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Best French Restaurants in Albany

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19 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Julia's Restaurant restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1624)
Price: Expensive
• French • Berkeley
Booked 15 times today
Julia's Restaurant in Berkeley stands as a beacon of French cuisine, offering a delightful array of dishes that transport diners straight to France with every bite. Nestled in the historic Berkeley City Club, the restaurant's ambiance complements its cuisine, providing an elegant backdrop reminiscent of a French château. Patrons rave about the authenticity and quality of the dishes, with reviews highlighting the "fabulous lamb," "exceptional risotto," and escargot that are "fab!!" served with garlic, parsley butter. The innovative approach to traditional French favorites, like the onion soup with a "fab soup base" topped with melted Compté or Gruyère, showcases Julia's commitment to culinary excellence. As one diner perfectly sums it up, "So glad to experience an excellent French restaurant — a rarity these days."
A photo of Bon Delire restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(68)
Price: Expensive
• French • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 42 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 O' by Claude Le Tohic restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(457)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 9 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 Reve restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(2536)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • Lafayette
Booked 19 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 Bombay Brasserie restaurant
3.9
Excellent(33)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 11 times today
Welcome to Bombay Brasserie, where the vibrant tapestry of Indian cuisine meets the elegance of French culinary artistry in the heart of San Francisco’s Union Square. Enjoy a journey through India’s culinary landscape, from the aromatic spices of the North to the coastal flavors of the South, meticulously crafted with a French twist to elevate traditional dishes. Dive into an evening that’s as bold as it is creative and experience a harmonious blend of two world-renowned cuisines, where every bite is a symphony of heritage and sophistication.
A photo of Left Bank - Jack London Square restaurant
4.4
Awesome(534)
Price: Moderate
• French • Oakland
Left Bank Brasserie in Jack London Square, Oakland, epitomizes the essence of Contemporary French/American cuisine. Nestled by the Oakland waterfront, it offers a culinary journey into the heart of Paris with a menu that features authentic French dishes like beef bourguignon and escargot, crafted with local and organic ingredients. Patrons rave about its "incredible ambiance" and "AMAZING food," making it a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic dining experience. The restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity shines through its extensive cocktail menu and expertly-curated wine selection, complementing the vibrant, social atmosphere that captures the joie de vivre of a true Parisian brasserie. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a casual meal, Left Bank promises a memorable experience with every visit.
A photo of Saison Cellar & Wine Bar restaurant
4.5
Awesome(26)
Price: Expensive
• French • SOMA
Booked 16 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.
A photo of Le Central restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2111)
Price: Expensive
• French • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 24 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”!!!
A photo of Le Parc Bistrobar restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(62)
Price: Moderate
• French • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 2 times today
Le Parc Bistrobar is a delightful French restaurant in Union Square, San Francisco, nestled within the Galleria Park Hotel. Led by the renowned 2-star Michelin Chef Bruno Chemel, this bistro offers a culinary escapade that perfectly complements the city's refined tastes. The menu at Le Parc Bistrobar is a tribute to classic French cuisine, featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients that bring out the rich, traditional flavors in every dish. The lounge bar provides a wide variety of wines and cocktails to enhance the gourmet experience.
A photo of Mathilde French Bistro restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(2425)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • SOMA
Booked 8 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.
‘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
From verified diners like you
  • Jessica
    San Francisco Bay Area •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    One of my favorite spots especially for the Tuna Nicoise Salad. It’s a large enough serving to split in half. I took half home. It was loaded with flavor from the blend of tomatoes, avocado, olives, haricots verts, Yukon gold potatoes, mixed greens, and of course the rare tuna. Delicious! The service was very attentive and personable.
    More info
    Left Bank - Jack London SquarePrice: Moderate• French• Oakland
    4.4
  • Ruthvip
    San Francisco Bay Area •157 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 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
  • Elaine or Derekvip
    Denver / Colorado •66 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    This was our second time coming to O' by Claude le Tohic a couple of days ago and it won't be our last. As with our previous visit the experience from start to finish was terrific. I had the 9 course option and and my wife the 5 course and both were superbly put together and delivered with extraordinary service. Rather than go into all the food, which is covered by other reviews, we wanted to celebrate the incredible people who make it happen. From the moment we walked in, Kevin at the front door was welcoming. Marc the Maitre d'Hotel was hugely accommodating and was kind enough to take us on a tour after dinner of the various kitchens that make up the several businesses Chef Claude has there. It was stunning to see. We were professionally assisted by Jasmine, Venron, Joaquin and Jeremy with the wines. They were always there when you needed something as one might expect from a Michelin starred restaurant but one does not always get, or gets too much. Chef Claude who comes out of the kitchen to greet his guests is a very engaging guy. I do agree that the wines on the list are very expensive but there is ample choice and reasonably priced options by the glass. We eat at many Michelin starred restaurants as we travel extensively and O' by Claude le Tohic is as good as any of them and better than most. We will be back.
    More info
    O' by Claude Le TohicPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary French• Downtown / Union Square
    4.8
  • Lara
    Los Angeles •19 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    FABULOUS! We did not know what to expect from Julia’s, but we were excited to be in such an historical setting. We got to dinner early (after the Cal game), so we had drinks in their bar, which is adjacent to the restaurant. What a highlight-drinks were spectacular and old school while still being hip and cool. This is a great place for all ages in a stunning location. You really feel a part of the local history. Dinner—OUTSTANDING. All of our orders were different and really a fulfilling experience. The beauty of the building and its facilities makes this space unique, but really the team there, from the bartenders, to the host to the serving staff in the restaurant, are so professional and focused on hospitality—-something that is harder and harder to experience. We will be making this a regular part of our visits to Berkeley.
    More info
    Julia's RestaurantPrice: Expensive• French• Berkeley
    4.8
  • Jesusavip
    San Francisco Bay Area •94 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    This was a great find! Brand new, only about a month old, at Pier 3. We decided to go with heavy apps. Everything was simply amazing and delicious! And our server, Rebecca, was just absolutely wonderful...attentive, engaging, knowledgeable and energetic! The rest of the staff were just as attentive and friendly! We had a great evening!
    More info
    Bon DelirePrice: Expensive• French• Financial District / Embarcadero
    4.6
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