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Best Bistros in Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio

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9 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Isa restaurant
1. Isa
4.7
Exceptional(2807)
Price: Moderate
• Bistro • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
Booked 4 times today
Nestled in the vibrant Marina District of San Francisco, Isa has been a beacon of exceptional bistro cuisine for over 25 years. With a consistent 4.9-star rating on OpenTable and glowing Yelp reviews, Isa stands out for its "delicious and satisfying" French fare with a Californian twist, executed under the expertise of Chef Luke Sung, a James Beard Foundation nominee. The restaurant's cozy ambiance and elegant settings, including a beautiful back patio, enhance every dining experience. Reviewers rave about the "potato wrapped sea bass" and "outstanding" service, noting dishes that "felt like fireworks in my mouth." Isa's commitment to quality and flavor, combined with a warm, knowledgeable staff, makes every visit memorable, cementing its status as a treasured local gem and a must-visit for bistro enthusiasts.
A photo of Mathilde French Bistro restaurant
2. Mathilde French Bistro
4.9
Exceptional(2424)
Price: Very Expensive
• Bistro • SOMA
Booked 8 times today
At Mathilde French Bistro, nestled in the SOMA district of San Francisco, the essence of Parisian dining comes to life, offering diners an authentic French culinary adventure. Celebrated for its "voted best in town French onion soup" and traditional delights like baked escargots and duck confit, Mathilde is a gateway to French gastronomy. Patrons consistently praise its offerings, with one declaring, "the service was impeccable, and the duck confit was perfection." Another review highlights, "From start to finish Mathilde is always 5⭐️'s." The cozy ambiance, complemented by a romantic, heated patio, ensures a year-round dining pleasure that makes every visit feel like a special occasion. This bistro not only serves excellent cuisine but also embodies the spirit of French dining with "a lovely bottle of Cotes de Beaune" to toast to an unforgettable experience.
A photo of Bon Delire restaurant
3. Bon Delire
new
4.6
Exceptional(60)
Price: Expensive
• Bistro • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 7 times today
Bon Délire’s chic yet approachable atmosphere draws inspiration from the cafés, lounges, and bistros of Paris. The interior boasts a sculpted horseshoe-shaped wooden bar, plush banquettes, and vibrant, European-imported furnishings that invite intimate dining and lounging. Guests can enjoy indoor seating with views of the Bay Bridge, or relax at the outdoor cafe-style seating, framed by planter boxes and umbrellas, perfect for people-watching along the Embarcadero.At night, the space comes alive with flickering projections of vintage French films and a relaxed, nostalgic soundtrack of throwback French and American tunes, making Bon Délire a sophisticated yet cozy setting for private and semi-private events.
A photo of Saison Cellar & Wine Bar restaurant
4. Saison Cellar & Wine Bar
4.6
Exceptional(23)
Price: Expensive
• Bistro • SOMA
Booked 21 times today
Nestled in the vibrant SOMA district of San Francisco, Saison Cellar & Wine Bar is a paradise for oenophiles and gourmands alike. Lauded for its "out-of-this-world good" wine list, Saison showcases an intricate collection that "leans heavily into France" while also honoring remarkable global and local Northern Californian producers. Patrons are treated to an enticing French wine bar fare, perfectly paired with a meticulously curated wine selection by Mark Bright and his team of sommeliers. The ambiance, described as classic "Saison blue," along with regular winemaker events, crafts a truly immersive experience. A patron praised, "the wine matches were paired and delivered beautifully," highlighting the exceptional quality and authenticity of Saison’s wine offerings, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking an exemplary wine bar experience.
A photo of Chapeau restaurant
5. Chapeau
4.8
Exceptional(3707)
Price: Expensive
• Bistro • Richmond District
Booked 20 times today
Immerse yourself in the delectable world of Contemporary French cuisine at Chapeau! SF, a cherished gem since 1996, located in the vibrant Richmond District of San Francisco. This esteemed bistro serves up authentic French dishes with a modern twist, earning rave reviews such as "probably the best French restaurant in San Francisco." Patrons are enamored by the cozy ambiance and the "absolutely fantastically delicious" food, highlighting favorites like the onion soup and French toast dessert. With its flexible prix fixe and à la carte menus, Chapeau! SF promises an exquisite dining experience that captures the essence of France, making every visitor feel like part of the family.
A photo of Villon restaurant
6. Villon
4.5
Awesome(1252)
Price: Expensive
• Bistro • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 10 times today
Nestled in the bustling heart of San Francisco's Downtown / Union Square neighborhood, Villon delights diners with its exemplary take on American cuisine, focusing on California’s rich tapestry of local and seasonal ingredients. Praised as "nothing short of exceptional" and "a perfect gem with fabulous food and drink," Villon offers a culinary experience that merges classic American dishes with inventive Californian flair. Guests rave about dishes like the "phenomenal" artichoke soup and the perfectly cooked lamb, emphasizing the restaurant's commitment to quality and creativity. The atmosphere is described as "wonderful inside," making Villon a must-visit for those seeking a top-tier dining experience in San Francisco.
A photo of Cafe de la Presse restaurant
7. Cafe de la Presse
4.5
Awesome(1904)
Price: Moderate
