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Francophile List |
To return to the Bay Area Francophile Homepage, click here.
Scroll down for a quasi-complete alphabetical list of
local French and French-inspired restaurants in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Special menus at local eateries head off the list below...
Bay Area restaurants of interest to Francophiles
are invited to send a short description for inclusion here.
OTHER NEWS FROM LEFT BANK:
In Larkspur...
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New Sunday Brunch Menu offered from 11AM to 4PM
Happy Hour: Monday through Friday, 4-6:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. to closing
Thursday night music: 7:30-9:30 p.m., featuring Michael LaMacchia, Hot
Club of Marin, and The Frisky Frolics
In Pleasant Hill...
Happy hour "deux fois" twice a day, 3-6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. to closing, with wine, beer, and cocktail specials, and a great, casual French-inspired bar food menu from $2.95.
Top Shelf Thursday ($7 special cocktails every Thursday!) and Parisian Jazz Soirées on Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, featuring great local jazz bands.
In San Mateo...
Happy Hour featured seven days a week, 4-6 p.m., with wine, beer and cocktail specials, and a great, casual French inspired bar food menu.
Live Music the second Friday of each month starting in April; great local musicians featured 6-8 p.m.
Left Bank To-Go: Always an option for those who want a French-inspired dinner on the table at home.
1300 ON FILLMORE, 1300 Fillmore (at Eddy), SF. “Creating new memories with French soul,” beignets and all. Reviewed in the April 2, 2008 SF Weekly, p.39
ABSINTHE, 398 Hayes, SF. Southern French classics become urban masterpieces. 415.551.1590.
THE ACADEMY GRILL, California Culinary Academy, 625 Polk St., San Francisco, the hottest new Civic Center Lunch Spot, is now serving a new French bistro menu. To go orders available: 415.216.4301 for details.
LES AMIS. From the people who brought us PLOUF and CAFÉ BASTILLE… 568 Sacramento St. (between Sansome and Montgomery), SF. 415.291.9145 to reserve.
ANDREW JAEGER’S HOUSE OF SEAFOOD JAZZ AT THE CONDOR. Classic New Orleans Cuisine. With crawfish étouffé, jumbo shrimp creole, Louisiana bouillabesse, ya mama’s gumbo, jambalaya, and more. 50% off drinks, 3pm-6:30pm. 300 Broadway @ Columbus, SF. 415.781.8222 or http://www.condorsf.com for details.
AQUA, featuring Chef Laurent Manrique… 252 California (at Battery), SF. 415.956.9662 for details.
L’ARDOISE BISTRO, 151 Noe (at Henry), SF. 415.437.2600 or http://www.lardoisesf.com. Reviewed in the June 11, 2008 SF Weekly, p.37.
ARLEQUIN, 3848 Hayes, SF. Provençal / Mediterranean. Enjoy tables in the garden. 415.863.0926.
AZIZA. Marvelous Moroccan fare with impressive origins, rosewater, dim lighting… The basteeya is out of this world, and the couscous is to die for. (My favorite restaurant in San Francisco, true be told!) 5800 Geary (at 22nd), SF. 415.752.2222.
BAKER ST. BISTRO, Baker at Lombard... Cuisine grand-mère.
LE BAYOU, 3278 Adeline, Berkeley. Authentic New Orleans Cajun & Creole, including jambalaya, fried catfish, and homemade pralnes. 510.594.9302.
BISSAP BAOBAB ~ WEST AFRICAN SENEGALESE CUISINE. Exotic cocktails; now serving infused rums. 2323 Mission St., SF. 415.826.9287 or http://www.bissapbaobab.com for details.
BISTRO 29, 620 Fifth St., Santa Rosa.
BISTRO AIX, 3340 Steiner (at Chestnut), SF. Neighborhood restaurant, eclectic menu. Small inside; larger back patio. Daily specials inspired by local farmers markets. 415.202.0100.
BISTRO LIAISON, Shattuck & Hearst, Berkeley. Chef/owner Todd Kniess presides over a cozy French bistro which serves great food in an elegant but relaxed and comforting setting. In the past few years Todd has made annual visits to southwest France (including a successful truffle hunt) which have influenced his menu; cassoulet and Quercy salad are among the regional dishes that often appear alongside the more "classic" offerings. A wine club that the Bistro sponsors meets at the restaurant regularly.
