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The French Gourmet, San Diego, CA

The French Gourmet

4.6
4.6
1415 Reviews
$30 and under
French
OUTDOOR PATIO & INDOOR SEATING IS OPEN FOR BRUNCH 7 days a week! ! !

HAPPY HOUR & DINNER (Wednesday-Sunday)

Our restaurant serves California-influenced French cuisine in our completely remodeled outdoor patio and indoor wine boutique, brand new menu and bar with signature craft cocktails. We are a long-time favorite of locals who appreciate the personal service and our extensive wine list. After more than four decades of serving our clients, it is as much an honor and a privilege, as it is a reassurance to know, that while culinary trends come and go, appreciation and dedication to quality endure.


Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 23 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Cuisines
    French, Continental, American
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Daily 9:00 am–3:00 pm Happy Hour Wed–Sun 3:00 pm–6:00 pm Dinner Wed–Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (858) 488-1725 ext. 316
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Catering
    Also a versatile San Diego catering company, our products are all prepared fresh daily on the premises. The dishes conjured up in our kitchen reflect a commitment to originality, freshness and the celebration of taste. Our knowledgeable sales team will work with you to create a menu and style that will compliment your event and your budget. As a local catering company, we can provide you with china, glassware, place settings, equipment rentals, servers and bartenders, and much more.
  • Private party contact
    Michel Malecot: (877) 926-3990
  • Neighborhood
    Pacific Beach
  • Cross street
    Cass Street
  • Parking details
    There is 15 minute parking in front of the bakery, and parking on nearby side streets.
  • Additional
    Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 1,415 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

1,415 Reviews
  1. Christopher

    San Diego

    30 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We’ve eaten here before. The food was excellent and they have wonderful bakery! I recommend this place as a special place for Valentines Day or any occasion!

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  2. TonyG

    Phoenix

    44 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    44 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall2food2service3ambience4
    Wow, where do I start? My wife and I are big fans of the French Gourmet, frequenting this cozy restaurant every time we travel to San Diego, which may be two or three times per year. But this night was disastrous.  Both of our entrées had to be returned to the kitchen. My duck was extremely over cooked and my wife’s steak was tough and undercooked. And the carrots were as hard as raw carrots. Despite the obvious errors in the kitchen, no efforts were made by staff to expedite service or even offer a complimentary treat. We were there for more than two hours, most of the time eating bread and drinking wine. I wonder if the chef was even there because the food and service were notches below the standards we had been accustomed to enjoying over the years.

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  3. AlyssaH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My boyfriend took me here for one of our first dates and it’s been our favorite date spot since! Every dish I’ve ever eaten here has been spectacular - their breakfast sandwich and short rib are two I really love. I haven’t been able to fully indulge in their bakery because I’m always so stuffed afterward, but the few things I have tried were lovely. Always a good time at The French Gourmet!

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  4. DSAII

    San Diego

    95 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    95 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall3food2service3ambience4
    We are regulars since we live in the local La Jolla neighborhood. We have been disappointed our last couple visits. I'm not sure if ownership/management has changed, but the regulars we knew there are gone and the new crew doesn't seem to have it together. This is true of take-out as well as dining. The crepes we ordered were cold on arrival. And today the service at the counter was confusing and poorly managed. We'd like to try again, but this is getting frustrating.

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  5. MitchellM

    Las Vegas

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food here is always very good ! Was very quiet on Saturday scallops were great filet was great ! always a great meal here

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  6. CarolineA

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience3
    Our server, Brian was very good once he knew we had been seated, but he was overwhelmed as the restaurant was understaffed. There was a very noisy, large group next to us, but that couldn't be helped. It made our conversation difficult to be heard. The food was excellent! Unfortunately, there were flies everywhere! In our hair, on our food! It definitely made our experience unpleasant. But we will return, maybe on a cooler day, when there may not be the insect problem.

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  7. Tina

    San Diego

    157 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    157 reviews

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It's ALWAYS "a beautiful day at the French Gourmet"!!! Sat outside, lovely day and terrific food which always satisfies the palate!!

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  8. LanaS

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Service was attentive but not intrusive. Waiter was knowledgable about the food offerings and wine. Food was delicious and there was a wonderful variety of desserts.

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  9. PamW

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A great value for delicious food. Good wines and drinks are also a good value, and Mark provides stellar service to all!

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  10. DSAII

    San Diego

    95 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    95 reviews

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We're regulars in the 'hood and figured we'd scoot out before the storm! Crowded for a weather weekend and always enjoy the atmosphere and food!

