San Diego’s Hidden Gem: A Secret French Bistro Worth Hunting Down🍷

Last week, my in-laws flew in from Arizona to celebrate my husband’s birthday—his first as a new dad. I’d booked this spot in advance, and while it’s tricky to find—tucked behind an office building, with no street-facing sign—every bite proved it was worth the hunt. 🏡 The Vibe: Cozy, Crowded, and Full of Regulars The restaurant’s a two-story charmer: ground floor for wine sales (rows of bottles lining the walls), second floor for dining. When we arrived, it was bustling—clearly a favorite with locals. They host Wednesday wine tastings till 7 PM—$15 for 4 pours, a steal. Sadly, I’m breastfeeding so I skipped out, but my in-laws and husband sipped happily, even grabbing a Chardonnay to pair with our meal. 🍴 The Feast: French Flavors, Perfectly Executed We ordered two appetizers and two mains to share family-style—and were greeted first with complimentary fresh-baked bread with butter. Warm, crusty, and divine when slathered—we tore through it before the apps arrived. Appetizers: Roasted bone marrow (rich, unctuous, served with crusty bread for sopping up every drop) and duck salad (tender, with a bright vinaigrette cutting through the richness). Mains: Lamb and chicken, both cooked to perfection. The meat was tender, pure, and let the quality shine—but the purée sauces stole the show: layers of depth, herbs, and subtle spice, textbook French technique. Dessert was the highlight. We’d ordered flan, but the restaurant surprised us with a birthday churro bread pudding—churros swapped for regular bread, drizzled with salted caramel. Chef’s kiss. The flan was good, but I might prefer Cuban flan—silkier in texture. 💁♂️ Service & Verdict: Warmth Meets Worth The staff were warm and welcoming, making us feel right at home—no stuffiness, just genuine care. It’s a spot, but trust me: if you love small, intentional eateries (and wine!), this is a must. A bit pricey, but perfect for dates, celebrations, or just savoring really good French food. 📍 Address: 9550 Waples St 115, San Diego, CA 92121 #SanDiegoFood #SanDiegoEats #SanDiegoHiddenGems #FrenchBistro #SanDiegoTravel #FoodieFind