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Best Contemporary French Restaurants in Downtown / Union Square

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8 restaurants available nearby

A photo of O' by Claude Le Tohic restaurant
1. O' by Claude Le Tohic
4.8
Exceptional(456)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary 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.
A photo of Bombay Brasserie restaurant
2. Bombay Brasserie
3.9
Excellent(33)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary french • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 10 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 ONE65 Bistro restaurant
3. ONE65 Bistro
4.6
Exceptional(169)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary french • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 6 times today
Nestled in the vibrant heart of San Francisco's Union Square, ONE65 Bistro offers a culinary journey reminiscent of a Parisian bistro, right down to the authentic French flair brought to life by Chef Claude Le Tohic. With its strategic location at 165 O'Farrell Street, this bistro delights with a Prix Fixe menu that showcases local, seasonal ingredients through minimalistic preparation, allowing the true flavors to shine. Critics rave about the "exquisite pastries" and "superb" French cuisine, noting the "elegant setting" that complements the culinary experience. Whether it's the "buttery scalloped potatoes" or the "flawlessly executed beef cheeks," each dish is crafted with a dedication to authenticity and quality that echoes through glowing reviews. As one diner puts it, it's an "impeccable French culinary experience" that truly honors the essence of French dining.
A photo of Chouquet's restaurant
4. Chouquet's
4.8
Exceptional(1696)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary french • Pacific Heights
Booked 30 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.
A photo of Chapeau restaurant
5. Chapeau
4.8
Exceptional(3707)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary 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 Cote Ouest restaurant
6. Cote Ouest
4.9
Exceptional(698)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary french • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
Booked 54 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 Chou Chou Bistro restaurant
7. Chou Chou Bistro
4.5
Awesome(2378)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary french • Forest Hill / West Portal
Booked 9 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 Left Bank - Jack London Square restaurant
8. Left Bank - Jack London Square
4.5
Awesome(527)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary french • Oakland
Booked 26 times today
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.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Vickyvip
    San Francisco Bay Area •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Perfect French comfort food done with flair and flavor. Been a few times and does not disappoint.
    More info
    ChapeauPrice: Expensive• French• Richmond District
    •
    4.8
  • Patvip
    San Francisco Bay Area •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    I always order the excellent omelette, it’’s fresh and light and perfectly paired with frites and salad.
    More info
    Chouquet'sPrice: Moderate• French• Pacific Heights
    •
    4.8
  • Illya
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Celebrated our anniversary at O - and we enjoyed every moment of it. From personalized menus, to the attention of the staff and quality of the food. We had a 9 course meal and it took us from 7 pm to 10.30 pm to go through all of the portions. The portions are small l but by the end we were full - even though I skipped a lunch before coming there. The restaurant gave us a small cake at the end of the meal to mark the special occasion but we had to get it to go as we were full.
    More info
    O' by Claude Le TohicPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary French• Downtown / Union Square
    •
    4.8
  • Annvip
    New York City •52 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 13, 2024
    We had the SF restaurant week menu on a weekday evening. It was wonderful! Although the choices were modest all the food was really well done. The salmon tandoori was actually creamy and nicely spiced. The butter chicken was “butter chicken” but the kofta sauce made from several vegetables was very interesting and spicy the way we like it. A dessert of kulfi with berries was a real treat. We had ordered extra duck samosa appetizers thinking we might need a bit more food but they were not needed although excellent. I especially want to call out the bartenders and wait people who couldn’t have been nicer or more accommodating. Great experience!
    More info
    Bombay BrasseriePrice: Very Expensive• French / Indian• Financial District / Embarcadero
    •
    3.9

Discover best Contemporary French restaurants in Downtown / Union Square

Immerse yourself in the sophisticated allure of Contemporary French cuisine in the vibrant heart of San Francisco's Downtown / Union Square area. This locale serves as a culinary canvas showcasing a variety of restaurants that masterfully blend traditional French techniques with modern innovations, offering diners an unparalleled gastronomic experience. Each establishment, unique in its ambiance and menu offerings, emphasizes creativity, seasonal ingredients, and exquisite presentation, reflecting a deep respect for culinary art. Diners can expect a range of dining experiences from intimate, chef-driven bistros to elegant establishments offering multi-course tasting menus. The dining scene here is characterized by its dynamic blend of luxury and accessibility, making it a prime destination for those seeking an exceptional meal in a lively urban setting. For aficionados of fine dining and newcomers alike, these restaurants provide not just a meal, but a memorable culinary journey through contemporary French flavors right in the bustling epicenter of San Francisco.

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