La Bonne Bouche - București

La Bonne Bouche - excellent spread of gourmet food. The ambience, the service what not to like here! Satisfied.

Friday night on a summer evening in Bucharest old town is party atmosphere, and it can be a challenge to find somewhere more quiet, with more subdued atmosphere, with less smoke, more elegant or less crass than the typical restaurant/bar in the streets of the Old Town. We had been walking around for some time and couldn't find what we wanted -- we were not in much of that mood that evening and wanted something more charming and elegant. We were about to despair and just go find places in any one of the already crowded restaurants, when on rounding a corner, we saw La Bonne Bouche. From the outside, it fit perfectly our idea, and serving French food nonetheless. There were a few more empty tables outside, and although the interior also looked very inviting -- with an intelligent layout -- with rows of books and classic furniture, we decided on a table outside. We were greeted and given the menu soon as we arrived. For starters we had duck salad and onion soup. Both were very good, and filling as the servings were large. For the main course, we had meat and duck. The meat was excellent, although the duck was a little bit overcooked so the meat was not so tender. Both servings were again large, I hardly finished mine. We had red wine -- we know Romania produces good wine so we had a higher level of expectation and this one didn't disappoint. We were too full to have dessert, which was a pity since they seemed to have good ones on the list. The waiting time for the food was not inordinately long, and service was fast, friendly and efficient. We could still enjoy also a bit of the street atmosphere, but without the seeming chaos in the place across and around the restaurant. The price is not expensive at all, and for the quality of the food, the service, and the place overall, I would consider it even cheap. In most other cities in Europe, it would easily have cost double. We enjoyed very much the atmosphere -- it's an excellent place for couples, for people who prefer to enjoy dining and hearing each other without having to shout over the table. It's certainly not a tourist trap.

The mussels in white wine was tasty and well prepared. I chose Amarone from the long list of wines by glass, and it was good one. Service was first class; friendly and fast. I will certainly come back with a bigger hunger. Only minus is small tables inside.

Great location in Bucharest's Old Town, this restaurant features a lovely patio on French St., wonderful personnel and an extensive wine list. I dined three times during a month and was never disappointed. Prices range a little over what's considered average, but the overall quality justifies it. Will go back next time I'm in Bucharest!

The only thing i can say is DO NOT GO THERE !... Ok the site forced me to add details to help travellers, so i will do it, the food is average, the ambient, ohh... Babies screaming, poor quality of service... Again... Just don' t go there, if you want to spend money go to Messogios, Cassa di David, Osteria Gioia... If you want to eat good go to Tratoria il calcio ( you will spend half and eat 10 times better)... Kisses folks, peace and love... No thiefs allowed !