Best French Restaurants in San Francisco Bay Area

32 restaurants available nearby

1. Bon Delire

4.7

Exceptional(106)

Price: Expensive

• French • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 20 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.

2. Petite Left Bank

4.6

Exceptional(423)

Price: Expensive

• French • Tiburon

Booked 4 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.

3. Cote Ouest

4.9

Exceptional(734)

Price: Moderate

• French • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio

Booked 8 times today

Côte Ouest Bistro is a contemporary French bistro led by partners Laurent Monchicourt & Martin Sarraih. In April, 2021, the pair transformed the former Baker Street Bistro into a modern 21st century neighborhood gem. Nestle into one of our bay window seats and enjoy conversation over a plate of charcuterie with the perfect glass of Bordeaux. Chef Sarraih's prepares seasonal specialties as well as favorite French classics like Steak Frites, and Duck Confit. And the custard soaked Croissant French Toast is not to be missed if you stop by for brunch on our sunny terrace.

4. Le Central

4.7

Exceptional(2132)

Price: Expensive

• French • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 8 times today

Opened in 1974, Le Central has been serving traditional French cuisine for five decades, boasting the honor of being San Francisco’s most historic French bistro. Located on the edge of the Financial District, Union Square, and Chinatown in a rare one story brick building adorned with its iconic pink neon sign and crowned by a vintage “Tabac” sign. Step into this charming restaurant and be transported to a Parisian brasserie. With exposed brick walls, original imported brass bar, stained glass features, and cozy banquettes topped with brass railings. The atmosphere invites you to unwind and enjoy delicious French fare and exceptional wines and cocktails in an upscale, yet casual environment. Enjoy French classics like steak-frites, escargot, onion soup, and our world famous Cassoulet. Le Central’s cuisine is comforting yet sumptuous. Le Central is the downtown stop for locals and visitors looking for a taste of “La Belle Vie”!!!

5. Chouquet's

4.8

Exceptional(1711)

Price: Moderate

• French • Pacific Heights

Booked 6 times today

Nestled in the charming Pacific Heights neighborhood of San Francisco, Chouquet's presents a delightful culinary experience highlighting the best of Contemporary French cuisine. This cozy bistro offers a refined yet casual ambiance, perfect for any dining occasion. Guests rave about signature dishes like the boeuf bourguignon and duck confit, each prepared with a modern twist while honoring traditional French flavors. With glowing reviews, one diner exclaimed, "The food was unbelievable!!" and another praised the perfect pairing of the "delicious" smoked salmon Benedict with a side salad, stating it was "Very French." Whether you're indulging in their famous crème brûlée or enjoying the lively atmosphere at their sidewalk tables, Chouquet's consistently delivers an authentic French dining experience right in the heart of San Francisco.

6. Florio

4.8

Exceptional(1753)

Price: Moderate

• French • Pacific Heights

Booked 4 times today

Florio, nestled in the charming Pacific Heights neighborhood of San Francisco, is a celebrated haven for Italian cuisine enthusiasts. Patrons rave about the authenticity and quality of its offerings, highlighting dishes like the "amazing" pasta Bolognese and "exceptional" cioppino that showcase Florio's commitment to traditional Italian flavors. The restaurant's ambiance is frequently described as "cozy" and "casual," perfect for a romantic evening or a lively dinner with friends. Critics and regulars alike commend Florio for its "excellent food and service," with one guest noting, "The bolognese pasta was the best I’ve ever had." This neighborhood gem continues to impress with its well-crafted menu and warm, inviting atmosphere.

A photo of Ula Restaurant & Tapas Bar restaurant

7. Ula Restaurant & Tapas Bar

4.1

Excellent(775)

Price: Expensive

• French • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 14 times today

Ula Restaurant & Tapas Bar, located in the vibrant Financial District / Embarcadero area of San Francisco, is a gem for those seeking authentic French cuisine with a European Mediterranean twist. This exquisite dining spot offers a seafood-centric menu praised for its variety and flavor, with dishes like Branzino and crème brûlée receiving glowing reviews for their perfect execution. The atmosphere is described as "beautifully decorated with beautiful undersea decorations" and is perfect for a prelude to a night at the SFJazz or a nostalgic trolley ride through the heart of the city. Patrons consistently laud the "exquisite and attentive service" and the "delicious tapas selections" that make every dining experience memorable. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply in search of a delightful meal, Ula promises an enchanting evening with its superb French offerings.

