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Bouchon

4 star rating
based on 218 reviews

Category: French  [Edit]

6534 Washington Street
Yountville, CA 94599
(707) 944-8037
  • Price Range: $$$
  • Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
  • Parking: Street
  • Attire: Casual
  • Good for Groups: No
  • Good for Kids: No
  • Takes Reservations: Yes
  • Delivers: No
  • Take-out: No
  • Waiter Service: Yes
  • Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
  • Outdoor Seating: Yes
  • Good for: Dinner, Lunch
  • Alcohol: Full Bar

218 Reviews for Bouchon

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Photo of Glenn Z.

 

8

18

Glenn Z.

San Jose, CA

4 star rating
05/06/2008

My fiancee' took me here for my birthday. It's a very cool French Bistro and we got a nice seat in the corner. We got the foie gras for appetizer and I ordered the sea bass. She got a steak (have to when going to a French Bistro). Also, checkout the macaroons @ the bakery. The macaroons can be the main reason to go here, they're that good.

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Photo of brenda s.

 

15

101

brenda s.

New York, NY

3 star rating
04/16/2008

Typical French bistro.     What more can really be said?   It is a nice French bistro a la Napa style.   It is a bit pricey.   Is it snooty?   You bet it is.   If you're expecting more than a bistro, you will be disappointed.

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Photo of Josephine L.

 

2

17

Josephine L.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
04/27/2008

Love this restaurant and love the atmosphere. This is like having lunch/dinner right in the heart of Paris. The decor, service, constantly evolving daily specials and the bakery are absolutely to die for.

Here is what we ordered and our opinions (We ordered mostly off the daily specials):

* Potato Leek Soup - Very rich and creamy. Bacon bits were a nice surprise.
* Salmon Tartar - Extremely fresh with fluffy egg whites and capers to complement the dish. It was amazing!
* Chicken with Foie Gras - Juicy, tender, and unlike any chicken I have ever tasted.
* Saumon Poche - Flakey, fresh, light
* Croque Madame - Good traditional dish with an egg on top
* Crepe aux Champignons - Very beautifully presented and very flavorful
* Lavender Ice Cream - Tasted exactly like lavender and very light
* Coffee pot de creme - Rich and creamy, exactly how  pot de creme should be. I like the spin with the coffee flavor as most pot de creme's are chocolate.

Bouchon is such a nice way to spend a Saturday full of great food, atmosphere, and high-end service. If you can't dine at French Laundry every night (like the most of us), we can all be relieved that Bouchon provides us with an affordable luxury for our taste buds.

P.S. Don't forget to try the Macaron's and TKO's at the bakery. Every flavor is unforgettable.

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Photo of Aila L.

 

0

70

Aila L.

San Mateo, CA

3 star rating
04/15/2008

We've been wanting to try the French Laundry, but being the types who can't plan way ahead to secure a reservation, we decided to scope it out by way of Bouchon.

We decided to go for the traditional French bistro fare - steak frites, moules and canard confit.  The steak tasted like it was a bit overseasoned.  The fries were nice and crispy.  I thought the mussels were pretty good, but hubby thinks it's too garlicky.  The duck confit was not too bad, but a little on the salty side.  I love that they served it in a little Staub cassoulet - so cute.  We also had the fennel soup which was on the specials board that day...it was good, but the flavor of the fennel didn't really come through.

Maybe we came with high expectations, but neither the hubby nor I were spectacularly impressed by the food like we had hoped to be.

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Photo of Eileen S.

 

12

33

Eileen S.

San Francisco, CA

3 star rating
04/14/2008

I went this place when I was 19...too young back then to appreciate the fact that I was eating bomb ass oysters from Mr. Keller's restaurant.  And how sad that I actually went here twice in one month!  The food here was great but I think it's not for everyone...I mean I could see a 30 year old bougie couple appreciating it, but anyone younger might be far and few in between...I don't know, maybe if you're a fancy Bay Area kid but all I remember was the food is good but the restaurant atmosphere was a bit stuffy.

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Photo of diane d.

