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La Bonne Soupe Cafe
Category: Restaurants French French [Edit]
920 8th StSacramento, CA 95814
Neighborhood: Downtown
(916) 492-9506
- Hours:
Tue-Sat 11 am - 3 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual, Intimate
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
499 reviews for La Bonne Soupe Cafe
Review Highlights
"Because La Bonne is a labor of love for Chef Pont."
(in 41 reviews)
"La Bonne Soup Cafe is a one-man show deli."
(in 37 reviews)
"The braised pork sandwich was awesome."
(in 21 reviews)
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499 reviews in English
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Review from Matt S.
Sacramento, CA
1/27/2012
Oh man, so glad I found this gem.
I'm really into going out to get sandwiches during the work week for lunch because honestly, who wants to assemble lunch the night or morning before going in? And tuna on whole wheat made at home gets old pretty fast. Panera used to be my main squeeze and while they do pretty decently for a chain, the quality consistency order to order varies wildly. Plus, their sandwiches aren't all that unique or different from what I could make at home.
Now this place, as for quality, I've only gone two times but I can tell it'll be pretty consistently awesome. Produce is fresh, meat is so flavorful and yummy and the bread is toasted perfectly. I've gotten the reuben and brie & prosciutto so far: already two of the best sandwiches I've ever had. And from looking at the menu, I'm planning on trying everything -- they have a very unique selection of sandwiches/soups that you'll be hard-pressed to find elsewhere. I even heard the chef announce to a few people that rabbit stew (!) was on the menu for the day.
Speaking of which, the chef is very cordial, seems to remember regulars and cares a lot about making the perfect lunch for you. His business partner (significant other?) is also catering to the customer as well. In fact, this is one of the few places I tipped for take-out not only because the food has been unbelievable but because these people truly believe in the most important business model other places seem to forget: you have no business without loyal customers.
Only downside -- it's far from me and it's downtown; so if I see a parking spot close to the cafe I get really excited. But hey, I'll make the trek every week or so to stuff my face of delightful sandwiches.
P.S. I just realized I wrote three paragraphs of a review on sandwiches...they're that good. Go. Now. -
Review from Juan A.
Fairfield, CA
Delicious food!!
I got the french hoagie and the creme of mushroom and both of them were amazing.... Very little restaurant with some amazing food. I had a hard time choosing what to eat because everything in the menu sounds delicious.
I usually don't like brie cheese but the combination of flavors in my sandwich was so good that I ate the whole thing. The creme was very thick and you can tell that it was fresh.
Definitively will come back to try more of their creations... -
Review from Stephanie B.
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
1/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is a delightful soup and sandwich shop in downtown Sacramento near the court/jail. This is a tiny place, with only 5-6 tables that seat 2-3 people each and a large counter for making sandwiches/serving soup. The chef is ready to make your sandwich and his significant other is helping plate, serve soup and check folks out.
The Chef greets each guest with a smile. We ordered the french reuben (french roll with pastrami, swiss, caramelized onions and dressing), the grilled vegetable sandwich (classic stack of grilled veggies with goat cheese on a baguette), the crab bisque (x2), the french onion soup and the spicy cajun tomato soup. With three fancy sodas and a 16% tip, our total was under $40! And, everything was delicious. I would skip the french onion soup, because it is vegetarian and I think that the soup needs beef stock. But, the bisque had HUGE chunks of crab. The tomato soup had no dairy but was not overly acidic - great spice with big chunks of tomato. Seriously, one of the best tomato soups that I have ever had. The bread was uber fresh and that reuben was lean and tasty.
The gracious chef then surprised us with a Creme Brulee to share. It is one of the two BEST creme brulee desserts that I have EVER had. In a sandwich shop! Go figure! It was still warm with an airy texture that melted in your mouth upon contact. Because it was so airy, you need to be careful to break-up that sugar crust to get a little with each bite. DELICIOUS!
Every single sandiwch tantalized my tastebuds. While I am from SoCal, I would definitely come back to La Bonne Soupe Cafe given the opportunity. -
Review from Joanna A.
