Restaurant Review : “Bo-beau” in Ocean Beach

 “Bo Beau kitchen + bar”
4996 W. Point Loma Ave.
Ocean Beach, CA 92107
619-224-2884

 When I do a restaurant review, I try to stay within a certain price range , primarily because I live on a limited income. I had heard that the food at “Bo-Beau” was very good, but was also told it was quite pricey. I am happy to say that the food WAS very good, and although more than I usually spend on a meal, was not that pricey compared to other restaurants of its quality.

My friend Mary had asked to take me out for dinner  – we were in a celebratory mood -, and since we were coming back to Ocean Beach via La Jolla, we decided to go to Bo-beau kitchen and bar, as she had told me many times it was one of her favorites.

Crispy Brussel Sprouts. All photos by Judi Curry.

Because we were early – not quite 5:00pm, we were seated immediately. We were taken to the patio at first, but the wind was picking up and we decided to eat inside. We picked the only table that had an air vent overhead, and soon we were both very cold from the air conditioner. We asked our waiter – Orion – named after the “hunter” if we could change seats, but he said he would turn off the air – which he did, and we were very comfortable staying where we were.

There is a very extensive menu (on line here)  that has everything listed except the specials of the night. Because Mary had been there before I let her do most of the ordering.

We each ordered a glass of wine – a red for her and a white for me – and it was served in individual carafe’s. And it wasn’t just one glassful – it was close to two glasses. Both were tasty and satisfying.

Chorizo flatbread with Serrano chili’s, a marinara sauce, basil and 5 Italian cheeses

We started out with Crispy Brussel Sprouts ($9.50) because she said they were wonderful. I had my doubts when she ordered them, but they were excellent. They were cooked in a sauce of pancetta, Parmesan and balsamic vinegar. I must say I was pleasantly surprised and pleased with the taste, texture, and sauce.

Mary thought we should also have a sample of their flatbread so we ordered the Chorizo with Serrano chili’s, a marinara sauce, basil and 5 Italian cheeses. It was one of the best flatbreads I have ever tasted. Hot, tasty, and very pleasing to the palate. The cost was $15.

Mary then ordered the Boeuf Bourguignon, made with tiny carrots, pancetta, mushrooms, pearl onions and fingerling potatoes. Of course everything was cooked in a nice tasting Burgundy and practically melted in your mouth. The cost was $20.50.

Hamburger and fries.

I had difficulty in making my entrée selection as I was torn between two items – the bouillabaisse ($22.00) or a Beaujolais hamburger, made with filet mignon. I decided to ask Orion what he suggested and he said the hamburger was to die for. It was. It had mushrooms, onions, lettuce, spinach on it and it was served with a tasty sauce and a huge order of shoe-string potatoes. Mary made the comment that I could give Buddy – my Golden Retriever – what I was taking home, but there was no way I would share it with him. Maybe I’d let him lick my fingers, but it was so succulent that I am looking forward to finishing it tomorrow.

Although we were not going to order dessert, but when Orion heard it was Mary’s birthday, he told us the dessert was free. (Can’t beat that price!). We ordered the chocolate flan, made with amaretto, and so rich that we took that home too. The taste of the bittersweet dark chocolate was an excellent end to a wonderful meal.

Would I go back to Bo Beau? In a heartbeat. The food was good; the service was excellent; the noise was loud but not too loud so that we could not hear each other. But when I go back it will be for a special occasion, because the $115 + tab is still steep for me. But I could not find fault with anything – and my readers all know that I tried! My suggestion to you – go and try it. I think you will be very happy.