La Bonne Soupe Cafe
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. - Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: No
- Good for Kids: No
- Takes Reservations: No
- Delivers: No
- Take-out: Yes
- Waiter Service: No
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: No
- Good for: Lunch
- Alcohol: Beer & Wine Only
114 Reviews for La Bonne Soupe Cafe
This place really doesn't need yet another rave review, but I just had to comment on the bread. I could just eat that bread for breakfast, lunch and dinner. How is it so perfectly toasty on the outside, yet so soft on the inside???
The man is a genius. He's able to be only open on weekdays from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and have a winding line of people patiently waiting while he carefully crafts each sandwich.
The man working there is so sweet! He is alone in the process of making your sandwich...so it takes awhile, since the line is out the door!...but it's so worthwhile!!! The time flew as your mouth watered, wataching the chef create his masterpiece with every order. I had one of the sandwiches of the day, warmed brie and apples....so tasty, lights, and filling!! I fell in love with the small tables by the window and the decor, some of which being his accomplishments via newspaper clippings, framed and on the wall. The cream of mushroom soup with leeks was also delectible! And the prices! I got a sandwich, soup and lemonable for $12, fantastic. Please tip him!!! He totally deserves it!
This place is a gem.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Cool (2)
I'm licking the bowl of my cream of corn soup as I type this review...it might just be one of the best soups I have ever had. I decided to try this place after reading about it on here and I must say that it lived up to the hype. Yes, the line takes forever but once you see the process, it is understandable. The chef makes everything himself and truly takes time with each sandwich. I had the smoked salmon sandwich which came with creme fraiche, asparagus, cucumber, lettuce, and a vinaigrette. It was fantastic. Every ingredient worked well with the other. So yummy! As I mentioned before, I had the cream of corn soup which was beyond words. My roommate had the sausage and the french onion, both of which he loved. I will be back soon because I'm already craving more of that sandwich even though I'm really full.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Best kept secret in Sacto! The french onion soup is ohhh so savory as well as the smoked salmon sandwich with asparagus and creme fraiche. Each food order prepared to perfection no matter how long the line is out the door. The price is completely reasonable, especially compared to La Bou and other such generic establishments that do not even compare to this unique hole-in-he-wall. The chef is a whole other character that makes the experience even more superb.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (2)
Excellent quality and value. Attention to detail. My favorites sandwiches are the Fig and Brie and both Salmon options. I also really enjoy the perfectly made French Onion Soup. it is absolutely wonderful, but all the soups are quite excellent.
The menu reminds me of what a chef at a five star fancy restaurant might make for his or her own lunch.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Excellent sandwiches and mouth-watering soups. Monsieur Pont uses the freshest ingredients and spruces them up with his secret sauce. Try to go earlier to beat the lunch crowd, otherwise have plenty of quarters handy for those parking meters. Venture out from boring turkey and ham, the smoked duck breast sandwich is to die for...
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
After reading numerous postings from fellow yelpers I decided to get off my lazy butt and head out of my state office cubicle and make the 15 minute walk to this place. What a charming place with character. A simple sandwich has become gourmet! My favorite sandwiches have become Pate du Jour ($5.50) and Smoked Salmon ($6.00). I haven't had the time to try the soups but from what I hear they are quite tasty. Waiting is not my forte especially with a short lunch and all the time spent walking so I try to go after 1pm but even then there is a line sometimes. Yes Monsieur Pont has wine.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Cool (1)
Just wanted to add onto the raving reviews. I had the smoked salmon sandwich and the cream of broccoli soup and both of them were to die for. The portions aren't that big, but it was very filling and delicious. As mentioned before, this is a one-man operation, so expect long lines during lunch time. Not sure if this was mentioned before, but it's a very small cafe, so there's not much sitting room, (maybe 5 or 6 small tables max?) so it might be best to grab and go.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
An absolutely fantastic experience! A one man operation and the best sandwiches in town by far; worth the trip downtown and the wait. It feels like a little soup cafe in Paris. The owner is a very kind and sweet French man who takes his time making everything just right; it all comes out in his amazing sandwiches and soups. This place is a must go!
So first can I just start off by saying that I joined Yelp just to comment on this place. After considering much of the comments and reviews about this place i decided to give it a try. I've never thought to call a place charming until I came here. I felt like I was on vacation in Paris. Something about the place just felt so relaxing and pleasant. As I first entered, I was surprised that there was only one person running the show with a full line. Usually i would be impatient with waiting but something about the music, the man behind the counter, and the sandwiches just made me so comfortable and at ease.
Might sound cheesy but as I watched, the owner made each and every one of his sandwiches with such delicacy and love. (I'm not kidding... u can really feel the "love" as you see it made.) I was impressed. He was also so nice and had this cute little accent that went along perfectly with the theme. Me and my bf ended up ordering and eating 3 sandwiches. (I know... pigs right?) Not to our surprise, it was deliciously wonderful. We had the duck sandwich, the braised pork loin, and the brie w/ apples. I simple LOVED the brie and apples, I got it because it sounded interesting but it ended up being my favorite out of the three. My bf gave the duck the blue ribbon. The bread used was taken straight out of an oven. The bf really liked the texture and the hardness of the bread. I didn't like it as hard and crunchy (I have this pet peeve about hard things cutting up the roof of my mouth) but nonetheless that still didn't take away from my love that was growing for this place as each bite was taken from my brie and apple sandwich. We will definitely be coming back to try out more daily specials, the crme brulee, and the French onion soup.
Few reasons I didn't give it a 5 was because the place was small and the sandwhiches were in smaller portions than expected. (not filling enough to just get 1 sandwich, you should probably get soup along with it or dessert)
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Fantastic one-man operation in the heart of downtown Sacramento. I had a roast beef sandwich with soppressata and swiss cheese. The lines are long but well worth the wait. Tasty!
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (2)
I went here for the first time today, which is sad because I work right around the corner.
Sure I waited in line for 40 minutes, but it was a thorougly enjoyable experience. Watching the owner rush around to meticulously put together every sandwich and listening to other customers chatter was a great help for a first timer.
I ordered the Cream of Vegetable Soup (deliciously flavorful and not so heavy with cream it left that film in your mouth) and a Warm Brie and Apple Sandwich (to die for). I'm looking forward to going back and trying other things on the menu.
The guy in front of me ordered the goat cheese and strawberry sandwich, and the owner literally sliced individual fresh strawberries to order. Same with the brie and apple for my sandwich. Everything is FRESH. A real gem for downtown.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
I have wanted to go to forever and have been jealous of all he yelpers that review this place, but have been to lazy (lame?) to get moving and leave my corporate rat hole daytime neighborhood to drive across the American River and have a proper lunch.
This all changed today and as it now stands I might need to find a new job that is more convenient to my new favorite lunch spot. The chef can definitely make a tasty sandwich. The portion size was that perfect, when he hands it to me I think "whoh thats not enough" but in actuality I'm sitting in my cubicle with a full stomach. The tastiness of that warm crispy French baguette, , the silkiness of the warm brie, the saltiness of the prosciutto, and the sweet tartness of his secret sauce will be on my mind for the rest of the day.
Le Bonne Soupe if you get a credit card machine for my lame cashless self I will give you another star, because at that point you will be everything I need.
Update (Le Bonne Soupe Day 2): The man has a credit card machine hiding behind the cash register, and all my french onion soup dreams have come true. Career Builder .com here I come.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Funny (1)
Cool (4)
Fantastic, and worth the wait! Prices are reasonable and the chef/owner dispells all the bad preconceptions we have about the French. A class act.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (2)
Cool (2)
The soup nazi in NY has a rival in Sacramento...
Given that I am on vacation this week, I can finally make it to La Bonne again before I write my review. I basically arrived at the door at 10:45 only to see the "Closed" sign so I figured the owner is not ready yet and I waited for a minute only see him waving me to come in. Walking in, I was hoping he had butternut squash soup but it was not going to be my day so I ventured with a bok choy soup instead along with braised pork sandwich. Okay, as I was watching him crafting my sandwich, I actually timed him which turns out to be under 3 minutes for the entire transaction.
