La Bonne Soupe

For those that understand the surly French and appreciate "proper" bistro cooking, this place can't be beaten. The food isn't Michelin starred stuff but it is fantastic, unpretentious hearty fare. The service is not American style - ie if you don't like something cos you're fussy, they won't care! Don't take it personally. They serve their fondue with a salad to start and unlimited bread so I agree it's great value especially in pricey New York.

I love this place. I eat here every month when I'm in NYC. Great value for the money, great atmosphere (lively and oh-so-New York), great neighborhood. Can't wait to try it when the weather is warm and I can sit outside on the patio. The food is wonderful. For $20, you can get soup, salad, bread, drink, and dessert. How can you go wrong?

If you read all the other reviews, you will see a pattern: the restaurant gets plaudits for good bistro-style food at very fair prices. We eat there often when going to a nearby theater, and it never disappoints. Crepes are large and light as a feather; soups are filling and good; steak hache (their "hamburgers") are big, thick, juicy and very filling, even without the usual bun. Caveats: 1) they will not seat you until your entire party has arrived. 2) due to its popularity (and the tiled floors), it can be quite noisy at peak dinner hours. But, if you walk along 55th Street you will pass at least 5 other restaurants, and they will be empty when "Soupe" is jammed. There is a reason...

Restaurant not too crowded. Seated immediately. Service on spot. Not too much or too little time between courses. Goat cheese & onion tart, crepes and especially chocolate fondue were wonderful. Only negative--They should try making dessert crepes.

Went to this restaurant 2 weeks ago before going to a 7pm show. We got there at 5pm and the place was empty but by 5:30 it was packed on the first floor. Its a cute place but a little tight. But I guess they want you to get that Parisian feel. The crowd was older and some came with their families. Maybe if we went on the weekend (we went on a Tuesday night) the atomosphere might have been a little more lively. We both order soup (french onion and lamb/mushroom soup) which was delicious. We also order their homemade chocolate mousse which was finger licking good. Service was good. Not fantastic though. I would definitely recommend that you eat here at least once.

Lamb burger cooked to perfection!

Location is perfect for tourists--near MOMA, Carnegie Hall, etc. We each had soup and crepes and agreed each item was excellent. Very affordable prices and fine service. We sat on the balcony, and, as tourists, we actually enjoyed watching the high volume of foot and motor traffic below.