Restaurant Bonjour

"Les Miserables isn’t just a famous French novel and musical. It also applies to the people unfortunate enough to dine at this restaurant on Valentine’s Day. We chose Bonjour based on its google reviews, which were outstanding, so while there are many high end options in Naples, we decided to give this place a shot for a big romantic night out. We arrived on time for our 7 pm reservation and met an unmanaged scrum at the door. Looking in the windows we could see the place was not at all romantic; bright lights cast a harsh glow, and the hard tile floors, lack of draperies, no tablecloths etc. made the place a tidy echo chamber. The whole place, while quite clean, was exceedingly bland. More troubling we could see that every square foot of floor space was jam packed with tables. We tried to see check in with a host or hostess, but the poor staff was so harried, and the outside crowd so large and unmanaged, that it was impossible. Thankfully the people waiting with us outside were patient and game and we arranged ourselves into a line by reservation times. After nearly a half hour we made it to the door where a very friendly, and polite gentleman apologized for the wait, thanked us for our patience, and got us seated. If that was the worst of it this wouldn’t be a bad review, just a funny story, but things continued downhill from there. We were informed that the menu that evening was prix-fixe. This was not indicated anywhere on the website, and a deep disappointment since one of the reasons we’d chosen it was to sample the escargot and otrher French specialties, which were unavailable. There were only two choices for appetizer, and for entree, and no choice for a shared dessert. Already more than a half hour in and still hoping for the best we tried to order, but one of the appetizers was already sold out, so…butternut squash soup it was! The soup was good. The baguette and butter that came out with it, also very good. The main course arrived and my shock must have been visible. While the lamb and the filet mignon were very nicely done, and quite tasty, there wasn’t much to them. The 3(?) chops were petite and the filet was about the size of a deck of cards, though maybe half again as thick. The broccoli served with it sat steamed, sullen, and unadorned on the plate, and the mashed potatoes were watery. My wife was certain they came from a box. Dessert, at least, was very good; one portion of chocolate mousse, and a handful of tiny profiteroles. All in all the meal was like a collection of miniatures, a repas d’enfant. The servers have our sincere sympathy. They dashed around like mad, good naturedly doing the best they could as they were wildly overwhelmed. They should all add contortionist to their resumes since they had to bend and stretch like circus performers to get food to the crowded tables, and there was no such thing as personal space as placed for other tables were passed over under and around us. It’s a miracle no one ended up wearing a meal with how ridiculously congested it was. I have nothing but good things to say about the waitstaff. The kicker? All this cost nearly $220 with tip. The tip was the only part of the bill I didn’t regret. This whole affair was obviously nothing more than a money grab. It’s a shame because having spoken with many of the patrons jammed in around us we discovered that there were many first timers. Maybe Bonjour earned their great reviews for their regular service and menu, but after that “special” Valentine’s experience who would want to return? We can say with certainly that it won’t be us. Quel dommage…"

"This is a great gem of a restaurant - what a find! The food and staff, excellent, the prices very fair. We had a wonderful meal and will certainly plan on going back in the future. It's worth the travel for us as great French food at good prices is not easy to find."

"Last night my friend and I ate for the first time at Restaurant Bonjour. We had a delicious meal that exceeded our expectations. He had the rack of lamb and gave a rave review of the preparation and flavor. The onion soup is superb and the escargot among the best I have ever had. Veronique was delightfully attentive and provided excellent service. And, by the way -- the price is the best in town!"

"My husband and I love French food and have been to every french restaurant in town and Bonjour is by far the BEST one. From the second to walk into the restaurant they make you feel like you are welcome. I love the Duck it's the best I've ever had. My husband also loved his dish which was the filet mignon. It's also nice that the owner and chef Bernard comes out to greet everyone and ask how everything was. The whole experience was FABULOUS!!! Just look at the photo :-)"

"Phenomenal just phenomenal! From service to quality of food and price. Best escargot i ever had not rubbery but soft and sweet. I'll let my photos talk for themselves."