Best French Restaurants in Japantown

28 restaurants available nearby

1. Florio

4.7

Exceptional(1742)

Price: Moderate

• French • Pacific Heights

Booked 21 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 Absinthe Brasserie and Bar - SF restaurant

2. Absinthe Brasserie and Bar - SF

4.8

Exceptional(7339)

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.

3. Chouquet's

4.8

Exceptional(1695)

Price: Moderate

• French • Pacific Heights

Booked 13 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.

4. Cote Ouest

4.9

Exceptional(696)

Price: Moderate

• French • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio

Booked 26 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. L'Ardoise

4.8

Exceptional(3351)

Price: Expensive

• French • The Castro

Booked 31 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.

6. Bon Delire

new

4.6

Exceptional(60)

Price: Expensive

• French • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 7 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.

7. Le Central

4.7

Exceptional(2108)

Price: Expensive

• French • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 23 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 O' by Claude Le Tohic restaurant

8. O' by Claude Le Tohic

4.8

Exceptional(456)

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.

9. Chapeau

4.8

Exceptional(3707)

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.

A photo of Saison Cellar & Wine Bar restaurant

10. Saison Cellar & Wine Bar

4.6

Exceptional(23)

Price: Expensive

• French • SOMA

Booked 21 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

MT
MicheleT
San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Our party of six had a delightful time. Our waiter was friendly, attentive and helpful. The food service was prompt, and the food excellent. I had the poached pear salad and carpaccio. Another couple had the same, while two others had the burgers . . . all to very positive comments.
More info
Absinthe Brasserie and Bar - SFPrice: Expensive• French• Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
•
4.8
HF
Hangry4Food
New York City •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 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!
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Cote OuestPrice: Moderate• French• Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
•
4.9
J
John
San Francisco Bay Area •12 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Excellent food and perfect ambiance! I thought that I was back in Paris! Loved it!
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L'ArdoisePrice: Expensive• French• The Castro
•
4.8
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.
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FlorioPrice: Moderate• French• Pacific Heights
•
4.7
A
Allen
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined on Nov 12, 2024
As difficult as it may be to do, they need to hire more wait staff. While the service we got was fine, the servers couldn't keep up with the flow of customers, no matter how hard they tried. And they tried!
More info
Chouquet'sPrice: Moderate• French• Pacific Heights
•
4.8

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Best French Restaurants in Japantown

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28 restaurants available nearby

1. Florio

2. Absinthe Brasserie and Bar - SF

3. Chouquet's

4. Cote Ouest

5. L'Ardoise

6. Bon Delire

7. Le Central

8. O' by Claude Le Tohic

9. Chapeau

10. Saison Cellar & Wine Bar

See what locals rave about

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