Foggy evenings and sunny summer afternoons serve as a cozy backdrop for any meal at a top French restaurant in San Francisco. Enjoy fine French dining at a MICHELIN-Starred spot near Union Square or savor seafood bouillabaisse minutes from Castro Street. Sip expertly crafted absinthe cocktails or select a bottle of red from the award-winning wine list at a turn-of-the-century style brassiere near Hayes Valley.
From charming neighborhood bistros to Mediterranean hotspots, find a reservation at a French restaurant San Francisco for your next meal.
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For a laid-back French bistro with cozy vibes – try Cote Ouest (Marina/Cow Hollow/Presidio)
With a breezy interior, azul accents, and plenty of blonde wood furniture, Cote Ouest feels casual in the best possible way. Grab a table on the sidewalk or watch the chefs work in the immaculate open kitchen. Enjoy classic yet refined French dishes like a sole meunière served with green beans almondine and mashed potatoes or moules frites with white wine sauce. For brunch, savor cafeclassics like the croque monsieur with creamy whole-grain mustard béchamel sauce.
For sophisticated fine dining at a top French restaurant San Francisco – book a table at Gary Danko (Fisherman’s Wharf)
Open since 1999, Gary Danko is an institution in San Francisco’s fine dining scene. Award-winning chef Gary Danko dazzles guests with stellar French dishes that combine classic technique with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients—think horseradish-crusted salmon with grained mustard sauce and decadent Maine lobster risotto. Choose from three-, four-, and five-course meals with optional wine pairings. For special occasions, go all in on caviar service and selections from the cheese cart.
For upscale Parisian dishes at one of SF’s oldest French restaurants – visit Absinthe Brasserie and Bar (Civic Center/Hayes Valley/Van Ness)
At Absinthe Brasserie and Bar, red velvet seats and vintage French posters set the mood for pre-show cocktails, brunch, or romantic dinners. This beloved brasserie’s menu is equal parts old-school French classics and light dishes celebrating fresh California produce. Choose from hearty braised beef bourguignon or savor a poached pear salad and the city’s best French onion soup. Although the expertly mixed absinthe cocktails are a must-try, the 40-page-long wine list holds its own.
For contemporary French cuisine at a MICHELIN-Starred restaurant – grab a table at O’ by Claude Le Tohic (Downtown/Union Square)
Situated on the sixth floor of the ONE65 complex, MICHELIN-Starred O’ by Claude Le Tohic is where you go for the ultimate fine French dining experience in San Francisco. The award-winning namesake chef creates innovative French dishes with fresh California produce, premium proteins, and international flavor accents. The restaurant’s interiors are as elegant as the seasonal 5- and 9-course tasting menus starring dishes like roasted black cod with matsutake tea and spiced lamb breast confit.
For an intimate neighborhood destination at a top French restaurant San Francisco – try L’Ardoise (The Castro)
Nestled on a tree-lined street, L’Ardoise welcomes guests with soft carpeting, warm lighting, and cozy seating. There’s even a curtain over the door keeping the chill at bay. Ideal for birthdays, romantic dinners, or just cozy evenings out, the menu goes all in on comforting French classics and will transport you to a neighborhood bistro in the countryside. Highlights include the duck confit cooked for seven hours and the coq au vin. Pro tip: get the Brussels sprouts salad.
For made-to-order dishes and an extensive French wine list – reserve a table at Chapeau (Richmond District)
Tucked away on a residential street, Chapeau’s humble exterior hides one of the city’s best French restaurants. From the intimate table settings to the friendly service, this charming French bistro delivers a warm experience from start to finish. Pair the fillet mignon with one of over 50 bottles of French wine, or try the comforting cassoulet with duck confit and Toulouse sausages.
For a taste of Paris at a top French restaurant San Francisco – visit Chou Chou Bistro (Forest Hill/West Portal)
Situated on an unassuming corner in Forest Hill, Chou Chou Bistro channels classic Parisian bistros with white tablecloths and rose bouquets. From duck leg confit Wellington with truffle mashed potatoes to ravioli aux champignons and escargots gratines a l’ail, the bistro’s all-French lineup combines flavor-packed ingredients and sophisticated preparation techniques. The carefully curated wine list includes over 30 French-leaning bottles.
For contemporary California cuisine with a French twist – try ONE65 Bistro (Downtown/Union Square)
Perched on the third floor of the ONE65 dining complex, acclaimed chef Claude Le Tohic;s ONE65 Bistro offers a more casual alternative to his namesake, MICHELIN-starred restaurant. The more relaxed sibling delivers an elegant dining experience and open kitchen views. The seasonal menu showcases fresh California ingredients with a French twist—think grilled lobster drizzled in pimento sauce and duck breast with ginger, cherry, and pomme purée. Order à la carte or choose from one of the prix fixe menus.
For unpretentious French fare in a neighborhood cafe – try Chouquet’s (Pacific Heights)
When craving a satisfying brunch and sidewalk seating, there’s no better place than Chouquet’s. The cozy and compact dining room only has 24 tables and allows the food to take center stage, while the outdoor seating is ideal for people-watching. Try elegant French bistro favorites like saumon a la Parisienne with caper sauce or enjoy a light salade niçoise. In the evening, pair dishes from the dinner menu with over 70 bottles of wine from small global producers.
For Mediterranean French and Italian specialties – find a table at Florio (Pacific Heights)
Enjoy a taste of Mediterranean café culture at Florio, known for its comforting dishes and friendly service. The red awnings and cursive lettering are right at home in elegant Pacific Heights, while the spacious bar brings old-school NYC vibes. Check the blackboard for specials like butternut squash ravioli or steak au poivre cooked to perfection, then linger with friends in the inviting space.
From sophisticated brasseries to neighborhood favorites, enjoy a taste of Paris at one of the best French restaurant San Francisco. Whether you’re looking for classic French dishes for a soul-satisfying meal or an innovative tasting menu from an acclaimed chef, the best French restaurants in San Francisco promise a dining experience you won’t soon forget.