Sacramento, CA
2/5/2012
This place is absolutely amazing! The food is delectable, beyond reproach, and the new owners, who took this place over from the older French gentlemen, have made it my new favorite lunch spot. They are not only far more quick and efficient than the previous owner (no more waiting 20+ min to order), but they so are incredibly kind and service-oriented (unlike the previous owner). I wish I could eat here every day!
One of the reviewers below warned to stay away from the French onion soup because it is vegetarian - that was my fault, the soup is NOT normally vegetarian. This reviewer must have been there on a Friday. On my first visit back since the change in ownership, I happened to mention to the owner/chef that I had always wanted to try french onion soup (which this place is very well known for), but I'm a vegetarian and it's always made with beef stock. Well, knowing that my friend and I planned to start coming every Friday after our weekly meetings in downtown, he made the soup vegetarian the next week specially for me! I was blown away that he would do this for me! And it was incredible! Rest assured french onion soup aficionados, this was a one-time change in recipe to satisfy a girl's dream of finally trying this soup.
Sadly, my weekly meetings have been moved out of downtown and so I won't be able to come by every week anymore, but I will be in every time I have the opportunity! Such high quality small businesses like this who go above and beyond for their customers should be celebrated and supported by the community. So put down that dull Subway sandwich and stop in for a mind-blowing culinary experience! -
Review from Julietta B.
Sacramento, CA
Devout fans of the highly revered Chef Pont....unfortunately, I didn't have the pleasure of making his acquaintance before the change in ownership. I had passed by the cafe numerous times, catching a whiff of something delicious in the air, but always deterred by the long line snaking outside of the door and onto the sidewalk. "Someday I'll stop in" I thought to myself.
The day finally arrived but Chef Pont was already long gone. The nice couple that now runs the place do an efficient job of it. Despite the growing line behind me, orders were moved along quickIy. I was warmly greeted by the husband and placed my order with him: Roasted Asparagus and Smoked Salmon on a crunchy baguette while O.Bestie desired the Roasted Chicken w/Gruyere cheese and olives on baguette. Then, I saw that they had Crab Bisque soup on the menu and had to give it a try. I found my selections to be most pleasurable and satisfying. Every once in a while I like to torture my gums with a crunchy baguette...don't you? Even had a bite of O.Bestie's sandwich and loved it too.
Yesterday, I returned solo. I ordered the French Club (mixed greens, turkey, bacon and Swiss on toasted baguette) and the Chef gave a smile and nod of approval. A few minutes later, he bags the sandwich for me and says "I think you will enjoy this" with a knowing smile. I retreated back to the sanctuary of the office break room and devoured the contents of the bag.
FYI: As promised, I did enjoy it. -
Review from Jana S.
Updated - 1/5/2012 2 photos
DEFinitely fell a few notches for me.. but WHY OH WHY and WHERE, more importantly, has the slow but consistent fine octogenarian French man gone? Will anyone make soups the way he does?
Ordered: a seafood chowder on a mildly nippy early afternoon. Line was definitely moving faster with the new help in tow, but what was given us when lid opened? Cream of duxelles!!!! Mistake was not averted, sadly. Couldn't be bothered to stand in the queue yet again to complain. Funny thing is, the same lady who rang cashier also bungled the order ahead of us as well. We felt sorry for him, until we realized we were dealt the same fate!
Was going to order a hot baguette sandwich, but we spotted the bare hands and the hygiene under sandwich-making person's nails, and decided against the order.
Not sure I will ever come back again, the experience was totally abysmal.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/29/2010
UNCTUOUS SOUPS, OUT OF THIS WORLD SANDWICHES, AND UM, PASS ON THE SALADS. DESSERTS SERVED HERE TOO!
… Read more »
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Review from Tu-Anh N.
1/12/2012
I can't believe I haven't written a review of La Bonne considering I've pretty much had everything here!
I keep coming back because it's the best little Parisian cafe in town. I do love my Cafe Rolle but it's amazing to come here and see Chef Daniel Pont work his magic making a meal out of no where in minutes.
The daily soups are fresh and always great. My favorite is the french onion soup. Try the daily specials of the sandwiches because it's always guaranteed to be delish! Although the melted brie is always a good back up. :) Make sure to get here for an early lunch for the widest selections available. And the french onion soup always runs out first! -
Review from Mai L.
