Best French American Restaurants in San Diego

9 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Parc Bistro-Brasserie restaurant

1. Parc Bistro-Brasserie

4.8

Exceptional(3089)

Price: Moderate

• French american • Banker's Hill

Booked 35 times today

Parc Bistro-Brasserie, nestled in the heart of Bankers Hill, San Diego, is a celebrated haven of French cuisine, meriting its spot on OpenTable’s “100 Best Neighborhood Gems in America for 2021.” Renowned for its seafood-focused approach, the bistro expertly balances classic French dishes with global inspirations. Patrons rave about the "outstanding jumbo shrimp cocktail & steak frites" and the brunch that has been crowned as the "Best Brunch in San Diego." The allure of Parc Bistro-Brasserie is enhanced by its "exceptional food" and ambiance that transforms a meal into a "Paris escape." With glowing reviews like "By far my favorite French restaurant in San Diego! The food is superb!", it's clear that Parc Bistro-Brasserie is a culinary gem that continuously captivates both locals and visitors alike.

A photo of The Smoking Goat Restaurant restaurant

2. The Smoking Goat Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(2635)

Price: Moderate

• French american • North Park

Booked 14 times today

At The Smoking Goat in North Park, San Diego, French cuisine is redefined with a Californian touch, earning it the Gold Medallion for the best French Bistro in San Diego for three consecutive years. Executive Chef Fred Piehl, a Le Cordon Bleu Paris alumnus, masterfully blends rustic yet refined French techniques with San Diego's freshest ingredients. Patrons rave about the authentic French flavors with a local twist, describing dishes like the "perfectly cooked duck" and "incredible mussels and duck fat fries" as culinary marvels. The ambiance is consistently praised as "cozy and nice," making The Smoking Goat a must-visit for an authentic and delightful French dining experience.

A photo of Farmer's Bottega Restaurant restaurant

3. Farmer's Bottega Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(1590)

Price: Moderate

• French american • Mission Hills

Booked 17 times today

Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of Farmer's Bottega Restaurant, a beacon of French culinary excellence nestled in the heart of Mission Hills, San Diego. Celebrated for its authentic farm-to-table approach, this quaint eatery offers a slice of French countryside with its fresh, vibrant flavors and impeccable craftsmanship. Patrons rave about the "unforgettable and flavorful dishes," such as the tender short rib entree and the sophisticated limoncello dessert, each a testament to the chef's dedication to quality. With its cozy European bistro ambiance and stellar service, Farmer's Bottega isn't just a meal; it's a culinary journey through the heart of France, earning glowing reviews for creating memorable dining experiences. Don't miss the chance to indulge in their celebrated Cacio E Pepe or the exquisite salmon with lemon risotto. As one diner puts it, "You need to go."

A photo of The French Gourmet restaurant

4. The French Gourmet

4.6

Exceptional(1564)

Price: Moderate

• French american • Pacific Beach

Booked 6 times today

At The French Gourmet in Pacific Beach, San Diego, diners experience the epitome of American cuisine with a delightful Californian twist on French classics. This neighborhood gem consistently impresses with its "outstanding" meals and "exceptional" service, offering a "great variety of different French breakfast items" and dinners that leave guests planning their next visit. Whether it's the "perfectly cooked" filet mignon or the "delicious" French toast, the menu reflects a dedication to quality that has endured for over four decades. One reviewer raved, "the food was outstanding, every single thing was very delicious!!" making it clear why The French Gourmet remains a beloved spot for both locals and visitors alike.

A photo of Saint James French Diner restaurant

5. Saint James French Diner

4.5

Awesome(227)

Price: Expensive

• French american • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 24 times today

This American diner meets elegant French bistro is open Monday–Friday for Breakfast and Lunch, every day for Dinner and Happy Hour, and on the weekends for Brunch. With a full bar and an approachable menu, locals and travelers can indulge in a variety of French-inspired classics, from shared mussels to ratatouille and burgers.

6. Chez Loma

4.6

Exceptional(1769)

Price: Expensive

• French american • Coronado

Booked 9 times today

Chez Loma, nestled in the historic Carez Hizar House in Coronado, offers a French culinary experience that is both authentic and delightful. Celebrated for its "exceptional flavors" and "creative entrees," this bistro sources local ingredients to craft dishes that resonate with freshness and quality. Diners rave about the "best ever" lobster ravioli and the "perfectly cooked" roast duck, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to excellence. As one review puts it, Chez Loma is "experience dining at its best," making it a must-visit for those seeking a genuine taste of French cuisine in a charming and inviting setting.

