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Best French Restaurants in Financial District / Embarcadero

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29 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Le Central restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2132)
Price: Expensive
• French • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 30 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 Le Parc Bistrobar restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(106)
Price: Expensive
• French • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 8 times today
Le Parc Bistrobar is a delightful French restaurant in Union Square, San Francisco, nestled within the Galleria Park Hotel. Led by the renowned 2-star Michelin Chef Bruno Chemel, this bistro offers a culinary escapade that perfectly complements the city's refined tastes. The menu at Le Parc Bistrobar is a tribute to classic French cuisine, featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients that bring out the rich, traditional flavors in every dish. The lounge bar provides a wide variety of wines and cocktails to enhance the gourmet experience.
A photo of Bon Delire restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(106)
Price: Expensive
• French • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 58 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 Absinthe Brasserie and Bar - SF restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(7355)
Price: Expensive
• French • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
Booked 40 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 Cafe de la Presse restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1911)
Price: Moderate
• French • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 14 times today
At Cafe de la Presse, nestled in the bustling Downtown/Union Square of San Francisco, the essence of Parisian charm is vividly alive. This delightful eatery captures the spirit of French cafes, where "the food and service always dazzle" and the atmosphere invites you to linger over "the best eggs Benedict in town" or indulge in their "amazing onion soup." Patrons rave about the authentic French flair, noting it as "the most authentic feeling French restaurant" they've encountered. With accolades like "thumbs up for the Eggs Benedict" and "croissants are excellent," Cafe de la Presse stands out as a gem for those seeking a genuine taste of France in the heart of San Francisco.
A photo of O' by Claude Le Tohic restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(467)
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.
A photo of Bouche restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1916)
Price: Expensive
• French • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 12 times today
Bouche, nestled in the vibrant heart of Downtown San Francisco near Union Square, is a culinary treasure that artfully blends Californian flair with French elegance. This intimate "hole in the wall" restaurant, led by the acclaimed Parisian Chef Jeremy Blaringhem, offers an ever-evolving seasonal menu that captivates with its authenticity and high-quality local ingredients. Diners rave about the unique dining experience, with one describing it as "nothing fancy... Simply expect real food, real ingredients, real people, real laughs... a love experience." Guests consistently praise the "incredible experience" and the exceptional value of the $55 seasonal 3-course Prix Fixe menu, highlighting dishes like the adventurous "The Adventurous" blind dish that challenges palates. Bouche's commitment to small producer wines from California ensures each meal is paired perfectly, enhancing the authentic Californian dining experience. A visit to Bouche is a journey through the best of Californian cuisine, served with passion and a smile.
A photo of Ula Restaurant & Tapas Bar restaurant
4.1
Excellent(776)
Price: Expensive
• French • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 4 times today
Ula Restaurant & Tapas Bar, located in the vibrant Financial District / Embarcadero area of San Francisco, is a gem for those seeking authentic French cuisine with a European Mediterranean twist. This exquisite dining spot offers a seafood-centric menu praised for its variety and flavor, with dishes like Branzino and crème brûlée receiving glowing reviews for their perfect execution. The atmosphere is described as "beautifully decorated with beautiful undersea decorations" and is perfect for a prelude to a night at the SFJazz or a nostalgic trolley ride through the heart of the city. Patrons consistently laud the "exquisite and attentive service" and the "delicious tapas selections" that make every dining experience memorable. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply in search of a delightful meal, Ula promises an enchanting evening with its superb French offerings.
A photo of Mathilde French Bistro restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2446)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • SOMA
Booked 9 times today
At Mathilde French Bistro, nestled in the SOMA district of San Francisco, the essence of Parisian dining comes to life, offering diners an authentic French culinary adventure. Celebrated for its "voted best in town French onion soup" and traditional delights like baked escargots and duck confit, Mathilde is a gateway to French gastronomy. Patrons consistently praise its offerings, with one declaring, "the service was impeccable, and the duck confit was perfection." Another review highlights, "From start to finish Mathilde is always 5⭐️'s." The cozy ambiance, complemented by a romantic, heated patio, ensures a year-round dining pleasure that makes every visit feel like a special occasion. This bistro not only serves excellent cuisine but also embodies the spirit of French dining with "a lovely bottle of Cotes de Beaune" to toast to an unforgettable experience.
A photo of Bombay Brasserie restaurant
3.9
Excellent(40)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 11 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.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Wayne
    San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    ------ they even have an absinthe list for all the different kinds of absinthe that they sell to diners ! the one i picked had a slight licorice taste . our waiter knew that i would like a slightly less sweet riesling, so he brought a sample for me to try. super service . . .
    More info
    Absinthe Brasserie and Bar - SFPrice: Expensive• French• Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
    4.8
  • lucyVIP
    California Central Coast •35 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Was not expecting such exquisite dishes. Started with the onion tart proper name Tarte Tatin a l’oignon out of this world, followed with Salade d’Hiver salad which was a beet,apple, celery and blue cheese salad sooo good. Never had I thought to shave celery or marinate the apples which gave the salad a boost of flavor. Last we had the Rillettes de canard duck my favorite so far just the right size packed with flavor. Although we only had appetizers it was a full dinner and just the right amount Of food for the two of us. We sat at the counter and the bar tender Leland was attentive and knowledgeable about all the dishes. It was a great Christmas Eve and so grateful that such restaurants that keep in mind customers are their priority. Thank you for making Our dinner special.
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    Le Parc BistrobarPrice: Expensive• French• Financial District / Embarcadero
    4.7
  • Marcia
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    It was a very special Christmas Eve dinner! I first heard about this restaurant when it was reviewed in the SF Chronicle 11/3/24. It was as good as it possibly could be. The food was absolutely delicious. My daughter & I ordered the steak & frites & I asked for my frites to be very crispy & for 2 dishes of aioli to dip them in & they easily accommodated me. The steak with peppercorn sauce was tender and a perfect medium rare.
    More info
    Bon DelirePrice: Expensive• French• Financial District / Embarcadero
    4.7
  • Rainer
    San Francisco Bay Area •20 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    International papers from Europe are no more sold here. As by our waiters, the Café closes at 1600. No more dinner.
    More info
    Cafe de la PressePrice: Moderate• French• Downtown / Union Square
    4.6
  • Julie
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    This was my first visit to Le Central and I'm now a big fan! The food was delicious, the wait staff and others were friendly and helpful, and it wasn't annoyingly loud. This is what fine dining was meant to be, at least in my opinion. I look forward to going back so I can try their other options!
    More info
    Le CentralPrice: Expensive• French• Downtown / Union Square
    4.7

Discover best French restaurants in Financial District / Embarcadero

Embark on a culinary journey through the French dining scene in the Financial District/Embarcadero area of San Francisco. Renowned for its sophisticated blend of French cuisine, this locale offers an array of dining establishments that cater to lovers of traditional and modern French dishes. Each restaurant in this district emphasizes the authenticity and finesse of French culinary arts, ensuring an immersive dining experience that pairs well with the scenic views of the Bay Area. Patrons can expect a high level of service, a warm ambiance, and meticulously prepared dishes that highlight the rich flavors of France. The dining scene here is vibrant and dynamic, making it a prime destination for both casual diners and gourmet enthusiasts seeking a taste of France in the heart of San Francisco. Whether you're planning a romantic evening, a business lunch, or a leisurely dinner, the French restaurants in this area promise an unforgettable gastronomic adventure.

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