The braised pork sandwich was very flavorful and balanced with only simple ingredients of braised pork, romaine lettuce, tomatoes and balsamic cream sauce. The bok choy soup is a cream based soup and was very tasty. I had the butternut squash soup in the past and it was great as everyone have posted.
While I think this is Sacramento's little gem, I would hate to think if and when this place shut its door. I get it that he is a perfectionist and that if you hire someone else, you can lose some quality. But once this is gone, it is a very big shoe to fill in Sacramento. I am hoping he has an apprentice somewhere who can step in should something happens. So Sacramento, enjoy La Bonne while you can.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (2)
Cool (1)
I've been here three times, and each time I fall into carb ecstasy. The bread is wonderful, crispy on the outside (sometimes I bruise the roof of my mouth, but sometimes pain is glorious), soft and moist on the inside. yuuum. He doesn't make the bread, but the accompaniments (braised pork, warm brie with proscuitto, or leg of lamb) are phenonmenal. I so wish I spoke better french!
The soups are always amazing, the best by far is the cream of cauliflower....and I abhor cauliflower (broccoli's weird cousin)! His skills are wonderous. Mushroom and Leek (love the creamy texture against the hard crust of bread), and the French Onion (sweet and cheesy) are always delicious.
Soo proud La Bonne Soup is here in Sac!
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
So I finnaly made it here! after attempting this place 2x. first time he closed early, second time he was closed for remodeling. luckily we missed the state hour lunch rush. it was a very cute lil hole in the wall place that reminded me of SF.
it amazes me how the simplest things (from costco) can be turned into something delicious and gourmet. as i stood in line i see that his smoked salmon was a package from costco! i wanted to try the smoked salmon but he ran out so I had the fresh salmon sandwich, the bf got the french sausage sandwich and we split the mushroom soup. all 3 were great and delicious.
i really liked the fact that the owner washed his hands after contact with cash before he took another customer's order! you can't even get that at some places!
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Cool (1)
100 reviews for this place!
Can't say it any better than anyone else. We had a nice chat with the man when it got close to closing. He really enjoys the cafe but also looks forward to Friday when he can shut down.
Elegant, good food, and the best french onion soup.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
This is the best lunch spot in Sacramento.The soup is the best I have ever had in my life. My favorite is the cream of mushroom but the cream of vegetable is a close second. The sandwiches are pretty good but make sure to get the soup.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Funny (1)
What an absolute gem in downtown Sacramento. True, the wait can be long but it is definitely worth it once you try the food. This is a true throwback where the owner/chef/waiter is the same person. It is a testament to the quality of the food (and the experience itself) that people continue to wait in line for 30+ minutes (at times) to grab a simple sandwich or a bowl of soup. Keep up the great work, chef!
It really is a step up for Sacramento. I don't think a place like this would make it in SF (where I happen to have been born and raised and currently live). For one thing, the sandwiches/soups here are priced at under $10 --- this should be suspicious for anyone who lives in the 415. In fact, this should be HELLA suspicious. I mean, if you're not paying at least $15 for one person for lunch, then you have to wonder what you're getting. The chef would be wise to triple his prices and add a sense of pretentiousness and only then would it come close to an SF eatery. For now, I guess this will just have to do when I'm hungry around lunchtime in Sacramento.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Funny (2)
Cool (3)
UNE BONNE IDEE! Thanks, yelp reviewer-friends, for turning us on to La Bonne Soupe. The soup (cauliflower/butternut squash), our shared sandwich (#13 salmon) and an amazing opportunity to chat briefly with the proprietor-chef were a wonderful way to spend a lunch date. Everything was super-fresh, super-gourmet-licious, impeccably prepared. The cafe's music, decor and just watching the chef assemble and dress each order, was a soothing delight (really)! I'm glad we treated ourselves to this food prepared by someone who clearly cares about our health and happiness.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (5)
Funny (1)
Cool (2)
Wow! Yelpers rarely ever steer me wrong.
I have had this place bookmarked for a while, hoping to give it a try when business took me to Sacramento. Well, I find myself here with a terrible cold, feeling pretty down, but determined to enjoy the chance to give it a try.