BISTRO MAXINE. We’ve recently been introduced to a French Chef, Philippe Bressolier who decided to help us out for a while at the restaurant. He’s been cooking for the last couple of weeks Tuesdays through Saturdays, from 3:30pm to 10pm. Here are his specials for this week in addition to our regular menu. If you have some time, please stop by, introduce yourself to him, he loves to chat and as usual, we are open to feed backs. -- Georges PHI-PHI’S DINNER SPECIALS: Soupe à l’oignon, gratinée Lyonnaise; Soupe au Pistou; Salade de chèvre chaud, tomates séchées et noix de Pican caramelisées; Salade Niçoise; Crêpe au blanc de poulet, sauce provençale (sauce tomate, basilic, jus de citron) servie avec une ratatouille; Crêpe farcie avec du Tilapia (poisson) sauce au citron et à la mascarpone; Crêpe végétarienne farcie à la purée de broccolis, servie avec un coulis de carottes; Crêpe végétarienne farcie à la ratatouille, avec sauce provençale; Crème brulée; Mousse au chocolat “semi-sweet” et sans sucre. 548 Ramona Street, Palo Alto. 650-323-1815 or http://www.bistromaxine.com/ for details.
BRENDA'S FRENCH SOUL FOOD. A taste of the bayou on Polk Street: this breakfast/lunch spot touts chef Brenda Buenviaje (formerly of Cafe Claude). Brioche French toast, beignets, gumbo, grillades, croque monsieurs and more. 652 Polk St (at Eddy), SF 415.345.8100.
BRIOCHE BAKERY, 210 Columbus Ave., San Francisco, 415.765.0412. A small French bakery featuring – what else? – brioche! Proprietors Catherine et Jean-Claude Bunand. Reviewed in the Sunday SF Chronicle Datebook (pink pages), September 23, 2007, p.49.
CAFÉ CLAUDE, 7 Claude (at Bush), SF. Feels like Paris! Traditional café food; live jazz at night. 415.392.3505.
CAFÉ DE LA PRESSE (at Union Square). Lively atmosphere and terrific food, both casual (at the front tables) and more substantial… 352 Grant Avenue (at Bush), SF. 415.398.2680.
CASSIS, 2101 Sutter St., SF. 415.440.4500 or http://www.restaurantcassis.com for details. Reviewed in the January 23, 2008 SF Bay Guardian, p.51.
LA CAVE (formerly Curbside Bistro) is open for lunch. Located below the Alliance Française, 1345 Bush Street, San Francisco. 415.923.1375. La Cave serves excellent soupes, salades, and ensuite (afterward/dessert) with genuine French style. Here you can try French favorites such as coq au vin (chicken with wine), and faux filet sauce bordelaise (sirloin with Bordeaux sauce). For dessert, try le bouchon special maison (the house special), a hot luscious, dark chocolate cake with raspberries outside and liquid chocolate inside.
CHEZ MAMAN POTRERO HILL, 1453 18th St., SF. 415.824.7166 or http:/www.chezmamansf.com for details. Reviewed in the November 21, 2007 SF Bay Guardian, p.55.
CHEZ PAPA, 1401 18th St. (at Missouri), SF. Small, Provençal-style bistro; fine selection of small plates & entrees. (For a more relaxed menu, go to CHEZ MAMAN!) 415.255.0387.
CHEZ PIERRE. Experience Paris in Northern Marin. New Lunch Menu -- with 12 new delicious Parisian Sandwiches -- Tartines, Baguette and Croque Monsieur & Madame. Weekly Lunch Specials featuring these sandwiches The lunch take out menu is attached so you can see how Chez Pierre is establishing itself to celebrate French cuisine and offer special times for Francophiles! Fresh baked bread, exquisite desserts, wine & cheese plates. Chez Pierre, 7330 Redwood Blvd, Novato CA 94945 tel 415.898.4233 or 415.408.1134. Monday - Sunday Breakfast and Lunch * Tuesday - Sunday Dinner (reservation preferred).
CHEZ SPENCER, featuring Chef Laurent Katgely, superb food and live jazz. 82 14th St. (at Folsom), SF. 415.864.2191 for reservations.
CHRISTOPHE RESTAURANT FRANÇAIS. Located in beautiful Sausalito, just north of the Golden Gate bridge, 5 minutes from San Francisco. Reservations Recommended (415) 332-9244 Christophe is a traditional French Bistro located north of downtown Sausalito on the corner of Bridgeway and Spring Streets. Once inside, you could easily believe that you are in the South of France in a small bistro or café. The restaurant is humming with conversation. Great smells fill the air. A French chanteuse coos in the background and the dinner guests are relaxed and smiling. Chef/Owner Pierre Smets. http://www.french-restaurant-marin.com/index.htm
CLEMENTINE, 126 Clement (at Second Ave.), SF. Neighborhood restaurant with bistro classics; fine desserts. 415.387.0408.
COULEUR CAFÉ, 300 De Haro St., SF. 415.255.1021. “The menu at Couleur Cafe is inspired and influenced by the many cultural and diverse people that have changed the face of France. Here, couleur stands not only for our colorful environment but also for our colorful multi-cultural fare. We blend traditional Arab and Mediterranean ingredients with typical French fare to create new standards in our cuisine. Our intention is to offer a comfortable dining experience by providing you with delicious home-cooked food in a French-inspired atmosphere." http://www.couleurcafesf.com/
COSSU. 1516 Broadway (at Polk), SF. 415885.4477 or http://www.pasharestaurant.com for details. Reviewed in the August 27, 2008 SF Weekly.