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  11. Patita

    San Diego

    65 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    65 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food accompanied by great service. Prices are reasonable for this neighborhood gem. BIG PROBLEM: Parking!!!

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  12. Carryll

    Phoenix

    71 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    71 reviews

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience3
    We’re frequent diners when we visit from AZ. We’ve always enjoyed our experience. We began with escargot, which was delicious, then had the small onion soup, also delicious. My husband had scallops and I had the duck. Both were good, not excellent. But we’ll be back next year.

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  13. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    18 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on August 8, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Mondays and Tuesdays they offer brunch - a choice of either breakfast or lunch. The Quiche Lorraine was wonderful along with the accompanying salad. The service was a bit slow because of only one waitress but she was sweet and professional. Will definitely return!

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  14. PAULAA

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our evening at the French Gourmet was wonderful. Ryan was our guy, and he was awesome. The food was delicious. We really enjoyed ourselves Sunday night. Thanks!

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  15. Freewoman

    Los Angeles

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The French Gourmet is always so good. I've been going there for many years, and hadn't been in awhile. Was great to get back there and to see the quality, wait staff, baked goods are still excellent as ever.

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  16. MBreviewsSD

    San Diego

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on July 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had a particularly nice brunch this Sunday. Food was hot, fresh, presented well on clean dishes (yes, its come to that, we must be grateful everywhere these days, when the bottom of the plate being served is clean and "drip free".), and all meals were delicious. Water filled promptly, fresh warm bread and butter were timely, and I was served a large pot of good, hot water for my tea. They even paid attention to my note in the reservation that we have some umbrella shade at our table. Many thanks.

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  17. ElissaO

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 27, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Food and drinks where simply amazing then a trip to the bakery section.. omggg but honestly they need wheel barrels to take you out.

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  18. Blondie

    Portland

    25 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on July 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful food with wonderful service.

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  19. Danny

    San Diego

    18 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on July 15, 2023

    overall3food2service3ambience1
    Thee food was very disappointing. The service was good. I don’t understand why this restaurant has 4 stars. This is not the best French restaurant in San Diego.

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  20. BBNK

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    1.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on July 15, 2023

    overall1food1service4ambience2
    This criticism is about the food, not the service, which was good. Reservations were for patio. When we arrived they said the wait would be 20 minutes. After 30 minutes they said it would be another hour. We sat inside and ordered. Appetizers were substandard. The escargot was not classically prepared, while the French onion soup was not memorable, in that the onions were only partially caramelized. The bouillabaisse was too salty, not the tomato/garlic style of soup. After we finished the appetizers, the main course ordered was not available. Alternatively, I ordered my third choice, the scallops. The Costco scallops were more prime. All in all, for $250 I expected better. I expected the food at a French restaurant would be prepared in a classical fashion. The unexpected deviation was not tasty.

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  21. JoyceW

    Hawaii

    5 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on July 14, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    We had a lot of fun. The food was good, and the atmosphere was very nice. Tony the waiter did the best he could with a complete room full of people dining. He was able to somewhat keep up with it all.

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  22. JanG

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I thoroughly enjoyed the food, ambience, and service. I plan to go again. It's hard to find parking, so be prepared to walk a ways from your car to the restaurant. But it's worth it.

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  23. FredF

    Phoenix

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on July 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food, service and ambiance. Lack of adequate parking nearby is an issue especially for seniors.

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  24. PatriciaK

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I had the best chicken marsala ever! My husband devoured his rack of lamb. The onion soup is also awesome. The pastries are amazing. We love coming to the French Gourmet.

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  25. JulieW

    San Diego

    11 reviews

    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on July 9, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    We came here for brunch and sat in their outdoor area. It was quiet and relaxing. The menu is varied: from crepes to omelets to French toast. Most of chose the croissant breakfast sandwich, the strawberry & Nutella crepe, and the French toast. All were delicious. A couple in the party had the Florentine omelet and they both noted that this dish is a bit too rich. One could only eat half and took the rest home. Good variety of savory and sweet items for all to chose.

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  26. ShawnS

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food is excellent. Service is excellent. Deserts and bread are excellent. Such a wonderful restaurant.

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  27. CandiR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 8, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    The menu has great choices. Our server was pleasant and friendly but I felt he could have been more attentive of beverage refills. Food was delicious.

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  28. PamW

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Good value for great food and wine, and always excellent service!

