Best French Restaurants in North Beach

29 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Absinthe Brasserie and Bar - SF restaurant

1. Absinthe Brasserie and Bar - SF

4.8

Exceptional(7339)

Price: Expensive

• French • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

Booked 30 times today

Absinthe Brasserie and Bar in San Francisco's vibrant Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness neighborhood is a celebration of French cuisine, consistently lauded for its authenticity and excellence. Diners rave about the "consistently delicious food" and "excellent wait staff," creating an atmosphere that's both inviting and distinctly French. From the Sole Meunière to the Duck Confit, each dish is "beautifully prepared and delicious," making every meal a delightful culinary journey. The Salade Lyonnaise and Cassoulet are crowd favorites, often described as "outstanding" and akin to "a quick trip to France." With accolades for its "Michelin-rated quality" food and a "timeless and stunning" decor, Absinthe stands out as not just a meal, but an immersive French dining experience right in the heart of San Francisco.

2. Le Central

4.7

Exceptional(2108)

Price: Expensive

• French • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 23 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”!!!

3. Le Parc Bistrobar

4.7

Exceptional(59)

Price: Moderate

• French • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 7 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.

4. Bon Delire

new

4.6

Exceptional(60)

Price: Expensive

• French • 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.

5. Chouquet's

4.8

Exceptional(1695)

Price: Moderate

• French • Pacific Heights

Booked 13 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.

A photo of Saison Cellar & Wine Bar restaurant

6. Saison Cellar & Wine Bar

4.6

Exceptional(23)

Price: Expensive

• French • 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.

7. Cote Ouest

4.9

Exceptional(696)

Price: Moderate

• French • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio

Booked 26 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.

8. Bouche

4.7

Exceptional(1904)

Price: Expensive

• French • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 10 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. Florio

4.7

Exceptional(1742)

Price: Moderate

• French • Pacific Heights

Booked 23 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 O' by Claude Le Tohic restaurant

10. O' by Claude Le Tohic

4.8

Exceptional(456)

Price: Very Expensive

• French • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 7 times today

O' by Claude Le Tohic, located in the vibrant heart of Downtown/Union Square San Francisco, offers an exceptional dining experience that epitomizes the best of Contemporary French cuisine. This Michelin-starred restaurant, under the expert helm of Chef Claude Le Tohic, presents a culinary journey with its meticulously crafted tasting menus. Guests rave about the harmonious blend of flavors and textures, with dishes described as "works of art." Notably, the restaurant's service is consistently lauded as "impeccable" and "attentive," enhancing the luxurious yet welcoming ambiance. Whether it's the delicate arrangement of a five-course meal or the grandeur of the nine-course feast, each bite at O' is a celebration of modern French gastronomy at its finest. As one diner put it, "The best meal of my life - worth every penny!!", O' by Claude Le Tohic stands as a beacon of culinary excellence in San Francisco.

‘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

J
Jeremyvip
San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
This place is simply fantastic. I've been there twice since it opened over the summer. The food is really really solid. Great French bistro fare but definitely with a modern flair to it. The decor is great. The service is friendly. And the wines are very reasonable. Great cocktails as well.
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Le Parc BistrobarPrice: Moderate• French• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.7
MT
MicheleT
San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Our party of six had a delightful time. Our waiter was friendly, attentive and helpful. The food service was prompt, and the food excellent. I had the poached pear salad and carpaccio. Another couple had the same, while two others had the burgers . . . all to very positive comments.
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Absinthe Brasserie and Bar - SFPrice: Expensive• French• Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
•
4.8
G
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.
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Bon DelirePrice: Expensive• French• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.6
J
Julie
New York City •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Le Central holds up! Very classic French food, perfectly executed. Noisy yet my dining companion and I could hear each other perfectly without raising our voices.
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Le CentralPrice: Expensive• French• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.7
A
Allen
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined on 12 Nov 2024
As difficult as it may be to do, they need to hire more wait staff. While the service we got was fine, the servers couldn't keep up with the flow of customers, no matter how hard they tried. And they tried!
More info
Chouquet'sPrice: Moderate• French• Pacific Heights
•
4.8

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29 restaurants available nearby

1. Absinthe Brasserie and Bar - SF

2. Le Central

3. Le Parc Bistrobar

4. Bon Delire

5. Chouquet's

6. Saison Cellar & Wine Bar

7. Cote Ouest

8. Bouche

9. Florio

10. O' by Claude Le Tohic

See what locals rave about

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