CREPE EXPRESS. Taste Paris! Savory and sweet crêpes, French sandwiches and more 1476 Haight at Ashbury, SF. 415.865.0264.
CUISINE & SAVEURS. Cuisine & Saveurs est un service traiteur (catering events planning et personnel chef). Nous faisons une cuisine créative et distinguée àl'image des bons restaurants. Pour vos repas de fêtes, célébrations de toutes occasions mariage, anniversaire, graduation... Cuisine & Saveurs vous propose des menus de qualité conçus à votre goût, à votre budget, avec un service irreprochable. Noël et le jour de l'an approchent, n'hésitez pas à nous contacter: http://www.cuisineetsaveurs.com
DIERK’S PARKSIDE CAFÉ, 404 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa. 707-573-5955 or http://www.dierksparkside.com for details. For an amazing duck confit or a lovely, warm crispy baguette covered with scrambled eggs, bacon, mushrooms, spinach, oven-dried tomatoes, hash browns and Hollandaise sauce, Dierk’s Parkside is “the” place for French-inspired brunch in Santa Rosa…
FIFTH FLOOR. Laurent Manrique brings the flavors of Gascony to San Francisco… 12 4th St. (at Market), sF. 415.348.1555. Dinner reservations only. Reviewed in the July 2008 issue of San Francisco Magazine.
FLEUR DE LYS. Featuring Chef Hubert Keller’s amazing prix fixe menus. 777 Sutter Avenue (at Jones), SF. 415.673.7779.
THE FRENCH CELLAR: DAILY WINE TASTING, CHAMPAGNE SUNDAYS! and PRIVATE TASTINGS "AU BAR.” The French Cellar continues its series of Daily Wine Tastings to the public, Monday to Saturday, 11-6 and Sunday 11-4. Champagne Sundays! continue each Sunday 11-4. Call for further information and the current wine menu, which changes daily. Full glass pours for wines and Champagnes are priced according to the producer at $4 to $12 per glass. Call in advance and arrange a Private Tasting while seated at our antique zinc bar for a maximum of 4 people, and share a bottle of wine or Champagne of your own selection, for the retail price! 32 East Main Street, Los Gatos. Contact us at (408) 354-0993, www.thefrenchcellar.com or email thefrenchcellar@worldnet.att.net. We invite you to try our great wine and Champagne finds from France, and join us in celebrating our 10th year! The French Cellar-Regional Wines & Objects from France-Celebrating Our 10th Year, 32 East Main Street Los Gatos CA 95030. Tel 408.354.0993 or fax 408.354.2723; email thefrenchcellar@worldnet.att.net; www.thefrenchcellar.com.
FRENCH GARDEN RESTAURANT AND BRASSERIE, 8050 Bodega Ave., Sebastopol.
LE GARAGE – A NEW FRENCH RESTAURANT IN SAUSALITO! The lunchtime crowd gathers on the waterfront at Le Garage in Sausalito. Le Garage, which looks like a garage and seats 20 inside and 20 outside on a waterside patio, will open for dinner sometime in mid-May, Denis says. For more information, call 332-5625; the Web site, http://www.legaragesausalito.com/ . For a review, visit: http://www.marinij.com/diningandfood/ci_9176457 Reviewed in the July 11, 2008 Pacific Sun, p.27.
INSALATA’S, featuring award-winning chef Heidi Insalata Krahling. Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine prepared with local organic produce and artisan meats. 120 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Anselmo. 415.457.7700 or http://insalatas.com for details.
JARDINIERE, 300 Grove, SF. French- & California-inspired. 415.861.5555. Reviewed in the July 2, 2008 SF Weekly, p.53.
LEFT BANK. Five area bistros: http://www.leftbank.com
LEFT BANK SAN MATEO WEDNESDAY WINE TASTINGS. A fun and informative way to explore & enjoy the exciting world of wine. On the 3rd Wednesday of every month Left Bank San Mateo is featuring wines from different regions of France and California. Wine representatives and experts will be on hand to discuss their wines, recommend food pairings and answer questions. Open tasting $15.00 per person. http://www.leftbank.com for details.
