Unfortunate experience with treat delivery today. The Almond croissant had no almond paste in it. I started in the middle, worked my way to the ends and even double checked the top (yup three were almond slivers there so didn't receive a plain croissant by mistake). Hope this was an anomaly and not an attempt to cut costs on crème d'amande. Surely the carrot cake would make up for this debacle? Sadly, no. Two stars here because they did succeed in keeping it moist thanks to the thin layers but the frosting tasted like chemicals (instead of cream cheese or other plausible alternative) and left such an aftertaste that I had to dispose of this one. Such a baked goods let down : (
Keith Mikas
Great food with large portions. Sunday breakfast starts at 9am. Same amount of indoor and outdoor seating.
The only reason I'm giving French gourmet 2 stars is there wait staff are impeccable. Unfortunately, what once was a true gem in the Pacific Beach area has now became one of the worst dining experiences I've had to date. I ordered the beef Bourguignon and the potato leek soup both of which were utter disasters. The soup wasn't creamy at all and was way over salted, and the beef bourguignon tasted like something out of a can. Absolute worst French meal I've ever had in my life. This used to be one of my favorite spots in pacific beach. Sad to see it go.
Anthony H.
A nice little place in North Pacific Beach. I didn't stay long for the ambiance, but I only went in to get a sandwich on a baguette because when I wasn't in France, it was the one thing I enjoyed. I love getting fresh baguettes in the morning and their pastries. The ambiance does seem nice if I had time to dine in. I probably would enjoy it more. But I do recommend this place for anyone who wants to grab. Either a quick bite to eat or a nice. Sit down area for breakfast or lunch.
Paul Smith
Cozy restaurant with wine. Good for breakfast and coffee.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Diane Nivens
The interior of the building is painted very well. The food is fabulous and the brussel sprouts were the surprise hit of the menu! they were incredible! the waiter was very helpful. it was a wonderful experience! kudos!!!!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Steak, Dijon Crusted Rack of Lamb
Shahla E.
I love this little restaurant. Steak and pommes frites, or if you want to go light, a Salad Niçoise. In the bakery, the crème custard beignets are excellent. They go fast so you don't always see them there.
Jack G.
They have the very BEST of everything!! And the food is always delicious! Thank you again to our server Mark, who was on top of everything: he totally took care of each of our needs and even anticipated and had them met beforehand! As always Mark, a great job! Always a wonderful experience, with such a warm atmosphere. NEVER disappointed!! Thank you!
Elissa B.
The service was excellent with a cozy atmosphere. We had the restaurant week menu and the food was flavorful. It was so nice to have fresh bread on the table and it was quickly replenished. But I felt like the kitchen was getting tired. The French Onion Soup was not hot. It was just warm from when the cheese was melted on top. There were 2 crab cakes in the appetizer, a nice portion. The scallops were spongey, should have been seared before sauce added. The sides were good and we were wondering what the tasty white pieces on the string beans were, celery root! The duck confit was good. The cake with berries and Napoleon were good but the chocolate cake was dry. I would go back for the bakery if you can find parking.
charlotte 2.
The service is great, ambiance is adorable and food is amazing! I wish it was more affordable but other than that, no complaints!
The French gourmet Never disappoints - we enjoyed their three-course price fix dinner for restaurant week with wine pairings. The wine pairings were such a great deal at $20 for a pour for each of the three courses. I had a crab cakes and my husband escargot which was paired with a French rosé . We shared the appetizers. The crab cakes, had an abundance of crab and were crispy and flavorful, served on a bed of arugula with a cream sauce, on one side and a chopped tomato sauce on the other. The escargot were wonderfully buttery and garlicky. And the leftover butter in the escargot specific ramekins was delicious with their signature crusty French bread. We chose our main meals to be the coquille, Saint Jacques and the beef Bourgogne. Our mains were delicious --the scallops in the Saint Jacques were presented in a Rosie cream sauce and while I'm accustomed to the classic cream sauce with this dish, it was still delicious. The Bourgogne is always Tender and satisfying with plenty of gravy to sop up with the delicious bread. Our main meal was served with a Malbec. Of course, they served sides with the main courses, their delicious au gratin potatoes, as well as delectable green beans . Our dessert was served with champagne and I chose cream Brulé and my husband carrot cake. Both were the perfect sweet ending to a perfect evening dinner. Considering that they were fairly busy and it was restaurant week the service was excellent . I made sure we had our wine pairings to enjoy ahead of the meals. The ambience is charming. Waiters and waitresses were dressed in the classic Breton striped shirts. And we always are excited to pick up their yummy croissants for the breakfast the next morning!
Insertfood P.
