Best French Restaurants in Sunset District

28 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Absinthe Brasserie and Bar - SF restaurant

1. Absinthe Brasserie and Bar - SF

4.8

Exceptional(7356)

Price: Expensive

• French • Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

Booked 29 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. L'Ardoise

4.9

Exceptional(3372)

Price: Expensive

• French • Castro

Booked 13 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.

3. Chapeau

4.7

Exceptional(3730)

Price: Expensive

• French • Richmond District

Booked 17 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 Bistro Central Parc restaurant

4. Bistro Central Parc

4.7

Exceptional(931)

Price: Moderate

• French • North Panhandle / USF

Booked 17 times today

Bistro Central Parc in the North Panhandle of San Francisco is a treasure trove of authentic American cuisine, delighting locals and visitors alike. With its cozy ambiance and attentive staff, the restaurant consistently serves up a culinary experience that resonates deeply with diners. Patrons rave about their experiences, with one noting, "I've gone two times now... The first time, I ordered the pasta, and I thought it was the best pasta dish I've ever had" – a testament to the quality and authenticity of their dishes. Known for its excellent service and fantastic early bird specials, Bistro Central Parc is described as a "quintessential neighborhood restaurant" where every meal is both a comfort and a discovery. This gem not only offers great value but also a heartfelt connection to the essence of American dining.

5. Bon Delire

4.6

Exceptional(108)

Price: Expensive

• French • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 44 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.

6. Chou Chou Bistro

4.3

Awesome(2380)

Price: Moderate

• 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 O' by Claude Le Tohic restaurant

7. O' by Claude Le Tohic

4.8

Exceptional(468)

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.

8. Florio

4.8

Exceptional(1755)

Price: Moderate

• French • Pacific Heights

Booked 22 times today

Florio, nestled in the charming Pacific Heights neighborhood of San Francisco, is a celebrated haven for Italian cuisine enthusiasts. Patrons rave about the authenticity and quality of its offerings, highlighting dishes like the "amazing" pasta Bolognese and "exceptional" cioppino that showcase Florio's commitment to traditional Italian flavors. The restaurant's ambiance is frequently described as "cozy" and "casual," perfect for a romantic evening or a lively dinner with friends. Critics and regulars alike commend Florio for its "excellent food and service," with one guest noting, "The bolognese pasta was the best I’ve ever had." This neighborhood gem continues to impress with its well-crafted menu and warm, inviting atmosphere.

9. Chouquet's

4.8

Exceptional(1715)

Price: Moderate

• French • Pacific Heights

Booked 22 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.

10. Cote Ouest

4.9

Exceptional(737)

Price: Moderate

• French • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio

Booked 44 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.

‘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

A
Anthony
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Excellent French Cuisine here. For appetizers, the oysters and escargot were excellent. For the main dish, enjoyed the Filet Mignon with mashed potatoes and veggies. The potato gratin was piping hot. The cocktails served here are fun and sweet. All in all, a great friendly neighborhood vibe here,
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ChapeauPrice: Expensive• French• Richmond District
•
4.7
J
Judy
Los Angeles •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
food was great and the ambience was nice. Stick toffee bread pudding was awesome
More info
Bistro Central ParcPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Panhandle / USF
•
4.7
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).
More info
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.
More info
Bon DelirePrice: Expensive• French• Financial District / Embarcadero
•
4.6

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Best French Restaurants in Sunset District

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28 restaurants available nearby

1. Absinthe Brasserie and Bar - SF

2. L'Ardoise

3. Chapeau

4. Bistro Central Parc

5. Bon Delire

6. Chou Chou Bistro

7. O' by Claude Le Tohic

8. Florio

9. Chouquet's

10. Cote Ouest

See what locals rave about

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