Best French Restaurants in Old Town

16 restaurants available nearby

1. Mister A's

4.9

Exceptional(8615)

Price: Very Expensive

• French • Downtown

Booked 58 times today

Mister A's in downtown San Diego is an emblem of farm-to-table excellence, offering a dining experience that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also celebrates the local bounty. Known for its breathtaking rooftop views and sophisticated ambiance, Mister A's prides itself on selecting the finest local farm produce to craft dishes that are both innovative and comforting. Patrons rave about the freshness and flavor of the cuisine, with one guest exclaiming the food is "exceptional" and the service "exemplary." The culinary team's commitment to homemade, scratch-made selections showcases their dedication to quality and authenticity in every dish, making Mister A's a must-visit for anyone seeking a true farm-to-table experience in San Diego.

A photo of Farmer's Bottega Restaurant restaurant

2. Farmer's Bottega Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(1586)

Price: Moderate

• French • Mission Hills

Booked 34 times today

Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of Farmer's Bottega Restaurant, a beacon of French culinary excellence nestled in the heart of Mission Hills, San Diego. Celebrated for its authentic farm-to-table approach, this quaint eatery offers a slice of French countryside with its fresh, vibrant flavors and impeccable craftsmanship. Patrons rave about the "unforgettable and flavorful dishes," such as the tender short rib entree and the sophisticated limoncello dessert, each a testament to the chef's dedication to quality. With its cozy European bistro ambiance and stellar service, Farmer's Bottega isn't just a meal; it's a culinary journey through the heart of France, earning glowing reviews for creating memorable dining experiences. Don't miss the chance to indulge in their celebrated Cacio E Pepe or the exquisite salmon with lemon risotto. As one diner puts it, "You need to go."

A photo of Parc Bistro-Brasserie restaurant

3. Parc Bistro-Brasserie

4.8

Exceptional(3078)

Price: Moderate

• French • Banker's Hill

Booked 31 times today

Parc Bistro-Brasserie, nestled in the heart of Bankers Hill, San Diego, is a celebrated haven of French cuisine, meriting its spot on OpenTable’s “100 Best Neighborhood Gems in America for 2021.” Renowned for its seafood-focused approach, the bistro expertly balances classic French dishes with global inspirations. Patrons rave about the "outstanding jumbo shrimp cocktail & steak frites" and the brunch that has been crowned as the "Best Brunch in San Diego." The allure of Parc Bistro-Brasserie is enhanced by its "exceptional food" and ambiance that transforms a meal into a "Paris escape." With glowing reviews like "By far my favorite French restaurant in San Diego! The food is superb!", it's clear that Parc Bistro-Brasserie is a culinary gem that continuously captivates both locals and visitors alike.

A photo of The Smoking Goat Restaurant restaurant

4. The Smoking Goat Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(2630)

Price: Moderate

• French • North Park

Booked 22 times today

At The Smoking Goat in North Park, San Diego, French cuisine is redefined with a Californian touch, earning it the Gold Medallion for the best French Bistro in San Diego for three consecutive years. Executive Chef Fred Piehl, a Le Cordon Bleu Paris alumnus, masterfully blends rustic yet refined French techniques with San Diego's freshest ingredients. Patrons rave about the authentic French flavors with a local twist, describing dishes like the "perfectly cooked duck" and "incredible mussels and duck fat fries" as culinary marvels. The ambiance is consistently praised as "cozy and nice," making The Smoking Goat a must-visit for an authentic and delightful French dining experience.

5. Wormwood

4.7

Exceptional(786)

Price: Very Expensive

• French • North Park

Booked 27 times today

Wormwood in North Park, San Diego, is a haven for cocktail enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable experience in a setting that balances French elegance with bohemian charm. This outstanding Cocktail Bar is celebrated for its unique cocktails with a twist on classics, guided by a passion for the storied history of Absinthe. Patrons are enveloped in an atmosphere akin to a Parisian bistro yet uniquely Californian, where the "Secret Garden" speakeasy bar offers a secretive allure with its enchanting cocktail menu. Reviews consistently praise Wormwood, noting that the mixology is "ambitious, delicious, and stunning," and the ambiance is "perfect for an intimate evening." Experience the allure of Wormwood, where every sip is a story, and every visit is a cherished memory.

6. La Bonne Table

4.9

Exceptional(1400)

Price: Moderate

• French • Hillcrest

Booked 6 times today

LA BONNE TABLE is a cozy and intimate restaurant in the heart of the bustling neighborhood of Hillcrest. We serve country french food in a bistro fashion. Our menu consists of classic french dishes, a modest but excellent selection that will change with the seasons. We offer a romantic atmosphere and elegant setting, full bar and french beer on tap. Reservations are recommended as seating is very limited in this exclusive restaurant. Bon Appetit!

