Best Bistros in San Francisco Bay Area

21 restaurants available nearby

1. Petite Left Bank

4.6

Exceptional(423)

Price: Expensive

• Bistro • 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.

2. Bon Delire

4.6

Exceptional(108)

Price: Expensive

• Bistro • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 52 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.

3. Isa

4.8

Exceptional(2814)

Price: Moderate

• Bistro • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio

Booked 8 times today

Nestled in the vibrant Marina District of San Francisco, Isa has been a beacon of exceptional bistro cuisine for over 25 years. With a consistent 4.9-star rating on OpenTable and glowing Yelp reviews, Isa stands out for its "delicious and satisfying" French fare with a Californian twist, executed under the expertise of Chef Luke Sung, a James Beard Foundation nominee. The restaurant's cozy ambiance and elegant settings, including a beautiful back patio, enhance every dining experience. Reviewers rave about the "potato wrapped sea bass" and "outstanding" service, noting dishes that "felt like fireworks in my mouth." Isa's commitment to quality and flavor, combined with a warm, knowledgeable staff, makes every visit memorable, cementing its status as a treasured local gem and a must-visit for bistro enthusiasts.

4. Cafe de la Presse

4.6

Exceptional(1911)

Price: Moderate

• Bistro • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 25 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.

5. Bistro Vida

4.8

Exceptional(2763)

Price: Moderate

• Bistro • Menlo Park

Booked 25 times today

Bistro Vida stands out as a gem in Menlo Park, bringing the essence of Parisian bistro culture right to the heart of the Bay Area. Since 1998, this charming establishment has been synonymous with top-notch French cuisine, creating an inviting atmosphere that echoes the "joie de vivre." Patrons rave about classics like the "best French onion soup" and perfectly executed scallops risotto, highlighting both the authenticity and the hearty satisfaction of the meals. With its elegant yet comfortable decor and a focus on community and enjoyment, Bistro Vida consistently earns accolades for its "fabulous" service and culinary excellence, making it a beloved destination for both locals and visitors. Whether it's a casual dinner or a special occasion, Bistro Vida promises a delightful dining experience that celebrates the rich flavors and simple pleasures of French bistro dining.

A photo of Mathilde French Bistro restaurant

6. Mathilde French Bistro

4.8

Exceptional(2449)

Price: Very Expensive

• Bistro • SOMA

Booked 12 times today

At Mathilde French Bistro, nestled in the SOMA district of San Francisco, the essence of Parisian dining comes to life, offering diners an authentic French culinary adventure. Celebrated for its "voted best in town French onion soup" and traditional delights like baked escargots and duck confit, Mathilde is a gateway to French gastronomy. Patrons consistently praise its offerings, with one declaring, "the service was impeccable, and the duck confit was perfection." Another review highlights, "From start to finish Mathilde is always 5⭐️'s." The cozy ambiance, complemented by a romantic, heated patio, ensures a year-round dining pleasure that makes every visit feel like a special occasion. This bistro not only serves excellent cuisine but also embodies the spirit of French dining with "a lovely bottle of Cotes de Beaune" to toast to an unforgettable experience.

A photo of Park & Howard Bistro restaurant

7. Park & Howard Bistro

4.7

Exceptional(1308)

Price: Moderate

• Bistro • Burlingame

Booked 21 times today

At the heart of Burlingame, Park & Howard Bistro emerges as a sterling example of authentic Bistro cuisine, delighting patrons with its "beautifully presented" dishes and "fabulous unexpected" dining experiences. This gem, located at the bustling corner of Park and Howard Ave, offers a comforting yet sophisticated atmosphere with its rustic motif and intimate settings, perfect for any special occasion. Reviews consistently praise its "perfectly prepared" meals, ranging from the succulent butternut gnocchi to the tender filet mignon, all enriched by a "knowledgeable and friendly" service. Whether it's a sunny lunch or a cozy dinner, Park & Howard Bistro stands out for its dedication to quality, flavor, and a genuinely welcoming ambiance, making every visit a memorable one.