 

14

231

diane d.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
04/02/2008

There were 5 of us and we all sampled each others...and all i can say is WOW. I had the croque madame...and everyone voted it the the best...and it was amazing...the PERFECT egg ontop on the PERFECT bread..amazing yet simple. The special of liver with bacon was unlike any liver i have had before...awesome....as was the steak frites that was topped with finely chopped and caramalized onions---perfectly done with perfect frites. The lamb dish was just OK compared to the others. The foie was...wowza...it comes in a 5oz mason jar with toasted baguette...buttery wonderful, heartstopping goodness. Thank god there was 5 of us...cuz I wouldn't have left a drop---and we didnt. The service was spectacular. The atmosphere is comfortable and welcoming. I LOVED it! I HIGHLY recommend and will go back anytime. Happy eating!

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Photo of K K.

 

1

22

K K.

Redwood City, CA

5 star rating
04/16/2008

Had a wonderful dinner here.  Arrived at the restaurant way too early from my reservations, but they were still able to seat us after a little bit of waiting.

The atmosphere was dark and a little cramp, but we didn't mind.

The food was fantastic.  We loved the "3 pronged" bread that can be easily torn apart, the free nuts, the olives, the moules frites, and the lamb shank.  A very casual yet elegant place that we wish was much closer to home.

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Photo of Antara B.

 

7

28

Antara B.

San Francisco, CA

2 star rating
03/28/2008

How do you give 2.5 stars to something??
I was quite disappointed in this place -- I've heard so much about it, and it failed to impress. Granted, I'm vegetarian, and French restaurants always are handicapped when catering to us, but I've experienced some fantastic French cuisine in the past (i.e. Julia's Kitchen), so I figured these guys would be able to do something.

Their salad was ok -- nothing extraordinary about it. The creamy cauliflower soup with apple jelly was pretty bland. The spinach and mushroom crepes entree, which sounded fantastic in its description, was very mediocre. And the side of macaroni was not even worth mentioning.

Plus there was some construction going on in the kitchen and there was a constant hammer banging throughout the entire meal.

I don't think I would go back unless I was forced to for some reason.

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Photo of Elizabeth S.

 

10

53

Elizabeth S.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
04/04/2008

AMAZING!  I can not say enough wonderful things about this restaurant.  On a trip up to wine country with my boyfriend, Dan, we stopped here for an afternoon lunch.  Even though we arrived about an hour early before our reservation, we were seated immediately (mind you, it wasn't busy.. but much appreciated).

Our first course was the mixed greens with warm goat cheese.  Dan and I shared this dish and loved every bite (I kept stealing the cheese.. unbelievably soft and creamy).  I was very happy to see how pleased Dan was considering how tough of a critic he can be. I knew from here on.. it was going to be a memorable meal.  Dan ordered the maine bouchet mussels steamed in white wine, mustard & saffron  served with fries.  He enjoyed the flavor and taste so much, that he still talks about it!  I decided on the sauteed gnocchi with winter vegetables.  The gnocchi were very rich and filling.  For desert we shared the lemon tart which was a little disappointing after such a fantastic meal.  I would recommend Bouchon to anyone that would like to experience a Thomas Keller restaurant without paying French Laundry prices.

Overall, I see myself purchasing the Bouchon cookbook in the very near future as a birthday gift ;)

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Photo of Liz T.

 

6

130

Liz T.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
04/01/2008

I came here to be blown away and after a hard day of wine tasting (its a hard job but someone's gotta do it!) this was the perfect ending to my lovely day. Service was spot on, food was authentic French-bistro food, wine-list was awesome (although, i was sick of wines by then), and even the decor was to my liking. It does get pretty loud on weekends and you're packed in there like sardines but I can't complain.

Food is awesome but the service really completes the experience. It makes you wonder... hmm.. maybe this is great alternative to $$$$$ you will spend at French Laundry? nah, but its still great.

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Photo of Sankar B.

 

0

19

Sankar B.

Redwood City, CA

4 star rating
04/07/2008

After a long drive drive through Napa, checking out the old faithful geyser and some little bit of shopping we reached the French Laundry and were shooed off to the nearby Bouchon. Well i was dressed in Jeans and T-Shirt, and walked in without a reservation!! what would you expect The French Laundry to do!

So here we go on a busy Saturday after noon into the cafe, voila! we got promptly seated! And we were not under-dressed either! The waiter took down our orders for  Riesling, Crepe-aux-champignos, Salmon Poche. Excellent food and great service i say commands a 4 stars. The lemon tart and chocolate souffle for desserts were mind blowing (may be we were too hungry to criticize the food!!)

