Suzette in Chula Vista

Exciting news for South Bay food lovers! Suzette, a new authentic French restaurant, has opened in Downtown Chula Vista, bringing European charm and chef-driven cuisine to 310 Third Avenue. The restaurant comes from Jerome Gombert, who made waves in 2006 with his beloved South Park eatery Vagabond. After a twelve-year journey that took him to Rosarito, back to France during the pandemic, and now to Chula Vista, Gombert is ready to share his passion for French cooking once again.

What makes Suzette special is the incredible team behind it. Chef Omar Armas, trained at Italy’s prestigious Apicius culinary school, leads the kitchen. Gombert also enlisted world-renowned chef Marcelo Hisaki to develop the menu and build the culinary team. Hisaki trained at Michelin-starred restaurants and competed in the Bocuse d’Or, often called the Olympics of cooking.

Currently open Wednesday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Suzette serves breakfast and lunch, featuring both sweet and savory crepes, croque-monsieurs, and other French classics. The 1,800-square-foot space, designed by Roderick Shade, uses orange, aqua, and off-white to create a bright, modern atmosphere that feels authentically French without the typical clichés. Large windows facing the street flood the space with natural light, while indoor seating for 40 and an outdoor patio for 30 provide plenty of options.

Dinner service is coming soon and will feature traditional dishes like coq au vin, steak au poivre, fish meunière, mussels, and the flaming crepe Suzette dessert that inspired the restaurant’s name. With carefully selected French wines available now and plans for full liquor service later, Suzette fills a notable gap in South Bay dining. Visit Wednesday through Sunday and experience a taste of Paris right here in Downtown Chula Vista.