7. Little Frenchie

4.7

Exceptional(1415)

Price: Moderate

• French • Coronado

Booked 21 times today

Step into Little Frenchie, located in the charming neighborhood of Coronado, and experience a slice of Paris with its chef-driven bistro offerings. Praised as "the best French cuisine place in the west," diners are enchanted by dishes such as the braised short rib, described as "made to perfection." With a rotating menu that showcases Provencal classics, an impressive selection of imported cheeses, and an extensive wine collection, authenticity shines through every detail. Patrons rave about the "authentic French cuisine" and the feeling of being "back in Paris." Enjoy the beautiful pastries and the commendable service that make Little Frenchie a must-visit for a genuine French dining experience.

A photo of Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego restaurant

8. Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego

4.8

Exceptional(2507)

Price: Moderate

• French • North Park

Booked 38 times today

At Et Voilà! French Bistro in North Park, San Diego, steak lovers are in for a treat. This vibrant neighborhood bistro not only captures the essence of French culinary tradition but elevates it with Chef Vincent Viale’s modern twist on classics, including the celebrated Steak Frites. Patrons consistently rave about the quality of the steak, describing it as "always outstanding" and a highlight of their dining experience. The steak's preparation, which focuses on local and seasonal ingredients, ensures a freshness that can be tasted in every bite. One diner enthused, "Many of the other guests loved their flank steak and fries." It's no wonder that Et Voilà! is often recommended for those seeking not just a meal, but an authentic French culinary experience right in the heart of San Diego.

9. Au Revoir

4.6

Exceptional(902)

Price: Moderate

• French • Hillcrest

Booked 9 times today

Nestled in the vibrant Hillcrest neighborhood of San Diego, Au Revoir Bistro offers a quintessential French dining experience that makes you feel like you're dining atop the Eiffel Tower. Since its opening in November 2010, this family-run bistro has captivated diners with its "casual ambiance" and "authentic French Homemade Cuisine." Guests rave about the "BEST" bœuf bourguignon and the cozy, super tasty mushroom soup. One diner exclaimed, "This is the cutest French Restaurant in Hillcrest... feels very much like a French cafe." With dishes prepared with "a big cup of love" by Chef Dédé and his team, Au Revoir is a local gem where every meal is a reason to say, "Et Voila!" Perfect for those seeking a genuine bistro experience, its consistent quality and wonderful service make it a must-visit for anyone in San Diego.

A photo of Dobson's Bar & Restaurant restaurant

10. Dobson's Bar & Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(1428)

Price: Moderate

• French • Downtown

Booked 5 times today

Dobson's Bar & Restaurant in downtown San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter is renowned for its exceptional seafood offerings, firmly establishing itself as a culinary gem over the past 40 years. The standout dish, the mussel bisque, has been described as something to "think of heaven" and "absolutely out of this world," making it a must-try for anyone visiting. Additionally, diners consistently praise the sea bass and scallops for their excellence. The cozy and intimate setting of Dobson’s, combined with its innovative California cuisine that infuses elements from Italian, French, Spanish, and Asian influences, ensures a unique and delightful dining experience. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Dobson’s promises not only a meal but a memorable seafood adventure in the heart of San Diego.

‘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

G
Gregvip
San Diego •42 reviews
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
Special lunch with granddaughter. Everything was fantastic.
More info
Parc Bistro-BrasseriePrice: Moderate• French• Banker's Hill
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4.8
M
Marypat
Nebraska •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Exceptional food and service. The garden patio is a delightful space and our server, and all support staff, were so warm, knowledgeable and professional. This was a first visit, but certainly not the last!!
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WormwoodPrice: Very Expensive• French• North Park
•
4.7
D
Deborah
San Diego •18 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We were there early so noise level was low, but as it started to fill up, it got much louder. Food and service were great!
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Farmer's Bottega RestaurantPrice: Moderate• American• Mission Hills
•
4.7
J
John
San Diego •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Mr. A's treats you like you are the only one they are there to serve. Food and drink are exceptional, not to mention the sunset view and continuous airshow. Excellent for a special occasion. Israel our server is tops.
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Mister A'sPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary French / American• Downtown
•
4.9
SO
ScottO
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
We’ve been to The Smoking Goat numerous times over the years and we’ve never been disappointed. It’s pricey AF but it’s worth it. A great place for a special occasion or just to celebrate life, friends or family. The Escargot is always on point. I had the Duck this visit and it was delicious! The Steak Frites is always a winner if you love Truffle fries and a good steak. The Pork Chop was phenomenal this visit as well. The menu does change seasonally, but we’ve never had anything we didn’t like. The cocktails are equally complimentary. I recommend the French 75… so tasty I had 2. Adam was our server this time and he was flawless and very attentive to our needs.
More info
The Smoking Goat RestaurantPrice: Moderate• French American• North Park
•
4.8

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Best French Restaurants in Old Town

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16 restaurants available nearby

1. Mister A's

2. Farmer's Bottega Restaurant

3. Parc Bistro-Brasserie

4. The Smoking Goat Restaurant

5. Wormwood

6. La Bonne Table

7. Little Frenchie

8. Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego

9. Au Revoir

10. Dobson's Bar & Restaurant

See what locals rave about

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