It SO pays to know how this palce works ahead of time, so you dont go in all in a rush thinking you are at some typical sandwich shop. I arrived before noon, but the line was already back to the door. No bother; I've got an hour on my parking meter and a fresh newspaper in hand. I can wait. As others have said, it is wonderful to watch the chef/owner individually talk to each patron, take their order, make it with care, then give the same attention to the next one.
Even the customers are a nice experience. A gentleman behind me obviously brought a newbie along for his first experience. The friend fretted about the slowness of the line, if he should grab and save one of the few tables while we wait in line. "Just relax" he tells the newbie. "It all works out."
And it does indeed. Given the slower pace of individual service provided, tables seemed to open up at just the time another person had their fill. I noticed the guy in front of me was alone, and asked (which I never do!) if we could share a table so that others could be accomodated. A pleasant positive acknowledgement was all that was exchanged.
Now the food. A rich cream of vegetable soup, wonderfully smooth and flavorful, the creaminess derived more from the vegetables than the diary as best I could tell. I had the braised turkey sandwich along side. Incredibly juicy breast meat on a fresh baguette, braising liquid poured inside. It was a very calming and healing kind of meal, and a unexpected lunch experience.
Merci Beaucoup!
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Cool (2)
Inspired by glowing reviews from Yelpers, I broke out of my weekday routine and ventured down to the inconspicuous little spot on 8th street. After waiting in line for 15 minutes, I ordered a warm brie & prosciutto sandwich and a cup of cream of vegetable soup. Both were really delicious; the sandwich was perfect and the soup creamy and well-balanced. I'm usually underwhelmed by soups offered in midtown lunch spots, but La Bonne delivered the real deal. I plan to go back regularly to sample everything he rotates on the menu. It takes some pretty good eats to prompt me to tolerate ridiculous lunch traffic and herds of complacent state workers in orthopedic shoes (sorry mom), so take that for what it's worth.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
Truly delicious food. Simple fare done the French gourmet way. Watch out for the lunch crowd! La Bonne Soupe's quality is reflected in its popularity.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
One of the most distinctive lunches in town - in a low-fi sense - a guy doing a thing - to hell with what anyone else cares - he's doing it his way - and getting away with it! Prices fair - can be a long wait to get a sandwich - but it's like eating at your crazy French uncle connoisseur's house for lunch. Bon appetite!
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (2)
Cool (1)
After reading all the great reviews, I was excited to try this place out. The sandwiches were alrite, but definitely not worth the 40 minute wait. I understand that the owner wants to do it all himself, but come on, it didn't look that difficult to make the sandwiches. The bread was very good, all that's what the 3 stars are for, but otherwise it was a disappointment.
I'd always wanted to try this downtown eatery for a while now, got a chance to go there couple days ago.
The parking was horrible, but the food was fantastic!! under $10.. best sandwich place in Sac period...
I have been here multiple times, and have not a bad word to say about this little French place. Love it! Especially the warm brie and prosciutto sandwich with a side of cream of vegetable soup. So satisfying! I always go at around 10:30 or 11 a.m. to miss the lunchtime crowd. Monsieur Dupont is great, and always has a smile on his face.
I gotta say - this place grows on ya. My first visit was over 6 months ago and after scraping the roof of my mouth with the crispy French bread I thought, ok, good but not THAT good. And then few days later I started thinking about the yummy french onion soup and the French bread with the perfect (although somewhat sharp) crust. I've since been back half a dozen times and one of those times I was lucky enough to score the last Creme Brulee the chef had made for the first time and it was REALLY good. Nice little place - go early or late to avoid waiting in line although if you have the time it's really fun to watch the chef prepare the sandwiches. Just makes you appreciate the little $6 sandwiches you're eating that much more.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
I think I have died and gone to heaven each and every time I get to eat here. It is the most delicious food I've tasted in Sacramento. I visited this place for the first time this week and went back a couple of days later for more.
What I love most about this place is the humanity that comes out in the people that visit. For instance, everyone waits patiently in line knowing that their turn will come and the food will be worth every extra second of wait time. Also, without much fuss those that choose to eat on sight bus their own table, and make sure that the next person won't have to sit at a dirty table.