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  29. NickPB

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 2, 2023

    overall2food1service2ambience3
    Have been going to this restaurant for many years, but seems to have been going sadly downhill recently. This time, the food was improperly cooked...ordered a medium well done meat dish, and received it very rare, and a risotto seemed to consist mostly of melted butter with the ingredients afloat in it, almost inedible. Service was inattentive, and we had to repeatedly ask for side orders of bread etc. To their credit, they did waive the charge for the under-cooked meal, but all in all, a disappointing experience for a once excellent restaurant. Hopefully this was an aberration even though this is not the only mediocre experience we've had here recently, but will probably still give it another chance for old times sake.

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  30. SteveS

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 2, 2023

    overall2food2service3ambience5
    Always had a good meal, but this time it was disappointing. Food very salty. Waitress didn’t do anything to make it better. Probably won’t return.

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  31. barbarab

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on July 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Fun 🤩 and nice outside dining area… feels like your on a European vacation!!!

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  32. OVAZ

    Denver

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on July 1, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    They were able to cater to my gluten allergy easily. The food was incredible, we had the shrimp risotto. The wine was good although the selection of wines was minimal. Overall, excellent experience

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  33. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service was great and the Wagyu Special was melt-in-your-mouth AMAZING. We went to celebrate a birthday and the staff prepared a beautiful desert plate for our occasion and made it truly special. What a wonderful experience. Thank you!

    Is this helpful?

  34. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing! Fresh everything and service is wonderful. 10/10 recommend.

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  35. Tina

    Richmond

    46 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    46 reviews

    Dined on June 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Everything we had was fabulous! Appetizers and entrees and unfortunately we were too full for dessert. Shrimp and crab Mac and cheese appetizer was great for sharing. Scallops were cooked perfectly and the chicken Marsala was delicious. If we lived here we would be regulars.

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  36. TedS

    San Diego

    13 reviews

    2.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on June 20, 2023

    overall2food2service3ambience3
    I ate here several times some years before COVID hit. The experience yesterday was several notches below. It took almost ten minutes for us to be seated, despite having a reservation, even though the restaurant was almost empty. The food was good, but not good enough for me to want to return, given the options for French bistro food in San Diego. For example, the simple salad accompanying my main course had no dressing I could taste and much of the lettuce was wilted and old.

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  37. DaveM

    San Diego

    77 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    77 reviews

    Dined on June 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was on Father's Day. Was initially bummed to learn that it was a buffet. However, that changed quickly. Might be the best buffet I have ever been to. Everything was perfectly seasoned. Constant stream of fresh food coming out. Absolutely amazing.

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  38. Elizabeth

    Phoenix

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Went to the French Gourmet for Father’s Day brunch. The food was incredible. Not your average buffet by far. They even had nice little touches like shaved chocolate for your coffee. I’ve been to several buffets at five star hotels and this definitely rated in the top 3 of all time. I can’t wait to go back.

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  39. SandyE

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 18, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Did Father's Day Brunch there with patio seating. The tomahawk steak was dry, oysters Rockefeller were, too, and so were the several hors d'oeuvre items. Crackers for the cheese tray were meh, most of the food needed to be warmer. I've been here before for special events and the food at those was fantastic. I suspect the Father's Day food was a symptom of having to prepare and keep warm larger volumes of food at one time. Maybe their kitchen is inadequate for 40+ people at once. Service was great, desserts were good.

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  40. Tazzie

    San Diego

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on June 14, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Small bakery and restaurant combination. Outside seating is available but we enjoyed our quieter inside booth. Beautiful desserts! My chicken pot pie was chock full of chicken and veggies with a flaky crust. I'll be back for that, again.

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Sealed or wrapped utensils used
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available
  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

The French Gourmet offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (858) 488-1725 ext. 316.

The French Gourmet is rated 4.6 stars by 1415 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 23 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for The French Gourmet

960 Turquoise Street, San Diego, CA 92109

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Cass Street
  • Neighborhood
    Pacific Beach
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Daily 9:00 am–3:00 pm Happy Hour Wed–Sun 3:00 pm–6:00 pm Dinner Wed–Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    French, Continental, American
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    There is 15 minute parking in front of the bakery, and parking on nearby side streets.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (858) 488-1725 ext. 316
  • Catering
    Also a versatile San Diego catering company, our products are all prepared fresh daily on the premises. The dishes conjured up in our kitchen reflect a commitment to originality, freshness and the celebration of taste. Our knowledgeable sales team will work with you to create a menu and style that will compliment your event and your budget. As a local catering company, we can provide you with china, glassware, place settings, equipment rentals, servers and bartenders, and much more.
  • Private party contact
    Michel Malecot: (877) 926-3990
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