Best French Restaurants in Cole Valley

28 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Absinthe Brasserie and Bar - SF restaurant

1. Absinthe Brasserie and Bar - SF

4.8

Exceptional(7340)

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. L'Ardoise

4.8

Exceptional(3354)

Price: Expensive

• French • The Castro

Booked 24 times today

Nestled in the charming neighborhood of The Castro in San Francisco, L'Ardoise is a beacon of authentic French cuisine. With its cozy atmosphere reminiscent of a quaint Parisian bistro, this delightful spot is praised for delivering traditional and exquisite European fare. Patrons rave about the "mouthwatering escargot in parsley sauce" and the "tender, flavorful duck," often remarking that dining here is "like being in Paris." The service is consistently described as "attentive and professional," creating an inviting dining experience that keeps guests returning. Whether it's for the perfectly crisped potatoes or the praised wine list, L'Ardoise promises a true taste of Europe with every dish.

A photo of Bistro Central Parc restaurant

3. Bistro Central Parc

4.8

Exceptional(918)

Price: Moderate

• French • North Panhandle / USF

Booked 11 times today

Bistro Central Parc in the North Panhandle of San Francisco is a treasure trove of authentic American cuisine, delighting locals and visitors alike. With its cozy ambiance and attentive staff, the restaurant consistently serves up a culinary experience that resonates deeply with diners. Patrons rave about their experiences, with one noting, "I've gone two times now... The first time, I ordered the pasta, and I thought it was the best pasta dish I've ever had" – a testament to the quality and authenticity of their dishes. Known for its excellent service and fantastic early bird specials, Bistro Central Parc is described as a "quintessential neighborhood restaurant" where every meal is both a comfort and a discovery. This gem not only offers great value but also a heartfelt connection to the essence of American dining.

4. Cote Ouest

4.9

Exceptional(698)

Price: Moderate

• French • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio

Booked 34 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.

5. Florio

4.8

Exceptional(1742)

Price: Moderate

• French • Pacific Heights

Booked 13 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.

6. Chapeau

4.7

Exceptional(3708)

Price: Expensive

• French • Richmond District

Booked 20 times today

Immerse yourself in the delectable world of Contemporary French cuisine at Chapeau! SF, a cherished gem since 1996, located in the vibrant Richmond District of San Francisco. This esteemed bistro serves up authentic French dishes with a modern twist, earning rave reviews such as "probably the best French restaurant in San Francisco." Patrons are enamored by the cozy ambiance and the "absolutely fantastically delicious" food, highlighting favorites like the onion soup and French toast dessert. With its flexible prix fixe and à la carte menus, Chapeau! SF promises an exquisite dining experience that captures the essence of France, making every visitor feel like part of the family.

7. Chouquet's

4.8

Exceptional(1698)

Price: Moderate

• French • Pacific Heights

Booked 16 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 Catch French Bistro restaurant

8. Catch French Bistro

4.3

Awesome(60)

Price: Expensive

• French • Daly City

Booked 7 times today

Catch French Bistro in San Francisco offers a delightful mix of authentic French cuisine with a unique seafood twist. Located at 2362 Market Street, this charming venue is celebrated for its sophisticated atmosphere and live piano music, creating the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable dining experience. Diners rave about the "exquisite seafood dishes" and consistently "excellent cuisine," highlighting specialties like the Seafood Stew and Quiche Lorraine. With glowing reviews such as "the salmon risotto was amazing" and "the best clam chowder I have ever had," Catch French Bistro not only promises but delivers a taste of France with every dish. The welcoming staff and "unbelievably friendly" service make every visit a pleasure, ensuring that Catch French Bistro is a standout destination in the Castro district. Join us for a meal that will transport you straight to the heart of French culinary excellence.

9. Bon Delire

new

4.6

Exceptional(67)

Price: Expensive

• French • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 55 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.

A photo of Saison Cellar & Wine Bar restaurant

10. Saison Cellar & Wine Bar

4.5

Awesome(26)

Price: Expensive

• French • 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

R
Ruthvip
San Francisco Bay Area •156 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
We love this reliably delicious restaurant. I just wish that this and other restaurants in the area were open later. We were able to go after the symphony this evening only because it was a short concert, but usually the opera and symphony conclude too late for us to have dinner here. I realize restaurants are reluctant to commit to later hours given concerns over demand, but I think the ones in this neighborhood would do better business if they did so. We love to eat in this area after a performance, and this is one of the better options. The food is decadently delicious, the atmosphere is cozy and elegant, and the service has never disappointed. They know what they're doing.
More info
Absinthe Brasserie and Bar - SFPrice: Expensive• French• Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
•
4.8
K
Kellyvip
Los Angeles •14 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Lovely hidden treasure in Nopa. Beautiful space, sweet service, delicious menu choices.
More info
Bistro Central ParcPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Panhandle / USF
•
4.8
S
Scott
California Central Coast •20 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Absolutely delighted with our dining experience for a special event with my daughter! The occasion was made even more memorable by the exceptional service, outstanding food, and beautiful atmosphere. A heartfelt thank you to Jonas for his impeccable attention and to the entire staff for their support in making our time truly special.
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L'ArdoisePrice: Expensive• French• The Castro
•
4.8
HF
Hangry4Food
New York City •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
WOW what an experience! The food & wine, ambiance, staff, restaurant seating- everything was fantastic! I would highly recommend this restaurant to any and everyone. The owner shook our hands as we left the restaurant and they were so friendly and engaging. The Duck Confit was amazing. The wines and bread, Kale salad and desserts were exceptional. Everything was spot on! Can't wait to come back again. Keep doing what you're doing Cote Ouest, don't change a thing! Cheers!
More info
Cote OuestPrice: Moderate• French• Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
•
4.9
B
Barryvip
San Francisco Bay Area •101 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 14, 2024
We were amazed at how busy Florio was on a Wednesday night at 630. The staff handled it well, however.
More info
FlorioPrice: Moderate• French• Pacific Heights
•
4.8

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Best French Restaurants in Cole Valley

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28 restaurants available nearby

1. Absinthe Brasserie and Bar - SF

2. L'Ardoise

3. Bistro Central Parc

4. Cote Ouest

5. Florio

6. Chapeau

7. Chouquet's

8. Catch French Bistro

9. Bon Delire

10. Saison Cellar & Wine Bar

See what locals rave about

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