5 Best Traditional French Restaurants In Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

5 restaurants available nearby

1. Le Central

4.7

Exceptional(2108)

Price: Expensive

• Traditional french • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 32 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”!!!

A photo of Aquitaine - San Francisco restaurant

2. Aquitaine - San Francisco

4.7

Exceptional(333)

Price: Moderate

• Traditional french • Noe Valley

Booked 1 time today

Aquitaine in San Francisco's Noe Valley is a beacon for wine lovers and food enthusiasts alike, offering an authentic slice of southwest France. Esteemed for its "fabulous French fare," the restaurant has been commended for having "The Best Mussels in the Bay Area" by Michael Bauer of The San Francisco Chronicle. Aquitaine's wine bar stands out by offering an extensive selection of wines that are meticulously chosen to complement their Gascon-inspired cuisine. Guests rave about the "great selection of wines, affordable and well-paired with food," highlighting the restaurant's ability to create a cozy, European-like ambiance that makes every visit memorable. Whether it's the delicious wine, the inviting atmosphere, or the excellent service, Aquitaine provides an exceptional dining experience that echoes the charm of a true French wine bar.

3. Cafe de la Presse

4.5

Awesome(1906)

Price: Moderate

• Traditional french • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 14 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 Hyde Street Seafood House & Raw Bar restaurant

4. Hyde Street Seafood House & Raw Bar

4.6

Exceptional(769)

Price: Moderate

• Traditional french • Russian Hill

Booked 2 times today

The Hyde Street Seafood House specializes in 'En Papillote' cooking, a traditional French technique of baking in parchment paper. Julienned vegetables, fresh herbs, white wine, and a selection of fresh seafood are wrapped in parchment paper and baked to perfection, sealing in the food's natural flavors and juices.

5. Petite Left Bank

4.5

Awesome(415)

Price: Expensive

• Traditional french • Tiburon

Booked 16 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.

‘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.

Best Traditional French Restaurants in Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

Price

Regions

Areas

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating options

Accessibility

5 restaurants available nearby

1. Le Central

2. Aquitaine - San Francisco

3. Cafe de la Presse

4. Hyde Street Seafood House & Raw Bar

5. Petite Left Bank

Explore OpenTable