Best Bistros in Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

9 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Mathilde French Bistro restaurant

1. Mathilde French Bistro

4.8

Exceptional(2442)

Price: Very Expensive

• Bistro • SOMA

Booked 6 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.

2. Bon Delire

4.7

Exceptional(106)

Price: Expensive

• Bistro • Financial District / Embarcadero

Booked 24 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.

3. Villon

4.1

Excellent(1259)

Price: Expensive

• Bistro • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 6 times today

Nestled in the bustling heart of San Francisco's Downtown / Union Square neighborhood, Villon delights diners with its exemplary take on American cuisine, focusing on California’s rich tapestry of local and seasonal ingredients. Praised as "nothing short of exceptional" and "a perfect gem with fabulous food and drink," Villon offers a culinary experience that merges classic American dishes with inventive Californian flair. Guests rave about dishes like the "phenomenal" artichoke soup and the perfectly cooked lamb, emphasizing the restaurant's commitment to quality and creativity. The atmosphere is described as "wonderful inside," making Villon a must-visit for those seeking a top-tier dining experience in San Francisco.

A photo of Saison Cellar & Wine Bar restaurant

4. Saison Cellar & Wine Bar

4.5

Awesome(29)

Price: Expensive

• Bistro • SOMA

Booked 4 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.

5. Chapeau

4.7

Exceptional(3727)

Price: Expensive

• Bistro • Richmond District

Booked 6 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.

6. Cafe de la Presse

4.6

Exceptional(1911)

Price: Moderate

• Bistro • Downtown / Union Square

Booked 2 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.

A photo of Zevi Café & Bistro restaurant

7. Zevi Café & Bistro

4.9

Exceptional(4)

Price: Moderate

• Bistro • SOMA

Booked 1 time today

Zevi Café & Bistro in SOMA, San Francisco, epitomizes the charm of a quintessential Bistro with its cozy ambiance, heartwarming cuisine, and the delightful blend of local flavors. Praised for its "very authentic" dishes and "excellent food," this spot stands out with its "best club sandwich" and "delicious Turkish and Mediterranean food." Reviewers rave about the "amazing experience" and highlight the "friendly service," making every meal memorable. Whether it's the "best coffee in San Francisco" or the "tasty and huge plates," Zevi's commitment to quality and authenticity shines, making it a must-visit for anyone craving a genuine Bistro experience.

8. Isa

4.8

Exceptional(2814)

Price: Moderate

• Bistro • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio

Booked 4 times today

Nestled in the vibrant Marina District of San Francisco, Isa has been a beacon of exceptional bistro cuisine for over 25 years. With a consistent 4.9-star rating on OpenTable and glowing Yelp reviews, Isa stands out for its "delicious and satisfying" French fare with a Californian twist, executed under the expertise of Chef Luke Sung, a James Beard Foundation nominee. The restaurant's cozy ambiance and elegant settings, including a beautiful back patio, enhance every dining experience. Reviewers rave about the "potato wrapped sea bass" and "outstanding" service, noting dishes that "felt like fireworks in my mouth." Isa's commitment to quality and flavor, combined with a warm, knowledgeable staff, makes every visit memorable, cementing its status as a treasured local gem and a must-visit for bistro enthusiasts.

9. Petite Left Bank

4.6

Exceptional(423)

Price: Expensive

• Bistro • Tiburon

Booked 4 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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
Marcia
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day 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
•
4.7
M
MartyVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •34 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Another excellent meal at Mathilde! The Filet Mignon was perfectly cooked to medium rare and the escargot was yummy. We are sad to hear they it will be closing. We have many great memories there.
More info
Mathilde French BistroPrice: Very Expensive• French• SOMA
•
4.8
L
Lee Ann
Greater Boston •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Every table had a fun cracker to pull and adorable nutcrackers on the table. Tea was delicious and the little sandwiches and desserts were perfect and tasty. Loved the rainbow cookies and the macarons. Definitely would do this again.
More info
VillonPrice: Expensive• Californian• Downtown / Union Square
•
4.1
D
Dan
San Francisco Bay Area •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
I love this local spot and have been a happy customer for over a decade. Great spot for all occasions with authentic French cuisine and very friendly staff.
More info
ChapeauPrice: Expensive• French• Richmond District
•
4.7
S
SilviaVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •16 reviews
5.0
Dined on 12 Dec 2024
I am so excited to have found my neighborhood wine bar!!! Love it all: the wine, the nibbles, the ambiance and the lovely and attentive people that work there!
More info
Saison Cellar & Wine BarPrice: Expensive• Wine Bar• SOMA
•
4.5

Explore OpenTable

Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

Bistro

Best Bistros in Civic Center / Hayes Valley / Van Ness

Price

Regions

Areas

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating options

Award-winning

Accessibility

9 restaurants available nearby

1. Mathilde French Bistro

2. Bon Delire

3. Villon

4. Saison Cellar & Wine Bar

5. Chapeau

6. Cafe de la Presse

7. Zevi Café & Bistro

8. Isa

9. Petite Left Bank

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable