La Bonne Soupe
“We had a server that was bold enough to make recommendations of wine to pair with the fondue.”
“The last with some friends from San Francisco after that already mentioned visit to MOMA.”
“For dessert I was given a choice of chocolate mousse and creme caramel, I picked the chocolate.”
La Bonne Soupe
Takes Reservations: Yes
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Good for Kids: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Outdoor Seating: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Price range.
$$ Price range $11-30
8 reviews
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Très bon! La Bonne Soupe is a great value in a central location that never fails to please. Located at 55th between 5th and 6th ave, La Bonne Soupe is surrounded by more expensive touristy places and it's really a hidden gem locals have known about for decades. The concierge at The Palace actually strongly recommended this place, which was both surprising and impressive given the typical clientele at that hotel.
The menu is french but also very extensive, with soups, salads, omelettes, crepes, meats, fondue, etc. It's therefore a great option if you have a party with very different tastes.
I've never had to wait for a table even during traditionally busy times, though the place is also usually very crowded. The staff are friendly and polite. The tables are tiny but the upstairs area has more space, so I'd recommend you try to eat there if you have a party of 4+.
Favorites: French onion soup (of course)!, crock monsieur/madame, salmon & cream cheese crepe, lasagna. They give you bread and butter at the start of the meal.
Cozy cafes and brasseries are to Paris what pizza-by-the-slice joints are to New York, there's one on every block and while the food won't knock your socks off you'll never be disappointed either. For those nostalgic Francophiles who miss that slice of Parisian life, you're in luck here.
Down a flight of steps from street level on a (comparatively) quiet block, it has that off-the-beaten-path feel, like you've found a carefully-guarded secret. The staff are polite and accommodating and the service is pretty quick. The menu has all the old standbys, crepes and quiche and croque monsieurs, and of course the eponymous soups. It's probably sacrilege to pass up the French onion (which I'm told is outstanding) but I always opt for the creme andalouse, perfect for warming up on a chilly day.
This place isn't for the discerning gourmet, but for a leisurely lunch or an intimate date night, it's a cute little spot with classic French fare and no pretension. That's not always easy to find in midtown, making La Bonne Soupe a hidden gem.
Lunch 5/9/15
I was less diligent to track what everyone ordered this time.
But…there were several onion soups, a couple snails, creps with leeks and goat cheese, spinach quiche, mussels, a burger, fries, wine 🙂 bread, coffee and DESSERTS.
We dined upstairs this time. I prefer it, it's cooler and not as clusterphobic as the first floor.
I also noticed a little balcony over looking the street with several tables.
We will be back sometime at the end of the summer. 🙂
Truly nothing terribly French about this place. Quick turn-around lunch service, but the food is nothing to write home about. The Soup, salad and house wine special at $20 is a great deal for NYC, but the salad (romaine, a couple grape tomatoes, and a sweet, too salty dressing – this is no vinaigrette) and the onion soup (that everyone raves about, is incredibly salty and missing the depth of a true quality gruyere cheese topping and rich onion-y broth) is extremely mediocre. Menu itself has a ton of options (too many in my opinion) which results in the ho-hum results.
Downstairs dining is definitely more intimate (and has more ambience) than upstairs.
La BON ba! This place is pretty solid for french cuisine! They have an upstairs seating area that is supper cozy and the workers are very polite. I believe the owner is french.
Okay food breakdown! Their french onion soup is a must have! It's perfectly baked and the temperature inside is just right. The flavor isn't overly strong which is a plus. I had the croque Madame was pretty amazing. Perfect melt of cheese and not soggy at all. It's not too pricey and atmosphere was so nice!
One of my favorite restaurants in NYC. Have been coming here since the 1980's. One of the first real sit down restaurants I could afford and appreciate when I earned my first paycheck back in the day. It's one of the places to relax and have a comfort meal with friends. On the menu are my favorites of soups, crepes, steak with pomme frites. The service is always spot on and although it can get a little claustrophobic because the tables are so close together I still love this iconic French Bistro. It holds a special place in my heart. The decor and atmosphere has not changed and I love the quirky movie posters and bistro chairs and tables. No need to innovate when everything is just right.
Open space with ample seats that is close to Central Park. Food-wise, surprisingly good for the area. I got the poulet roti which is a chicken thigh with mashed potatoes and string beans bathed in mushroom gravy. It tasted delicious and satisfied my gravy needs for the day. My partner had a lamb burger. The combo of goat cheese and lamb is what drew her attention since she's not much a burger person. Both dishes were great. We also ordered hot chocolate, but it seemed like powered mix (like nestle or milo), so not worth the $10 for that. Overall, decent place. Service was a bit slow, price is a bit high, but food is good and for the area it's a good choice to consider.
I decided to get back on the Quiche horse and stopped by here for lunch the other day. The Quiche Lorraine was to die for. Great filling. Amazing crust. All with a nice wonderfully dressed butter lettuce salad. #yum