1/8/2012
After hearing my friends rave about this place for a year and half, I finally decided to try this place. Well worth all the hype! The place is very small and I heard that they have limited staffing. I went on a Saturday afternoon at 2pm and it was not crowded at all, surprisingly. The decor of the place was cute and very french. They even had french music. I ordered the french onion soup, which is the best onion soup I have ever had. (and i have had a lot of onion soups in my life time). I also got the smoked salmon and asparagus sandwich with some type of amazing white creamy cheese. My bf got the venison and pastrami sandwich, which also looked bomb. Next time I want to try their duck sandwich.
If you're into new, different sandwiches and the best onion soup ever, come here. Definitely a must try. The place is also super cute! I recommend coming on off times since there is not much seating. LOVE LOVE LOVE -
Review from Megan W.
Citrus Heights, CA
This was the perfect place for lunch on Jury Duty. Thank you Yelp. I ordered a French Poor Boy and OMG Bree and fresh bread and meats in my mouth was a winner. The French Onion soup was probably the best I've ever had, and I honestly hate onions.
I would definitely eat here again and feel tres chic. -
Review from Katz K.
Los Angeles, CA
1/27/2012
We started with the tomato soup (seriously delicious); then I had an amazing chicken saltimbocca sandwich! I had it without the sage which did not upset the owner at all. These people are so friendly and accommodating. Even though there was a constant stream and line, they were really fast. I liked that the chef told the delivery man " Wait a sec. I've made you a sandwich." Nice people! My only regret is that I was too full to try the Creme Brûlée another reviewer mentioned. Next time for sure!!
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Review from Christina S.
Davis, CA
12/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
The boyfriend was craving a sandwich, so I whipped out the phone and led us here.
Inside, there really sin't a lot of seating, but it's warm, cozy, and a few blocks from the state Capitol.
I chose the Dan Deal, which is roasted angus tri tip, mushrooms, caramelized onions, and french blue cheese. The boyfriend got the French poor boy, which was roasted turkey, black forest ham, and provolone. We shared a crab bisque.
The Dan deal was overpoweringly blue cheese, but delicious all the same.
The crab bisque was creamy, smooth, and chock full of hunks of crab meat. Yum!
The French poor boy, however, stole the show. The baguette was buttery and crisp. The turkey was ultra delicious. And there was some sort of garlic butter or mayo. Yum yum!
Definitely a great place. I recommend the bisque and the French poor boy :) -
Review from Raina D.
Sacramento, CA
12/2/2011
Went there for the first time yesterday and had the turkey w/brie sandwhich and crab bisque. Both were delicious. The place is very small so be aware there may not be seating during the lunch rush, not really practical if you want to go with friends... (thus the 4 stars) but other than that it's GREAT!
Definitely a place to try out! Ingredients all look fresh and properly stored. Will go there again! -
Review from Gabriela H.
Sacramento, CA
11/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
What does a glass blower, plastic surgeon, & the Chef have in common? all 3 are artists.
Le Chef takes his stuff seriously. He didn't just make me a meal; Le Chef crafted a delicious culinary experience that engages my five senses.
My eyes were treated to a demonstration of craftsmanship, colors, and shapes.
My ears were serenaded to his harmonic hums as he sliced my bread.
My nose had an ohm moment as I took in the delicious aroma of my soup.
My hands and fingers were put to the challenge of creating perfect bites combining all the flavors I wanted.
My palate was in heaven as I ate every last morsel on my plate.
So when you patiently wait as Le Chef crafts your food, don't play with your iPhone. Take it squeezy, let yourself absorb the experience.
PS, why only four stars? I'm flirting with being a vegan. The menu choices are limited. -
Review from Eric E.
10/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
It seems that there is some confusion about the present status of LBSC. Well, let me tell you that the current Owner/Mgr/Chef is doing a great job at continuing the legacy created by Chef Pont.
Recently had a seafood chowder that was AMAZING. I have never had a bad sandwich from LBSC. Once...once, I tell you, the bread was toasted a bit too much for me, but that is the biggest complaint I can muster. Not bad!