LEFT BANK PLEASANT HILL JAZZ CAFÉ. Parisian Jazz Café every Friday and Saturday night at the bar (seasonally, on the terrace), 7pm to 10pm. During the month of June, Left Bank will feature: 6/2 & 6/3: BIG ROY’S BAND, 6/9 & 6/10: MARSHA REMAS W/JULES BROUSSARD; 6/16 & 6/17: DUO GADJO; 6/23& 6/24: JOHN THOMAS QUARTET. For more information: http://www.leftbank.com
LUNCH IN A BOX from LEFT BANK IN PLEASANT HILL. Left Bank, Pleasant Hill's popular French brasserie, has launched a new dining option targeted to local businesses and anyone who wants fresh, delicious meals with Left Bank flavor and style. WHAT: a variety of sandwiches, side salads and sweets, freshly made-to-order and boxed for easy pick up. Just think "Left Bank To Go." WHERE: Left Bank brasserie, 60 Crescent Drive on the Plaza in Pleasant Hill, conveniently located off the 680 freeway. WHEN: Available every day, from 10am-10am; Minimum 24 hour pre-order is appreciated. HOW TO ORDER: Call Left Bank at 925.288.1222 and ask for Caite Daniel or the Manager on duty. PRICE: $10.95 plus sales tax; $1.00 per bottle for bottled water or assorted soft drinks available upon request. All items may be prepared platter style. Delivery options available.
MARCHÉ AUX FLEURS. Featuring locally farmed produce, wild and fresh seafood, and free-range meats prepared with an artisanal touch. 23 Ross Commons, Ross. 415.925.9200 or http://marcheauxfleursrestaurant.com for details.
METRO CAFÉ, 311 Divisadero, SF. “The earthy chic of Paris’s 11th arrondissement,” with prix fixe menu. 415.552.0903.
MIREPOIX. A local fisherman calls the owners of Mirepoix early Tuesday mornings to let them know what the best catch of the day is; the fish is used in a remarkable bouillabaisse… 275 Windsor River Rd., Windsor, CA. 707.838.0162 or http://www.restaurantmirepoix.com for details on Tuesday and other menus!
PATISSERIE DELANGHE. French bakery established by Dominique & Marie-Jeanne Delanghe. Pâtisseries, viennoiseries, wedding cakes… 1890 Fillmore (at Bush), SF. Open six days a week. 415.923.0711.
PATISSERIE PHILIPPE, 655 Townsend, SF. 415.558.8016 or http://www.patisseriephilippe.com for details.
LE P’TIT LAURENT, 699 Chenery (at Diamond), Glen Park. 415.334.3235. Reviewed in the February 27, 2008 SF Weekly, p.43.
LE PETIT ROBERT, 2300 Polk, SF. Small plates… 415.922.8100.
RESTAURANT CASSIS. See CASSIS, above.
RESTAURANT GERVAIS, 14560 Big Basin Way, near Fifth, Saratoga. 408.867.7017. Recently opened by Vanessa Nguyen and Jean-Baptiste Su. Un petit mot de Jean-Baptiste: Nous voulons encourager les associations et groupes francophiles à venir dans notre restaurant en leur proposant des menus personnalisés, des évènements, etc.... View a review at: http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/entertainment/14466186.htm
RESTAURANT JEANNE D’ARC: A taste of France in the heart of San Francisco Restaurant Jeanne D'Arc takes you back to 15th century France, the time of Joan of Arc, replete with tapestries, statues, artifacts, and stained glass windows. Named after the medieval French heroine, the restaurant is unquestionably one of the finest in San Francisco. The restaurant is run by the Lambert family. Executive Chef Bernard Moutal with his vast experience and considerable culinary talents brings traditional French cuisine to a high point in these beautiful surroundings. The prix fixe menu at $38 offers a four course dinner. The menu changes daily, featuring delicacies made from seafood, duck, rabbit, veal, and lamb. The wine list, very reasonably priced, includes quality California and French wines. A vestige of the past with its authenticity, warmth, and hospitality, Restaurant Jeanne D'Arc, like the Hotel, wants to please its customers with quality of the food, reasonable prices, courteous service, and beautiful surroundings. Open Tuesday through Saturday 5.30pm to 9pm.
SAN ANSELMO INN, with a FRENCH WINE BAR. A casual European-style wine bar, featuring a refined selection of red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines from Barodauz, Burgundy, Alsace, the Loire and Rhone Valleys, Provence, and other notable wine regions of France. Open Thursday-Saturday, 4pm-9pm. 339 San Anselmo Avenue, San Anselmo. 415.455.5366 or http://www.sananselmoinn.com for details.
SWISS FONDUE RESTAURANTS FONDUE FRED (Berkeley) & MELT (SF) reviewed in the February 6, 2008 SF Weekly, p.46.
TI COUZ, 3108 16th St., SF. Fabulous crêpes, sweet & savory, plus salads and lovely kir. 415.252.7373.
LE ZINC, 4063 24th St., SF. Bistro… 415.647.9400.
ZITUNE. Chef Chafik Larobi is from Morocco; his menu reflects traditional Moroccan fare, but with a sophistication that defies the ordinary. 325 Main St. (at 2nd), Los Altos. 650.947.0247 to reserve.
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