Best French Restaurants in Kensington

8 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Julia's Restaurant restaurant

1. Julia's Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(1665)

Price: Expensive

• French • Berkeley

Booked 23 times today

Julia's Restaurant, nestled on the second floor of the historic Julia Morgan Berkeley City Club, offers a quintessential Californian dining experience that is both innovative and authentic. The restaurant's commitment to using local, organic, and seasonal ingredients shines through in every dish, earning rave reviews like "the food was absolutely delicious, beautifully presented." The ambiance is a harmonious blend of elegance and history, highlighted by the stunning Moorish Gothic architecture. Diners appreciate the "gracious, unhurried service" and the diverse wine list that expertly complements the menu. Whether for a special occasion or a casual meal, Julia's is a true gem in Berkeley.

2. Bon Delire

4.6

Exceptional(157)

Price: Expensive

• French • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 75 times today

Bon Délire is a standout destination for authentic Bistro cuisine in the heart of San Francisco's Financial District along the Embarcadero. With its chic Parisian-inspired ambiance, this charming spot transports diners to the streets of France, offering a perfect blend of classic and innovative dishes. Guests rave about the “superb steak frites & oysters” and the “best French Bistro in the Bay Area.” The service is consistently praised as “warm, friendly, accommodating, and knowledgeable,” making every dining experience memorable. Whether indulging in the delicious steak tartare or savoring a delightful croque monsieur, Bon Délire promises a taste of France with every bite.

3. Reve

4.8

Exceptional(2575)

Price: Very Expensive

• French • Lafayette

Booked 24 times today

Reve in Lafayette is a true gem for those seeking authentic Bistro cuisine, where Chef Paul Magu-Lecugy and his wife, Laura, create a cozy ambiance reminiscent of a classic Saint Michel bistro. "It’s like dining in Paris," rave diners, emphasizing the restaurant's ability to transport guests to France with its sublime dishes like French onion soup, steak frites, and velvety crème brûlée. Michelin recognized the restaurant from 2021-2024, attesting to its excellence. The intimate garden tent setting adds charm, and the attentive service ensures every visit feels special. It’s no wonder Reve is adored for its "consistently delightful" dining experience.

4. Cafe de la Presse

4.6

Exceptional(1919)

Price: Moderate

• French • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 9 times today

Cafe de la Presse is a shining beacon of authentic Bistro cuisine nestled in the heart of Downtown San Francisco near Union Square. Embracing a Parisian flair, this charming establishment invites diners to savor traditional French classics like Coquille St. Jacques and eggs Benedict amidst an atmosphere reminiscent of a French café. "A San Francisco gem," it effortlessly combines exquisite cuisine with attentive service, creating a delightful dining experience. Patrons rave about the "deliciously wonderful" offerings and the "vibrant atmosphere" that make it a go-to spot for brunch or a leisurely meal. Whether indulging in a flaky croissant or sipping a steaming café au lait, Cafe de la Presse delivers an authentic taste of France, right in the heart of San Francisco.

5. Le Central

4.7

Exceptional(2147)

Price: Expensive

• French • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 21 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”!!!

6. Le Parc Bistrobar

4.8

Exceptional(133)

Price: Moderate

• French • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 9 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.

7. Petite Left Bank

4.6

Exceptional(432)

Price: Expensive

• French • Tiburon

Booked 12 times today

Petite Left Bank, nestled in the delightful downtown Tiburon, offers a Bistro experience that transports diners straight to the heart of France. Renowned for its authentic French flavors, this charming eatery captures the essence of Paris with every dish. Guests rave about the “wonderful, very tasty, and authentic French bistro food,” and the “exquisite” service that makes each visit memorable. The ambiance, reminiscent of a true French café, is perfect for everything from casual brunches to special occasions. With its delightful mix of handcrafted French classics and modern bistro flair, Petite Left Bank is a must-visit gem in Marin County.

8. Perle Wine Bar

4.6

Exceptional(161)

Price: Expensive

• French • Oakland

Booked 3 times today

Perle is a neighborhood wine bar, specializing in french-California focused cuisine. We strive to casually exceed our customer's expectations with interesting food options and a wine list that is varied and affordable. Two San Francisco restaurant personalities, Chef Rob Lam from Butterfly & Sommelier Marcus Garcia from Fleur de Lys decided to open a hip and comfortable wine lounge and restaurant loaded with great wines, spirits, craft cocktails and beer... In the small, quaint, Montclair village in the hills of Oakland. House specialties include caviar, oysters, mussels and other gems of the sea... classic fromage and charcuterie... to a burger considered one of Oakland's best! Currently in San Francisco Chronicle's Top French Restaurants!!!

‘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
Anthony
San Francisco Bay Area •10 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Had a great dinner before the ballet. The service was efficient and attentive. All the food was outstanding. I’ll definitely be back.
More info
Absinthe Brasserie and Bar - SFPrice: Expensive• French• Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
•
4.8
S
SandyVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •68 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
As always I say- a sure bet you will be pleased. As a Native San Franciscan, many years of eating here.
More info
Le CentralPrice: Expensive• French• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.7
C
CarlaVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •39 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Girls lunch...it was perfect! The food was fresh, imaginative and beautiful...delicious! We had reserved a table outdoors, but they kindly gave us a spot inside by juggling things around...and inside we could hear each other talk! Not always possible these days! The service was attentive, but not overly so...very comfortable, yet jazzy vibe!
More info
Bon DelirePrice: Expensive• French• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.6
G
Gwen
San Francisco Bay Area •32 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
We had a very lovely dining experience at Julia's. The ambiance is beautiful - in the old, historic building. The service was attentive and at a relaxed pace. The food was really delicious - definitely worth the price for the experience.
More info
Julia's RestaurantPrice: Expensive• French• Berkeley
•
4.7
D
DanaVIP
Philadelphia County •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
It all started with a wonderful confirmation email from Marc with a “c”…his attention to detail was a preview of the outstanding service and world-class cuisine. Heartfelt thanks to Fadhelah and Venron for their attention to our every need. Matthew, the sommelier, did a fantastic job with pairings. It was truly a dining pleasure.
More info
O' by Claude Le TohicPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary French• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.8

Best French Restaurants in Kensington

Price

Regions

Areas

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating options

Award-winning

Accessibility

8 restaurants available nearby

1. Julia's Restaurant

2. Bon Delire

3. Reve

4. Cafe de la Presse

5. Le Central

6. Le Parc Bistrobar

7. Petite Left Bank

8. Perle Wine Bar

See what locals rave about