8. Bouche

4.6

Exceptional(1916)

Price: Expensive

• French • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 4 times today

Bouche, nestled in the vibrant heart of Downtown San Francisco near Union Square, is a culinary treasure that artfully blends Californian flair with French elegance. This intimate "hole in the wall" restaurant, led by the acclaimed Parisian Chef Jeremy Blaringhem, offers an ever-evolving seasonal menu that captivates with its authenticity and high-quality local ingredients. Diners rave about the unique dining experience, with one describing it as "nothing fancy... Simply expect real food, real ingredients, real people, real laughs... a love experience." Guests consistently praise the "incredible experience" and the exceptional value of the $55 seasonal 3-course Prix Fixe menu, highlighting dishes like the adventurous "The Adventurous" blind dish that challenges palates. Bouche's commitment to small producer wines from California ensures each meal is paired perfectly, enhancing the authentic Californian dining experience. A visit to Bouche is a journey through the best of Californian cuisine, served with passion and a smile.

9. Le Parc Bistrobar

4.7

Exceptional(104)

Price: Expensive

• French • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 3 times today

Le Parc Bistrobar is a delightful French restaurant in Union Square, San Francisco, nestled within the Galleria Park Hotel. Led by the renowned 2-star Michelin Chef Bruno Chemel, this bistro offers a culinary escapade that perfectly complements the city's refined tastes. The menu at Le Parc Bistrobar is a tribute to classic French cuisine, featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients that bring out the rich, traditional flavors in every dish. The lounge bar provides a wide variety of wines and cocktails to enhance the gourmet experience.

10. Bombay Brasserie

3.9

Excellent(40)

Price: Very Expensive

• French • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 16 times today

Welcome to Bombay Brasserie, where the vibrant tapestry of Indian cuisine meets the elegance of French culinary artistry in the heart of San Francisco’s Union Square. Enjoy a journey through India’s culinary landscape, from the aromatic spices of the North to the coastal flavors of the South, meticulously crafted with a French twist to elevate traditional dishes. Dive into an evening that’s as bold as it is creative and experience a harmonious blend of two world-renowned cuisines, where every bite is a symphony of heritage and sophistication.

‘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

M
Marcia
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
It was a very special Christmas Eve dinner! I first heard about this restaurant when it was reviewed in the SF Chronicle 11/3/24. It was as good as it possibly could be. The food was absolutely delicious. My daughter & I ordered the steak & frites & I asked for my frites to be very crispy & for 2 dishes of aioli to dip them in & they easily accommodated me. The steak with peppercorn sauce was tender and a perfect medium rare.
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Bon DelirePrice: Expensive• French• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.7
D
DeborahVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •27 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Christmas Eve packed and not enough seating. Even with reservations a month out! Walk ins standing over us eating. Biggest problem space. Food excellent though I’d prefer on menu duck à l'orange for Christmas. Over all - very happy and lovely experience. Merci
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Petite Left BankPrice: Expensive• French• Tiburon
•
4.6
J
JulienVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Excellent all around! We had the boeuf bourguignon, steak frites, blanquette de veau. All delicious. We also enjoyed the desserts, we’d recommend the crème brûlée and chocolate fondant. Great atmosphere inside and great staff.
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Chouquet'sPrice: Moderate• French• Pacific Heights
•
4.8
J
Julie
San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
This was my first visit to Le Central and I'm now a big fan! The food was delicious, the wait staff and others were friendly and helpful, and it wasn't annoyingly loud. This is what fine dining was meant to be, at least in my opinion. I look forward to going back so I can try their other options!
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Le CentralPrice: Expensive• French• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.7
J
Judith
San Francisco Bay Area •9 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
This is a good restaurant. I had a very grand, two hour, French, Christmas lunch with a girlfriend and we were treated like the princesses we are not. The food was just delicious. The service was a little slow but the place was crowded due to the season, I suppose, and the pace suited our disgraceful over ordering. Not cheap but the price was about what one would expect for the authenticity and quality of the food. Highly recommended. I'd love to know how they manage to serve the wine at just the right temperature.
More info
Cote OuestPrice: Moderate• French• Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
•
4.9

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Best French Restaurants in San Francisco Bay Area

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32 restaurants available nearby

1. Bon Delire

2. Petite Left Bank

3. Cote Ouest

4. Le Central

5. Chouquet's

6. Florio

7. Ula Restaurant & Tapas Bar

8. Bouche

9. Le Parc Bistrobar

10. Bombay Brasserie

See what locals rave about

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