8. Reve

4.9

Exceptional(2552)

Price: Very Expensive

• Bistro • Lafayette

Booked 11 times today

Rêve, nestled in the charming neighborhood of Lafayette, is a delightful escape to a classic French bistro right in the heart of the suburbs. Helmed by the acclaimed Chef Paul Magu-Lecugy, Rêve has been consistently recognized for its superb culinary offerings, including accolades like the Michelin recognition in 2021 & 2022, and being an Open Table guest favorite from 2017-2023. The restaurant's authentic French cuisine, such as the perfectly cooked scallops and the sumptuous lamb stew, has been lauded by diners for its authenticity and excellence. With glowing reviews like "the most delicious food in a 50-mile radius" and "every single table... thoroughly enjoying themselves," it's clear that Rêve is a standout for those seeking a genuine taste of Contemporary French cuisine. The combination of a warm, inviting atmosphere, impeccable service, and dishes that transport you straight to Paris make Rêve a must-visit culinary destination.

A photo of Central Park Bistro restaurant

9. Central Park Bistro

4.8

Exceptional(1712)

Price: Expensive

• Bistro • San Mateo

Booked 15 times today

Central Park Bistro in downtown San Mateo offers a truly delightful comfort food experience that keeps guests coming back for more. Chef Ricardo Garcia masterfully prepares American classics with a fresh, seasonal twist, ensuring every dish not only comforts but also excites the palate. Patrons rave about the "perfectly cooked" lamb chops and the "soft and richly sauced" gnocchi, highlighting the quality and heartiness of the meals. The ambiance of the restaurant adds to the dining experience, with cozy private rooms and a vibrant martini bar, enhancing the warmth and welcoming vibe essential to great comfort food. Visitors often mention the "attentive service" and "delicious food," making Central Park Bistro a standout gem for those seeking a satisfying meal in a pleasant setting. Whether it's a casual dinner or a special occasion, this bistro consistently impresses with its superb culinary delights and charming atmosphere.

A photo of Saison Cellar & Wine Bar restaurant

10. Saison Cellar & Wine Bar

4.5

Awesome(30)

Price: Expensive

• Bistro • SOMA

Booked 14 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.

‘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

M
marie-heleneVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •118 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We are sad that Mathilde is closing down. We just had our last diner here and as always it was outstanding! Cannot wait to dine again to their sister restaurant L’Ardoise! See you soon and thank you for the amazing diner.
More info
Mathilde French BistroPrice: Very Expensive• French• SOMA
•
4.8
M
Marcia
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
It was a very special Christmas Eve dinner! I first heard about this restaurant when it was reviewed in the SF Chronicle 11/3/24. It was as good as it possibly could be. The food was absolutely delicious. My daughter & I ordered the steak & frites & I asked for my frites to be very crispy & for 2 dishes of aioli to dip them in & they easily accommodated me. The steak with peppercorn sauce was tender and a perfect medium rare.
More info
Bon DelirePrice: Expensive• French• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.6
D
DeborahVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •27 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Christmas Eve packed and not enough seating. Even with reservations a month out! Walk ins standing over us eating. Biggest problem space. Food excellent though I’d prefer on menu duck à l'orange for Christmas. Over all - very happy and lovely experience. Merci
More info
Petite Left BankPrice: Expensive• French• Tiburon
•
4.6
R
Rainer
San Francisco Bay Area •20 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
International papers from Europe are no more sold here. As by our waiters, the Café closes at 1600. No more dinner.
More info
Cafe de la PressePrice: Moderate• French• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.6
N
Nevada
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined on Dec 19, 2024
Incredible dining experience, will be bringing guests visiting SF in the future to try this incredible place.
More info
IsaPrice: Moderate• French American• Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
•
4.8

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Best Bistros in San Francisco Bay Area

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21 restaurants available nearby

1. Petite Left Bank

2. Bon Delire

3. Isa

4. Cafe de la Presse

5. Bistro Vida

6. Mathilde French Bistro

7. Park & Howard Bistro

8. Reve

9. Central Park Bistro

10. Saison Cellar & Wine Bar

See what locals rave about

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