Best French Restaurants in Haight

28 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Absinthe Brasserie and Bar - SF restaurant

1. Absinthe Brasserie and Bar - SF

4.8

Exceptional(7353)

Price: Expensive

• French • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

Booked 22 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

4.9

Exceptional(3367)

Price: Expensive

• French • The Castro

Booked 7 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(926)

Price: Moderate

• French • North Panhandle / USF

Booked 7 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. Bon Delire

4.7

Exceptional(106)

Price: Expensive

• French • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 23 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.

5. Florio

4.8

Exceptional(1754)

Price: Moderate

• French • Pacific Heights

Booked 5 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.

A photo of Aquitaine - San Francisco restaurant

6. Aquitaine - San Francisco

4.8

Exceptional(335)

Price: Moderate

• French • Noe Valley

Aquitaine in San Francisco's Noe Valley is a beacon for wine lovers and food enthusiasts alike, offering an authentic slice of southwest France. Esteemed for its "fabulous French fare," the restaurant has been commended for having "The Best Mussels in the Bay Area" by Michael Bauer of The San Francisco Chronicle. Aquitaine's wine bar stands out by offering an extensive selection of wines that are meticulously chosen to complement their Gascon-inspired cuisine. Guests rave about the "great selection of wines, affordable and well-paired with food," highlighting the restaurant's ability to create a cozy, European-like ambiance that makes every visit memorable. Whether it's the delicious wine, the inviting atmosphere, or the excellent service, Aquitaine provides an exceptional dining experience that echoes the charm of a true French wine bar.

7. Chouquet's

4.8

Exceptional(1711)

Price: Moderate

• French • Pacific Heights

Booked 5 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 O' by Claude Le Tohic restaurant

8. O' by Claude Le Tohic

4.8

Exceptional(467)

Price: Very Expensive

• French • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 7 times today

O' by Claude Le Tohic, located in the vibrant heart of Downtown/Union Square San Francisco, offers an exceptional dining experience that epitomizes the best of Contemporary French cuisine. This Michelin-starred restaurant, under the expert helm of Chef Claude Le Tohic, presents a culinary journey with its meticulously crafted tasting menus. Guests rave about the harmonious blend of flavors and textures, with dishes described as "works of art." Notably, the restaurant's service is consistently lauded as "impeccable" and "attentive," enhancing the luxurious yet welcoming ambiance. Whether it's the delicate arrangement of a five-course meal or the grandeur of the nine-course feast, each bite at O' is a celebration of modern French gastronomy at its finest. As one diner put it, "The best meal of my life - worth every penny!!", O' by Claude Le Tohic stands as a beacon of culinary excellence in San Francisco.

A photo of Catch French Bistro restaurant

9. Catch French Bistro

4.3

Awesome(71)

Price: Expensive

• French • Daly City

Booked 4 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.

10. Le Central

4.7

Exceptional(2132)

Price: Expensive

• French • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 8 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”!!!

‘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.

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From verified diners like you

B
BrianVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •11 reviews
4.0
Dined today
The food was great and the ambiance was wonderful. Given that it was Christmas Day, the wait staff were fantastic. You would have received five stars but two things: we were never told of the 90 minute limit which I totally understand given the holiday but we were not told that initially and the staff other than our waiter tried to get us to hurry. The other constructive comment is that there are at least four tables near the front door and we had one of them with a party of seven and a couple of seniors in the group. The front door continued to stay open despite us asking to have it closed; but a faulty door jam kept it open. I literally spent half my meal closing the door and holding it open for other customers. My table finally fixed it ourselves within two minutes using ribbon we had from our gifts-simple fix that the hostess or one of the other staff could have easily have rectified and the customers at the tables would have been completely happy.
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Bistro Central ParcPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Panhandle / USF
•
4.8
G
GraceVIP
Houston •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
RUN to eat here. The best meal I’ve had in SF after 7 years. Better than Quince, Rich Table, Osito, Earnest, Saison. I’m not even kidding and yes, I know those are different cusisines. The food is divine. Authentic French food and service (if they liked Americans).
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L'ArdoisePrice: Expensive• French• The Castro
•
4.9
M
Marcia
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day 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.
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Bon DelirePrice: Expensive• French• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.7
E
EmilyVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •21 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Excellent lunch, excellent cocktails, warm and thoughtful service. Our server asked right away if we were going to a performance and made sure we got there on time, without any sense of rushing. Highly recommend!
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Absinthe Brasserie and Bar - SFPrice: Expensive• French• Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
•
4.8
J
JulienVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Excellent all around! We had the boeuf bourguignon, steak frites, blanquette de veau. All delicious. We also enjoyed the desserts, we’d recommend the crème brûlée and chocolate fondant. Great atmosphere inside and great staff.
More info
Chouquet'sPrice: Moderate• French• Pacific Heights
•
4.8

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28 restaurants available nearby

1. Absinthe Brasserie and Bar - SF

2. L'Ardoise

3. Bistro Central Parc

4. Bon Delire

5. Florio

6. Aquitaine - San Francisco

7. Chouquet's

8. O' by Claude Le Tohic

9. Catch French Bistro

10. Le Central

See what locals rave about

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