16 Oct 2025 - Review of La Bonne Vie's Grand Napa Vineyards Dinner This special dinner with specific wine pairings was, in keeping with the World Series, a Grand Slam! The opening course was a crab cake with a 2023 Sauvignon Blanc. The cake was superb and the wine went with it perfectly. This was followed by French Onion Soup and a 2023 Pinot Noir. In all candor, I could have stopped there. The soup was incredible and went perfectly with the pinot. The third course was a Beef Stroganoff paired with a 2019 Master Red and if you have ever had the stroganoff from La Bonne Vie, you know you are in for a treat. The Master Red was absolutely a delight to drink and I ordered a couple bottles for the house. The evening closed with a Truffle Brownie and a 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve which made the brownie even more delicious if that's even possible. All the wine guidance was provided by Mr. Erwan Slove, Wine & Spirit Education Trust Level III, who works for Monsieur Touton Selection, Ltd. The bottom line is if you ever see an advertisement for a wine pairing dinner at La Bonne Vie, jump on it quickly. All but a couple of small tables in the restaurant were reserved for this particular dinner. Additionally, just go visit visit La Bonne Vie and have a dinner. You will be pleased with the entire menu. Remember, this is not a "fast food joint" nor a chain store so be prepared to spend a little time and just enjoy everything!
This is a second review based on La Bonne Vie's one year anniversary on 11 July 2025. La Bonne Vie was celebrating it's first year and we were greated with two glasses of Volage Cremont De Loire Brut and cavier to start the evening. Our appetizer was the classic French Shrimp Flambé and the spice was exactly perfect. We followed that with NY Steak Frites that was prepared superbly and literally melted in your mouth. We closed out with a Mousse Au Chocolat and Profiteroles. I would be remiss if I did not mention the magnificent roles that came out early. They set the stage for the rest of the meal brilliantly. The decor is perfect and you cannot help but enjoy yourself. Looking forward to another "excuse" to spend time at La Bonne Vie. As I have said before, dinner at La Bonne Vie is not a timed event so plan accordingly and let them take total care of you! My review is based on the Mother's Day dinner at La Bonne Vie and in a word or two, it was spectacular! We started out with French 75 cocktails (gin, simple syrup, lemon juice, and champagne) and they were chilled perfectly. We moved on to a LBV Old Fashioned that was made to absolutel perfection. For dinner, we selected a Pinot Noir, Josephine Dubois (Burgogne, 2022) and the smoothness was incredible. For the appetizer, we ordered the Escargots De Burgogne and the garlic-parsley butter really made the dish. We requested another roll in order to enjoy the liquified butter after we finished the escargot and mushroom caps. Our dinner order consisted of the Beef Stroganoff and the Grilled Pork Chop. Both were beyond incredible and we ended up taking some home. The bottom line with La Bonne Vie is you are experiencing dinner and enjoying it. If you want to eat and move along, then go to a chain restaurant. Now some might write that the service may seem a little slow and that's nonsense. As I said previously, you are there to enjoy a meal and beverages. Dinner at La Bonne Vie is not a timed event; it is an experience where you can converse with your dinner companion about the meal and other things and just relax. We go to La Bonne Vie even when it's not a special event. We go to get away and just enjoy a quiet meal. Eating at La Bonne Vie is like eating at your best friend's home and that's why we love it so much! Looking forward to the next "excuse" to visit with our best...
Read moreLa Bonnie Vie is an absolute treasure in the heart of the downtown Herndon, brought to life by the incredibly sweet and kind owners, Ali and Homerya. Their genuine hospitality makes every visit feel like a special occasion. Having supported them back when they ran The Russian House, we were thrilled to see their seamless transition to a French culinary delight.
Our recent experience at La Bonnie Vie was during one of their exquisite wine dinners, and it was nothing short of spectacular.
The meal itself was a culinary masterpiece. The standout dish was, without a doubt, the beef bourguignon. Rich, tender, and bursting with flavor, it was the best we have ever tasted. There was a wonderful selection of perfectly curated selection of wines to complement the courses.
Service at La Bonnie Vie is impeccable. Ali and Homerya’s commitment to excellence is evident in every detail, from the meticulously set tables to the prompt and courteous service.
La Bonnie Vie is truly a GEM that promises not to disappoint. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking an extraordinary meal, this restaurant offers a welcoming and exceptional experience that will leave you eager to return. Ali and Homerya have created a true haven for food lovers, and we cannot recommend it...
Read moreAli and Homerya helped us create a beautiful and memorable intimate 50th Anniversary dinner for us and family. They let us have the front room to the left of restaurant all to our selves. We worked together to create a great menu and ambiance that transported us to a quaint restaurant in France, complete with beautiful settings, lighting, and music. None of us had been there before but from the moment my husband and first met them we knew we had found the right place. We were never rushed to order or anything unlike typical restaurants in the area. The room was ours for the evening. The meals were superb and unlike other events our guests were allowed to choose what they liked from the menu. Ali and Homerya were very charming and attentive to our guests. One son and family were unable to attend our event but we will take them when they come to visit. I highly recommend La Bonne Vie for any occasion but definetly for those very special ones. It will remain one of our favorites...
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