Aside from the humanity, the food is so delicious. I love that he finishes baking the bread right before he makes the sandwich. I love how he has a cassette player which needs to be switched from the A side to the B side for the music to continue. I love that he uses a regular old calculator to figure out the total due. There's just something very old fashioned in the way this business is conducted.
What I love especially about his old fashioned ways is the high quality and care that goes into every sandwich or anything that he serves. The first time we went, we ordered the french onion soup, the cream of vegetable soup, the warm brie and prosciutto sandwich, and the poached salmon sandwich with the beurre blanc (but he had to replace the beurre blanc with a vinaigrette). Everything was hands down delicious. The second time we went, we ordered the cream of vegetable soup again, the cream of mushroom (the best mushroom soup I've ever encountered), leg of lamb sandwich and the braised pork sandwich. WOW. That's all I have to say....
Sometimes, when a place has been hyped up as much as this place had for me, I fear that the actual experience may be less than what I expect. This was not the case with La Bonne Soup. I intend to return time and again.
Try it for yourself... the earlier you go the less time you'll have to wait...
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Cool (2)
Great soup and good food; however, you need to wait for your food because this is a one man operation. You definitely need to give yourself ample time to eat at this place. It is not easy to find a spot to park out there.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Should liquid crack be available next to a Bail Bonds place? Despite the fact I already ate lunch (ahem, no big surprise there) I decided to head over for my first time and grab a bowl of soup for dessert since it was about 2 pm and I figured the notoriously long line would be short. There was only one person in front of me in line but Monsieur La Bonne was on the phone so I still had to wait but the girl in line ahead of me was super nice and told me how she couldn't believe she just found out about the place and is now moving. She gave me a run down of the menu telling me how people love the duck sandwich but her deal is the braised pork sandwich. Being that I already ate, or moreso only had a $10 bill on me, I just wanted soup this time around. The girl recommended the vegetable soup so although I was tempted by asparagus, I got the vegetable, the liquid crack. I'll be back for soup and a sandwich next time because as I watched Monsieur take out meat from his assortment of pots and pans and carefully slice the pieces of pork onto the baguette piece I so regretted eating my boring microwaved lunch. In fact, I didn't even mind waiting because it allowed me a chance to look at the posters and daydream and think about how I am really meant to live in another country--a place where people take their time, are kind spirits like the Monsieur himself, and ride bikes around the countryside with baguettes, bottles of wine, and flowers in their bike basket or something like that. Unfortunately, I had to return to work. But at least I had some liquid crack to look forward to back at my cubicle.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (4)
Cool (2)
I wanted to hold off on reviewing La Bonne Soup Cafe until visiting for a second time. Unfortunately, I only get an hour for lunch and that's just not enough time to brave the slow moving line. So my recent trip was only my second go at the place.
Can anything possibly live up to the hype? On my first visit (maybe six months ago), my girlfriend and I went late (around 2:00pm) so our options were quite limited. We ended up with a warmed brie sandwich with half a cup of cream of tomato and half a cup of french onion. Everything was great. We sat at one of the side tables and had a nice leisurely lunch while taking in the music, the people and watching Mr. Pont work. Great experience.
I just recently had the opportunity to go again and decided I would get the food to go. This time, I showed up very early and was able to get the lamb sandwich I was denied my previous visit along with a cup of cream of mushroom soup. The line was, of course, quite slow. I was able to take in the comedy of errors that waiting in the line can become. The anxiousness of the fellow customers. The gaudy woman yelling to her co-worker (the place is tiny) about her order and about saving a table like she was herding children at a Chuck-E-Cheese. I even started thinking, "man, if he was willing to take on even a single employee to help, this line sure would go faster".