Cozy atmosphere, bright sunny day all added to the 4 stars for  the ambiance.

Except for the check of $45 per head, everything was okay. So may not come here again, but definitely one of the best meals i have had in my many visits to San Francisco

P:S: I am still working to get the reservations at the French Laundry :-)

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Photo of Denise K.

 

0

5

Denise K.

Montrose, CA

4 star rating
05/02/2008

Everything on the menu is delicious.  The oysters were extremely fresh.  The food is absolutely amazing.  Even though it is a higher end restaurant casual dress is okay.

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Photo of Wendy K.

 

8

18

Wendy K.

Sunnyvale, CA

3 star rating
03/20/2008

My sister and her fiance S. whisked J. and I away to Napa one night last weekend. As part of our adventure, S. treated us to dinner at Bouchon (Sat., 3/15/08) and made reservations over a month in advance for 8:15 pm.

When we arrived on time for the reservation, we were told it would still be several minutes for a table, so we waited outside. After about 10 minutes, we were seated, and the waiter brought a funky bread loaf and described the specials. (Note: I thought it was odd that the waiter put the bread directly on the tablecloth and that there were no bread plates....we all got crumbs on the tablecloth.)

We ordered:

2 French onion soup

1 Salade d'esturgeon fum et betteraves (According to their menu, "smoked sturgeon salad with roasted beets, mache, pickled radishes, and black pepper-beet vinaigrette.") (This was J.'s main dish.)

2 Poulet roti (According to their menu, "roasted chicken with onion confit, celeriac, black truffle tartlet, and chicken au jus.") (S. and I had this. Please note that, as of this writing, it is no longer listed on the Yountville menu, but it is on the Las Vegas menu.)

1 Truite aux Amandes (According to their menu, "pan-roasted trout, haricots verts, almonds, and brown butter.") (I think this is what my sister ordered, but I'll update if I'm incorrect. Please note that, as of this writing, it is no longer listed on the Yountville menu, but it is on the Las Vegas menu.)

My sister, S., and J. all enjoyed their meals (practically licked the French onion soup bowls clean). I enjoyed my chicken as I was eating it, but when I finished, I realized that I was incredibly thirsty. Salt! The enemy! As I've mentioned in some of my previous reviews, I tend to use less salt than most people, so even a little more than what I usually use is too much for me. Other people may prefer the amount of salt in the Poulet roti, but it was overdone for me.

After dinner, the waiter took our dessert order: 2 cappuccinos and 1 coffee.

We waited.

And waited.

Were they growing the beans in the back?

After about 15 minutes, the waiter brought the coffees.

For this service delay, I had to take away 1 star. I would give the food about a 3. Overall, 3.5.

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Photo of Critic O.

 

4

78

Critic O.

San Francisco, CA

2 star rating
03/08/2008

I've had better food at other local Napa restaurants. Okay, so take off one point for making us wait for the table we made reservations for and for the defensive, unapologetic attitude we were given when we asked when our table would be ready after we had waited about 20 minutes.  Take another point off for the godawful French onion soup, which tasted like onion and salt and nothing else.  Take another point off for the overpriced French fries, which is just the same thing as what you'd get at McDonald's. And we have 2 stars left.  Just to be fair, their chicken was decent.

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Photo of Margi T.

 

1

44

Margi T.

San Jose, CA

5 star rating
03/27/2008

The customer service at Bouchon is amazing! I made a group reservation weeks ahead, and called a week before to confirm and verify that they could prepare something vegan for me. When we checked in, they verified that I was vegan and told me everything was taken care of. The waiter was on top of it. I didn't have to once bring it up after that first phone call. Dining out as a vegan isn't always that easy, so it really meant a lot to receive impeccable service.

Everyone agreed that the food was absolutely delicious. To-die-for French fries--try them! The prices, I felt, are very reasonable, as well. Dress is Napa casual--jeans and a nice shirt are okay. No harm in dressing up, though.

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Photo of Baldwin H.

 

3

8

Baldwin H.

Milpitas, CA

4 star rating
03/11/2008

I went to Bouchon on a Sunday evening during President's Day weekend with my girlfriend.  The place was packed but we were immediately seated at my allotted 6:30pm reservation.

