Bonne Vie Brasserie & Bar Now Open at The Westgate Hotel in the Gaslamp
The Westgate Hotel just unveiled its newest dining concept, and it’s bringing French culinary tradition to the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter with a coastal California twist. Bonne Vie Brasserie & Bar opened as an all-day destination where classic technique meets approachable elegance.
The space, designed by acclaimed San Diego designer Jacoi Mann, pairs European influences with contemporary ease – deep blue and gold tones, textured fabrics, velvet seating, and softly glowing chandeliers create a setting that feels both polished and relaxed.
A chef with serious credentials
Executive Chef Fabrice Hardel leads the kitchen with over 30 years of experience spanning Michelin-starred kitchens across France, Luxembourg, the UK, and the US. A native of Bayeux, France, Chef Hardel trained at the French Culinary Institute and has helmed The Westgate’s culinary team since 2001.
He’s joined by Food & Beverage Manager Mary Watson, who brings two decades of restaurant and event management experience to the operation.
The menu balances tradition and California flavor
Bonne Vie’s menu presents modern American interpretations of French classics, rooted in time-honored technique and elevated with fresh, local ingredients from purveyors like Vesta Produce and Santa Monica Seafood.
Signature offerings include Burgundy Escargot in garlic parsley butter and French Onion Soup with slow-simmered beef broth. American-inspired dishes showcase the kitchen’s range – a banh mi-style Fried Chicken Sandwich with kimchi and sweet chili aioli, and Braised Short Rib with roasted parsnip mousseline.
Seafood specialties like Icelandic Cod Meunière with potato purée and brown butter sauce reflect the same commitment to carefully sourced ingredients and seasonality.
A gathering place with personality
Beyond the food, Bonne Vie functions as a social landmark where everyday moments get elevated. Whether we’re stopping in for pre-theater cocktails, intimate dinners, or celebratory gatherings, the space encourages us to relax and stay awhile.
The bar offers a more intimate vibe – a cozy, design-forward nook with custom Sapele tables featuring marble and granite tops with satin brass accents. Happy hour runs weekdays from 2 to 5 PM, giving downtown workers and visitors alike a reason to swing by.
See you there!
French technique, California ingredients, and a Gaslamp setting designed for lingering over good food and genuine connection.
📆 Open daily: Breakfast and lunch 6:30 – 10:30 AM and 11 AM – 9 PM | Happy Hour Monday – Friday 2 – 5 PM
📍 1055 Second Avenue, Gaslamp Quarter
🎟️ Reservations on OpenTable or call (619) 238-1818
ℹ️ More info here
See you there, San Diego!
