French Cuisine San Francisco and the 10+ most famous restaurants
7 mins read

French Cuisine San Francisco and the 10+ most famous restaurants

Are you a foodie looking for authentic French cuisine right here in San Francisco? Are you wondering where to start to enjoy the sophistication and richness of French cuisine?

Don’t worry, Evaworlds will help you solve that problem. We will introduce French cuisine San Francisco and its 10 most famous restaurants. A place where you can enjoy typical dishes such as croissant, coq au vin, or crème brûlée, prepared by talented and passionate chefs.

French Cuisine San Francisco – Restaurant Jeanne D’Arc

In San Francisco, Restaurant Jeanne D’Arc offers a classic French experience inside the Cornell de France hotel. This restaurant was owned and operated by husband and wife team Claude and Micheline Lambert from the late ’60s until recently.

The restaurant is named after the patron saint of Mr. and Mrs. Lambert’s hometown of Orleans, France. Jeanne D’Arc’s menu is French country style with dishes like stewed rabbit and desserts like Grand Marnier souffle.

The restaurant space is decorated with many French objects, giving diners the feeling of being in France.

French Cuisine San Francisco - Restaurant Jeanne D’Arc
French Cuisine San Francisco – Restaurant Jeanne D’Arc

Routier

Routier is a bistro with style. The restaurant was founded by the same team behind B. Patisserie, one of San Francisco’s best French bakeries. Therefore, it is no surprise that Routier offers exquisite dishes.

The restaurant’s menu is diverse, from small dishes such as mushroom “au poivre” (pepper sauce) and pork rillettes (minced pork marinated with spices) to larger main dishes including pan-seared scallops with poireau cream sauce. (leek) and grilled lamb shoulder with herb potatoes.

The restaurant space is cozy and comfortable. The bar is also a great option for solo diners.

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La Societe Bar & Cafe

In San Francisco, La Societe Bar & Cafe is located on the ground floor of the Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SOMA hotel. The restaurant opens in August 2022, offering a classic French dining experience with a subtle California twist.

The restaurant’s dishes are prepared by chef Alexandre Viriot. The menu includes familiar French dishes such as snails, fatty foie gras, and mussels with fries. However, the dishes are all modern variations or use local ingredients.

For example, you can find smoked salmon rillettes with signature bagel seasoning or orange duck made from ducks raised in Sonoma County.

La Societe Bar & Cafe
La Societe Bar & Cafe

ONE65 San Francisco

ONE65 brings a rich French culinary journey, like layers of delicious croissants. Entering the building, you will find a lovely French patisserie on the ground floor. The next floor is the bistro area, serving Californian dishes inspired by French cuisine. Even higher is Elements, a luxury cocktail bar.

Not stopping there, ONE65 also owns a high-end restaurant on the top floor. It serves a prix-fixe menu with French classics like cheese carts and modern touches.

This restaurant is called O’ by Claude Le Tohic, run by chef Claude Le Tohic. Mr. Le Tohic collaborated with the Alexander’s Steakhouse team on the project and previously won the prestigious James Beard Award for his work at Joel Robuchon in Las Vegas.

Chapeau!

Chapeau! is likened to the “doff nose” for this beloved French bistro, which still retains its appeal to regulars after more than 20 years.

It’s a worthy spot where you can enjoy French classics like triple salmon, smoked duck salad, lamb cassoulet, and ganache-topped profiteroles.

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Monsieur Benjamin

Monsieur Benjamin is considered a new wave of French restaurants that have appeared in the past few years. The bistro is designed in elegant black and white tones, serving flavorful French dishes such as mayonnaise eggs, deep-fried frog legs, bone marrow, and seafood sausages.

Despite its simple bistro style, Monsieur Benjamin is not underrated. This is the restaurant of chef Corey Lee, famous for his meticulous attention to detail. The broth and sauce are simmered for a long time, the staff wears neat uniforms, the herbs are meticulously arranged with tweezers, and everything is perfect.

Monsieur Benjamin
Monsieur Benjamin

L’Ardoise: Small and cozy French Bistro

L’Ardoise, nestled in the Duboce Triangle, is a small bistro that takes its name from the sidewalk chalkboard where daily specials are listed.

Chef and owner Thierry Clement grew up near Sancerre. He is always loyal to classic French dishes. Therefore, if you are looking for French Cuisine San Francisco, this is the ideal place to enjoy delicious wine-cooked chicken or steak, or for romantic dates.

Zazie

Zazie is famous for brunch on its sunny back porch, serving up a variety of eggs Benedict drizzled with creamy hollandaise sauce. However, dinners here are also an unexpectedly enjoyable experience, with generous portions and affordable prices.

Inspired by the cuisine of France’s Provence region, Zazie offers rustic dishes such as garden tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, crispy duck legs and thick pork ribs. Although longtime owner Jennifer Bennett sold the restaurant, luckily she handed it over to the same current staff.

Mijoté

Chef Kosuke Tada apprenticed with famous French chefs like Paul Bert and David Toutain before taking over Sasaki’s former location in the Mission to open Mijoté in 2022. Since then, the restaurant has become a hot spot. to the favorite of many people. Although the 4-course menu is simple yet elegant, it is meticulously prepared with local ingredients.

Mijoté is where you can experience the culinary style that’s trending in Paris: turbot with twisted kale and passion fruit, duck with Arrowhead cabbage and quince, pork tenderloin with fennel and saffron.

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Absinthe Brasserie & Bar

Absinthe Brasserie & Bar is not only a familiar destination for opera lovers but also an ancient French restaurant that has been shining for the past 20 years.

Entering Absinthe, diners will feel a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Relax at the bar, sip on a fine craft cocktail, and enjoy delicious croques. Or you can book a table to enjoy deliciously prepared traditional French dishes such as:

  • Paté fried in a cast iron pan
  • Minced fresh beef tartare
  • Rich French onion gratiné soup topped with golden grilled cheese
  • Chicken cooked in rich wine (coq au vin)
Absinthe Brasserie & Bar
Absinthe Brasserie & Bar

Conclusion

Through this article, Evaworlds hopes to help you discover French Cuisine San Francisco and its 10 most famous restaurants. Where you can enjoy traditional and creative dishes.

Take time to experience and feel each flavor, from exquisite dishes to premium glasses of wine, all of which bring a slice of the essence of French cuisine right in San Francisco. Whether you are looking for a romantic dinner, a cozy family meal or a luxurious dining experience, our suggestions will not disappoint.

Wishing you a wonderful and unforgettable culinary experience at French restaurants in San Francisco.

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