So, go down and check out this kind couple doing very good work at this site that has been making Sacramento proud for several years. -
Review from John A.
Valencia, CA
1/2/2012
Delicious! Fresh food, amazing flavors. Ordered the crab chowder ($4), a vegetarian baguette (fresh vegetables that he had for the day were used), and a duck breast confit baguette (baguettes were $8). Both sandwiches were excellent. Wish there were more places like this around. You must go here!!
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Review from Christine G.
Brandon, FL
1/6/2012
Loved my duck confit sandwich with brie on the best French baguette I've had in a long time. Did not love my mushroom soup. Love the guy making the sandwiches with such care. Will definitely go back to this place again and again.
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Review from Marilyn V.
Oroville, CA
1/9/2012
Warm Brie & Prosciutto Sandwich, AWESOME! We visited in October 2011, the food was fabulous!
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Review from B K.
Shingle Springs, CA
1/24/2012
Best and freshest sandwiches I've ever had...drove all the way from near Placerville and brought my friends back with me the following week. Interesting combinations of food I'd never have thought to pair (brie and fresh peaches? Crazy good). New owner/chef Ed does this place good. It's in an odd location but so worth the drive.
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Review from Sam B.
10/15/2011 3 Check-ins Here
The only good thing about jury duty: being able to finally eat at La Bonne Soupe Cafe.
I had been meaning to check this place out for months, so I jumped at the chance to give it a try! I was not disappointed. Thus far, I've tried four different sandwiches and three soups (in two visits believe it or not) and I've only run into a single thing I didn't like. It wasn't a matter of quality, either. It just turns out I'm not a big fan of lobster bisque! Everything else was awesome.
The bread is crunchy and delicious, the cheese is extremely flavorful, the produce is fresh and the balsamic sauce really added a nice zing of flavor on sandwiches like the nectarine sandwich. Yes, fruit sandwiches. Go figure! They're delicious.
Let me sum it up to you like this: two of us walked in one weekend, ordered a total of three sandwiches and two soups, and walked out without a crumb left on the plate. If that doesn't scream "satisfaction", I don't know what will. -
Review from Rickydean B.
Lodi, CA
12/8/2011
Dungeness crab bisque, mussell and clam chowder with saffron, duck confit w/shallots and brie on a fresh baked french roll, roast tri-tip with carmelized onions and blue cheese? Wow. You've got our attention. No one else downtown comes close to being this good or interesting.
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Review from Laura R.
Sacramento, CA
9/19/2011
This is such a cute little bistro. It's small but cozy. And the food is so good. Today, they had a number of sandwiches with fresh fruits and cheese. I tried the brie and nectarine sandwich, which was every bit as delecious as it sounds. I also had the crawfish bisque, which was a bit heavier than what I was hoping for, but still quite tasty.
I've heard that the lines here can be very long, so I was deterred from trying it before. I went with a friend around 12:15 today, peak lunch hour time, and there was only a short line. We had our soups in about 10 minutes and our sandwiches a few minutes later. Most people seemed to grab their order to-go too, so there was plenty of seating available. I'm nto sure if this is typical, but I'll definitely try it again soon. -
Review from Bhanie C.
Very cute little French place right off 8th and J. There is about 7 tables, with one outside, and only one chief and one cashier. Came here at about noon for lunch, and my friend and I both ordered a sandwich and soup. I had the lobster bisque and the smoked salmon with asparagus sandwich, my friend had the french onion soup with poor boy sandwich, which had turkey in it. Both sandwich were delicious! But the soups were just, I guess an acquired taste we had to develop. We weren't used to the french onion or the lobster bisque, the bisque was a little too fishy and too creamy, it just had a weird taste. Over all great service, atmosphere and sandwiches! Definitely be back for more sandwiches!
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Review from Amparo L.
Davis, CA
12/7/2011
What a nice treat, the organic mushroom soup was delicious!! Very earthy and filling. Also had the fig and brie sandwich, now that was extremely yummy!! You should try it. If you are not wanting to stand in line, get there by 11:30 otherwise it will be a long wait. Not recommended for big groups, it is small and cozy.