Thankfully, the line was slow enough where I was able to reflect on the fact that nobody in the room is more aware of the slow line than Mr. Pont himself. Nobody is running around more, working harder, and putting out more effort than him. We're just sitting there in the line, getting a moment alone with our thoughts. In a society that is in such a hurry, that doesn't often allow itself a moment to slow down and consider things other than of our own sense of being inconvenienced, it's actually quite remarkable that Mr. Pont refuses to change or to compromise. It takes a passionate individual to wake up in the morning, every morning, and handle this kind of operation as one man and one man alone. If only there were more out there like him, perhaps the lines wouldn't be so obscene. Thankfully, people are smart. They know a good thing, a special thing, when they see one. And, for better or worse, they just don't make them like Mr. Pont very often.
I digress. So I get my sandwich and soup home. The roll is crisp on the outside, warm and soft in the middle. A perfect foil for tender braised lamb w/ jus, lettuce, tomato and sauce between it. The cream of mushroom soup is impossibly rich and complex, velvety on the tongue.
You don't need me or any of the other hundreds of five star reviews to tell you this is a special kind of place. The food speaks for itself. Ah, the greatness of simple things...
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Cool (5)
Wow, wow, wow. The leg of lamb sandwich and cream of cauliflower soup here cannot be beat.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (5)
Truly an artisan at work here. I love the brie and prosciutto sandwich and the soups are always good. The line is always long but it's one of those rare instances when it is really worth the wait.
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
I just tried La Bonne Soupe Cafe today on my lunch break. Due to the long line I had to run to get back to work on time. I got the Mozzarella Cheese & Tomato sandwich. I feared slightly, that it would be somewhat bland. It turned out to be completely the opposite. I don't think I have ever had such a simple yet tasty sandwich. I am personally a fan of hard, robust chesses, thus why I was leery of how this sandwich would rank on the flavor scale. I was surprised at how flavorful the mozzarella was on this sandwich, especially when accompanied by the Vinaigrette that cook/owner at La Bonne uses. The taste of it all is still in my mouth....I want more right now! An unlimited supply!
If there be one request or criticism, it would be that the Vegetarian options were pretty slim. What they do have though, was extremely delicious!
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (1)
There's an old song called, "I love Paris," written by Cole Porter and most notably sung by Old Blue Eyes himself- Sinatra. The chorus of the song is a bit sing-songy and goes something like this, "I love Paris in the spring time. I love Paris in the fall. I love Paris in the summer when it sizzles. I love Paris in the winter when it drizzles." Well, after visiting La Bonne today, I can see why one would adore the Frenchies.
Waking up to a dreary, wet Sacramento morning the last thing I wanted to do leave the confines of my nice warm Midtown apartment to navigate the rain-slicked streets to downtown. However, once I scored a prime parking spot I got into the swing of things. Armed with an umbrella and heels, I felt a bit Parisian as I ducked under the awning and stepped inside the bistro. After all the hype, I was a bit surprised- there was no line! In fact I was the only patron in the establishment. Immediately, I was greeted with a friendly "Hello, Mademoiselle," by Chef Daniel Pont. Since I was waiting for my two lunch companions to arrive, I plunked myself down at the nearest table and enagaged in a conversation with the charming Mr. Pont. We politely chatted about the weather, discussed the crazy drivers that were out and about and then focused on the food. When I asked for his recommendation, Mr. Pont didn't leap into an one man presentation about the various dishes; instead he told me to whittle my choices to two that I liked and he'd be happy to discuss them further in detail. After perusing the menu for a bit, I settled on the smoked duck with homemade herbed mayonnaise and the baked salmon with a sorrel (?) sauce. Mr. Pont diplomatically advised that when a customer has gotten it down to two choices he usually advises them which item would be healthier. I went with the baked salmon and was pleased with my choice. The salmon perfectly cooked and moist was accompanied by fresh asparagus and nestled comfortably in a lettuce bed within the crispy baguette. I also opted to try the much acclaimed French onion soup, which lived up to all of its Yelp raves. Slivered onions, a soaked baguette and a dollop of delectable cheese intermingled together in this savory potage. I seriously could eat this saporous concoction everyday! To top off the triad of gluttony, I purchased a "French" brownie to go. Having indulged in the treat a few minutes ago I have to say, "That's one damn good brownie!" It was dense, not overly sweet and seemed to impart a slight liqueur aftertaste.
