatoes au gratin were delicious.
Lastly, the crÚme brûlée was on point. If you go, you absolutely must get the escargot; otherwise, I might just show up and eat it in front of you!
- service10
- pùté8
- snails10
Price per Person
- 41 - 50 âŹ
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0â5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious Dinner, Excellent Service
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic. We were told a reservation was needed, but we were seated promptly and even given a choice of tables. The dinner was delicious and the service was excellent.
- dinner10
- service10
- tables8
Price per Person
- 91 - 100 âŹ
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Food, Fantastic Experience
My experience at this restaurant was truly amazing. The food is fantastic, even with a small menu. I highly recommend the Salmon Rilette.
The atmosphere and service were both top-notch, receiving a perfect 5-star rating for each.
- food10
- menu9
- Salmon Rilette10
What La Bonne Table offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Onsite services
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere can you expect at La Bonne Table in Hillcrest?
When you visit La Bonne Table, you’ll find a delightful atmosphere that is both romantic and cozy. The setting is also quite trendy, making it a perfect spot for a special evening out or a relaxed meal in San Diego’s vibrant Hillcrest neighborhood.
What dining and service options are available at La Bonne Table?
At La Bonne Table, you can enjoy dinner with full table service and seating, including delicious desserts. For your convenience, they offer dine-in, takeout, and outdoor seating options, ensuring a flexible and enjoyable experience.
How does La Bonne Table generally rate among diners?
La Bonne Table holds a strong overall score of 8.8 out of 10, with 91.3% customer satisfaction. Diners particularly praise the Service (9.1), Food (8.9), and Ambience (8.2), while Value (7.2) is also considered good.
What are the standout features of the dining experience at La Bonne Table?
Guests frequently commend the exceptional quality of the French cuisine, with dishes like duck confit and steak frites often highlighted. The professional and attentive service also receives high praise, making guests feel welcomed.
Are there any common considerations or potential drawbacks for visitors?
Some guests note that the dining space can feel small or crowded, making it less ideal for large groups. While generally offering good value, a few find the overall price point to be on the higher side.