Frenchy’s Hideout is a passion project from hospitality veteran Michael Simpson, a Paris native with decades of experience in the restaurant industry. Simpson brings a wealth of expertise to his first solo venture. Having started his career at Disneyland Paris, Simpson moved to the U.S. and worked at notable San Diego establishments, including The French Gourmet in Pacific Beach, where he waited tables, and Croce's Park West in Bankers Hill, where he served as sommelier and general manager for 11 years.
He later took on the role of director of operations at Barrio Star for six years and most recently held the position of General Manager at Town and Country Resort. Inspired by the transformative wine dinners he witnessed at The French Gourmet, Simpson seized the opportunity to create Frenchy's Hideout when the University Avenue location became available, describing the timing as serendipitous.
The restaurant's menu, crafted by Executive Chef Pedro Lugo Brito and Sous chef Arturo Aguilar, features traditional French cuisine with a modern twist. Diners can expect classics like beef Bourguignon, as well as seafood towers, alongside fresh pastas and theatrical tableside flambé dishes like crepes Suzette ignited with Grand Marnier. While the regular dinner menu offers a variety of a la carte options, the focus remains on multi-course wine dinners, where Simpson's curated wine list will shine, featuring primarily French selections but also highlighting domestic options from regions like Napa to allow winemakers to guide the experience in person.
Frenchy's Hideout offers more than just a meal - it’s an immersive experience. The intimate space, with 42 dining seats and five bar seats, exudes a moody ambiance with navy blue walls, dark wood paneling, and gold accents. An enclosed patio with fire pit tables adds a cozy, social element, fostering a setting where guests can connect over food and wine. The wine program, a cornerstone of the restaurant, pairs each dish with bottles that enhance the flavors, ranging from robust French reds to crisp California whites.
The name Frenchy's Hideout reflects Simpson's nickname from his early days in the U.S. and the venue's intimate, tucked-away feel, which he envisions as a hidden gem in Hillcrest's bustling dining scene. Operating Tuesday through Sunday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., with extended hours until 10:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, the restaurant aims to become a neighborhood favorite, blending French indulgence with California’s relaxed vibe.
Frenchy's Hideout is now in its soft opening phase at 142 West University Avenue, Suite C, in San Diego's Hillcrest. For more information, visit frenchyshideout.com and check out the opening menu below.
Frenchy's Hideout offers more than just a meal - it’s an immersive experience. The intimate space, with 42 dining seats and five bar seats, exudes a moody ambiance with navy blue walls, dark wood paneling, and gold accents. An enclosed patio with fire pit tables adds a cozy, social element, fostering a setting where guests can connect over food and wine. The wine program, a cornerstone of the restaurant, pairs each dish with bottles that enhance the flavors, ranging from robust French reds to crisp California whites.
The name Frenchy's Hideout reflects Simpson's nickname from his early days in the U.S. and the venue's intimate, tucked-away feel, which he envisions as a hidden gem in Hillcrest's bustling dining scene. Operating Tuesday through Sunday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., with extended hours until 10:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, the restaurant aims to become a neighborhood favorite, blending French indulgence with California’s relaxed vibe.
Frenchy's Hideout is now in its soft opening phase at 142 West University Avenue, Suite C, in San Diego's Hillcrest. For more information, visit frenchyshideout.com and check out the opening menu below.
Originally published on March 25, 2025.