7. James' Place

4.1

Excellent(1061)

Price: Expensive

• French american • La Jolla

Booked 14 times today

James' Place in La Jolla, San Diego, is a beacon of culinary excellence, particularly praised for its Asian fusion offerings that leave guests both delighted and impressed. Diners frequently rave about the "amazing sauce and perfectly cooked shishito peppers," and the "delicious protein sushi roll," highlighting the authenticity and quality of each dish. The restaurant's ambiance, paired with its proximity to the La Jolla Playhouse, makes it a favorite spot for a pre-theater dinner, where the experience is described as nothing short of "outstanding." Guests like to mention that the "service is top-notch," and the menu variety, from crispy rice to glazed salmon, consistently receives high marks for both presentation and flavor. James' Place truly stands out as a must-visit for an exquisite dining experience in San Diego.

A photo of The US Grant Holiday Celebrations restaurant

8. The US Grant Holiday Celebrations

4.5

Awesome(37)

Price: Very Expensive

• French american • Downtown / Gaslamp

The US Grant Holiday Celebrations offers a splendid Thanksgiving Buffet featuring traditional and specialty dishes that epitomize Contemporary American cuisine. Located in the historic heart of Downtown San Diego, the restaurant, under the expertise of Executive Chef Mark Kropczynski, transforms classic American flavors into an epicurean delight. Guests are treated to an afternoon of live music and sparkling wine, enhancing the dining experience. Reviewers rave about their experiences, noting the "excellent service" and the restaurant's ability to "check all the boxes." The US Grant not only promises a meal but an unforgettable holiday celebration in an elegant setting.

A photo of The WineSellar & Brasserie restaurant

9. The WineSellar & Brasserie

4.9

Exceptional(994)

Price: Expensive

• French american • Sorrento Mesa

Booked 2 times today

The WineSellar & Brasserie in Sorrento Mesa, San Diego, epitomizes exceptional American cuisine with a touch of local charm. Established in 1988, this restaurant has consistently delighted diners with its organic, locally sourced fare that pairs perfectly with an unparalleled selection of wines. Awarded by Wine Spectator annually, The WineSellar & Brasserie's commitment to quality shines through in glowing reviews, such as being "San Diego’s premier hidden gem for fine dining" and praises for its "fabulous, luxurious dinner" experiences. Guests rave about the "consistently excellent" food and service, making it an indisputable must-visit for those seeking the finest in American dining with a sophisticated twist.

‘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

C
Charles
Los Angeles •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We were only able to visit during their happy hour but this place does not disappoint. Their staff are friendly and attentive, the food was amazing, and the ambiance was pleasant. We ordered oysters, clams (twice), croquettes, and the roadside double burger…..almost ordered another but I had to walk back to the hotel. We will revisit to enjoy their dinner offerings.
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Saint James French DinerPrice: Expensive• French / American• Downtown / Gaslamp
•
4.5
E
Ericvip
San Diego •11 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Food was great! Portion sizes were surprisingly generous. Adam, our server was polite and attentive. Will be back again!
More info
The Smoking Goat RestaurantPrice: Moderate• French / American• North Park
•
4.8
E
Erays
Orlando / Central Florida East •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
The best French dinner I had in years, great service lovely place
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Mille FleursPrice: Very Expensive• French / American• Rancho Santa Fe
•
4.8
A
Aprilvip
San Francisco Bay Area •61 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
We were drawn to restaurant because of the Veal Sweetbreads. They were not the best but they are so hard to find. We enjoyed the beet salad, carpaccio, mussels, gnocchi, salmon tartare. The butternut squash soup was a little thin and not flavorful. We ate in the lounge, I really like the setting in there lounge. We look forward to our next visit.
More info
PAON Restaurant & Wine BarPrice: Expensive• French / American• Carlsbad
•
4.4

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Best French American Restaurants in San Diego

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9 restaurants available nearby

1. Parc Bistro-Brasserie

2. The Smoking Goat Restaurant

3. Farmer's Bottega Restaurant

4. The French Gourmet

5. Saint James French Diner

6. Chez Loma

7. James' Place

8. The US Grant Holiday Celebrations

9. The WineSellar & Brasserie

See what locals rave about

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