Simple, unpretentious option for traditional French dishes like coq au vin & escargots.
Hours
| Thursday | 5–9 PM |
| Friday | 5–9 PM |
| Saturday | 5–9 PM |
| Sunday | 5–9 PM |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 2547 San Gabriel Blvd, Rosemead, CA 91770
Phone: (626) 571-1180
Menu Photos
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La Vie French Restaurant – French restaurant in South San Gabriel …
Reviews
Coffee was supposed to be included, but we never received it. The portion sizes were noticeably smaller than other French restaurants we’ve visited, especially considering the high prices. We also had to ask twice just to get our water refilled.
When the waitress took our order, she repeatedly tried to take the menu back while my husband was still ordering! She seemed rushed, which came across as rude.
The food was not served hot, it was only warm. My daughter didn’t finish her rack of lamb, and when we asked for a to-go box, the waitress brought a small brown paper bag and said they don’t provide boxes. We have never been to a restaurant that refuses to provide proper take-out containers. It was ridiculous.
After we finished eating, we asked for the bill and waited another 10 minutes just to receive it, even though the restaurant wasn’t busy, there were only about four tables occupied.
Since my parents were with us, I didn’t want to make a scene. At that point, all I wanted to do was LEAVE. Overall, the entire experience was extremely frustrating and disappointing. We will never be returning. Very upsetting and absolutely not worth the price and time!
A lot of people make reservations but when my wife and I went they sat us right away, they just opened so they weren’t busy. By the time we left it started to get packed so if you have more than two people it might be best to make a reservation.
The food isn’t cheap. On average, a plate is about $26 if I remember correctly. That wasn’t a turn off for me since I wanted to treat my wife to a great dinner. The food was delicious. We ordered two appetizers, two entrees, two desserts, one tea and a bottle of wine. The total came out to about $140, not including the tip.
The location isn’t the best. It’s next to a tobacco shop and a nail salon but they do have parking so you don’t have to worry about parking blocks away. This is the only “bad” thing about the place but it isn’t really an issue.
Overall, my wife and I had a great time. The food was great and the workers were very accommodating. It’s been a while since we sat down and took time to enjoy a dinner date. We definitely want to come back.
As for myself, I’m no longer regularly serving in the dining room (although I still can in a pinch), you might see me helping with bussing near the end of the night, or opening wine for guests (everyone else is scared to be sommelier, so I guess I’m it), and occasionally bringing out desserts for you after having made them (lots of experience there). Mostly I’m in the back helping to prep as the commis (junior) chef, and being the all-important chef-de-plongeur during service on Thursday and Friday nights primarily. You can always ask Denise or Jenny if you want me to emerge from my pit to say hello.
The sea bass special has become a permanent addition to the menu by now, and Uncle has learned to prepare it very well in the lemon caper sauce. And note that it’s hard to find places that do veal well these days.
At La Vie you get a choice of Marsala (mushroom and wine) sauce or Piccata sauce (lemon juice, capers, shallots, white wine and brown sauce) to go with your scallopini of veal.
Appetizers: everyone loves the escargots; you’re welcome, but please do try the pate and smoked trout for the cold apps, and don’t sleep on the tortellini for a hot app. Yes, not everyone likes cheesy creamy sauce and pasta, but all the kids that eat our tortellini (and some adults) are pleasantly surprised by how tasty that dish is. While we’ve been asked a few times if the tortellini is made in house, it’s actually just a good frozen product found at Costco. Trust me, if we made those in house, I would be shouting it out from the rooftops. But we can’t make that claim due to being a budget-conscious small business.
Wines: limited selection, but some gems to be had. Standout Cabernets include Post and Beam (Far Niente vineyard) and Louis Martini. Bordeauxs aren’t always available, but when they are they are usually great options. One non-Bordeaux French that’s particularly interesting (and a good price) is the Cotes-du-Rhône Delas, and they even have one bottle left of a special reserve if you ask for it. There’s also a Kirkland Signature version of Chateauneuf du Pape for about half the price of the genuine article. Definitely worth trying if you’re froggy and not too budget-conscious.
On behalf of Chef Steve, his wife (Mama), his daughter Denise and son Michael, Jenny, Amanda, and myself, we all want to thank you for your loyal and warm patronage in support of this family business with deep ties to the community. Please keep visiting whenever you can while we remain in the same iteration as you’ve always known: a great hole-in-the-wall spot for dinner. Hopefully we can continue into the near-future, possibly under a new format, but with many of the same flavors and offerings that you’ve become accustomed to. Something like maybe… Bistro La Vie, or more of a wine bar/cocktail pairing focus. The more interest expressed to Denise about such possibilities, the more likely they are to actually happen someday. To be continued.
2023 review:
Escargot was pretty good. Didn’t expect gravy in Rack of lamb or marmalade in duck l’orange. Overall OK.