Best French Restaurants in Portola Valley

9 restaurants available nearby

1. Zola + BarZola

4.6

Exceptional(1230)

Price: Expensive

• French • Palo Alto

Booked 37 times today

Zola + BarZola in Palo Alto shines as a beacon of exceptional American cuisine, delighting patrons with a harmonious blend of traditional flavors and innovative dishes. Guests consistently rave about the "outstanding food" and "excellent service," appreciating the welcoming atmosphere that feels "like a comfortable dining room in a friend's home." The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident in its carefully sourced seasonal ingredients, expertly prepared to perfection. Diners are enamored with the "melt-in-your-mouth short ribs" and "exquisite mushroom crepes," making it a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike. Zola + BarZola truly offers an authentic American dining experience.

2. Bistro Vida

4.8

Exceptional(2782)

Price: Moderate

• French • Menlo Park

Booked 29 times today

Bistro Vida in Menlo Park is a gem for authentic Bistro cuisine, echoing the vibrant spirit of Parisian dining right in the heart of downtown. Since 1998, it has been a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike, offering a taste of France with dishes that are “always fantastic” and service that is “top-notch.” The cozy yet lively atmosphere, complete with chic interiors and a welcoming ambiance, makes guests feel like they’ve stepped into a classic French brasserie. With accolades like “the best French Onion soup” and perfectly prepared dishes like mussels and steak tartare, Bistro Vida is a must-visit for anyone seeking genuine French flavors.

A photo of Left Bank Menlo Park restaurant

3. Left Bank Menlo Park

4.2

Awesome(2840)

Price: Moderate

• French • Menlo Park

Booked 20 times today

Inspired by the birthplace of the original Parisian brasseries along the Left Bank of the Seine River, Left Bank Brasserie is an authentic Parisian-style brasserie by Chef Roland Passot. Left Bank pays homage to the joiede vivre that is synonymous with the Left Bank neighborhood in Paris. Guests are invited to step intoFrench culture, in a vibrant, social atmosphere that captures all the charm of traditional brasseriesand iconic alfresco dining of France. An all-day menu features authentic French cuisine utilizingseasonal, local and organic ingredients, and consists of iconic lighter fare such as oysters, tartare andprawns provençal, in addition to heartier classics like coq au vin and beef bourguignon. Inspired by theParisian-style Bar Américain, an extensive cocktail menu features classics of a bygone era, along with awide range of rotating taps, seasonal drafts and bottled beer, and an expertly-curated wine selection.

4. Firehouse Bistro

4.6

Exceptional(470)

Price: Expensive

• French • Woodside

Booked 2 times today

Firehouse Bistro in Woodside, California, offers a delightful French culinary experience that enchants diners with its authenticity and exquisite flavors. The cozy, rustic atmosphere, often described as "a warm family cabin," enhances the sophisticated dining experience. Patrons adore the "exceptional" food, with perfectly prepared dishes like sea bass and seafood risotto standing out as favorites. The staff’s attentiveness and friendliness are frequently highlighted, making each visit feel special and personalized. Customers rave about the "fantastic service" and "amazing" servers, ensuring that every meal is memorable. Firehouse Bistro is a hidden gem that promises a charming and delicious French dining adventure.

5. Chez TJ

4.7

Exceptional(1538)

Price: Very Expensive

• French • Mountain View

Booked 2 times today

Chez TJ, located in the charming heart of Mountain View, offers an exquisite journey into Contemporary French / American cuisine that leaves diners raving about its "creative, well-prepared and beautifully presented" dishes. Nestled in a historic Victorian home, the restaurant's intimate setting is matched by its impeccable service, ensuring guests feel "warm and welcomed" from the moment they arrive. Executive Chef Stan Michalski, with his Michelin experience, curates a pre-fixe Chef's Tasting menu that highlights locally-sourced ingredients, elevating traditional flavors into "an adventure of taste." This Michelin-starred gem is celebrated for its ambiance, exceptional wine pairings, and a dining experience that is "fabulous" and "worth every penny."

