French cuisine is often regarded as one of the highest and most refined types of cooking, which San Francisco's elevated cultural culinary scene effortlessly upholds. Our innovative city is renowned for being a top leader for the best authentic restaurants, so in this list expect a selection of the most sublime French eateries.
These best French restaurants around San Francisco are exemplary for their classic flavors, traditional cooking methods, swanky atmospheres, and incredible service.
See also: The Best Ethiopian Restaurants In The Bay Area
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1454 Grant Ave / Website
This North Beach Cafe by Chef and owner Jacqueline Margulis is the ultimate go-to for the fluffiest and decadent traditional soufflés. Available in either savory or sweet, these hand-whipped delights are definitely big enough to share. Bring a travel buddy and live out your Parisian dreams as you sit in this delightfully cute shop.
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20 Cosmo Place / Website
Located in downtown's Union Square, Le Colonial is a Vietnamese-French restaurant that is perfect for a post-shopping bite. Experience their lush and vintage-themed patio that truly sets the scene for their refined colonial-style Vietnamese cuisine with French touches in their Lemongrass Chicken, Spring Rolls, Papaya Salads, and more.
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451 Gough St / Website
This snazzy glass-paned bistro hits the right ambience of casual while still being amazingly sophisticated. This intimate Corey Lee joint in Hayes Valley will make you instantly feel comfortable inside, along with their rich bone marrow, perfectly cooked frog legs, and other classic French fare given a sleek reinvigoration.
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1015 Battery St / Website
Piperade, named after a classic Basque Stew, is a charming can't-miss hidden gem near Levi's Plaza by the Embarcadero. The vision of Chef Gerald Hirigoyen, he successfully channels his flavorful childhood favorites growing up Bayonne into now fresher and modernized reinventions, all while still retaining their comforting essences. We highly recommend their calamari a la plancha for a true taste of Basque.
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165 O'Farrell St / Website
Entering this culinary wonderland is a true San Francisco adventure, as there are several floors for you to explore which all have their prominent purposes, such as the Elements cocktail lounge and the French restaurant O’ by Chef Claude Le Tohic. We highly urge you to traverse every level of this foodie playland, nourishing yourself on their several distinct tasting menus.
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1521 Hyde St. / Website
Our Russian Hill choice is Cocotte, which is a gorgeously refined Rotisserie that excels at the classics of Duck Legs Confit, Coq au Vin, and of course, their whole chicken rotisseries, served generously with their eponymous cute cocottes. We recommend their Potato Goat Cheese Gratin cocotte, as well as their luscious Banana Creme Brulee for dessert.
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151 Noe St / Website
For a taste of Sancerre, stroll down yo Duboce Triangle for this tucked away cozy bistro identifiable by its rustic red exterior. You will truly be transported beyond San Francisco and your expectations once you taste Chef and owner Thierry Clement's delectable reditions of Traditional Duck Leg Confit, Rack of Lamb, and Apple tarte Tatin.
Ordering these restaurant's amazingly authentic dishes will truly have you become a master in French!
See also: All The Coziest And Most Delightful Coffee Shops In San Francisco For a Rainy Day
Photography by: Polina Kovaleva/Pexels