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Review from irene u.
Upland, CA
12/13/2011
Two words... go here! The service is impeccable in that they are warm, welcoming, and open to making your order just the way you like it. I ordered an angry bird and my friend ordered a Dan deal but with roasted vegetables substitute blue cheese for brie and swiss and extra glaze yummyness. Boom... both were aaaaammmmazzzzing! Very fresh and very much worth the wait. The lunch crowd is crazy, because they are.only open from 11-3. Try it. You'll br going back. Too bad I live in the east bay.
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Review from Karen F.
Sacramento, CA
Updated - 9/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
So I've been here twice since the new owners took over. The first time was not great... but today was much better. Not as good as it used to be but the line is not as long either so it balances out I guess.
This chef does allow you to change items on sandwiches (Chef Pont did not) so if you really hate something listed you can ask for a substitute. Also, the menu is a little more 'mainstream' but still has the true french flair you foodies are looking for.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/26/2011
Get there early (10:50 - 11:00) and put on your patient hat. It's worth the wait! Perfect bread and… Read more »
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Review from Krystal d.
Orange, CA
12/26/2011
Best prosciutto w/ warm Brie sandwich & French onion soup. Ever. Produce is fresh every single day. Daniel takes about 10-15 minutes for each order. Totally worth it. What do you expect from a tiny sandwich spot with one sandwich maker. Next time I go I think I'm gonna try the creme brûlée. My tummy didn't have enough room last time.
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Review from Melissa H.
Sacramento, CA
10/19/2011
I went yesterday, had the Brie and Prosciutto sandwich and it was really good. High quality balsamic which really complemented the other ingredients without overwhelming their flavor. Only mark down was for the "light" hand on the brie, could have used more on the sandwich and the tomato's were sliced a little thick for my taste.
Service was friendly. Chef was explaining selections to customers. He stated the pumpkin soup is made with coconut milk instead of cream to lighten it up a bit and make it a bit healthier. He said it had been a big seller and they were on their second batch of the day. I thought it was a nice touch that he walked my sandwich from around the counter to me and thanked me for coming in (line had dissipated). I will be back to try the soups this winter. -
Review from Fred W.
Fairfield, CA
12/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
Outstanding food, great service too! Small and cozy and a must visit if you are in downtown Sac.
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Review from Jen G.
Sacramento, CA
9/13/2011
Soooo... about the new ownership. Here's the thing. Before my Ma Mère passed, there were a couple things she made that I absolutely loved and that no one on earth could ever even come close to making as good as her version. She wasn't exactly Julia Child in perfecting her recipes, but everything she made always tasted sooooo freaking good to me - it truly was my comfort food. Why? The extra "touch of love" she added to all the food she prepared for those she held close to her heart.
It's that "touch of love" that's missing from La Bonne Soupe since Chef Pont retired. Perhaps it's the French in me, but I could literally taste the meticulous and devoted care he put into all of his food, and his heartfelt desire to fill his patrons with sheer glee from the inside out. It was *that* experience that made La Bonne Soupe so special. Chef Pont's food had that je ne sais quoi...ya know? While the new owners have done a very good job at replicating his recipes, it's just not quite the same. But it's still very, very good. -
Review from Tashina B.
Sacramento, CA
9/5/2011
I had the plum and brie cheese sandwich of the day. Sweet plums, warmed brie, and fresh baked bread. Layer of arugula and garden-grown heirloom tomatoes. The sandwich didnt have any condiments or additional flavors. But the plums, tomatoes, and arugula were all so fresh, it was bursting with flavor.
The place is small so its quaint and unique. A small fridge also serves small bottles of wine, beer, and European sparkling juices.
Portions are a bit small, but filling enough. The customer service great; a talented chef behind the counter taking your order. An excellent lunch spot. -
Review from Myoree N.
Elk Grove, CA
12/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
Mouth watering delicious! My coworker and I went there for my birthday lunch. He had the Angry Bird and I had the Dan's Deal (fresh mushroom, caramelized onions, tomato, spring mix, Brie). Each sandwich was served with fresh bread toasted. We also ordered the crab dungeoness bisque soup and it was super creamy! I heard the chef serves different soups daily and his desserts are awesome too!
