Best French Restaurants in Mission Bay / South Beach

28 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Absinthe Brasserie and Bar - SF restaurant

1. Absinthe Brasserie and Bar - SF

4.8

Exceptional(7357)

Price: Expensive

• French • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

Booked 37 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.

2. Bon Delire

4.6

Exceptional(108)

Price: Expensive

• French • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 52 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 Mathilde French Bistro restaurant

3. Mathilde French Bistro

4.8

Exceptional(2449)

Price: Very Expensive

• French • SOMA

Booked 12 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.

4. Le Central

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 O' by Claude Le Tohic restaurant

5. O' by Claude Le Tohic

4.8

Exceptional(468)

Price: Very Expensive

• French • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 3 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 Saison Cellar & Wine Bar restaurant

6. Saison Cellar & Wine Bar

4.5

Awesome(30)

Price: Expensive

• French • SOMA

Booked 14 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.

7. L'Ardoise

4.9

Exceptional(3371)

Price: Expensive

• French • Castro

Booked 18 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.

8. Le Parc Bistrobar

4.7

Exceptional(106)

Price: Expensive

• French • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 4 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 Gather Dogpatch Wine Lounge restaurant

9. Gather Dogpatch Wine Lounge

4.9

Exceptional(3)

Price: Expensive

• French • Potrero Hill / Dogpatch

Nestled in an intimate 1900's storefront building in San Francisco's burgeoning Dogpatch neighborhood, Gather Dogpatch Wine Lounge welcomes guests, neighbors and friends to settle in and experience our comfortable, convivial environment, deliciously satisfying cuisine and a wide range of approachable, wonderfully balanced wines all available by the taste, glass and bottle. Our lounge is an extension of your dining room, a place where one can relax and taste through any or all of our wine offerings, paired with delicious food and to share with us what lifts your spirit, so we can help ensure you absolutely love what you drink. Whether it’s just a taste, a glass or a bottle to go, we promise you’ll never be guessing about the wine you’re about to enjoy....and simply, pleasantly inspired when it arrives. We're a one-off neighbor-owned lounge, not affiliated with any other restaurant, so... Come gather with us!

A photo of Ula Restaurant & Tapas Bar restaurant

10. Ula Restaurant & Tapas Bar

4.1

Excellent(776)

Price: Expensive

• French • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 10 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.

‘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

M
marie-heleneVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •118 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We are sad that Mathilde is closing down. We just had our last diner here and as always it was outstanding! Cannot wait to dine again to their sister restaurant L’Ardoise! See you soon and thank you for the amazing diner.
More info
Mathilde French BistroPrice: Very Expensive• French• SOMA
•
4.8
W
Wayne
San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
------ 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 . . .
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Absinthe Brasserie and Bar - SFPrice: Expensive• French• Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness
•
4.8
G
GraceVIP
Houston •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
RUN to eat here. The best meal I’ve had in SF after 7 years. Better than Quince, Rich Table, Osito, Earnest, Saison. I’m not even kidding and yes, I know those are different cusisines. The food is divine. Authentic French food and service (if they liked Americans).
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L'ArdoisePrice: Expensive• French• Castro
•
4.9
M
Marcia
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 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.
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Bon DelirePrice: Expensive• French• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.6
J
Julie
San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 20, 2024
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

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Mission Bay / South Beach

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Best French Restaurants in Mission Bay / South Beach

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28 restaurants available nearby

1. Absinthe Brasserie and Bar - SF

2. Bon Delire

3. Mathilde French Bistro

4. Le Central

5. O' by Claude Le Tohic

6. Saison Cellar & Wine Bar

7. L'Ardoise

8. Le Parc Bistrobar

9. Gather Dogpatch Wine Lounge

10. Ula Restaurant & Tapas Bar

See what locals rave about

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