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Best French Restaurants in South San Francisco

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26 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Trapeze Restaurant - Burlingame restaurant
1. Trapeze Restaurant - Burlingame
4.7
Exceptional(1179)
Price: Moderate
• French • Burlingame
Booked 7 times today
Trapeze Restaurant in Burlingame is a beacon of European culinary excellence, where Chef Jose Rodriguez, with his rich Michelin Star background, crafts dishes that resonate with authenticity and innovation. Diners rave about the "delicious" European flavors, from the divine chicken Marsala to the exceptional asparagus wrapped in prosciutto. Reviews consistently highlight the "outstanding" food and service, with one guest recommending the restaurant as a place where "you wished it was OK to lick your plate!" With its inviting ambiance and a menu that balances sophistication with approachability, Trapeze offers a European dining experience that's both delightful and memorable.
A photo of Absinthe Brasserie and Bar - SF restaurant
2. Absinthe Brasserie and Bar - SF
4.8
Exceptional(7345)
Price: Expensive
• French • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
Booked 34 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 Chouchou French Bistro Burlingame restaurant
3. Chouchou French Bistro Burlingame
4.6
Exceptional(204)
Price: Moderate
• French • Burlingame
Booked 3 times today
Embark on a Parisian culinary journey at our cherished 20-year-old French Bistro, nestled in the heart of Burlingame at 401 Primrose Rd, CA. Experience an intimate ambiance and relish signature dishes like Cassoulet, Duck, Escargot, Bone Marrow, French Onion Soup, and Beef Bourguignon and more! Our extensive wine selection perfectly complements this authentic French cuisine. Join us to create lasting memories and savor the essence of France on your plate. Bon appétit!
A photo of L'Ardoise restaurant
4. L'Ardoise
4.9
Exceptional(3358)
Price: Expensive
• French • The Castro
Booked 20 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 Saison Cellar & Wine Bar restaurant
5. Saison Cellar & Wine Bar
4.5
Awesome(27)
Price: Expensive
• French • SOMA
Booked 22 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 O' by Claude Le Tohic restaurant
6. O' by Claude Le Tohic
4.8
Exceptional(457)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 11 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 Bon Delire restaurant
7. Bon Delire
new
4.6
Exceptional(73)
Price: Expensive
• French • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 60 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 Chou Chou Bistro restaurant
8. Chou Chou Bistro
4.5
Awesome(2377)
Price: Moderate
• French • Forest Hill / West Portal
Booked 14 times today
Chou Chou Bistro, nestled in the charming neighborhood of Forest Hill in San Francisco, is a gem of French culinary excellence. The bistro brings a slice of Paris with its "rustic Old World cooking with a modern French twist." Guests rave about the authenticity and quality of the cuisine, with one stating, "Really authentic French cuisine. Never fail to have a great time there and the gastronomy always excellent." The menu, featuring dishes like the "outstanding" Charolais beef filet mignon and a "perfectly cooked" duck confit, showcases the meticulous care in crafting genuine French flavors. The ambiance, described as "cozy and intimate," complements the dining experience, making Chou Chou Bistro a must-visit for those seeking a delightful French meal.
A photo of Bistro Central Parc restaurant
9. Bistro Central Parc
4.8
Exceptional(920)
Price: Moderate
• French • North Panhandle / USF
Booked 11 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.
A photo of Bombay Brasserie restaurant
10. Bombay Brasserie
3.9
Excellent(34)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 18 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.
‘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
  • Michaelvip
    San Francisco Bay Area •13 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    What a lovely place. Unexpectedly reasonably priced.
    More info
    Saison Cellar & Wine BarPrice: Expensive• Wine Bar• SOMA
    •
    4.5
  • Deborah
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    My experience at Absinthe was outstanding. The ambiance is beautiful. Wonderful music as well. The food was exquisitely prepared. Lovely appetizers and I had the vegetable Quiche with a very fresh salad. The quiche had a lovely crisp buttery crust and with a wonderful squash to compliment it inside. The pumpkin cheesecake dessert was so delicate and perfect. All in all, an outstanding experience at Absinthe. I highly recommend it.
    More info
    Absinthe Brasserie and Bar - SFPrice: Expensive• French• Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
    •
    4.8
  • Paulvip
    San Francisco Bay Area •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    The best neighborhood restaurant ever. It’s the cuisine. It’s the ambiance. It’s the familiar friendly garçons. It’s the best.
    More info
    L'ArdoisePrice: Expensive• French• The Castro
    •
    4.9
  • Elaine or Derek
    Denver / Colorado •66 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 24, 2024
    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
  • Waynevip
    San Francisco Bay Area •34 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 22, 2024
    Our go to Italian restaurant in the Bay Area. Great food, good service, nice ambiance.
    More info
    Trapeze Restaurant - BurlingamePrice: Moderate• Italian• Burlingame
    •
    4.7

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