I had the special of the day which was a tender beef rib centered in a crispy potato bed along with sauteed vegetables.  The meat slid easily off the bone, the sauce nice and tangy, and I nearly inhaled my entire plate.  It was that good.  My gf had the gnocchi which were panfried, and had a chewy yet crispy texture.  Very tasty as well, and my gf cleaned her platel.

Though busy, the decor and atmosphere had an intimate setting that reminded me of a Paris bistro, like the one seen in Ratatouille.  Except the chef in this case wasn't a rat.  And even if he was some furry creature, I'd eat here all the time if he cooks like that again.

Service was ordinary, nothing spectacular, thus the 4 stars.  

Overall -  reasonably priced for a top restaurant, portion size could've been a bit larger, but the food itself more than makes up for it.  Great place to bring a date.

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Photo of Sheena M.

 

0

15

Sheena M.

Vallejo, CA

5 star rating
03/29/2008

I have never ever been disappointed with a visit to Bouchon.

The food is delicious, the wine list is great, but most importantly - the customer service is fabulous! Their people are never stuffy or snobby like I find at some of the nicer restaurants. They are superb at what they do, well trained, and really friendly.

Throughout all my visits to Bouchon I have never had an empty glass. This is important whether I'm drinking water or have a bottle of wine.

There was only one time that our entrees was extra long, but they made the service seamless. Instead of making us wait or bringing it to our attention, they served us salmon spread and bread on the house and kept us entertained.

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Photo of W D.

 

0

22

W D.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
03/25/2008

Probably one of the best and most memorable meals I've had in a long time.  

We were lucky to get in without a reservation on a recent Friday afternoon.  Dining at Bouchon reminded me what going out to a restaurant is about -- Everything from Bouchon's service, presentation and food was stellar!

I had the Maine lobster and pork belly salad, which was perfectly seasoned and dressed in an avocado puree.  This was followed by the Merguez sandwich.. which was an open-faced sausage sandwich on crispy bread.  Was so stuffed, but now wish I had the Profiteroles.

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Photo of J T.

 

5

124

J T.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
03/12/2008

Bouchon's my lunch place up here.  I don't know why I enjoy lunch here so much opposed to dinner.  Onion soup and raw bar options are usually up there.  Everyone faves about moules frites - Not a big mussel fan myself.  Thomas Keller, you did a good job.  Good, not great.  You would be great if your service was a little better and the host staff would stop behaving like such asses.

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Photo of Debbie C.

 

28

126

Debbie C.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
03/03/2008

Thomas Keller definitely know his sh*t. I have been to Bouchon Bakery a bunch of times and finally got a chance to have dinner at Bouchon Saturday night. We had a dozen oysters to start and then I had the Steak Frites (pan-seared prime flatiron served with maitre d'hotel butter and French fries) and finished with some Raspberry Passionfruit Sorbet. I definitely recommend the wine we had with our meal, Etude 2005 (My friend Pablo's recommendation). Although the meal was quite amazing I am not sure Bouchon would have received two Michelin stars if it wasn't Keller's.

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Elite '08

79

348

Christine B.

West Los Angeles, CA

4 star rating
02/25/2008

The salmon tartare was awesome - minced, seasoned raw salmon that was topped with creme fraiche and surrounded by ground egg whites.  I couldn't get enough of it and was feeling quite sad when I spooned the last of it onto my bread.  It's not on the menu and was offered as a special of the day, but definitely look for it when you dine here.

The boy ordered the truite grenobloise, a whole trout (don't fear the head!)  covered with green beans.  He really like it, but I don't think the seasonings agreed with me.

I ordered the poulet roti, which was half a roasted chicken atop a black truffle tartlet and served with chicken au jus.  I can't remember the last time I ordered a chicken entree that was this juicy.  Chicken, dry?  Not at Bouchon!  Normally I can't stand breast meat, but this was just beautiful, and after a quick swirl in the jus, it was even better.

I didn't really like the tartlet so much, only because I ate slowly and so it got pretty soggy from the juices.  I had a few bites of it before it got soggy and it was all right, but I didn't rave about it like I did with the chicken.

Service was excellent.  Our waiter was very attentive, and I never found myself craning my neck around looking for him since he checked on us every now and then.  I'll definitely come back to try out what else is on the menu.

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Photo of Cynthia C.

 

0

3

Cynthia C.

