La Bonne Soupe is a midtown eatery that’s high on quality and low on attitude – refreshing from the neighboring Michael’s, where it’s all about table location, location, location. For nearly three decades, La Bonne Soupe has been serving up French bistro fare that’s wallet-friendly and convenient for the theater-going crowd. And for this New Yorker who gets vertigo when traveling above 14th Street, the restaurant is an institution – perfect for first dates, negotiating deals, and catching up with old friends – worthy of the subway ride and the crowded Fifth Avenue thoroughfare.

The vibrant main dining room is cozy and warm with its red-checkered tablecloths, framed vintage French cinema posters, neighborly banquettes, charming French waitresses – and their signature onion soup, well, I’ve been to Paris and La Bonne Soupe does compare. For $15.95, dine all the pre-fix, which includes their dinner soup selection, a glass of house wine, a fresh baguette, salad (with a dressing you will want to rob right off the table) and ribbon-whipped chocolate mousse. From the Croque Monsieur with its rich béchamel, to the buttery Filet Au Poivre simmering in a fragrant cognac sauce to the Fondue au Fromage which might very well inspire ecstasy cries, or pleas for seconds – you simply won’t be disappointed.

With prompt, friendly service, downtown prices in a theater location and tender chicken sautéed in a light white wine and butter sauce (did I mention the mousse?), La Bonne Soupe offers a little bit of Paris in the heart of New York City.

La Bonne Soupe
48 West 55th Street
between 5th and 6th avenues
New York, NY 10019
212.586.7650

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