Bistro du Marché by Tapenade — Restaurant in San Diego

I have been to many fine restaurants throughout this country and in Europe, including in the city of Paris. This was the first time I have ever been treated so poorly by a server. Our server, Hadrien, while not overtly rude, did not live up to the bistro's reputation of being welcoming or attentive. My young daughter and I arrived at this "Bistro" around 5:30 pm and the restaurant was essentially empty. When we walked in, I got the feeling we were being being "sized up." The hostess asked if we had reservations. I looked around the empty room and replied "no". I sensed that they begrudgingly seated us. My daughter ordered a salmon entree and I ordered a salad from the appetizer menu. While we were waiting, our water glasses were filled and a nice young man brought us bread. Then each of us were served salads. Only one salad was ordered but I figured that maybe the entree that my daughter ordered included a salad. My daughter politely nibbled around the edges of her salad (she was not a fan). The waiter then stopped by to clear the table of everything including the silverware. When I questioned him about my daughter's entree, he claimed to not know that a main dish was ordered even though he had repeated it back when the order was taken. But ... he said he could quickly fry up some salmon for her. I could see where the experience was going so I decided to cut my losses. I asked for the bill. The one star given here is because I thought the food (my salad, the bread, and the water) was good.

As my review was originally written via cell phone and due to the Bistro's response (below), after the original posting I modified it for additional clarity.

In response to the Bistro's comments (see them below), a respectable establishment would never blame the customer. A business savvy representative would look at this review as an opportunity to improve their business operations, apologize, and move on.

But, since they did respond, just for fun lets analyze what the Bisto had to say: "You checked in at the reception without a reservation." Really? I didn't see anything about reservations required ... it was late afternoon and the restaurant was for the most part empty. "The server took your order of two Endive salads..." Only one salad was ordered. I ordered a salad, my daughter ordered the salmon entree. As she is young, she doesn't like vegetables and would never have ordered a salad, much less an endive salad with walnuts and gargonzola. I'm not even sure she knows what endive and gargonzola is. "The server took your order of ... two glasses of water." I can only speculate that the mention of the two glasses of water is because the restaurant expects customers to order wine and otherwise considers them "not worthy". If one wants good service, it may be best to order wine whether one wants it or not. In our case, I was driving back to Coronado and I didn't want to drink and drive, and my daughter is well under the drinking age. But, reading between the lines I'd say; be prepared to throw wads of cash about the place for food and drinks whether you want it or not - otherwise you risk "the treatment" "Once appetizer service was done ... you mentioned the Salmon dish." Lets not forget that my daughter is quite young and would never have ordered an endive salad AND the waiter repeated her order of the salmon entree back to her when it was ordered. "And he renewed his apologies ..." In my estimation this was clearly a "sorry, not sorry!" situation.

We won't be back. And if we ever return to La Jolla, I suspect this restaurant will be long gone. After-all, inordinate pretense is so ... passé. Apparently, someone...

My wife and I have a date night every Saturday night, and one of our more frequent destinations this past year has been Bistro Du Marché, a romantic French restaurant in La Jolla Cove, presided over by Chef Jean-Michel Diot, who has created an ever-changing menu of great food that maintains an affordable mid-market price range.

Diot's bistronomie-focused menu may change each time I dine at his restaurant, but I can always count on the "Tapenade" appetizer being on it. Bistro Du Marché's Tapenade is topped with a whole anchovy, and is a magical briny paste intended to be spread on sliced baguette chips, consisting of pulverized black olives-in-brine, chopped capers, minced anchovies, lemon juice, and garlic, which lingers on your taste-buds in the best of ways.

If you see "Duck Confit" on the menu, order it as your entrée. The silky and crispy contrast is fantastic in the meat and skin. It is said that duck confit is the next best thing to bacon, but this is debatable. I may put duck confit above bacon, especially when it's prepared as it is at Bistro du Marché, with their fabulous port sauce, which can also be used as a dip for the crunchy pommes frites on the side of the plate.

Another hallowed bistro classic sometimes served at Bistro du Marché is the "Beef Tenderloin au Poivre", tournedo-cut pieces of steak I have enjoyed smothered in peppery Sauce au Poivre Noir. These seem to me to be USDA Choice-level cuts of beef, but the big flavor pre-empts any textural issue. This dish also comes with the pommes frites, and a mesclun salad.

Other dishes that I recommend include Bistro du Marché's "Fig Salad," which appears on the seasonally-rotating menu every now and again and is incredible. I often order a side of "Haricot Verts" for the table, which here are served au buerre and closer to the southern-style green beans that you cook all day than the firmer "al dente" haricot verts I've enjoyed in France. Nonetheless, I quite like them -- besides being buttery, they're soft, and feature chives and shallots.

My wife and I have had several desserts at Bistro du Marché, but perhaps the most delightful has been the "Île Flottante" (Floating Island), a dessert of French origin consisting of a fluffy, light block of meringue floating in a pool of delectable, custardy crème anglaise and caramel sauce. Bistro du Marché's Île Flottante includes sliced roasted almonds, which are essential: the different textures of crunchy, smooth, creamy, sticky, and springy make this dessert fun in addition to delicious.

Compared to other large cities I've lived in, San Diego doesn't have many French restaurants. Of the various spots we do have, Bistro du Marché is one of a few comparatively affordable options that isn't rubbish. Their chef is no amateur: Diot is a veteran who began his career in Vienne, has earned 3 star reviews from the NY Times, and continues to execute at a high-level while maintaining an affordable and accessible menu and, for the latter, I consider Bistro du Marché worthy...

As a former New Yorker with a serious baguette addiction and more hours logged in French bistros than I care to admit, finding Bistro du Marché when I moved to La Jolla four years ago was like finding an oasis in a desert of oh-so-Californian trendy hot-spots (think loud, overpriced nouveau cuisine masquerading as art).

From the moment you step through the door, you're greeted with the kind of warm and welcoming energy that makes you feel like family. The staff here goes above and beyond, creating an atmosphere that is both cozy and sophisticated.

Having spent a lot of time in the Cote d’Azur and Paris, I can confidently say that the Bistro brings the essence of French dining to life in a way that feels authentic and deeply satisfying. This is a place where time slows down, encouraging you to relax, indulge in an extra glass of wine, and immerse yourself in meaningful conversations with your dinner party. The unhurried pace transforms your meal into an event—a full evening of enjoyment, connection, and unforgettable flavors.

The food is just simply fantastic. The branzino is a standout, perfectly crisp potato scales and tender fillet, evoking the seaside bistros of Sainte Maxime. The scallops are seared just right, practically melting in your mouth, while the pork chop is hearty, juicy, and packed with flavor. And let’s not forget about dessert - The île flottante is one of those rare desserts that makes you want to take a moment and fully enjoy every spoonful. The texture is just right—airy yet indulgent, with a sweetness that’s perfectly balanced and not overwhelming.

Additionally - if you’re flying solo, the bar offers a front-row seat to the energy of the restaurant. Sip on one of their expertly crafted cocktails while trading stories with fellow diners - many of whom consider this their second dining room. It’s the kind of convivial atmosphere that feels more like a dinner party than a night out—complete with laughter, new connections, and, of course, amazing food and drinks. Just be warned: you might find yourself staying longer than planned because, well, it’s...