6. Bistro Elan

4.7

Exceptional(28)

Price: Expensive

• French • Palo Alto

Booked 4 times today

Bistro Elan in Palo Alto is a delightful gem that elevates American cuisine with its dedication to locally-sourced ingredients and innovative culinary techniques. This cozy restaurant offers an intimate setting perfect for date nights or small celebratory dinners. Guests rave about the "outstanding dinner" experience, praising the beautifully prepared dishes like the Pan-seared Scallops and Flat Iron Steak. The staff is known for their "super friendly service," always ensuring a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Diners appreciate the carefully curated wine list that complements the menu's flavors. Bistro Elan offers a true taste of American culinary artistry, making it a must-visit in the Bay Area.

A photo of La Fontaine Restaurant restaurant

7. La Fontaine Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(895)

Price: Moderate

• French • Mountain View

Booked 4 times today

La Fontaine Restaurant in Mountain View is a delightful gem for anyone seeking authentic French cuisine. With its exquisite French dishes, such as the renowned Beef Wellington, diners consistently rave about the "melt-in-your-mouth tender" experience and "impeccable seasoning." The restaurant's commitment to quality shines through its fresh, homemade pastas and beautifully plated entrees. Guests appreciate the excellent service, noting that staff are "always smiling and very quick with the food." Whether celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a casual evening out, La Fontaine provides a welcoming atmosphere that "makes dinner even more special," ensuring a memorable dining experience.

A photo of La Boheme - Palo Alto restaurant

8. La Boheme - Palo Alto

4.5

Awesome(191)

Price: Moderate

• French • Palo Alto

Booked 12 times today

La Boheme in Palo Alto is a delightful haven for Bistro cuisine enthusiasts, offering an authentic French dining experience that transports you straight to France. Diners rave about the "perfectly prepared Benedict’s and omelettes" for brunch and the exquisite "Grand Marnier soufflé," a must-try dessert. The menu boasts classic French dishes like boeuf Bourguignon and mussels in garlic white wine sauce, executed with finesse. Guests have praised the "wonderful restaurant" for its charming ambiance and "warm service," making it a standout choice among local eateries. La Boheme's commitment to quality and authenticity makes it a beloved neighborhood gem.

9. Iron Gate

4.8

Exceptional(3068)

Price: Very Expensive

• French • Belmont

Booked 20 times today

Iron Gate in Belmont is a shining gem for lovers of Continental cuisine, offering an unparalleled dining experience with its exquisite table-side and flambé service. The restaurant is renowned for its “superb food and service,” consistently delighting diners with classics like Caesar salad and veal prepared to perfection. Guests rave about the romantic ambiance, making it a perfect spot for special occasions. The soufflés are a must-try, leaving a memorable impression on anyone who indulges. With attentive staff and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, Iron Gate is a beloved destination for those seeking authentic and high-quality Continental dining.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

A
AlanVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •73 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
I've been going to Left Bank sporadically over the past 20 years, and it has had its upswings and downswings. On this recent visit, it appears to be on an upswing: Everything we ordered was delicious, including the Petrale Sole, Boeuf Bourgignon and Citron tart. The restaurant wasn't crowded, and our service was attentive but not smothering. Prices were fair. I won't wait so long to go back next time.
More info
Left Bank Menlo ParkPrice: Moderate• French• Menlo Park
•
4.2
R
Ralph
San Francisco Bay Area •12 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Excellent food, service, value, but quite noisy. The acoustics are poor.
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Firehouse BistroPrice: Expensive• American• Woodside
•
4.6
K
Katie
San Francisco Bay Area •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
They went out of their way to help us even though they were short staffed that day, made sure we had a table that worked for a slightly disabled friend, and checked on us just often enough without interrupting us. The gnocchi was amazing!
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Bistro VidaPrice: Moderate• French• Menlo Park
•
4.8
M
Mina
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
We invited few friends tonight at Zola for dinner. Everything was great and our dinner was outstanding. We are planning to go back there next week. Highly recommend the restaurant to everyone.
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Zola + BarZolaPrice: Expensive• French• Palo Alto
•
4.6
D
DavidVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •9 reviews
5.0
Dined on 9 Jan 2025
Great experience. Very happy with Escargot and Filet Mignon
More info
La Boheme - Palo AltoPrice: Moderate• French• Palo Alto
•
4.5

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Portola Valley

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Best French Restaurants in Portola Valley

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9 restaurants available nearby

1. Zola + BarZola

2. Bistro Vida

3. Left Bank Menlo Park

4. Firehouse Bistro

5. Chez TJ

6. Bistro Elan

7. La Fontaine Restaurant

8. La Boheme - Palo Alto

9. Iron Gate

See what locals rave about

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