CA

1 star rating
04/22/2008

I've eaten at French Laundry before and had a fabulous meal, though for the money, I'd say Gary Danko's is a better bet.  We were In Napa to run a brief errand last weekend, and some friends and I decided to stop in here and have a bite to eat.  I called dutifully at 11A to make a reservation, and was greeted with major attitude by a man, who turned out to be the host.  Basically, HE told me when they would be able to seat us.  At any rate, we arrived at the restaurant around 20 minutes late.  Not great, I know, but he acted as if we had personally insulted him.  Refused to look at me, rude and insolent.  Nonetheless, he said if we waited 15 minutes, he would see what he could do.  Somewhat turned off, I decided we should wait, as one of my friends just moved from NY and I wanted her to experience another Keller restaurant.  He ended up seating the three of us at a tiny table barely large enough for two.  It really was prepostorous.  Even the waiter seemed a bit taken aback.  I was seething by then, and my friend got up to ask if we could be moved to an adjacent table that was a bit larger and free.  His response was, "you were late.  you'll have to make do with where I've seated you".  WTF?  Whose paying who?  We left, and the host threw another fit.

BTW, I'd been warned that their menu has been scaled down, due to the fact that they are constructing an expanded kitchen.  After a quick scan, I could see that there was nothing of real interest on the menu.  In reading the recent lukewarm reviews, I suspect the "pared down" menu and construction efforts may have affected the food.  

So why not shut down while construction is underway if the quality of food is paramount?  After this experience, lousy attitude and not so great food - why bother?

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Photo of merk y.

 

2

12

merk y.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
02/18/2008

RESTAURANT-Great brunch experience.  Loved the overall vibe.  A casual, yet high end experience.

FOOD-I loved the Croque-monsieur complimented by a wonderful vionier pick...  I'm definitely looking forward to another experience!

SERVICE-Genuine, attentive and knowledgeable.

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Elite '08

49

323

Aaron L.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
02/21/2008

I guess you'd have to call this Keller's "lesser" Yountville establishment only because the greater cousin is the French Laundry.

Dad and I went here after driving by many times before and wanting to see what Mr. Keller's second-line place could deliver... and deliver it does. The environment is cozy and very airy, and the food is a bit fancy but not too fussy. I'm not French so I can't attest to much to the authenticity of the place, but regardless... it's a winning menu that definitely delivers.

The staff was incredibly attentive and polite... our server even brought me a bitters cocktail when I said I wasn't feeling well. Very classy and nice indeed.

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Photo of Meghan Q.

 

4

18

Meghan Q.

Wenham, MA

4 star rating
03/06/2008

I went here last Fall while on vacation with my boyfriend at the time and loved it! It was the perfect place for a first dinner in the Napa area!

My boyfriend had roast chicken that was perfectly tender and seasoned. I was slightly disappointed with my choice of gnocci as it was crispy, much like small tater-tots but the chocolate mousse made up for it and was AMAZING. I could have bathed in it.

The wine selection was of course fantastic. We chose a reasonably priced bottle of Joseph Phelps Fogdog 2005 Pinot Noir and have been searching for it (in vain) in MA ever since.

The atmosphere was very warm and comfortable. We were close to the tables next to use but not so close that I could eat off my neighbors plate without making a noticeable effort. The service was also exceptional, attentive, and very helpful with suggestions. I would definitely go back!

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Elite '08

7

92

J T.

San Diego, CA

5 star rating
02/19/2008

Have been here for both lunch and dinner and been greatly pleased with the meal and service. The atmosphere is relaxed and fun - the service is knowledgeable and patient. We felt we had a great meal and great wine each time. Always recommend it as part of the dining mix in Napa.

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4

45

Jennifer W.

Belmont, CA

5 star rating
04/07/2008

I absolutely love Bouchon.  I love the cozy atmosphere, the great service, yummy food and awesome bar drinks.  We took my parents here for their wedding anniversary and we all had an amazing time.  Yes, i was dissapointed that they didn't have my French Onion Soup, which is, hands down, the best Ihave ever eaten.  I am so serious on this point that everywhere else I go I am saddened when I eat French Onion Soup because it just does not compare to Bouchon's.   However, I was easily able to move on from my momentary depression when I ordered their oysters.  Those were perfect and my crepe with mushrooms and spinach for my entree was delicious.  I felt a little bad that every time someon in our party had to get up from the  table they bumped into someone else, but that was because of the close proximity of all the other tables and really the lack of moving room in the dining room.  However, I guess this helps create more of the cozy environment I mentioned earlier, so I can't really complain all that much.