We tried the $20 restaurant week menu and it was delicious!!!!! The following is what we got: Almond croissant- 8/10 it's like biting into crispy air Egg Benedict with tomato and avocado-9/10 Steak with fries - steak really good. Fries ok Chocolate mouse cake-it was really good Creme brûlée- solid creme brûlée
French gourmet never disappoints. I love going here anytime weather be for breakfast, for wine dinners, special, dinners, holiday dinners, restaurant week or just a nice night out. We al always know that the quality of the food is gonna be great. I love the steak, scallops, the prime rib (offered limited days). The duck confit is delicious as is the beef Bourgogne. Their scalloped potatoes are wonderful as potatoes always are in France and they do a great job on the green beans. I have many delicious desserts to choose from, including the classic crème brûlée . The Pralinska is one of our favorite cakes. Don't forget to pick up their wonderful croissants for breakfast the next day as well as one of their fresh breads. They also offer some prepared meals to go that you just have to heat up including French onion soup .
Kaye G.
The French Gourmet is now participating in San Diego Restaurant Week with a lunch menu for around $20! We had reservations prior, though, when I called and had arrived, there was about a 30-40 minute wait just to check in, granted it was the first day of SDRW and offered one of the cheapest lunch options for SDRW. Unfortunately, it was also raining and indoor seating was very limited and still had guests be seated outside with large umbrellas. Although the situation doesn't sound as pleasant, I am really amazed how extraordinary the workers were, having to cater to guests at a busy time of the year and unforeseen weather conditions. I love that this place felt intimate being a smaller restaurant and would definitely come back on a sunnier day. They also have a bakery within the building and offered lots of delicious treats that I'll be trying when I visit again. I ordered the French Onion Soup (Onion Soupe Gratinee) for my appetizer and the Steak Pommes Frites for my entree, and also came with complementary bread and butter. The soup was perfect and wasn't as overpowering as other french onion soups I've had. The fries that came with the steak were crisp! The béarnaise sauce was a little too rich for me but still paired perfectly with the steak. Overall a great experience and highly recommend. If you plan on joining them for SDRW, please be patient and I guarantee the wait is worthwhile!
Louis G.
We came to visit San Diego from Vegas & were pleasantly surprised to find out it was restaurant week. We came for brunch & the deal here was really good, but what made our experience amazing was the server! We made sure to get her name, Lina-- and she was the sweetest, most attentive girl. She was actually French too! It really added authenticity to the place. We sat on the patio & could tell it was super busy, but she did so well. I recommend asking to have her as your server. As soon as we were ready to order or wanted anything more, she was there before we felt any need to look for her. She came with the just the best attitude & friendliness! Smiles all around. The food was really great too! We might come back once more & try their dinner before we head back to Vegas.
Unfortunate experience with treat delivery today. The Almond croissant had no almond paste in it. I started in the middle, worked my way to the ends and even double checked the top (yup three were almond slivers there so didn't receive a plain croissant by mistake). Hope this was an anomaly and not an attempt to cut costs on crème d'amande. Surely the carrot cake would make up for this debacle? Sadly, no. Two stars here because they did succeed in keeping it moist thanks to the thin layers but the frosting tasted like chemicals (instead of cream cheese or other plausible alternative) and left such an aftertaste that I had to dispose of this one. Such a baked goods let down : (
Great food with large portions. Sunday breakfast starts at 9am. Same amount of indoor and outdoor seating.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Hollandaise Sauce, Baguette, Palmier, Quiche
The only reason I'm giving French gourmet 2 stars is there wait staff are impeccable. Unfortunately, what once was a true gem in the Pacific Beach area has now became one of the worst dining experiences I've had to date. I ordered the beef Bourguignon and the potato leek soup both of which were utter disasters. The soup wasn't creamy at all and was way over salted, and the beef bourguignon tasted like something out of a can. Absolute worst French meal I've ever had in my life. This used to be one of my favorite spots in pacific beach. Sad to see it go.
A nice little place in North Pacific Beach. I didn't stay long for the ambiance, but I only went in to get a sandwich on a baguette because when I wasn't in France, it was the one thing I enjoyed. I love getting fresh baguettes in the morning and their pastries. The ambiance does seem nice if I had time to dine in. I probably would enjoy it more. But I do recommend this place for anyone who wants to grab. Either a quick bite to eat or a nice. Sit down area for breakfast or lunch.
Cozy restaurant with wine. Good for breakfast and coffee.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The interior of the building is painted very well. The food is fabulous and the brussel sprouts were the surprise hit of the menu! they were incredible! the waiter was very helpful. it was a wonderful experience! kudos!!!!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Steak, Dijon Crusted Rack of Lamb
I love this little restaurant. Steak and pommes frites, or if you want to go light, a Salad Niçoise. In the bakery, the crème custard beignets are excellent. They go fast so you don't always see them there.
They have the very BEST of everything!! And the food is always delicious! Thank you again to our server Mark, who was on top of everything: he totally took care of each of our needs and even anticipated and had them met beforehand! As always Mark, a great job! Always a wonderful experience, with such a warm atmosphere. NEVER disappointed!! Thank you!