• Bistro • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 12 times today
At Cafe de la Presse, nestled in the bustling Downtown/Union Square of San Francisco, the essence of Parisian charm is vividly alive. This delightful eatery captures the spirit of French cafes, where "the food and service always dazzle" and the atmosphere invites you to linger over "the best eggs Benedict in town" or indulge in their "amazing onion soup." Patrons rave about the authentic French flair, noting it as "the most authentic feeling French restaurant" they've encountered. With accolades like "thumbs up for the Eggs Benedict" and "croissants are excellent," Cafe de la Presse stands out as a gem for those seeking a genuine taste of France in the heart of San Francisco.
A photo of Zevi Café & Bistro restaurant
8. Zevi Café & Bistro
4.9
Exceptional(4)
Price: Moderate
• Bistro • SOMA
Zevi Café & Bistro in SOMA, San Francisco, epitomizes the charm of a quintessential Bistro with its cozy ambiance, heartwarming cuisine, and the delightful blend of local flavors. Praised for its "very authentic" dishes and "excellent food," this spot stands out with its "best club sandwich" and "delicious Turkish and Mediterranean food." Reviewers rave about the "amazing experience" and highlight the "friendly service," making every meal memorable. Whether it's the "best coffee in San Francisco" or the "tasty and huge plates," Zevi's commitment to quality and authenticity shines, making it a must-visit for anyone craving a genuine Bistro experience.
A photo of Petite Left Bank restaurant
9. Petite Left Bank
4.5
Awesome(413)
Price: Expensive
• Bistro • Tiburon
Booked 19 times today
Petite Left Bank in Tiburon perfectly captures the essence of a traditional French café, offering an authentic experience that transports diners straight to the Left Bank of Paris. Patrons are treated to all-day delights like "the best salmon I’ve ever had" and "excellent" French pastries, croissants, and espresso. What makes Petite Left Bank truly stand out are glowing reviews praising its "wonderful" and "authentic French bistro food," and the cozy ambiance that makes you feel like "I was back in Paris!" The café's dedication to maintaining a true French vibe, coupled with their impeccable service, makes it a must-visit for anyone seeking a genuine café experience in Marin County.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Gary
    San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Lovely relaxing lunch with friends/colleagues in a comfortable booth seat. Service was attentive but gave us space to visit between decisions and courses. Salads and starters were delicious, and our main courses were all excellent. We tried each dessert and they were all exceptional.
    More info
    Bon DelirePrice: Expensive• French• Financial District / Embarcadero
    •
    4.6
  • Janvip
    San Francisco Bay Area •71 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Isa is, BY FAR, the absolutely best deal in SF Restaurant!! I have never found another option with the quality and number of choices for the price, so this is the only place I go during restaurant week. For example, my meal last night: 1) delicious, intense lobster broth(more like a bisque) with several shrimp; 2) dungeness crab salad with lettuce and apple; 4) duck breast with sauteed apple and greens; 4) amaretto semifreddi. How much did those 4 delicious courses (substantial in size) cost? $65.99!! If you miss this deal in Restaurant Week - go anyway! You can get the same items on their a la carte menu, and they have a smaller prix fixe option on weekdays. Highest recommendation!
    More info
    IsaPrice: Moderate• French American• Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
    •
    4.7
  • Sean
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    wonderful oysters biggest oyster ive seen in happy hour
    More info
    Saison Cellar & Wine BarPrice: Expensive• Wine Bar• SOMA
    •
    4.6
  • OpenTable Diner
    San Diego •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 11 Nov 2024
    Great service! 10/10 recommended! The restaurant is so pretty. Worth to try
    More info
    VillonPrice: Expensive• Californian• Downtown / Union Square
    •
    4.5
  • olga
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 10 Nov 2024
    IT is a wonderful night to celebrate birthday with my friend. Lena recommend us for a wine that it is very affordable. We have 3 bottles. The escargot is good. Lena also help us to make something that is not on the menu that night. Very happy dinner.
    More info
    Mathilde French BistroPrice: Very Expensive• French• SOMA
    •
    4.9

Discover best Bistro restaurants in Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio

Discover the charm and culinary excellence of bistros in the Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio area of San Francisco, a neighborhood renowned for its vibrant dining scene and picturesque settings. Bistros in this locale offer a delightful mix of ambiance and exquisite menus, featuring a broad array of flavors that cater to both traditional and contemporary tastes. Each bistro brings a unique touch to their dishes, emphasizing fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and innovative culinary techniques. Visitors can expect a range of dining experiences, from cozy, intimate settings to more bustling, lively venues. The area itself is a hub for culinary enthusiasts, blending historical charm with modern sophistication, making it a perfect backdrop for a memorable meal. Whether you're a local or a tourist, exploring the bistros in this part of San Francisco promises a satisfying and enriching dining adventure. These establishments not only reflect the richness of San Francisco's culinary landscape but also embody a commitment to quality and authenticity in every dish served.

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