We were there right when GoodDay Sacramento came to interview them!! Crazy neat! Anyways, we plan to try out the Chez Daniel next since its affiliated with the chef! Bon Appetite!! -
Review from John C.
Sacramento, CA
11/16/2011
So La Bonne has been on my radar forever, but sadly my procrastination led to me missing Chef Pont's stewardship of the establishment. Well, new owners have since taken over and I finally gave La Bonne a try. The café's décor is quaint and well suited to the food they serve. The line to order was busy, but manageable and I quickly made my way to the front. I opted for the chef's special, which was delicious and crafted with care. The price is competitive to other neighboring cafes, but the taste, quality of ingredients and portions exceed the competition. Needless to say, I'll definitely be back.
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Review from J H.
Sacramento, CA
8/23/2011
Disappointing.
Steak sandwich was bland and had too much butter(?) sauce.
My friend's sandwhich.... was ok.
Salad was good. -
Review from Helen L.
9/16/2011
I have to say, I adore this place. Cutest lunch spot in Sacramento and possibly the most adorable sandwich spot ever! I have to warn you though, the hours are troublesome. He's only open weekdays and during lunch hours, probably catering the Capitol crowd. It's also only run entirely on the steam of one older french man! Yes, he takes your order, makes your sandwich and rings you up. So, there's bound to be a wait. Do not expect to come here on your half hour lunch. I think it's safe to say that one should expect to wait about 30 minutes if you're not there when he opens.
Aside from that, the food is delicious! Fresh, made to order (obviously) and made with care. You can watch him make it right there! He obviously has an affinity for detail. I always get sandwiches, but there is a revolving soup du jour that I've enjoyed before (cream of broccoli, yum!). I recommend the caprese and the brie & proscuitto but you can pretty much order anything and have it be a hit!
Can't recommend enough. :) -
Review from Tara W.
Sacramento, CA
Updated - 6/15/2011
Chef Pont is retired (waaaahhh) but La Bonne is still alive and kicking! I stopped by for my favorite sandwich today (goat cheese and strawberry) and had a quick chat with the new owner, who seems to really know his stuff and is eager to please. And it turns out that we're practically neighbors!
The sandwich was delicious as always, though I do miss the garlic aioli. The normally out-the-door line was missing when I stopped by around 12:30, but hopefully it was just a quiet moment. Look, nobody can replace Daniel Pont, but this place is one-of-a-kind (at least in Sacramento) and really deserves our continued support. So state workers and others fortunate enough to be downtown during the high lunch hours, get your hineys over there!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/23/2009
If you want fast food, this ain't your place, but this is a one-man operation and that's what really… Read more »
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Review from Rei O.
Silver Lake, Los Angeles, CA
7/5/2011
WOW! This place certainly was a gem. I would have never come across this place, if it wasn't for Yelp!
Street parking is the only option. I thought they closed at 2:30, and called them to double-check, and they told me that they were open till 3pm. We got there with 10 minutes to spare, and the owner was very nice in accomodating us. He even let us eat in, without rushing us or suggesting take-out.
I asked for what his suggestion, and he recommended the "Bree and Proscuitto" sandwich. I ordered the French Onion Soup too. 10 minutes later, it came out and it was goood! The sandwich was warm, and the Bree was melting just perfectly. The French Onion Soup was one of the best I've had; very good beef broth along with the carmelized onions; and to top it off melted cheeeessseee.
It's really small inside, and there were only three tables; the place has nice art hanging on the walls; and it kinda reminds you of those French cafes you see in the movies; until you see the Light Rail Train pass outside, and then you realize you're in the middle of Downtown Sacramento.
I'll be back to try their other sandwiches! -
Review from Jami K.
Fair Oaks, CA
7/29/2011
GREAT LUNCH TODAY!!! I had the Caprice sandwich and it was FANTASTIC! Super fresh bread and great flavor! JUST like the former owner!!! AND I LOVE the new art!!
The owner said they are going to stay open until 8:00 this Saturday 7/30/2011. They are showcasing the artist that did the mural on their wall. GREAT PIECE!