The service was excellent with a cozy atmosphere. We had the restaurant week menu and the food was flavorful. It was so nice to have fresh bread on the table and it was quickly replenished. But I felt like the kitchen was getting tired. The French Onion Soup was not hot. It was just warm from when the cheese was melted on top. There were 2 crab cakes in the appetizer, a nice portion. The scallops were spongey, should have been seared before sauce added. The sides were good and we were wondering what the tasty white pieces on the string beans were, celery root! The duck confit was good. The cake with berries and Napoleon were good but the chocolate cake was dry. I would go back for the bakery if you can find parking.
The service is great, ambiance is adorable and food is amazing! I wish it was more affordable but other than that, no complaints!
Restaurantji Recommends
The French gourmet Never disappoints - we enjoyed their three-course price fix dinner for restaurant week with wine pairings. The wine pairings were such a great deal at $20 for a pour for each of the three courses. I had a crab cakes and my husband escargot which was paired with a French rosé . We shared the appetizers. The crab cakes, had an abundance of crab and were crispy and flavorful, served on a bed of arugula with a cream sauce, on one side and a chopped tomato sauce on the other. The escargot were wonderfully buttery and garlicky. And the leftover butter in the escargot specific ramekins was delicious with their signature crusty French bread. We chose our main meals to be the coquille, Saint Jacques and the beef Bourgogne. Our mains were delicious --the scallops in the Saint Jacques were presented in a Rosie cream sauce and while I'm accustomed to the classic cream sauce with this dish, it was still delicious. The Bourgogne is always Tender and satisfying with plenty of gravy to sop up with the delicious bread. Our main meal was served with a Malbec. Of course, they served sides with the main courses, their delicious au gratin potatoes, as well as delectable green beans . Our dessert was served with champagne and I chose cream Brulé and my husband carrot cake. Both were the perfect sweet ending to a perfect evening dinner. Considering that they were fairly busy and it was restaurant week the service was excellent . I made sure we had our wine pairings to enjoy ahead of the meals. The ambience is charming. Waiters and waitresses were dressed in the classic Breton striped shirts. And we always are excited to pick up their yummy croissants for the breakfast the next morning!
We tried the $20 restaurant week menu and it was delicious!!!!! The following is what we got: Almond croissant- 8/10 it's like biting into crispy air Egg Benedict with tomato and avocado-9/10 Steak with fries - steak really good. Fries ok Chocolate mouse cake-it was really good Creme brûlée- solid creme brûlée
French gourmet never disappoints. I love going here anytime weather be for breakfast, for wine dinners, special, dinners, holiday dinners, restaurant week or just a nice night out. We al always know that the quality of the food is gonna be great. I love the steak, scallops, the prime rib (offered limited days). The duck confit is delicious as is the beef Bourgogne. Their scalloped potatoes are wonderful as potatoes always are in France and they do a great job on the green beans. I have many delicious desserts to choose from, including the classic crème brûlée . The Pralinska is one of our favorite cakes. Don't forget to pick up their wonderful croissants for breakfast the next day as well as one of their fresh breads. They also offer some prepared meals to go that you just have to heat up including French onion soup .
The French Gourmet is now participating in San Diego Restaurant Week with a lunch menu for around $20! We had reservations prior, though, when I called and had arrived, there was about a 30-40 minute wait just to check in, granted it was the first day of SDRW and offered one of the cheapest lunch options for SDRW. Unfortunately, it was also raining and indoor seating was very limited and still had guests be seated outside with large umbrellas. Although the situation doesn't sound as pleasant, I am really amazed how extraordinary the workers were, having to cater to guests at a busy time of the year and unforeseen weather conditions. I love that this place felt intimate being a smaller restaurant and would definitely come back on a sunnier day. They also have a bakery within the building and offered lots of delicious treats that I'll be trying when I visit again. I ordered the French Onion Soup (Onion Soupe Gratinee) for my appetizer and the Steak Pommes Frites for my entree, and also came with complementary bread and butter. The soup was perfect and wasn't as overpowering as other french onion soups I've had. The fries that came with the steak were crisp! The béarnaise sauce was a little too rich for me but still paired perfectly with the steak. Overall a great experience and highly recommend. If you plan on joining them for SDRW, please be patient and I guarantee the wait is worthwhile!
We came to visit San Diego from Vegas & were pleasantly surprised to find out it was restaurant week. We came for brunch & the deal here was really good, but what made our experience amazing was the server! We made sure to get her name, Lina-- and she was the sweetest, most attentive girl. She was actually French too! It really added authenticity to the place. We sat on the patio & could tell it was super busy, but she did so well. I recommend asking to have her as your server. As soon as we were ready to order or wanted anything more, she was there before we felt any need to look for her. She came with the just the best attitude & friendliness! Smiles all around. The food was really great too! We might come back once more & try their dinner before we head back to Vegas.