Suzette Brings Authentic French Dining to Downtown Chula Vista

After more than a decade away from the local dining scene, restaurateur Jerome Gombert is back with Suzette, a French restaurant that brings authentic flavors and European style to Downtown Chula Vista. The new eatery opened its doors at 310 Third Avenue, offering breakfast and lunch service Wednesday through Sunday. For South Bay residents craving genuine French cuisine, this stylish yet approachable spot fills a notable gap in the area’s dining options.

We first told you about Suzette moving in back in September. Be sure to check out our YouTube video here.

A Fresh Start on Third Avenue

Gombert first made his mark in 2006 with Vagabond, a beloved South Park restaurant that closed in 2013. His journey took him to Rosarito, then back to France during the pandemic. Now, twelve years after closing Vagabond, he’s returned to pursue his passion for French cuisine in a growing neighborhood that perfectly fits his vision.

Step inside the 1,800-square-foot space and you’ll immediately notice the large windows facing the street, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere. Inside, guests will find seating for 40 people, including 10 seats at the bar and 30 in the dining room. An outdoor patio offers an additional 30 seats for those who prefer dining al fresco with their meal.

Interior decorator Roderick Shade designed the space in orange, aqua, and off-white. The result feels authentically French without relying on typical decorations. No Eiffel Tower posters or staff in berets here—just clean, modern design with a chic European flair that lets the food take center stage.

What Makes Suzette Special

Gombert assembled an impressive team to launch Suzette. Chef Omar Armas, who trained at the Apicius culinary school in Florence, Italy, and worked at Wormwood, leads the kitchen. Gombert also called on his friend, world-famous chef Marcelo Hisaki, to help create the menu and build the kitchen team.

Hisaki brings serious credentials to the project. Born in Mexico City to Japanese parents, he trained at Michelin-starred restaurants including Yoshi and Joël Robuchon. He competed in the Bocuse d’Or, a prestigious international cooking competition. In 2013, he and his wife, chef Reyna Venegas, opened Restaurante Amores in Tecate, Baja California, which earned Michelin recognition.

The Menu: French Classics Done Right

Right now, Suzette serves breakfast and lunch from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. The menu showcases both sweet and savory crepes—thin pancakes that can be filled with everything from fresh fruit and Nutella to ham, cheese, and vegetables. These French staples demonstrate the kitchen’s technique and attention to detail.

Guests can also enjoy classic sandwiches like the croque Monsieur, a grilled ham-and-cheese sandwich topped with creamy béchamel sauce that elevates comfort food to an art form.

Gombert plans to add dinner service soon. The evening menu will include traditional French dishes: coq au vin (chicken braised in wine), steak au poivre (pepper steak), fish meunière (pan-fried fish with butter sauce), and mussels. The restaurant will also serve crepe Suzette, the flaming dessert that inspired the restaurant’s name and promises to be a showstopper.

Once the restaurant finds its rhythm, the team will expand its offerings to include regional specialties from across France. Currently, Suzette holds a beer and wine license, with a carefully selected list of French wines to pair with your meal. Gombert hopes to secure approval for full liquor service in the future.

A Restaurant Born from Optimism

Opening a restaurant in 2024 comes with challenges. Costs remain high while customer traffic has decreased across the industry. Gombert understands these realities but moves forward anyway. His friend showed him the Third Avenue location, and he saw potential in the small, affordable space within a developing area.

“I am an optimist,” Gombert says. “I don’t give up.”

That determination brought him through the pandemic closure of his Rosarito restaurant, a year back in France, and now to this new chapter in Chula Vista. The Downtown area continues to grow, attracting new businesses and residents who want quality dining options close to home. Suzette represents not just a new restaurant, but a vote of confidence in the neighborhood’s future.

Visit Suzette in Downtown Chula Vista

Suzette welcomes guests Wednesday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. The restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. You’ll find it at 310 Third Avenue in Downtown Chula Vista. Whether you stop by for a morning crepe and coffee or a leisurely lunch, you’ll experience French hospitality and carefully prepared food.

Street parking is available in the area, and the location is easily accessible from Interstate 5.

Planning to visit Suzette? After you go, share your experience on Facebook and let the community know what you ordered. Did you try the sweet crepes or go savory? Keep following for updates on dinner service and new menu additions coming soon. Downtown Chula Vista just welcomed one of the few authentic French restaurants in the South Bay, and this is your chance to experience a taste of Paris without leaving the neighborhood.