Don't go to La Bonne expecting a snobby French eatery or speedy-service, Pont's place is simple, small and somewhat slow. Each sandwich is individually (and carefully) put together by him. He acts simultaneously as the cook, the front line and the cashier. As he works, he chats with the customers about the various selections (today there was a broccoflower soup that he explained was a nutritious hybrid), daily goings-ons and I even caught a few exchanges between him and a few customers in his native French. Also, get there early as there is limited seating (BTW- this is not a good place to go to with a big group) and the lunch selections do run out. Sandwiches run about $6-7 and soups about $5.
I most definitely will be back to sample some of his other sublime offerings. If I play my karma cards right, I'm hoping I'll luck out and drop in on a day that he has his infamous creme brulee. As it stood, I had to control myself from grabbing the courteous Frenchman in an embrace of gratitude and cooing, "Merci, mon petit chou!" upon my departure. Instead I smiled, nodded a thank you and rubbed my content belly as I headed back out into the rain.
(*mon petit chou = a French term of endearment meaning my "little cabbage or brussel sprout")
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (19)
Funny (4)
Cool (14)
Walked up here at lunch with Gina D. Got there at noon (bad idea) and the line was out the door. Chatted with a few customers while waiting for our food; people who had eaten there before us assured us it was worth the wait.
After 30 minutes, we finally ordered. I got the warm brie and prosciutto sandwich. There were about 12 or so sandwich options (hot and cold), and 4 soup options. 2 salad options too.
My sandwich was extremely good. Prices run $5-$7 or so for about everything. Soups are $4. Unusual options, you won't find a selections like this at just any restaurant.
Would give it 5 stars, but the wait was a little long. The owner does it all himself, and is really nice. Am going to go back many times, as I love soup!!!
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (2)
Cool (1)
oink oink!
wow. this place is HOT... what a cute lil homey lunch place .. wish you were opened beyond lunch... from the sandwiches to the soups, everything was amazing. they serve hot/cold sandwiches, soups, desserts, etc etc.
here comes me from a piggie's standpoint... i first ordered their $6 leg of lamb special sandwich, omg, the meat was soo juicy and tender (sry, no foto. this lil piggy was too hungry she had to scarve it down), YUM, so whaddayaknow? i went back for a 2nd sandwich. yes, within 10 minutes... this time, i got the $6 proscuitto // brie sandwich which was SOOO good.. i recommend this over the lamb, but obviously the lamb made such an impression i went for a 2nd. all served on a crunchy, perfectly toasted baguette ... so you wonder, did the 2nd one hit the spot? hmm.. honestly, no. hahaha. but mebe the soup did... (mind me, if this is your first time at my page, look for my "house of bagel" review. i ate 2 bagels in one setting.. omg, all that cheese. all those carbs... goodness! what am i thinking, especially with my miami trip coming up?)
no wonder im always complaining off my ass, in re to my kangaroo pouchh.. but shiet, i love to eat, what can you say...
oh, and their soup? can't forget about their cream of mushroom, o man, that totally did it for me... creamy indeed, not even close to being watered down.
now the icing of the cake: the service was above par... the owner // chef // proprietaire was sucha sweetie and a half ... thank you daniel!!! =D i'll totally come back...
make sure to come early because the line is just insane!
definitely one of those, must stop by, cheap eat spots when you visit sac...
YESH wilbur, finally, a PLACE I FOUND ON MY OWN, thank you very much, that I CAN SAY LEFT ME SMILING FOR MORE... sucka!!!! =D
Bookmark Send to a Friend Link to This Review
People thought this was:
Useful (8)
Funny (5)
Cool (6)
I very much enjoyed my sammich from La Bonne Soupe cafe. I had the warm brie with procuitto (sp?) it was rather delicious. The french roll it was on was perfect, crunchy on the outside and really made the sammich. I also tried the french onion soup. Couldn't go wrong. We stopped in there about 1pm on a Monday, and there were only 2/4 soups left and the pickins were getting slim for the hot sammiches. I guess that is why they close early, like 2:30pm. Great place to stop for a delightful and "hit the spot" type of lunch, but get there early!