Thank you La Bonne! You're back and you were missed!!! :)
So glad my favorite lunch spot is BACK on the map! :) -
Review from Wonder M.
Sacramento, CA
8/16/2011
I did not know monsieur Pont retired and resold his business. Since I was there I gave the new owners a try. But since I was there, I took my time to look at the new menu. It has grown in length and variety and I want to get something that was special and can justify my tummy and this review. Decision made. I ordered the Mad Italian and the old favorite, Brie and Prosciutto the was done so well by the old owner. How can I write an honest review if I did not try something new and old?
While waiting for my order to be made fresh like how Mr. Pont usually does, I decided to chit chat with the new chef who told me that this La Bonne has a change of ownership. He added that Mr. Pont has retired and resold his business and taught the new chef his old recipes and techniques. The food was ready and I would pay the same prices as I did before the change. Also the décor inside has change as more artwork is posted in this hole in the wall sandwich spot.
Ran back to my work and sat down in the cafeteria to pig out with the coworkers. I took out both sandwiches and took half of the Mad Italian and half the Brie and Prosciutto while putting back the other halves back in the paper bag for dinner.
I decided to try the Mad Italian first. THANK GOD that the bread is the same. The bread speaks for itself and it is the same. The meats in the Mad Italian were quality and flavorful. Overall the sandwich was filled, or should I say over stuffed, with various meats. The meats itself was drenched in marinara sauce, to which I believe is too much and kills the natural flavors in the sandwich.
Overall this sandwich was good, but was not what I expected. I expected something light and more natural than over stuffed and drenched in sauce that takes away from the flavor of the other ingredients. Ingredients should compliment and go in symphony with the other ingredients that it works and make you scream out WTF? I WANT MORE!!!! And then you take a second bite. The marinara from the Mad Italian just lingers in your mouth and is too strong and robs the new La Bonne of more stars.
Now, for the old favorite, Brie and Prosciutto sandwich to try. The sandwich was made the way Mr. Pont does, but again, it was overly stuffed with brie and prosciutto. I know what you are thinking. Why is this guy complaining about more in his sandwich? Because it was not how Mr. Pont made it. He knew exactly how much of what and what to put in the sandwich to make it work and to make you wanting more. If I just want more meats or fillings, I'll just go to Chipotle. But this is not the case. The Brie and Prosciutto was not made the same and lacks in perfect harmony in flavor.
All in all, this place in my eyes has been Americanize. Before I use to dine here and go, "where the heck is my meat?" And after eating my sandwich I would go, "Wow, now I know why. It is balanced in flavor and quality. It is light and hearty enough to make you full, but not stuffed that you get food coma." The new La Bonne is now overstuffed, not balanced and gives you food coma. Overall, it is still an ok sandwich spot. I give this place 3.5 star if I could. -
Review from Karen H.
7/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
I came here with my friend Rei O, and we were definitely pleasantly surprised.
I think there is a parking structure across the street but street parking is definitely the best. It's about $0.25/12 minutes so it's definitely cheaper than other downtowns! The train tracks are right in front so it's easy to miss.
The bree and proscuitto sandwich looked delicious (but since I don't like ham, I didn't order that). The french onion soup was absolutely delightful. I ordered the caprese, and it was sooo delicious! The warm cheese, the crispy bread, what's not to love???
Prices range from $6-8 for their sandwiches, and the soups are $4. My friend and I, between the two of us, got 2 sandwiches, 1 soup, and 1 drink for about $20! Which is pretty great!
The service was extremely friendly, and it was so nice that they left the cafe open while we ate!
PS. check in via yelp to take advantage of their 20% off one sandwich deal! :) -
Review from Ashley N.
Sacramento, CA
Updated - 5/27/2011
LA BONNE IS NOT CLOSED!!!!
It simply has a new owner. Same great food, shorter wait!
The garlic aioli is not quite as good as Daniel Pont's though, maybe he wouldn't mind sharing his recipe with the new guy! But the sandwiches seemed a bit more hearty, and the soups were still excellent.2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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2/18/2011
Finally got to try the french onion soup today. In the words of Rachel Zoe, I DIE. Cream of broccoli… Read more »
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