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(7353)

Price: Expensive

• French • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

Booked 18 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.

A photo of Bistro Central Parc restaurant

2. Bistro Central Parc

4.8

Exceptional(925)

Price: Moderate

• French • North Panhandle / USF

Booked 22 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.

3. L'Ardoise

4.9

Exceptional(3364)

Price: Expensive

• French • The Castro

Booked 11 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.

4. Chapeau

4.7

Exceptional(3727)

Price: Expensive

• French • Richmond District

Booked 5 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.

5. Bon Delire

new

4.7

Exceptional(105)

Price: Expensive

• French • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 39 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.

6. Florio

4.8

Exceptional(1753)

Price: Moderate

• French • Pacific Heights

Booked 11 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.

7. Chouquet's

4.8

Exceptional(1710)

Price: Moderate

• French • Pacific Heights

Booked 28 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.

8. Cote Ouest

4.9

Exceptional(734)

Price: Moderate

• French • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio

Booked 2 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.

A photo of Catch French Bistro restaurant

9. Catch French Bistro

4.3

Awesome(68)

Price: Expensive

• French • Daly City

Booked 6 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.

A photo of O' by Claude Le Tohic restaurant

10. O' by Claude Le Tohic

4.8

Exceptional(466)

Price: Very Expensive

• French • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 10 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.

‘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

S
SuzanneVIP
Los Angeles •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Arriving for the early bird special was great. We sat inside but would also love the outdoor seating with the fire pits. The salmon was cooked perfectly with a great salty (not too) crust on the bottom paired with the sweetness of the quinoa mix. Fantastic.
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Bistro Central ParcPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Panhandle / USF
•
4.8
E
EmilyVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •21 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 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
G
Guido
San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
L'Ardoise is a treasure: reliable through the years, exceptional food, and perfect celebratory ambiance. I love going back for special occasions!
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L'ArdoisePrice: Expensive• French• The Castro
•
4.9
J
JulienVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 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.
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Chouquet'sPrice: Moderate• French• Pacific Heights
•
4.8
J
Judith
San Francisco Bay Area •9 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
This is a good restaurant. I had a very grand, two hour, French, Christmas lunch with a girlfriend and we were treated like the princesses we are not. The food was just delicious. The service was a little slow but the place was crowded due to the season, I suppose, and the pace suited our disgraceful over ordering. Not cheap but the price was about what one would expect for the authenticity and quality of the food. Highly recommended. I'd love to know how they manage to serve the wine at just the right temperature.
More info
Cote OuestPrice: Moderate• French• Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
•
4.9

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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. Bistro Central Parc

3. L'Ardoise

4. Chapeau

5. Bon Delire

6. Florio

7. Chouquet's

8. Cote Ouest

9. Catch French Bistro

10. O' by Claude Le Tohic

See what locals rave about

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