La Bonne Franquette — Restaurant in Paris

Mixed Experience at the Restaurant: Delicious Steak, Decent Service, but Security Concerns

My recent dining experience at this restaurant was a bit of a mixed bag. While the service was decent and the steak was absolutely delicious, a significant incident occurred that has led me to give it a two-star rating. Unfortunately, my bag was snatched while I was sitting on the terrace, which left a sour taste in my mouth and overshadowed the positives of the meal.

To begin with, let's focus on the positives. The restaurant provided decent service throughout our meal. The staff was attentive and accommodating, ensuring that our dining experience was comfortable and enjoyable. The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the steak. It was cooked to perfection, bursting with flavor, and truly a delight for the taste buds. The culinary experience alone could have earned this place a higher rating.

However, the incident that occurred during our visit significantly affected my overall perception. As my bag was snatched, I immediately alerted the restaurant staff, hoping for their assistance and support. To my disappointment, their response was disheartening. When I informed them of what had happened, their nonchalant reply was, "Oh, you're not the first one." This lackadaisical attitude was quite concerning, as it seemed to imply that this was a recurring issue.

Fueled by adrenaline and determination, I took it upon myself to chase after the thieves. After an exhausting pursuit of approximately 600 meters, I managed to apprehend one of them. However, to my dismay, my bag was nowhere to be found. I held the individual for a staggering 40 minutes, awaiting the arrival of the police. When they finally arrived, I was advised to go to the police station, which would have further ruined our day trip.

To make matters worse, when my girlfriend requested that the restaurant call the police on our behalf, they simply shrugged it off and suggested that we make the call ourselves. This lack of assistance and empathy was truly disappointing, especially in such a distressing situation.

When the police arrived and showed a photo of the apprehended individual, they were not recognized. This leads me to believe that there may be a well-organized group of thieves operating in the area, possibly with an older woman as a lookout. It is essential for both the restaurant and its patrons to be aware of this security concern.

Upon returning to the restaurant with the police, we discovered that there were no CCTV cameras present. It seems that the lack of surveillance is considered a privacy matter in Paris or France in general. Frankly, this seems like a joke considering the need for security and crime prevention in public spaces.

In conclusion, while the restaurant offered a decent dining experience with delicious food and adequate service, the incident involving the theft of my bag and the restaurant's lack of assistance and security measures have left a lasting negative impression. I hope that the establishment takes appropriate steps to address these concerns, as security and customer support are vital in maintaining a safe and enjoyable dining...

I read an article on Absinthe, specifically served at La Bonne Franquette.

https://commedesfrancais.com/gb/story/absinthe-monmartre-paris

I live in the United States and specifically set aside time during my trip to Paris to visit La Bonne Franquette to enjoy my first glass of Absinthe. Before I left, I checked the restaurant's website to confirm they offered the drink.

https://www.labonnefranquette.com/alcools

Absinthe, specifically the brand “Libertine Spirit” was listed as being offered for sale.

Early in the morning, around 9am, I went to tour Sacred Heart. Afterward, I sought out La Bonne Franquette just to make certain I knew where it was.

Later in the day, I made a special trip back to Montmartre from Massy, France to have my first glass of Absinthe at the restaurant.

I walked in, and a gentleman behind the bar asked if I wanted a table. I replied, “No, je suis ici seulement pour une verre d'absinthe.”

He looked perplexed. “Que veux-tu?”

I assumed I had misspoken. I apologized and said I was from the United States, and my French was very poor. I said in English I wanted a glass of absinthe.

“Is that vodka?”

At that point, I became utterly dumbfounded. With absinthe being so legendary (especially in France), I couldn't comprehend how a bartender could not know what it was. I replied, “Your restaurant advertises absinthe on its website. I want to buy a glass.”

He replied, “I’m not understanding what you want. Here is our menu.”

Absinthe was not on the menu he handed me. I then left.

As I was walking away, I clearly saw ‘Absinthe’ engraved outside on one of the restaurant windows. I went back into the restaurant and spoke to another employee. I asked him to step outside with me. He did so, and I pointed to the window to the word ‘Absinthe’ and stated that it was the drink I wanted to order.

He replied they no longer served it and would never be serving it again. That was two weeks ago, and the restaurant still has absinthe on its online menu.

Eventually, I found Absinthe at "Absinthe Cafe" located at 54...

La Bonne Franquette: A Parisian Gem in Montmartre

Tucked away in the heart of Montmartre, La Bonne Franquette offers a delightful escape for those seeking a taste of traditional French cuisine in a charming setting.

Ambiance:

Step into a piece of Parisian history with the restaurant's 16th-century facade. Soak up the vibrant Montmartre scene with a seat on one of their two terraces, perfect for a sunny afternoon. If the weather isn't ideal, the cozy indoor space provides a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Food:

Indulge in classic French dishes like steak frites and coq au vin, all prepared with fresh ingredients. Don't forget to explore their extensive wine list to find the perfect pairing for your meal. While the menu leans towards traditional fare, you can browse their online menu to see if it caters to any specific dietary needs.

Overall:

La Bonne Franquette offers a quintessential Parisian experience at moderate prices. Here's a quick recap of the highlights:

Pros: Fantastic location in Montmartre, historic building, delicious French food, outdoor seating option.

Cons: The restaurant can get crowded, so reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

Would I Recommend It?

Absolutely! The combination of a charming ambiance, delicious food, and a perfect Montmartre location makes La Bonne Franquette a must-visit.

Additional Tips:

Consider making a reservation online or by phone to avoid a wait, especially if you have a larger group or are visiting on a weekend. Browse online reviews to get a feel for other diners' experiences.

I hope this review helps you decide if La Bonne Franquette is the perfect spot for your...