Providing fine, California-influenced French cuisine, The French Gourmet was voted 2020 San Diego’s Best French Restaurant and a Favorite for Bakery and Desserts. Enjoying a meal accompanied by a glass of wine from the extensive wine list is like being treated to a meal in France near La Jolla. The patio is now open for brunch, happy hour and dinner. You can also pick up a fresh baguette or pastries at the bakery counter or a chilled bottle of Champagne from the expanded wine boutique.

Owner Michel Malécot, who grew up in Normandy, France, founded the business in 1979 and has since created a San Diego tradition of excellence. The French Gourmet pivoted their full catering services to help those stressed with grocery shopping and cooking during the pandemic. Gourmet takeout now includes comforting and delicious ready-to-heat entrees from ratatouille to salmon dijonnaise, as well as hot beef prime rib twice a week. Quiches, sandwiches, soups and salads are also among menu choices, perfect for lunch or light dinners.

And their holiday meals, special birthday cakes and even charcuterie plates for Zoom happy hours helped keep employees working. A couple celebrating an anniversary recently were surprised with treats delivered before their Zoom party.

With its reputation for exquisite, custom wedding cakes, The French Gourmet expects to resume catering smaller celebrations, such as “microweddings,” in the near future. As a family-run business, the restaurant continues the tradition to “make each day a delicious one.”

“We are very grateful and thank our loyal customers for their support this year,” Malécot stated. “We would be honored by their nominations once again.”