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8

37

Mari K.

Emeryville, CA

4 star rating
02/23/2008

Been to this location, and also the one in Las Vegas.
Should I be surprised that the one in Las Vegas has the same menu as the one in Yountville, but charges 25% more? But then again I also felt like the Bouchon in Vegas was better.

There was actually LESS wine selection at this location than in Vegas.

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0

1

Tyler V.

Sunnyvale, CA

1 star rating
04/18/2008

What's the worst one can sat about a snooty French bistro run by a world-class restauranteur? It was ordinary. Absolutely, completely ordinary. After a wonderful drive up from Silicon Valley, my girlfriend and I stopped for here for lunch. Not realizing we had landed smack dab in the  middle of all that is supposed to be legendary cuisine, we had no expectations. Once it dawned on us where we were, we were prepared for outrageous pricing for elf-sized portions. And we willingly pay such when the food is special. This food was anything but. With all the options in Napa Valley, don't waste your time stopping here.
Ho hum, at best.

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1

4

Caryn W.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
03/12/2008

Hi Yelpers!  Here is my 3x3 (Pluses and Minuses) experience at Bouchon:

(+) Food (Croque Madame, Steak Frites, Beignets de Brandade du Morure)
(+) Authentic Bistro Experience
(+) Thomas Keller was dining there himself.  
(-) Service (wait staff was a little pretentious)
(-) Tartine Du Jour (on that day it was the tuna nicoise)
(-) Not kid friendly (3 nieces on board :)

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9

185

brewgirl b.

Oakland, CA

4 star rating
02/22/2008

Had a lovely grilled ham and cheese sandwich topped with a fried egg and smothered in a mornay sauce.  The shoestring fries were perfectly salted.  I weep for you.

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Elite '08

10

88

oona m.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
03/25/2008

we had a scrumptious lunch here recently. i had the wild mushroom crepe- it was so good, i haven't stopped talking about it yet. the mushrooms... the cheese... the toasted hazelnuts... the swiss chard... outstanding. my only gripe is that the prices were nearer to what i would expect to pay for a nice dinner - i mean, $25 for a crepe, even if it is damn good? i guess one pays a premium for the thomas keller brand.

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Photo of Ellen R.

 

0

5

Ellen R.

San Jose, CA

5 star rating
03/06/2008

I love this place!  We try to visit at least twice a year. For the first time I tried foie gras and I loved it!  It was like butter and I kept spreading it on the toast they provided not even worrying that I still had my entree coming.  My husband usually will order a platter of oysters or the oysters & shrimp.  Depending on what time of the year we are visiting, I'll order the heirloom tomatoes or  french onion soup.   I always order the roast chicken, it is roasted perfectly and depending on what time of the year you are visiting, it is accompanied with seasonal veggies or fries.  My husband is more adventurous and will try different things.  They have chalk boards up on the wall with specials and my husband likes to order off of that.  One time had a wonderful berry crumble that was served warm with a scoop of ice cream over it.

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Elite '08

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206

Isabella W.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
02/02/2008

Not able to make last minute reservations to Thomas Keller's French Laundry, and not to mention spending $240pp, we came to Bouchon after a long day of drinking.

Bouchon was on OpenTable, so I was able to redeem my 100 dining points upon arrival!  We were promptly seated, devoured the freshly baked French bread (Bouchon Bakery is attached next to the restaurant), skipped apps, and ordered our entrees.  Since we drank all day, we didn't order from the extensive wine list...

For entrees, we had the steak frites, poulet roti (roasted chicken), and the Arctic char.  To my surprise, the poulet roti (which my friend ordered) was the best dish of the night, and I typically don't like chicken.  The chicken was NOT bland, NOT rubbery at all, unlike most chicken dishes.  The fish and steak frites were still good, but since it's so hard to make chicken interesting and tasty, I recommend that dish above the others.

I wish that the bakery was open when we finished dinner around 8, but I guess it was good enough that we had a taste of the French bread.

This moderately-priced Thomas Keller restaurant is a must-visit, and I would definitely go back.

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950

180

john b.

