French Restaurants In San Francisco, California, USA

1. L'Ardoise

Opened in 2008, this cosy French bistro is the brainchild of Chef Clement who was born and raised in Bordeaux, where he’s been working in restaurants since he was 15. Upon moving to the US, he’s worked in restaurants that have won the coveted James Beard award as well as Michelin-star restaurants. L'ardoise prides itself on simple and delicious ingredients so don’t expect a huge menu but do expect expertly crafted dishes in a cosy and comfortable atmosphere.

L'Ardoise

Address: 151 Noe Street @ Henry San Francisco, CA 94114

Average price: 50 USD for two

Website: L'Ardoise

2. Chapeau!

If you’re looking for an amazing French bistro experience, then Chapeau! is a place for you. Bring out your inner food critic in this restaurant because the experience here isn’t just for you to eat for the sake of eating, rather, what matters is the savouring of the flavours. Chapeau! has a warm and generous vibe with a little bit of Californian laid-back atmosphere. The chef is always around the restaurant, so you can talk to him and let him know about your meal. Its features include braised lamb and salted caramel ice cream.

Chapeau!

Address: 126 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA

Average price: 31-60 USD for two

Website: Chapeau

3. Rue Lepic French Restaurant

Located in the Nob Hill district of San Fransisco, Rue Lepic is a great place for a little romantic and intimate evening. What makes this restaurant really stand out is that for over 18 years, head chef Michiko Boccara has been blending Japanese-style cooking methods with French-style dishes, giving the restaurant a really interesting flair not commonly found in traditional French bistros. Try the rack of lamb or flambeed prawns in Pernod sauce.

Rue Lepic

Address: 900 Pine Street San Francisco, CA 94108

Average price: 31-60 USD for two

Website: Rue Lepic

4. Restaurant Jeanne D'Arc

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Restaurant Jeanne D'Arc is not only an amazing dining experience, but merely sitting in the dining room is already an experience on its own. Travel back in time to medieval France with this hidden gem located in the Cornell Hotel de France. The room is decorated with tapestries, stained glass and old relics all set to look like a medieval French castle. Of course, the theme of the restaurant is centred around Joan of Arc as many of the decorations celebrate her life. The restaurant was started by the Lambert family in 1972 where they serve a four-course meal at a fixed menu that changes daily.

Restaurant Jeanne D'Arc

Address: 715 Bush St San Francisco, CA 94108

Average price: 56 USD per person

Website: Restaurant Jeanne D'Arc

5. Monsieur Benjamin

Monsieur Benjamin, located in the Hayes Valley area, is a Paris-inspired bistro that is new, contemporary and offers all the tasty delights of modern French cooking. Monsieur Benjamin offers options for large group dining, making it a good option for people looking for a great spot for dinner with friends. The bistro also serves brunch for the morning crowd. Guests should also be aware that a 20% charge is added to the final bill instead of requiring the guests to tip at the end. That extra money allows dishwashers and cooks to be included in receiving a tip.

Monsieur Benjamin

Address: 451 Gough Street between Grove and Ivy

Average price 50 USD per person

Website: Monsieur Benjamin

6. Fringale Restaurant

Editor’s Note: Establishment is permanently closed.

Fringale Restaurant prides itself on being one of the first true French Bistros in the city of San Francisco. It was opened by Chef Gerald Hirigoyen in September 1991 and is now owned by one of its original employees. The cuisine served here range from French to regional as well, with Gallic Basque inspirations. Frigale has been a favourite spot for tons of people including many celebrities, local artists and journalists.

Frigale

Address: 570 FOURTH STREET, SAN FRANCISCO, CA

Average price: 40 USD per person

Website: Frigale

7. Bouche

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Bouche literally translates to “mouth” and that’s probably as good a name as any for a delicious French restaurant. French cuisine can be very regional and that is certainly the case here. Inspired by Northern French dishes and regions, Bouche draws its inspiration from not only Northern France but also the seasons. With changing menus and dishes, the people at Bouche combine classic French plates with family recipes and local produce from the farmers market.

Bouche

Address: 603 Bush street SF 415.956.0396

Average price: 40 USD per person

Website: Bouche

8. Chez Maman

Chez Maman is inspired by childhood memories. Literally translating to “At your mom’s”, this restaurant is there to make you feel welcomed and feel at home while you savour the delicious dishes synonymous to a warm French family. The atmosphere here is a little casual, going for the neighbourhood restaurant instead of the upscale bistro most people would associate with French cuisine. Enjoy an afternoon salade or three-course meal with wine for dinner.

Chez Maman

Address: 1401 18th St. San Francisco CA, 94107

Average price: 40 USD for two

Website: Chez Maman

9. Jardinière

Editor’s Note: Establishment is permanently closed.

Jardinière is an elegant and classy French restaurant that serves amazing homegrown food made locally. The restaurant has been in Hayes Valley for about 18 years now and head chef Traci Des Jardins has been sourcing her food locally for over 24 years. The restaurant caters to a wide range of different needs, be it a romantic, upscale, or casual experience.

Jardinière

Address: 300 Grove Street San Francisco, California 94102

Average price 40 USD per person

Website: Jardinière

10. Gamine

Gamine combines a lively neighbourhood bistro with the rustic pleasure of food from France. It specializes in classic and flavourful dishes from France with local and high-quality ingredients. The restaurant features an open kitchen so guests can always get a peek at what is being made and how and it adds a certain flair to the dining experience.

Gamine

Address: 2223 Union Street (@ Fillmore) San Francisco, CA 94123

Average price: 11-30 USD per person

Website: Gamine

A little French in San Francisco

There are lots of amazing and authentic places to get some great French food in San Fransisco. So head out there are try some of these amazing places to experience some of the world’s best-celebrated food.