Best Traditional French Restaurants in Downtown / Union Square

10 restaurants available nearby

1. Bombay Brasserie

3.9

Excellent(41)

Price: Very Expensive

• Traditional french • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 8 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.

2. Cafe de la Presse

4.5

Awesome(1911)

Price: Moderate

• Traditional french • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 21 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.

3. Bon Delire

4.6

Exceptional(108)

Price: Expensive

• Traditional french • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 45 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.

4. Le Central

4.7

Exceptional(2134)

Price: Expensive

• Traditional french • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 27 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”!!!

5. Le Parc Bistrobar

4.7

Exceptional(106)

Price: Expensive

• Traditional french • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 1 time 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.

6. Chapeau

4.7

Exceptional(3730)

Price: Expensive

• Traditional 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 Catch French Bistro restaurant

7. Catch French Bistro

4.3

Awesome(73)

Price: Expensive

• Traditional french • Daly City

Booked 5 times today

Catch French Bistro in San Francisco offers a delightful mix of authentic French cuisine with a unique seafood twist. Located at 2362 Market Street, this charming venue is celebrated for its sophisticated atmosphere and live piano music, creating the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable dining experience. Diners rave about the "exquisite seafood dishes" and consistently "excellent cuisine," highlighting specialties like the Seafood Stew and Quiche Lorraine. With glowing reviews such as "the salmon risotto was amazing" and "the best clam chowder I have ever had," Catch French Bistro not only promises but delivers a taste of France with every dish. The welcoming staff and "unbelievably friendly" service make every visit a pleasure, ensuring that Catch French Bistro is a standout destination in the Castro district. Join us for a meal that will transport you straight to the heart of French culinary excellence.

A photo of Aquitaine - San Francisco restaurant

8. Aquitaine - San Francisco

4.8

Exceptional(335)

Price: Moderate

• Traditional french • Noe Valley

Booked 4 times today

Aquitaine in San Francisco's Noe Valley is a beacon for wine lovers and food enthusiasts alike, offering an authentic slice of southwest France. Esteemed for its "fabulous French fare," the restaurant has been commended for having "The Best Mussels in the Bay Area" by Michael Bauer of The San Francisco Chronicle. Aquitaine's wine bar stands out by offering an extensive selection of wines that are meticulously chosen to complement their Gascon-inspired cuisine. Guests rave about the "great selection of wines, affordable and well-paired with food," highlighting the restaurant's ability to create a cozy, European-like ambiance that makes every visit memorable. Whether it's the delicious wine, the inviting atmosphere, or the excellent service, Aquitaine provides an exceptional dining experience that echoes the charm of a true French wine bar.

A photo of Hyde Street Seafood House & Raw Bar restaurant

9. Hyde Street Seafood House & Raw Bar

4.5

Awesome(770)

Price: Moderate

• Traditional french • Russian Hill

Booked 4 times today

The Hyde Street Seafood House specializes in 'En Papillote' cooking, a traditional French technique of baking in parchment paper. Julienned vegetables, fresh herbs, white wine, and a selection of fresh seafood are wrapped in parchment paper and baked to perfection, sealing in the food's natural flavors and juices.

10. Petite Left Bank

4.6

Exceptional(423)

Price: Expensive

• Traditional french • Tiburon

Booked 19 times today

Petite Left Bank in Tiburon perfectly captures the essence of a traditional French café, offering an authentic experience that transports diners straight to the Left Bank of Paris. Patrons are treated to all-day delights like "the best salmon I’ve ever had" and "excellent" French pastries, croissants, and espresso. What makes Petite Left Bank truly stand out are glowing reviews praising its "wonderful" and "authentic French bistro food," and the cozy ambiance that makes you feel like "I was back in Paris!" The café's dedication to maintaining a true French vibe, coupled with their impeccable service, makes it a must-visit for anyone seeking a genuine café experience in Marin County.

‘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.

Explore OpenTable

Downtown / Union Square

Traditional french

Best Traditional French Restaurants in Downtown / Union Square

Price

Regions

Neighborhoods

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Award-winning

Accessibility

10 restaurants available nearby

1. Bombay Brasserie

2. Cafe de la Presse

3. Bon Delire

4. Le Central

5. Le Parc Bistrobar

6. Chapeau

7. Catch French Bistro

8. Aquitaine - San Francisco

9. Hyde Street Seafood House & Raw Bar

10. Petite Left Bank

Explore OpenTable