New York, NY

4 star rating
12/19/2007

A near perfect experience worth the drive, wait, expense and hype. Tom Keller's little jewel of a cafe gets French food right. It doesn't matter what you order, you know it's going to be good. The tragedy here is the restaurant is such a pain to get to from the city. I'm sure locals don't feel that way; but how often can I drag my sorry metrosexual ass up to Yountville? I've been to his larger LV outpost and the smaller one at NY's Time Warner Center and neither are quite as good as the original.

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Elite '08

21

152

Sara M.

Berkeley, CA

4 star rating
01/19/2008

I expected to give this restaurant a 5 star review because of the hype, but it looks like my visit last night was only of the 4 star variety.  The food was all very good, but nothing was great.  

My favorite thing that I had was raw oysters to start.  I then had an endive, walnut, apple salad with gorgonzola which seemed to be all endive with about two walnuts and a sparse sprinking of diced apple.  I thought the ratio was off.  My main course was steak frites, mostly because Anthony Bordain raved about Bouchon's fries.  The fries were very good - I actually liked them even more than the steak.  

I didn't have room for dessert, though the menu looked quite enticing.  Overall I'd go back to Bouchon, but t didn't blow me away.

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0

11

Tom B.

Round Lake, IL

3 star rating
02/18/2008

On 2/11/08 we went with a party of five to celebrate my birthday, since I adore French cuisine. I had the cassoulet with duck confit appetizer, the gigot d'agneau (leg of lamb), and the creme caramel for dessert. Every single bite was excellent (though my friend's boudin blanc special was even better). Alas, two of my companions order the steak frites and were less than enthused, finding the meat sub-par for the cost.

That is not why I only give a middling rating, though. The food is only part of the experience, as everyone knows. Perhaps it was an of night, but this night our server was definitely not up to snuff. She took our orders, then came back fifteen minutes later apologizing that she had lost the paper she wrote them down on. We didn't receive our drinks until 40 minutes after we sat down, and the appetizers 20 minutes after that. Drink orders were confused and the incorrect drinks were served. Food orders were placed in front of the wrong people (a minor quibble, but still inexcusable). Finally, we felt very hemmed in by the tables, and an adjacent diner in another party and I repeatedly bumped elbows because our tables were pushed so close together.

Seeing the general overall reviews I am willing to say that this was probably just an off experience, but should we find ourselves in the area again, there's just too many other good restaurants in the area to give Bouchon another chance.

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12

45

Fernand P.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
01/04/2008

Maybe my favorite restaurant overall.
Best oysters I have ever had in my life. Great French bistro wines. This is the food I truley love.
I wish there were more restaurants like this.
I come here for the oysters, salmon rillets and the steak frites.  
The Boudin blanc or noir is perfect for lunch. Late at night after a hard days work the Croque-monsieur and a beer really hits the spot.
There brunch is outstanding also.
It is rare that french bistro is done right. This is it.

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0

31

Jackson S.

Stockton, CA

5 star rating
03/07/2008

This place is recommended for those who want to get stuffed with good food.  This place delivers on it's promise of down-home bistro fare.  The prices are decent and you still get the Thomas Keller caliber cuisine.  This place is another testament to the genius of Thomas Keller.

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21

76

Louis M.

San Francisco, CA

5 star rating
03/22/2008

Hands down a 5 star experience.  And I was lucky to be there with a good friend at lunch.  No reservation.  On a Saturday.  At a prime outside table.  

From the moment you walk in, you feel a vibe about this place and you know that THEY know what a restaurant should look, feel and taste like.  We were luckily seated outside on one of the nicest days of the year...and no doubt the sunshine and the atmosphere contributed to the experience.  Had the potato-leek soup which was perfect (friend had the goat cheese salad...GOD I love goat cheese).  Followed it up with the Croque Madame which, honestly, was a bit ridiculous (in a fantastic way).  Toasted ham and cheese sandwich, topped with an egg, smothered in a delectable mornay sauce; it's clear Thomas Keller doesn't eff around.  And the fries...are you kidding me?  Didn't need to eat for another day but totally worth it.  Washed it all down with a great French bottle, and there went over two hours of catching up and lingering.  I constantly pondered what the less fortunate were doing at that very moment...

This was a perfect warmup for my dining experience at Keller's signature French Laundry, though not sure when I that will be.  Stay tuned.

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